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2M1EUB/P UPDATE important DXwindow
by paul robinson 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

Hi guys as you know im /p in NE Scotland (io87mc) and thanks to all that have already worked me,this qth is difficult for low angle ,so ill be making the trip to a large hill @ 2700' to hope to give every one a bite at me....this is a one off ! please be quick on the mark as im trying to work as many stations as poss ..and give everyone a go...of course it will depend on wx coditions as well...action starts this sunday 18th mid morning to late afternoon (gmt) all birds i can hit and ao7 !!! around .950usb on ao7 and if the qrp repeater is on on ao51 then 435.150 fm more info on qrz.com 73 de paul

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Let's Go!
by Jeff Davis 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

I want to offer 'hearty congratulations' to the BOD for the courageous decisions made at the recent Space Symposium. I can think of no headline more appropriate and welcome for this organization than the declaration, "We're going back to space". Perhaps this decision to move forward with what we can do will also be what was needed to get the manufacturers to quit sitting on their hands and INNOVATE! How many threads have been spawned on this BB by someone asking the question "what handheld should I buy to use AO-51"..? The fact that the pat answer is that there aren't any - you need to check eBay for a 20 year-old model speaks pitifully of the ham radio marketplace in the 21st century. Given the nature of LEO, portable operations are very common and going forward, will be even more so. Who among us wouldn't love a mobile sized transceiver that sported true simultaneous dual-band (VHF/UHF) operation and a continuously tunable VFO on FM in a 'satellite operation mode'? What would it be worth if that radio also could record all pass data - and had a USB port that supported a memory stick so that everything received during a pass could stored on it for offline extraction and study later when you're back in the shack. It wouldn't even require an internal TNC to download telemetry data - the audio file could simply be played back (offline) on a PC and the telemetry decoded there. There are bound to be hundreds of similar ideas and dreams of new gear, antennas, and interesting things to do at LEO - let's populate the BB with these sorts of things and look forward, not back. I'm more than ready to turn to a new chapter and get back to shaping the future of ham radio in space. Aren't you? 73 de Jeff, KE9V AMSAT-NA 28350

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off topic
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

This is a little off topic but in the long interest of AMSAT At the University of Louisiana we have a Masters in EE with a telecom option. He specialty is working with FET published in the IEEE seeking employment. If you know any one hireling please respond to me off list Thanks Nick k5qxj

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AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web
by JoAnne Maenpaa 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

Hello everyone, News from the 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium in Baltimore has been posted on our web site: http://www.amsat.org (the link to ARISSat-1 should be back in service soon.) -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Re: PIC rotator control
by John Mock KD6PAG 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

> I am re-visting a rotator controller. > > I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make a decision" > onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ? > > PC is LINUX > > I/O is serial I built a homebrew rotator controller, inspired by WB4APR 'Radio Shack' rotor controller. But given that both convention serial and parallel ports are no longer available on most laptops, and alot less common elsewhere, i decided to use a USB PIC. Initially, that was a EPROM-based PIC16C475 but later migrated to the flash-programmable PIC18F2550. It also includes a serial port, so that a laptop could talk to a TTL-level serial port radio. My intent was to put the pointing smarts into the PIC, but i never got that far. Currently, it reads the rotor position inside the PIC, but moving the rotor in software (for both LINUX and Windows). That much works, but i bogged on the PIC side trying to adapt Microchip's composite USB driver code to work properly with multiple devices. There were reliability issues, whose details i have forgotten, that put the whole project, which included a distributable version, onto the back burner. I'm sorry i can't be more helpful than that. Eventually, i'll get back to this project, and amateur satellites in general. -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

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AO40
by rwmcgwier＠gmail.com 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

For the panels to be deployed, useful, etc. the spacecraft needs to be despun. For the despun spacecraft to work, the thermal control system must work. For the thermal control system to be trusted we would need to know that after the incidents the heat pipes were intact enough to function. No one could make these determinations too a certainty and there would be an argument that would likely end with a decisio this is unacceptable risk. Why is it so difficult for people to realize these are complex systems with huge numbers of interactions and dependencies and further, almost surely all such questions have been fully examined? Bob N4hy Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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DN00_01 Reminder Saturday
by Mark Spencer 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

My adventure to DN00/01 is on track for October 17 (Saturday) and I will be on the AO27 2054Z pass. If you hear me, give me a call. No QSL or SASE necessary, just an e-mail reminder to check my logs to get your QSL. Mark Mark Spencer, WA8SME ARRL, the national association for Amateur RadioT Education and Technology Program Coordinator mspencer(a)arrl.org http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ 530-495-9150

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Off subject, but interesting
by David H. Jordan 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

Tune into Fox now for a runaway balloon situation. A child is reported inside. Dave Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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On imaging AO-40 from the HST or ISS...
by Mark VandeWettering 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

> Not that it's practical, but what could Hubble see? The first question > would be can it be positioned to stare "down", and then how well > would it see something that close and fast? The HST is actually pretty interesting. It's in a 550 or so km orbit, which means that it's close approach to AO-40 would be about 500km. More importantly, it has a 2.4m mirror, which works out to about 94 inches. In theory, it's maximum resolving power is about 0.05 arc seconds, which at 500km (ballpark of the closest range it could achieve) would be on the order of 5 inches. I have no idea what the tracking requirements would be and whether it could image such an object, but I have little doubt that there are military satellites with that capability. The JWST (scheduled to launch in... 2014 or so?) has an aperature in excess of six meters, and would result in a corresponding increase in resolving power. The ISS has a nominal orbit altitude of around 350km, so would be a more challenging, and doesn't carry the kind of optical instruments that the HST carries. 73 Mark K6HX

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President's Annual Meeting Powerpoint Presentation Posted on the Web
by JoAnne Maenpaa 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

Hello Everyone, A link to AMSAT President, Barry Baines, WD4ASW Annual Meeting Powerpoint Presentation has been added to our web at http://www.amsat.org . -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Pass schedule for DM07 Oct 17th
by w6zkh＠comcast.net 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

The following pass times and satellites for a short trip up to DM07. I should be operating on at least 1 of the 3 passes, if not all. Sorry, no AO-51 passes fit my schedule. Oct 17, 2009 SO-50 @ 1759 utc AO-27 @ 2052 and 2231 utc QSL direct (sase not required) or eQSL.cc John W6ZKH DM06

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Mexico EK09vb Operation 15-18 October
by John Papay 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

Ismael, XE1AY, reports that he will be active on FM birds AO-51, AO-27 and SO-50 from EK09vb from 15 October through 18 October 2009. John Papay john(a)papays.com

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Re: Passive Receive Antennas
by Clint Bradford 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

>> ... Has anyone ever heard of a passive loop antenna indoors? About 36" square and quite good for receive... For receive only on that unit, just string a long wire high 'round the room. Sony made one - the AN-LP1. But for my clients, a long wire worked just as well. AGAIN - FOR RECEIVERS ONLY. Clint, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com

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Hudsonvalley Satcon Group Net Tonight On Echolink N2EYH-L Oct.15
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

Please join us tonight at 8PM ET for net. This is our second Net in our fourth year. Share your satellite experience with the net. Hope to hear you there. 73 Gary WA2AQH

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Subject: It's on! (Road trip to FN56, FN57, FN66, FN67, etc.)
by Richard Crow 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

Currently, the National Weather Service is forecasting sunny weather for Saturday October 17th and Sunday October 18th in Caribou, Maine. So Plan A, the N2SPI "grid-square DXpedition" to northern Maine, is on! See schedule below. ==================================================== N2SPI's Planned Schedule for Saturday, October 17th: Likely AOS LOS Operating Sat UTC UTC Grid Location Notes ----- ----- ----- ---- -------------- --------- AO-51 12:02 12:14 FN53 Topsham, ME Note 2 AO-27 19:11 19:25 FN56 "OnTheRoad", ME AO-51 21:38 21:52 FN66 Caribou, ME Note 2 AO-51 23:19 23:30 FN66 Caribou, ME Notes 2,3 ==================================================== N2SPI's Planned Schedule for Sunday, October 18th: Likely AOS LOS Operating Sat UTC UTC Grid Location Notes ----- ----- ----- ---- -------------- --------- AO-51 11:21 11:34 FN67 Van Buren, ME Note 2 **** Note 4 **** Note 4 **** Note 4 **** Note 4 SO-50 15:10 15:19 FN57 Stockholm, ME VO-52 15:49 16:00 FN56 New Sweden, ME Note 5 ==================================================== Note 1: The AOS/LOS times are for my operating locations as indicated. Note 2: I'll be using AO-51's 145.920 MHz_uplink/435.300 MHz_downlink. Note 3: I'll work this nighttime pass only if I can find a suitable location to work this in the dark. Note 4: On the morning of October 18th, I may work other passes of SO-50 and VO-52, as the opportunities present themselves. Note 5: Look for my VO-52 downlink around 145.910 MHz, +/- Doppler. ==================================================== 73, Richard, N2SPI

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Re: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?
by Larry 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

With all of the chatter lately in regards to HEO's (people putting their eggs in one basket with a hole in it) etc., it still brings up the point that even though the satellite doesn't work now, maybe it just "might" if the solar panels were attempted to be opened. I've received several emails in regards to that particular command & why it wouldn't work, but we will never know if AO-40 is in the proper attitude since it is off. If we could attempt to recover the satellite & just get SOME telemetry to see what's going on, we're in better shape than just letting it sit up there & "hope" the short goes away or that she "wakes up". Imagine if the "event" damaged a circuit by putting it to ground that is causing everything to short out, and moving a panel releases the short due to vibration! How many of you have hit your TV set to fix a jumpy screen? Or better yet, an analog meter to get the needle to move? Hopefully the transmitter comes back on the air sending telemetry once more if this could happen. It doesn't seem right that there's a battery up there that's only what, 2 years old, and it developed an internal short? I am by no means an aerospace expert, but I have batteries for my HT's that are older than that & still work fine. If this is what happened, I hope newer designs are including circuitry to prevent the total failure of the sat if this was to happen again. After the "event", there was talk about AO-40 possibly not being in one piece - was there a definite answer? I don't remember, nor did I check the archives. My final thought on this is - if you can't get the receiver to decode commands, it's a loss, end of story. If it will receive, make it open the panels to get more power to the bird. Once the satellite is fully illuminated by the sun during its rotation, then try to work on stabilizing the satellite. Until that is tried, I personally feel that not every last attempt at reviving AO-40 has been attempted, and we could very possibly have an operating (although partially crippled) HEO in orbit. Besides, if the propellant is still there, what's to say it won't leak out between now & whenever she decides to "wake up"? Who's going to be able to control it in 20+ years? Won't it be useless to hams then too? I'm not looking to start any heated arguments - this is all just my opinion. I haven't read every book there is on satellites, nor do I even remotely work close to the industry. I'm just an average ham who enjoys the sats from time to time, and would love to see someone "tinker" with AO-40 to get her back on the air!!!!! 73's... Larry N1MIW ...LEO's are satellites too!!!!!

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Sumbandilasat update posted
by Mark L. Hammond 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Let's hope that future testing is more encouraging...keep the faith and keep trying, team! 73, Mark N8MH from: http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ STOP PRESS SumbandilaSat failed to switch on the amateur radio payload during the first test. Sunspace will be looking at the possible cause and reschedule further tests. Stay tuned!

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Icom R-75 Like New in the Box
by John Henderson N4NAB 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

R-75 receiver for sale. Selling for elderly Ham who moved into a assisted living unit and wanted something to listen to. the facility would not let him put up antenna or string a wire. Unit is in the box ( but opened and powered up by me) as new. $425 plus shipping from 28584 ( 17# packed). Thanks n4nab(a)amsat.org John John John Henderson N4NAB 212 Bayside Drive Cape Carteret, NC 28584

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L/U repeater back on
by Andrew Glasbrenner 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

L/U repeater is back on now. Sorry about switching back and forth twice, I had to go back and fix something. 435.150 is at 450mw, and 435.300 is at 630mw. Friday morning we'll probably switch back to digital for a pass, then to JOTA configuration that evening. 73, Drew KO4MA

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KLM 2M-14C...waterproof the polarity switch?
by David Wing 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Anyone out there with KLM antennas with the polarity switch care to comment on whether you have put a housing on the switch to protect it from the elements? It looks like the relay has silicon around the base but it just grates me the wrong way to have a circuit board with a power connection and components exposed to the elements. Maybe it has not been an issue but I'd care to hear of anyone experiences. If anyone has built up a housing and have pictures or directions, please pass them along 73, David K6CDW

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Fresno CA Hamfest to have satellite talks 10/17
by w6zkh＠comcast.net 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

I noted when I looked at the flyer put out by the Fresno ARC that along with other speakers, etc., they are having a Satellite and LEO talk to be given by WA6WTF. Dont think I've ever worked him/her yet though. I will be attending, but just to observe and listen. I will have my portable gear with me, but AO-51 is out of question (too early AM) but may hit either SO-50 or AO-27 for at least one pass. This is from DM06 Grid. Later in day am headed for Madera for possible pass on AO-51 and that grid is DM07. Good Luck Patrick in your demo's. John W6ZKH DM06

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Tucson (AZ) hamfest - correction on the start time
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Hi! A correction... the hamfest I will attend on Saturday in Tucson AZ will start at 0700 local (1400 UTC). Even with the later start, I plan on sticking to my schedule for working AO-51 at 1346 UTC from the hamfest site. The hamfest may not officially be open, but there will certainly be people around that will watch the demonstration at that time. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Tucson (AZ) hamfest on Saturday, 17 October
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Hi! On Saturday (17 October), I will have an AMSAT table at the Old Pueblo Radio Club's annual hamfest in Tucson AZ. The hamfest is at the Kino Sports Complex, along Ajo Way east of I-10 and the Tucson Electric Park stadium. The hamfest starts around 0600 local time (1300 UTC), and should be done by noon. At my AMSAT table, I plan on doing demonstrations using 2 FM satellites (AO-51, SO-50) and a linear-transponder satellite (VO-52). This has been a successful way to show interested hams that a large station is not necessary to get started, either on FM or SSB. Subject to the availability of these satellites, WD9EWK will be on the following passes from the hamfest: AO-51: 1346 UTC SO-50: 1619 and 1759 UTC VO-52: 1537 and 1712 UTC I may be on the 1208 UTC AO-51 pass if I am up and about at that time, but probably not from the hamfest site. If you hear me on any of these passes, please feel free to give me a call. The hamfest is in grid DM42me, for those who may be interested in that. I will send QSL cards to all who work WD9EWK at the hamfest, in appreciation of your support of my demonstrations. After the hamfest, I do not plan on taking the direct route back to Phoenix. I may wander over to other grids in southern or southeastern Arizona before making the drive home. I do not know which grid or grids I will visit for those passes. I hope to be on the afternoon AO-27 and afternoon/evening AO-51 passes from somewhere - and somewhere could be DM31, DM32, DM41, DM51, DM52, DM53, or some combination of these grids. For the post-hamfest activity, you don't have to send me a QSL or SASE if you work me. Just e-mail me the QSO details, and I'll send out a QSL card if you are in the log. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web
by G0MRF＠aol.com 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Beware the troll. He speaks with zero knowledge but high opinions. "contribute or get out the way" In a message dated 14/10/2009 21:24:40 GMT Standard Time, orbitjet(a)hotmail.com writes: John. I was told by someone else that the problem was current use...but if ITAR is the problem, then it can be fixed. ITAR is a pain but it can be "dealt with" particularly in this case...where there is no dual use capability. As for AMSAT's ARISSsat transponder. Well we will see if it works. They are not exactly burning up the track record with success. We have had this argument and I am willing to sit back and see if it goes, but it is far to much project for the program. Most of the folks I know at JSC give it less then 20 percent chance of working...In fact it was a source of mirth at a recent BDAY party.

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Re: AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Tim N3TL said: "I also don't share your view of?satellite operation using a handheld or otherwise portable station, which is less than positive. Again, I mean no disrespect - but I find very little challenge and even less satisfaction in making a satellite contact running 50-100 watts into?a pair of long, multi-element yagis being controlled for az/el by computers - and using a radio being computer controlled for Doppler.? Of course, many more satellite operators share views closer to yours than mine - or, at least, it seems that way." Point taken, but there are two ways to enter the satellite section of this hobby. 1. The linear satellite way (FO-29, AO7 and VO-52). This was the way I selected. My early goal was to operate AO-40, and the station was constructed for this AMSAT project. 2. The second way is via the FM satellites. Both ways are valid. It all depends which way a person came to make that first satellite contact. It's still a thrill either way. Respectively Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589

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Re: AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web
by Mark VandeWettering 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

> The funding solution will go by an international funding campaign and by a fixed minimal contribution per amateur who want's to have an > HEO. I am member of a local marina and each new member should pay a one time Dredging Fee of 250$. The marina is open here from May 15 to > October 4 about 5 months. I can used a satellite 12 months am i willing to pay 250$ a year YES and could be more if a sound international > structure with well defined planning and objectives can demonstrate a serious will towards the next HEO. Well, it's nice that you have an amount in mind for how much you would pay. Frankly, I'd probably be willing to spend 4x as that much. It probably would take that level of funding to get purchase a launch. As far as I know, the terms of the bid that Arianspace quoted AMSAT-DL were never released, but we get hints of the it in presentations like: http://mstl.atl.calpoly.edu/~bklofas/Presentations/AMSATUK2009/3b_Gulzow-P3… which suggests that 20,000 euros per kilogram isn't absurd, and they'd be lucky to get a launch for half that price. This would yield a price for P3E of only (!) 1.7 million euros, or 2.5 million dollars U.S. AMSAT-DL didn't think such a launch was feasible, and claims that the costs were (in ttheir words) "one order of magnitude too expensive". As they say, "bitter" reality of their funding efforts is that the attractiveness of amateur radio has dropped significantly, and that funding a P3 satellite from amateur resources alone "seems not to work now and probably never again?". In light of this, AMSAT-DL has pursued tax money from their covernment to pursue a 20M euro effort to fund launches for P5A and P3E. I wish them luck, but in the current economic environment, as well as past experience, I think there is some reason for skepticism, or at least, no expectation for a quick resolution to this issue. > There is already a lot of dedicated peoples around the amateurs radio satellite business who are only making their own small things in > their small backyard. Why not regrouping their energies and money towards "ONLY ONE SINGLE" big project? In the amateur satellite world we > called that a HEO satellite as AO-40 and as AO-07 AO-10 AO-13 generation who where the first steps towards AO-40. I think the reason against such a strategy is quite simple, and it is absolutely personified in AO-40. Yes, AO-40 was a remarkable, amazing, revolutionary amateur satellite. But radio amateurs put all their eggs in one basket, and that basket had a hole in it, and all the eggs tumbled out, and now we are left not only with no eggs, but with an environment where people might (reasonably in fact) ask why they should put all their eggs in one basket again, particularly because these baskets have rocket motors filled with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide inside. Even if we could fund an HEO launch, I still think it is a matter of debate as to whether launching these kinds of expensive, heavy satellites is a project which provides the greatest utility toward the amateur service. > Just to be clear my opinion is not against the collective effort and people works but against some of the objectives they carry. Volunteers > motivation should be the best interest of all not the few. I find this statement a bit disingenous. The simple truth is that satellites in HEO are usable by fewer, not more hams. If we really were trying to provide a satellite which benefitted most hams, it seems pursuing a strategy which minimizes their personal investment in ground stations is entirely reasonable. Despite your assertion that AO-51 is a mistake, I would counter that it's been enormously successful: a long-lived versatile satellite that provides interesting opportunities for people not just on VU but on L and S band. Bruce (I think it was Bruce) suggested that the cost ratio between a cubesat launch and an heo launch was around 125/1. To compare apples to apples, we'd have to compare the benefits of having 125 cubesats (perhaps carrying full V/U transponders like the ones designed by PE1RAH) versus one satellite in HEO. AMSAT's strategy is I think an entirely reasonable strategy. Cubesats are a reality: they will continue to be launched. As yet, they have not been of enormous utility to radio amateurs because they carry only the kind of radio payloads that they need to support their scientific objectives. But miniaturization has resulted in the possibility for a solar cell carrying cubesat to carry a full V/U transponder. The trick is getting these university and scientific projects to carry them for us into space, so we can make use of them when their scientific missions are over. We can do that by providing them with a tested radio module that integrates the functions they use as a standardized item. This allows them to concentrate on their mission and not have to design custom radio modules for their cubesat. This allows them to get to orbit cheaper and quicker. And, it puts hardware we can use in orbit. And here's the best part: we don't pay for it, they do (modulo our one time costs for developing the hardware in the first place, which is very minimal compared to the launch costs). We'd all like an HEO launch. But until you can figure out how to raise several million euros to accomplish the goal, it doesn't seem to be a worthwhile endeavor to complain about spending a few tens of thousands on this project. 73 Mark K6HX

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LVB Tracker
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Howard, Let me assure you. Your LVB tracker Version 1.2 is still doing a fine job. The very stripped down version I built with only the PIC16F876, MAX232 and 2N3904s just sits inside a ordinary Radio Shack box (no buttons, no display) and does its job day in a day out. Thank you for a fun home brew project. Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589

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Re: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?
by Larry 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

I would want to take the "chance" of trying to open those 4 solar panels, even if it was to "see what happens". I don't know the exact layout of the equipment on board, but opening those panels just might trigger something good to happen. At this point, there really isn't anything to lose. Who knows? Opening the panels might expose the batteries to more heat from the sun, which could possibly cause them to "open" quicker, or if the orientation of AO-40 is off, the extra panels might receive enough light to get that IHU working again. Or if there's a short due to the "event", moving the panels may remove the short (or fix an open). Do any of the command stations want to elaborate on why the panels have remained retracted? Has this been discussed? Of course, this is all depending on if the receiver will accept the command in the first place... I would wonder about the sensors picking up light inside the spacecraft too. Doesn't sound possible that telemetry would still be able to report this if there's holes in the craft. I'm only questioning opening the panels because it seems like it's the only possible thing left to try to resurrect the bird, but nobody wants to make the decision - "just in case", which is understandable too. But I'd say go for it since there's nothing else to try & she's been silent for a while now. Just my 2 cents worth. Keeping my fingers crossed that AO-40 comes back!... Larry >Four of the solar panels are retractable but not released. Please see some >old pictures. >As the orientation of AO-40 is not known it is better that the panels are >kept around the satellite. If they still exists... >There is enough power from a single panel to run IHU and some beacon if >the bus wires and electronics are not damaged. Some sensors indicated that >sun is shining into the satellite so there may be big hole(s) in it. >Not sure about that raport though. Have to check out that. >The beacons were loud with the omnis and data was easily received with >rubber duck and hand held radio. Miss that fine telemetry sound. > >I have allways said that the world would be different if AO-40 were alive. > >Jari, OH3UW

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Reminder of historical amsat-na archives available on KA9Q's website
by Samudra Haque N3RDX 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Hello all AMSAT-NA members, I had some curiosity in learning about early AMSAT-NA projects and the people behind the early AMSAT satellites that were built, launched, failed etc. I contacted Martha, and she quickly pointed me in the direction of KA9Q's vast archive in PDF format: http://www.ka9q.net/newsletters.html; Perhaps some of the archives will be soon offered to collectors / researchers on a CD-ROM to help AMSAT earn revenue from its publication archives ! Of particular historical note: Volume I, Number 1, with a note from the "President's Desk" by Perry Kline, AMSAT-NA's Founder-President, who was a great help to me at the symposium just completed and also the very first Editorial by S.H. Durrani, reprinted through the magic of Adobe PDF OCR below. I think newbie's (like me) exploring Amateur Satellite as a hobby should be guided by their respective "elmer" to read some of these early documents as they come up to speed on the various fun stuff to do, and to gain an understanding of the past work done by individuals they meet at conferences, events in this field ! [Following material (c) June 1969, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, extracted from http://www.ka9q.net/AMSAT-Newsletter-June1969Brev.pdf] - reproduced for education purposes only! FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK The Australis-OSCAR A satellite, which was delivered to AMSAT on April 14, is currently undergoing a series of tests by AMSAT members at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Jan King, K8VTR, who has been designated AMSAT's Australis-OSCAR A Project Manager, has been doing a superb job of coordinating all activities involving the satellite hardware, including the test program. Australis-OSCAR A is an Australian-built satellite containing two and ten-meter beacon transmitters. While the previous four OSCAR satellites were launched by the Air Force, AMSAT has been discussing with NASA the possibility of placing Australis-OSCAR A in the second stage of a two-stage Thor-Delta vehicle along with another satellite. Details on the design and operation of the satellite are described in the July and August 1969 issues of QST. Be listening to W1AW for late bulletins as the launch date approaches, and in the meantime, be sure you have your equipment ready for receiving the satellite's beacons on 144.050 and 29.450 MHz. At least 10 dB of antenna gain is recommended to receive the 2-meter transmissions, but a dipole should be sufficient for 10 meters. Response to the introductory AMSAT article in the June 1969 QST has been very good and AMSAT membership has already passed the one-hundred mark. We are pleased to announce the receipt of a $150 donation from Project OSCAR to assist with the expenses of Australis OSCAR A. We are also pleased to announce the election of Captain Charles Dorian, W3JPT, to the Office of Secretary by the AMSAT Board of Directors on June 19. Chuck will replace Jim Puglise, W3CBJ, who in preparing to leave the Washington area feels he does not have the time to handle the responsibility competently. We wish to thank Jim for his significant contributions to AMSAT from its inception in January. One of AMSAT's more recent members, Reginald Atkins (C/O NASA Tracking Station, Dan Dan, Guam 96910, USA), is interested in seeing a synchronous satellite repeater constructed for the 1296 MHz amateur band and has offered to assist with the project. Anyone interested in undertaking this project, please contact us. Perry Klein K3JTE Editorial INTRODUCING THE NEWSLETTER With this, the first issue of the AMSAT Newsletter, we are embarking on a new project to keep the membership informed of what is going on in AMSAT. Actually, this is not quite the first issue, because an embryonic newsletter was issued in May by Geørge Kinal, our Engineering Vice President, in the form of a one-page progress report. In it he described the current AMSAT efforts to prepare the ham satellite Australis-Oscar A for launch, and AMSAT's decision to participate in Project "Moonray," which aims at placing a ham relay package on the moon. These are exciting activities — Oscar and Moonray and amateur space communications in general — and AMSAT is deeply interested in them. As our membership expands and our involvement in various projects grows, so does the need for a newsletter increase. The main objectives of the Newsletter are to document AMSAT activities and to report the progress on current projects. In addition, the Newsletter will carry special articles deemed to be of interest to the members. In the beginning, these articles will be mainly concerned with Australis-OSCAR, (which is our most important activity at present) or with providing information to new members for their orientation. Later issues will cover a wider field—as wide as the members wish it to be and make it to be. Did you wonder "why a newsletter?" Well, now you know! And if you wondered what AMSAT is all about, and who is responsible for what, we have the answers in this issue. But there must be several other questions that you'd like to discuss. So we'll have a Reader's Column in future issues, which will give you a chance to air your views and propagate them out to fellow members. We'll be happy to hear from you, whether it is a matter of gravity or levity! Please direct your transmissions to Newsletter Editor, AMSAT, Box 27, Washington, D. C. 20044. S. H. Durrani Editor P.S. How about a proper name for the Newsletter? We have considered the BEACON, TRANSMITTER, TRANSCEIVER, TRANSPONDER, UPLINK, and some others. But before settling on one, your Board of Directors decided to ask for suggestions from members. If you have any ideas on the subject, please pass them on to the Editor. (Hint: ask your wife to help us name this baby!)

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Thanks for the many positive remarks to FM satellites over Europe
by OZ1MY 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

HI all, I got an overwhelming responce to the e-mail :-) NO negative ones - that is the best thing about it. May be the problem makers do not read amsat-bb :-( That leaves it to us to help them to a good operating practice. An e-mail like that probably must go out at least once a year since we get new operators (good thing) on the satellites. Thanks to all who responded. Greetings from sunny and cold Copenhagen. 73 OZ1MY Ib

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AO-51 L/U
by Andrew Glasbrenner 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

I had to leave the L/U repeater off and the BBS on after getting WOD files this morning. I'll get it switched back first pass this evening. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 533
by Reicher, James 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Did you use a north-facing owl with it? 73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. -----Original Message----- Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:54:42 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea(a)pacbell.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: KLM 2M-14C...waterproof the polarity switch? To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, David Wing <david(a)cdwing.com> Message-ID: <148325.55765.qm(a)web80606.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 I'd put a little plastic or Tupperware box over it. The 70cm version that I have has only been used for Field Day, so it's not been outside much, but it definitely shows signs of having been damp. 73, Jim KQ6EA --- On Tue, 10/13/09, David Wing <david(a)cdwing.com> wrote: From: David Wing <david(a)cdwing.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] KLM 2M-14C...waterproof the polarity switch? To: amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 12:37 PM Anyone out there with KLM antennas with the polarity switch care to comment on whether you have put a housing on the switch to protect it from the elements?? It looks like the relay has silicon around the base but it just grates me the wrong way to have a circuit board with a power connection and components exposed to the elements. Maybe it has not been an issue but I'd care to hear of anyone experiences. If anyone has built up a housing and have pictures or directions, please pass them along 73, David K6CDW

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Re: FM satellite operations again again over Europe
by Gary Lockhart 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

Thank you sharing some good operating practices that would make satellite ops in the US more enjoyable and equitable as well. 73, Gary AB3ID ************************************************************************************* Hi all in Europe, It is obviously about time to repeate a few good points about operating via the FM repeater satellites. 1. Do not transmit if you can not hear it 2. When the satellite is busy - limit the number of QSO's to ONE 3. Do not call over an ongoing QSO 4. A valid QSO just needs the call and the report 5. Give way to weak stations like /p and /m 6. Allow DX-peditions to make as many QSO's as there are callers That was the short version :-) I have a long version in English, Italian, Russian, Spanish and French. I can send it to you if you want it. Could use a few other languages like Greek, Polish and others. It would be nice if you can get it in your national journals. And please no flames ! 73 OZ1MY Ib ************************************************************************************** ------------------------------ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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FO-29 schedule update
by Mineo Wakita 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

FO-29's operation became the examination use once in one week for the lack of the electric power. Oct. UTC 17 21:58 25 09:45 31 23:10

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SUMBANDILASAT *update on amateur payload*
by Chris Bloy 14 Oct '09

14 Oct '09

>From the Amsat SA pages :- STOP PRESS The First test of the amateur payload will be carried out on 14 October during the 21.12 CAT pass. Watch for updates here Update from Ground Control 13 October 2009 Source : http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ Chris - M0DQO

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Re: WTB: EZ-Lindenblad antenna
by Tim Goodrich 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

You may want to consider a Quadrifilar Helix antenna. I think it will accomplish what you're looking for. I just built one using the design in the most recent QST and am very pleased with the results. I'm sure its easier to construct than a lindenblad as well. I did mine in less than 3 hours. I could do it again in half that time now that I know how. Tim KI6VBY -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 12:00 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 532 Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb(a)amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.12/2431 - Release Date: 10/13/09 13:25:00

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Re: AO-51 mode L
by Dale Hershberger 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

Bob- W7LRD wrote: > > I coppied you in bits and pieces Dale. From what I understand the > 435.15 downlink is LHCP and my 70cm antenna is RHCP. It is switchable > I just have never hooked it up. This is my next project! I must > remember-"if this were easy, then everyone would be doing it!". Good > to hear you at least a little. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dale Hershberger" <daleh(a)alaska.net> > To: "Bob- W7LRD" <w7lrd(a)comcast.net> > Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 6:48:26 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-51 mode L > > Bob- W7LRD wrote: > > To all the gents who were on the last pass of AO-51. Joe (SZH) was > listening but is having transmitting/antenna issues. Dale I heard you > near my LOS, better luck next time. These "different" modes are fun > and usefull for checking out new equipment projects . The usual list > of characters (YSE, ELU) and a few others are always good to hear. > Thanks Drew. > > > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > Thanks Bob- > I did hear you but you did not come back. > I will be on the next pass. Also have a 75m traffic net to check into > at the same time. > It lasts longer than the sat pass.. I agree it is a great opportunity > to check > our other equipment . Thanks to Drew for this . > > Dale /kl7xj > Bob. We have done this before......We will make it!! I heard you in there. 73, Dale / kl7xj

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AO-51 mode L
by Bob- W7LRD 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

To all the gents who were on the last pass of AO-51. Joe (SZH) was listening but is having transmitting/antenna issues. Dale I heard you near my LOS, better luck next time. These "different" modes are fun and usefull for checking out new equipment projects . The usual list of characters (YSE, ELU) and a few others are always good to hear. Thanks Drew. 73 Bob W7LRD

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Cute 1.7 Re-entry
by John Heath 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

Not Yet Perigee Height is now below 200km but Cute 1.7 Object #28941 is still in orbit Re-Entry predictions for around mid day October 13th from EI7IG and W7LRD therefore drop out of the competition. Is she staying aloft long than expected because of a high mass to surface area? 73 John G7HIA

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Re: FM satellite operations again again over Europe
by Tony Langdon 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

At 07:30 AM 10/14/2009, Samudra Haque wrote: >on a satellite QSO, is it traditional to say "A, B, C" instead of >"Alfa Bravo Charlie" for brevity when referring to call signs and grid >locators ? That can backfire and waste time, due to people not understanding the letters. For example, my callsign under adverse conditions could be mis heard as (heard most of the following on terrestrial repeaters or IRLP/Echolink, let alone on the birds!): VK3JEB VK3JD VK3JB VK3JEV VK3JV And the list goes on.... ;) The overhead in asking for clarification or getting a correction outweighs the overhead of using phonetics in most cases. Once callsigns are confirmed, you can drop the phonetics (though usually by then, the QSO is over, so someone else can have a go ;) ). Phonetics are also more likely to survive brief bursts of QRM or brief fades. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com

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Looking for K5GNA Downconverter
by Charles Suprin 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

Hello, Some offer to sell these here. I thought I would offer to buy one. I am looking for the handheld version with the reflector if anyone has decided they have had enough. Charles AA1VS

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WTB: EZ-Lindenblad antenna
by Samudra Haque N3RDX 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

Hello is there a commercial source of EZ-Lindenblad antennas for mounting on a convention A-frame rooftop ? I have read AAT2X's paper describing how to homebrew, but want to look at buying a pre-built version to get started quickly with no need to rotate/elevate on the RX side. Regards, Samudra, N3RDX

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L band
by Dale Hershberger 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

I will be on AO51 L/U on the afternoon evening passes today. Dale / KL7XJ

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Re: AO-51 mode update
by John Papay 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

Bob, Just saw the message about L band being activated and checked it out on the morning western pass. Signals were much stronger on 435.300 than they were on 435.150 and I do have polarity switching. Seems like more than 3db. No one was on the 1303z pass but if you are full duplex, you can always talk to yourself. I had good copy with 10 watts and your 13T Helix all the way down to 1 degree (my best direction, southwest). The only thing more power and a bigger antenna would achieve would be to overcome the radar interference. No radome on the antenna; we'll leave it this way over the winter and see what happens when there is snow and ice. John K8YSE

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Heads Up! ARISS on 145.800 over North America
by JoAnne Maenpaa 13 Oct '09

13 Oct '09

This is a quick heads up for two excellent North American mid-continent ISS passes conducting ARISS School QSOs. 145.800 MHz is the downlink. First one is today, Tuesday - and next opportunity on Wednesday. Boundary Beach Elementary, Delta, BC, Canada on Tuesday 13th October at 17:10 UTC. This is a direct contact via VE7LHM Glenmore Christian Academy, Calgary, Canada on Wednesday 14th October at 16:01 UTC. This is a direct contact via VE6BGC. If you aren't near your tracking program check out: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/predict/satloc.php?lang=en&satellite=IS S -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal

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Re: Amsat conference follow-up regarding Cubesats, Education and Experimental projects and ITU
by Trevor . 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Some ITU Amateur Satellite Service info at http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/space/support/ARS/index.html A list of Amateur Radio CubeSats and larger Amateur Radio Satellites whose frequencies have been co-ordinated by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) is at http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/ 73 Trevor M5AKA

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Symposium, WD9EWK activity in/around Baltimore
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Hi! As others have already said, thanks to Frank KA3HDO and his group for putting on a great Symposium over the weekend. A good show, and good news from AMSAT for the upcoming year or two - and beyond. Before and after the Symposium activities each day (except for Saturday), and on one lunch break, I worked several passes from outside the hotel. I also took quick drives north to Delaware and south to Washington DC, to put those places on the air for some passes. As always, working the satellites from somewhere else is a learning experience, and fun. Except for two passes on Sunday, I didn't post any advance notice of my intentions to work satellite passes. I went to Baltimore to attend the Symposium and the AMSAT Board of Directors meeting before the official start of the Symposium, and any radio activity would be a bonus as part of this trip across the USA. Some stations were not fully aware of the location I announced on the air, knowing I am normally operating from DMxx grids in and around Arizona. It pays to listen, of course, regardless of whether or not there was an e-mail that announced the plans in advance. First stop, Baltimore. The hotel, on the BWI Airport grounds in grid FM19pe, was where I did most of my operating. The large parking garage next to the hotel made low eastern passes interesting. Otherwise, the only issues at the site were the trees. I worked one pass Wednesday (7 October) evening after arriving in Baltimore, three passes on Thursday (8 October - early morning and evening on AO-51, lunchtime on SO-50), two AO-51 passes on Friday (9 October), then a pass each on Sunday (11 October) and Monday (12 October) morning on AO-51. From all these passes, I logged 70 QSOs with stations all over the USA, Canada, and the Dominican Republic during those 8 passes. Along with my FM19 activity, I know that N2SPI also worked from outside the hotel over the weekend. There may have been someone else on from there, in addition to Richard and me. Many chances for stations to work someone at the Symposium, even without an "official" station. Next, Washington... Washington DC is about 30 miles/50km southwest of BWI Airport. In my almost 4 years of working the satellites, I have never heard anyone on the air from the District of Columbia. There is a station that identifies his location as outside of Washington DC, but never one actually on the air in the city. The grid, FM18, is not rare - there are stations on from both Maryland and Virginia. I operated from River Terrace Park, a nice park along the Anacostia River in the northeast quadrant of the US capital, east of RFK Stadium (grid FM18mv). I drove down for two AO-51 passes, one on Thursday evening and one on Monday morning. The Thursday evening pass was a high pass for me, yet the footprint covered all the way to the Pacific coast. KG4ZLB in Florida was the first station I worked, and K7YDL in Oregon was the last of the 21 QSOs. I was surprised at that number, when I played back the recording to log my contacts. On Monday morning, I worked a pass to the west and logged 13 more QSOs with stations spanning across the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico - even at that early hour for those out west. I am apparently not the only one who had never worked anyone from Washington DC. For the most part, a contact with the District of Columbia doesn't amount to much on its own. For many state-based awards like the WAS awards from ARRL, DC counts as Maryland - the state that it was carved out of. I already mentioned that the grid covering Washington (FM18) also covers parts of Maryland and Virginia, and there are stations that get on from both of those states (I worked one of those stations, NL7VX, who is in the Virginia part of FM18). Several operators thanked me for putting DC on the air. Maybe this would be something a local ham might look to do, operate from Washington from time to time. I still haven't worked DC myself. :-) Then, there's Delaware. Whether on HF, VHF, or satellites, this is normally one of the most rare states to get a contact with - and that all-important confirmation of the contact. I drove north on the I-95 freeway Sunday afternoon just over an hour to reach the Maryland/Delaware state line, contributing $11 in tolls on I-95 and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel to get there (tolls are not something I normally deal with in Arizona), and then drove a few more miles/km to the city of Bear in northern Delaware (grid FM29ep). I parked in a restaurant parking lot near the DE-1/US-40 interchange, and saw I had 5 minutes before the start of an AO-27 pass to the west at 2024 UTC. In the 7-minute pass, I made 14 QSOs (2 XE stations, and the rest sprinkled across the USA). Shortly after AO-27 went away, the first of three AO-51 passes came up from the southeast. I only logged 3 stations on that pass, and heard a VE3 station as I lost the downlink. After those two passes, I updated my logbook and quickly scribbled an e-mail to the -BB announcing I would be on the next two AO-51 passes from this location in Delaware. When the next pass came up at approximately 2216 UTC, I started working stations in the central and eastern parts of the USA. Seventeen stations went in the log, and I waited near my rental car for the third - and final - AO-51 pass of the evening from there starting just before 0000 UTC. Only 8 stations went in the log on that pass, but two of the 8 were from Mexico. Most of the QSOs were with stations in the west, what I had hoped for, before I went into the restaurant for dinner followed by the (cheaper - only $7 in tolls from Delaware back to the hotel) drive back to Baltimore for the night. ********** With this trip, I now have operated from 42 different grids in North America, along with a total of 8 different US states plus Washington DC. I already have FM19 cards for QSOs made from the Symposium, but I will need to print more of them. I will make and print cards for the other two locations in the next few days. In the next week or two, I will be ready to mail out cards - which will also let me mail cards from the upcoming hamfest I will attend in Tucson AZ on Saturday (17 October) along with the cards from my Baltimore/Washington/Delaware trip. If you would like to receive cards for QSOs made with WD9EWK on this trip, please e-mail me the QSO details. No need to send me a card or SASE. If you're in the log, you will get the QSL card(s) from me. This was a fun weekend, with the news from AMSAT along with a chance to work the satellites from the opposite side of the USA from where I live. Thanks to AMSAT and KA3HDO's group for a great Symposium, and to all the stations that worked WD9EWK from these locations over the past few days. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK (back home in Arizona now) http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: AO-51 mode update
by Bob- W7LRD 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Yep that was a typo-Agreed-more opportunities to use "other" modes may create more users. A good gain antenna for L band is less than four feet long. Right now the only testing chance we have for L & S playing is AO-51. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle ----- Original Message ----- From: "John P. Toscano" <tosca005(a)tc.umn.edu> To: "Amsat-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 8:15:38 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 mode update Bob- W7LRD wrote: > > Thanks Drew et al. > > No one else on but me, or at least I was all I could hear, on the > 0100Z pass, running about 60W to a 24 loop yagi. Question-- > What is the power of the 1.2ghz downlink? The signal strength is > at least 3 S units less that the 435.3 frequency. Anyone with > 1.2ghz stuff---dust it off. > > 73 Bob W7LRD Bob: It sounds like you were transmitting on UHF and listening to L-band. If that is the case, you will never hear anyone. You need to transmit on (UPlink to) 1268.7 MHz and listen on (DOWNlink from) 435.3 MHz. There is no 1.2 GHz DOWNlink. :( OTOH, maybe that was just a typographical error on your posting, because "60W to a 24 loop yagi" does, indeed, sound like you were UPlinking on 1.2 GHz... :) Anyway, here are the voice modes that AO-51 supports: Mode V/U (J) FM Voice Repeater (QRP): Operational Uplink: 145.8800 MHz FM Downlink 435.1500 MHz FM Mode V/U (J) FM Voice Repeater: Operational **ON NOW** Uplink: 145.9200 MHz FM Downlink 435.3000 MHz FM Mode V/S FM Voice Repeater: Operational Uplink: 145.8800 MHz FM Downlink 2401.2000 MHz FM Mode L/U FM Voice Repeater: Operational **ON NOW** Uplink: 1268.7000 MHz FM Downlink 435.3000 MHz FM The chicken and egg paradox continues. No one will get on the L band uplink if no satellites listen to L band, and no satellites will listen to L band if no ground stations get on the L band uplink. The best solution? More satellites with multiple transponder capability, particularly (preferably) with linear transponders, and higher orbits. Wishing for that is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for the dream to come to pass... Just sign me confused and waiting, a/k/a W0JT _______________________________________________ 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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AMSAT annual meeting
by Bob McGwier 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Tweets, Twitpix: http://twitpic.com/photos/rwmcgwier Apologies for the phone camera with the smudged lens (greasy fingers, what can I say?). MUCH better pictures were taken by Art Feller and his shotgun (irritatingly loud) Nikon shooting rapid fire like Puff the Magic Dragon and those will be available later. The symposium, full audio visual, will be available on DVD later thanks to Pat Kilroy and Dan Schultz. These offerings of mine are a quick peak at what went on. Cheers, Bob N4HY

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Re: AO-51 mode update
by Bob- W7LRD 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Thanks Drew et al. No one else on but me, or at least I was all I could hear, on the 0100Z pass, run ning about 60W to a 24 loop yagi. Question-- What is the power of the 1.2ghz downlink? The signal strength is at least 3 S units less that the 435.3 frequency. Anyone with 1.2ghz stuff---dust it off. 73 Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> To: "Amsat-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, ao-51-modes(a)amsat.org Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 4:22:24 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 mode update On tonight's pass at 23:20 I turned the 1268.7/435.15 repeater on. We'll run this along with the 145.92/435.3 repeater for a few days, except when collecting telemetry, until we get the rest of the schedule sorted out. 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

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Amsat conference follow-up regarding Cubesats, Education and Experimental projects and ITU
by Samudra Haque N3RDX 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Hi all amsat-bb participants, there were a number of good concepts that were floated at the 2009 AMSAT-NA Space Symposium and I highlighted the potential of using AMSAT knowledgebase and experienced hobbyists to create relevant course content for inclusion in a K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) syllabus for various standards of learning. One of the nearest examples I can give of such a similar program is the aviation-technology centric STARBASE program which is a civilian operated program affiliated and funded by the DoD, http://www.dodstarbase.com/ and of those programs, I highlighted work of a single one at the conference, http://www.starbasebeaufort.com If you were at the conference and had any questions about my presentation, please let me know by e-mail. For others, you may wish to purchase the proceedings of the conference from Martha/Amsat at your convenience as this years proceedings is very well organized. I was interested to know a little bit about the history of development/spread of use and launch technology available for the P-POD and Cubesat technology as discussed in http://thespacereview.com/article/1490/1. Morehead State University had a very interesting presentation given by Undergraduate students about their Space Science program http://www.moreheadstate.edu/ssc/. This lead me to think about what the cubesat platform is good for and perhaps I could begin developing a cubesat proposal "with features" in my future research plans. But first a few questions: Does cubesat employ all open standards, free for use, free of any copyright -or- patents ? Are there any alternative choices in the US ? I have heard at the conference, a few years ago AMSAT-NA was initially against cubesats, but now it is an accepted concept. Could someone provide a short history of the discussion of that period ? What types of missions have been completed using P-POD and Cubesat type spacecraft at the current time ? Is there an example of a cubesat with any kind of propulsion system built in and put into service ? Any future candidates ? What are the lifetime design goals of a cubesat system, and if they deorbit in a finite time, can more than a few cubesats be deployed in various stages in the same orbital plane and orbital track ? BTW, I am curious, is there a certain orbital plane allocation for cubesats/altitude ? Who regulates this ? Could a cubesat (small) be launched into (e.g.) a fractional degree orbit .. e.g., 45.5 degrees and separate from 45.7 degrees etc as they are very small, or are the cubesats limited to separation in orbit by whole integer degrees inclination ? Also, with regard to the following ITU definition, can any one help me locate an current list of cubesats and their mission objectives if published on a public website ? If there is no such list readily available, what would be the best possible method to catalog the cubesat launches in order to determine compliance with these two clauses ? I am looking for more comprehensive information other than http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/cubesats.php From: http://life.itu.int/radioclub/rr/art01.htm#Serv 1.56 amateur service: A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. 1.57 amateur-satellite service: A radiocommunication service using space stations on earth satellites for the same purposes as those of the amateur service. Regards from a radio amateur sat newbie, Samudra, N3RDX n3rdx(a)amsat.org

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AO-51 mode update
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

On tonight's pass at 23:20 I turned the 1268.7/435.15 repeater on. We'll run this along with the 145.92/435.3 repeater for a few days, except when collecting telemetry, until we get the rest of the schedule sorted out. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Lack of CW on sats
by Bato, Andras 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Gentlemen, I have spent a substantial amount on money to set up a satellite station. During the past tree years I haven't heard too many station in CW! AO-7 is used in CW but much more DX could be heard if more station were in CW. On VO-52 we haven"t enough room. Usually a great number of stations are calling and you can hear a devil of a noise. The stronger wins! K3SZH asked you to use more CW several times. I am seconding him. Please use CW on VO-52 as well. gl de ha6nn Andras (Andy for short.)

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FM satellite operations again again over Europe
by OZ1MY 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Hi all in Europe, It is obviously about time to repeate a few good points about operating via the FM repeater satellites. 1. Do not transmit if you can not hear it 2. When the satellite is busy - limit the number of QSO's to ONE 3. Do not call over an ongoing QSO 4. A valid QSO just needs the call and the report 5. Give way to weak stations like /p and /m 6. Allow DX-peditions to make as many QSO's as there are callers That was the short version :-) I have a long version in English, Italian, Russian, Spanish and French. I can send it to you if you want it. Could use a few other languages like Greek, Polish and others. It would be nice if you can get it in your national journals. And please no flames ! 73 OZ1MY Ib

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Yaesu GS-232B Problems Connecting
by Nathaniel S. Parsons 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Hi, My 232B has worked fine in the past, but just today is acting up (last time I used it was a few months ago). I can't connect to it with hyperterminal or HRD. Following the directions of the manual, I have connected on various bit rates (1200, 9600), switched the device on, and hit enter a few times, but I never get a successful connection message. Could it be that the device stops working if it ever goes below a certain temperature? It's gotten cold recently, so that's the only thing I can think of. Thanks -Nate KC2SVI

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accidental RF into wrong cable of Arrow=bad duplexer?
by Tim Goodrich 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

I am an owner of a 2m/70cm LEO satellite antenna with duplexer in the handle. Sometimes, I operate full duplex (two radios) and bypass the duplexer by attaching my own cables to the separate parts of the antenna (1 radio for 2m, 1 radio for 70cm). In the course of rushing to catch a satellite pass, I mixed up my connections and accidentally transmitted (5 watts) into one of the arrow antenna cables, causing RF to feed backwards into the duplexer. Recently, I have noticed decreased performance (poor reception, lower S/N, even on AO-51 when in the past it was full quieting) and am trying to ascertain if it could have anything to do with my mistake of feeding RF in the wrong direction into the duplexer. Could my mistake cause this problem? Thanks, Tim KI6VBY

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Re: Last Ditch Effort
by Randy 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

How do I configure this in MIXW2? Don't see "via" in there? Randy - N2CUA >Hello all, >The ISS is being overtaken by Castor. October 13 at 06:30 UTC, both will be about 19km from each other. I did a little experiment >a week ago and found that sending commands through the ISS is possible. >Then TNC should be configured as follows: >unproto KD4HBO-1 via RS0ISS-3 >Then send the command >BE40R

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Not everyone is working on ARISSat-1
by Alex, N3SQ 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

There are some of us out here who are trying to bring a little order to the chaos and help AMSAT, but we are all not working on ARISSat-1. Our effort lies in the following vectors and scalars: - Change needs to be EVOLUTIONARY not REVOLUTIONARY. - Chaos can be harnessed with the correct application of traceability. - The future leads through the correct application of effort There are clouds of dust on the horizon . . . . . with the sound of many hoof-beats in the distance . . . . . is that a bugle call-to-arms I hear on the wind? Those who know, understand. Those who need to know will find out soon enough. I will leave you with these two thoughts until next time . . . * Look to the Empire State near the Harvest Moon. * A gift may arrive near the ides of May. *Dobranocz*

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thanks
by Nick Pugh K5QXJ 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

A big thanks to Frank and his team for a fantastic conference Nick k5qxj

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Hello from Symposium
by Hammond, Mark 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Hi all, Hello from BWI. First day of talks was great! We enjoyed a nice AMSAT birthday cake, too :) Looks like the talks are being recorded. 73 for now. Mark N8MH Mark L. Hammond

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Road Trip finally comes to an end
by w6zkh＠comcast.net 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

Have arrived at home base now, so can get back to somewhat normal operations. I would like to thank all the ops who I worked while on this 16 day cross country adventure while operating in the following grids: DM26, DM65, EM25, EM45, EM63, EM73, EM70, EL79, EM40, EM00 and last but not least DM91. I have a stack of envelopes on my desk now to answer with return cards for your efforts, and also I think I have the ones that came via eQSL.cc all confirmed as of yesterday. I think the 2 prized Grids were EL79 and EM00. So, please bear with me and I will get the cards out ASAP. Again, thanks to all for giving me some challenges using the Yaesu FT60 HT and the ELK L.P. yagi, handheld. Funny though.... in all the RV parks I was in and operating, not one person came up to me and asked me what I was doing !! They all looked at me funny though. Oh, acouple of highlights of the trip was first the visual observation of the ISS on a pass over the Mississippi River which was something, as alot of the RV'ers were wondering what we were looking at, until I explained it, and then they all got a gander of it. Secondly, was finally meeing Glenn AA5PK eyeball to eyeball. Thanks for being a host and for letting me give a demo at the San Angelo Radio Club meeting of satellite ops. Was nice of AO-51 to be overhead at that time. See everyone back on normal shift now at home.. 73 de John W6ZKH DM06

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AO-51: Current schedule extended
by Mark L. Hammond 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

Hi All, Due to the AMSAT Symposium, the current "normal" AO-51 configuration is being extended a few more days. We'll post and implement the schedule for the rest of the month "real soon now." Thanks for your patience--everybody was at the Symposium :) October 5 - October 12 AMSAT Symposium week--EXTENDED FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 BBS, L/U Uplink: 1268.700 MHz 9k6 FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz 9k6 FM On behalf of the command team, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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SATPC32 config files
by Tim Goodrich 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

I hadn't used SATPC32 in a while, opting for HRD instead, but HRD is awfully flakey at connecting to my 817 sometimes and also inexplicably reverses the downlink and uplink frequencies for no reason sometimes. So, I decided to give SATPC32 a try again, but I found that when I load it, it essentially hangs my computer by taking up 99% of the resources. I want to reinstall it, but don't want to lose the settings that I manually configured. Can anyone tell me which files I should save before deleting the old directory and then put into the new installation? Thanks, Tim KI6VBY

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WD9EWK in Delaware @ 2215 & 2356 UTC via AO51
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

Hello from Delaware! WD9EWK will be on AO-51 for the next 2 passes from grid FM29 in Delaware, at 2215 and 2356 UTC, today. Hope to hear you on those passes. If you work me and want a QSL, card please e-mail me the QSO details. If you're in the log, I will send you a card. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Anyone want to?
by Randy 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

Anyone want to try PSK on VO-52 tonite 145.890? Randy - N2CUA FN23

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satpc32 qrn
by Bob- W7LRD 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

Hello-When I start up satpc32 on my Dell computer I get this annoying qrn hiss on 2M. Any simple fixes short of moving the computer further away? It is from the computer not the monitor. 73 Bob W7LRD

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FW: [ans] ANS-284 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by DOMINICK INTERDONATO 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-284 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * AMSAT Election of new Officers at the Symposium * SpaceX Announces Conference * AO-51 configuration to support Scouting JOTA * US Senate Bill Introduced * AO-51 Configured for JOTA * ARISS Status - October 4, 2009 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-284.01 AMSAT Election of Officers AMSAT News Service Bulletin 284.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. October 11 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-284.01 At the Baltimore Symposium the initial actions of the newly elected BOD is to elect new officers. The seats were filled as follows: President Barry Baines, WD4ASW VP of Engineering Tony Monteiro, AA2TX VP of Operations Drew Glassbrenner, KO4MA VP of User Services Gould Smith, WA4SXM Secretary Alan Biddle, WA4SCA Treasurer Gunther Meisse, W8GSM Manager Martha Congratulations to the newly elected officers. Also, a fine time was had by all that attended the Baltimore AMSAT Symposium. Many excellent presentations were given during the event. At the annual meeting, the newly elected officers were introduced and new priorities were introduced. AMSAT will offer a DVD of the presentations. The Banquet had a great guest speaker, Mr. Collins from the Air and Space museum. Plan to attend next years meeting. (ANS thanks Martha for the above information] /EX SB Sat @ $ans-284.02 SpaceX announces Conference AMSAT News Service Bulletin 284.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. October 11, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-284.02 Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has announced a second user conference for its commercial product DragonLab™, a free-flying, reusable spacecraft capable of hosting pressurized and unpressurized payloads to and from orbit. The event will focus on the needs of European users and take place on October 29th, 2009, in Haarlem, Netherlands. DragonLab provides a platform for in-space experimentation, including recovery of pressurized and some unpressurized payloads, as well as deployment of small spacecraft. As a complete system, DragonLab provides a highly capable spacecraft platform that includes propulsion, power, thermal control, environmental control, avionics, communications, thermal protection, flight software, guidance, navigation and control, entry, descent and landing, and recovery. The user conference is an opportunity for potential customers to explore DragonLab's capabilities, as well as present customer-specific interests and requirements. The agenda includes an overview of the Dragon spacecraft, concept of operations, payload accommodations and cost parameters. DragonLab is an alternate configuration of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft which, along with the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, has been contracted by NASA to provide cargo resupply services to the International Space Station as early as 2010. To express interest in attending the user conference, visit DragonLabUserConference.com. Space is limited and all participants must receive confirmation from SpaceX in order to attend this workshop. For more information or questions regarding the user conference, please email DragonLab(a)spacex.com. [ANS thanks Lee for the above information] /EX SB Sat @ amsat $ans284.03 US Senate Bill Introduced AMSAT News Service Bulletin 284.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. October 11, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-284.03 RADIO LAW: SENATE BILL INTRODUCED TO STUDY HAM RADIO EMCOMM A companion bill to the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, October 6 by Connecticut Democrat Joe Lieberman and Maine Republican Susan Collins. Titled Senate Bill 1755, it carries the same name as the House measure introduced this past April by Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee. The bill, if passed, would direct the Department of Homeland Security to undertake a study on emergency communications with an emphasis on the role that ham radio operators play. S 1755 points out that "There is a strong Federal interest in the effective performance of Amateur Radio Service stations, and that performance must be given support at all levels of government; and protection against unreasonable regulation and impediments to the provision of the valuable communications provided by such stations. Introduction of S 1755 is the result of many months of groundwork laid by the American Radio Relay League and appears to be directly based on the basis and purpose of the service. This as outlined in Section 97.1 of the FCC rules. (ARRL) [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-284.04 AO-51 Configured for JOTA AMSAT News Service Bulletin 284.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. October 11, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-284.04 AO-51 configuration to support Scouting JOTA AMSAT-NA is supporting the 52nd Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) Scouting event by dedicating AO-51 operation to the event. For October 17th and 18th, the AO-51 QRP repeater will be allocated for JOTA use. All users are requested to give way to JOTA stations or QSOs with JOTA stations. The frequencies used for this weekend will be 145.880 FM uplink, and 435.150 FM downlink, no PL tone required. The mode change should occur at ~00:00 UTC on the 17th (Friday evening in the US) and run for approximately 48 hours. AMSAT wishes the Scouts good luck operating via the AO-51 satellite for the event. Reports of your JOTA operations should be sent to the AMSAT-BB or directly to ko4ma(a)amsat.org. Photo files up to 5 Mb total are also welcome for possible inclusion in an upcoming AMSAT Journal article. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations [ANS thanks the AO-51 Operations Team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-284.05 ARISS Report for Oct 4,2009 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 284.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. October 4, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-284.045 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Sint-Michielscollege Brasschaat vzw (SMCB) in Brasschaat, Belgium on Wednesday, October 7 at 10:20 UTC. Visits to space and science museums are among the science activities planned for the children. Guest speakers will include a representative from Verhaert Space Systems and Dirk Frimout, Belgium’s first astronaut. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with the National Planetarium in Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia on Thursday, October 8 at 09:34 UTC. The contact will occur as part of the National Space Challenge, a program that was created in an effort to instill the talents and desire towards the understanding of space in primary school aged children. Sixteen schools will participate. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Belmont Elementary School in Langley, British Columbia, Canada on Friday, October 9 at 20:20 UTC. Students are working on projects with a “Mission Control” theme and the Langley Amateur Radio Association (L.A.R.A.) is working with the school to organize this event. 2. Thirsk Participates in ARISS Contact with R.T. Alderman Students Astronaut Bob Thirsk, VA3CSA participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students attending R. T. Alderman School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Monday, September 28. An audience of 615 people gathered, watched and listened as Thirsk answered 15 questions posed to him by the students. Media coverage was provided by a local television station. After the contact, Thirsk changed the ISS radio beacon text to read, “Hello to RT Alderman School!” 3. De Winne Speaks with Lisbon, Portugal Students via ARISS On Thursday, October 1 an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was held between the Ciência Viva Museum in Lisbon, Portugal and Frank De Winne, ON1DWN onboard the ISS. Ground station ON4ISS in Belgium provide the telebridge connection. An audience of 300 people gathered and watched as twenty-three questions were asked and answered. The ARISS contact at Ciencia Viva was a major event during the nationwide celebrated Space Week. The participating students have been working on space projects for two years and they were highly motivated to do this science-related activity. 4. ARISS Contact with University of Liege An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact took place on Friday, October 2 between the University of Liege in Belgium and on-orbit astronaut Frank De Winne, ON1DWN via telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium. Eighteen questions were answered before losing contact with the ISS. The University of Liege offers the only aerospace engineering education program in the French part of Belgium. In the context of the OUFTI-1 project (www.oufti.ulg.ac.be) that aims at building a CubeSat featuring the amateur radio D-STAR technology, an amateur radio club was formed at the university. 5. Nicole Stott Participates in ARISS Contact with Italian Students On Friday, October 2, students attending Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado “Alighieri – Trevigi” in Casale Monferrato, Prov. Alessandria, Italy participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. The youth asked Nicole Stott, KE5GJN 21 questions as an audience of 200 students, parents and teachers looked on. Local media provided news coverage. The event was streamed live on the internet and the audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers. The contact motivated the youth to study Science, History, Geography, Information Technology and English. 6. ARISS Contact with Boy Scouts of Canada On Saturday, October 3, Scouts of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Three hundred scouts and parents were present as Robert Thirsk VA3CSA answered questions about life and work in space. Thirsk turned over a few questions to Mr. Guy Laliberte, Circ De Soleil president and spaceflight participant. Audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers. The ARISS contact was held in conjunction with the Scout Science Badge Award system. 7. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On October 2, Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1677 reported on Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) astronaut licensing. To view “Ham Radio in Space: New Ham Astronaut is KF5DBF,” see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News-A/news.txt /EX 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org _______________________________________________

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CAT Control
by Peter 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

Hello, I received this message via the Area Coordinator messages, can anyone help him, thank you, send to his e-mail address. 73, Pete, WB2OQQ I have a Yaesu FT-736R with a FIF-232C. CAT will only control the radio if the down link is UHF. It will not control the radio if the down link is VHF. Any suggestions? The rotor function with a HR-5400A and a LVB Tracker works great. 73, Charles Bertuch W2DOC c.bertuch(a)verizon.net>

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DM92 this evening
by Glenn AA5PK 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

Thanks to all for being patient while I operated portable from DM92ra on the 2055Z AO-27 pass and the 2255Z AO-51 pass this afternoon. I worked 22 stations and I know there were a few others calling, but it's hard to get a call in edgewise sometimes. I used an Arrow with a Kenwood TH-F6A on the uplink and my trusty old IC-W2A on the downlink. I have the Arrow without the built-in diplexer, so that worked out pretty well. DM92ra is about 48 miles north of my QTH in the middle of nowhere (there's a lot of that in WTX). I'll QSL to all who I worked, no need to QSL me or send an SASE. Monday's a U.S. federal holiday (Columbus Day), so they'll go out Tuesday. Tomorrow (11 Oct), I plan to go 35 miles south to DM90rx. There are no decent AO-51 passes during the window I can make it, but there are two good passes of AO-27 and SO-50. I'll try to make the 1827Z pass of SO-50 and the 2025Z pass of AO-27. Those are my AOS times. Again, I'll QSL all who I work. 73 Glenn AA5PK San Angelo, TX

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[OT] MixW show all packets?
by Jim Tittsler 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

I also have a MixW question: Is it possible to configure it to show all 9600 baud packets it receives, including those which do not have valid CRCs?

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Getting back into FM LEO sats
by Michael Tondee 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

Well, Im back. I got frustrated sometime back with the lack of progress and bleak looking future for HEO's as well as sniping on this list about HEO's vs. LEO's so I left the list and left AMSAT. Leaving AMSAT was more of an economics issue, I couldn't afford dues. Anyway, times are hard around here and I've had to sell my HF radio so it appears if I'm going to have any radio fun at all, it's going to be with FM LEO's , ARISS and maybe listening for and tracking cubesats. Here's what I've got and what my proposed budget is... I have an older Alinco DJF1T 2 meter HT capable of 5 watts out. I still have my Orbit OR360 TV rotators with homebrew Saebrtrack basic stamp based tracking box plus SatPC32 software I also have some homebrew "cheap yagis", 4 elements on 2 meters and 11 elements on 70cm Some LMR 400 and some RG8U Also have Pacific Monolithics 2.4GHZ downconverter that I'm unsure whether it works. Also have a 12V power supply. I've got a fixed budget capped right around $200.00 I'm thinking I can pick up a new or used 70cm HT and get back on the FM LEO's and I'm talking a "base" setup not portable even though I'd be using HT's. Sound doable or am I missing something? I don't have a preamp for 70cm but maybe if I keep the cable run short I can get by. And please guys, I haven't been here in awhile and I don't know how the bb is getting on but don't turn this into some kind of merits of FM LEO's debate. I can't afford to do anything else right now and this is the only way I can see to remain in the hobby right now and have a little fun if indeed my plan is even feasible in the first place. I'm open to suggestions and advice though. And BTW, what did ever happen to P3E? Is it rotting away somewhere in storage now? Tnx and 73, Michael W4HIJ

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Symposium Echolink test underway
by Stephen E. Belter 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

A test of the Echolink broadcast from the AMSAT Symposium is underway now, on the *AMSAT* conference. Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, Wintek Corporation (765) 742-8428, seb(a)wintek.com

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Ande Castor sk?
by Danny Casier 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

Did someone heard Ande Castor Sphere last time? Got a pas at 10u15 - 10u25z with el of 81. Nothing heard. 73 Dan

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System F6
by Glenn AA5PK 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

I found this article in the last issue of Air Force Magazine to be interesting: Game Changers "System F6 is designed to help break the paradigm of monolithic satellite design-that is, planning to put all of a satellite's components on the same spacecraft bus, connected via wires. In its place, DARPA is advancing the concept of fractionated space architectures in which a satellite's nodes (e.g., sensors, power source, communications downlinks, processors) can be physically separated into modules that are connected in function via wireless links so that they create the same capability as their monolithic counterpart, if not more." <http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/September%20200…> Glenn AA5PK DM91

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USAFA cubesat RFI
by Jim White 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

I apologize for leaving out the web site where the RFI document can be found. It's at ftp.coloradosatellite.net Jim Jim White Colorado Satellite Services, LLC jim(a)coloradosatellite.com

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Re; Not everyone is working on ARISSat-1
by Joe Fitzgerald 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

> Look to the Empire State near the Harvest Moon. > A gift may arrive near the ides of May. Alex, What are you talking about? -Joe KM1P

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DN00/01 October 17
by Mark Spencer 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

When I was an Air Force pilot, and the XYL would go on a trip, I'd hit as many bars and carouse as much as the law would allow (remember those days Leo?). What do I do now?..Grid-pedition! I'll be taking a trip to the middle-of-nowhere Nevada on October 17th to the boundary of grids DN00 and DN01 so you can cross them off your grid maps. Look for me on the AO27 pass around 2054Z. Give me a call, and give my 5 watts and ARROW a break. No QSL or SASE required, just a quick e-mail note to check my log and QSLs will be in the mail to you. 73, Mark Mark Spencer, WA8SME ARRL, the national association for Amateur RadioT Education and Technology Program Coordinator mspencer(a)arrl.org http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ 530-495-9150

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Worldwide Linking
by Clint Bradford 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

An inquiry during my EchoLink presentation last night ... "Clint, we know the orbit of a specific satellite, we know its projected footprint, and we know its expected time over that footprint. Now if we had “X” amount of ham stations, RF equipped to talk with this satellite, and these hams were also equipped to communicate via VOIP EchoLink or IRLP and enough of these stations were lined up around the world within the orbital path, we would have continuous 24 hour, 7 day a week coverage around the world with this bird. "The EchoLink or IRLP stations would all be tied together via connection to a main conference server such as *SCARS*. This would mean that anyone worldwide could access the satellite day or night by transmitting and listening to the earth station that was in the footprint at that particular time. "I would see some things needing to be understood by the users, such as timing in regards to internet latency, repeater and or link delays, and the need to understand a pause would be necessary before transmitting, etc. .... " I have thought of this on a much smaller scale ... I welcome your comments. I do not want to completely discourage this gentleman from "thinking globally" (grin). Clint Bradford http://www.work-sat.com

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Cubesat RFI
by Jim White 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

The US Air Force Academy has released a request for information (RFI) on cubesat systems, subsystems and components. The AFA intends to release up to 4 cubesat size sensors from its Falconsat-6 spacecraft now in the design phase. I've put this RFI "Falconsat 6 Cubesat RFI.pdf" on my server at www.eyassat.com Log in as id = eyassatdocs pw = eyassatuser You will be placed in the folder where the RFI doc resides. The AFA invites all vendors who are making devices for cubesats to respond to the RFI. The response information is in the document. Jim Jim White Colorado Satellite Services, LLC jim(a)coloradosatellite.com wd0e(a)amsat.org

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Fw: [W1GHZ]Interest in a group buy of W1GHZ transverter boards and parts?
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

This is somewhat satellite related, and I know there are members who like to home brew and may be interested in building something for L band. Read Microwavelenths in the October QST page 97. This will give you some background on what this project is about. Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589 -------------START------------------------ Copy of posting announcing that the webpage has been opened below: Well, I have finally posted information about boards and part kits being offered along with a price breakdown for each item for a group purchase of W1GHZ transverters at: http://w8iss.no-ip.org The first page tells what I am 'planning' to offer and how its broken down. Then follow the link at the bottom of that page to the price list and ordering instructions. Be aware that I have seperated the boards and parts kits as I had some interest in just parts kits and boards alone. PLEASE oreder accordingly for each band you want to operate on. I wish to have all orders in by November 7th, 2009 so that I can TRY to have everything mailed BEFORE the Christmas mail rush. I have also requested that all purchases be done using a USPS money order so as to speed things up. I am not using Paypal as I am trying to keep the cost down. Thanks, James W8ISS

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Attn: FT-897D Owners & Brainiacs
by Randy 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Thanks to few kind and patient people, things are Progressing in my world with HAM SAT COMM. My SAT PC 32 is set to uplink only with the one simplex rig.. And that worked ok .. Until .... Heres an interesting thing.. I turn the rig on .. I select my satellite in SAT PC I click on the "C" to start software control of The transmit freq ( unless key down, as we have all learned recently, although you can still MANUALLY adjust the Tx freq with the main dial when transmitting ) anyways.. It adjust itself according to the interval settings and works fine. The RX freq stays put...if I adjust the receive, the transmit changes, I expect that... Have had CW contacts that way. ( THANKS K9QHO) NOW FOR THE FUN.... A few seconds AFTER I TURN ON THE CLARIFIER, the RX FREQ starts updating again with the software AND It doesn't do it at the interval setup in the software, it just does it about every 1.5 - 2 seconds. Its consistant, and repeatable. If I turn the clarifier OFF, it stops. ANYONE?? SHOW OF HANDS?? LOL Software quirk? Rig QUIRK? COMBO? Has anyone seen the programmer lately? LOL Seriously , if I can use the clarifier without this happening, I think I can have CW QSO's on VO-52 really well with the simplex rig.. THANKS ALL IN ADVANCE Randy - N2CUA

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10m (mode A) preamp for sale!
by KG4ZLB 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

For all you AO-7 mode A aficionado's, I have a mast mounted, Mirage KP-2, 10m preamp for sale. The preamp is in used condition, the control box looks fine; comes complete with 13.8v power cord and instructions. Pictures available upon request. Shipped to your door (lower 48) for the amazingly reasonable price of $45 (Paypal ok) 73 David KG4ZLB

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W6FOG will be Marine Mobile starting 10/19
by David Wing 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

QST QST QST W6FOG asked me to post a note that he will be sailing from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta departing on 10/19/09. Neil will be working many of the ocean grids on the way so be sure to listen for W6FOG if you want some west coast ocean grids. 73, David K6CDW

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Road trip to FN56, FN57, FN66, FN67, etc.
by Richard Crow 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

While visiting Massachusetts from October 15th to 20th, I plan to make a side-trip to Maine for the express purpose of working from some rare grid squares. The "big unknown" right now is if the Maine weather will permit this. "Permit" means no rain, no snow, and temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, there's a "Plan A" and a "Plan B". Plan A is to leave for northern Maine on Saturday October 17th, come back on Sunday the 18th, and work from FN53, FN56, FN57, FN66, and FN67. Otherwise, Plan B is to leave for west-central Maine on October 17th, come back on the 18th, and work from FN53, FN45, and FN55. For additional flexibility, if the weather looks better for Monday October 19th, either plan could shift to the 18th and 19th. Since I'm attempting so many grid squares in such a short time, I'll be looking at working just about every favorable satellite pass on all available satellites, AO-27, SO-50, AO-51, and VO-52. Just before leaving for Massachusetts, I'll get a more accurate picture of the upcoming Maine weather, decide what I'm going to do, and post a specific schedule. 73, Richard, N2SPI

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Where in the World is ND9M?
by John Papay 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

ND9M/VQ9JC sent an email advising that he is deployed on a Navy ship heading for Sumatra on a humanitarian mission with fresh water for the victims of the recent earthquakes there. His shipboard internet connection is not very good and he can only use it sparingly. Jim reports that he has been active with his FT897 (TX) and the FT817 (RX) using an Arrow antenna and a UPS battery for power. He operates from the Helicopter Pad on the ship. He says that there isn't much activity in the Indian Ocean but he is working VU's and E21's and handing out rare water grids! Sure wish we had a satellite with a footprint that could reach him! Jim has been active as VQ9JC on CW. We had a 17m qso a few weeks ago. There were spots for him on 20 and 30m on 2 October. He says that the QSL cards are coming in by the bushel. Jim is looking forward to returning to the States and activating more grids here in the Spring. You may recall his activity this summer from many eastern US grids including all three grids in the State of Delaware. He also handed out many counties on HF for those chasing them. We wish him a safe journey and look forward to hearing him on the birds. 73, John K8YSE

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Cute 1.7 Re-Entry
by John Heath 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

Re-Entry Cute 1.7 Object # 28941 Update Space Track have revised their re-entry prediction from October 10th to the 14th. 73 John G7HIA

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[amsat-bb] 2nd Announcement AMSAT’s LCROSS “Lunar Bash” Live Special Event
by Samudra Haque 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

[I am requesting all to circulate this notice to a wide variety of attendees, students, teachers - 73 de N3RDX/S21X] Announcing AMSAT’s LCROSS “Lunar Bash” Live Special Event * 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium Celebrating 40 Years in Space *NEW: with an exhibit of NASA educational materials for the LRO/LCROSS program suitable for K-12 students *NEW: live updates of the mission progress from the Flight Directors Blog Date: Friday October 9, 2009 Location/Time: 0600-0900 Crane A/B, Four Points Sheraton Hotel at BWI Airport Hosted by Samudra Haque, N3RDX, N3RDX(a)amsat.org Open to All 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium Attendees Let’s Kick Up Some Moon Dust ! Join us in the Crane A/B rooms between at 0600 (event starts 0630) with other early bird AMSAT attendees for a Presentation and Live Simulcast of NASA’s Return to the Moon – and an once-in-a-lifetime event of the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) impact into the Cabeus crater on the Lunar Surface estimated at 0730 EDT. The event will showcase NASA documentaries on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and LCROSS missions, the Music Video “Water on the Moon” by NASA Deputy Project Manager John Marmie and will shift to the live video stream with commentary from NASA TV shortly before the actual impact event. As the best viewing of the impact site from Earth will be available to ground based telescope located in the Mid-West and points towards the West Coast we hope to see pre-recorded images/video clips well after the impact event as it is relayed from observing communities. If such images are available, we will post them during our open session. Educators and Students can obtain digital copies of the presentation materials from the host and can review “On the Moon” Educators guide which contains learning activities for Students. *In collaboration with NASA

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SatPC32 doppler.sqf file
by Bato, Andras 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

Gentlemen, It seems the doppler.sqf file is missing grom the SatPC32 software which is the best stand alone satellite tracking software I've ever seen. Would someone send me -or to the list- a sample file to be able to track satellites using Doppler tuning? Otherwise CAT works fine with my FT-847. May you have success with SatPC32 and in satellite tracking. gl de ha6nn Andras

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70cms in Canada
by Graham Shirville 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Looks like more potential QRM to the amateur satellite service:( http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=220962 73 Graham G3VZV

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Nice video on amateur satellite and supporting space science
by Fabiano Moser 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Re- sending. Take time to watch! Good Job Henk ! 73 Fabiano > >> Hello all, >> >> In case you didn't see the announcement about a video produced by Henk, below is the link. It is a really nice video showing amateur radio contribution to space science. I plan on using this video when I give presentations to high school students. I also plan on showing it to my bosses so I >> can get more science missions made available to the amateur radio community. >> These two satellites have been a learning experience. There are some things I will want to do differently. I enjoyed getting reports from you and working with you. I want to do it again and it looks like it may happen. We have another science experiment in proposal and are starting to get some >> funding. The mission will be to map the radiation environment in real time. The trick will be to get the potentially large amount of data down. 9600 baud may not be fast enough. I will try to work something out to stay within the common amateur radio gear. I may have to switch to KISS mode for >> more compact data. >> >> Also, if anyone has captured any audio, hold on to it. I know one of the experiments was to try out FX.25. This is an experimental protocol that wraps forward error correction data around the standard AX.25 packet. This method allows standard TNCs and software to decode error free packets >> while allowing FX.25 decoders to recover AX.25 packets with a few bit errors. We tried getting the FX.25 software completed but time constraints have been the issue. Last Friday, we were able to test the FX.25 decoder on some audio files and were able to recover corrupted packets. Our small >> sample showed up to 50% recovery rate. We will be processing more audio files. Our next step is to make the code available. It runs on linux only. Our first problem was trying to get access to the raw data stream before any AX.25 decoder. We were able to find where to tap the raw bit stream in >> the soundmodem software and pipe it to our FX.25 decoder program. We will write up some >> documentation and release the software in the next couple weeks. You can try running your audio files through the software and see if you see any improvements. >> >> So, next question. How many people are running linux for their ground station? How many would be interested? We are thinking for the next satellite to develop a telemetry protocol with forward error correction that will greatly improve packet decoding. We will target FM modulation since that >> is easier to track and capture. Since we only know how to program in linux, we would target that platform. Anyone wanting to port to Windows or Mac is welcomed to our code. >> >> Ivan >> >> >> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGvRnqII0j8&feature=channel_page >> (enable HD for best quality) >> >> 73, Henk >> >> >> >> >> > > > -- 73 Fabiano Moser CR7/PY5RX ARISS-PORTUGAL (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Representative at Teleconference and Portugal Telebridge Coordinator. AMRAD/AMSAT-CT http://www.amrad.pt/ariss.php "There is no great talent without great will. (Honoré de Balzac)"

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RG316 / Ireland
by Amateur Radio Station W4MPS 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Many thanks for the replies re RG316 and also for the several links showing coax comparison charts. Very helpful. I'm old school and familiar with RG58 and RG8, and started to get confused when they came out with 9913. With all the new stuff, I'm clueless, HI. I'm using a 6 Ft length of RG316 with an SMA connector at one end for my handheld, and a PL259 type on the other end for the Elk. So no adapters, which I like. That gives me plenty of length for waving around the Elk during a pass. So far, I don't see any obvious degradation of signals compared to my RG58 cable with adapters, although I have no way of measuring. Bottom line...if I can work 'em, I'll be happy. The small diameter cable will be great for traveling. I'll keep field testing until we leave next week. I'll be QRV from County Cork, Ireland from October 16 through October 26. Most of the time will be in Grid IO52, although we may also travel to IO42 and IO51 (if the family ever lets us out of the pub). I've made a number of transatlantic contacts to the UK and Portugal via AO-51 using my FT-60R at 5 Watts and an Arrow antenna from my previous QTH in New Jersey (FN20)standing on my back deck. I was blown away by the experience. Ireland is closer than both UK and Portugal so I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to make a few Q's back home. So, keep an ear open for me when the mutual window is open. The call will be EI/W4MPS. 73 Marc, W4MPS Clayton, North Carolina

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FT-897 CAT Control
by Jesse Morris 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

There have been several posts here and elsewhere that suggest that it is not possible to change the frequency of the FT-897 via CAT during transmit. Is that really true? If it is that would seem to make it unsuitable for satellite operations but I know many people use it (and the 817/857). Thanks for the info. de Jess - W4MVB

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Re: UWE-2 news?
by Mike Rupprecht 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Andy, they disabled the beacon to save energy. 73, Mike DK3WN ----- original Nachricht -------- Betreff: [amsat-bb] UWE-2 news? Gesendet: Mi, 07. Okt 2009 Von: andy thomas<andythomasmail(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Any news of UWE-2? I have never heard her and I see a relevant observation > on the DK3WN satblog. > > 73 de andy g0sfj > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > --- original Nachricht Ende ----

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Radio Amateurs supporting a mission in space (video)
by Henk, PA3GUO 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Dear all, Very often I find it difficult to explain to 'outsiders' what HAM radio is all about. Therefore I have released a short video on YouTube about the recent ANDE-2 experiments and how radio amateurs world-wide contributed to this mission. When I was young I watched the first Space Shuttle flight on TV. A far away, fantastic scientific event. Many years later we as radio amateurs are given opportunities to engage directly in space-experiments. It's a thrill ! Featured in the video are the launch and deploy from STS-127, as well as reception and decoding of the satellite's radio signals received from space. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGvRnqII0j8 For highest quality ensure you enable HD (it does slow-down the download a bit though) Best regards, Henk, PA3GUO

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Understanding ITA
by Wayne Estes 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

I just read the article about ITAR in the Jan/Feb 2009 AMSAT Journal. I have to say that the article didn't help me understand ITAR at all. It seems to have skipped the first several steps in the explanation. For example, what criteria are used to judge that a device has dual use as a munition? It is not at all obvious to my feeble mind how a 23 GHz amplifier or IHU-3 (computer) can be judged to have dual use as a munition. What criteria does ITAR law use to EXCLUDE devices that have obvious dual uses as munitions? For example, GSM cell phones have been used to remotely control explosive devices that killed thousands of U.S. servicemen. Are they not regulated because they are too ubiquitous to control? Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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CubeSat article in SatMagazine
by Trevor . 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Page 43 of the October issue of SatMagazine features an article on CubeSats titled 'A Costing + Pricing Challenge', see http://www.satmagazine.com/2009/SatMag_Oct09.pdf 73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio Email/RSS news: http://www.southgatearc.org/ ----

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UWE-2 news?
by andy thomas 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Any news of UWE-2? I have never heard her and I see a relevant observation on the DK3WN satblog. 73 de andy g0sfj

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A0-27 Website
by Rick - WA4NVM 06 Oct '09

06 Oct '09

Hi All, Does anyone know what has happened to the A0-27 website? It hasn't worked for over three days. So far, I just have to track and listen for the bird to turn on. Thanks for any information, Rick - WA4NVM

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Re: [Hearsat] Opinions on receivers
by Luc Leblanc 06 Oct '09

06 Oct '09

On 4 Oct 2009 at 10:18, Loren Moline WA7SKT wrote: Date sent: Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:18:37 -0700 From: Loren Moline WA7SKT <lmoline(a)hotmail.com> Subject: [Hearsat] Opinions on receivers To: hearsat(a)mailman.qth.net > > Hello, > > I am looking for opinions on wideband receivers for the like of Icom , AOR or others. Interested in things like sensitivity, stability, and birdies comparisons. Also whether they have a 10.7MHz output jack. Thanks! > > > Loren WA7SKT > > > Member: ARRL and Pacific Northwest VHF Society > Member: Hearsat Satellite Monitoring Group > Location: CN86cx > > I have a PCR-1000 and i'm very satisfied with it. The only one drawbacks I got a lot of intermod on 137mhz from the paging system making NOAA weather pictures hard to decoded. "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Satellite Orbit Prediction in Python
by Mark VandeWettering 06 Oct '09

06 Oct '09

I just thought I'd drop a quick note here about some fun I've been having today with satellite orbit prediction in Python. When I started mucking around with satellites, I used "predict", which was pretty good, but at some point I wanted to answer some questions which weren't easy to answer using predict. Questions like "when will AO-51 be visible from both my home in CM87 and locations in Hawaii", or "what was the radius of the circle of visibility for AO-7 compared to ISS"? Luckily, I'm a programmer. In fact, I'm a programmer who programs for fun. So, I did a bit of research, and then coded up a version of G3RUH's "Plan 13" algorithm in Python, and then wrote some scripts to download elements from celestrak, and then a simple one to print data on the next pass of any named satellite. And, they worked pretty good. I've used them for the last year or so to do all my pass predictions. But there are still a couple of minor issues with the library. It didn't handle geosynchronous satellites very well. It implemented only the most basic of orbital models. I was never confident that the "is this satellite in eclipse" stuff working exactly right. Luckily though, it turns out that someone else has been busy writing a more complete library: PyEphem http://rhodesmill.org/pyephem/ It's a library whose primary purpose is to calculate the positions of astronomical objects. I've used it a couple of times to (for instance) figure out the size of Mars compared to Jupiter, and found it very easy to use. But today, I realized that it had a full implementation of the SGP4 and SDP4 orbital models built in, and could be used to predict satellite passes. As a proof of concept, I hacked together a 23 line script that could print the details of upcoming ISS passes. It seems to work great, and is really quite easy to use. You can find some of the simple example code at my blog: http://brainwagon.org/2009/09/27/how-to-use-python-to-predict-satellite-loc… I'll probably be porting all of my existing scripts to use this soon. In the mean time, if you have a similar task, you might look to it to solve your custom satellite prediction problems. 73 Mark K6HX

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