- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Transit satellites - I think I heard one
by Gordon JC Pearce 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Listening on 149.990MHz and aiming by hand roughly at the part of the sky where gpredict told me there was one, I could hear what sounded like a slow MFSK mode with a distinctive rhythm, punctuated by odd "burbles". Is that what they sound like? Gordon MM0YEQ

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Re: Transit Satellites
by DOMINICK INTERDONATO 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

The SATNAV system is no longer operational. It takes an earth station to upload the correct data for a 24hr period(?) to be sent from the satellite to enable SATNAV units to correctly locate themselves. I worked on this system for many years on commercial ships as well as military. I bought through ebay a Magnavox SATNAV that still hears the satellites that are operational and it doesn't calculate any position. The purchase was to give a demo of SATNAV vs. GPS and what was available to a generation prior to GPS. They were the original "hurry up and wait" to see if the sat pass was going to calculate your position or not. All were polar orbits. Brings back memories. . . 73 Dee, NB2F On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 12:04 AM, Glenn Little WB4UIV wrote: > It is my understanding that the transit system is inactive. > This was a Navy navigation system that used the approx 150 MHz and 400 > MHZ signals for determination of location. > I used this system while active duty in the USN submarine service. > I listened to the 149.985 MHz signal at home for many years, but, have > not heard it for at least 10 years. > The birds were known as OSCAR (for operational) by the Navy. > Here are some links to some information indicating that at least one > bird was transmitting in 1996. > > http://space.skyrocket.de/index_frame.htm?http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sda… > > http://sd-www.jhuapl.edu/Transit/ > > http://techdigest.jhuapl.edu/td/td1901/index.htm > > If you do hear a Transit satellite, and the satellite is operating > properly, you will hear a data burst, known as a Barker word. > This data burst occurs at every even 2 minute mark. > It can be used as an accurate time hack. > The assumption was that the unit using the system would have time that > was at least accurate to a minute and this could be used as a time > hack. > > > > Hope this helps > > 73 > Glenn > WB4UIV > > > > > At 06:49 PM 8/30/2010, Dave Marthouse wrote: >> With all this talk of the Transit satellites on 149.985MHZ, how are >> they listed in the keps. I checked for other satellites of interest >> on the kelso webpage and found navy navigation satellites. There are >> a few named transit. What Transit birds are we talking about. I >> want to see how strong their signals are on my scanner. Any >> information would be appreciated. >> >> >> Dave Marthouse N2AAM >> dmarthouse(a)gmail.com >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the >> author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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ARRL/TAPR DCC Early Registration Deadline September 1st
by Mark Thompson 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

The ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communication Conference) will be held in the Portland, OR area on September 24 - 26. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Steven Bible <n7hpr(a)tapr.org> To: tapr-announce(a)tapr.org; hpsdr(a)lists.openhpsdr.org Sent: Mon, August 30, 2010 9:06:53 AM Subject: [tapr-announce] DCC Early Registration Deadline September 1st The September 1st deadline to register for the DCC and get the best room rates is fast approaching. The DCC activities planning are in the final stages: - The DCC Proceedings is over 200 pages! See the list of papers below. - The speakers schedule is being planned. - Introductory talks. - Banquet Speaker - The Sunday Seminar on DSP Tools, Techniques, and Tricks presented by Rick Muething, KN6KB (see below for abstract) - Wonderful location at the Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, WA (http://www.heathmanlodge.com) If you have not attended the DCC, you are missing out on a lot of technical fun. Papers, presentations, demos, meeting like minded people. It is a great event. Ask anyone who has attended one! To register for the DCC go to http://www.tapr.org/dcc. Hotel registration information is also located there. Be sure to mention the DCC for the discounted rate. See you at the 2010 DCC! 73, DCC Planning Committee. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday Seminar DSP Tools, Techniques, and Tricks Rick Muething, KN6KB Time: Sunday Sept 26, 8 AM 12 Noon Prerequisites: An interest in Digital Signal Processing. Some experience in programming may be helpful. The only math you¹ll need is addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and some idea of what a sine wave is. Goals: The goal of the workshop is to encourage those peripherally interested in DSP to take the next step to learn what DSP can do and try some DSP design and coding. Each attendee will get a handout CD which will include all slides with links to useful references. The CD will also include some basic Windows VB.NET examples of operational code along with some useful DSP tools (demo versions). Sessions: Four sessions 45 min each with 15 minute breaks. 1) DSP Intro and Basics: what we are trying to do with DSP. Why is it better/different than analog. The cornerstone of DSP .the Fourier Transform and the FFT. 2) DSP Tools: What you need to see, interpret and understand signals. Basic waveform processing utilities. How do you setup a sound card to capture and play back audio with examples. How to design basic DSP Filters using common tools. 3) DSP Techniques: How do we use DSP to do those things needed in a radio. Mixing, Filtering, Modulation, Demodulation, FSK, PSK, Tone Detection, AGC etc 4) DSP Tricks: Tricks of the trade to make the impractical possible. Common and useful tricks to make significant reductions in computer demands, Single tone detectors, decimation, windowing, CIC Filters, IQ sampling. No seminar or workshop can cover this topic completely in a few hours but this workshop should remove some of the mystery of DSP and motivate those to learn what can be done and get more involved. Bio: Rick is a retired entrepreneur electrical engineer and has been a ham since 1962. After volunteering for the Winlink Development effort in 1998 he focused his efforts on programming and DSP. Rick was responsible for the SCAMP, WINMOR and V4 sound card protocols described in the DCC 2004, 2008 and 2010 proceedings along with several of the software components of the Winlink 2000 system. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Proceedings of 29th Annual ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Mobile Fading; Sachin Dubey and Kanchan Cecil RF to Video Converter for Timex/Sinclair Computers; John M. Franke, WA4WDL Robotic Radio and CW Robot, a Building Block for Robotic Radio; Rob Frohne, KL7NA SDR Cube: A Portable Software Defined Radio Utilizing An Embedded DSP Engine for Quadrature Sampling Transceivers; George L. Heron, N2APB and Juha Niinikoski, OH2NLT A Simple SDR Receiver; Michael Hightower, KF6SJ Testing a Digital-ATV Station using DVB-S; Ken Konechy, W6HHC and Robbie Robinson, KB6CJZ Demand and Transmission of E-mail Reception Report in Digital Modes; Patrick Lindecker, F6CTE Technical Aspects of RS ID and Call ID and Use; Patrick Lindecker, F6CTE Simulation & Synthesis of Five Port Router; Swati Malviya and Anurag Jaiswal Five Port Router for Network on Chip; Swati Malviya and Anurag Jaiswal V4 and V4Chat: A Protocol and Client Optimized for Keyboard Radio QSOs; Rick Muething, KN6KB, AAA9WK WINMOR Phase 2: Demonstration to Deployment; Rick Muething, KN6KB/AAA9WK RMS Express A Multimode Winlink 2000 User Client Program; Victor Poor, W5SMM/AAA9WL Introducing APRSSpeak: An APRStt implementation; Douglas D. Quagliana, KA2UPW/5 A Comparison of Different TCP/IP and DTN Protocols Over the D-Star Digital Data Mode; John Ronan, EI7IG and Cathal O’Connor Bidirectional Low Frequency Transverter (Bi-LIF) Computer Interface for Demodulation and Modulation of Radio Signals; Alex Schwarz , VE7DXW An FPGA-Based Transceiver Module; John B. Stephensen, KD6OZH Terrestrial Link Budgets for Digital Communications; R. Swenson, KF4DII The Effects of Authentication on AX.25 Packet Radio Data Transmission Time; Paul D. Wiedemeier, Ph.D., KE5LKY

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Re: Symposium Refund
by Clint Bradford 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

>> ... Is the registration fee for the Symposium refundable ... I suggest that you register and pay - to make sure there is room for you. Then, if you cannot show up, contact Martha ASAP, and advise her that your registration is available to someone else. She will find a suitable recipient for your graciousness. YOU get a tax receipt ... and someone else gets the experience. EVERYONE wins. Clint, K6LCS

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DN 96 & EM05
by ted 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Sorry, should have been DM96! 73....ted....aa5ck

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DN96 & EM06
by ted 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

I had a chance to get out of town and work portable Monday. Thanks to those I was able to work and if this was my first QSO with you from these grids I will get a card in the mail. No return cards are necessary. Thanks and 73.......ted......aa5ck

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Sspi social event in Washington dc
by Samudra Haque 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Hi Is anyone going to the SSPI social this evening in Washington DC? I plan to be there. 73 de N3RDX Sent on the road... If urgent call (202) 812-3325

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AO-51 update/information Re: AO-51 BBS Uplink
by Mark L. Hammond 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Hello Franciso, Thank you for your question about the AO-51 PBBS uplink. At this time, there is no uplink available. The reason for this is power budget. AO-51 uses a wide-band receiver, called the SQRX, which we set to 1.2GHz for the PBBS (and for running L-band uplinks during voice repeater operations as well). The receiver draws over 100mA of power, which is rather limited right now. So, we cannot support two trasmitters at useable power levels AND the SQRX right now. Hopefully in the future we can. For the record--Your frequency and mode is correct--although many users (including myself) find that using 1268.703, or even higher, works better. It simply isn't turned ON. We are now running (with power management OFF): FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 Mhz FM (no tone needed) Downlink: 435.300 Mhz FM at 500 mW 9k6 PBBS, U Downlink: 435.150 Mhz FM at 265 mW 73, Mark N8MH AO-51 Command Team On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 10:00 AM, Francisco Jiménez-Martín Sánchez <ea1jm.fran(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hello dear friends, > > > > Can anyone confirm if the uplink for the BBS in AO-51 is in 1268.700 at 9k6? > > > > Thanks in advance, > > > > 73 de Fran EA1JM > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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AO-51 BBS Uplink
by Francisco Jiménez-Martín Sánchez 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Hello dear friends, Can anyone confirm if the uplink for the BBS in AO-51 is in 1268.700 at 9k6? Thanks in advance, 73 de Fran EA1JM

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Missing AO27 Callsign - Time Fix
by claryco＠aol.com 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Don, It was actually at 30/1854Z (vice 1851Z) that you worked K8YSE/P in EN57; my Fat Finger Syndrome acted up a bit a little while ago... 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC

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Missing AO27 Callsign
by claryco＠aol.com 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Don, You worked K8YSE/P in EN57 at 30/1851Z, just before AO27 switched back to digital. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC ============== Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:37:41 -0400 From: Donald Pittman <don1018(a)comcast.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] RE AO27 18:45z To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <C8A180C5.242%don1018(a)comcast.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" I had a little technical difficulty when working this pas. Had a good QSO wit a K0w?? And the thing is my recorder was on pause EEEEEK. By chance did any one get a recording of that qso or if your read this K0??? Please let me know the info we worked to get it done and I have a memory that can be measured in nano meters HI Any help drop me a email or here is ok WB8ZOM @ARRL.NET It was near the end of the pass. Thanks DON

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Keps Question
by Perry Yantis 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

The bare 2 line keps do not have the header at the top which the Unitrac program did not want to see. With the bare elements only (no headers description) Unitrac would import the keps with no problem. Perry WB8OTH sent from my Apple IMac

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Telemetry files of CAPE 1 -Very important / Archivos de Telemetría de CAPE 1 -Muy importante
by HEILER YESID LEDEZMA LEUDO 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Hello. I am HEILER Ledezma. I am a member of the research team that developed the Colombian picosatellite 'Libertad 1'. We are currently researching about the cubic picosatellites telemetry (CubeSats telemetry). Can someone send me the file of the entire telemetry of CAPE 1, since its launch [17 April 2007] until its last transmission? Similarly, I am willing to continue providing information to those who need it. Thank you. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo CubeSat 'Libertad 1' -Researcher Telecommunications Engineering. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buenas noches. Soy HEILER Ledezma. Soy miembro del equipo de investigación que desarrolló el picosatellite colombiano 'Libertad 1'. En la actualidad estamos investigando sobre la telemetría picosatélites cúbicos (CubeSats). ¿Alguien me puede enviar el archivo de toda la telemetría de CAPE 1, desde su lanzamiento [17 de abril de 2007] hasta su última transmisión? De igual forma, estoy dispuesto a seguir aportando información a aquellos que la necesiten. Gracias. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo CubeSat 'Libertad 1' -Researcher Telecommunications Engineering.

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Transit Satellites
by Dave Marthouse 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

With all this talk of the Transit satellites on 149.985MHZ, how are they listed in the keps. I checked for other satellites of interest on the kelso webpage and found navy navigation satellites. There are a few named transit. What Transit birds are we talking about. I want to see how strong their signals are on my scanner. Any information would be appreciated. Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com

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HO-68 Schedule -29-05 Sep 2010
by Alan Kung 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

UTC: 29 Aug 2010 ================================ 16:15...Turn On--FM India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 17:00...Turn Off 18:05...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 18:50...Turn Off 19:30...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 20:15...Turn Off 30 Aug 2010 ================================ 23:55...Turn On--FM South America,NA,North Asia 00:40...Turn Off 01:53...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:09...Turn Off 12:12...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,East Asia, Oceania 12:26...Turn Off 16:00...Turn On--FM India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 16:45...Turn Off 19:55...Turn On--FM Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 20:40...Turn Off 23:40...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,East Asia, Oceania 24:25...Turn Off 31 Aug 2010 ================================ 01:36...Turn On--FM North Asia, East Asia,South Asia 01:52...Turn Off 11:35...Turn On--FM Oceania,Asia,Europe 12:20...Turn Off 17:30...Turn On--FM India,Middle East,Europe,NA 18:15...Turn Off 18:55...Turn On--FM India,Middle East,Europe,NA 19:40...Turn Off 23:20...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,East Asia, Oceania 24:05...Turn Off 01 Sep 2010 ================================= 03:03...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:19...Turn Off 06:35...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,Eroupe, Africa 17:20...Turn Off 13:55...Turn On--FM Europe,NA,South America 14:40...Turn Off 15:50...Turn On--FM Europe,NA, South America 16:35...Turn Off 18:40...Turn On--FM Africa,Middle East,Europe,NA 19:25...Turn Off 20:30...Turn On--FM Africa,Middle East,Europe,NA 21:15...Turn Off 02 Sep 2010 ================================= 00:50...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 01:35...Turn Off 02:48...Turn On--FM Asia,Oceania 03:03...Turn Off 13:45...Turn On--FM Europe,NA,South America 14:30...Turn Off 16:55...Turn On--FM Africa,India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:40...Turn Off 18:45...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 19:30...Turn Off 20:10...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 20:55...Turn Off 03 Sep 2010 ================================ 00:35...Turn On--FM Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 01:20...Turn Off 02:31...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:47...Turn Off 14:39...Turn On--FM Oceania,India,East Asia 14:54...Turn Off 16:40...Turn On--FM India,Africa,Europe,NA 17:25...Turn Off 18:25...Turn On--FM India,Africa,Europe,NA 19:10...Turn Off 19:50...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 20:35...Turn Off 04 Sep 2010 ================================ 00:20...Turn On--FM South America,NA,North Asia 01:05...Turn Off 02:14...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:30...Turn Off 14:30...Turn On--FM Oceania, East Asia,North Asia 14:44...Turn Off 16:25...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 17:10...Turn Off 18:10...Turn On--FM India,Africa,Europe,NA 18:55...Turn Off 19:35...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 20:20...Turn Off 05 Sep 2010 ================================ 00:00...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia, South Asia,Oceania 00:45...Turn Off 02:00...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:15...Turn Off 14:05...Turn On--FM Oceania,India,East Asia 14:21...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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It's Time to Register for the 2010 AMSAT Symposium
by JoAnne Maenpaa 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Hello Everyone, Here is a relay of Symposium news from the AMSAT News Service Bulletins ... SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-241.01 It's Time to Register for the 2010 AMSAT Symposium AMSAT News Service Bulletin 241.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 29, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-241.01 It is time to register for the 2010 AMSAT Space Symposium and General meeting. You can register on-line at the AMSAT Store: http://www.amsat-na.com/store/SymposiumReg.php Your conference fee includes entrance to the Symposium, refreshments and a copy of the 2010 Symposium Proceedings: $40.00 per person before 15 September 2010 $45.00 from 21 September through 5 October Online registration closes 5 October at Midnight. Registration at the door will be $50.00. The Saturday Night Banquet is the highlight of the Space Symposium. Join us for great food, major announcements and the traditional banquet prize awards. Saturday Evening Banquet $45.00 per person. The keynote speaker at the banquet will be Dr. Albert Stebbins, a theoretical astrophysicist working with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in the Fermilab Theoretical Astrophysics Group. AMSAT Area Coordinators typically gather to exchange ideas and tech- niques for supporting AMSAT members and promoting amateur satellite operations. Sunday Morning Area Coordinator's Breakfast: $15.00 per person Symposium Hotel Information: ---------------------------- The Chicago/Elk Grove Holiday Inn is located west of O'Hare Airport at 1000 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Telephone 1-847-437-6010. The registration code for the discount rate of $79.00 per night is AMS. The direct link to the www.holidayinn.com hotel web page is: http://tinyurl.com/2aptoeu You can also reach this page from the Symposium web page at: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2010/Hotel.php Flight & Airport Information: ----------------------------- Chicago-O'Hare International Airport is the closest to the Chicago/ Elk Grove Holiday Inn Hotel. The hotel offers free hourly shuttle service to and from O'Hare Airport. Call the hotel upon arrival to let them know to come pick you up. Note that Chicago-Midway Airport is approximately 40 miles from the hotel and will require commuting or a $22.00 Shuttle fee. O'Hare Airport is served by all major air carriers. Getting there by car: The hotel address is 1000 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. A map link is included on the hotel web page. The GPS coordinates are 42° 00' 37.30" N 87° 57' 36.5" W. Sunday Afternoon Tour --------------------- At the conclusion of the Symposium activities you are invited to participate in a tour of the Tevatron at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory on Sunday. Part of the tour will include a tour of the multi-megawatt RF portions of the particle accelerator as well as a tour of the new Super Conducting RF Test Facility. The Symposium registration form includes a place to indicate whether you can help with the car pools for travel to FermiLab and back to the hotel. The planned start time for the FermiLab tour will be 12 Noon. [ANS thanks the 2010 Symposium Committee for the above information] /EX PS - If you don't get the AMSAT News Service weekly bulletins you can sign up on-line at: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Re: Latest AMSAT Journal
by James French 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Hello Joe and the list. If I can explain a little about how bulk mailing works, it might help explain some issues that people have with getting the journal. I work for a printer that does bulk mailings also and this is how they do things. AMSAT's printer may do it a totally different way than how my employer does it. First, It all depends on when the mailer gets the printed copies. There may be issues with paper used, when the files arrive, scheduled deadlines met on time, things like that. Second, the sender supplies a file with names and addresses that need to be printed onto either labels or onto the printed material in a certain space. This takes about anywhere from 30 minutes to a whole day (equipment issues) to set up aligning the print heads. Each process has its own procedures and differs between mailers. Third, depending on what the volume (quantity) is, it could take a day to a week to print names and addresses onto the printed material. Fourth, keeping the addresses sorted so that they are going to the right destination can get complex sometimes. Fifth, after everything is sorted by zip codes and destinations, then comes shipping via semi to the separate sort facilities across the country and outside country destinations. Yes, depending on quantity, bulk mailing gets shipped to sort facilities across the country by contracted carriers. Sixth, it could take as much as a week to get from the mailers dock to a sort facility on the other side of the country depending on where the mailer is located. If you look at the mailing label area on your journal next time, you'll see that little square that has this saying in it: Periodicals POSTAGE PAID At Silver Springs, MD and at additional mailing offices that means that it has gone from the mailer to at least one sort facility in the path before it gets to your local post office and your home mailbox. There is also meeting the criteria of how the USPS wants things sorted and weighed and..... The list is endless currently. My place of employment has had the USPS reject a load because it either weighed one pound more or less than what is stated on the documents. The USPS also has guidelines that have to be met about thickness and weight of paper. That can hold up a mailing also. This is not to say that this is how AMSAT does the mailing of the journal. I am just stating how its done at my place of employment to give everyone an idea of what it takes to mail the Journal each time. Things do change each time the Journal is mailed so that has to be taken into account each time. Proposed deadlines have to be met to keep things flowing. If one deadline is not met, that can hold things up by a week or more. The times I gave are based on a mailing of several hundreds of thousands having to have addresses printed onto them. You also have to remember that the printer that AMSAT uses has to make deadlines also. The printer could be the same business that does the mailing which does help. AMSAT only has to do roughly almost ten thousand printings of the Journal each time. This takes time on the presses to set up. Based on where I work, the Journal would go onto the sheetfed press not the 4 color offset press because of the quantity amount. Which means a little bit more cost in paper, press time, and setup. Then it moves out to the bindery department to be folded, cut, and stapled to its final size for the mailing department. I hope this explains some about why one person may get a journal before another person does. I know it doesn't explain everything but it gives everyone an idea of what it takes to get the journal mailed. James W8ISS

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Keps Question
by Dave Marthouse 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

I was just on the Amsat keps page. What is the difference between nasa two line and bare nasa two line elements? Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmarthouse(a)gmail.com

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for sale: 2M5WL
by D. Craig Fox 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

Hello fello sat-ops I bought a beautiful M squared 2M5WL SERIOUS 2mtr boomer to step up for EME JT65, meteor scatter and even those low AO7 passes. But, to get that serious gain, it is 33 ft long and, well, on top of my modest tract home, it is a little too much for the XYL, and where it would be installed would make it swing a bit too close to my tower. This comes from W5UN's serious EME array as he replaced it with another design. It is used, but in primo condition, typical M2 quality, SS hardware, etc.. Texas Towers is selling it for $249 plus shipping. I am selling this for $150 plus shipping (UPS from Texas to Calif. ran about $35). Paypal is fine. I wanted to offer it here before the usual ham outlets. Thanks Craig N6RSX dcfox(a)rwglaw.com NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you.

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RE AO27 18:45z
by Donald Pittman 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

I had a little technical difficulty when working this pas. Had a good QSO wit a K0w?? And the thing is my recorder was on pause EEEEEK. By chance did any one get a recording of that qso or if your read this K0??? Please let me know the info we worked to get it done and I have a memory that can be measured in nano meters HI Any help drop me a email or here is ok WB8ZOM @ARRL.NET It was near the end of the pass. Thanks DON

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VA7EWK QSLs - please send to WD9EWK, not to Canada
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

Hi! I just heard from a ham friend of mine in Vancouver, whose address is the station address on my Canadian call VA7EWK. He's received some QSL cards for me from my trip up there last month. I should have those cards in my hands shortly, but please remember that the Canadian address listed on QRZ.com and other online sources is not the QSL route for VA7EWK. Please use the address for WD9EWK, the PO box in Scottsdale AZ, when sending QSLs for VA7EWK. For those who sent me QSL requests before I had my VA7EWK cards printed - many thanks! All of those requests have been answered. For many others, I have sent out my VA7EWK QSLs with SASEs in the last 7-10 days. If you have not received anything from me but would like a VA7EWK card (or cards from any of my recent trips), please e-mail me directly with the QSO information. I will be happy to send out a card, and (for VA7EWK and XE2/WD9EWK QSOs) probably an SASE to get your card in return. Thanks, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: New Satellite Downlink?
by Gordon JC Pearce 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

On Sat, 2010-08-28 at 19:31 +0000, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: > Dear Gordon. > > Please get a copy of the Wireless Telegraphy Act from the library and read it. > You are only allowed to listen to authorised broadcast stations, Amateur Radio stations and transmissions in the > Standard Frequency and Time Service (or an exempt service such as CB or a baby monitor for example) unless you have been > seperately authorised to do otherwise. > If the US Navy authorises you to listen to their satellite, you're OK, otherwise you're in breach of the act. And isn't the idea that we are authorised to experiment with these satellites, now that the US Navy is no longer using them? Gordon MM0YEQ

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TAPR Trakbox Kit
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

Shameless plug for item for sale on eBay --- http://cgi.ebay.com/TAPR-Trakbox-Stand-Alone-Satellite-Tracker-Kit-/25068943 7836 It is a Trakbox kit I never assembled. 73, Joe kk0sd

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SO67 scheduled for NA and SA this week
by Andrew Glasbrenner 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

SO67 is scheduled for passes over North and South America this week: see http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone

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AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Election 2010
by Alan P. Biddle 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

The deadline for submitting your ballot is rapidly approaching. In order to be counted, they must be received at the AMSAT office by the close of business on Wednesday, September 15th. The results will be announced as quickly as possible, with the new directors assuming their position immediately upon the formal announcement of the results. As always, this very direct feedback is essential for AMSAT to continue to represent its membership! Alan Biddle WA4SCA AMSAT Corporate Secretary

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Reminder: AMSAT BOD Elections
by Stuart Balanger 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

*Hi all, Don't forget to vote in the AMSAT BOD's election's, & if you haven't please mark your ballot (Vote for 3), & mail it before Sept 15th. (Wed.) If you have voted, yhanks for taking the time!. I thought I would say something, since no one else has! 73,.Stu (WA2BSS) *

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New Satellite Downlink?
by Robert Bruninga 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

Possible new AMSAT Application? We may have access to two old TRANSIT navigation satellites with a 50 baud downlink at 149.985 (and 400 MHz). (presently coming over in the mid afternoon). My problem is, coming up with any meaningful application to use them for communications that would capture the interest of students, hams or volunteers in support of education, public service or emergency comms or just plain fun... The downlink can be heard on an OMNI antenna (though I would suggest a 3/4 wave (55") vertical) and could be decoded by a simple software only application with a sound card. (someone has to write it)... The total useful message capability is about 500 bytes transmitted every 2 minutes (at 50 baud). The uplink is very specialized and can ONLY BE DONE from one (or two) very special commmand stations. These satellites of course were the original Navy Navigation satellite system (also called OSCARS) and so the message would be in-place of the normal navigation data. SO in a sense, this is a downlink BROADCAST application. Since ham radio is two way, I'm stumped for applications. The total message capability of 500 Bytes can contain one long ARRL bulletin, or 20 APRS position/status reports, or say 20 or so APRS text messages, or say 50 "callsign exchanges" or maybe even 1 thumbnail image... but what's the application? Even if we allow say, INTERNET link to the command station for "anyone" to contribute to the twice per-day upload, then everyone's receiver application can receive them... For what? So Im looking for ideas. All I can come up with so far is: 1) ARRL Bulletins? (I don't even know how often ARRL sends bulletins...) 2) Navy/Army/AF MARS broadcast bulletins... 3) Internet message in-to-command-upload-to message RF downlink. Two stations do this to each other and it counts as a two-way QSO? 4) ... Every scenario of interest usually begins with the much higher value of UPLINK from the individual field station, not downlink.. Hence I am stumped. HUMMH... Maybe purely educational? If the software can run on any PC with a sound card connected to any scanner... Then every school can use it as a satellite downlink signal of interest.. What kind of thumbnail image can fit in 500 bytes? Send in your picture and get it downlinked on a given day? Etc.. Will need a DSP volunteer to write the sound card decoder. Bob, WB4APR

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Symposium Poster Presentation & Demonstration Opportunity
by JoAnne Maenpaa 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

Hello Once Again Everyone, Here is a relay of even more Symposium news from the AMSAT News Service Bulletins ... SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-241.03 Symposium Poster Presentation & Demonstration Opportunity AMSAT News Service Bulletin 241.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 29, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-241.03 The poster presentation and demonstration area proved to be a popular place to visit at the Baltimore Symposium. The 2010 Symposium Committee plans to duplicate this success at the Chicago Symposium. So, if you don't have time to generate a paper or presentation please consider setting up a Poster Presentation or demonstration. We had the opportunity to view actual CubeSats, PPod launchers, ARISSat-1 proto- types. If you plan on setting up a Poster or demonstration please contact the 2010 Symposium Proceedings Editor, JoAnne Maenpaa K9JKM via e-mail at k9jkm(a)amsat.org. We'll reserve table space for you! [ANS thanks the 2010 Symposium Committee for the above information] /EX PS - If you don't get the AMSAT News Service weekly bulletins you can sign up on-line at: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Exciting Symposium Papers and Presentations Rolling In
by JoAnne Maenpaa 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

Hello Again Everyone, Here is a relay of more Symposium news from the AMSAT News Service Bulletins ... SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-241.02 Exciting Papers and Presentations Rolling In AMSAT News Service Bulletin 241.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 29, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-241.02 As of this week the 2010 Symposium Committee has had several exciting offers for papers and presentations. Topics that have arrived include the list below. Exploration and definition of AMSAT's opportunities to grow our outreach in the educational areas: + ARISS and Education + ARISS Operation Update + Education Paradigm Shift for AMSAT to Support Subsidized Launch Opportunities + University of Louisiana Satellite Program Get up-to-date on AMSAT's next platform in space: + Assembling ARISSat + ARISSatTLM, a telemetry display program for ARISSat-1 + Software Radio Technology on ARISSat-1 + ARISSat-1 Overview + ARISSat-1 Power System + BPSK-1000 format for ARISSat-1 Discussion of AMSAT's future satellite technology: + Elmersat -- A Modest Proposal for Future Satellites + Using ham radio satellites to distribute amateur radio news in both voice and data formats + Characteristics of simulated data multicasts transmitted over K3IO's proposed GEO-Eagle communications platform + Proposal for Digital Television Aboard the ISS Updates and information of current AMSAT topics: + ITAR Legal Update + AMSAT-FOX + SUNY-AMSAT System Development + AO-51 Battery Capacity and Spin Trends + South Africa AMSAT Update + AMSAT Publications - Future Direction for the Journal, News Service, & Web Building up your satellite station: + Flex Radio V/U Module - 2m/70cm full duplex transverter module for the Flex 5000 + Low Cost, Lightweight Homebrew Dish Construction Teaching others how we do it: + How to Work the FM Ham Satellites With Your Handheld Radio + Successful Hamfest Demonstrations Authors are reminded to send in your completed papers as soon as possible. Presentations should be in Powerpoint format. Bring your presentation loaded on a thumb drive which can be loaded into the projection system prior to your speaking time slot. [ANS thanks the 2010 Symposium Committee for the above information] /EX PS - If you don't get the AMSAT News Service weekly bulletins you can sign up on-line at: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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May/June Journal
by Edward R. Cole 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

I received my copy of the May/June Journal today 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ====================================== *temp

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SO-50
by Matt Patterson 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

Excellent pass over North America 0340Z and no one to talk to. L Matt W5LL

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WD9EWK on AO51 this afternoon with VX-8GR/long duckie
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

Hi! On the AO-51 pass that just went by around 0012 UTC this afternoon, I tried something I do with any HT I get - work satellites. I picked up a Yaesu VX-8GR at Dayton 3 months ago, and have started using it for APRS. Since it has two VFOs on it, I did not have to program any memory channels to get it working for satellites. It is not a full- duplex radio, but it can work. I use a Diamond SMA-BNC adapter on it all the time (a well-designed adapter, which makes a secure physical connection to the radio), and put a Diamond RH77CA 2m/70cm long duckie on it. Since I did not have my Sony digital audio recorder with me, I used a recorder app on my N900 phone, with the phone sitting in my shirt pocket and the microphone hole pointing up. And I was doing this on a west-facing balcony at my office in Scottsdale AZ (DM43al). This pass was a nice one for Arizona, with maximum elevation at 64 degrees to the west. The footprint still covered a significant chunk of North America. Once the satellite got up to about 25 to 30 degrees elevation, I could hear it easily with the squelch wide open on the receive VFO. I made a few QSOs, including one with John K8YSE still on his road trip. Thanks to everyone for the QSOs, and thanks to John for all your work putting on a lot of rarely-heard grids in that part of North America! With this radio, I had to change from one VFO to the other before and after transmitting. Since this radio has two VFOs, I could still hear the downlink even if the transmit VFO was the active VFO. I had to make sure to go back to the receive VFO to make my Doppler adjustments, and then to the transmit VFO if I wanted to be heard through the satellite (something I missed once or twice). Sure, this is not the ideal handheld radio for FM satellite operating, but it is definitely good enough as a backup if I am not able to use my normal HT (IC-T7H) or any of my other radios to get on an FM satellite pass. I will not regularly work satellite passes from this location. I tried it today, since I was the only one in the office (I had some work to do on one of my computer systems, best done when nobody else is in). There is a hospital about 1/2 mile (about 1km) south of here, which throws out a lot of intermod - a good reason not to work many passes here. With a better antenna, and especially pointing south toward the hospital, I would have had problems hearing the satellite downlink. Even with all of that in mind, I now have another radio that I've used on the satellites - and is capable of being used in the future if the need arises. It will definitely be used for APRS when I go on the road, mostly through the terrestrial APRS network but I might see if I can get an APRS packet through the ISS some time. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Question, Re: Boxboro Hamfeste!
by Stuart Balanger 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

*Hi all, Haven't read any mention of any "Demo"satillite sta. @ the New england Div. conv. (Or "Boxboro"), & was wondering if there is one? 73,.Stu (WA2BSS) *

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SO-50
by Dobarrows 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

Sometimes I have not heard SO-50 on late night passes. Then I key up my transmitter with a 74.4 hz tone. After that, I key my transmitter on and off with a 67hz tone while tuning the receiver set in cw mode until I find a carrier that goes on and off with my keying somewhere near where I expect the downlink to be. I then give my station ID and change the receive mode to fm. I know that SO-50 is alive and well. I don't know if it is well understood, but SO-50's downlink will only be on as long as there is a signal in the uplink with the 67hz tone on. You let up on the mike and the downlink ceases until someone else transmits. AO27 and AO51 have continuous carriers when turned on so they are easier to locate when there is little activity. (Little activity doesn't happen often here in North America on AO27 and AO51). 73, Dave W8IJ

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July 2010 XE2/WD9EWK videos uploaded to YouTube
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

Hi! I just uploaded 3 more videos to my "channel" on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/va7ewk from my late July trip to Baja California. One video from an FO-29 pass at grid DM21jw on 29 July 2010, and two videos from AO-7 and FO-29 passes at grid DM22gp on 30 July 2010. Thanks to the 3 cameramen for capturing the video during these passes - David XE2DAK for the FO-29 video at DM21jw, Alex XE2BSS/N2IX for the AO-7 video at DM22gp, and Larry KI6YAA for the FO-29 video at DM22gp. All three videos show my normal all-mode satellite station in operation - two FT-817NDs, Elk Antennas handheld 2m/70cm log periodic, Heil Traveler headset/mic. I apologize for the lower video quality in the DM21 video; that video was made with a Sony 7MP still-photo camera that only makes 320x240 AVI videos, while the other two were made using my Nokia N900 phone with a 5MP (for still photos) camera that makes MP4 files. I was not thinking fast enough to turn on the camera in the N900 down at DM21, so David used the other (still-photo) camera to make that video. Since I was traveling by myself up in Canada last month, and I have not rigged up a tripod that can hold my N900 phone (it does not have the threaded socket for mounting on camera tripods), I have no video from that trip. I may try to rectify that before I hit the road again in a few weeks. K8YSE's web site has audio from these trips and others where I have operated away from home: http://www.papays.com/sat/general.html 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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ARISS Facebook Page
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

ARISS has moved into the social networking realm. I'd like to invite you to visit our Facebook Page at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). The page is new, but we have several photos and videos posted with more to come. 73s, Dave, AA4KN ARISS PR

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Re: New Satellite Downlink?
by keith schaffrath 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

How about each day a new message that is part of a puzzle. So you have to catch at least one broadcast a day to solve the puzzle. It would create a little interest and make for some good practice. Keith N6ORS

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Thank you for the QSO's during Demo
by Michael Elliott 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

I wanted to post a quick thank you to a few stations who were able to work me during a Satellite Demonstration on Thursday evening. The Isothermal Amateur Radio Club is located in Rutherford County, NC which is one of the three counties where I work. Thursday was our third club meeting and I was asked to do a short program. I hope I did Satellite operations justice and I hope to hear a couple of those guys on the birds one day. In the meantime, I would like to thank the following stations for making a contact with me. - N8RO - ND9M - KB0RZD - KD8KSN - K0TWB We had 5 or 6 there for the demonstration which was about an hour prior to the Isothermal Amateur Radio Club Meeting. We had a really nice 60 degree pass and it was a comfortable evening to be outside. I think we had about 18 for the regular club meeting and presentation. Thanks to those who offered advice for presentations and putting on a demonstration... 73's, Michael, K4MOA

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Re: New Satellite Downlink?
by keith schaffrath 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

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Re: New Satellite Downlink
by Michael 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

But ultimately doesn't all frequency allocation fall back on the F.C.C. I mean even with the Military ? Best wishes Mike

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Re: New Satellite Downlink
by Stephen Melachrinos 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

No. Government allocations (within the US) are the responsibility of the NTIA. FCC only has jurisdiction over non-government allocations. Steve W3HF Aug 27, 2010 09:09:06 PM, mikef1234(a)buckeye-express.com wrote: >But ultimately doesn't all frequency allocation fall back on the F.C.C. I mean >even with the Military ? > Best wishes > > > Mike

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[Fwd: Re: Re: New Satellite Downlink?]
by Roger Kolakowski 27 Aug '10

27 Aug '10

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CM89, CN70 and CN81 visits.
by John Neeley 27 Aug '10

27 Aug '10

To those who worked me on those grids the period from Aug 18 thru Aug 23, send me an email with the data and I'll get a card out to you. No need of an SASE or card in return. John W6ZKH

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Office Closed
by Martha 27 Aug '10

27 Aug '10

The AMSAT office will be closed until Tuesday, September 7th. I will be going to Long Beach Island (LBI) NJ for holiday. If you are planning to attend the AMSAT Symposium, please go to the AMSAT store and register on-line. -- 73- Martha

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Offtopic: Echolink in Paris
by Fabiano Moser 27 Aug '10

27 Aug '10

Hello, Sorry for Offtopic question. I will be in Paris from 28sep - 02Oct Someone can give me info about Echolink station (QRG) in range of Paris? I want to try a QSO with friends in Brazil (PP5HR-R Station), and Holland. Can you help me? Thank you -- 73 Fabiano Moser CT7ABD / PY5RX "There is no great talent without great will. (Honoré de Balzac)"

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Happy Birthday from Space
by ps8rf Piraja 27 Aug '10

27 Aug '10

Hello all, Fabiano CT7ABD/PY5RX, yesterday August 25, had a one day doubly special. First the date of his birthday and secondly, by receiving his congratulations ( Happy Birthday ) sung by the crew of the International Space Station directly from space. Fabiano is a great radio operator and charismatic, congratulations on passing day of his birthday and to have received this fantastic and historic celebration from space. Listen Audio by CT1EAT: http://www.issfanclub.com/node/28329 73 Piraja, PS8RF The Amateur Radio is supportive and helpful in any circumstance.

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Re: SO-50
by Matt Patterson 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

That's true but you would think there would be others on the bird. 73 Matt W5LL -----Original Message----- From: Rick Tejera [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:33 PM To: 'Matt Patterson' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] SO-50 Matt, Did you transmit the ON tone? SO-50 is set up so you have to turn it on by transmitting on 145.85 with a PL of 74.4 hz for 2 seconds. This turns it on for 10 minutes (if I recall correctly). Once it's on you transmit on 145.850 with a 67.0hz PL. Clear Skies Rick Tejera Editor SACnews, Public Outreach Coordinator Saguaro Astronomy Club Phoenix, Arizona www.saguaroastro.org saguaroastro(a)cox.net K7TEJ -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Matt Patterson Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 21:09 To: amsAT-BB(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] SO-50 Was listening for the SO-50 pass @ 22:58Z and didn't hear anything. A check of the Oscar status website reveals that it was active a couple hours ago. Did anyone else hear it during the latest pass? I finally got setup to start recording the birds with my computer and was going to use SO-50 as a test. 73 Matt W5LL _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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FS: Kenwood TT2000 HF/VHF/UHF satellite radio
by John Geiger 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

I have for sale or trade a 2008 model Kenwood TS2000 that does 100 watts on HF, 6m, and 2m, and 50 watts on 70cm. I bought this radio used from Ham Radio Outlet at the beginning of June, so it has been checked out recently and found to work perfectly. Really like it but life things come up and I need to downsize the shack a bit. This radio has IF DSP so no optional filters are needed. It also has full duplex for the satellites, a built in TCXO, a 2m/70cm subreceiver for listening to the local repeaters while operating on the main receiver, and a built in TNC. It will also do crossband repeat so you can get on HF or 6m while walking around town with an HT-what a neat feature! It is in very good condition with a couple of light scratches on the top of the case (I doubt they would show up in a picture). It comes with the hand mic, power cord, and manual. I think I still have the original box but it is missing the stryofoam inserts, though. I am asking $1000 for it plus shipping, but can also meet for an inperson deal in the Southwest Oklahoma/OKC/North Texas area. You will not be disappointed with this radio-it does it all and does it all pretty well. 73s John AA5JG Lawton, OK

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Circular Polarized Antennae
by Spectrum International, Inc 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

John, LA2QAA That was an interesting message you posted to the -bb this morning. It has many true observations; however there is one serious mistake, an unforgivable error. Quote: ......... particularly by the newcomers - who apparently, and mistakenly, think that high power is necessary. It's *NOT* . . . nor is an EME class aerial array necessary to work the LEO satellites. Ditto circular polarisation. FACT: polarisation is *ONLY* circular along the boresight of an aerial. Unquote. Your polarization statement is not 100% accurate. Unfortunately most antenna manufacturers, who supply/sell "alleged circular" polarized antennas do not state that their antennas are circular polarized ONLY along the boresight. They conveniently (?) do not mention that their alleged "circular polarized" antenna is only circular polarized on boresight, that it is linear polarized at 90 degrees off of boresight and is elliptical polarized of varying ratio at all angles in between! There is however one (and only one that I am aware of) antenna design that is circular polarized over its entire radiation pattern. I refer you to the Q_uadrifilar Helix Antenna_ described by Dr. C.C.Kilgus in IEEE Trans., Vol. AP-16, July 1968, pp. 499-500. Also Bricker, R.W. and Rickert, H.H., in RCA Engineer, Vol.20, No. 5, February/March 1975. There is an excellent review by Walter Maxwell, W2DU, at http://www.IAG.net/~w2du/quadfinal.pdf. When installed pointing to the zenith, the "ideal, theoretical" Quad Helix has 360 degree coverage in the azimuthal plane and 90 degree coverage in the elevation plane. It is circularly polarized over the entire upper hemisphere. There is no radiation in the lower hemi-sphere; the energy in the lower hemi-sphere of an isotropic radiator is uniformly distributed over the upper hemi-sphere. Hence the gain of an "ideal" Quad Helix is 3.01 dBi. However you can modify the elevation pattern to give more gain at the horizon and less gain overhead by adjustment of the overall length to diameter ratio. It is possible to adjust this ratio to give constant signal amplitude, at an earth based receiving station, from a satellite in a circular orbit where the range ratio (and hence signal path attenuation) between AOS and the zenith can be significant. This results in a little radiation below the horizon and also avoids the nasty mathematical boundary value problem at the horizon in the ideal case. Quadrifilar Helix antennas are used on many LEO satellites for VHF, UHF, L-band and S-band communication. One of their parameters of interest to satellite builders is that they do NOT require a "ground plane" provided they are at least a quarter wavelength above the satellite structure. Hence there is negligible critical location requirement and they do not occupy satellite surface area that is required for solar cells. The Quadrifilar Helix antenna is popular with earth based receiving stations for receiving the VHF image data signals from the NOAA weather satellites. Right-hand circular Quad Helix antennas for the 137MHz NOAA weather image signals and 137MHz left-hand circular Quad Helix antennas for receiving the ARGOS programme signals, are available from Spectrum International, Inc. Spectrum also supplies both right-hand and left-hand versions for the 2M and 70cm Amateur radio bands. May we suggest you sprinkle some "Grow More fertilizer" around the base of your "chopped down satellite array" every Sunday morning and offer a few words of wisdom while so doing. With a little help and the dregs of Saturday night's Black and Tan, your mini array might grow. Regards, Spectrum.

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SO-50
by Matt Patterson 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Was listening for the SO-50 pass @ 22:58Z and didn't hear anything. A check of the Oscar status website reveals that it was active a couple hours ago. Did anyone else hear it during the latest pass? I finally got setup to start recording the birds with my computer and was going to use SO-50 as a test. 73 Matt W5LL

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Pakistan flood relief disaster communications
by Daniel Schultz 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

I am forwarding this from the TAPR mailing list in case any Amsat people can help with this effort. Dan Schultz N8FGV -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The TAPR Office received a telephone inquiry today about the use of Packet Radio for relief efforts in Pakistan. I asked Jeannie to summarize in an email what kind of information or help they were seeking I felt posting to the tapr-announce list would be the easiest way to get the word out. Please contact Jeannie directly if you can help. -- 73, John, W9DDD -------- To recap, we are interested in HAM radio expertise to help us figure out how to enable on-the-ground reports communicated through HAM radio to be compiled into digital maps (e.g., see map created by Ushahidi for Haiti http://haiti.ushahidi.com/, which we fed SMS and Twitter messages) for use by relief organizations. This project is within Crisiscommons.org, ( www.crisiscommons.org) and I am the Silicon Valley city lead. CrisisCommons.org is a volunteer movement of coders for humanitarian relief in natural disasters, and anyone can jump in and contribute any amount of effort that they like. Background information and our current understanding is being recorded at: http://wiki.crisiscommons.org/wiki/HAM_Radio_to_Digital#Self-Register Please encourage any interested parties to jump in and edit the page to help us understand HAM capabilities and technical needs. The goals for defining requirements is to create an open source software stand-alone or add-on software to automate collection of HAM-generated information during natural disasters to a common operating picture. A team is being sent in for a range of CrisisCommons.org projects; if your members could help us communicate with the HAM operators in Pakistan, to get requirements (even by voice), we would love to know more about what they need and how to help. A working group will be running in Silicon Valley this Friday from 5-10pm, and we will have virtual participation. Details at: http://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=538771480 Please feel free to forward this email or advertise this project to your members - the more the merrier. We did send this information out to the contact form for the ARRL. I look forward to any information that you are able to provide! Best, Jeannie -- Jeannie A. Stamberger, Ph.D. Adjunct Faculty Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley Disaster Management Initiative NASA Ames Research Campus Room 107, Building 23 Moffett Field, California jeannie.stamberger(a)sv.cmu.edu +1 (650) 380-1158

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Re: New Satellite Downlink?
by charlie Cantrill 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Would it be possible to allow students/hams around the world to send a text message to ground stations? This would be especially handy to those students/instructors who cannot send APRS packets to sats to generate interest and outreach. What about adding this feature in addition to sending bulletins of satellite users interest. Charlie CantrillKI4RDTInstructor, Nelson County Area Technology Center Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:27:00 -0400 From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> Subject: [amsat-bb] New Satellite Downlink? To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <3DEE29EBEB7F407C97AFEA744C8B95D5(a)ewlab.usna.edu> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Possible new AMSAT Application? We may have access to two old TRANSIT navigation satellites with a 50 baud downlink at 149.985 (and 400 MHz). (presently coming over in the mid afternoon). My problem is, coming up with any meaningful application to use them for communications that would capture the interest of students, hams or volunteers in support of education, public service or emergency comms or just plain fun... The downlink can be heard on an OMNI antenna (though I would suggest a 3/4 wave (55") vertical) and could be decoded by a simple software only application with a sound card. (someone has to write it)... The total useful message capability is about 500 bytes transmitted every 2 minutes (at 50 baud). The uplink is very specialized and can ONLY BE DONE from one (or two) very special commmand stations. These satellites of course were the original Navy Navigation satellite system (also called OSCARS) and so the message would be in-place of the normal navigation data. SO in a sense, this is a downlink BROADCAST application. Since ham radio is two way, I'm stumped for applications. The total message capability of 500 Bytes can contain one long ARRL bulletin, or 20 APRS position/status reports, or say 20 or so APRS text messages, or say 50 "callsign exchanges" or maybe even 1 thumbnail image... but what's the application? Even if we allow say, INTERNET link to the command station for "anyone" to contribute to the twice per-day upload, then everyone's receiver application can receive them... For what? So Im looking for ideas. All I can come up with so far is: 1) ARRL Bulletins? (I don't even know how often ARRL sends bulletins...) 2) Navy/Army/AF MARS broadcast bulletins... 3) Internet message in-to-command-upload-to message RF downlink. Two stations do this to each other and it counts as a two-way QSO? 4) ... Every scenario of interest usually begins with the much higher value of UPLINK from the individual field station, not downlink.. Hence I am stumped. HUMMH... Maybe purely educational? If the software can run on any PC with a sound card connected to any scanner... Then every school can use it as a satellite downlink signal of interest.. What kind of thumbnail image can fit in 500 bytes? Send in your picture and get it downlinked on a given day? Etc.. Will need a DSP volunteer to write the sound card decoder. Bob, WB4APR

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Posting to BB
by Tom Jones 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Folks I am searching for hardware to interface my laptop to the Yaesu rotor G-5500 or G-550. I use SatPC32 software. What is the latest and greatest hardware to do this? I know that the KCT unit is no longer made. Regards Tom KC2DTQ

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Re: New Satellite Downlink?
by G. Beat 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Bob - Yes, the TRANSIT satellite appears to be designed for a low speed broadcast style service. An Internet entry/access page would permit an "ease of UI" for the creation of the message to be properly encoded, upilnked and then broadcast on the downlink. Application would require these characteristics: 1. Content would have to be tolerant of no more than 2 changes each day, no stock quotes! Electronic equivalent of the old morning and evening newspaper. What does a locl nespaper provide for content that is still relavent or desired? 2. Content woiuld have to be relavant to amatuer radio or educational / scientific community. 3. Contant needs to be "global" in nature -- regional or country specific would not appeal to the larger global audience. 4. Should be content that has highest value to a mobile/portable station (think of a lone person in South Pacific - small island or boat: Tom Hanks in Cast Away ). What daily "global" content wojuld be most useful for them to know?? Assume they have the radio to receive and laptop computer. 5. Due to infrequency, data / information has to be "correct the first time" -- retractions woudl take one or two days (reducing validity of service content) Some content ideas: a. Daily solar activity/propogation daily bulletins (also sent via ARRL and Internet accessilble) useful to amateur DX community b. Lunar information for Tidal predictions c. TLE of amatuer radio satellites and ISS d. Global "short message"/bulletin to amateur radio community -- beyong ARRL focus -- more along ITU / global scope e. Astronomical events of "note" --- northern and southern hemisphere. Plantes visible, rare alignments. f. Special events (scientific, radio, etc.) -- hemispheric or very wide audience Greg w9gb Message: 11 Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:27:00 -0400 From: "Robert Bruninga" < bruninga(a)usna.edu > Subject: [amsat-bb] New Satellite Downlink? To: < amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Possible new AMSAT Application? We may have access to two old TRANSIT navigation satellites with a 50 baud downlink at 149.985 (and 400 MHz). (presently coming over in the mid afternoon). My problem is, coming up with any meaningful application to use them for communications that would capture the interest of students, hams or volunteers in support of education, public service or emergency comms or just plain fun... The downlink can be heard on an OMNI antenna (though I would suggest a 3/4 wave (55") vertical) and could be decoded by a simple software only application with a sound card. (someone has to write it)... The total useful message capability is about 500 bytes transmitted every 2 minutes (at 50 baud). The uplink is very specialized and can ONLY BE DONE from one (or two) very special command stations. These satellites of course were the original Navy Navigation satellite system (also called OSCARS) and so the message would be in-place of the normal navigation data. SO in a sense, this is a downlink BROADCAST application. Since ham radio is two way, I'm stumped for applications. The total message capability of 500 Bytes can contain one long ARRL bulletin, or 20 APRS position/status reports, or say 20 or so APRS text messages, or say 50 "callsign exchanges" or maybe even 1 thumbnail image... but what's the application? Even if we allow say, INTERNET link to the command station for "anyone" to contribute to the twice per-day upload, then everyone's receiver application can receive them... For what? So Im looking for ideas. All I can come up with so far is: 1) ARRL Bulletins? (I don't even know how often ARRL sends bulletins ...) 2) Navy/Army/AF MARS broadcast bulletins ... 3) Internet message in-to-command-upload-to message RF downlink. Two stations do this to each other and it counts as a two-way QSO? 4) ... Every scenario of interest usually begins with the much higher value of UPLINK from the individual field station, not downlink.. Hence I am stumped. HUMMH... Maybe purely educational? If the software can run on any PC with a sound card connected to any scanner... Then every school can use it as a satellite downlink signal of interest.. What kind of thumbnail image can fit in 500 bytes? Send in your picture and get it downlinked on a given day? Etc.. Will need a DSP volunteer to write the sound card decoder. Bob, WB4APR

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QSP
by John Hackett 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

>From EA6VQ via LA2QAA. A group of 4 operators will be operating as AO1EME from IN70qk on 2-5 september. The main goal will be EME on 144 MHz, but we'll also have a 70cm. 20 el. cross yagi and we'll be operating the satellites when there is no Moon and time permits. For more information, operation status, on-line logs, etc please visit http://www.vhfdx.info/burguillo.html 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ P.S: I'm having problems posting this information to the Amsat-BB mailing list. Could someone please forward this info to that list too?

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Operation from IN70
by Gabriel - EA6VQ 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

A group of 4 operators will be operating as AO1EME from IN70qk on 2-5 september. The main goal will be EME on 144 MHz, but we'll also have a 70cm. 20 el. cross yagi and we'll be operating the satellite when there is no Moon and time permits. For more information, operation status, on-line logs, etc please visit http://www.vhfdx.info/burguillo.html 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ

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Re: Posting to BB
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Hi Tom, The "LVB Tracker Box" designed by Howard Long has a very good reputation and will work well with SatPC32 and other software. It is available in kit form in various options or ready built from Amsat. It also has either a serial port or USB port option. You will need to download a driver for the USB version from the site mentioned in the intructions. Both the Amsat NA and Amsat -UK have published information about its use in their journals and web pages. Good Luck Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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Fw: Fw: Lighthouse/Lightship Special Event 8/21-8/22
by Peter Portanova 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

The website for QSL's cards is www.gsbarc.org 73- Pete WB2OQQ

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AO-7 Point to ponder.
by John Hackett 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

AO-7 has now operated longer this second time around ... (compared to the first time from the 1974 era). Details on the AO-7 Resource Page. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Fw: Lighthouse/Lightship Special Event 8/21-8/22
by Peter Portanova 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Hello, On behalf of the Great South Bay Amateur Club, I want to thank all the terrific satellite operators who participated in Lighthouse/Lightship weekend, with the W2GSB/LH call. We made a total of 63 contacts, 15 States and two countries on FM. I had a terrific time in spite of the occasional rain and wind, we had good crowds on some of the passes that were in awe of a small antenna and radio talking in space, thank you very much, pictures will be in a future Amsat journal showing this beautiful location. The event under the leadership of our President, W2HCB, John, a satellite convert, was fun for all.. If you want a very nice QSL of your contact, go to www.gsbarc.orf, for mailing information. 73- Pete WB2OQQ

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AMSAT at the NASM (Hispanic Heritage Month) - October 16, 2010, First call for volunteers
by Samudra Haque 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Hello AMSAT-NA and others, if you are interested in volunteering for AMSAT outreach activities, please consider the following event that is being organized by the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. The last event at the NASM was Space Day, which included a live ARISS contact and AMSAT display stands with a variety of equipment and presentations. Event: Hispanic Heritage Month Family day—Argentina in Air and Space Location: National Air and Space Museum Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010 Time: 10 AM – 3 PM I am volunteering to organize AMSAT's participation for the event. Please contact me through e-mail if you are interested and able to participate in any form. I will need to know: * Can you volunteer any exhibition/display resources (pictures, posters, etc.) ? * Can you volunteer your time on October 16, 2010 for any portion? * Can you provide any presentation materials relevant to Argentina in Air and Space? * Will you require transportation? etc. etc. Additional info from NASM: NASM is looking for AMSAT members who would be interested in talking to the visitors about satellites. Because the focus of the day is Argentina, we are particularly interested in people with expertise in Argentinean satellites. Bonus points for members how can discuss Pehuensat-1 because Pablo de Leon, who was the payload manager, will be a featured speaker at the event. Expectations: AMSAT members would set-up tables with equipment, posters, and other items of interest to visitors. These tables would be staffed throughout the day by AMSAT members. You are welcome to volunteer for a couple of hours or the whole day. Free parking will be provided all, and lunch will be provided for people who volunteer the whole day. This event will celebrate both the centennial and bicentennial of Argentina. For the centennial celebration we will focus on Jorge Newberry and lighter than air. For the bicentennial (which is this year) the focus will be on Argentina’s accomplishments in space. The linchpin of this portion of the program will be Pablo de Leon. He has been involved with a number of projects for the NASA and CONAE. Based on his accomplishments a special feature will focus on space suit design, development and production—ILC Dover has agreed to bring some of the people who make the actual suits. I have already outlined some of his involvement in satellites. In addition to that, CONAE is sending a large model of the SAC-D satellite and I am hopeful to have some the Aquarius team involved as well. 73 de N3RDX Samudra Haque Alexandria, VA 22310 (202) 812-3325 samudra.haque(a)gmail.com

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AO-7 N. Europe
by Bob- W7LRD 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Hello Northern Europe-At 1836Z you will have a short window to CN87 (Seattle Wa.) on AO-7. I will be there. 73 Bob W7LRD CN87wk Seattle, Wa.

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SD/MN GRIDS
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

We are on the ground in Minneapolis in en34 and enroute to EN14 this afternoon. The plan is to be active on the FM birds along the way. KO4MA/0 Sent from my iPhone

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Any recent (last 2-3 years) purchaser of the M2 PS-70CM (Circular Polarization Kit)
by Alan P. Biddle 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Hi, If you have purchased this kit, or for that matter, any of the M2 satellite antennas, do you have assembly drawings dated later than 2000? About 4 years ago I had to call M2 since the instructions, last updated in 2000, were incorrect for the 436CP42UG version. The support guy promised me he would get right on it. I was wondering if they have shipped updated ones. If so, drop me a note off list. TNX es 73s, Alan WA4SCA ----------------------------------- Who is John Galt?

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mode switch
by Bob- W7LRD 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

FYI- I noted a mode switch from A to B at 2314Z. Anyone know why the switch time can change every once in awhile. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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MORE POWER !!! EGON ...
by John Hackett 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

To whom it may concern, A lot of the experienced satellite operarors will recall Jan King VK3GEY / W3GEY as the project manager for AO-7, consequently, here probably isn't a better authority on the grand old Lady. A few years ago GM1SXX and myself were in contact with Jan after I'd discovered and catalogued the operation of the mode timer - and noted the fact that it wasn't as described in the 1974 Amsat newsletter. After it's resurrection and for several years thereafter I took an active interest in this veritable old girl but eventually moved over to HO-68. Due to moving into an old people's facility where aerials are not allowed I had no choice other than to 'bin' the satellite array and disguise a chopped down version as a TV (!) aerial on a small rotor. Unfortunately, I was limited to 200mW so as not to interfere with the digital TV decoders installed in the rooms. 200mW was adequate on HO-68. however, due to the FM mentality promoted by Amsat, the uplink power on the other satellites has been increasing ... particularly by the newcomers - who apparently, and mistakenly, think that high power is necessary. It's *NOT* ... nor is an EME class aerial array necessary to work LEO satellites. Ditto circular polarisation. FACT: polarisation is *ONLY* circular along the boresight of an aerial. High power is detremental to space bourne transponders - think power budget - causing among other things, FM'ing. For the 'details', please read up on the subject. A positive mine of information can be found on the AO-7 Resource Page - (which I stopped administering several years ago) - or ask an experienced operator to explain why! high power is detremental - (power sharing on a linear transponder or 'hogging' it on FM). As mentioned, Jan King is probably the foremost authority on AO-7. I'd like to quote a couple of his comments ... * Jan King, W3GEY notes that AO-7 had (has?) a very sensitive receiver and a good uplink antenna. 5 watts EIRP should provide a good downlink. Amplifiers are not required for the uplink. * Excessive uplink power may be cause FMing of the transponder and may be causing the input voltage to the regulator that provides 6D to fluctuate causing all telemetry to be bad. Jan also explains - (on the AO-7 resource Page) - how to determine when the telemetry is valid - (and when it''s not). Serious operators take the trouble to read the recommended operating proceedures. Finally, a reminder ... (repeated annually). The Resource Page log was always meant as an ACTIVITY log - not! a competition. Mistakes that are not rectified make the statistics, over time, invalid. One can correct one's own mistakes by clicking on the spyglass to the left of the log entry ... and follow the onscreen instructions. The editing facility has*ALWAYS* been there - (but many people don't use it). Please do *NOT* make several entries for the same pass unless you work more than eight (8) stations on a particular pass. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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BEESAT
by Vincenzo Mone 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

Hi folks, i would like to know what do i need to listen the BEESAT bird. Thanks. 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ********************************** ******* GSM +39 338 9749786 ******* ****** SMS +39 338 9749786 ****** ***** FAX +39 328 7244294 ***** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** *********************************

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AO-51 update 23 August 2010, Plan B
by Mark L. Hammond 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

Hello All, Well, so much for the theoretical :) AO-51 isn't quite out of eclipses yet. Therefore, continuos operation of the 435.150 digital transmitter will be postponed a few more days until we get some baseline telemetry data and figure out how much power is actually available. You can expect the 435.300 v/u voice repeater to remain ON at reasonable power, but unexpected shutdowns may occur as we adjust the spacecraft's power budget during the transition from eclipses to full sunlight. It is likely that early morning operators over the east coast of the US will find the bird with only the digital transmitter on at 435.150 for part of the pass so I can collect telemetry. Thanks for your patience and for your reports! 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Danish-built Amateur Rocket Scheduled For Launch
by B J 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/838761-danish-plan-to-launch-space-mission http://www.copenhagensuborbitals.com/index.php 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL

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Doppler corrected frequencies for ISS, AO-27, SO-67, AO-51 & HO-68?
by vtnn43e＠comcast.net 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

I would like to get started on the FM satellites using my Kenwood TH-G71A that I now own and an Arrow 146/437- 10W BP antenna that I will purchase in the very near future. Since I would like to program the frequencies for those satellites in my HT can anyone tell me what the frequencies should be for the passes on average including the Doppler correction? For instance what should the up and down frequency be for the AOS, TCA and TOS of each pass including the Doppler correction? 73 Zack N8FNR

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AO-51 update 22 August 2010
by Mark L. Hammond 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

Hello All, According to projections, the next 100% illumination period for AO-51 has begun. Hopefully for the next week or two we can run both transmitters ON at reasonable power. The PL tone isn't needed (and hasn't been for the last few weeks). FM Digital PBBS, U Uplink: N/A Downlink: 435.150 Mhz FM FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 Mhz FM Downlink: 435.300 Mhz FM Even though AO-51 "sees sunlight" all the time, it doesn't "see" the sun equally throughout an orbit. So, we are going to keep the power management software running in hopes that we can optimize the transmitter power output and keep the battery temperatures down. The way it is currently configured, AO-51 can run in one of three states, depending on available battery power: 1) HIGH 435.300 at 550 mW and 435.150 at 420 mW 2) MEDIUM 435.300 at 420 mW and 435.150 at 300 mW 3) LOW which currently sets both transmitters effectively to OFF It is very likely that users will see the transmitter power going up and down some as the battery voltage goes up and down. We hope it's not too often, and adjustments will be made after collecting some telemetry over the next few days. Our goal has always been to keep it ON and useable as much as possible, and we'll do our best to continue that tradition. Activity reports over the next few weeks to http://oscar.dcarr.org/ (or to me at n8mh AT amsat.org if Ao-51 appears to be OFF) will be very much appreciated. And finally--telemetry files (KISS format preferred) from around the world will be greatly appreciated for the next few weeks! On behalf of the AO-51 Command Team, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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K8YSE EN58
by kladuke1144＠msn.com 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

All, John, K8YSE will be operating FM birds on Friday from Isle Royale. He plans on activating EN58 and possibly EN57. He will be portable and on FM birds only. He said he plans to be back on the road Tuesday and continue his trip. 73 WC7V Kerry

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ANS-234 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-234 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * Election Reminder * ARRISSat-1 Update * Symposium Call for Papers * AO-51 Update * ARISS STATUS * Satellite Shorts SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-234.01 Election Reminder AMSAT News Service Bulletin 234.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 22, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-234.01 Just another nag that the AMSAT election for members of the Board of Directors is in progress. The end of the summer, and the start of school is upon us. Still, if you haven't gotten around to it, take a few minutes to vote. The deadline will be here in a month. Obviously it is important as a member to vote, but it is also important for Board members to receive your input in this way. 73s, Alan Biddle WA4SCA AMSAT Corporate Secretary [ANS Thanks Alan, WA4SCA, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-234.02 ARISSat-1 Update AMSAT News Service Bulletin 234.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 22, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-234.02 ARISSat-1 update We are now manifested on Progress 41P to get ARISSat to the ISS. The current timeline has the launch in January 2011. Four ARISSat satellites have been assembled in Orlando. The two Russian flight units are assembled, electronics are undergoing operational tests, software is close to being the final version and we expect to have the satellite complete and ready for vibration tests next week. We don't have a date for the vibration test yet, but are working to get one in the next few weeks. NASA has been very instrumental in getting us an export license, arranging for transportation to Russia and helping clarify how the satellite will be attached to the Progress vessel. We plan on shipping the two satellites to Russia in September, to give them time to install the Kursk experiment, test their battery with the satellite and do additional tests before shipping to Baikonur for launch. Gould, WA4SXM AMSAT ARISSat-1 Project Manager [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-234.03 Symposium Call for Papers AMSAT News Service Bulletin 234.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 22, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-234.03 Reminder: Symposium Call For Papers Deadline is Coming It's already August 1 and the September 1 deadline of the call for papers for the 2010 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Meeting is approaching faster than ever! The abstracts and some completed papers have arrived - thank you. For everyone else - we need to get busier ... please! The abstract for your paper does not require any special format. Simply send an e-mail to the Proceedings Editor, K9JKM with the basic information: Author Name, Callsign, and a few sentences that describe your proposed topic. I'll be looking forward to receiving your abstracts in my in-box at k9jkm(a)comcast.net. The Symposium Committee invites proposals for: + Papers for publication in the Proceedings + Symposium Presentations + Poster Presentations + Equipment and Operating Demonstrations These can be on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy submitted by September 1, 2010 for inclusion in the printed proceedings. To help you prepare your paper the Symposium Committee has posted an author's guide on the AMSAT.org web page: http://tinyurl.com/2djjnmx The 2010 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Meeting will be held October 8 - 10 at the Chicago/Elk Grove Holiday Inn which is near O'Hare Airport. [ANS thanks the 2010 Symposium Committee for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-234.04 AO-51 Update AMSAT News Service Bulletin 234.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 22, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-234.04 Eclipses Cause Short Term Changes to AO-51 Schedule AO-51 Command Team member, Mark N8MH noted this week that AO-51 is still in eclipses until the last week of August. The satellite will be back in 100% sun until the end of December after this time. That means the Command Team should be able keep AO-51 transmitting all the time. In fact, they will need to do this in order to keep temp- eratures down! In recent days the Command Team had to resort to shutting down the voice repeater in order to grab some telemetry files from the bird. This was very important as we are nearing the end of the eclipse period and was a unique opportunity to collect good data for current use and for future reference for AO-51 Operations. Recently AO-51 has been automatically turning itself OFF and back ON because of the power budget. Users see this more often as it first comes out of eclipse and as it begins to enter eclipse. The Command Team will continue to fine tune this, but the goal is to keep AO-51 transmitting when there is enough power--without having the bird shutdown until manually commanded back ON by one of the command team members. Starting January 2011, we won't see much of a break from the eclipse periods for a long, long time (there is one short window of full sun, but it's about 2 weeks long in late Feb/early March 2011). The com- mand team has been using the recent eclipse period to learn how to become more efficient in the use of the power management code on board. This allows us to get the most "bang for the buck" out of the available power. It's pretty complex and versatile. We've learned a tremen- dous amount this eclipse period, but still have more to learn in the future. [ANS thanks AO-51 Command Team member, Mark N8MH for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-234.05 ARISS Status Report AMSAT News Service Bulletin 234.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 16, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-234.05 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with the DaVinci Science Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Center has integrated this activity into its Summer Camp Program for 2010. Students have learned about space through lessons from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Education Office and Astronaut Terry Hart is expected to give presentations. The Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club has provided instruction on Amateur Radio, how it works, what it is and its uses, how the ARISS radio systems work, the international ham radio team, satellite tracking, radio wave propagation and the organizations that sponsor ARISS. The club will also provide VHF demonstrations and multi-media presentations to the group which will enhance the center's 200 hands-on exhibits that promote the understanding of science and technology. Due to ISS Problems, This has been postponed, however, keep informed as this can change before this ANS is published. 2. QST Covers ARISS The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) September issue of QST carried an item in the "Inside HQ" column about how NASA ISS crew members participated in one or more ARISS educational activities per week during the first half of 2010. The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000. 3. ISS Ham Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session has been scheduled with Expedition 22/23 astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP on Tuesday, August 17. The feedback provided on the radio system and school contacts will help the ARISS program update its operations. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-234.06 Satellite Shorts AMSAT News Service Bulletin 234.06 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 22, 2010 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-234.06 SA-AMSAT Reports Plans for Sumbandilasat SO-67 Return to Service South Africa AMSAT (SA-AMSAT) is slowly adding additional operational time for Sumbandilasat SO-67. On their web page they report that the ground control station will start slowly with the amateur payload and observe if the satellite remains stable and then gradually add more operating time. The current SO-67 schedule for operations over South Africa and Europe can be found on their web page at: http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ The PTT of the transmitter now STAYS ON for the duration of the payload activation (i.e. 15 min), regardless of a valid "transponder" tone received. Please leave a 3 second gap between overs. -------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Awards AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO says congratulations are in order for these stations earning AMSAT awards during July and August. The following have entered into the Satellite Communicators Club for making their first satellite QSO. George Jounakros, K2KVI Johnathon Ballard, KI4UKF Stephen Ponder, N5WBI Bob Herrell, AJ5C Jason Brisco, N5NBJ The following have earned the AMSAT Communications Achievement Award. Stephen Rish, K8SAR #516 The following have earned the South Africa AMSAT Communications Achievement Award John Neeley, W6ZKH #US148 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org -------------------------------------------------------------------- Japan's Venus Mission Getting Close The mission that launched UNITEC-1, Amateur Radio's first inter- planetary probe, the Venus Climate Orbiter also known as Akatsuki remains healthy and is nearing the planet. The 5.8 GHz amateur radio beacon from UNITEC-1 was last heard only two days outbound from Earth. Akatsuki, bristling with cameras, will circle the exotic planet's equator in an elliptical orbit for at least 2 years, monitoring the atmosphere at different altitudes using various wavelengths (IR, UV, and visible). With this data and data from the spacecraft's radio dish, scientists will reconstruct a 3D model of the atmosphere's structure and dynamics. The instruments will also scrutinize the planet's surface for volcanic activity. In addition, Akatsuki's Lightning and Airglow Camera will hunt for lightning in order to settle a longstanding debate about how is Venusian lightning generated in a dry atmosphere? The full story can be found on-line at NASA Science News http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/16aug_vco/ [ANS thanks Everyone for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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IC-9100 + CubeSat Propulsion Videos
by Trevor . 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

A video of the IC-9100 from the Tokyo Ham Fair is at http://www.southgatearc.org/news/august2010/tokyo_ham_fair.htm Plasma electrolysis of water to produce thrust for nano satellites are at: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/august2010/cubesat_propulsion.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA

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SO-67 over Europe a possible mistake 22 August
by Ib Christoffersen 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

Hi Europeans, There is a mistake on the SA-AMSAT page about today. The active passes are probably: 0850 1024 1802 The times given on the homepage look like 21 August passes. Have a nice Sunday. 73 OZ1MY Ib

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HO-68 Schedule -22-29 Aug 2010
by Alan Kung 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

UTC: 22 Aug 2010 ================================ 16:25...Turn On--CW/SSB India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 17:10...Turn Off 18:15...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 19:00...Turn Off 19:40...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 20:25...Turn Off 23 Aug 2010 ================================ 00:05...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 00:50...Turn Off 02:01...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:16...Turn Off 10:15...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,East Asia, Oceania 11:00...Turn Off 16:10...Turn On--CW/SSB India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 16:55...Turn Off 22:00...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,East Asia, Oceania 22:45...Turn Off 24 Aug 2010 ================================ 00:00...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 00:45...Turn Off 01:40...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 02:25...Turn Off 10:00...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe 10:45...Turn Off 12:40...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 13:25...Turn Off 16:00...Turn On--CW/SSB India,Middle East,Europe,NA 16:45...Turn Off 23:30...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,East Asia, Oceania 24:15...Turn Off 25 Aug 2010 ================================= 01:29...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:45...Turn Off 11:50...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,East Asia,North Asia 12:02...Turn Off 12:20...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 13:05...Turn Off 17:25...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,NA 18:02...Turn Off 23:15...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 24:00...Turn Off 26 Aug 2010 ================================= 01:05...Turn On--CW/SSB Asia,Oceania 01:50...Turn Off 06:30...Turn On--CW/SSB Middle East,India,Africa 07:15...Turn Off 11:10...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:55...Turn Off 12:00...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 12:45...Turn Off 17:10...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:55...Turn Off 18:35...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,NA 19:20...Turn Off 23:00...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 23:45...Turn Off 27 Aug 2010 ================================ 02:41...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:57...Turn Off 10:55...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:40...Turn Off 11:50...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 12:35...Turn Off 16:50...Turn On--CW/SSB India,Africa,Europe,NA 17:35...Turn Off 22:40...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,Africa,NA, Europe,North Asia,East Asia 23:25...Turn Off 28 Aug 2010 ================================ 00:30...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 01:15...Turn Off 02:29...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:44...Turn Off 10:40...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 11:25...Turn Off 13:20...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 14:05...Turn Off 16:35...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,NA 17:20...Turn Off 22:25...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 23:10...Turn Off 29 Aug 2010 ================================ 00:10...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,East Asia, South Asia,Oceania 01:55...Turn Off 02:10...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:25...Turn Off 05:40...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,Europe,Africa 06:25...Turn Off 13:00...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 13:45...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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AO-27
by Bob Herrell 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

Hi all, What's with this horrendous carrier on AO-27? Is it deliberate? Any ideas? 73, Bob Herrell - AJ5C EM36 Arkansas __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5384 (20100821) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com

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TS2000 on FM satellites
by John Geiger 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

When the TS2000 is in satellite mode, is there a way to make the step sizes on FM smaller than 5khz? 73s JOhn AA5JG

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CORRECTION Plans needed for dual band coat hanger antenna, Handheld antenna for vhf/uhf satellite use made from coat hangers.
by William Rafus 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

CORRECTION Plans needed for dual band coat hanger antenna,Handheld antenna for vhf/uhf satellite use made from coat hangers.Please reply to kd4frb at amsat. 73'S Bill AC South Florida -- kd4frb(a)amsat.org

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My Satscape is broken
by Dobarrows 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

I found that my Satscape program would not launch this morning. Something about a launch file problem. Same result on both my mac os x 10.6 machines. Anyone else having trouble? Dave W8IJ

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2 meter CP yagi tunning.
by Louis House, KD5GM 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

I have a 2 meter cross polarized yagi array. Not sure of the make, possibly a Cushcraft. The driven elements are folded dipoles and the measured SWR is currently 1.5:1 (most resonant) at the uplink frequencies for the birds. Since there is no mechanical matching device, how does one tune for the lowest SWR?? The coaxial baluns and the antenna are in good condition and look to be original, The matching transformer is a small barrel type and is also in good condition. Certainly the !.5:1 SWR is usable and with a preamp signals will be good most of the time. But the current value is like a Nat.. it bugs me. Any assistance or direction to other documentation ( exhausted the web) would be much appreciated. Off the BBS replies will be fine as it will keep the daily listings shorter. Thanks, kd5gm(a)amsat.org LOUIS, KD5GM in EL29kq CW, The original digital mode AMSAT #37061, Member ARRL, B-VARC LIFE Member A-1 Operator, ARRL VE, ARRL PSH, FIST #3606

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Roadtrip to CN70
by John Neeley 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

I will be leaving CN81 tomorrow morning and heading for CN70 grid for a day or two. CN70 doesnt have much landmass, so suspect it is a rare grid? Sofar passes havent favored anything to the east, due to the time the birds are within range of me..too darn early in am. Here in CN81 I am surrounded by large Pine trees, so paths havent been that good either, so hopefully along the beaches of CN70 I'll have more of an open shot, without hitting any Sea Gulls. John W6ZKH

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Help needed
by santanaamt＠aol.com 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

Good morning all! Was approached via e-mail for some help from a local university: the person explained to me that there is a sort of CubeSat local project on the works (now on design) and he wanted to know how to make an antenna system for VHF/UHF for the sat. It's measurements is 4x4x4. Can write to me off the reflector. Thanks in advance, Angel Santana - WP3GW

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Satscape Problem
by Guy Brauning 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

Thanks to all who responded to my post about Satscape JAVA version not working on 8/20/10. The problem was in line with what some suggested.. Java Version 6 Update 21 will not "Launch" the Satscape application. (That Java version was installed in an update last night, 8/19/20... So I didn't see the conflict until I attempted to open Satscape today, 8/20/10) I reverted Java to the Version 6 Update 20 and re-installed Satscape on both a Vista 64 bit machine and an XP machine... Both are once again running Satscape. Thanks again. Guy N3SCR guyjeanbraun(a)comcast.net

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One month on the birds
by Rick Tejera 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

All, Just a quick note. I noticed that one month ago I made my first contact on Satellites (W6AJP on AO51). Since then I've made 50 contacts, including 3 Countries, 11 States and 33 Grids. I want to thank everyone who worked me for their patience while I learn the ropes. I've been having a lot of fun with this and hope to work a lot more of you in the future. 73 Clear Skies Rick Tejera Editor SACnews, Public Outreach Coordinator Saguaro Astronomy Club Phoenix, Arizona www.saguaroastro.org <http://www.saguaroastro.org/> saguaroastro(a)cox.net K7TEJ

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Lighthouse/Lightship Special Event 8/21-8/22
by Peter Portanova 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

Hello, Almost 300 lighthouses in more than 40 countries will be on the air for the 2010 International Lighthouse/Lightship weekend, 8/21- 8/22. The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club will be operating, on HF and satellite, from the historic Fire Island Lighthouse located on Fire Island, New York, FN 30. The call used will be W2GSB/LH, for more information, www.gsbarc.org. For more info about the Fire Island Lighthouse visit http://www.fireislandlighthouse.com/ We will begin our satellite activities around 11:00 AM, Saturday and work as many FM passes to 6:00 PM each day. QSL: W2GSB/LH, PO Box 1356, West Babylon, NY 11704. 73's Pete WB2OQQ www.massapequanyweather.com

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Re: Satscape Problem
by Zachary Beougher 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

I have got the same issues here - it starts to load and then says "unable to launch application". Maybe just give it a few days and it will clear up. I very rarely use Satscape.... I am hooked on Orbitron. It seems to be a bit more user-friendly. 73, Zack KD8KSN EN80sd

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Aqua Satellite Watching Earth
by Clint Bradford 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

The fires in Brazil - captured by NASA's Aqua satellite ... http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=45349 Clint, K6LCS

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Satscape Problem
by Guy Brauning 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

Is anyone who uses Satscape to track the satellites having problems getting the program to "launch" on 8/20/10? The program ran fine on 8/19/10 but I can't get it to run today. When JAVA starts up I get the following message "Unable to launch the application". My JAVA is up to date and my internet connection is up and running just fine. I tried re-installing both Satscape and JAVA with no luck. I don't like Orbitron and I can't get Gpredict to run after downloading the binary windows version (I get a .dll file error even though the specified .dll file is present). Any other suggestions for "FREE" tracking software? I do not need rotor or rig control... Just basic satellite prediction. (My e-mail is guyjeanbraun(a)comcast.net) Thanks, Guy N3SCR

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Plans needed for dual band coat hanger antenna
by William Rafus 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

Plans needed for dual band coat hanger antenna,please send to kd4frb at amsat. 73's Bill AC South Florida -- kd4frb(a)amsat.org

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huntsville ham fest
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

W5KUB web cam coverage of the Huntsville Hamfest with online prize drawings You may see some of the satellite guys live tomorrow http://w5kub.com/ WA4HFN Damon

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Ops from CM86 / CM96 - 20 August
by Glenn AA5PK 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

Good evening, all, from Monterey, CA (CM96AO). Tomorrow I'll be up the road in Santa Cruz (CM86XX) to work a few of the FM passes those who need it. I plan to work the following: HO-68 at 1715Z AO-27 at 2013Z AO-27 at 2153Z AO-51 at 1552Z. I may still be in CM86 for the 0028Z pass of AO-51 or I may be back in CM96. Anyone who works me from either CM86 or CM86 and needs a QSL, please e-mail me with the QSO details and I'll drop a card in the mail to you. No SASE or reply needed. 73 de Glenn AA5PK/p (returning Saturday to the heat in DM91)

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Mini Grid Expeditions CP39-CP28
by John Boudreau 19 Aug '10

19 Aug '10

I'll be travelling tomorrow (Aug 17) to Tuktoyaktuk, NT and will be active on the following passes as VE8EV/P from CP39 : Time-On Time-Off Satellite Coverage Area 1620z 1635z HO-68 Europe, North America 1808z 1826z HO-68 Europe, North America 2138z 2152z AO-51 North America and then on Thursday (Aug 19) to Aklavik, NT in CP28: 1734z 1752z HO-68 Europe, North America 1923z 1930z HO-68 Europe 2111z 2120z HO-68 Europe 2159z 2212z AO-51 North America 2336z 2351z AO-51 North America 0130z 0141z AO-51 North America 73 John - VE8EV

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mini-vacation to CN81
by John Neeley 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

I am in CN81 from today until the 24.....unless we get bored and move. No idea as to sat sked, just will be hit and miss. 73 de John W6ZKH CN81 McCloud, CA

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Flights to Chicago for AMSAT Symposium
by Martha 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

For those in the greater Washington Area: Round trip (non-stop) from National Airport to O'Hare on American Airlines is $219. That includes fees and taxes. -- 73- Martha

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Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net Thursday Aug.19 At 8 PM EST On Echolink N2EYH-L
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

Hello again everyone. It's time again for the HVSG Net on Thursday August 19 at 8 PM EST on N2EYH-L Echolink and on the MT Beacon repeater 146.970 pl 100. Please join us for the net. I would like to thank all of you who listened in on Echolink for the last net. Hope to hear you there. 73 Gary/WA2AQH

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looking for information on amplifiers from Watkin-Johnson
by Matthias Bopp 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

Hello, I am looking for any information on the following amplifiers: 1.) Watkin-Johnson WJ-6615-512 P1 (GaAs FET Amplifier), frequency range marked on encasing is 1.0-2.6 GHz 2.) Watkin-Johnson WJ-738-3 (Low Noise Solid State Amplifier), frequency range marked on encasing is 0.5-1.0 GHz Both amplifiers have 110V AC power supplies attached to them. As I live in Germany and we have 220V mains I would like to modify them and operate them from a DC voltage. However I do not know the needed DC supply voltage nor the necessary polarity. Any information is highly appreciated, especially a data sheet. Many thanks in advance for any help and best 55&73 from Germany Matthias www.dd1us.de <http://www.dd1us.de/>

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AO-51 update 18 August 2010 Re: AO-51 Down
by Mark L. Hammond 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

Rick, Thanks for your note--it's not really down. Please refer to: http://oscar.dcarr.org/ I had intended to do a more complete update later, but here's the quick version. 1) AO-51 is still in eclipses for the next 4-5 days. Soon we'll be back in 100% sun (until the end of December.) That means within the next several days we should be able to keep AO-51 transmitting all the time. In fact, we'll need to in order to keep temperatures down! 2) In recent days I've had to resort to shutting down the voice repeater in order to grab some telemetry files from the bird. This is very important as we are nearing the end of the eclipse period and we want some good data for current use and for future reference. We keep the voice repeater shutdowns to a minimum and try to do it during the AM passes over the eastern US. But they are necessary at this time. Sorry for any inconvenience. 3) Currently AO-51 has been automatically turning itself OFF and back ON because of the power budget. You'll see this more often as it first comes out of eclipse and as it begins to enter eclipse. We continue to fine tune this, but our goal is to keep it transmitting when there is enough power--without having the bird shutdown until manually commanded back ON by one of the command team members. 4) Come January, we won't see much of a break from the eclipse periods for a long, long time (there is one short window of full sun, but it's about 2 weeks long in late Feb/early March 2011). The command team has been using the recent eclipse period to learn how to become more efficient in the use of the power management code on board. This allows us to get the most "bang for the buck" out of the available power. It's pretty complex and versatile. We've learned a tremendous amount this eclipse period, but still have more to learn in the future. And there will be a future for AO-51 :) I hope that helps to reassure you...that is my goal! 73, Mark N8MH AO-51 Command Team member On Wed, Aug 18, 2010 at 8:19 AM, Rick - WA4NVM <wa4nvm(a)comcast.net> wrote: > GM All, > > I haven't seen any post about AO-51 shutting down during it's last pass. We all hope > it's a fast fix. Good luck to the control team. > > 73 all, > > Rick WA4NVM > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Re: AO-51 Down
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

I did lose it on the 09:34 UTC pass this morning, just thought the cable for the Elk finally failed. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID On Aug 18, 2010 8:33 AM, "Rick - WA4NVM" <wa4nvm(a)comcast.net> wrote: GM All, I haven't seen any post about AO-51 shutting down during it's last pass. We all hope it's a fast fix. Good luck to the control team. 73 all, Rick WA4NVM _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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AO-51 Down
by Rick - WA4NVM 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

GM All, I haven't seen any post about AO-51 shutting down during it's last pass. We all hope it's a fast fix. Good luck to the control team. 73 all, Rick WA4NVM

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