- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

AO-51 Status and Mode
by Patrick Farcon 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

Hello all! I have not been able to work many passes lately due to schedule at work but the last two early morning passes that were very good I have not been able to pick up the satellite at all. Is the satellite not in V/U mode? I was just wondering if others are seeing the same thing. Thanks to all the ground operations team members that keep the satellite in check and to all that I have met on the satellites! It has been a great new facet to the hobby for me! Pat N2VYT FN20un

3 3

AO-51 back on
by Andrew Glasbrenner 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

We are completely reloaded and operational, in about 24 hours. 145.92/435.3 repeater is running with 67 Hz tone required to activate, and will stay on for 2 minutes at a time. Output is 740 mw and subject to change. We may have to adjust some other settings over the next day or two. Please use the webpage at http://oscar.dcarr.org/ to post reports. For some reason very few US stations use this. Please do as it is impossible for us to listen to every pass. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Ops

1 0

Re: AO27/TS2000
by Edward R. Cole 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

That may be because the source of the birdie is near the radio and not necessarily coming from the radio (e.g. nearby computers). The FT-847 is famous for its internal birdies, but they are either gone or diminished when I connect my eme antenna with tower-top preamp. Some do not disappear so are probably being radiated from the neighborhood. A good test is to terminate the radio with a dummy load and see what birdies remain (most likely are internally produced in the radio). Then connect the antenna with preamp and see how many go away or are greatly reduced. And see how many new ones show up! a preamp can generate birdies from intermodulation products or self-oscillation. So saying, RF is a messy business. ;-) When I point the 2m eme array at 70-mi distant Anchorage the noise floor rises (slightly). It drops if I swing in azimuth or raise above 10-degrees elevation. In character the noise is not exactly white noise but has a faint line-noise sound. Cities have a lot of lines. ;-) 73, Ed PS: I am going to be interested to observe how many birdies my Elecraft K3+DEMI 144/28 xvtr combo produce compared with the FT-847 on 144 (144-144.030 is unusable due to birdies) At 12:11 PM 7/31/2010, Bruce Robertson wrote: >To improve the birdie issue on the TS-2000, be sure to keep your >antennas well away from the radio. I found the birdie less serious >recently, now that my antennas are 100' away. > >73, Bruce >VE9QRP > >On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 4:28 PM, i8cvs <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> wrote: > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: <wa4hfn(a)comcast.net> > > To: "AMSAT" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 8:45 PM > > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO27/TS2000 > >> > >> > >> Just installed a preamp Ar2 { Advance Reciever Research) M# MSP432DG-160 > > and the birdy that the TS2000 has on AO27 recieve is now gone and > I was able > > to hear the bird from start of the pass to the end.Why ,I do not know, but > > the preamp seems to kill the birdy . Has anyone found this to be the same. > >> > >> WA4HFN Damon > >> _______________________________________________ > > > > Hi Damon, WA4HFN > > > > The pramplifier "seems" to kill the birdy because the preamplifier gain is > > very high and so the birdy is belove the noise introduced by the > > preamplifier itself. > > > > I guess that without any signal on the band your S meter reading is well > > above S-9 only because of the preamplifier noise that is apparently killing > > the birdy. > > > > If you reduce the gain of your preamplifier to get an S-meter > reading of say > > S-1 or S-2 without any signal on the band then the birdy will appear again. > > > > Best 73" de > > > > i8CVS Domenico > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > >-- >http://ve9qrp.blogspot.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 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

1 0

AO27/TS2000
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

Just installed a preamp Ar2 { Advance Reciever Research) M# MSP432DG-160 and the birdy that the TS2000 has on AO27 recieve is now gone and I was able to hear the bird from start of the pass to the end.Why ,I do not know, but the preamp seems to kill the birdy . Has anyone found this to be the same. WA4HFN Damon

4 3

AO27 demo @ 2122 UTC today
by Patrick STODDARD 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

Hi! I will give a quick satellite demonstration to some local hams here in Mexicali (DM22go) during the next AO27 pass at 2122 UTC this afternoon. Please give XE2/WD9EWK a call if you are on that pass. Thanks in advance, and 73! Patrick XE2/WD9EWK - Mexicali, Baja California (Mexico) http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

Re; Homebrew Polarity Switch
by Daniel "Nick" Kucij 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

> If anyone can point me in the right direction to find this item I > would > appreciate it. Additionally, if it is something that I could > fabricate and > there is good info available online, please forward any appropriate > links to > me. > > David, PA3GUO has described a homebrew switch on his website, http://www.pa3guo.com/ Click on Antennas, then scroll to the Polarity Switch button. Nick KB1RVT

3 2

Re: Easycom 2 protocol
by Gordon JC Pearce 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

On Sat, 2010-07-31 at 18:45 +1000, Geoff wrote: > Gordon, > Hamlib doesn't support the Kenwood TS-790. The developer(s) have had a copy > of the external control manual for several years (I sent one). Last time I > checked it still didn't work. > > 73 de Geoff vk2tfg. Okay, so why not add it? Maybe the devs are too busy. The source is right there; it can't be that hard to add it in. Give me a TS-790 to play with, and I'll do it. Eventually. Gordon MM0YEQ

1 1

Easycom 2 protocol
by Stephen E. Belter 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

Gerald, You wrote: "I'm currently implementing a rotator controller (AZ only) for the various low-cost antenna rotators like channel master and want to use the EASYCOM 2 protocol as one of the protocols to implement. Currently the controller works quite well and the YAESU protocol is already implemented. I've only found very basic documentation about easycom 2 on the internet (http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/software/win32/wisp/easycomm.txt) and I would ask you if you can provide more detailed protocol descriptions. "The question is especially regarding the OP command (setting an output with a number to a state ??) as well as the response to empty AZ or EL commands, which may be interpreted as inquiries. Any information would be of great help. "vy 73 de Gerald, oe1hga" You've found the only protocol definition I know about. Does anyone on the BB know of a better specification document for the Easycom 2 protocol? 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter (seb(a)wintek.com) My Desk: 765-269-8521

2 1

Logging Frequencies
by Rick Tejera 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

Thanks to all who answered. Looks like I was doing it right all along. I just designed a new QSL card for SAT Ops. I left space for adding the frequencies with an Up & Down Arrow and also to spot for grids, One for with my home grid and a blank if I work from outside DM33. Patrick (XE2/WD9EWK) is the first to get one. Hope to be sending out a bunch of these 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

2 1

Re: Worked All States Award
by John W Lee 31 Jul '10

31 Jul '10

Congratulations, John! Haven't seen that message on the BBS in a long time. 73, John, K6YK Sat WAS #200. On Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:39:29 -0700 (PDT) John Neeley <w6zkh(a)att.net> writes: > Today in the mail, I received my ARRL W.A.S. Satellite award #320. I > would like > to thank all the ops who I've requested QSL's from over the past > year in helping > me obtain this award, along with all ops I've QSO'd with in general. > > > > Next week am submitting my VUCC cards... > > Look for all on the birds.. > > 73 de John W6ZKH > DM06 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > ____________________________________________________________ Free Credit Score A bad credit score is below 598. Click here to see yours for $0. Checking won't affect your score. By Experian&#174 http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c537e5d661a3c9d9dm02vuc

1 0

RE SwissCube
by Thomas Frey 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

Hello Michael SwissCube is QRV on 437.5032 MHz +- doppler in CW. I've also never heard a FSK signal with Packet Radio like Polysat CP6. -- Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Regards, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA ______________________________________________________________________ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/

1 0

AO-51 software crash
by Andrew Glasbrenner 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

For the second year, in honor of the AMSAT-UK colloquium, AO-51 has decided to have a software crash ;-). I started reloading tonight, and we'll have both coasts uploading tonight. I'll let everyone know when she is back on the air. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

Webcast of AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium this Saturday/Sunday
by Trevor . 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

The 2010 International Space Colloquium, the 25th held by AMSAT-UK, is taking place this weekend at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, England. The presentation by Barry Baines WD4ASW, President AMSAT-NA, is scheduled for 1050 GMT (1150 BST) on Saturday July 31. Watch the Colloquium live during this weekend July 31-Aug 1 at http://www.batc.tv/ - Click on Live Events Weekend Schedule - Times are GMT+1 http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/713/284/ AMSAT-UK publish a color A4 newsletter, OSCAR News, that is full of Amateur Satellite information. Join online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subs_form/ 73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio Email/RSS news: http://www.southgatearc.org/ ----

1 0

Worked All States Award
by John Neeley 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

Today in the mail, I received my ARRL W.A.S. Satellite award #320. I would like to thank all the ops who I've requested QSL's from over the past year in helping me obtain this award, along with all ops I've QSO'd with in general. Next week am submitting my VUCC cards... Look for all on the birds.. 73 de John W6ZKH DM06

1 0

Detroit Maker Faire special event station N8M
by James French 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

Hello Everyone. A group of Amateur Radio clubs here in the Detroit area are going to be hosting a couple of outside booths at the first annual Detroit Maker Faire this weekend - July 31 and August 1. We have procured the special event call sign of N8M for usage during event times of 9:30 am (1330 UTC) to 8:00 pm (0000 UTC) on Saturday and 9:30 am (1330 UTC) to 5:30 pm (2130 UTC) on Sunday. I can not give you details currently on what HF frequencies the station will operate on but we will have Satellite capabilities for most of the FM and SSB satellites during these time frames. We will only have receive capabilities until 1:00 pm (1700 UTC) on Saturday. After that time, we should be able to work almost anyone we hear. Hope to hear and work you this weekend. James W8ISS

1 0

AO-51 Silent?
by John Kopala 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

I did not hear the AO-51 435.300 downlink this morning on either the 12:13 Z or the 13:52 Z passes. Did I mess up or is there a problem with the satellite? The schedule says it is supposed to stay in V/u mode. John Kopala N7JK

2 1

Re: Fwd: Information Request
by DOMINICK INTERDONATO 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

Paul, If you look at the webpage www.ao27.org you will find the schedule of the satellite. It has exact timings for when the satellite is on. Presently, according to the site, it is in the "OFF" mode. Check their sched often since it does change often. 73, Dee, NB2F NJ AMSAT Coordinator On Fri, Jul 30, 2010 at 10:41 AM, Martha wrote: > Would someone help Paul? > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: AMSAT Website <www(a)amsat.org> > Date: Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 4:57 PM > Subject: Information Request > To: martha(a)amsat.org > > > > This message originated from the AMSAT website > > Sender: Paul N0AH Email: AO-27 problems? > Host: 70-57-22-114.hlrn.qwest.net > > Subject: Information Request > > Message: > AO-27 flew right over today, almost on top of our house in DM79 around > 20:45...barely heard our signal crack the SQL....is the bird having > any > recent probelems? We heard just a bit of the noise drop when very very > close > and that is when we thought we could hear our voice but not 100% sure- > are > we off on the split? > > 73 Paul N0AH > DM-79 > SPLIT: > up: 145:850 > down 436.795 > > (end of message) > > > Problems with this message? Email to w2gps(a)amsat.org > > > > -- > 73- Martha > _______________________________________________ > 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

3 2

Fwd: Information Request
by Martha 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

Would someone help Paul? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: AMSAT Website <www(a)amsat.org> Date: Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 4:57 PM Subject: Information Request To: martha(a)amsat.org This message originated from the AMSAT website Sender: Paul N0AH Email: AO-27 problems? Host: 70-57-22-114.hlrn.qwest.net Subject: Information Request Message: AO-27 flew right over today, almost on top of our house in DM79 around 20:45...barely heard our signal crack the SQL....is the bird having any recent probelems? We heard just a bit of the noise drop when very very close and that is when we thought we could hear our voice but not 100% sure- are we off on the split? 73 Paul N0AH DM-79 SPLIT: up: 145:850 down 436.795 (end of message) Problems with this message? Email to w2gps(a)amsat.org -- 73- Martha

1 0

AO-51 off
by Andrew Glasbrenner 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

I tried to restart it this last low pass, with no response, but that's not surprising. Next pass is 5:42PM EDT where I'll try again. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

AO-51 Down
by Rick - WA4NVM 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

Hi All, Anyone have any information on AO-51 being off the air the last two pass over the U.S.? Maybe Drew doesn't know about it yet. 73, Rick WA4NVM

1 0

Bias tee
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

A friend of mine is looking to build a bias tee can somebody point him to a design Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

1 0

Logging Frequencies
by Rick Tejera 30 Jul '10

30 Jul '10

All, A quick question. I've been on the birds about a week now and have started keeping a log and breaking out the QSL cards. So what do enter for the frequency? The uplink or downlink or both? Or nothing since the frequencies are well known (at least on the FM birds). Thank in advance for the answers. Also thank to all who've worked me the past week. It's been fun. 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

3 2

EL SEGUNDO DATE IS AUGUST 17, 2010
by Clint Bradford 29 Jul '10

29 Jul '10

Third time's the charm ... Meeting date is AUGUST 17, 2010 in El Segundo. We'll work AO-51 at 5:45PM-ish, then go inside for the presentation right afterward. We'll be through by 8PM. Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666 P.S. - Do not proofread your own material after spending a sleepless night with as sick cat ... (grin)

1 0

Re: El Segundo CA Joint Meeting
by Clint Bradford 29 Jul '10

29 Jul '10

Meeting date is AUGUST 15 in El Segundo. We'll work AO-51 at 5:45PM-ish, then go inside for the presentation right afterward. We'll be through by 8PM. Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666 P.S. - Do not proofread your own material after spending a sleepless night with as sick cat ... (grin)

1 0

Re: Homebrew Polarity Switch
by Robert Bruninga 29 Jul '10

29 Jul '10

> The diagram calls for a "1/4 > wave 36 ohm transformer" as a part of the circuitry. I'm having some > trouble finding anything like this online. Its two 1/4 wave pieces of RG-59 (75 ohm coax) in parallel... Bob, wb4apr

1 0

AMSAT Press Coverage
by Clint Bradford 29 Jul '10

29 Jul '10

Gordon West and I are working with local newspapers, CQ magazine, and possible television coverage for a demo of working AO-51 at the Orange County Fair (Southern California). Thurs July 29 5:03PM PDT - GMT 0003 07/30/10 Thurs Aug 5 5:24PM PDT - GMT 0024 08/06/10 Sun Aug 8 5:04PM PDT - GMT 0004 08/09/10 Are any of these dates scheduled for NON-V/U mode? We need as much lead time as possible for the media. THANK YOU! Clint Bradford 909-241-7666

2 1

icom 271a all mode VHF 144-148 radio for sale on ebay
by Thomas McGrane 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

Hi folks I have a radio for sale on ebay. If you are interested, have a look. item number; 250673490663 I am only selling to lower 48 states, thanks. pat

1 0

SwissCube
by Michael Chen 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

Hi, guys, I tried to listen to SwissCube's beacon during its pass over China. Neither CW nor FSK was heard on 437.505...Is the beacon working? Michael Chen, BD5RV/4 AMSAT-China: http://www.camsat.cn Email: michael.bd5rv(a)gmail.com MSN: bd5rv(a)jsdxc.org Skype: michael-bd5rv

1 0

Media Alert - Demo August 5
by Clint Bradford 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

Live from the Orange County Fairgrounds and the award-winning amateur radio booth, Gordon West and I are setting up an AMSAT demo / presentation on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 5:45PM PDT. Please send me email for further information. I do not have any parking passes left, sorry! Clint Bradford, K6LCS clint(a)clintbraddford.com 909-241-7666 - cell

1 0

El Segundo CA Joint Meeting
by Clint Bradford 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

AMSAT area coordinator Clint Bradford, K6LCS, will be presenting his 'Working Amateur Satellites With Your HT' multimedia session at a special joint session of the El Segundo, Hughes, and TRW amateur radio clubs. All are welcome to attend - but your RSVP is mandatory! "This is a special date and location that we've worked out in order to accommodate these great clubs," Clint writes. "And we have a tentative pass of satellite AO-51 at 5:45PM PDT that we'll be working from the parking lot." We will be meeting at the El Segundo Police Station EOC, 348 Main Street, El Segundo CA 90245. Satellite pass is at 5:45PM PDT. The presentation and clubs' meeting starts at 7:30PM. The facility requires you to RSVP - please send your email to ... Grace, KJ6CMA, at arit701542(a)aol.com BEFORE August 12, 2010. Attendees should download Clint's four-page tutorial and radio programming matrix before the meeting from ... http://www.work-sat.com And Clint welcomes pre-presentation questions - call him at 909-241-7666, or send email to clint(a)clintbradford.com .

1 0

Help configuring SatCE / WM-5 Apps
by Greg D. 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

Hi all, So my favorite toy is sick. It's an Nokia N810 "Internet Tablet", a pocket-Sized Linux-based PDA. Think iPod Touch, but with a bigger screen, real GPS, free Apps, and it does Flash. Something happened to the file system, I think, because it's stuck in a reboot loop. I'm on a short vacation, and want to be able to do local pass predictions. I have an HP hw6945 iPAQ-based phone, which runs Windows Mobile 5, and found an App for this, "SatCE". It seems to run ok, except that the predicted satellite positions are all wrong. I checked the usual suspects - clock is set, UTC offset, fresh Keps, etc. Has anyone used this app, and have a suggestion for where to look? Lacking that, what App would you recommend instead? Thanks, Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multicalendar&ocid=PID2…

1 0

Public information brochure
by Scott Richardson 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

Has AMSAT, or any frequent satellite demonstrator, developed an information brochure or card that explains the basics of amateur radio with a focus on space programs? I sometimes attract attention while operating in public and would like to provide a take-away for people -- licensed or not -- who show some interest. 73, Scott N1AIA

3 2

Alinco DJ-G7 - Tentative Report
by Clint Bradford 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

With the Alinco DJ-G7 and latest firmware, the only receiver drop in sensitivity seems to be when the sub-band is on from 50 MHz through 136 MHz. Above that, the unit seems to be fine for FM satellite work. A more detailed report is coming! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

2 1

Droid Sat Apps
by Clint Bradford 28 Jul '10

28 Jul '10

HamSat Droid! http://sites.google.com/site/hamsatdroid/ Folks (Droid-ers?) have shown it to me at my presentations - works great! Clint, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

4 6

Yaesu G-5400 vs G-5500
by John Kopala 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

There are two versions of the G-5400. If you plan to interface it for computer controlled tracking, you will want the G-5400B. This model has an 8 pin DIN jack on the rear of the controller for a computer interface, such as the LVB Tracker, TAPR track box, etc. The G-5400B provides the transistor drivers and relays necessary for the interface. The G-5500 and G-5600 also have this interface. The Yaesu G-5400B, G-5500, and G-5600 are basically the same rotors with minor differences. The elevation rotor has changed very little since the Ken-Pro R-500 elevation rotor. The same goes for the G-400 Azimuth Rotor. The units are NOT interchangeable though, because Yaesu has added limit switches to the rotors in various models and has relocated the motor run capacitors from the control unit to the rotor housing. The biggest difference I see between the G-5400B and the G-5500 are additions of a limit switch and a set of Pricy connectors which replaced the terminal strips and weather proof housings for attaching the control cables. It is possible to interface to rotors, such as the G-500 elevation rotor, the G-400 Azimuth rotor, and the Hy-Gain rotors, but you have to create the relay board to do so. I have done interfaces for an R-500 and Hy-Gain HAM-IV that is compatible with the G-5400B. I am currently using the R-500 and HAM-IV and a G-5400B for field day setup. Everything is plug compatible between my home station and my portable setup. Check the field day pictures on QRZ. John Kopala N7JK > Is there any reason why the 5400 would be a very poor choice as opposed to > the 5500? > The Yaesu site no longer references the 5400.does anyone know when they > stopped manufacturing them? If anyone has the manual for the 5400 in > electronic format, could you send it to me? > Thanks, > David > K6CDW

1 0

was Re: Duplex HTs, radios with embedded APRS
by Edward R. Cole 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

>This often requested list suggests another: In addition to the D700, D710, TH-D7A (out of production), what other radios are similarly equipped with APRS texting GPS. I have seen recent advertisements suggesting this and some day will upgrade to nice dual-band, duplex, APRS radio. Has such a list been made? Maybe someone can do one? 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

1 0

HT,s
by Dads 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Hi: It was a few months ago they talked about HT,s for days about best HT,s for satellite use. Jerry w0sat

1 0

Droid apps and HyGain parts
by Bob Schmidt 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

I have two questions. Is there a Droid app for satellite tracking? I have the HyGain Oscar Beams that are about 20 years old. It appears that one of the relays is shorted. Does anyone know a repair for this or do I have to get the $65 replacement from HyGain? Thanks Bob, WA9JDR

4 4

Duplex HTs vs 2 Simplex HTs
by John Kopala 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Another thought about Duplex HT for Satellite. A few full duplex HTs are equipped with 2 tuning knobs which allow tuning either the primary band or the secondary without having to change bands. This is a great feature for satellite doppler tuning with a UHF downlink. Alternatively, I have chosen to use 2 HTs for satellite work to enable tuning the doppler on the downlink and uplink without any extra steps. This also eliminates the need for a duplexer. In my case, this is somewhat of an overkill, because I am using 2 Full Duplex Yaesu FT-470 radios, each on a single band. But this also allows me to be tuning the downlink doppler while transmitting on the uplink. Most radios will only allow you to tune the active band, requiring you to switch back and forth every time you need to tune the UHF downlink. Typically, AO-51 requires 5 tuning steps on the downlink for many passes. With satellites such as AO-51, I have found that with a good antenna and no obstructions, you can pretty much work the satellite from horizon to horizon. I have made a home brew version of the arrow antenna (with arrows for easy assembly / disassembly for travel and storage) with 4 elements on 2 meters and 9 elements on 70 cm. That being the case, I have also chosen to use a tripod and constructed a tripod mount to hold the 2 HTs, a voice recorder, and mount the antenna on a hinged support so that it can be rotated to allow for satellite polarity. For anyone who hasn't already discovered it, the downlink works best with vertical polarization for most satellites. A picture of my portable satellite setup can be seen on QRZ at N7JK. Good luck on the birds, John Kopala N7JK > From: Randy Hall <listk7age(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Duplex HTs > To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: > <AANLkTi=t-aK6AYop2sEqyrhkwT2bR3wcgVWZENjQu4uR(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > Hi > I receive emails all time from guys looking for HTs to use on AO-51. > Many want duplex HTs to allow them to hear themselves coming back from > the satellite. > So, what of the current HTs provide duplex operation? > Which of the older HTs do duplex. I know my trusty FT-51 does! > Plus as a bonus, any of these come with BNC connector anymore? I > really do not like SMAs on my radios. > Thanks > Randy > K7AGE

1 0

Re: Duplex HTs
by Clint Bradford 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Gordon West and I are setting up a test/demo of the latest firmware version of the Alinco DJ-G7 at the Orange County Fair later this week. It is the only currently-produced true full-duplex amateur handheld radio. Clint Bradford, K6LCS

1 0

Duplex HTs
by Randy Hall 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Hi I receive emails all time from guys looking for HTs to use on AO-51. Many want duplex HTs to allow them to hear themselves coming back from the satellite. So, what of the current HTs provide duplex operation? Which of the older HTs do duplex. I know my trusty FT-51 does! Plus as a bonus, any of these come with BNC connector anymore? I really do not like SMAs on my radios. Thanks Randy K7AGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HfvmU_utI8

6 6

Heroic Space video
by andy thomas 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Heroic Space Video at: http://www.sick-solutions-tour.com/ take the Trailer (right hand button) 73 de andy G0SFJ

1 0

Re: Duplex HTs
by Andrew Glasbrenner 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

-----Original Message----- >From: John Geiger <aa5jg(a)yahoo.com> >Sent: Jul 26, 2010 9:35 PM >To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org, Glenn AA5PK <aa5pk(a)suddenlink.net> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Duplex HTs > >A couple on his list are not full duplex, like the Icom 24AT, and I don't think the IC-32AT is either. > >73s John AA5JG > Check out page 3 of the IC-24at manual, page 6 of the PDF http://www.repeater-builder.com/icom/pdfs/icom-ic-24at-et-inst-manual.pdf I owned a 32AT for many years, it is also full duplex. 73, Drew KO4MA

4 3

Re: video: program to burn TLEs onto doppler-tuning microcontroller
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Bruce, That would be cool, an HT that tells you where the bird is! Sign Me Up! Joe kk0sd -----Original Message----- From: Bruce Robertson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, July 26, 2010 7:23 AM To: Gary Joe Mayfield Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: video: program to burn TLEs onto doppler-tuning microcontroller Thanks, Joe -- I guess an important distinction is that the trakbox did rotor control, and my project doesn't. Rather, it aims to be useful to a person in the field using hand-held equipment. In fact, ultimately, I'd like to see code like this built into the firmware of an HT like the TH-D7A. 73, Bruce VE9QRP On Mon, Jul 26, 2010 at 12:45 AM, Gary "Joe" Mayfield <gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > Cool! Trakbox lives again!!! > > 73, > Joe kk0sd > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Bruce Robertson > Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2010 8:51 PM > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] video: program to burn TLEs onto doppler-tuning > microcontroller > > Some of you know about my qrptracker project, which is aiming at a > compact, microcontroller-based doppler tuning device for use in the > field. My previous videos showed an FT-817 controlled by this device > and using a small speaker and CW to announce the bird. I've just > posted a video to YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/VE9QRP that > demonstrates the program that is used to load TLEs into the > microcontroller, sync the tracker, etc. It also shows the > microcontroller tuning a TH-D7A handheld, and it shows a LCD display. > My goal now is to make an altoids-tin-sized package that connects to a > TH-D7A or an FT-817, has an LCD display and provides doppler tuning. > > In further developments in this project, I've worked on porting the > SGP4 algorithm to the ATMega644p. (Currently the project uses the > Plan13 algorithm.)It's not an exact port, since the 'double' data type > is not the same length, but with some careful hand-crafting, we're > getting accuracies down to 1/10th of a degree lat and long. > sub-satellite point. > > 73, Bruce > VE9QRP > > -- > http://ve9qrp.blogspot.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 > -- http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com

1 0

Yaesu G-5400 vs G-5500
by David Wing 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Is there any reason why the 5400 would be a very poor choice as opposed to the 5500? The Yaesu site no longer references the 5400.does anyone know when they stopped manufacturing them? If anyone has the manual for the 5400 in electronic format, could you send it to me? Thanks, David K6CDW

3 3

AO-51 LA4FPA/p 1751z 26July
by John Papay 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Short notice but LA4FPA will be listening for the East Coast on the AO-51 pass coming up at 1751z. It covers eastern Canada but only touches the far northeast of the USA. 73, John K8YSE

1 0

IOTA ... (Islands On The Air).
by John Hackett 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

INFORMATION FOR IOTA HUNTERS. Normally, in a satellite exchange, I only give my locator (JP33WB) - but my QTH is in fact FREI ISLAND, IOTA EU 36, located at 63.02 degrees North and 7.48 degrees East. It's just too long winded giving the entire QTH designation on CW so for the IOTA hunters, please be aware that JP33WB is IOTA EU-36. I've lived on Frei Island for the past 21 years. Previous to that, my QTH was Gossen Island, IOTA 56. I've been involved with the IOTA program since it was started in the early 80's. I've worked the analogue satellites daily from and including RS-10 up to and including HO-68 - except for 1 year AWOL (hospital) in 1997 - 1998. The 'station' is still operated daily ... but in a much smaller capacity. Milliwatting now instead of QRP, skill over *BRUTE* force of 2 watts. 100mW ito an 'Arrow' is more than enough on HO-68. It still cracks me up thinking about K4***'s ... "You need at least 100w and a good antenna to work AO-7" ... you probably do - if you use a 50 ohm resistor as an aerial. Incidentally, just the other day I was chatting to a station who mentioned he was G-QRP 13,000 and something-or-other ... It made me realise how time flies, I was G-QRP nr 74. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

Re: video: program to burn TLEs onto doppler-tuning microcontroller
by Bruce Robertson 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Thanks, Joe -- I guess an important distinction is that the trakbox did rotor control, and my project doesn't. Rather, it aims to be useful to a person in the field using hand-held equipment. In fact, ultimately, I'd like to see code like this built into the firmware of an HT like the TH-D7A. 73, Bruce VE9QRP On Mon, Jul 26, 2010 at 12:45 AM, Gary "Joe" Mayfield <gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > Cool! Trakbox lives again!!! > > 73, > Joe kk0sd > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Bruce Robertson > Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2010 8:51 PM > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] video: program to burn TLEs onto doppler-tuning > microcontroller > > Some of you know about my qrptracker project, which is aiming at a > compact, microcontroller-based doppler tuning device for use in the > field. My previous videos showed an FT-817 controlled by this device > and using a small speaker and CW to announce the bird. I've just > posted a video to YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/VE9QRP that > demonstrates the program that is used to load TLEs into the > microcontroller, sync the tracker, etc. It also shows the > microcontroller tuning a TH-D7A handheld, and it shows a LCD display. > My goal now is to make an altoids-tin-sized package that connects to a > TH-D7A or an FT-817, has an LCD display and provides doppler tuning. > > In further developments in this project, I've worked on porting the > SGP4 algorithm to the ATMega644p. (Currently the project uses the > Plan13 algorithm.)It's not an exact port, since the 'double' data type > is not the same length, but with some careful hand-crafting, we're > getting accuracies down to 1/10th of a degree lat and long. > sub-satellite point. > > 73, Bruce > VE9QRP > > -- > http://ve9qrp.blogspot.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 > -- http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com -- http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com

1 0

OL95 AS138 operation
by Michael Chen 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Guys, We have setup our satellite equipment on Pingtan Island AS138 (OL95vk). This afternoon, several stations were worked on AO51. We are looking for possible DX contacts via satellite, Alaska, Europe, Western/central Asia, Oceania. Please look for us on the birds. If you wish to set a schedule, feel free to leave me a message. Equipment: 2m: 10ele Yagi * 2 70cm: 27 ele Yagi *2 (AZ/EL rotatable) Xcvr: IC910H Michael Chen, BD5RV/4 AMSAT-China: http://www.camsat.cn Email: michael.bd5rv(a)gmail.com MSN: bd5rv(a)jsdxc.org Skype: michael-bd5rv

1 0

video: program to burn TLEs onto doppler-tuning microcontroller
by Bruce Robertson 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Some of you know about my qrptracker project, which is aiming at a compact, microcontroller-based doppler tuning device for use in the field. My previous videos showed an FT-817 controlled by this device and using a small speaker and CW to announce the bird. I've just posted a video to YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/VE9QRP that demonstrates the program that is used to load TLEs into the microcontroller, sync the tracker, etc. It also shows the microcontroller tuning a TH-D7A handheld, and it shows a LCD display. My goal now is to make an altoids-tin-sized package that connects to a TH-D7A or an FT-817, has an LCD display and provides doppler tuning. In further developments in this project, I've worked on porting the SGP4 algorithm to the ATMega644p. (Currently the project uses the Plan13 algorithm.)It's not an exact port, since the 'double' data type is not the same length, but with some careful hand-crafting, we're getting accuracies down to 1/10th of a degree lat and long. sub-satellite point. 73, Bruce VE9QRP -- http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com

2 1

Playing with GPS
by Lee Ernstrom 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Hi Guys, I have been playing around with my Garman NUVI GPS and comparing the readings to Google Maps. This is something you call try at home. My Garman says that the base of my HF tower is at 41.07430 N 112.03774 W. When I punch in those coordinates in to Google Maps in the satelite view mode the arrow points to a location about 30 feet away near the middle of the lawn east of my driveway. When I play around with the coordinates a little through interpolation and punch them in to Google Maps several times I arrive at what appears to be the true coordinates of the base of my HF tower at 41.074329 N 112.037770 W. I suppose that is the significant difference that sixth decimal place makes. Check both of these coordinates on Google Maps to see what I mean. Any comments? WA7HQD Lee Ernstrom Syracuse, Utah DN31xb

4 4

K2BSA Special Event Station
by Andrew Koenig 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

This week, K2BSA will be operating on the satellites from the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. We expect to make most of the FM satellite passes that cover FM18 (Fort AP Hill, VA) in the evenings, and we will experiment with the linear birds too. Finally, we have an ARISS contact planned too. QSL cards for the 100th anniversary are available if you send a card, and SASE, to the QRZ K2BSA address. 73's de K2BSA -- Andrew Koenig

1 0

AO-51 0009z on or off?
by John Papay 25 Jul '10

25 Jul '10

Is anyone copying AO-51 on the far western pass 25July 0009z? I am not hearing it. 73, John K8YSE

3 3

EN63 by Sked this Week
by Doug Papay 25 Jul '10

25 Jul '10

All, I am in EN63, west Michigan, this week (thru Saturday July 31st AM) on vacation & have the satellite gear w/me--this being said, I'm not planning to be active unless I have specific interest from those who need this grid. (Otherwise, I might be heard active from time to time via the remote @ my home QTH in EN62.) Pse email me if you want to arrange a sked via FM sat. We are on Lake Michigan and have an excellent view to the west which provides a good opportunity for me to work low angle passes for those in the western USA that might not yet have EN63 confirmed. 73, Doug KD8CAO Sent from my iPhone

1 0

NO-44 working?
by Gordon JC Pearce 25 Jul '10

25 Jul '10

It's not loud enough to copy with my dipole, because it's still pretty low in the sky to the north (shielded by hills a bit) - but NO-44 seems to be blorting away quite the thing on 145.825MHz. At least, I can't see what else it would be, unless it's some local mobile (unlikely). Gordon MM0YEQ

3 3

LA4FPA/p
by Bob- W7LRD 25 Jul '10

25 Jul '10

Picked up a new one this AM, worked Erling on AO-7, at 6960Km not a record, but a fun challenge. Thanks go to John-K8YSE for keeping the bb updated. This stuff never gets old. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

1 0

UK Space Agency to launch CubeSat
by Trevor . 25 Jul '10

25 Jul '10

The UK Space Agency has announced its intention to design and launch a CubeSat and is running a competition for ideas for payloads. See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/july2010/ukube_1.htm AMSAT-UK Colloquium webstream July 31-Aug 1 http://www.batc.tv/ - Click on Live Events Schedule (Times GMT+1) http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/713/284/ 73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio Email/RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email Your News To: editor at southgatearc.org Or Upload Using Form At: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news_1.htm ----

1 0

Re: Question? *ts-2000)
by Bruce Semple 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

Stu -- I run a TS - B2000 (no front panel -- the transceiver itself is on the other side of a wall. I use Ham Radio Deluxe plus - the HRD Satellite Tracking Program (included with the release) . At 02:41 PM 7/24/2010, Stuart Balanger wrote: >*I was reading (BB) abt the Kenwood TS-2000, >& was wondering is the TS-2000 VHF (Dual band/All mode, >& i gather it can be interfaced w/ SatPC32? >Is it like the Kenwood TM-255A or the TM-731A? >(Which can' t be directly interfaced w/ the computer) >Will be looking for replies! 73,.Stu >* >_______________________________________________ >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

1 0

LA4FPA/p JP32BM Vigra Island
by John Papay 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

Erling LA4FPA/p was not on the HO-68 pass this morning. He came down with a severe allergy of unknown origin. He was in the hospital with it but now is better. He will be on the last HO-68 FM pass on Sunday, 25July around 1350-1359 UTC. Sunday is a Mode B day for AO-7 and he will be active on those passes as well. Erling reported working VE8EV on AO-51! He is finished with satellites for today. 73, John K8YSE

1 0

Question? *ts-2000)
by Stuart Balanger 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

*I was reading (BB) abt the Kenwood TS-2000, & was wondering is the TS-2000 VHF (Dual band/All mode, & i gather it can be interfaced w/ SatPC32? Is it like the Kenwood TM-255A or the TM-731A? (Which can' t be directly interfaced w/ the computer) Will be looking for replies! 73,.Stu *

2 1

HO-68 - FM/PACSAT mode Conventions?
by Bruce Semple 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

Are there some conventions / governance we should be observing when this bird is in this mode? Should there really be three mode designations in the schedule? * CW/SSB (linear) * FM (voice only) * FM/PACSAT - (packet only) FM birds require good operator discipline - but mixed in with the randomness of TNC /packet emissions seems to just make the situation that much worse. Any suggestions / comments? Bruce WA3SWJ

1 0

ISS
by wa4hfn＠comcast.net 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

Just worked NA1SS again Damon WA4HFN em55 Memphis, TN

1 0

LA4FPA/p Vigra Island JP32BM
by John Papay 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

Erling, LA4FPA/p, plans to be on HO-68 on 24 July beginning at 1405 UTC, when it is scheduled to turn on, all the way to his LOS at around 1416 UTC. The footprint will cover northeastern US and eastern Canada. HO-68 is in the FM mode and with its strong signal, qso's should be possible. Erling was on the AO-7 pass today but there were not many takers in North America. He did work WC7V which was his longest distance ever on AO-7. Look for Erling on AO-7 on Sunday when it is back in Mode B. 73, John K8YSE

3 2

HO-68 Schedule -25-01 July 2010
by Alan Kung 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

UTC: 25 July 2010 ================================ 18:50...Turn On--CW/SSB India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 19:04...Turn Off 26 July 2010 ================================ 00:45...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 01:30...Turn Off 02:46...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:02...Turn Off 04:36...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 04:46...Turn Off 13:06...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 13:22...Turn Off 14:23...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 15:13...Turn Off 16:50...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,NA 17:35...Turn Off 27 July 2010 ================================ 00:30...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 01:15...Turn Off 02:25...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia, East Asia, South Asia 02:41...Turn Off 04:14...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia, East Asia, South Asia 04:29...Turn Off 10:40...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe 11:25...Turn Off 12:50...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia, East Asia, South Asia 13:03...Turn Off 14:41...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia, East Asia, South Asia 14:23...Turn Off 18:20...Turn On--CW/SSB India,Middle East,Europe,NA 19:05...Turn Off 28 July 2010 ================================= 02:07...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:21...Turn Off 03:55...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 04:10...Turn Off 10:25...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 11:10...Turn Off 12:33...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 12:47...Turn Off 14:17...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 14:32...Turn Off 22:05...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 22:50...Turn Off 29 July 2010 ================================= 01:51...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:04...Turn Off 03:44...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:58...Turn Off 05:25...Turn On--CW/SSB NA,North Asia,Middle East, Europe,Africa 06:10...Turn Off 10:05...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 10:50...Turn Off 12:17...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 12:30...Turn Off 14:00...Turn On--FM/PACSAT North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 14:15...Turn Off 16:00...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,India,Middle East,Europe,NA 16:45...Turn Off 17:45...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,NA 18:30...Turn Off 21:50...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 22:35...Turn Off 30 July 2010 ================================ 01:35...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:49...Turn Off 03:27...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:42...Turn Off 12:30...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 13:15...Turn Off 17:30...Turn On--CW/SSB India,Africa,Europe,NA 18:15...Turn Off 21:30...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,Africa,NA, Europe,North Asia,East Asia 22:15...Turn Off 31 July 2010 ================================ 00:25...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 01:10...Turn Off 01:20...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:35...Turn Off 11:20...Turn On--CW/SSB Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 12:05...Turn Off 13:55...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 14:40...Turn Off 17:00...Turn On--CW/SSB Africa,Europe,NA 17:45...Turn Off 23:05...Turn On--CW/SSB South America,NA,North Asia 23:50...Turn Off 01 Aug 2010 ================================ 00:50...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:35...Turn Off 06:20...Turn On--CW/SSB North Asia,Europe,Africa 07:05...Turn Off 13:45...Turn On--CW/SSB Europe,NA,South America 14:30...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

1 0

Grid square fn06 tomorrow on echo
by newsradio6＠gmail.com 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

Hi all, we were on ao51 today for a brief few contacts from fn06. I hope to make it on tomorrow for the 7am 446pm and 625pm passes if the weather co-operates. Thanks to all those we contacted over the past few days from en85. I will post station pics , qsl and other info on my qrz.com page when we get home next week! John VA3BL Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network. Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

1 0

AS-138 Pingtan Island IOTA-pedition HO-68 Satellite Schedule
by Alan Kung 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

AS-138 Pingtan Island IOTA-pedition HO-68 Satellite Schedule Date Time(UTC) Mode Contact Area 2010-7-24 Sat. 01:32---01:46 FM/Pacsat Northeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania 11:50---12:05 FM/Pacsat Oceania, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia 2010-7-25 Sun. 01:13---01:32 FM/Pacsat Northeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania 2010-7-26 Mon. 00:56---01:14 CW/SSB Alaska, North East Asia, South Asia, Oceania 02:46---03:02 CW/SSB Northeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 04:36---04:46 CW/SSB South Asia, Central Asia, North Asia 13:06---13:21 FM/Pacsat South Asia, Central Asia, North Asia 14:58---15:13 FM/Pacsat South Asia, Central Asia, North Asia 2010-7-27 Tues. 00:40---00:57 CW/SSB Alaska, North East Asia, South Asia, Oceania 02:27---02:41 CW/SSB East Asia, South Asia, North Asia 04:18---04:26 CW/SSB South Asia, Central Asia, North Asia 11:04---11:14 CW/SSB Alaska, North East Asia, South Asia, Oceania 12:50---13:03 FM/Pacsat South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, North Asia 22:41---22:56 FM/Pacsat South Asia, Central Asia, North Asia, East Asia, Europe 2010-7-28 Wed. 02:10---02:21 CW/SSB East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia 04:00---04:10 CW/SSB East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia 10:50---10:56 CW/SSB Alaska, North East Asia, South Asia 12:33---12:47 FM/Pacsat East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia 14:17---14:32 FM/Pacsat East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 2010-7-29 Thurs.01:51---02:04 CW/SSB Alaska, East Asia, South Asia, North Asia 03:44---03:58 CW/SSB East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 12:17---12:30 FM/Pacsat East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 14:00---14:15 FM/Pacsat East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 2010-7-30 Frd. 01:35---01:49 CW/SSB East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 03:26---03:42 CW/SSB East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, Central Asia, Oceania 73! Alan Kung, BA1DU

1 0

LA4FPA/p JP32BM
by John Papay 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

Erling, LA4FPA/p, is on Vigra Island, JP32BM for a holiday. He will be on the 2014 UTC pass of AO-7 today, 23 July. AO-7 is in Mode B and this is an excellent pass for the Northeastern/Northern USA and Canada. Here's a great chance to add Norway to your list of countries. Keep it short so everyone has a chance to work him. 73, John K8YSE

1 0

AMSAT-NA Board of Directors election reminder
by Alan P. Biddle 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

AMSAT-NA members, The biographies and ballot for the 4 candidates for the AMSAT Board of Directors went out on July 15th. In order to be counted, your ballot must be RECEIVED at the AMSAT office by the close of business on September 15th. Now is a good time to review the biographical information, ask questions, and study the minutes of the recent Board of Directors meetings from the AMSAT Journal. Finally, please vote. This, along with the yearly opportunity to stand for election, is your best opportunity to influence the direction of our organization. 73, Alan Biddle WA4SCA AMSAT-NA Corporate Secretary

1 0

Re: AO-51 S band Question
by Andrew Glasbrenner 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

Reid Crowe wrote: > > Drew, > Do you think the bird will be able to support 2.4gig in the future? > -Reid > Hi Reid, I hope you don't mind if I copy this answer to the -bb as well. It's a good question. The batteries on AO-51 have lost significant capacity since launch six years ago, and in order to protect and lengthen their life as long as possible, we are limiting the load during eclipse by shutting off the UHF transmitter. We are also using the PL to only turn on the UHF transmitter when in use. Both of these actions are controlled by the flight software, specifically the PL and power management routines. Since the S band transmitter on AO-51 is an added "experiment", the ways in which it reacts with the IHU and flight software are different than the UHF transmitters. The PL cannot be used to turn S on or off, only to gate the audio. The power management software is unable to control the state of the S band transmitter as well. The S transmitter is a fixed output, that draws about 730 mA. This is an equivalent load to running the 435.300 transmitter at over 1 watt. In other words, it is not an insignificant load. Since the return of eclipses this summer, after a long period of total illumination, we have discovered that the S transmitter will pull the battery voltage too low during eclipses. This activates a software watchdog that shuts the S transmitter off until commanded back on from the ground. As a work around, we have been using the automatic mode scheduling software to re-enable the S transmitter a few minutes after exiting eclipse each orbit. This has worked very well. The downside is the scheduler only holds 18 events, as it was designed for the weekly mode changes. At 1440 minutes per day, and 100 minutes per orbit, you can see we need to upload a new schedule every day to keep S running every orbit. As long as the satellite is in the sun, there is no problem running the S downlink. So, you can see why we have been frugal with S activity this summer, as it is a real load on the command stations to plan the daily schedule, encode it, and upload it to the satellite daily (at 5AM). The good news is we return to a no eclipse period at the end of August, and I plan to run S at a ~minimum~ of 1 week a month until eclipses return in 2011 for many years. This works out OK over the summer, as there are lots of folks on right now from their vacation spots, and out on the roads giving out rare grids. I hope this long-winded, probably-too-detailed explanation answers your question. 73, Drew KO4MA BTW, this AM Mark N8MH raised the 435.300 output to 1 watt.

2 1

VA3BL in FN06 ???
by Alvaro de Leon Romo 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

Hi guys is John VA3BL in FN06 ? Someone has heard him ?? Thanks in advance Al XE2AT _________________________________________________________________ Prefiero un día sin coche que sin Messenger www.vivirmessenger.com

1 0

AO-51 from DM04 Thursday Night
by Clint Bradford 22 Jul '10

22 Jul '10

I will be demo'ing AO-51 from DM04 for the Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club this evening during the 6:23PM PDT pass. Hope to meet a couple of you there tonight! Clint, K6LCS P.S. - Regarding the Wouxon HT YouTube video that was cited earlier - Did you count the number of RF adapters on the HT to connect to the antenna? I think there are SIX!

1 0

Lake Superior Grid Expedition August 2010
by John Papay 22 Jul '10

22 Jul '10

My 3 or 4 week grid expedition around Lake Superior is about to start. The planned date is August 2nd, however, a jury duty summons may interfere with the departure date. Hopefully we will leave on time or a few days late. The grids planned are: EN28-29-36-37-38-39- 46-47-48-49-56-57-58-59-63-64-65-66-67-68-69-73-74-75-76- 77-78-79-83-84-86-87 and EO30 in both the US and Canada. There will be FM and SSB activity, probably little CW if any. This is a sightseeing trip around Lake Superior but I will do my best to operate on the birds as much as possible. We will be camping in a tent most of the time. Moving most every day will make it interesting. My XYL, W8ZJB, will be on the air only to work me if I have remote access on the internet or cellphone. She agreed to do this but please don't call her for a contact. She won't likely respond except maybe to our son, KD8CAO. Doug will be the point of contact for anyone wishing to get a message to me during the trip. I don't anticipate much cellphone coverage while we are in Canada. The planned route is on my website: http://www.papays.com/sat If you have specific requests, please email them to me and I'll make a list and will be sure to look for you when I am in the grids you need. The station is a TS2000, dual band Alinco for SO-50 and AO-27 receive only, G5400b, LVB tracker, SatPC32, Arrow 7x7 UHF with relay switching between horizontal and vertical and a 5 el Mosley, vertically polarized for 2 meters. I have a Mirage UHF preamp to help cut down on the coax loses. All of this is in a F150 pickup. Other than orienting the antennas north, everything is computer controlled and operating in the rain is not a problem. Backup is my Kenwood V7A mobile with a neck strap, a 7ah UPS battery, the Arrow II antenna, digital voice recorder etc. We may do a backpack to Isle Royale with this setup if time permits. As always, I plan to qsl everyone I work on this trip. If you do send an SASE, please wait until the end of the trip and include all of your qso's on a card or sheet of paper. I anticipate that all passes will be recorded. I look forward to giving out a lot of needed grids. Hopefully the equipment will work well throughout the trip. 73, John K8YSE

1 0

ISS
by Jack Barbera 22 Jul '10

22 Jul '10

Just noted that the listing for ISS in satellite details @ AMSAT has the uplink 145.800 and down 437.800 ,but Satpac has just the reverse for the voice repeater. Which is correct? thanks for any help Jack WA1ZDV

3 3

Fw: [amsat-bb] Grids and QSL´s
by David Maciel 22 Jul '10

22 Jul '10

thanks for help this summer I will work for all the grid EK34 and EK44. now everything is very well understood. see you soon. Dave XE3DX - 4B3DX -------------------------------------------------- From: "David Maciel" <xe3dx(a)prodigy.net.mx> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 10:12 PM To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Grids and QSL´s > > > -------------------------------------------------- > From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> > Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 10:43 AM > To: "David Maciel" <xe3dx(a)prodigy.net.mx> > Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Grids and QSL´s > >> David Maciel wrote: >>> I have a question maybe silly to many, I have traveled three times in >>> the past two months to the grid EK34 and EK44, >>> take my portable radio equipment, do not work because my GPS was >>> damaged and another time I forget, but I'm sure the position where I >>> was, may be valid if these grids work and send my QSL with the >>> coordinates where you work? no photo of my gps? I have received many >>> cards from American stations QSL writing grid over your home to put the >>> new >>> grid that time. this is valid? can be done? I have also contacted many >>> stations and sent my QSL card with a photo of the coordinates, I think >>> is best, but not always possible, this'm glad because I think that >>> means that the word amateur is a great value. not if I explain.I had no >>> problems for the ARRL accept these cards an American amateur, whatever >>> the same >>> if that makes a Mexican ham? or any other country? thanks for help. >>> >>> >>> >> Hi David, >> >> I think the photo of the GPS is only necessary when operating from a grid >> boundary or intersection. If you know where you are by using a map, and >> claim only one grid, that is perfectly fine! I know EK34 and 44 would be >> new grids for me, so by all means get on the air! >> >> 73, Drew KO4MA >>

1 0

Grids and QSL´s
by David Maciel 22 Jul '10

22 Jul '10

I have a question maybe silly to many, I have traveled three times in the past two months to the grid EK34 and EK44, take my portable radio equipment, do not work because my GPS was damaged and another time I forget, but I'm sure the position where I was, may be valid if these grids work and send my QSL with the coordinates where you work? no photo of my gps? I have received many cards from American stations QSL writing grid over your home to put the new grid that time. this is valid? can be done? I have also contacted many stations and sent my QSL card with a photo of the coordinates, I think is best, but not always possible, this'm glad because I think that means that the word amateur is a great value. not if I explain.I had no problems for the ARRL accept these cards an American amateur, whatever the same if that makes a Mexican ham? or any other country? thanks for help. XE3DX David Maciel xe3dx(a)amsat.org www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ Amateur Ham Radio

4 5

Wouxon KG-UVD1P
by andy thomas 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

has anyone any experience of using the Wouxon KG-UVD1P on AO-51 and the FM birds? I have looked at eham etc and it seems to be a single vfo with channel watch on both V and U; I'm not sure if a carrier on the uhf downlink would just switch the vfo to uhf listen and transmit, ie you could never tx on V if the carrier is on U... can someone confirm that it works/does not work with an Arrow, please? But "cheap as chips", and could be quite interesting? 73 de andy G0SFJ

5 4

Four Grids from one location
by Lee Ernstrom 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

Hi folks, I was wondering if anyone has operated from one point where four grid squares meet. There is a location just a few miles to the west of where I operated portable from yesterday in Idaho where DN31, DN41, DN32, and DN42 meet. The terrain looks a little rugged but in about a week or so I'm going to drive back up there and check it out with my GPS. It looks like the location is off the dirt road about 1/4 mile so there will be a little hiking involved. WA7HQD Lee Ernstrom Syracuse, Utah DN31xb

6 5

Portable power source
by Andrew Glasbrenner 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

So I'm trying to move away from my big, dumb, heavy sealed lead acid batteries for portable work, at least when I have to lug the gear very far. Has anyone had any experience with something like these: <http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-12V-li-ion-Rechargeable-Battery-Pack-9800mAh-/…> ? That looks like it's pretty compact, and will run a pair of 817s a good while. Any suggestions for a more domestic source would be appreciated as well. 73, Drew KO4MA

3 2

En85 fn06
by newsradio6＠gmail.com 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

I am in en85 for one more day. Then fn06. Will try to be on this morning and evenings passes from en85 (manitoulin island ontario) Va3BL John Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network. Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

1 0

AS138 operation on Satellite
by Michael Chen 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

Hi, guys, A group of radio amateurs including BA4TA, BA4TB, BA4RS, BD5RV, BA4RN, BH4REQ, BH4RLO will activate Pingtan Island (AS138) from July 24-30. This operation is going to include all operational satellites that are capable on V/UHF. That will cover HO68, AO51, VO52, SO50 AO27 etc. Callsign will be B4R/5 during IOTA contest and homecall/5 in regular operaion. QSL via homecall. We are looking forward to having you on the birds. Michael Chen, BD5RV/4 AMSAT-China: http://www.camsat.cn Email: michael.bd5rv(a)gmail.com MSN: bd5rv(a)jsdxc.org Skype: michael-bd5rv

3 3

First Satellite QSO
by Rick Tejera 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

All, I finally did it, made my first QSO on the birds this afternoon. Worked W6AJP on A051 on the 0100UT 21 July pass from DM33, Thank you for the QSO. I was also worked by WC7V in DM45, again thanks for the QSO, I hope I didn't sound like too much of a rookie :-). QSL's will be in the mail tomorrow. I did hear someone else call me, I think it may have been K6SIP, but before could reply the bird went below my radio horizon and I lost the signal. My station is pretty simple: a Kenwood TH7D handheld using a homebrew dual band yagi from plans by Kent Britain WA5VJB. Simple to build and works like a charm and only $30.00 in parts. I attached a digital voice recorder to the radio and used my Ipod ear buds (A Heil headset is on the short list of things to get next time I'm at HRO :-)). Again thanks for the QSO's and hope to work more of you in the future. 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

1 0

Re: pole mounting Az-El sysetm
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

Scott, This is how I did it. I purchased a 6 in. X 6 in. X 8 ft. treated wood post and put 3 ft. into the ground without concrete. If I move, I can pull the post out and just fill the hole with dirt. The az rotor rests directly on the top of the post. It is held by four 90 degree (6 in.) angle brackets which bolt to the rotor's bottom and then secure to each side of the post. The 5500 was purchased with a separation kit so a 32 in. mast separates the rotors. This puts the horizontal boom and rotor at about 8 ft. If you like this idea, I can send pictures. GL Mike (K9QHO)

1 0

pole mounting az-el system
by Scott Townley 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

I was planning on pole-mounting an az-el system: > KLM CP yagis (the shorter ones) > TekSharp 1.2m dish with dual-band patch feed > 8' fiberglass boom > G-5500 az-el rotator with mast brackets. The G-5500 can accept a 2-1/2" mast. And the 2m KLM is about 13' long so I need to get it up at least 7' in the air. So I was thinking of using a piece of electrical conduit. Not EMT (the thin-walled stuff), but rather IMC, which is thicker walled (0.095" vs. 0.065") and readily available at home improvement stores. 2" trade size is 2.36" od so it will fit the mast brackets on the rotator fine. There is an even thicker electrical conduit GRC which is 0.146" wall, but at twice the price and a trip to Grainger (not out of the question but not convenient either) I can't help but wonder if that's overkill. The conduit comes 10' long so I'd put 3' in the ground, say a 12"x36" hole, filled with concrete. Maybe filling the conduit with concrete as well. I'd appreciate any comments as to the feasibility of doing this...particularly the conduit size and hole size for concrete fill. Scott Townley NX7U Gilbert, AZ DM43di mailto:[email protected] http://members.cox.net/nx7u

4 3

Re: =13 original colonies ?=
by Dave Webb KB1PVH 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

Robert, We were on from the 1st to the 5th. Next year we should do better as far as stations on the air, this year was another last minute scramble. I will be sending QSL cards for those that requested them as soon as I get situated at the new QTH. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID On Jul 20, 2010 11:12 AM, "Robert Coppock" <robertinorbit(a)webtv.net> wrote: = ahoy, what ever happened with the 13 orig colonies event that n3tl / Tim started last year ? there was some chatter here about it, but i did not hear any stations (only worked 2 or 3 passes) on july 4th weekend, and have not seen anything else on the BB. maybe next year ? or anytime ! it seems like there is a gap in WAS for many with all those small, eastern states. i may be activating some grids in nor*cal soon, stay tuned. thanks and happy bird watching from the wild, western, big states. too bad we dont have 50 oscars !!! 73, Robert k f 0 g cm97 = _______________________________________________ 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

1 0

SatPC ISS and TS-2000
by joe barkley 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

I am helping out with the organization of a station that will be activated at the Boy Scout Jamboree. They will have a scheduled ISS contact at some point as well as other activity on the various satellites. We have SatPC set up and running well. When we switch to the ISS 144/144 setting in CAT control the TS-2000 does not switch the sub band to the right frequency. We can set the coordinated frequency into a channel and just do split operation I guess but would like to know why SatPC will not do it. Thanks for any help. Joe KI4TZ

4 3

SO50/AO27 on Kenwood TS2000
by John Geiger 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

Earlier today I caught a nice, high elevation pass on SO50. There was a posting a while ago suggesting that switching to FM-Narrow helps to get around the SO50/AO27 birdie on the radio and I can confirm that it works! I got on just before mid pass but was able to copy SO50 during the rest of the pass, even when the downlink was right on 436.800. For those of you wanting to do AO27 and SO50 with the Kenwood TS2000 give the FM Narrow mode a try, you will be surprised. My downlink antenna (as well as my uplink antenna) is a Cushcraft A270-10S dualband yagi with no elevation, no preamp, and horizontally polarized. Now if I can just get the SWR problem fixed on 2m..... 73s John AA5JG

1 0

=13 original colonies ?=
by Robert Coppock 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

= ahoy, what ever happened with the 13 orig colonies event that n3tl / Tim started last year ? there was some chatter here about it, but i did not hear any stations (only worked 2 or 3 passes) on july 4th weekend, and have not seen anything else on the BB. maybe next year ? or anytime ! it seems like there is a gap in WAS for many with all those small, eastern states. i may be activating some grids in nor*cal soon, stay tuned. thanks and happy bird watching from the wild, western, big states. too bad we dont have 50 oscars !!! 73, Robert k f 0 g cm97 =

2 1

Fw: DELFI C3 Close Approach
by Peter Portanova 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

Hello, We might want to listen for TLM on DELFI C3 (DO-64) 73's Pete WB2OQQ AMSAT NY Area Coordinator www.massapequanyweather.com Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 8:45 AM Subject: DELFI C3 Close Approach > > Sir/Ma'am, > > The United States Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) has identified a > predicted conjunction between DELFI C3 (SCC# 32789) and A KNOWN OBJECT. > > Primary Object: DELFI C3 (SCC# 32789) > Secondary Object: A KNOWN OBJECT > Time of Closest Approach: 23 Jul 2010 21:53 UTC > Overall miss distance: 978 meters > Radial (dU) miss distance: -172 meters > In-Track (dV) miss distance: 372 meters > Cross-track (dW) miss distance: -889 meters > > Primary Radial Error (U): 17 meters > Primary In-track Error (V): 446 meters > Primary Cross-track Error (W): 9 meters > > Secondary Radial Error (U): 45 meters > Secondary In-track Error (V): 226 meters > Secondary Cross-track Error (W): 31 meters > > > Very Respectfully, > > JSpOC Orbital Protection Team > Joint Space Operations Center > Vandenberg Air Force Base, California USA

2 1

Next "HV Satcom" net (Pt. 2))
by Stuart Balanger 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

*Hi All, On the E-Mail I sent, (Re: PS Part) The Blur Subway line Sta. (Chicago), is 2 Blocks South of Union Sta., & Midway Airprt is served by the elevated line! More info on elevated & Blue Subway line, go to: www.transitchicago.com This is for more info on transit in Chicago, Re: the 2010 AMSAT Space Symposium Also, have heard about the following site to visit! The Sience & Technology Museum! 73,.Stu Ballinger *

1 0

THIS MORNING'S SO-50 DEMO
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

I want to thank W0SAT, WA4NVM, W4DBT, W5DID, W0RDE for their efforts in contacting me during my SO-50 summer camp demo here in Winter Springs, FL this morning on the 14:01 UTC pass. Also, any other stations that might have been trying for us. You all made the presentation a great success. Let me know if I can ever reciprocate the favor. 73s, Dave, AA4KN

1 0

TubeSat Satellite Kit (via Make blog)
by Ollie Eisman 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

Just saw this post about an $8000 satellite opportunity on the Make blog: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/07/8000_diy_satellite_kit.html Ollie AJ1O

1 0

CN93 activation
by LOREN RASMUSSEN 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

Due to a trip to the ER during my vacation, I was only able to complete 17 qso's from CN93. Within the next couple of weeks I will again activate CN93. I will advise the date and times. 73 Loren k7cwq

1 0

VA7EWK 3-10 July stats and wrap-up
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

Hi! I have started work on the QSL cards from my recent trip to Canada, and will also update my web page with photos and more information about my trip. It was a fun time, and by far the longest satellite- related trip I have taken. Along with the flights between Phoenix and Vancouver, I drove 3024km (1879 miles) in 8 days according to the receipt I received when I returned the car to Vancouver airport on 11 July. The driving in British Columbia was a few miles/km less than the distance I drove on my trip into Utah last year (that was a 1905-mile/3065km trip), but overall I traveled much further this July than either of my previous July road trips in 2008 or 2009 when the Phoenix-Vancouver flights are added in. During the time I worked the radios (3-10 July), I logged 391 QSOs from 9 different grids. Locations included one grid boundary (CN79/CO70, at Campbell River on Vancouver Island), the Canada/USA international border (standing near the Peace Arch south of Vancouver, on 8 July), a mountaintop (Whistler Mountain, on 10 July), and even from a ship (a ferry sailing between Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver, on 7 July). I tried to work from CO50, but could not get to a place that allowed for a good view of the sky, even after making a 90km/55-mile detour out there on 5 July in the hope of finding some place that might work for satellites. On my first attempt to work many passes from CO80 on 9 July, I ended up working a few passes there followed by a long road trip through CO80, CO90, and CO99 before returning to my motel in Vancouver (driving 671km/417 miles that day!) and trying again the next day with more success. I was able to work SSB and FM, although I only worked one VO-52 pass on the first full day I was on Vancouver Island (4 July). I generally used the VO-52 pass times for travel to a destination, or looked to work HO-68 with its larger footprint when the pass times were close. FO-29 and (when in mode B) AO-7 were good for late-afternoon and early- evening passes. HO-68 in FM was a nice satellite to have available during the week, for the longer-distance QSOs compared to the other 3 FM satellites. Despite trying for passes on AO-7 and HO-68 that covered parts of Europe during the week, no QSOs were logged with that continent. By satellite, here are numbers of satellite QSOs VA7EWK logged in FM: AO-27: 97 AO-51: 112 HO-68: 73 SO-50: 47 (329 QSOs in FM - 84.1% of total) and in other modes: AO-7: 30 in SSB, 2 in CW FO-29: 23, all SSB VO-52: 7, all SSB (62 QSOs in modes other than FM - 15.9% of total) I had my normal satellite station with me, and I hoped to make use of the SSB satellites whenever I could. I worked many AO-7 and FO-29 passes, including some on AO-7 where I talked to myself and maybe some polar bears in the Arctic. :-) Having access to those two satellites in particular helped some who were not able to work VA7EWK on the FM passes due to either the small common windows on those passes or the congestion on the FM passes. Or, another way of looking at the SSB effort could be "if Adrian AA5UK could work SSB from Hawaii, then I should be able to do the same from Canada". ;-) I worked WC7V and W6ZKH in CW on an AO-7 pass from CO60 for my only QSOs in that mode during this trip. Grids... I was able to operate from the 4 grids on Vancouver Island I intended to make the biggest effort - CN78, CN79, CO60, and CO70. I ended up working some passes from CN88 in and around Victoria on 7 July before returning to Vancouver, which included some operating from the western end of the Trans-Canada Highway (a place with a good view of the sky, even with the steady stream of tourists around there). On the Lower Mainland, I operated from CN89 during parts of 2 days, as well as 3 other grids - CN99, CO80, and CO90. The breakout by grid: CN78: 56 (from Ucluelet on the Pacific side of Vancouver Island, 5 July) CN79: 21 (from Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, 6 and 7 July - not including QSOs made at CN79/CO70 boundary) CN79/CO70: 85 (all made from Campbell River, 4 and 6 July) CN88: 25 (3 locations in/near Victoria, plus 2 QSOs made from a ferry sailing toward Vancouver - all on 7 July) CN89: 59 (24 @ Burnaby on 3 July, 19 @ Surrey on 8 July, 16 @ Canada/USA border on 8 July) CN99: 12 (3 passes on evening of 9 July) CO60: 60 (Port Hardy, on 5 July) CO80: 53 (3 locations in/around Whistler on 9 and 10 July, plus another location NE of Pemberton on 9 July) CO90: 20 (one AO-51 pass on 9 July) I was able to attempt operating SSB from all grids except for CN88, CO80, and CO90. CN89 was not a priority for me, although I ended up working a few passes shortly after my arrival in Vancouver on 3 July and some on 8 July as I drove down toward the Canada/USA border. I had not mentioned my plans to attempt QSOs on the international border publicly, since I had no idea if the authorities on either side would attempt to stop me from doing this. I took the "try it, and ask for forgiveness later" approach - which worked. In fact, 2 US Customs officers walked by me and only said "hello" - no questions about my radio gear or what I was doing at one of the border markers in the park that runs between the Customs buildings on each side of the border. Same thing with operating atop Whistler Mountain, where I worked 4 passes on 10 July - probably the best location in all of CO80 for satellite work - and the impromptu effort during a western AO-27 pass from the ferry sailing between Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay terminal) and Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen terminal). If I had worked an AO-51 or SO-50 pass instead of the AO-27 pass, I may have had better luck. There's not much of the 7-minute AO-27 repeater time available to satellite operators that far north on the best passes. When it comes to shipborne operating, I am a novice at that. This was my first, and only, time trying that form of satellite operating. I have a new appreciation of the efforts guys like Allen N5AFV and Andy W5ACM (among others) make when trying to get on the satellites from a ship. I may have been able to use my log periodic for that AO-27 pass, but did not want to attract undue attention with that antenna as opposed to the telescoping whip on my HT. When I post photos to my web page shortly, some of those photos will include the carry-on bag which contained my station excluding my Elk log periodic, some telescoping whips for my HT, and other accessories that were packed in a checked bag to avoid issues with airport security checks in Phoenix and Vancouver. I packed my two FT-817NDs, IC-2820H dual-band FM mobile radio, IC-T7H HT, Heil Traveler headset/mic I use with the FT-817NDs, along with cables, diplexer, GPS receiver, spare AA batteries, and my digital recorder into that bag. I also have some photos of the small duffel bag that I used to carry my HT, log periodic, and other accessories up to Whistler Mountain - and too bad I didn't make more time to work from up there, in SSB and FM. An observation deck on the building atop Whistler Mountain was a great operating location. Maybe on another trip, or maybe someone who lives up there will try that in the future (I still don't have CO80 in my log). After this trip, coupled with my Dayton trip in May when I also took my all-mode satellite station, I think I will do this on future trips even if I am flying. I am already looking at future destinations for trips where I can enjoy the sights and enjoy working the radio as I did up in British Columbia - and not just Canadian destinations. I now know I can get on FM and SSB satellites from wherever I go, and being away from home isn't a problem for that. Thanks to everyone who made QSOs with VA7EWK during that week. And special thanks to John K8YSE for his web site complete with MP3 audio from selected FM satellite passes and posting some messages to the -BB on my behalf while I was up there. It was very interesting to hear some of those passes from his perspective, along with my own recordings, throughout the week. Now, back to working on the QSL cards... 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

AO7 A/B
by PY5LF 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

Hello I think it's internal clock AO7 changed. Today I got the exact moment when the AO7 changes from A to B. This happened at 23:11:20 UTC, July 17, 2010 I had already noticed this a few days ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSbjjrOJVw 73 PY5LF LUCIANO FABRICIO CURITIBA-PR-BRAZIL GG54JM <http://www.qrz.com/db/py5lf> http://www.qrz.com/db/py5lf <http://www.falautomation.com.br/> www.falautomation.com.br

1 0

SO-50 DEMO REQUEST
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

Fellow hams, I have a sat demo scheduled here in Orlando for tomorrow morning targeting the 14:01 UTC (10:01 ET) pass of SO-50. I'd appreciate making a few contacts to show how much fun the satellite part of our hobby can be. I don't want to dominant the pass, but a few contacts would be great if anyone can help. 73s, Dave, AA4KN

1 0

TIsat-1 HB9DE new packet collector online
by spacelab＠supsi.ch 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

Hello radio amateurs, we appreciate your work and your reports about TIsat-1 HB9DE CubeSat mission. We want to thank you and encourage to follow again our mission. We published a new web application that allow you to translate beacon's packets into relative temperature values and meanwhile to transmit these packet to us if you want. The application can be used either online or downloaded for an offline usage. The link to find it is http://www.spacelab.dti.supsi.ch/beaconcw.html If you want to upload directly the packets, please register to our forum, where you can also ask questions directily to us. If you want only to decode the packets you receive than the application can save formatted log files. Thank you, again! Regards, 73 SUPSI SpaceLab, HB9SRC

1 0

Next "HV Satcom" Net!
by Stuart Balanger 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

*Hi All, The next "HV Satcom" Net is this Thursday (7/22) @ 8PM (EDT) (or 2400 UTC) The Echolink node used is: N2EYH-L & the 2 Meter Repeater used is 146.970 MHz. More info: www.hvsatcom.org or: www.wr2abb.org (MBARC Home Page) 73,.Stu Ballinger (WA2BSS;Director;MBARC) PS Also for those going to the Symposium, (Traveling by Rail) There is AMTRAK Service (To Union Sta., & a 2 Block walk from Union Sta. to the Blue Subway line @ Congress & clinton, & that will take you to O'Hare Airport Term. where you can transfer to the free shuttle bus/van (The info "Traveling by rail" was not included in the "Reservation form"! More info (By Rail) go to:www.amtrak.com *

1 0

RES: TISAT
by PY5LF 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

Hi Mike I used OBJECT B . Regards PY5LF LUCIANO FABRICIO CURITIBA-PR-BRAZIL GG54JM http://www.qrz.com/db/py5lf www.falautomation.com.br -----Mensagem original----- De: Mike Rupprecht [mailto:[email protected]] Enviada em: domingo, 18 de julho de 2010 03:27 Para: 'PY5LF' Assunto: AW: [amsat-bb] TISAT Hi Luciano, what NORAD Object did you use for tracking TISat (B or E ?) 73, Mike DK3WN -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von PY5LF Gesendet: Sonntag, 18. Juli 2010 04:34 An: 'Mineo Wakita'; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Betreff: [amsat-bb] TISAT Hello TISAT heard over SA . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSyVSY4IICg 73 PY5LF LUCIANO FABRICIO CURITIBA-PR-BRAZIL GG54JM <http://www.qrz.com/db/py5lf> http://www.qrz.com/db/py5lf <http://www.falautomation.com.br/> www.falautomation.com.br _______________________________________________ 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

1 0

AJ9K in EN66
by dlittel tds.net 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

I will be vacationing in the Michigan Upper Peninsula from 7/18 to 22 and hope to work the FM sats from EN66, 56, 57 and maybe EN76. Dan AJ9K

1 0

Re: AO-7 Record
by Bob- W7LRD 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

When there is vhf/uhf contest going on I occasionally hear a contester on the AO-7 downlink. However due to fact that AO-7 has an inverting band pass the UHF uplink which is USB comes down LSB. This of course is unknown to the contester. Whereas everyone using AO-7 uplinks in LSB so that we receive in USB on the 145mhz downlink. This way I can tell who is the unintentional satellite operator. I think I got that right. 73 Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Duffey" <jamesduffey(a)comcast.net> To: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> Cc: "James Duffey" <jamesduffey(a)comcast.net>, "Amsat-bb BB" <amsAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 4:20:45 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 Record Drew - Thanks for the comments and shedding light on this topic. On Jul 17, 2010, at 3:55 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > Let me clarify something here for the record, especially since it keeps coming up. We absolutely DO have the ability to command AO-7, including a command set that will result in the satellite being silenced permanently. There simply is not much operational advantage to it, even when in continuous illumination. The ability to ceaase transmissions is all that is required of us by the FCC; I just hope we never have to do it. You do not have to look to hard to find other amateur satellites that are derelicts though... I did not know this. Thanks for the clarification. Sorry for stating that we were flying a satellite we cannot control and I am sorry for adding to the confusion on this issue. It will not happen again. > Additionally, although not stated in this discussion, there is much misconception about the legality of Mode B with the 432 uplink. AMSAT has an FCC waiver that is still in effect, so using the 432 is completely legal for US operators, at least. As you say, I did not say that Mode B was illegal and did not mean to imply that it was illegal. But it does fall outside the general guidelines for amateur satellite operations today and we should consider that issue when we use it on Mode B. I based my comments on the AMSAT Satellite Summary of AMSAT Oscar AO-7 located on the AMSAT website. See: < http://www.amsat.org/amsat/sats/n7hpr/ao7.html > Which contains the following two paragraphs: "*Note: Due to changes in Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service there are questions as to legality of Amateurs transmitting to AO-7. The uplink frequency predates the WARC '79 allocation of 435-438 MHz by the ITU for the Amateur Satellite Service and places the uplink in 70cm weak signal segment.' "Potential users should realize that when they are uplinking to a satellite, they are no longer operating in the Amateur Service but instead operating in the Amateur Satellite Service. Thus they are subject to Amateur Satellite Service rules. Therefore uplinking to AO-7 is possibly illegal since the Amateur Satellite Service is not permitted at 432.1 MHz. Also, since the IARU bandplan has the 432.1 MHz range earmarked as "weak signal" in all three Regions, it would appear that all users trying to access the uplink are also outside the Amateur Satellite Service rules and regulations." The AMSAT web page is a prominent return when one searches for Oscar 7 on Google. Thanks for pointing out that these statements are incorrect, or at the very least, overcautious. > As it is an uplink, there is absolutely no ill effect AO-7 can have on terrestrial 432 operations. I agree for the most part, AO-7 uplink on 70cm will in general have little effect on 432 operations. But to say it has absolutely no ill effect is hyperbole. Consider this situation. A multi contest station is looking for QSOs on 70 cm Sunday evening and tunes across someone calling CQ in the uplink passband. The contest station thinks it is a terrestrial station in the contest and calls him. The station calling in the uplink hears the contest station on the satellite downlink and they have a QSO, exchanging signal strengths and grid squares. The contest station logs the contact and moves on. The multistation owner later gets a QSL from the station in the uplink claiming a satellite contact since he copied the contest station on the downlink. THe multistation owner realizes that his multistation has violated the contest rule that prohibits satellite operation in contests. Respecting the rules, he withdraws his submission and asks that it be considered a check log and is out ! of the competition with a very good score. This is an unusual case, I grant you, but I have been "distracted," for want of a better word, a time or two by satellite users in the OSCAR 7 uplink during a contest until I realize that they are not terrestrial stations in the contest, but trying to uplink to Oscar 7. Usually it is obvious, occasionally it is not. No harm done, other than the waste of a few minutes. I suspect that a few others may have had similar experiences. If satellite operators on the 70 cm uplink are aware of their proximity to the 70cm calling frequency, particularly during contests, and call CQ Satellite, and mention that they are on the satellite during the QSO, then the impact of having the AO-7 uplink close to the 432.1 weak signal calling frequency can be minimized. > I just noticed a few days ago that the AO-7 entry on wikipedia is 100% wrong on this and needs to be corrected. Maybe someone more familiar with wikipedia than I will do so after seeing this email. The Wikipedia entry is pretty much a verbatim quote of the AMSAT satellite summary on the AMSAT page and cites it as a source, which makes sense, so changing the information I quoted above on the AMSAT summary is a good start on getting it changed on Wikipedia. When the citation goes away the Wikipedia entry will have less value. I don't contribute to Wikipedia, but I can learn how to change this if that is what is warranted. It won't help much to change the secondary source, Wikipedia, when the primary source, AMSAT, remains unchanged though. Again Drew, thanks for your comments on this issue. I have revised my thinking on Oscar 7 control. - Duffey -- KK6MC James Duffey Cedar Crest NM _______________________________________________ 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

2 1