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AO-51 mode change 5/17/10 around 1120utc
by Mark L. Hammond 17 May '10

17 May '10

Hi All, You can expect the mode change on AO-51 from S-band to U/V to occur around 1120 utc tomorrow (Monday, 5/17). 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Negai TLE (Correction)
by Mineo Wakita 17 May '10

17 May '10

Negai 1 00000U 10021H 10121.28882375 .00000730 00000-0 10000-3 0 112 2 000000 29.9659 339.8308 0000000 120.7250 357.1250 15.908223575 373 I cannot have conviction whether this is a right TLE. JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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H-IIA F17 Launch information
by Mineo Wakita 17 May '10

17 May '10

Launch date, 17 May 2010 Launch time, 21:44:14UTC Launch site, Tanegashima Space Center in Japan Satellite Downlink Beacon Mode Callsign ------------ ----------- ------- --------------- -------- UNITEC-1 5840.000 5840.000 1200bps AFSK,CW JQ1ZUN Negai*" 437.305 437.305 1200bps AFSK,CW JQ1ZEX Waseda-SAT2 437.485 437.485 9600bps PCMFSK,CW ? Negai 1 00000U 10021H 10121.28882375 .00000730 00000-0 10000-3 0 112 2 000000 29.9659 339.8308 0000000 120.7250 357.125 15.908223575 373 Tanegashima Web Camera http://space.jaxa.jp/tnsc/webcam/index_e.shtml Live Broadcast http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f17/live/index_e.html AKATSUKI Special Site http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f17/index_e.html Satellite information http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/unitec-1.htm http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/unitec-2.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Re: 9100
by Michael Tondee 17 May '10

17 May '10

I guess "about as much" is relative. Right now, based on sale prices, there is right at $300 difference in the Flex V/U module and a TS-2000. I don';t know about you but $300 is a decent chunk of change to me. Besides that, we are comparing apples to oranges. The V/U module with take advantage of all of the advantages that the Flex has over the TS-2000 to start with. Not only will it be satellite capable, it will also make the Flex 5000 a hot contender for other VHF/UHF weak signal work. I've owned a TS-2000X before and while I thought it was a fine all around general purpose rig, I never disillusioned myself into thinking that it was anything more. From everything I've seen of the Flex it is much more and will continue to evolve into much more given time. I've owned my Flex 5000A a little over a month and I don't want any other radio, satellite or otherwise cluttering up my operating desk. It might take me awhile to afford to put the V/U module in my rig and I may have lots more money in things than any other rig I've owned when I do but IMO it will be worth it. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 5/16/2010 2:59 PM, Sebastian wrote: > I sold my IC-910H recently, as I had thoughts about going with the > 9100. But at that price, I can't justify it. > > I agree that the Flex 5000 is probably a much better radio (since we > don't yet know all the technical details on the 9100). However the > cost of the V/U module for the Flex is about as much as you would pay > for a brand new TS-2000. Sure the Flex offers more, but let's face > it, with the current birds in orbit, it's overkill for the average ham > who makes occasional satellite contacts. > > Perhaps others such as DEMI, will see this as an opportunity and come > up with alternatives? > > 73 de W4AS > > On May 15, 2010, at 9:43 PM, Michael Tondee wrote: > >> I guess once I put the upcoming V/U module in my Flex 5000 I'll have >> that amount of money in it but I won't have had to spend it all at once >> and IMHO I'll have a markedly better radio. Also one that isn't outdated >> a day after I walk out of the store with it. >> I'm just not a big fan of Icom's anyway so I guess I'm pretty biased. >> 73, >> Michael, W4HIJ >> >> On 5/15/2010 7:22 PM, Mik Forsythe wrote: >>> Just left Dayton a few hours ago. Icom said that it is basically a >>> 7600 and a 910. It is bigger than the 910. It was in a display >>> case so I can't tell you what the feel was like of the weight. >>> Price is in the $4,000.00 range so that will kill a lot of the >>> satellite market if you ask me.

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AMSAT Stamps 100% to AMSAT
by Bob- W7LRD 17 May '10

17 May '10

In the spirit of the Dayton $5000 challenge I am offering on Ebay my AMSAT framed stamps. 100% of the proceeds go to AMSAT. I expect nothing less than a spirited bidding battle for these stamps. Remember we deal with rocket science, and rocket science is not cheap! Only one bid so far? Are you going to let that guy in So. Cal. walk away with these? He's already got that bracket thingy from AO-40 (sobsob). Still waiting for the bidding frenzy to erupt! http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=amsat+stamps&… 73 Bob W7LRD

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S-Band
by Bob 16 May '10

16 May '10

Hi I have some California down converter #130016 I would like to sale. When AO-40 was working I sold and used them myself. I do not have eyes to set them up anymore. I am selling them for $10 each + Shipping. I do have Pay Pal My e-mail is wj6t(a)bak.rr.com Phone 661 829 5759 for more info. Bob WJ6T

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grid square program
by Bob- W7LRD 16 May '10

16 May '10

What is a good (free) program for tracking grid squares via satellites? 73 Bob W7LRD

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Anyone record HO-68 pass around 0040 UTC tonight?
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 16 May '10

16 May '10

Hi! I had a problem with my digital recorder during the HO-68 pass around 0040 UTC this evening. I am going through what little audio it captured trying to make my log entries, and I know I am not remembering every call I worked. If you have a recording of this pass and can e-mail me a copy of that recording, I would appreciate that. The recordings for the two earlier passes on SO-50 and FO-29 I worked at the Indiana/Ohio state line, along with the other passes I worked on Thursday and Friday, are OK. Thanks in advance, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Fairborn, Ohio (near Dayton) http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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SATpc32 problem
by SteveBluemel＠gmail.com 16 May '10

16 May '10

Hey all, Problem solved. It turns out that the AMSAT kep data was bad. I downloaded the Celestrak keps and all works great. Now, i need to figure out how keep my kep data file accurate. Thank you all for your suggestions, and Erich for the customer service. Steve KI6OQU

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Re: AMSAT stamps 100% to AMSAT
by Clint Bradford 16 May '10

16 May '10

>> ... eBay auction ... unique AMSAT item ... spirited bidding battle ... C'mon, fellow sat folks. This is another unique AMSAT item up on eBay. (Remember the prototype AO-40 mounting bracket auction? I have it!) Not only will your bid/donation DOUBLE with the DARA pledge ... but your CPA will probably advise you that there's a tax incentive for next April 15 by purchasing this item! Expecting spirited bidding, Clint (sole bidder as of today) Bradford

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Re: Sked with someone at Dayton
by Reid Crowe 15 May '10

15 May '10

I was incorrect, HO-68 will NOT be on at 0231 UTC sorry about that. 73, Reid OX/N0RC

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Re: Sked with someone at Dayton
by kc8ran＠cox.net 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hi Reid, Unfotunately we shut down operations at Dayton when the show closed for the day at 2100Z. Check for mutual windows tomorrow on the vrious sats in the morning passes (between 1200Z and 1600Z). Hopefully W5IU will be able to work you, and anyone else on the birds). Joe KC8RAN (on the AMSAT team in Dayton) On Sat, May 15, 2010 at 4:56 PM, Reid Crowe wrote: > I will be on HO-68 tonight at 0040 UTC and 0231 UTC from GP47, > Kangerlussuaq Greenland. Is there anyone at Dayton that will be able > to make one of those passes? I'd really like to work someone who is > there right now. > > 73, > > Reid OX/N0RC > _______________________________________________ > 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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WD9EWK @ IN/OH border now
by Patrick STODDARD 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hi! I am at the Indiana/Ohio border now, will work SO50 in 2 minutes, FO29 @ 2301 UTC, possibly other passes here at EM79ot. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: Sked with someone at Dayton
by Angelo Glorioso 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hi Reid, I am not at Dayton, but the callsign being used is W5IU and the operator is Keith. He has been on HO-68 a couple of times. So, if you hear that call, that is Dayton the demo station. 73 de Angelo PS: Hope to work you myself as well. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Reid Crowe" <reid.crowe(a)gmail.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 3:56 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Sked with someone at Dayton > > >>I will be on HO-68 tonight at 0040 UTC and 0231 UTC from GP47, >> Kangerlussuaq Greenland. Is there anyone at Dayton that will be able to >> make one of those passes? I'd really like to work someone who is there >> right now. >> >> 73, >> >> Reid OX/N0RC >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Sked with someone at Dayton
by Reid Crowe 15 May '10

15 May '10

I will be on HO-68 tonight at 0040 UTC and 0231 UTC from GP47, Kangerlussuaq Greenland. Is there anyone at Dayton that will be able to make one of those passes? I'd really like to work someone who is there right now. 73, Reid OX/N0RC

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New Kenwood HT - Duplex?
by Clint Bradford 15 May '10

15 May '10

Just has a conversation with N0BVE, Don, via his EchoLink setup. Don is at Dayton. Don walked to the Kenwood booth, and asked the Kenwood rep directly (well, they heard me asking on Don's radio), "Is this unit true, full-duplex - where we can monitor the sub-band while transmitting on the primary band?" The Kenwood rep answered too quickly - after just hearing the word, "duplex." Unfortunately, marketing terms and ham terms are not always carry the same definitions. When I re-asked the question, the rep was not sure. Don, although using a Yaesu VX-7R at the show, knows Kenwood radios (and remembers his TH-78a - which WAs a TRUE, full-duplex radio). So Don grabs the new Kenwood HT, and tries to program "our scenario" for working the FM satellites: monitor 435.000 while transmitting on 2M. He couldn't get it to do it - but that was because the radio needed to be reset, after so many messing around with it. SO, we really do not know. We do not have a preliminary instruction manual. We do not have a submission to the FCC for certification. GPS/APRS features look intriguing. But we still do not know if this is a TRUE, full-duplex unit. I know - although preferable, it is NOT *mandatory* that we work the FM amateur satellites in true, full-duplex mode. But it would be nice to have another rig - in addition to the Alinco DJ-G7 - on which to use this operating mode. Clint Bradford, K6LCS AMSAT area coordinator http://www.work-sat.com P.S. - W6GPS (another "Don") just told me that it IS a true, full-duplex unit. But he hasn't actually seen it in that op mode. And so it goes ... (grin)

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Icom IC-9100
by Gkcarr 15 May '10

15 May '10

This fat cat is almost dead from curiosity. Attn: Dayton goers, What is being said about the Icom IC-9100? tnx and 73, George WA5KBH EM30

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Unitec-1 position data
by G0MRF＠aol.com 15 May '10

15 May '10

OK sorry. Found the software on the Unitec-1 site. Thanks David

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UNITEC-1 Site opened
by Mikio_Mouri 15 May '10

15 May '10

Dear Friends, The UNITEC-1 is going to be launched from Tanageshima-Island on May 17(UTC) evening. Please see the detailed information on its official site at: http://sites.google.com/site/unitec1ops/ You will see its frequency, transmission timing and coding. To track and to receive its signal is expected to be very difficult, but the team is working hard to clarify the situation. Thank you. JA3GEP, Mikio Mouri,

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Satpc32
by Steve Bluemel 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hello All, Recently my Satpc32 software has been predicting the birds about 20 minutes ahead of their actual AOS. I am using the latest version. System clock is accurate and reads the same as the software. Kep data is fresh. My location is loaded accurately. Has anyone experienced this before or have any ideas what may be wrong? Thank you, Steve, KI6OQU

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Re: Satpc32
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hi Steve, This may not be the solution to your enquiry, from what you have stated you appear to have checked out the usual reasons :- location, co-ordinates, clock time and current keps. However I have come across a couple of colleagues whom had similar problems and when checked on the set up etc. I found that although they had updated the keps the programme was not reading from the current data but from an earlier file. Doing a set up by selecting the correct file and then restarting the programme resolved the issue. Good luck. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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WD9EWK-----2E1EUB---QSO
by paul robinson 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hi Patrick sorry could not just pull out your name correct...but nice copy with your qrp ,enjoy the hamfest ,catch up soon paul -2E1EUB

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AMSAT stamps 100% to AMSAT
by Bob- W7LRD 15 May '10

15 May '10

In the spirit of the Dayton $5000 challenge I am offering on Ebay my AMSAT framed stamps. 100% of the proceeds go to AMSAT. I expect nothing less than a spirited bidding battle for these stamps. Remember we deal with rocket science, and rocket science is not cheap! Only one bid so far? http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=amsat+stamps&… 73 Bob W7LRD

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Dayton to Copenhagen and Birmingham (England) on AO-7 today
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 15 May '10

15 May '10

Hi! I was not planning to do much on the radio this weekend here in Dayton. The one thing I wanted to try was for a QSO with Europe. I brought my two FT-817NDs and an Elk log periodic antenna, the gear I plan on traveling with more often in the future. In the span of approximately 5 minutes around 2031 UTC this afternoon, I worked OZ1MY and 2E1EUB on AO-7 while parked on the EN70xa/EN80aa grid boundary northeast of Dayton. That was fun. :-) Other than Iceland and maybe the Azores, Europe is not possible to work via satellite from Arizona. Looking forward to the AMSAT forum tomorrow morning, and - hopefully - no more calls from the office! Two of those today, including one that took 3 hours to resolve, get in the way of a short vacation. :-\ 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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WC7V DN54
by kladuke1144＠msn.com 14 May '10

14 May '10

All, I plan to operate portable from DN54 in Cody, WY on Saturday, May 15,2010. HO68 is the first pass at 1745Z. Then, AO27 starting at 1935Z for the next three passes. AO51 if it is in mode u/v at 0000Z. SO50 2228Z, and 0007Z, and 0150Z. HO68 at 0045 (5 deg max el) AO51 at 0135Z on the 16th. I will work as many of the passes of AO27, Ao51, SO50 and HO68 as possible. 73 WC7V Kerry

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Packet on AO-27
by Tom 14 May '10

14 May '10

At the end of the AO-27 pass at about 2023 UTC today I heard a strong packet signal on the downlink. It lasted for about 30 seconds and wiped out the end of the pass for me. I think I've heard that before but can't remember if it was on AO-27. Is this just someone creating QRM or is the packet signal there for a reason? Tom - KØTW

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Sprcial Event
by Peter Portanova 14 May '10

14 May '10

Hello, I will be on AO-27 on May, 15th only, at 17:55 UTC using the special call sign, W2GSB/APM, I look forward to working many stations, thank you. On May 15th & 16, in honor of Armed Forces Day, the Great South Bay ARC, will set up portable HF/VHF/ Satellite operations at the American Airpower Museum, http://www.americanairpowermuseum.com/Website/Index.aspx located at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY., FN30, using the call W2GSB/APM, a special QSL card will be sent, for QSL information visit www.gsbarc.org. The club will be on HF from 11 AM until 4 PM each day. 73's Pete WB2OQQ www.massapequanyweather.com

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WD9EWK @ IN/OH state line, AO7 & FO29 1100-1135 UTC
by Patrick STODDARD 14 May '10

14 May '10

Hi! After flying into Columbus and driving to Dayton last night, sleep was in short supply. I woke up very early, and drove west of Dayton on I-70 to the Indiana/Ohio state line. I just worked an FO29 pass, and will work the next FO29 pass at 1100 UTC followed by AO7 once FO29 is out of range around 1118 UTC. The grid for this spot is EM79ot, in the parking lot of a fireworks shop on the south side of US-40 east of the I-70/US-40 interchange. After these passes, it s back to Dayton for the HamVention. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Indiana/Ohio state line. near Richmond IN http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: Anyone using Gpredict with an IC-910h?
by Ryan Caron 14 May '10

14 May '10

I have the IC-910H doppler working w/ gpredict just fine using a eBay CI-V cable. I have the radio's baud rate set to automatic but the cable itself only seems able to support 4800 baud (no lower, no higher). Works great at 1 second updates even for LEO birds. On 5/13/10 12:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Message: 9 > Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 09:47:42 -0700 (PDT) > From: Elan Portnoy<elanportnoy(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Anyone using Gpredict with an IC-910h? > To:[email protected] > Message-ID:<560838.81850.qm(a)web82306.mail.mud.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > I've got the rotator tracking (Fox Delta + G5400) but having trouble with the rig freq control for uplink& downlink Doppler correction. > > Anyone have any suggestions? > > > > Dell GX270 > > IC-910H > > Gpredict on Ubuntu Linux > > Onboard serial ports @ 19200 > > Fox Delta STS-2 (?? I think, maybe 3) > > Funny looking antennas on a nasty 25' stick which spins around and is attached to the porch. > > 73, > Elan - WB2IOL > >

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Hitting a southbound Moon
by Greg D. 13 May '10

13 May '10

Hi folks, Now that the Arecibo event is behind us, there is still one puzzle that I'd like someone to explain to me. How do I aim at the Moon? I'm on the US West Coast. Early in the pass on Saturday, both Predict and Orbitron told me that the Moon's azimuth from here should be slightly north of east. It was in the 80-ish degree range, with east, of course, being 90. But looking at Orbitron's map display, the Moon was clearly south of my latitude. As the pass progressed, the Moon moved westward on the map, making a sharper angle to the south of east from here. Both Predict and Orbitron's Az calculation increased too (eventually crossing 90 degrees), but always seemed to be north of where the Moon was. Why would I aim north to hit a southbound Moon? Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccount&ocid=PID28…

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Atlantis launch at Dayton?
by Bill ONeil 13 May '10

13 May '10

Anybody going to setup NASA TV at Dayton? Bill KW8KW

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Dayton SDR Forum speaker list, times
by Robert McGwier 13 May '10

13 May '10

Dayton SDR Forum is exciting this year. 4/5 of the talks are about HPSDR-related and that is good with a great list of speakers. Friday, 2:30-5 PM Gerald Youngblood, Flex updates 2:30 Lyle Johnson, Embedded Processors for SDR 3:00 John Melton, SDR GUI 3:30 Scott Cowling, HPSDR update 4:00 Jeremy McDermond, MacHPSDR 4:30 Bob McGwier N4HY

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S band cavity filter test
by Luc Leblanc 13 May '10

13 May '10

With AO-51 in mode V/S i start to test a wave guide filter model ITS 1653C made by ITS corporation Mc Murry PA. The wave guide centered on 2401Mhz with a band pass covering 2400 to 2402Mhz with a very low insertion loss. The first test made on my last AO-51 pass confirm all the qrm out of the passband if effectively reduced a lot. More test will be needed to confirm if the filter effectively help my AIDC downconverter reception P.S. when i dismantle the antenna coax from the AIDC connector i saw the N female connector full of white rust. Even with a carefull taping only the antenna connector show this type of corosion. I suspect the N male adaptor and the is made of a different alloy than the AIDC N connector. After one year at the top of the tower the corrosion take his toll and it will a good thing to check your AIDC downconverter connector condition. I don't know how i was able to hear on 2401mhx with a so white powder rusted connector? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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ao 51 V/S
by Dale Hershberger 13 May '10

13 May '10

Hello....... I heard some QSOs on S band on the last pass...I have had to repair my connection to the dish to receive the down link signal. I was successful to hear some signals from the L48. I could not make out the call signs but it is encouraging.. I will keep on trying. W7LRD,.Bob.. I will be looking for you. 73, Dale KL7XJ

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Office
by Martha 12 May '10

12 May '10

The AMSAT Office will be closed through Monday, May 17th. I will be attending the Dayton Hamvention. -- 73- Martha

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AMSAT stamps 100% to AMSAT
by Bob- W7LRD 12 May '10

12 May '10

In the spirit of the Dayton $5000 challenge I am offering on Ebay my AMSAT framed stamps. 100% of the proceeds go to AMSAT. I expect nothing less than a spirited bidding battle for these stamps. http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=amsat+stamps&… 73 Bob W7LRD

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Re: Maui on FM sats
by Lee Ernstrom 12 May '10

12 May '10

I'm not sure where I am staying. My daughter is a flight attendant for US Air and my decision to go to Maui has been a last minute one from her invitation just a few hours ago. On Wednesday morning EARLY I will be flying from SLC to PHX where I will join my daughter and we will fly directly to Maui. For her it is a working trip, and for me, a chance to just get away from reality and possibly play satelites. The radio and antenna are packed up and ready to go. When I get a chance I will check the passes and hopefully be able to post them here. I still have some last minute prep to do. I sure wish AO-51 was available for V/U while I am there :( WA7HQD Lee Ernstrom -----Original Message----- From: Adrian Engele [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 8:08 PM To: Lee Ernstrom Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Maui on FM sats Lee, What part of the island are you staying on? Reason I ask there is a big Volcano that will block the lower passed if you are on the Southern part of the island. If you are towards Lahaina and Kaanapali you will have a better chance to work the satellites. I was on Mauai a few years ago and did not operate back then. I just came back from Kaui and Oahu from a satellite DXPedition back in early April and I had a great view to horizon. I worked mostly the SSB satellites and was able to talk as far as Japan, Russia, Mexico, USA (as far East as Athens GA). FM satellites will have small footprints and the passes will be short. AO51 will not be available unless you can work mode V/S: May 10 - May 16 FM Repeater, V/S (See or Work Us at Dayton!) Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM Downlink: 2401.200 MHz FM 67 Hz PL Tone Required AO27 will be a short pass, as well as SO50. I managed to work HO68 but it is not always on over HI. I managed to ask to have it turned on over HI during my trip. Check your location and look, print out the passes and then look at an elevation map. Unless you are on top of the Volcano or towards the North Side you may be limited in your passes. I just wanted to pass that along. Have a great time in Mauai, a really fun island! 73, Adrian AA5UK _____ From: Lee Ernstrom <iamsavedbygrace(a)q.com> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Tue, May 11, 2010 8:33:42 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Maui on FM sats Hi everyone, I will be in Maui on Wednesday and Thursday and will have my arrow antenna and handheld. I haven't checked the sats yet to see when the passes are. Any suggestions? WA7HQD Lee Ernstrom _______________________________________________ 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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cal amp 130194
by Bob- W7LRD 12 May '10

12 May '10

Does anyone have any information on the Cal Amp 130194. I would like to convert it for S band. 73 Bob W7LRD

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Re: Happy 5th Birthday to HAMSAT
by William Leijenaar 12 May '10

12 May '10

Hi Domenico Thanks for the flowers. Hopefully we can get some more linear transponders in orbit in the future. Besides the small mode-UV that I have here on the shelf I am working on a mode-LS version as well (CubeSat size ofcourse). Also on my bench is a credit card sized 2m-70cm FM transponder, which still needs some time to get finalized. 73 de PE1RAH William Leijenaar >> Hi Hamsat Team, >> >> Thanks for building this great Amateur Satellite it is always a pleasure >> to hear and work this great bird. I think when somebody will ask me what >> my favorite linear transponder Satellite is VO-52 will be the first one >> that crosses my mind. >> >> And as somebody already mentioned, lets hope it will be working for >> another long time. >> >> >> I'll buy some cake and candles to celebrate here birthday :)) >> >> 73 Jan PE0SAT >> > >Hi Jan, PE0SAT > >A great tanks also to William Leinejar PE1RAH who designed and built the >Dutch transponder on board of VO-52. > >73" de > >i8CVS Domenico

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Long Distance Software Patch
by Rich Dailey 12 May '10

12 May '10

Voyager II is bit-flipping, engineers will attempt a fix from 8.6 billion miles away. Transmission delay is 13 hours. Wow. http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1005/11voyager2/ Rich, N8UX

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AMSAT stamps ebay 100% to amsat
by Bob- W7LRD 12 May '10

12 May '10

In the spirit of the Dayton $5000 challenge I am offering on Ebay my AMSAT framed stamps. 100% of the proceeds go to AMSAT. I expect nothing less than a spirited bidding battle of these stamps. http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=amsat+stamps&… 73 Bob W7LRD

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Maui on FM sats
by Lee Ernstrom 12 May '10

12 May '10

Hi everyone, I will be in Maui on Wednesday and Thursday and will have my arrow antenna and handheld. I haven't checked the sats yet to see when the passes are. Any suggestions? WA7HQD Lee Ernstrom

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Drifting Satellite Threatens US Cable Programming
by W4ART Arthur Feller 11 May '10

11 May '10

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/05/11/technology/AP-Out-of-Control-Sat… 73, art..... W4ART Arlington VA

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SSTV From ISS on May 13-14
by JoAnne Maenpaa 11 May '10

11 May '10

Hello everyone, This news was in the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report for May 10, 2010. If we wait for the weekend AMSAT News Service cycle this opportunity will have passed. MAI-75 Experiments Planned MAI-75 (Moscow Aviation Institute) experiments are planned for May 13 from 10:00 - 17:00 UTC and May 14 from 12:45 - 16:00 UTC. The VC-H1 in Robot-36 mode will be used to transmit Slow Scan Television images on May 13 and the computer will be used on May 14. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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AO-51 S schedule loaded
by Andrew Glasbrenner 11 May '10

11 May '10

At 0930Z I loaded a schedule that should turn V/S on just after emerging from each eclipse, beginning at 1010Z today through 0930Z tomorrow. Reception reports would be appreciated. 73, Drew KO4MA

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ISS digipeater path?
by Gordon JC Pearce 10 May '10

10 May '10

Hi there, I've finally got to a point where I have a working 2m rig in the house, with a working sound interface and working soundmodem *and* the ISS has packet turned on. I've been able to wake up the BBS on RS0ISS-14, so the radio on the ISS can hear me and talk to me. I'm not seeing any APRS packets being digipeated, though. Currently I have Xastir set up with the unproto path set to ARISS,SGATE,WIDE2-2 which is derived by consensus from several (possibly out-of-date) websites. Is this right? If it isn't, what should it be? Gordon MM0YEQ

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K5GNA Parts
by Angelo Glorioso 10 May '10

10 May '10

Hi All, If anyone has a bad/junk K5GNA, I am looking for the dipole ( white piece in a cross configuration). A fellow ham has K5GNA with a diople that is broken. Angelo

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STS-132 Launch
by Bobby Lacey 10 May '10

10 May '10

Wondering if any AMSAT members will be down at the cape this week to see Atlantis' final scheduled launch to the ISS? I lucked out and was chosen to be a part of NASA's STS-132 Tweetup. Some of the highlights scheduled for Tweetup members are viewing RSS retract on Thursday evening & watching the launch from the press site (~3 miles from LC-39A) on Friday. I've never seen the shuttle closer than the causeway (~10mi), so this is really going to be a treat. I'll be tweeting the experience at www.twitter.com/kf4gta while posting photos and HD content to www.flickr.com/photos/rllacey & www.vimeo.com/rllacey 73 Bobby KF4GTA http://www.nq4i.com/operators/details/kf4gta

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Re: AO-51 S schedule loaded
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 10 May '10

10 May '10

Hi Drew, I monitored the "S" band downlink for the UK 1536 hrs pass at my location here in Wales. The max elevation was 33 degrees with some screening due adjacent trees Even with my moderate equipment I heard a number of European stations whom I pleased to report were quite strong, some 5 -9. Glad to report the good news following your switchover, a big thanks to you for all of the time and effort that you put into keeping everything ship shape. Regard to all. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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Music video for space hams.. (listen with speakers on..)
by Samudra Haque 10 May '10

10 May '10

Hi, perhaps you have already seen this music video from the ORBITER 2006 computer game community, good simulations nonetheless! http://vimeo.com/9061682 If you wish, please circulate it to your colleagues elsewhere for bringing a bit of enthusiasm to their jobs and hobby life. Samudra N3RDX

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AO-51 S band fades
by Bob- W7LRD 10 May '10

10 May '10

Anyon have an idea why we get such deep fades on AO-51 S downlink? Did work K8YSE & KC9ELU between the fades. Is there something we can do at the rx end? Switch polarity, bigger dish?? 73 Bob W7LRD

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thanks for DM32/DM42 QSOs yesterday
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 10 May '10

10 May '10

Hi! Thanks to all the stations that made QSOs with WD9EWK yesterday, while I was down at the DM32xx/DM42ax grid boundary near Maricopa AZ. I parked along a road, a couple hundred yards/meters south of the spot where four grids come together (those two, plus DM33 and DM43). I logged a total of 50 QSOs on 7 passes - 2 each on AO-51, SO-50, and AO-7; plus one FO-29 pass - in just over 3 hours. I was unsuccessful on an FO-29 pass with maximum elevation of 8 degrees from that location a few minutes past 0000 UTC, south of the Southern Pacific transcontinental railroad line and near a Nissan automotive test center. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon, a warm day in the central Arizona desert - around 95F/35C outside when I started, but comfortable for the last pass I worked at 0220-0240 UTC on AO-7 at sunset. I have written out cards for anyone who requested confirmation for QSOs made yesterday. Those will go to the post office tomorrow morning. I also wrote out additional cards for stations that I've never worked from DM32 before, some with SASEs if those stations are new for my log, since DM32 is particularly rare on the satellites (most of the grid is a military bombing range, with a small part extending into northern Mexico). Please e-mail me if you would like to receive a QSL card for a QSO from DM32/DM42. Since the northeast corner of grid DM32 is less than an hour's drive from downtown Phoenix, this is a location I visit periodically. If you need DM32 for your satellite log and missed me yesterday, please let me know. We can make arrangements for a quick stop down there even in the summertime to make a QSO. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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AO-51 and V/S
by Andrew Glasbrenner 10 May '10

10 May '10

We made the mode change this evening to V/S on AO-51. I and the rest of the command team are a bit concerned that we may not have enough battery capacity now to sustain operation through eclipse in V/S mode. We cannot PTT the transmitter with PL like the UHF transmitters, nor is there any way to lower the downlink power on S. If the battery voltage drops too low, the voltage watchdog will shut the S transmitter off and it will remain off until commanded back on. If we cannot make it through eclipse in this mode, we can try to use the automatic scheduler to enable the S transmitter at a predicted time upon exiting eclipse each orbit. We've not tried to use the scheduler this way before, so there may be some time required to get things working.This approach will require daily intervention to keep things running. The next four months are going to be challenging keeping AO-51 as available as possible. Please either email me directly, or via -bb, or post to http://oscar.dcarr.org/ reception reports for V/S. Send those reports in this week please! 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations

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Using a FT-897 for Linear Transponders
by Reid Crowe 10 May '10

10 May '10

Has anyone figured out a good way to use an FT-897 for linear transponders without an additional receiver? I would really like to get on some of the other birds from Sondrestrom (GP47) and Thule (FQ56) before I leave Greenland. Thanks, Reid OX/N0RC

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WC7V/P in DN44
by kladuke1144＠msn.com 09 May '10

09 May '10

All, I plan on operating AO27 Monday May 10th from DN44. Beginning at 1847Z then 2017Z and finally 2157Z. I will be in the Mammoth, Yellowstone Park, WY area. 73 WC7V Kerry

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Demonstration Schedule at Dayton Hamvention 14-16 May 2010
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 09 May '10

09 May '10

We plan to work as many of the passes in the attached schedule as possible from the AMSAT Demo Area at Dayton Hamvention this weekend, 14-16 May 2010. The times shown are in UTC. Please note that a few of these passes are just before or just after Dayton Hamvention's posted hours. AO-51 will be in Mode V/S for this weekend and we will attempt to work as many of these marginal passes as possible. There is a very low elevation pass of HO-68 on Friday evening during the AMSAT/TAPR Banquet that we may try to work from the Banquet Area. It has very good European coverage. Other passes of HO-68 in FM mode will have the NW portion of Europe in the early part of the pass. All of North America and part of South America will be in the footprint later in the passes. We hope to work you on the "birds." If you are attending Dayton, please come by the AMSAT Demo Area for an "Eyeball QSO" and a look at the hardware and other demonstrations. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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Demonstration Schedule at Dayton Hamvention 14-16 May 2010
by Keith Pugh 09 May '10

09 May '10

We plan to work as many of the passes in the attached schedule as possible from the AMSAT Demo Area at Dayton Hamvention this weekend, 14-16 May 2010. The times shown are in UTC. Please note that a few of these passes are just before or just after Dayton Hamvention's posted hours. AO-51 will be in Mode V/S for this weekend and we will attempt to work as many of these marginal passes as possible. There is a very low elevation pass of HO-68 on Friday evening during the AMSAT/TAPR Banquet that we may try to work from the Banquet Area. It has very good European coverage. Other passes of HO-68 in FM mode will have the NW portion of Europe in the early part of the pass. All of North America and part of South America will be in the footprint later in the passes. We hope to work you on the "birds." If you are attending Dayton, please come by the AMSAT Demo Area for an "Eyeball QSO" and a look at the hardware and other demonstrations. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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Portable SSB satellite operation advice requested
by Graham Shirville 09 May '10

09 May '10

Hi all, Later this month I hope to be trying some satellite operation from a boat from the seas around Scotland, Norway and up inside the Arctic circle. I have my trusty Kenwood TDH7 and Arrow combination for possible FM use but have been wondering whether to take an FT817 for SSB transmit and perhaps a TH-F6A/F7E for receive. I would appreciate any advice on the suitability/practicability of the latter combination..it has the advantage of being already available! thanks Graham G3VZV

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Dayton
by Bob- W7LRD 09 May '10

09 May '10

What are the "official" operational plans to demo from Dayton. I can only vicariously paricipate this year. 73 Bob W7LRD

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HO-68 Schedule - 09-16 May 2010
by Alan Kung 09 May '10

09 May '10

UTC: 09 May 2010 ================================ 17:10...Turn On--Packet India, Africa, Middle East, Europe,NA 17:55...Turn Off 18:40...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,Middle East,NA 19:25...Turn Off 23:05...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 23:50...Turn Off 10 May 2010 ================================ 02:46...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:01...Turn Off 03:45...Turn On--FM South America,NA,North Asia 04:30...Turn Off 18:45...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 19:30...Turn Off 11 May 2010 ================================ 00:00...Turn On--FM South America,NA,North Asia 00:45...Turn Off 01:35...Turn On--FM South America,NA,North Asia 02:20...Turn Off 02:29...Turn On--FM North Asia, East Asia, South Asia 02:44...Turn Off 10:45...Turn On--FM Oceania,Asia,Europe 11:30...Turn Off 16:40...Turn On--FM/SSTV India,Middle East,Europe,NA 17:25...Turn Off 18:25...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 19:10...Turn Off 12 May 2010 ================================= 02:13...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:29...Turn Off 10:30...Turn On--FM Oceania,East Asia,North Asia,Europe 11:15...Turn Off 13:10...Turn On--FM NA,South America,Europe 13:55...Turn Off 18:10...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 18:55...Turn Off 22:15...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,East Asia,Oceania 23:00...Turn Off 13 May 2010 ================================= 01:57...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 02:12...Turn Off 05:30...Turn On--FM NA,North Asia,Middle East, Europe,Africa 06:15...Turn Off 10:10...Turn On--FM Oceania,Asia,Europe,NA 10:55...Turn Off 16:05...Turn On--FM Africa,India,Middle East,Europe,NA 16:50...Turn Off 17:55...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 18:40...Turn Off 14 May 2010 ================================ 23:45...Turn On--Packet South America,NA,North Asia 00:30...Turn Off 01:40...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:52...Turn Off 14:20...Turn On--FM Europe,NA,South America 15:05...Turn Off 17:35...Turn On--FM India,Africa,Europe,NA 18:20...Turn Off 23:00...Turn On--FM South America,Africa,NA, Europe,North Asia,East Asia 23:45...Turn Off 15 May 2010 ================================ 00:30...Turn On--FM/SSTV South America,NA,North Asia 01:15...Turn Off 01:24...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 01:37...Turn Off 14:00...Turn On--FM Europe,NA,South America 14:45...Turn Off 17:20...Turn On--FM Africa,Europe,NA 18:05...Turn Off 16 May 2010 ================================ 00:15...Turn On--FM South America,NA,North Asia 01:00...Turn Off 02:53...Turn On--FM North Asia,East Asia,South Asia 03:08...Turn Off 06:25...Turn On--Packet North Asia,Europe,Africa 07:10...Turn Off 13:50...Turn On--FM Europe,NA,South America 14:35...Turn Off 73 Alan Kung, BA1DU HO-68(XW-1) Project Manager www.camsat.cn

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Re: PC clock
by Al Zoller 08 May '10

08 May '10

Well, I also screwed up. Should have said 'Task Scheduler' in Win 7. The time service I use is time-b.nist.gov Al On 5/8/2010 4:57 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: > Can you tell me the name of the service please. > Larry > > On 5/8/2010 4:08 PM, Al Zoller wrote: >> Hi Larry, >> >> Time synchronization is scheduled in the 'Task Manager' of Win 7. >> Open 'Task Manager' and look for the item and edit it. Thanks for >> bringing this to my attention as I just upgraded (?) to Win 7. I set >> mine to sync at startup as I turn the PC off at night. My tracking >> software (Nova) also does it when it is started. Also updates Keps. >> >> 73 de N7UB, Al >> >> >> On 5/8/2010 2:48 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: >>> My PC's clock keeps getting off by enough to cause problems on near >>> overhead passes. I've seen it off by more than 30 seconds. It is >>> using >>> Internet synchronization, which happens once a week. Is there a way to >>> force Windows 7 to automatically update clock more frequently than once >>> per week. Please don't tell me to monkey with the Windows Registry. I >>> know PC clocks are notoriously inaccurate, but this is ridiculous. >>> >>> Larry W7IN >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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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New Kenwood D-72
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 May '10

08 May '10

I spotted this on QRZ this morning...details are skimpy now though. I wonder if it'll be full duplex? The D7 has a really good full duplex implementation. 73, Drew KO4MA

4 4

L and S-band Options
by Guy Brauning 08 May '10

08 May '10

Thanks for reading this message. I know there has been a lot of information on the BB over the past couple of years about operating L and S band on AO-51; however, I was focused on V/U at the time and I didn't make notes of the information. Now I would like to experiment with these two bands and I am looking for some recommendations to get started. Is the Alinco DJ-G7T a viable option for receiving the AO-51 L-band downlink (Pricey at $320.00 but it does cover 3 satellite bands with advertised full-duplex capability)? If not (and ruling out the more expensive (and effectively non-portable) transceivers.. TS-2000 / IC-910H, etc.), what would be the least expensive way to have receive capability on 1.2 Ghz... a down-converter perhaps? (I currently have a Yaesu FT-60R dual band HT and a Yaesu FT-817D along with the Arrow and ELK antennas for V/U) Also, what are some options for homebrew 1.2 Ghz antennas (I do not have sophisticated test equipment and my "Skills" are minimal)? On to 2.4 Ghz.... what are some options for inexpensive 2.4 Ghz down-converters (As a reference..I do not consider the SSB UEK-3000 inexpensive at $500.00) and homebrew antennas? I would like to be able to experiment with handheld / portable gear in the yard to gain some experience with these two bands. Guy Brauning N3SCR guyjeanbraun(a)comcast.net

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Next "HV Satcom" net!
by Stuart Balanger 08 May '10

08 May '10

*Hi all, The next "HV Satcom" net is this coming Thursday May 13 on the "146.970" MMt. Beacon ARC Repeater& hope the Echo link note of "N2EYH-L" will be operating & the time of the net is: 8PM EDT (or 2400UTC) 73,.Stu (WA2BSS) *

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WD9EWK @ DM32/DM42 today, 2330-0240 UTC
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 08 May '10

08 May '10

Hi! Since I didn't send anything out yet regarding my trip last weekend to southeastern Arizona for a hamfest and my stop at DM52/DM53 (along with a very quick stop at DM51/DM52), thanks to all who showed up during those passes. I know DM53 is particularly rare on the birds, and a change in work schedules let me take last Friday (30 April) off for the drive to that boundary. The hamfest in Sierra Vista AZ was a good event, and thanks to all who worked WD9EWK on the 4 passes using 4 different satellites from the hamfest site. QSL cards for last weekend's activities went to the post office a few days ago, and should be showing up in mailboxes shortly. There is a window of approximately 3 hours later this afternoon where I can work AO-51, SO-50, FO-29, and AO-7 with relatively short gaps between all of those passes. My plan is to go south of Phoenix to the DM32/DM42 grid boundary and work passes on those 4 satellites starting with AO-51 at 2330 UTC and possibly stay out there through the last AO-7 pass that has LOS around 0240 UTC. I go out there periodically, and a couple of operators have recently asked me when I would make another trip to DM32. The northeast corner of DM32 is less than an hour's drive from Phoenix, so I decided to make the quick trip this afternoon. Anyone working WD9EWK from the DM32/DM42 grid boundary who would like a QSL only needs to drop me an e-mail. If you're in the log, I will get you a card. If I've never worked you before, I would appreciate receiving your QSL card for the QSO, as this location is within the area that I can use toward a satellite VUCC application - if I ever get around to filling out the paperwork and sorting the cards. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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AO-51
by Matt 08 May '10

08 May '10

Sorry, it was not heard because it wasnt over Europe ... I miss 1 hour on my computer clock again. SQ7DQX

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AO-51 update
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 May '10

08 May '10

AO-51 has now reentered a period of eclipses that will reach almost 20 minutes by July. Since we've been in an extended period of continuous illumination and very warm spacecraft temperatures, the next few weeks will be spent determining what the batteries capacities are now. Currently we are running 1.01 watt on 435.300 only, with the new PL mode on. For this summer eclipse season, we are fortunate that the eclipsed periods are while AO-51 is over mostly unoccupied Antarctica and surrounding areas. This means when the batteries alone are supporting the transmitter, there are not likely to be any users. We have a downlink power management routine that we'll be implementing over the next week or so. Downlink power may range from 2 watts in illumination, to maybe as low as 300 milliwatts in eclipse. Using this, combined with the PL, should mean we can protect the batteries from over-discharge, while still providing the strongest possible downlink. I'd like to encourage everyone to use the excellent reporting resource at http://oscar.dcarr.org/ . I check this page at least 4 times a day to check the status of AO-51. If the eclipse periods get too long faster than we can adjust, the repeater may shut off due to a low battery voltage watchdog. If this happens, please email me directly at ko4ma(a)amsat.org, or for those that have my cell phone number already, please feel free to text me a warning that the satellite repeater is off. Additionally, the AO51-modes group would like your input on the desired Field Day mode. We will likely be limited to one transmitter operation. With AO-27, SO-50, and possibly SO-67 and HO-68 on V/U FM, S band or L/U operation is looking very promising to provide some variety. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations

14 19

thanks
by Larry Gerhardstein 08 May '10

08 May '10

Greetings, I want to thank all of the good folks who helped me get my satellite station on the air. This has been a process since about last fall. We were gone during the winter and restarted the project when I returned home. I'd like to recognize W4AS, K7WIN, PE0SAT, KB7ADL, K0VTY, N6NKF, Scott Hagerman (non ham), AA5PK, K6LCS, G8IFF, certainly others ... and most of all Erich DK1TB, author of SatPC32, who spent much time researching drivers, answering questions, and attempting to duplicate problems I have been having. A few lessons learned... from all this. 1) Don't jump to conclusions. My rotor control spent about 3 months at Yaesu service only to learn nothing wrong with it. The technician at Yaesu never suggested the trouble could be fixed by optical isolation of the RS232 line going to the rotor control box. 2) Do not assume the nature of a RS232 cable. Use an ohm meter and determine if it is good or bad, straight through or cross-over or null-modem. If I had started out using the ohm meter on my cables, that would have saved me much time and frustration. Both GS-232 and CI-17 call for straight through serial cables. I made the mistake of using two null modem cables; unfortunately I did not know they were not straight through until later when I thought to use an ohm meter. 3) Don't assume you can construct a straight through RS232 cable by connecting two null modem cables in series. This may work, and it may not. 4) Before installing optical isolators in the RS232 lines, make certain the devices are compliant with the isolators. I tried optical isolation in both the rotor control and the rig control lines. An isolation device between computer and GS232 rotor interface was needed. However, the CI-17 does not like them. 5) The optical isolators from CF that I used seem to have polarity. Make certain the female end of the isolator is against the computer's male connector. Do not turn the isolator around and use sex-changers between computer and isolator. This was just a random thing I tried.... it did not work. 6) When running into difficulty as I did, document everything. I kept repeating the same trials over and over, wasting time, and about driving myself to madness. 7) In my opinion when using Windows 7 of Vista 64-bit, only install drivers designed for those systems. Drivers for 32-bit are not reliable in 64-bit applications and may cause the computer to crash to blue screen. 8) Before ordering USB to serial conversion devices make certain the drivers that come with those gadgets are compatible with the computer operating system you plan to use. Many days after I received my KeySpan device, I called Tripp Lite. The sales person there told me they do not presently have a 64-bit driver for the USA49WG. Wish I had known that. 9) Make sure the baud rate in the transceiver matches the baud rate being set up in the CAT setup menu. If you can affort it, get a RS232 serial data analyzer. I downloaded the free version of 232Analyzer. Full version is about $140. 232Analyzer helped a lot and allowed me to see both data transmitted and received. This led me to the mismatched baud rates in the ICOM and SatPC32. These are the issued I stumbled on. Different computer hardware, different ham gear, different operating systems may produce different results. Beware of Murphy. 73, Larry W7IN

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Arecibo on 432 MHz Moon Bounce (some calculations)
by i8cvs 07 May '10

07 May '10

Hi All, I have received an email from Daniel Esteban LU2DDU informing me that about the Arecibo radiotelescope he was in touch with Victor KP4PQ in order to get from him more details about the feed line running from the operating site up to the feed. Victor says to Daniel that for 432.045 MHz they were using an existing wave guide with the larger side 23" high ( 58 cm ) and 1500 ' long ( about 457 meters long) with a loss of 1 to 1.2 dB i.e. about 1.32 time in power ratio at 432 MHz Please note that the size of the above wave guide can be compared to the air duct of an air conditioning system normally used into a big industrial shed. Considering that the power amplifier was running at best 350 watt it follows that the power reaching the feed was 350 / 1.32 = 265 watt Since the gain of the Arecibo dish is 60 dB or 1000000 time in power ratio it follows that the Arecibo EIRP was 265 MW Tanks to Daniel LU2DDU and Victor KP4PQ for the above information. Best 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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Fw: WC7V/P DN44, Wyoming
by kladuke1144＠msn.com 07 May '10

07 May '10

The satellites I will be working are ao51 starting at about 1400Z and the first ao27 pass at about 1800Z. There are several passes during the day for both birds until I depart at about 2210Z. 73 WC7V Kerry (thanks Bob) From: kladuke1144(a)msn.com Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 1:44 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: WC7V/P DN44, Wyoming All, My plan is to operate portable from Mammoth, Yellowstone Park, Wyoming (DN44) from 1400Z to about 2210Z on Saturday May 8, 2010. I logged 33 contacts on May 5 from this grid and look forward to another successful operation. 73 WC7V Kerry

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WC7V/P DN44, Wyoming
by kladuke1144＠msn.com 07 May '10

07 May '10

All, My plan is to operate portable from Mammoth, Yellowstone Park, Wyoming (DN44) from 1400Z to about 2210Z on Saturday May 8, 2010. I logged 33 contacts on May 5 from this grid and look forward to another successful operation. 73 WC7V Kerry

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Fwd: [Sumbandila: 250] Digest for [email protected] - 3 Messages in 1 Topic
by Chris Bloy 07 May '10

07 May '10

BODY { font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px; } Hi All, Please see news posted by Sumbandila :- ----- Original Message ----- From: sumbandila+noreply(a)googlegroups.com To: Digest Recipients sumbandila+digest(a)googlegroups.com Sent: Fri 07/05/10 19:39 Subject: Fwd: [Sumbandila: 250] Digest for sumbandila(a)googlegroups.com - 3 Messages in 1 Topic Today's Topic Summary Group: http://groups.google.com/group/sumbandila/topics [1] *[Sumbandila: 247] Sumbandila amateur radio schedules [2] [3 Updates] Topic: [Sumbandila: 247] Sumbandila amateur radio schedules [3] Eddie ZS6BNE May 07 03:49AM -0700 ^ [4] Hi guys, What’s happening amateur radio wise on Sumbandilasat lately? It would be really great to see some amateur radio activity schedules again! I’m in the process of writing the “Amateur Radio in Space’ [ARiS] column for Radio ZS and I’d really like to write of some good news. 73 Eddie ZS6BNE "Jan-Albert Koekemoer" May 07 01:34PM +0200 ^ [5] Hello We've indeed have a long "radio silence" now. Some good news is that we're reprogramming the command transceiver on the satellite used by the SA-AMSAT payload (CTR-VU2) tonight. This will hopefully sidestep the issue we've had with the cut-off at the PTT tail. The idea is to keep the PTT active for the 15 minute duration that the SA-AMSAT payload will be active at a time, i.e. uncouple the PTT functionality from the rest of the SA-AMSAT payload functions. We will then make sure it works as expected (hopefully first half of next week) and if all goes well, aim to have the payload fully operational and in service again by the end of the week. With some unexpected hiccups on the satellite, the commissioning took longer than expected. We've already completed the initial transfer of operations to SAC (March) and will be completing the training of their Mission Specialists this coming Mon - Wed. We should then be in a position to have >95% of mission operations in place at SAC. SunSpace will continue to provide expert support for the duration of the satellite lifetime. Thank you for your patience! Regards JA -----Original Message----- From: sumbandila(a)googlegroups.com [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eddie ZS6BNE Sent: 07 May 2010 12:49 PM To: Sumbandila satellite Subject: [Sumbandila: 247] Sumbandila amateur radio schedules Hi guys, What's happening amateur radio wise on Sumbandilasat lately? It would be really great to see some amateur radio activity schedules again! I'm in the process of writing the "Amateur Radio in Space' [ARiS] column for Radio ZS and I'd really like to write of some good news. 73 Eddie ZS6BNE E-mail Disclaimer http://www.sunspace.co.za/emaildisclaimer.htm [6] May 07 01:39PM +0200 ^ [7] Eddie see SARLNEWS for last Sunday SUMBANDILASAT SOON BACK IN AMATEUR RADIO MODE SA AMSAT announced that SumbandilaSat will soon be back in the Amateur Radio Mode. Currently Sunspace will re-program CR2 with a fix for the SA AMSAT PTT problem . This is expected to be completed by mid May. Programming of the Amateur Radio Payload will in future be carried out by the CSIR Satellite Application Centre at Hartebeeshoek. SA AMSAT will work with SAC to coordinate operational requests. More details on how to request operation will be announced in the next two weeks and published on www.amsatsa.org.za. We will not be using googlegroups. Eddie I am in the process of updating www.amsatsa.org.za. the request for areas to be included in the schedule, special events etc will have to be sent to saamsat(a)intekom.co.za by Mondays . SA AMSAT will coordinate with SAC and publish a schedule for the following week during Friday. Currently Jan-Albert is testing the PTT software change. Hans. Hans van de Groenendaal Features Editor EngineerIT 012 991 4662 082 781 4631 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eddie ZS6BNE" To: "Sumbandila satellite" Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 12:49 PM Subject: [Sumbandila: 247] Sumbandila amateur radio schedules Hi guys, What’s happening amateur radio wise on Sumbandilasat lately? It would be really great to see some amateur radio activity schedules again! I’m in the process of writing the “Amateur Radio in Space’ [ARiS] column for Radio ZS and I’d really like to write of some good news. 73 Eddie ZS6BNE Links: ------ [1] http://groups.google.com/group/sumbandila/topics [2] http://webmail.photofuture.co.uk/#group_thread_0 [3] http://groups.google.com/group/sumbandila/t/23e786bb1df9e220 [4] http://webmail.photofuture.co.uk/#digest_top [5] http://webmail.photofuture.co.uk/#digest_top [6] http://www.sunspace.co.za/emaildisclaimer.htm [7] http://webmail.photofuture.co.uk/#digest_top

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Re: 70cm yagi
by Clint Bradford 07 May '10

07 May '10

>> ... homebrew equipment. Some can even be better than commercial! I would not live in a community where my public service departments were depending upon homebrew comms equipment for critical emergency communications. This is not demeaning to the amateur radio community at all. Amateur radio should DEMAND such respect and recognition in the emergency plans of their communities. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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SO-50 Frequency Jump
by John Papay 07 May '10

07 May '10

Over the past week or two I have noticed that SO-50 is changing frequency during the pass. Today at 2308z I made some transmissions and then noticed that my downlink was distorted as well as the station I was working. A change from 436.790 to 436.795 for the center frequency (not the doppler corrected frequency) made the audio clear again. This has happened to me a few times now and seems to occur once the transmitter has been on for a minute or two. Has anyone else noticed this? 73, John K8YSE

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SO50 FRQ JUMP
by paul robinson 07 May '10

07 May '10

Hi John ,yes this problem with so50 has been abt for a while....de paul 2E1EUB

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Ride to dinner at Dayton
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 07 May '10

07 May '10

I am staying at the Dury at Dayton and need a ride to the AMSAT dinner. Is there some that can help me out? Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School

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Re: 70cm yagi
by Clint Bradford 06 May '10

06 May '10

> >> ... 70cm ... firestations ... EOC stations ... You should be demanding nothing LESS than a commercial ComTelCo Yagi ... http://www.comtelcoantennas.com/yagi_uhf.htm Anything less and you are being irresponsible with the public you are protecting. I mean, does your local police department and city works comms centers have home-made Yagis on their installations? Of course not. Why should your department think "amateur radio installations" deserve anything less? Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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Re: 70cm yagi
by Bob- W7LRD 06 May '10

06 May '10

Ok! before this thread gets out of hand! --A group of local hams has organized themselves utilizing our resources and abilities to serve a back up communications in the event of a situation where local authorities are overwhelmed be the event. The local authorities have purchased ham gear for this purpose. We have a repeater, many dedicated volunteers, and have regular drills in coordination with the aforemantioned authorities. We do not use ham gear on public service frequencies. One of my bumper stickers says, "when all else fails". I am sure someone can pick this to pieces. However we're just volunteer hams, not professional police, firemen etc. When the crap hits the fan, we're usually there, and we can and do "make do" with what we have. End of thread 73 Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Clint Bradford" <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net>f To: "Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF" <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Cc: "Peter Ng" <Peter.Ng(a)bccdc.ca>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2010 1:29:07 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 70cm yagi It is against FCC regulations in the United States to use amateur gear on frequencies allocated for public service. >> ... Do you also demand commercial quality radios? For public safety? Absolutely. Clint Bradford, K6LCS _______________________________________________ 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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Re: 70cm yagi
by Clint Bradford 06 May '10

06 May '10

>> ... We do have a communication link however there have been occasional fades ... Then get your radio vendor out there and see why this happens. Most vendors will send a tech out to their commercial clients at little or no charge - to maintain your business relationship. I performed plenty of site surveys and diagnostics for my clients while working for a Motorola dealer. It may be as simple as one feedline deteriorating ... or moisture in just one connector - that is causing your "occasional drops!" Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 ---------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com

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Re: 70cm yagi
by Bob- W7LRD 06 May '10

06 May '10

Point well taken Clint. We do have a communication link however there have been occasional fades. I am just a small cog in the big wheel. I will advise the powers to be accordingly. 73 Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Clint Bradford" <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2010 12:26:31 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 70cm yagi > >> ... 70cm ... firestations ... EOC stations ... You should be demanding nothing LESS than a commercial ComTelCo Yagi ... http://www.comtelcoantennas.com/yagi_uhf.htm Anything less and you are being irresponsible with the public you are protecting. I mean, does your local police department and city works comms centers have home-made Yagis on their installations? Of course not. Why should your department think "amateur radio installations" deserve anything less? Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 _______________________________________________ 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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FINAL REMINDER
by Martha 06 May '10

06 May '10

You MUST make your AMSAT-TAPR Dayton banquet reservations by close of business (6:00 PM EDST) Monday, May 10th. Reservation can be made on the AMSAT website. We will not be selling tickets at the booth. You can pick up your tickets on Friday, May 14th at the AMSAT booth.

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70cm yagi
by Bob- W7LRD 06 May '10

06 May '10

I am looking for a easily reproducible yagi for 70cm 4 elements. I have been assigned to make a better link between two firestations where we have two EOC stations. Suggestions or links appreciated. 73 Bob W7LRD

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EN56 in May ???
by Alvaro de Leon Romo 06 May '10

06 May '10

Hi I am looking the guy that travel to EN56 in May , unfortunately I lost his email and call :-( Many thanks in advance, like always Al XE2AT _________________________________________________________________ Enciende tu hotness con Hotmail www.hotmailhotness.com.mx

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RFI to Spacecraft
by Trevor . 06 May '10

06 May '10

The Amateur Satellite Service isn't alone in suffering interference on its frequencies, see this BBC report on Radio Frequency Interference to the ESA Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) spacecraft. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/sci/tech/8661228.stm 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 ----

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Power management on AO-51
by Andrew Glasbrenner 06 May '10

06 May '10

I've adjusted the values some to try to prevent or at least slow the power cycling we've seen outside of eclipse transitions. The reports via email have been very helpful, even if you don't get an immediate reply. Please keep sending them if possible for now. Thank you to PY5LF, ZL2BX, ZS6BB, VK2AYE, and others I may have forgotten, for their excellent reports. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations

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FO-29?
by Bob Cutter 06 May '10

06 May '10

Is it operational? 73, Bob KIØG

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Re: Field Day AO-51 configuration - another option
by John Papay 06 May '10

06 May '10

There seems to be multiple goals at play here. I'm not sure that there is one mode that will be best suited for all of them. Goal 1: Provide a mode that will encourage non-satellite hams to become interested in AMSAT based on what they see at Field Day. Some think that if you reduce the qrm by using L/U or L/S, more will be likely to get into satellites because there is no crowding and no sign of chaos during Field Day. Why present a false impression? Things do get crowded; you find a way to make your contact in spite of the conditions. Think about it and find a way that works for you. Refine it based on experience. This is what ham radio is all about. There is no best way that works for everyone. You just work with what you have. If you want a clear private channel, satellites are not the solution. Limiting AO-51 to L/U or L/S means that not many clubs will be using AO-51 to demonstrate satellite operations to the non-satellite people. Not many have equipment for these modes; most will try a V/U bird and not bother with AO-51 if it is in L/U or L/S. The driving force for clubs to work satellites is the 100 bonus points. Since most people have FM radios, they are going to try for the V/U birds. This is the entry level for any new satellite operator. You don't start with L/U or L/S because it is costly compared to V/U and we don't have a bird that is in those modes very often. Goal 2: Make working AO-51 challenging It is certainly a challenge to get things working on L/S or L/U. Only a few have equipment that they use when AO-51 is in these modes. It's mostly the same people every time and a very small percentage of the total satellite population. You are not challenging very many by using these modes; only a few will try. Goal 3: Get more people to participate in the AMSAT contest that runs concurrently with Field Day. A voice contact on AO-51 mode L/U or L/S is worth one point. If you are trying win a contest, why expend all that effort to get on these modes when the reward is only one point? If you want people to spend the effort to get on these modes, make it worth their while. Give 25 points for an L/U or L/S contact. I might even take down my 13T W7LRD Helix and haul it over to field day for 25 points! Otherwise it's going to stay right where it is on the tower. Now a few notes about my experience from last year's field day contest: The Northern Ohio DX Association placed first in the AMSAT competition in 2009, Doug KD8CAO made the voice contacts and I made the CW contacts. We were the only entry that made both a L/U and a V/U contact on AO-51. Interestingly, we were not able to complete a contact on AO-27. We did make a contact on SO-50. We were also very fortunate to make a contact with the ISS and that, by far, created the most excitement at our Field Day even if it did not count as a qso for the ARRL or the AMSAT competition. You make your points on the SSB/CW birds. We had 24 SSB contacts and 15 CW contacts on AO-7, VO-52 and FO-29. If we have HO-68 in this mode for Field Day, you can expect scores to be higher than in 2009. The linear birds were pretty crowded and there was qrm. But it was no different than operating on the HF bands as someone else mentioned. Those that were watching and listening were certainly not discouraged. One of the top contenders in last year's AMSAT Field Day competition would not work us because they had made a contact with us on another bird. So you waste time trying to contact someone and finally get through only to be told you're a dupe. Yes, you are a dupe under the ARRL rules so you can't count the contact there, but you can and should count the qso for the AMSAT competition. There is no conflict here; you just don't submit those ARRL "dupes" as valid qso's. You can be in both contests and play by both rules. Suggestion for 2010: If at all possible, run the same modes as last year, L/U and V/U. Adjust the power levels to 400mw on each transmitter if the power budget will allow it. If only one transmitter can be supported, use V/U. Many more will try to make a contact and that is what we want to encourage. If you have it in L/U or L/S, not many will try. We should be striving for a mode that will be attempted by as many clubs as possible. AO-27 is a great bird but it is always at a high elevation over the US when it is "on." You can work AO-51 when it is much lower on the horizon, thereby reducing the number of stations trying to use it. You are more likely to make a V/U contact on AO-51 than you are on AO-27 because of that. Our experience last year bears this out. I think there is more potential to make qso's on AO-51 in the V/U mode this year because the first pass comes over the east coast very early, around 5am Sunday morning. If the bird is in L/S for Saturday's passes, the mode should be switched to V/U early in that pass out over the Atlantic if that plan is chosen. Last year the first pass was at 6:45am EDST. NODXA will be on the birds at Field Day this year but it is likely that we will not be out to win. I'm planning a very casual operation. Our callsign is W8DXA. Good luck in the contest! 73, John K8YSE John Papay john(a)papays.com

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S Band interference was RE: Re: Field Day mode for AO-51
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 06 May '10

06 May '10

Joe, My neighbors have several "wireless" devices that operate close enough to our frequencies to raise my noise level or produce a series of clicks and other noises. The worst offenders are a wireless network and a cordless phone. During the AO-40 era I bought a cordless phone from a neighbor that was very troublesome. I have since moved to a country location, and find it interesting that I can tell what direction town is by moving my antenna (pointed at the horizon) and listening to the noise level on mode S. 73, Joe kk0sd -----Original Message----- From: Joe v Murray [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 10:43 PM To: gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Field Day mode for AO-51 Hi Joe Your comment about Mode S interference interests me I have not been on since AO-40 In those days there was no interference on mode S. Unless it was another Ham. Would you kindly explain? Thanks Joe K0VTY =================== On Tue, 4 May 2010 22:22:54 -0500 "Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield" <gary_mayfield(a)hotmail.com> writes: > I have L band gear. When the bird is in L/U Luc and I have a great > time > talking to each other. When the bird is in V/U I'll make half a > dozen or > more contacts in a pass. I voted for mode L, because I didn't > believe V/U > was an option and S band is becoming too full of interference. > > I have a couple questions: > > 1. The folks who can't eek out a contact with the handheld and > Arrow during > Field Day, have you practiced? It's how I have done it the last > couple of > years without that much trouble, patience and timing are the keys > :-). We > have a good Field Day location where I can see down to the horizon. > > 2. Has the single contact per FM bird rule really helped anyone? > In the > old days a couple big stations got on and essentially ran the bird. > Is it > fair? NO! but they handed out a lot of QSOs and we seemed to get > more AMSAT > Field Day entries as well. > > The one bird one contact has been a noble experiment, maybe it is > time to > examine the results. > > Hats off to the controllers for starting the discussion! > > 73, Just My Thoughts, > Joe kk0sd > > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] > On > Behalf Of Andrew Glasbrenner > Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 4:33 PM > To: Ng, Peter > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; ao51-modes(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Field Day mode for AO-51 > > Ng, Peter wrote: > > ...sorry, I meant to vote for V/U mode as I only have VHF/UHF > equipment! > > > > > Keep in mind there will likely be three or four transponders birds, > and > two to four other FM birds available that weekend! > > It's been my perception that a good portion of AMSAT's sustaining > members leave and breathe the highest tech they can manage. Eight > out of > eight satellites being V/U seems counter to that goal. > > Mark and Bob both make good points supporting at least one area of > refuge for this portion of the AMSAT population. Personally, I think > the > V/U FM experience on Field Day is a big turnoff to newbies, > especially > since so many under-prepared, over-powered and out of practice > once-a-year sat ops fail miserably to get those bonus points on FM. > > I bet someone in your area has 1.2 Ghz capability! > > 73, Drew KO4MA > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > ____________________________________________________________ Penny Stock Jumping 2000% Sign up to the #1 voted penny stock newsletter for free today! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4be0eafed92c15962am03vuc

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Please help - ideas?
by Michae J. Wolthuis 06 May '10

06 May '10

I have an ongoing problem with my Elevation rotor of my g-5500 setup. It has been in to Yaesu who said it was fine. The controller was not sent in only the actual EL hardware because when I first got it this occurred right away when I installed my new site and the AZ rotor seemed to work fine on either the AZ or the EL terminals, so Yaesu determined it must be the EL itself, it appears maybe not. The problem is that sometimes hitting the up button or the down button results in no change. It acts as though it is stuck. Now some observations maybe to help. 1) It didn't happen in the cold all winter 2) Sometimes it can be fixed by hitting the opposite direction of what I am trying to move and then quickly flipping to the other direction 3) If I wait sometimes 10-15mins it will then work perfectly 4) Once it has been moved it seems to easily continue moving 5) Problem usually occurs at low and high angles but not in between 6) Sometimes if I throw the power switch off and on then it will start working 7) I have confirmed things are well balanced Does anyone have any recommendations? This is very frustrating when an AO-51 80deg pass comes over and the antennas are stock at 3deg. The AZ works every time perfectly. Now that it is warmer this is getting to be a greater and great issue and happening nearly every few passes I try to work. Please note the ham shack does not have the AC on yet and sits around 75degs currently during the peak of the day.. Thanks to all for suggestions and ideas, this is really beyond frustrating. I know this may be a repeat post also, but when it started working in the colder winter months I thought it was fixed and deleted any suggestions previously sent. Mike Kb8zgl

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Re: FO-29? Look at the report page
by Bob Cutter 05 May '10

05 May '10

I did, but the yellow "sometimes" arrows prompted my inquiry. Sorry. 73, Bob KIØG On May 5, 2010, at 2:58 PM, "OZ1MY" <oz1my(a)privat.dk> wrote: Hi Bob, It is always a good idea to look at the report page: http://oscar.dcarr.org It is there to help us :-) 73 OZ1MY Ib ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Cutter" <ki0g(a)yahoo.com> To: "amsat-bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 7:52 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] FO-29? Is it operational? 73, Bob KIØG _______________________________________________ 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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Indian Small Satellite Systems Conference -1
by Prathap Kumar 05 May '10

05 May '10

Hi All A week late , sorry thought I had posted it here but heres the report. Amsat India was invited to attended the Indian Small Satellite Systems Conference -1 conducted 28 April 2010 , at ISRO Bangalore. Amsat India was represented by Ganesan ( our Hamsat 2 designer) and myself VU2POP ISSSC was a one day programme from 9 am to 5.30 pm . It was very interesting and as many papers were presented & topics discussed the time was short it got over by 7 pm. One day is too short and hopefullu next year it will be 2 days. However we thank ISRO for kickstarting a very interestng platform for interaction of ISRO with various educational institutions including Amsat India who are into ham satellite projects. Important topics were on the current Small satellite develpoments and the future trends of small satellites including Mini, Micro, Pico sats etc. Hamsat VO-52 too falls into the small sats, to add many students all over the world have been building student sats as projects and in India too, nearly 26 Universties have got into building student sats with various payloads. Most Ednl. intitutions already have a ham club and some institutions are now setting up ham clubs in their institutions to help learn more of ham satellite operations and facilitate building ham band payloads. As of now most of them are either digital with only beacon downlink and no voice transponder. In the next couple of months you will find many cube sats etc with experimental payloads launched. Amsat India has 2 linear tranponders ready and we Amsat India are asking ISRO for a higher orbit to cover a larger foot print and longer pass duration. Its no use having another LEO as HAMSAT 1 Hamsat 1 will be celebrating its 5th birthday on 5 May and ISTRAC has been monitoring its health and its utilisation, they report that Hamsat 1 is in good health and should serve the hams for many more years. In this regard there was an email by VU2WMY Mani a few days ago asking for USER feedback like utilisation & experiences by hams all over the world with Hamsat 1 Please send in your reports , utilisation and experiences with Hamsat by email and the same will be forwarded to ISRO. Looking forward to all your reports comments. We would like to thank ISRO for the HAMSAT 1 and we look forward to HAMSAT 2 Finally we thank Programme Dir and Project Director - Small Satellite & Uppagrah Amateur Radio Club for the kind invitaion to particpate in the ISSSC-1 and we look forward to many such platforms for the development of small satellite systems with the participation Educational Institutions & Amsat India. Best regards Pop VU2POP Dir Technical Amsat India Hams who attended VU2WMY, VU2GDX, VU2RVJ, Ganesan , Chandraskar new hams & myself VU2POP.

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AMSAT Plug in New Technician Study Guide
by Clint Bradford 05 May '10

05 May '10

I have a couple of pages in the back of the new Technician Study Guide published by Gordon West / W5YI. It is shipping this week. And it will be at Dayton. AMSAT is, of course, prominently mentioned! Clint, K6LCS

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IARU Amateur Services Spectrum Requirements Updated
by Trevor . 05 May '10

05 May '10

Revised requirements for the Amateur and Amateur Satellite Services are now available on the IARU website at http://www.iaru.org/ac-09spec.pdf Of interest to the Amateur Satellite community are: 3.10 50–54 MHz The Amateur Service requires retention of the exclusive 50-MHz allocation where it now exists, and provision of an allocation of at least 2 MHz in other geographic areas, with at least 500 kHz on an exclusive basis. A harmonised allocation for the Amateur Satellite Service is also sought, to bridge the gap between 28 MHz and 144 MHz. 3.12 420-450 MHz The Amateur Service requires retention of the existing allocations in the 420-450 MHz band and opposes new uses by other services or low-power devices except where sharing or compatibility studies have been satisfactorily concluded. The Amateur-Satellite Service relies heavily on the sub-band 435-438 MHz, which presently is the only space-to-Earth amateur allocation between 146 MHz and 2.4 GHz. Because of the crowding of the existing band 435-438 MHz with unmanned amateur satellites and manned space stations, it is desirable to study expansion of the band. Sharing in this band with the Radiolocation Service has been successful over many decades because of geographic separation and other factors. Recently, in the United States there has been interference from amateur stations to radiolocation stations, which has been resolved on a case-by-case basis by mitigation techniques or by taking amateur repeaters off the air. A growing concern to the Amateur Service is the proliferation of low power devices in the ISM band 433.05-434.79 MHz (centre frequency 433.92 MHz) permitted in some European countries under RR No. 5.280. 3.13 1240-1300 MHz The Amateur Service seeks retention of the band 1240-1300 MHz. The Amateur-Satellite Service seeks retention of the band 1260-1270 MHz and deletion of the "Earth-to-space only" restriction. WRC-2000 allocated the band 1240-1300 MHz to the radiodetermination-satellite service for space-to-space use. In addition, WRC-2000 allocated the band 1260-1300 MHz to the radiodetermination-satellite service for space-to-Earth use such as for the European Galileo positioning system. These actions do not change the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service allocations but present new sharing situations and potential operating restrictions. It is particularly good to see the inclusive of an Amateur Satellite Service allocation at 50 MHz. Hopeful satellite users and AMSAT organisations will continuing working through their National Societies I sure we could all think of some other "it would be nice to have" allocations for the Amateur Satellite Service such as 1240-1250 and 2390-2400 but achieving the above is a good first step. 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 ----

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SSB/CW bird
by Dave Guimont 05 May '10

05 May '10

Hi Pop, Great news on ur ssb/cw satellite!! FM users, find yourselves some real radios, and get in on the fun.. I see loads of them on the various used markets, and at good prices...they don't have all the bells and whistles, but certainly usable... And now another satellite available... Continued successes, Pop.... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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USB to Serial Converters
by Frank Woolfe 05 May '10

05 May '10

Is anyone using a USB to Serial converter successfully to control a FT847?? Frank VK5KV..

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KB9BIT in DM80
by Thomas Laskowski 05 May '10

05 May '10

I'm leaving Thursday, May 6 for my annual trip to West Texas to attend the Texas Star Party near Ft. Davis, TX. I plan to be active on SO-50 and AO-27 as much as possible from DM80 next week. AO-51 won't be in V/U mode most of next week so I won't be on that one. I'll also plan to activate DM70/80 a few times since it's only two miles west of where I'll be. I'm also going to try and activate some of the grids along the way from Indiana to Texas, but it will be whenever I get a chance to stop and operate. I don't even know for sure which grids I'll be passing thru. There won't be any specific schedule for these grids on the way down or back. If we work and you need a card drop me an e-mail. [qrz.com] 73, Tom KB9BIT

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Re: USB to Serial Converter
by Ron Miles 05 May '10

05 May '10

Hi Bill: For transfer of digital data between radio “CAT” ports and laptop I use the Keyspan USA-19HS interface to an Ultra ULT33056 USB 7 port hub. Although I have the FT 897D, this CAT interface may also work for the FT 847. The laptop is Windows XP/Dell Inspiron. The hub requires it's own 12V source. Hub: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=… RS232 to Serial Interface: http://www.amazon.com/Keyspan-Speed-Serial-Adapter-USA-19HS/dp/B0000VYJRY This interface works great for both radios Yaesu FT 736R and FT 897D. The hub and Keyspan works great with the G5500 rotor control. Software application interface examples: SATPC32, Nova, UniTrac2003. Ham Radio Deluxe/DM780 works great with the 897D. Hope this example helps. 73 Ron n6paa

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Starter antennas
by Jacob Tennant 05 May '10

05 May '10

I have a set of M2 loops antennas for 2 meters & 70cm and from reading their website they state that they are good LEO antennas. So I was wondering what the consensus is from anyone that has tried them. I understand that they won't be as good as a CP beam setup on a az/el rotator, but since I have nothing up as of yet hoping they will at least let me get started, was also hoping to use them for a mobile satellite setup as well... Jacob Tennant - K8JWT

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Re: USB to Serial Converters
by Bill Dzurilla 05 May '10

05 May '10

> Is anyone using a USB to Serial converter successfully to > control a FT847?? > > > > Frank VK5KV.. > Yes, I am. No problems here (knock on wood) with an eBay cheapie (just $2 shipped) and a Dell Optiplex running Windows XP. 73, Bill NZ5N

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mmds downconverters for ao-51?
by jfloyd＠es.vccs.edu 05 May '10

05 May '10

Has anyone tried one of the itfs mmds downconverters like this one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110523087399&ssPageName=… for ao-51 s band downlink? 75 ohm out and looks cheesey but less than $30 shipped. it's cheap enough for me to play so I bought one to experiment with, maybe just to remove the downconverter. I would welcome stories of your experience or just advice. Thanks John, kn4ge

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