- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

ISS APRS PACKET
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

Hi Folks, wondering if the iss packet is back on 145.825 or still on 145.800. anyone know? tks in advance. kc8gkf-5

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Re: FLTSATCOM Hacked
by Robert Bruninga 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

> A school to provide the $50,000 launch..... > Anything from keeping 50 hams from donating > $1000 a piece and just buying a launch > - no school involved? Sure, anyone. I havent priced the latest launch integratiojn costs from the Cubesat Program recently, but the $50k was their original plan... > On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 11:16 AM, Robert Bruninga > <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: > > > > A last comment, a LEO would be virtually worthless > > for Emergency NET communications and HF is still > > a viable and reliable means of communications... > > > Well, I still think a bunch of 145.825 APRS digipeating > satellites in LEO that would allow text-messaging from anywhere > in the world at any time, downlinked into the APRS-Internet > system and hence global internet connectivity is still a great > way to go for basic messaging for emergency response. With just > 6 such tiny 4" cubesats, you could get a message in-or-out with > no more than a half hour wait from the front panel of your APRS > mobile radio. With a dozen of these, you could have global > communications anywhere instantly or with no more than a 5 > minute wait. > > Our goal is to get more of these up there to join the ISS > digipeater, but of the 4 we have lanuched so far, all were > short-term orbits and so the most we have ever had operational > at one time was 3 (PCSAT-1, ANDE and RAFT). That is one of the > main reasons we wanted to see ISS on 145.825 to join the > constellation. ISS was still on 145.800 during most of the life > of those three birds (which were all on 145.825) > > Today, with 6 AA NiCd's, a 19" whip antennna, and a 3.4" square > APRS Microtacker TNC/Radio you can throw together an APRS > satellite for under $400. Add cheap solar panels, a lot of > sweat equity and then find a school to provide the $50,000 > launch, and bingo, A LEO satellite with great utility that > anyone can use while mobile for text messsaging and email from > the front panel of their APRS radio. > > Please see the Microtrack TNC/Radio which can serve as the > entire Comms, Command, Control and Telemetry module: > > http://www.byonics.com/microtrak/mt-tt4.php > > And see our cubesat project: http://www.aprs.org/psat.html > though this web page needs to be significanly updated.. > > Bob, WB4APR > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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ag-35 smoke test
by Yokshs 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

Hi all, Well, I finally did it. I let the smoke out of my Icom AG-35 preamp! I've read several such messages on the list over the years. Glad to know I'm not alone in this club.. hi hi Before I replace the 3SK121 with an identical unit, I wonder if anyone has used a similar FET with better NF? The AG-35 specs I found stated 1.5 dB NF and 15 dB gain. I went through my collection of new parts and found a few Agilent ATF 54143 hemt.. The NF on similar designs is more like .38 to .5 dB and gain is 19-22 dB. I wonder if anyone else has had the wild idea of rebuilding their preamp? I'd like to retain the enclosure and relays, etc. Several 54143 designs are available, such as this one: http://www.qsl.net/yu1aw/atf54143eng.htm Thanks for any help or ideas. 73, Kyle K0KN

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TS-2000X performance on 23cm band - ?
by Wayne Splawn 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

Hi All, Q1: I have been thinking about getting a TS-2000X but I would appreciate any input regarding the performance of the 1.2 ghz module. I seem to recall that Kenwood had a problem with the earlier UT-20 modules but I don't remember if that was due to poor receiver performance. I would be hard pressed to find a transverter for $450 which is the current delta between the TS-2000 and TS-2000X. But, if the UT-20 can't hear then that's tossing the $450 down the crapper. (I am aware of the 436 birdie....) Q2: I see $300 discounts on the TS-2000X from several sources. That could be due to either the poor economy or Kenwood clearing the inventory for the TS-2000 replacement - any rumors about the replacement? tnx & 73, WA7NE

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Re: AnuSat heard
by Rodney Waln 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

i also monitor the frequency on the 48 and 49 pass of the satellite very strong carrier, those keps are on the money, scanned the uhf but did not hear a downlink, from the information there is suppost to be a vhf up link and a uhf downlink with store and forward ?? http://beswaminathan.googlepages.com/Anusat.pdf (disclamer; and all cedit goes to them i just found it) cool info though i guess we will see

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AnuSat heard
by David Giles 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Hello All, Just heard AnuSat go over - loud carrier on 137.400MHz but no modulation detected. Using keps for space track object 34808. 73 de David VK5DG

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Arrow vs M-Squared Antenna Question
by Dave 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

I just received an Arrow and I already had an M-Squared 2m antenna. The M-Squared has the elements isolated from the boom by means of rubber grommets; the Arrow has the elements attached to the boom and they are not isolated. It seems to me that makes the elements, boom, mast and coax center conductor all grounded. Right? Doesn't that make the Arrow less effective in radiating and in reception? Dumbo question for the geniuses on this board, but I am wondering why one is isolated and another isn't. Dave // DM78qd // KA0SWT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Presumtions.
by John Hackett 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

With reference to my posts about ANUSAT. >From the following statement ... >The student-built 40-kg micro educational satellite >ANUSAT carrying an Amateur Radio payload was launched >on Monday April 20 from the Indian Space Research >Organisation (ISRO) Satish Dhawan space centre. I assumed ANUSAT to be an 'amateur satellite. Perhaps I presumed too much. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Anusat - the reply.
by John Hackett 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Trevor, To answer your question ... I followed the third link from the Southgate Amateur Radio Club bulletin regarding ANUSAT and the quote to which you refer.. The complete text follows ... (According to the story, the quote is by the Vice Chancellor of the Anne University ... which is why I found it worthy of note). ANUSAT being an acronym for ANne University Satellite While not SPECIFICALLY stating exam results would be tramsmitted by this satellite Dr P. M. Jawahar's remarks are quoted in the same ontext and paragraph as the the rest of the information regarding the Anusat satellite, which, according the Amsat India website is an 'AMATEUR' satellite. 12 years ago we were warned by Vommander John Brannegan that we would lose the amateur satellite bands to the universities. It looks like Winston Churchill was on the ball as well ... this is not the end, it's not even the beginning of the end - but perhaps it's the end of the beginning. (With apologies to Winnie The Poo). 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> .................................................................................. April 20, 2009 11:17 AM India Launches University-built Satellite By P. Vijian NEW DELHI, April 20 (Bernama) -- India successfully placed two satellites in the sky early today, one of which was designed and built by Anna University in Chennai -- the first satellite built by an Indian university. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C-12) soared into the sky at 6.45am (9.15am in Malaysia) from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andra Pradesh, in south India, lifting the two satellites, RISAT-2 and ANUSAT -- an abbreviation for Anna University Satellite. "The indigenous ANUSAT was designed, built and fabricated by 10 faculty members from Anna University. It took us nearly eight years to complete. "This micro satellite will help in storing and forwarding data. It will help us send confidential data, like examination papers. This is a proud moment for India and the university," Anna University vice-chancellor Dr P. Mannar Jawahar told Bernama. The India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) funded the ANUSAT communication satellite, weighing 40kg and costing nearly RM5 million. It has a life span of two years. The Israel-designed RISAT-2 or Radar Imaging Satellite, weighing 300kg, with all-weather capability to take images of the earth, would enhance ISRO's disaster management ability. "RISAT will help us in monitoring natural disasters like floods and cyclones. It has a life span of three years. ANUSAT is the first experimental communication satellite built by an Indian university under the guidance of ISRO," ISRO spokesperson S. Sathis told Bernama. Last October, ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft that is now exploring the moon from lunar orbit. To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com From: m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:13:10 +0000 Subject: Re: [eu-amsat] ANUSAT - amateur satellite ??. > One wonders (specifically, LA2QAA) - what 'confidential data > like examination papers' - would be doing on an 'amateur satellite'. I am not aware that anyone at the University has said that confidential data would be passed by the satellite on an Amateur frequency. Do you have any University references for that quote? My understanding was that this was a technology demonstrator for a store and forward system. While you could in theory build a dedicated satellite for handling exam papers you have to ask why bother since you could use any number of far cheaper alternative systems. It sounds to me like the type of paper justication you might make to get funds for a demonstrator project. Bear in mind that the mass media can distort things that they don't understand. One of the students, Sidharth Balasubramanian, who was involved in the development of the ANUSAT communications system has some information on his website. No specific freqs quoted except for the 149.522 MHz command receiver, see http://bsidharth1205.googlepages.com/research 73 Trevor M5AKA Amateur Radio Daily RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ ---- __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (3) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar MARKETPLACE I'm happy I lost my Job. Now I make $12,000/mo online! See how I do it: WealthResource.org. Mom Power: Discover the community of moms doing more for their families, for the world and for each other Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 2 New Members 1 New Files Visit Your Group Yahoo! Groups Auto Enthusiast Zone Love cars? Check out the Auto Enthusiast Zone Sell Online Start selling with our award-winning e-commerce tools. Yahoo! Groups Weight Management Challenge Join others who are losing pounds. . __,_._,___

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Re: Satellite packet question/answer -NewPacketSatellite ANUSAT
by Trevor . 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Info on Anusat from one of the students Sidharth Balasubramanian at http://bsidharth1205.googlepages.com/research 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Wed, 22/4/09, Graham Shirville <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> wrote: > From: Graham Shirville <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Satellite packet question/answer -NewPacketSatellite ANUSAT > To: APBIDDLE(a)mailaps.org, "'amsat bb bb'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: Wednesday, 22 April, 2009, 9:59 PM > Hi Alan, > > I believe there were three objects - not sure which is > Anusat but try 34807 > or 34808 or 34809 > > 73 > > Graham > G3VZV > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE(a)UNITED.NET> > To: "'amsat bb bb'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9:18 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Satellite packet question/answer > -NewPacketSatellite > ANUSAT > > > > Looks interesting, but as Drew said, we shall see what > we shall see. So > > far, just looking for an object number to look at the > orbit. > > > > Alan > > WA4SCA > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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APRS Cubesat LEO constellation
by Robert Bruninga 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

> Will there be any other electronics onboard > these cubesats, or just the MT-TT4? > http://www.byonics.com/microtrak/mt-tt4.php Our particular cubesat will also have a basic stamp pic processor to do the attitude control to keep it pointed at the sun. But it is not needed for any other function. All of our satellites to date flew with no other CPU or processor on board, other than the TNC itself. Just like this MT-TT4, the KPC3 TNC's we flew before in both PCSATS, ANDE and RAFT have all the functions you need. Comms, command, inputs, outputs, telemetry, beacons, digipeater etc. And even without attitude control a four petal design like we have as long as there are solar panels on all surfaces and the petals go back 45 degrees, will have at least half the power as if it was sun pointing. http://www.aprs.org/psat.html Of course we have a 555 timer chip to reset the TNC if it gets locked up. Bob, WB4APR > > > On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 1:16 PM, Robert Bruninga > <bruninga(a)usna.edu> wrote: > > > > A last comment, a LEO would be virtually worthless > > for Emergency NET communications and HF is still > > a viable and reliable means of communications... > > > Well, I still think a bunch of 145.825 APRS digipeating > satellites in LEO that would allow text-messaging from anywhere > in the world at any time, downlinked into the APRS-Internet > system and hence global internet connectivity is still a great > way to go for basic messaging for emergency response. With just > 6 such tiny 4" cubesats, you could get a message in-or-out with > no more than a half hour wait from the front panel of your APRS > mobile radio. With a dozen of these, you could have global > communications anywhere instantly or with no more than a 5 > minute wait. > > Our goal is to get more of these up there to join the ISS > digipeater, but of the 4 we have lanuched so far, all were > short-term orbits and so the most we have ever had operational > at one time was 3 (PCSAT-1, ANDE and RAFT). That is one of the > main reasons we wanted to see ISS on 145.825 to join the > constellation. ISS was still on 145.800 during most of the life > of those three birds (which were all on 145.825) > > Today, with 6 AA NiCd's, a 19" whip antennna, and a 3.4" square > APRS Microtacker TNC/Radio you can throw together an APRS > satellite for under $400. Add cheap solar panels, a lot of > sweat equity and then find a school to provide the $50,000 > launch, and bingo, A LEO satellite with great utility that > anyone can use while mobile for text messsaging and email from > the front panel of their APRS radio. > > Please see the Microtrack TNC/Radio which can serve as the > entire Comms, Command, Control and Telemetry module: > > http://www.byonics.com/microtrak/mt-tt4.php > > And see our cubesat project: http://www.aprs.org/psat.html > though this web page needs to be significanly updated.. > > Bob, WB4APR > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > > > -- > Andrew Koenig > > >

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Re: Satellite packet question/answer -New Packet Satellite ANUSAT
by Nader Omer 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Hi Mark N8MH & All One more new Packet sat from India! ANUSAT carrying an Amateur Radio payload was launched on Monday April 20 from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Satish Dhawan space centre. The Amateur Radio payload is a 145/435 MHz Digital Store and Forward system developed by students at the university and the planned orbit was at 550 km with an inclination of 41 degrees. sourse http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2009/anusat_launched.htm 73's Nader , st2nh www.st2nh.com

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Semi-rare grid EL94 will be active this weekend
by Bill Dzurilla 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

If anyone needs EL94 (Florida Keys), I will be in Islamorada this weekend with my rig and Arrow antenna. Sadly, AO-51 will not be available in V/U mode, so listen for me via AO-27, SO-50 and, if active, the ISS. 73, Bill NZ5N

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Re: cross Boom
by Nader Omer 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Hi Billy This link may help!! http://www.g6lvb.com/fibermetalboom.htm 73's Nader.st2nh www.st2nh.com

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FLTSATCOM Hacked
by tom＠bloomington.com 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Tom WB8WOR thought you'd like to see this on wired.com It sort of puts to lie the argument that transponders are hard to use. I suppose it helps that they are in geosynchronous orbits. I especially found this part interesting: "I saw it more than once in truck repair shops," says amateur radio operator Adinei Brochi (PY2ADN) "Nearly illiterate men rigged a radio in less than one minute, rolling wire on a coil." Click here to see the page on wired.com: http://www.wired.com/services/referral?messageKey=6eb844662798d55ab60eb665b…

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AO-51 V/S alsaka QSO?
by Luc Leblanc 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

At 0626 pacific time this morning there will be a common footprint pass from the west coast and Alaska to the east coast of NA i will be QRV on V/S signal are booming on the downlink. It is not a too much crowded mode but interesting to work. "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Need help with IT150 and ICOM910
by WB2LLP 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Gentlemen, I am trying to collect my equipment to work through AO-51 VS. Because my S band equipment uses a 144 IF I am going to use another radio to handle the 144 mHz uplink and use the 144 mHz band on IC910 and IT-150 to handle the S band downlink. Seemed like a plan, But, my IT150 persists in processing both the 432 and 144 bands. My memory says I figured out how to handle this problem once, but refuses to tell me what I did. I would like to work the current VS configuration and am hoping that someone on the BB knows how to tell IT150 to ignore 432. TNX es 73 de WB2LLP Gene

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Re: VO-52 Operating Award?
by Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG] 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Alex, I have uploaded the list which has the details of the apps recieved.This is available at http://www.amsatindia.org/awards/VO-52-Award.bmp . I will further update this in this week. http://www.amsatindia.org/awards/VO-52-Award.bmp 73's Nitin [VU3TYG] www.amsatindia.org --------- Original Message -------- From: vk5alx(a)amsat.org To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO-52 Operating Award? Date: 04/21/09 07:48 AM" > Where exactly can we find this list, Nitin. Everything seems to be > years old ? > > cheers, Alex > ------------------------------------------------------------------ > * Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO-52 Operating Award? > * From: "Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG]" <vu3tyg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > * Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:18 -0700 > > Hi Rick and all, > > We have received 45 apps. I will upload the list on www.amsatindia.org > tommorow. The plan is to print all the certificates in one shot after we > receive 50. The certificates will be mailed before May 15th. > > 73's > Nitin [VU3TYG] > www.amsatindia.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > ________________________________________________

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Re: VO-52 Operating Award?
by vk5alx＠amsat.org 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Where exactly can we find this list, Nitin. Everything seems to be years old ? cheers, Alex ------------------------------------------------------------------ * Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO-52 Operating Award? * From: "Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG]" <vu3tyg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> * Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:18 -0700 Hi Rick and all, We have received 45 apps. I will upload the list on www.amsatindia.org tommorow. The plan is to print all the certificates in one shot after we receive 50. The certificates will be mailed before May 15th. 73's Nitin [VU3TYG] www.amsatindia.org

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Satellite packet question/answer
by Mark L. Hammond 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Hi Mike, For the most part, the only bird currently running the "store and forward" pacsat PBBS system is AO-51. It's up and operational, depending on the schedule, at 9600 BPS. I find the "challenging" part is the L-band uplink--even with around 25 watts at the antenna, my house and TREES get in the way and make the uplink difficult. Good old Wisp still works with this satellite. Few messages are actually being passed these days. The store/forward packet system on AO-51 is used a good bit by the command stations for telemetry downloading, though. GO-32 hasn't been running its 9600 BPS packet system in months---it has been sending telemetry at 30 sec intervals off and on lately. I think that's it at the moment... 73, Mark N8MH ________ "Does anyone do Satellite packet? If so what kind of TNC is needed. Can a Kam KPC-3+ used for VHF packet work? or do you need a different TNC.? Are there many birds that forward messages around the globe like years ago when pacsats were famous? Thanks mike "

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Re: UT1FG/MM
by ps8rf ps8 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Hello, I am new here in forum. There are 4 days I am trying to communicate with Yuri, UT1FG via AO -7, but not know why he did not answer me. The signal is on average 5 / 7 and I hear on the satellite downlink signal to very good. The first time I heard it was between the coast of Africa and Europe he called in his local language. Do not really know what is happening. I am very willing to talk with him and get that hard contact. 73 Piraja, PS8RF _________________________________________________________________ Messenger 2009: Instale já! http://download.live.com

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 188
by Michael J Finn 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Does anyone do Satellite packet? If so what kind of TNC is needed. Can a Kam KPC-3+ used for VHF packet work? or do you need a different TNC.? Are there many birds that forward messages around the globe like years ago when pacsats were famous? Thanks mike ____________________________________________________________ Diamond Cleaning Solutions offers a range of pressure washing services for commercial and domestic c http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/HiMzbGkwGWaEkHOaMh5uaIK4aTTLSUc…

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AMSAT INDIA April Newsletter
by Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG] 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

All, Greetings from AMSAT INDIA. April 2009 newsletter is available at www.amsatindia.org/Newsletter . Contents : 1. VO-52 award update. 2. AMSAT INDIA update. 3. Space science in class rooms. 4. Program details for the AMSAT INDIA workshop 5. AGM Notice. 6. SMD Wideband Preamp by VU2POP. 7. Yagi antenna designs by DK7ZB 8. News from AMSAT organizations. 73's , Nitin [VU3TYG] www.amsatindia.org ________________________________________________

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FW: PBH Flight 9 - KC2TUA-8 Heading Towards Azores and UK
by Robert Bruninga 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Long-life balloon headed for Azores and UK! Has APRS on 144.39 and HF CW beacon on 10.146.840 MHz Latest map position can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/dmp3dh Please ask all hams w/HF capabilities listen and send their results to pbhdata(a)gmail.com Thanks so much for your help! Tom Triebwasser

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Re: Homebrew Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for sats?
by Rafael Valdez G. 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

Defiinetely your solution for hoa is the elk as far a I understand you can have a Tv. Antenna which te elk can fairly look like.... I am a true believer of Elk' eficiency and portability... GL 73's XE2RV VUCC 164 satellite -----Original Message----- From: n3tl(a)bellsouth.net Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:52:03 To: <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com>; <nss(a)mwt.net> Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Homebrew Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for sats? Hey Bill, Your comments about construction, location, etc., are right one, based on my experiences here. I actually move from one side of the house to the other depending on whether passes are to my east or west. A couple of other things affect the performance I'm getting, too. One of the most important is that my decision to continue using a handheld antenna means I have less than six feet of coax from the radio to the antenna. I'm still getting some loss, but not nearly as much as I'd get by putting antennas in the attic and running much longer feed lines to them. Another is a little trick K4DLG in Florida passed along to me a while back. He has a log periodic for HF, and the coax runs from the antenna feedpoint along the main boom to the back of the antenna before heading down to the shack. Taking that lead, he did the same thing with the Elk he bought. Doing so mitigated any significant changes in SWR due to moving the antenna around while hand-holding it during a pass. I tried it here and have observed the same thing. For me, at this location (inside or out), 8 degrees of elevation was the best I could hope for with the Arrow I had. In all the months I used that antenna, I made only a few contacts when a given satellite was below 8 degrees here. When I started using the Elk, that "bottom line" immediately dropped to 4 degrees. And when I tried K4DLG's suggestion of running the feedline parallel to the boom, the 4 degrees dropped to 3. And, as you point out, depending on the location and relative path of a given pass, I can work even lower and make contacts, as I have with some stations in Europe on AO-7. All of that being said, I also still lose the satellites due to obstruction, as you have observed with your Arrow. When it comes to the FM LEO satellites, only the ISS transmits back to us using more than milliwatt power levels. I know that AO-51 is capable of 1 watt or more, but it generally is not configured to transmit at those levels. Drew or someone, please correct me if that statement is inaccurate. The published stats on AO-27 report a nominal output of 500 mW, and SO-50 is reported to operate with a nominal 250 mW output. I believe both of them also use quarter-wave vertical antennas, which are 0-gain. Given those power levels, it doesn't take much to begin affecting reception, especially for handheld stations. From here at my home, that quarter of azimuth from 90 degrees to 180 degrees is my worst. For really consistent reception in that part of the sky, I need upwards of 30 degrees elevation when I'm standing outside at ground level. On the second floor of the house, I get reception good enough to facilitate contacts with about 15 degrees of elevation at azimuths from 90 degrees to about 130. I still need close to 30 from azimuth 130 to 180 no matter where I try to operate from - in the yard or upstairs. I hope you're able to come up with a solution for your location that works even better than you expect! 73 to all, Tim - N3TL -------------- Original message from Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com>: -------------- > > Tim, > Yes, your QSO with F2IL is becoming famous, congrats. I think the performance of indoor antennas must be heavily dependent on the location of the shack and the construction materials used on the house. I moved my Eggbeater and ground plane to the attic from outside and noticed a sharp drop in performance. Also tried the Arrow here inside the shack and it did not do too well. And noticed that, even outside in the yard with the Arrow, I lose the sats at low elevation, when they drop below the level of nearby roof lines. On my DXpeditions to Swan Island and Jamaica, where there was unobstructed view over the ocean, I could easily make contacts with less than 1 degree of elevation with the same HT and > Arrow. > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > > --- On Fri, 4/17/09, n3tl(a)bellsouth.net wrote: > > > From: n3tl(a)bellsouth.net > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Homebrew Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for > sats? > > To: "Joe" , billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com > > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > Date: Friday, April 17, 2009, 10:19 PM > > Bill and all, > > > > Joe is right. F2IL gave me a 569 report on AO-7 Mode B > > Thursday evening - and I was hand-holding my Elk on the > > second floor of my house, pointing it to the northeast at a > > spot on a windowless wall. When we worked, AO-7 was at > > roughly 3.5 degrees elevation here. > > > > I wish I had decided to try these low-angle passes months > > ago! > > > > 73 to all, > > > > Tim - N3TL > > -------------- Original message from Joe > > : -------------- > > > > > > > You'd be amazed at what you can do with an indoor > > yagi also.. > > > > > > My first 2 meter ant was a 3 ele quad on a photo > > tripod that sat right > > > next to me on the floor in the shack, > > > > > > Joe WB9SBD > > > > > > Bill Dzurilla wrote: > > > >Are there plans anywhere for a homebrew version of > > the Elk duo bander? After reading through the prior thread > > about the poor performance of Eggbeaters and other omnis, > > I'm ready to risk the wrath of my Homeowners Association > > and put up > > > a small beam. > > > > > > > >Or, anybody have an Elk for sale? > > > > > > > >73, Bill NZ5N > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > > > >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed > > are those of the author. > > > >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > > amateur satellite program! > > > >Subscription settings: > > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb <http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are > > those of the author. > > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > > amateur satellite program! > > > Subscription settings: > > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb <http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb <http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb <http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb>

5 5

Antenna comparisons
by David J 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

I'm looking for any paper or article that compares performance of 70cm and 2M antennas in attic environments. Preferably where multiple antennas were tested in the same location in the same attic area. I'm particularly interested in antennas such as the Arrow, eggbeater, a typical turnstile, Texas Potato Masher, quadrifiler type, the newer Cantenna, a ground plane, etc. Can anyone help me out? Dave, AA4KN

1 0

FT736 Master Reset?
by Kevin Phx Az 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

Would someone remind me how to do a Master Reset please. I've done a lot of searching to no avail. Tnx Kevin N6CWF

2 1

Re: Arrow Antenna Gain
by Clint Bradford 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

>> ... Depending on which formula you use, what standard you use, or who you want to believe ... I remember when Antennex came out with their low-profile "Phantom" antennas. They didn't like established procedures for acquiring gain, which showed (on the 460mHZ unit) Zero gain. So - honest to gawd - they came up with their OWN formula and that little 4" antenna now has 3db gain! And let's not get started with manufacturer's published gain figures for handheld antennas ... (grin) Clint Bradford 909-241-7666

1 0

Re: Arrow Antenna Gain
by Clint Bradford 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

I had one customer bring his Arrow Antenna back for a refund. "This design cannot possibly work!" he, an engineer, declared. Since it was now "open stock," I bought it myself. And am using it to this day for presentations and demos. Successfully ... I haven't measured it. I would imagine it is somewhere between 6db and 12db gain on either band. It "captures" SO-50 and AO-51 so well that you almost feel like you are "cheating..." - but I am preachin' to the choir here. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

1 0

Re: Arrow Antenna Gain
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

This brings up an ongoing complex issue. That being antenna gain. I build L & S band antennas and I know it is better off the front than the back. Depending on which formula you use, what standard you use, or who you want to believe. For the number aficionado this can be a delirious situation. If I remember right QST does not publish antenna gain of their advertisers. I hasten back to Mr. Lowe's remark, "it works". When calculating link budgets this is indeed a numbers game. 73 Bob W7LRD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Call Sign" <ki6rrq(a)cox.net> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:27:46 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Arrow Antenna Gain I have called Mr. Lowe in the past and asked him if he knew what gain his Arrow dual band satellite antenna, was getting on both bands, his response was; it works, that's all I know! (so I didn't push the issue) Now I am curious again, has anyone here tested and or calculated what the gain is, on the Arrow dual band (2 meters & .70 cent.) hand held satellite antenna, either or both bands? Rich KI6RRQ(a)cox.net _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

1 0

Arrow Antenna Gain
by Call Sign 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

I have called Mr. Lowe in the past and asked him if he knew what gain his Arrow dual band satellite antenna, was getting on both bands, his response was; it works, that's all I know! (so I didn't push the issue) Now I am curious again, has anyone here tested and or calculated what the gain is, on the Arrow dual band (2 meters & .70 cent.) hand held satellite antenna, either or both bands? Rich KI6RRQ(a)cox.net

2 1

Re: VO-52 Operating Award?
by Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG] 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

Hi Rick and all, We have received 45 apps. I will upload the list on www.amsatindia.org tommorow. The plan is to print all the certificates in one shot after we receive 50. The certificates will be mailed before May 15th. 73's Nitin [VU3TYG] www.amsatindia.org --------- Original Message -------- From: Rick - WA4NVM <wa4nvm(a)comcast.net> To: billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO-52 Operating Award? Date: 04/19/09 04:31 PM" > Hi Bill and all, > > Here is the information you asked about. The day after it was > posted, Tim, N3TL and I worked a contact and mailed the QSO > information to the address below. We haven't heard anything > since or received any mail. We feel sure we made the first 50 > group, but no way of knowing at this time. I hope this helps. > > 73 from Memphis, > Rick - WA4NVM #1339 > > > > > Nitin, VU3TYG announced AMSAT India will issue a certificate for > Amateur Radio operators who establish two way contact thru VO-52 > between January 26, 2009 until May 5, 2009. > > The first fifty certificates have been sponsored by a well-wisher > which includes postage. After the 50 certificates have been issued > a fee will apply. AMSAT India will announce these details when the > information is available. > > Please send your QSL card containing the details of the QSO on VO-52 > AMSAT India at the following address: > > AMSAT India (Regd.) > No. 201, 2nd Main Road, > Mahalakshmi Layout, > Bangalore 560086 > India. > > Also include your mailing address where you would like to have the > certificate sent to. > > [ANS thanks Nitin, VU3TYG for the above information] > > > > > > > > There was a thread here back in March about AMSAT India's VO-52 operating > > award. It said that the first 50 certificates would be free, and that > > afterwards there would be a fee. > > > > I assume by now the fee is in effect, but have not found any further info > > about the award on the www. AMSAT India's website apparently has not been > > updated since 2005. > > > > Has anyone received one of these certificates? Anyone know the fee? > > > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > ________________________________________________

2 1

VO-52 Operating Award?
by Bill Dzurilla 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

There was a thread here back in March about AMSAT India's VO-52 operating award. It said that the first 50 certificates would be free, and that afterwards there would be a fee. I assume by now the fee is in effect, but have not found any further info about the award on the www. AMSAT India's website apparently has not been updated since 2005. Has anyone received one of these certificates? Anyone know the fee? 73, Bill NZ5N

3 5

Rotor control - no fix
by WCP 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

Changing the time SatPC32 to 30sec did not work! G5500 still chatters!

3 2

PRISM latest picture
by Mineo Wakita 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/prismpic.htm#westcoast JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

1 0

L and S band antennas
by James Craig 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

As a relative "newbie" to satellites, all this talk about the current L/u mode on AO51, and next weeks V/s mode, looks like a lot of fun. I have 23cm tx and 13cm rx capability, but no antennas at present for either band. My current operating conditions are limited to portable operations only, and I wonder if any other list members can suggest/reccomend any hand held/portable/easily packed away designs that work well? (commercial or homebrew) As well as my 910H, I have a Kenwood TH-59 23cm HT, and I can confirm that 700 milliwatts into the HT's ducky won't cut it! (tried last night) Any suggestions welcome regards and 73 James - ZL4JM QRPARCI #13307 AMSAT #36899 RF70bs

2 2

ANUSAT launched, still no word of frequencies
by Andrew Glasbrenner 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Just watched ANUSAT and RISAT-2 launch on a PSLV from India. ANUSAT is supposed to have a V/U store and forward amateur system onboard, but I've not been able to find any other information. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

SatPC32-Rotor control-Fixed
by WCP 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Looks like setting time to 30sec might have it working!

1 1

SatPC32-Rotor control
by WCP 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Having trouble with rotor control using SatPC32 running Win98se. Using LVB tracker via USB port with Ftdi driver. Manual movement works ok however when Sat comes in range and auto tracking starts the relay in the G5500 control box chatters. I have setup set for 15sec timed control and GS232 interface. The Ftdi is pointed to com 3 at 9600b baud. Any Help ? KA9ERV

1 0

G5500 Locked Full CW Both Axis
by Ron Miles 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

My fellow AMSATers: Both AZ and EL rotors have traveled to their full CW limit and seem to be locked and can not be budged. The control unit indicates full scale for each rotor, the control unit fuse is good. I would appreciate suggestions as to resolving a bad situation. Sorry if this is OT but I miss my friends on AO-51 L/US and V/S modes, ISS, FO's VO's. Well, you know what I mean. Thanks much, 73 Ron n6paa AMSAT #23760

1 1

OT reply to Don Roland
by Vincenzo Mone 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Sorry guy, for the OT message but I do not have the email address Of Don. Hi Don, I just saw this message that Nigel has sent me. "Or you can get a replacement from your local Yaesu dealer. Don Roland wrote: > Hello Vincenzo, > > I have sent you direct emails previously with no response. > I have the "L" bracket here and can give you any measurements that you > need." Unfortunately I did not receive your reply or maybe I have deleted it for mistake. Please apologize and if you can re send me the message. I still need all the details and Photos of the "L" Bracket. Thanks 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 *************************************** ***** GSM +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** SMS +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** FAX +39 328 7244294 ***** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** ***************************************

1 0

OT Rotator Yaesu G-5400B
by Vincenzo Mone 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Hi Folks, sorry for the OT message. I own the rotator Yaesu G-5400B which are an Azimuth and elevation rotators. I had enclosed with the pack when I bought it an "L" bracket. Unfortunately due to maintenance I have lost the Bracket. Please is there anybody which own one and can pass me all the measures So I can build a new one? I need the measures of the "L" bracket and the right Positions of the holes to fix the two rotators. Any help will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance Salve alla lista, Scusatemi per il messaggio OT. Sono in possesso del Rotore G-5400B il quale sono due rotori Uno per l'Azimuth E l'altro per l'Elevazione. Il Rotore e' stato acquistato nel lontano 1990 ed incluso trovai una staffa Ad "L" per poter unire i due rotori. A causa di manutenzione sul parco antenne, ho perso la staffa e vorrei farne uno nuovo. C'e' qualcuno che ha lo stesso rotore e di conseguenza la stessa staffa il quale Potrebbe passarmi le misure per poterlo ricostruire? Ho bisogno delle misure di tutte le parti della staffa incluso le varie distanze Tra i fori di fissaggio dei due rotori. Ringrazio anticipatamente. 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 *************************************** ***** GSM +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** SMS +39 338 9749786 ***** ***** FAX +39 328 7244294 ***** *** 2nd e-mail: vimone(a)tin.it *** ***************************************

3 2

Tuning
by Jerry Felts 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

I have made 2 contacts now both were VO-52. Both times on SSB and very confusing. So say I'm working you. I found a clear freq by sending alot dots. The uplink tx is switched to LSB. Do I leave the tuning dial on the uplink rig and just use the tuning dial on the downlink to do my tuning? Or do I juggle both rigs tuning dial and get confused? Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota www.freewebs.com/nr5a http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Minimalist_QRP_Transceivers/ http://www.cakewalkblogs.com/nr5asminimalradio/index.aspx http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

5 4

Re: UT1FG/MM
by Keith N4ZQ 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Yuri, UT1FG/MM was on VO-52 Sunday morning from FM91. QSL route is Direct to his home QTH via QRZ.com. But keep in mind he is at sea many months at a time and won't get home for a while. This years sea adventures have just started and he is working his way down to the Caribbean. Keith N4ZQ ---------- Original Message ---------- From: Stan W1LE <stanw1le(a)verizon.net> To: n3tl(a)bellsouth.net Cc: AMSATBBS <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: UT1FG/MM Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:37:05 -0400 Hello The Net: Yuri does QSL. As a ARRL Award card checker I have processed a number of his QSL cards. I do not have his QSL address. He will be the ONLY opportunity to work unpopulated wet grids. On VHF and Satellite. As a grid chaser, work 'em and worry about the QSL confirmation later. I am absolutely tickled that Yuri is back in range and operating. Stan, W1LE n3tl(a)bellsouth.net wrote: > Hey Angelo, > > Have you - or has anyone - ever received a QSL from Yuri? > > Having the exotic maritime grids in the log would be nice, I suppose - but they don't help with any awards or anything unless the operator will provide a QSL card. My understanding is that he's next-to impossible to get QSLs from. He's not unique in that regard, but I just can't get too fired up about working guys from grids that I likely won't ever get confirmed. > > Any hints on getting a card from him will be very helpful. > > 73 to all, > > Tim - N3TL > -------------- Original message from "Angelo Glorioso (n5uxt)" <n5uxt(a)hotmail.com>: -------------- > > > >> Good Morning, >> >> >> Worked UT1FG/MM in GM24 on FO29 08:14am local time. >> >> >> Keep a look out for him. >> >> >> 73 de Angelo >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > _______________________________________________ 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 ____________________________________________________________ Reduce your debt up to 40%. Click here for debt consolidation information. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/BLSrjpYVtMNB875T50K6czmt9UBO…

1 0

FW: ANS-109 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

-----Original Message----- From: Dee [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 10:02 AM To: (ans(a)amsat.org) Cc: JoAnne Maenpaa (k9jkm(a)comcast.net) Subject: FW: [amsat-bb] ANS-109 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-109 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 Activites at Dayton 2009 * AMSAT/TAPR Banquet Note * HAMSAT * SumbandilaSat: From Sub To Space * Satellite Shorts * Balloon Launch-Assist in Tracking * ARISS Schedule SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.1 AMSAT Activites at Dayton 2009 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 19, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.1 In addition to being the keynote speaker at the AMSAT/TAPR Banquet on Friday, Richard Garriott, entrepreneur, game programmer and space tourist will being visiting the AMSAT booth on Friday and Saturday. Come by and meet Richard, the specific times will be available soon. We will be having our Thursday night get-together at a new location this year - Tickets Pub in Fairborn. The menu has many tasty items, so come by and visit with your AMSAT friends. Drew and Keith will be leading the outdoor satellite demonstrations this year. They will have two types of stations setup and operational - computer controlled station and handheld station. This is the 40th Anniversary of AMSAT, we have a great tee design by Steve Kenwolf to celebrate the event as well as many pices of AMSAT memorabilia on display. Members of the SuitSat-2 team will have a complete operational SuitSat protoype with an experiment. As always there will be new publications, frequency chart, LVB Trackers and premiums for membership renewal. The AMSAT Forum is Saturday moring 11:15 to 13:30 in Room 5. Visit the AMSAT web site for additional information. Come by booths 444-449 during the May 15-17 2009 Dayton Hamvention. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.2 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet Note AMSAT News Service Bulletin 109.2 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 19, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.2 The Dayton AMSAT/TAPR banquet is just about 1 month away. Our Guest Speaker is Richard Garriott, W5KWQ. If you have not registered, go to the AMSAT website and look on the left hand side. There will be a box that says Dayton Hamvention. Click on that and it will lead you to the banquet registration. You MUST be pre- registered to attend. You cannot register at Dayton. -- [ANS thanks Martha, AMSAT Manager, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.3 HAMSAT AMSAT News Service Bulletin 109.3 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 19, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.3 Hi All Hamsat 4th Birthday is coming up next month, 5 May 2009 and Hamsat has been the most popular Amateur Sat for beginners and veterans all over the world. Hamsat is very healthy and should serve the ham community for many more years. Amsat India is pleased to announce that we are conducting a Workshop to coincide with the 4 th anniversary celebrations of the Hamsat. ( Note this is an advance infomation, complete programme schedule is frozen and will be announced shortly) Date 10 May 2009 Starts at 8 AM with registration and breakfast Morning sessions include various topics Lunch Afternoon session Tea & close by 4 pm Venue : Little Lilly English School, Vidyaranyapura, Bamgalore Delegate fee Rs 100/- Detailed programme schedule etc will be announced shortly on these email groups, local nets etc. You may also check our web page www.amsatindia.org email : info(a)amsatindia.org We request all hams and wouldbe hams interested in Amateur Satellite activity to kindly participate and make the event a grand success. Looking forward to your participation. Best 73 Pop VU2POP Secy Amsat India [ANS Thanks Pop, VU2POP, for the above info] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.4 SumbandilaSat: From Sub To Space AMSAT News Service Bulletin 109.4 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 19, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.4 A Sat News Daily story dated April 12, 2009, says SumbandilaSat to launch in June from a sub. SumbandilaSat: From Sub To Space http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=195613620 SatNewsDaily were quoting from a South African Business Report story - Russian sub to launch second satellite http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=552&fArticleId=4930464 The South African Business Report website last year carried a story on the use of Soyuz launcher at Baikonur. http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=552&fArticleId=4596130 The Southern Africa AMSAT website is still quoting Baikonur http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ [ANS Thanks, Trevor, M5AKA, for the above info] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.5 Satellite Shorts AMSAT News Service Bun 109.5 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 19, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.5 Good DX via AO-7 This week AO-7 continued to surprise and delight amateur radio satellite operators with opportunities for good DX. On April 12 Tim, N3TL reported, "At 21:33 UTC today G1WPR answered my "CQ DX" on AO-7 Mode B. I was sending CW with the straight key I picked up for Straight Key Night on AO-51, and Terry called me in SSB so we completed a cross-mode QSO of more than a minute with a few exchanges. I am thrilled!" Tim also logged more trans-Atlantic AO-7 QSOs on April 16, "PH7PCF in the Netherlands answered my CW "CQ DX" with a hello in SSB. Then, a couple of minutes later, F2IL returned my CW in some CW from France. What a hoot!" The equipment at N3TL consists of a Yaesu FT-857D for TX and a Yaesu FT-817ND for RX (both used radios). He uses a Diamond MX-72H duplexer to connect them to a dual-band Elk log periodic, which is hand-held, manually tracking the satellites. Computer doppler control was done with Simon's HRD Satellite Tracker. Of the CW operation Tim described his setup, "I have the "CQ DX" call set up in a memory buffer on my FT-857D. But when somebody responds, the straight key takes over." Turning 35 years old on November 15, 2009 AO-7 still carries lots of amateur satellite traffic. Joe, K3SZH says Igor UA9CS Igor has now logged over 6000 QSOs via the bird. Also, this month Mike, KC9ELU has reached his 1000th QSO via AO-7. [ANS thanks Tim, N3TL and Joe, K3SZH for the above information] /EX W0YPT Silent Key AMSAT received the sad news that Telmer G. Olson, W0YPT became a silent key at age 91 this week. Telmer had worked the satellites from the earliest OSCARs to the modern satellites. Jerry, W0SAT remembered, "He elmered me and helped me get on the satellites in 1996. I knew him as a great friend that I called on for advice all the time. I used to visit him at his QTH and went to hamfests with him too. I and all the people who ever had contact with will always remember the many QSO,s and contacts we had with him." ANS thanks Jerry, WOSAT for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.6 Balloon Launch-Assist in Tracking AMSAT News Service Bulletin 109.6 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 19, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.6 The NS3 group of Cornell University engineering graduate students will launch PBH-9 (Project Blue Horizon) from Lockheed Martin in Owego NY on Sunday evening, 19Apr09, at approximately 21:00EDT (Monday, 20Apr09, 01:00UT) This ARHAB flight (Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning) will ascend and then float for up to 50-hours while drifting to the east. The payload will include a KC2TUA-8 144.390 APRS beacon (track via (http://findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KC2TUA-8) and HF CW position report and telemetry downlinks on 7.104MHz and 10.148MHz. The NS3 PBH-9 team requests distant ground stations receive and report HF telemetry via N2XE(a)arrl.net including reception UT date and time. Distant receiving stations are welcome to also submit HF reception reports to W0RPK(a)amsat.org for the ARHAB <50MHz telemetry reception record, see http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABrecords.htm. Additional PBH-9 information including HF telemetry transmit schedule and format is available via http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABlaunchannouncements.htm. Flight updates are available from the NS3 PBH-9 team via http://twitter.com/pbh3. [ANS thanks Ralph, W0RPK, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-109.7 ARISS Schedule AMSAT News Service Bulletin 109.7 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 13, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-109.7 1. Upcoming School Contacts Students from Ulvila Upper Secondary School in Ulvila, Satakunta, Finland have been preparing for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. It was completed on Friday, April 17 at 07:40 UTC. They have studied physics and astronomy and have researched the ISS. They have written essays and created posters on related subject matter. Students have also learned about amateur radio. Newspaper, radio and television coverage is anticipated. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for St. Edward School in Ashland, Ohio, U.S.A. on Monday, April 20 at 16:36 UTC. The ARISS contact has been integrated into the science curriculum which covers topics on satellite images, global positioning of satellites, telescopes, and radio waves. Students read science related books and poems, conducted informational internet searches, wrote stories and informational articles, interviewed amateur radio operators, and studied and applied science and math objectives. Media coverage is expected. 2. Japanese Contact to be Rescheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was scheduled for Thursday, April 9 between Kawanishi Seiwadai Community Center in Hyogo, Japan and Koichi Wakata, KC5ZTA onboard the ISS. Due to technical difficulties, the contact did not take place. The contact will be rescheduled in the near future. 3. Parkside Contact Video On Monday, March 30, students from Parkside Community College in Cambridge, U.K. took part in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Spaceflight Participant Charles Simonyi, KE7KDP/HA5SIK. Video of the contact is now available. See: http://www.it-sparkles.co.uk/ARISS/Parkside.aspx 4. Article Posted on ARISS - Kalori Contact On Wednesday, April 1, Kalori Catholic School students in Wallaroo, Australia experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. The Yorke Peninsula Country Times published an article covering the event. See: http://www.ypct.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4840&Itemid =66 5. ARRL Article on CLC Contact The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ran a story about an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact that took place in October 2008 between the Indianapolis Challenger Learning Center (CLC) and Spaceflight Participant Richard Garriott, W5KWQ. The article, "Hams Mentor Challenger Center Students for Garriott Contact," may be found here: http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2009/04/08/10758/?nc=1 The ARRL Web site has 100,000 regular readers. 6. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On April 3, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1652 included an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) news item. The story, "Ham Radio in Space: KE7KDP, KE5AIT and RA3DT Return from the ISS," summarizes the ARISS accomplishments of Charles Simonyi and Mike Fincke during their missions. To view the story, go to: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt 7. Astronaut Training Status The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team provided another training session to Mike Fossum on Thursday, April 9 to prepare him for his amateur radio license exam. 8. ARISS Report to WIA The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) over the May 1-3 weekend. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) mentor and telebridge station operator Tony Hutchison, V K5ZAI will give his ARISS 2008-09 report. It has been posted on the ARISS Web site under "Latest News." See: http://www.rac.ca/ariss/oindex.htm 9. ARISS-Related Article in NASA HQ News Briefs NASA Headquarters News Service cited an op-ed found in the Times of London. The item, written by Lucy and Stephen Hawking, mentions Richard Garriott's mission and how he inspired youth through his numerous radio contacts while onboard the ISS. See: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/arti cle6027988.ece 10. Simonyi PowerPoint Presentation An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) volunteer prepared a PowerPoint presentation on Spaceflight Participant Charles Simonyi's mission and used this during the Milwee Middle School (Longwood, Florida) contact on April 1. To view the slideshow, go to www.mydrive.ch/en. Enter username, "plethra2" and password, "aa4kn_1". Select the "ARISS SLIDE SHOW" folder and download the available files. 11. SuitSat-2 Meeting Held A SuitSat-2 meeting was held in Phoenix, Arizona on April 3 - 5. The team primarily worked on software, but there was also some final coordination on the cabling and hardware. The software team was able to run some integration tests and achieved the first radio frequency (RF) output of the system. During the testing, the team demonstrated the continuous wave (CW) and voice message transmissions. Work continues on the solar panel mounting. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) plans to have SuitSat-2 hardware ready for delivery by September. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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Puters??
by Jerry Felts 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Is the Elk Antenna better than a Arrow ant?? Thats my loaded question but not the subject of this email. How do you use a puter to tune your radios?? Newbie wants to know!! I didn't get a chance to try any of the birds tonite. Dialysis did a number on me today. I want to thank youu guys for the help you have given me when I ask about something. Its a learning experience with each diguest I get. Thanks!!! I've never heard anything on AO7 yet. Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota www.freewebs.com/nr5a http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Minimalist_QRP_Transceivers/ http://www.cakewalkblogs.com/nr5asminimalradio/index.aspx http://nr5abeaconblog.blogspot.com/

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UT1FG/MM
by Angelo Glorioso (n5uxt) 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Good Morning, Worked UT1FG/MM in GM24 on FO29 08:14am local time. Keep a look out for him. 73 de Angelo

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Newbie: Specific question re: Kenwood TM-D700A
by Robert Smith 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Aloha I have tackled a new (older) radio for use in communicating with ISS, PCSAT and FM satellites. I am using the Kenwood TM-D700A in the non-TNC mode in conjunction with AGWPE, UISS and UIVIEW software (UIVIEW facilitating my Satgate). I have run a mini-din cable from the Kenwood to a Rascal mixing device then to an external soundcard. There are several reasons I have done this; foremost is the fact that UISS is so user friendly. Also, the signal coming off the minidin is supposed to be much cleaner than running the radio's speakers out (a telemetry requirement for many of the cubesats). This setup works for not only packets but other software types such as WXTOIMG. My apparent problem is that the signal does not appear to have high enough gain. For instance, when I view the sine wave in AGWPE it is minimal and cannot be adjusted by radio or computer volume. The percent volume indicator in WXTOIMG also lingers on the bottom "edge" at around 41 percent. Perhaps these indicators are irrelative, I am not sure. If someone has used the minidin out for such purposes and could educate me a bit I would be eternally grateful....(well amost HIHI). And yes, I realize that the radio itself is probably capable is doing many of these things on its own!! If interested in tutoring please contact me at dukenuke(a)pixi.com. Mahalo and 73 to everyone. Respectfully robert NH7WN Honolulu, Hawaii

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(no subject)
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

Hey everyone, Patrick, WD9EWK, and I had a pretty cool CW contact on AO-7 this evening. As far as I know (I'm confident Patrick will correct me if this is inaccurate), both of us were on full battery power and using handheld Elk antennas. My station included one FT-817ND for transmit (at 5 watts out) and another for receive, and each was running on its internal battery pack. I pulled the plug on my Acer netbook and let it do the Doppler tuning on its internal battery pack. I connected both radios to the Elk with a Diamond duplexer, and used the straight key I picked up for Straight Key Night this year. Patrick was a solid 579 when he called me, and he worked AJ9K after our contact. And unlike me, I believe he is still manually tuning for Doppler. I confess that I've gotten spoiled very quickly by the computer's assistance in that regard. I believe these are Patrick's first contacts on Grand Old AO-7. Congratulations to him. Here's to many more contacts with our "flea power" portable stations. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL

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Re: [amsat-edu] Link Budget for Cornell University's student built satellite Violet
by Bob Bruninga 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

>> ... If you fly dipoles they have very >> deep lobes of the end of the ends and >> will cause deep fades when the antenna >> alimented is off the ends. Two buts... But the fade is not very wide so the vast majority of time it works just fine. If you really have to have 100% solid downlink continuously, then just put two orthogonal dipoles or monopoles and then there are no fades. In our cubesat design we use two 0.02" nitenol wires that spring out the top of the cubesat at 90 degrees from each other to give us good omnidirecitnal coverage at any attitude. Bob, Wb4APR >> 3. The ground antenna when at 5 degrees elevation look into the >> warm earth i.e. 290 deg K >> >> For a reality check go copy AO 51. Copy the telemetry beacon. It uses FSK >> modulation and if you chose GMSK it is several db improvement over FSK. The >> antenna are turnstile with 2 db gain circular polarized. AO-51 keeps the >> antennas nadir pointing so there is very little fading due to polarization >> misalignments and this is a challenge on 10 cm cube. >> >> If you make it to the cube sat conference at San Louis Obispo look me up I >> am 6 ft tall with red hair and 64 years old. >> >> Good luck >> nick >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Yoon Ho Lee [mailto:[email protected]] >> Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 9:18 AM >> To: Nick >> Subject: Re: [amsat-edu] Link Budget for Cornell University's student built >> satellite Violet >> >> Hello Nick, >> >> It seems like the listserv denied my attachment. Here are the files. >> Thank you for your interest and help! >> >> -Danny >> >> Nick wrote: >> >>> Hi Danny >>> I will review your link budget but it was not attached to your email. >>> >>> Please reply directly to this email off list >>> >>> nick >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: amsat-edu-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] >>> On Behalf Of Yoon Ho Lee >>> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:12 PM >>> To: amsat-edu(a)amsat.org >>> Subject: [amsat-edu] Link Budget for Cornell University's student >>> built satellite Violet >>> >>> Dear whom it may concern, >>> >>> I'm Danny Lee from Cornell University's student built satellite team >>> Violet, working on Electrical Subsystem, specifically Telemetry and >>> >> Control. >> >>> For those of you familiar with CUSat, our team is under the same UNP >>> program, on the 6th competition. >>> >>> I have worked out a preliminary link budget from limited resources and >>> knowledge, and I would greatly appreciate any input from experts out >>> >> there. >> >>> Please read the note before proceeding to the spreadsheet. >>> >>> Thank you very much in advance, and I look forward to your input. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> >>> Danny Lee >>> Electrical Subsystem, >>> Team Violet, >>> Cornell University >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: Homebrew Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for sats?
by Oscar Diez 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

Hi Bill, for a homemade "Elk" style log-perodic antenna covering both the 2m and 70cm bands see this homemade antenna (with bilingual instructions in German and English) link: http://www.radio-foto.net/radio/lpdadual.pdf The text above is mostly self explaining and very simple and cheap to construct with some basic tools on hand. This antenna is slightly larger than the Elk (15 inch longer boom length) which results even in a higher gain then the original Elk design. Maybe this gives some desired extra punch for eventual indoor operation. Good luck, Oscar DJ0MY

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Re: [amsat-edu] Link Budget for Cornell University's student built satellite Violet
by Nick 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

Hi Danny You did a good job on the link budget. Jan King is the author and he will comment if you send him a copy. Here are my comments. 1. Patch antennas are hard to put on a cubesat because of their size. 2. If you fly dipoles they have very deep lobes of the end of the ends and will cause deep fades when the antenna alimented off the ends. 3. The ground antenna when at 5 degrees elevation look into the warm earth i.e. 290 deg K For a reality check go copy AO 51. Copy the telemetry beacon. It uses FSK modulation and if you chose GMSK it is several db improvement over FSK. The antenna are turnstile with 2 db gain circular polarized. AO-51 keeps the antennas nadir pointing so there is very little fading due to polarization misalignments and this is a challenge on 10 cm cube. If you make it to the cube sat conference at San Louis Obispo look me up I am 6 ft tall with red hair and 64 years old. Good luck nick -----Original Message----- From: Yoon Ho Lee [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 9:18 AM To: Nick Subject: Re: [amsat-edu] Link Budget for Cornell University's student built satellite Violet Hello Nick, It seems like the listserv denied my attachment. Here are the files. Thank you for your interest and help! -Danny Nick wrote: > Hi Danny > I will review your link budget but it was not attached to your email. > > Please reply directly to this email off list > > nick > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-edu-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] > On Behalf Of Yoon Ho Lee > Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:12 PM > To: amsat-edu(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-edu] Link Budget for Cornell University's student > built satellite Violet > > Dear whom it may concern, > > I'm Danny Lee from Cornell University's student built satellite team > Violet, working on Electrical Subsystem, specifically Telemetry and Control. > For those of you familiar with CUSat, our team is under the same UNP > program, on the 6th competition. > > I have worked out a preliminary link budget from limited resources and > knowledge, and I would greatly appreciate any input from experts out there. > Please read the note before proceeding to the spreadsheet. > > Thank you very much in advance, and I look forward to your input. > > Sincerely, > > Danny Lee > Electrical Subsystem, > Team Violet, > Cornell University > > > >

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current ISS pass
by David J 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

I'm a bit confused here. I'm currently receiving APRS signals from the ISS on 145.800 instead of 145.825 MHz. In addition, I've just updated my keps on Satscape and I see the ISS footprint way east of my location here in Florida. I appear to be having an overhead pass or close to it. I don't have time to really run this down. Does anyone have an explanation. Is this happening to anyone else? Dave, AA4KN

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SK
by Jerry 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

SK We just lost another satellite operator. SK His name is Telmer G. Olson W0ypt In Monona IA Telmer worked the first Oscar,s and the one,s operating today. He Elmered me and helped me get into the Sats in 1996 I knew him as a great friend that I called on for advice all the time. I used to visit him at his QTH and went to hamfests with him too. He was 91 years old and he passed away April 15th 2009 I and all the people who ever had contact with will always Remember the many QSO,s and contacts we had with him. Jerry w0sat

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Re: PBH-9 floating ARHAB flight with HF telemetry
by Roger Kolakowski 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

What is the TWITTER name to look for? The weather forecast is for a cold/cold front to drop from the North over New England... This is NOT typical weather as we usually get our weather from the WEST. In looking at it last night, there is a possibility that the front may force the ARHAB flight to cross the Atlantic Coastline farther South than New England... Roger WA1KAT (Halfway between Boston and Portsmouth New Hampshire) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ralph Wallio, W0RPK" <W0RPK(a)netINS.net> To: <rogerkola(a)aol.com> Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 8:02 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] PBH-9 floating ARHAB flight with HF telemetry > Roger -- > > It is possible PBH-9 will be launched tonight, 24-hours earlier than announced. Watch TWITTER for > updates. > > TNX es 73 de Ralph Wallio, WØRPK > W0RPK(a)netINS.net W0RPK(a)arrl.net W0RPK(a)amsat.org > http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ > Hubbert's Peak - The Mother of all Perfect Storms > >

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Homebrew Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for sats?
by Bill Dzurilla 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

Are there plans anywhere for a homebrew version of the Elk duo bander? After reading through the prior thread about the poor performance of Eggbeaters and other omnis, I'm ready to risk the wrath of my Homeowners Association and put up a small beam. Or, anybody have an Elk for sale? 73, Bill NZ5N

5 6

Congrats
by Greg D. 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Hi folks, Just a quick Congrats to NX5O, Craig, on his first mode LU contact, via AO-51! I'm glad I could be on the receiving end for the event. Nice signal into the bird. 73s, Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: Life without walls. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1b_explore_042009

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Re: Homebrew Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for sats?
by Edward Cole 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Just to add some observations that support yours. I started 12 years ago with a 2m yagi supported on 15-foot mast in the yard with 45-foot forest surrounding my property. Working 2m SSB stations 60-70 miles away was a hit and miss, sometimes event (running 150w). I built a 40-foot tower and mounted two 10-element yagis made from parts of a Cushcraft 20T satellite antenna and signal came up 3 s-units. Then I put up my antennas ten feet higher and gained another 15-dB. Of course the antennas were then above the tree line. On the other hand, my father wanted a low impact TV antenna at his home in Michigan, so I suggested putting it up in the rafters of his ranch-style single story home. I had just spent a summer in bush Alaska putting up TV translator systems with antennas mounted inside plywood shelters (on hill tops). My dad's antenna was set up in the rafters of the garage. It did better than I would have expected getting a good signal on VHF and UHF from TV stations 35-50 miles away. 19-years later the antenna is still there working. They do have Direct-TV dish so have more choices, now. Point is there is more than one way to make things work...if you understand the principles and limitations. Short coax and hand-held antennas work pretty well, but not very convenient in some weather. Longer coax runs and permanent antenna need a preamp to work best. Getting the antenna clear of obstructions always is helpful, but if you are satisfied with working only at higher elevation angles then simple low antennas still work. A full az-el CP yagi with preamp and auto-tracking is superb. A simple short yagi fixed at 15 to 30 degrees and rotated in azimuth only works too. Can you guess how well my L-band uplink will work with a 16-foot dish and 300w? He he, well only for Oscar-zero. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 07:52 PM 4/17/2009, n3tl(a)bellsouth.net wrote: >Hey Bill, > >Your comments about construction, location, etc., are right one, >based on my experiences here. I actually move from one side of the >house to the other depending on whether passes are to my east or west. > >A couple of other things affect the performance I'm getting, too. >One of the most important is that my decision to continue using a >handheld antenna means I have less than six feet of coax from the >radio to the antenna. I'm still getting some loss, but not nearly as >much as I'd get by putting antennas in the attic and running much >longer feed lines to them. Another is a little trick K4DLG in >Florida passed along to me a while back. > >He has a log periodic for HF, and the coax runs from the antenna >feedpoint along the main boom to the back of the antenna before >heading down to the shack. Taking that lead, he did the same thing >with the Elk he bought. Doing so mitigated any significant changes >in SWR due to moving the antenna around while hand-holding it during >a pass. I tried it here and have observed the same thing. For me, at >this location (inside or out), 8 degrees of elevation was the best I >could hope for with the Arrow I had. In all the months I used that >antenna, I made only a few contacts when a given satellite was below >8 degrees here. When I started using the Elk, that "bottom line" >immediately dropped to 4 degrees. And when I tried K4DLG's >suggestion of running the feedline parallel to the boom, the 4 >degrees dropped to 3. > >And, as you point out, depending on the location and relative path >of a given pass, I can work even lower and make contacts, as I have >with some stations in Europe on AO-7. > >All of that being said, I also still lose the satellites due to >obstruction, as you have observed with your Arrow. When it comes to >the FM LEO satellites, only the ISS transmits back to us using more >than milliwatt power levels. I know that AO-51 is capable of 1 watt >or more, but it generally is not configured to transmit at those >levels. Drew or someone, please correct me if that statement is >inaccurate. The published stats on AO-27 report a nominal output of >500 mW, and SO-50 is reported to operate with a nominal 250 mW >output. I believe both of them also use quarter-wave vertical >antennas, which are 0-gain. > >Given those power levels, it doesn't take much to begin affecting >reception, especially for handheld stations. From here at my home, >that quarter of azimuth from 90 degrees to 180 degrees is my worst. >For really consistent reception in that part of the sky, I need >upwards of 30 degrees elevation when I'm standing outside at ground >level. On the second floor of the house, I get reception good enough >to facilitate contacts with about 15 degrees of elevation at >azimuths from 90 degrees to about 130. I still need close to 30 from >azimuth 130 to 180 no matter where I try to operate from - in the >yard or upstairs. > >I hope you're able to come up with a solution for your location that >works even better than you expect! > >73 to all, > >Tim - N3TL > > >-------------- Original message from Bill Dzurilla ><billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com>: -------------- > > > > > > Tim, > > Yes, your QSO with F2IL is becoming famous, congrats. I think the > performance of indoor antennas must be heavily dependent on the > location of the shack and the construction materials used on the > house. I moved my Eggbeater and ground plane to the attic from > outside and noticed a sharp drop in performance. Also tried the > Arrow here inside the shack and it did not do too well. And noticed > that, even outside in the yard with the Arrow, I lose the sats at > low elevation, when they drop below the level of nearby roof lines. > On my DXpeditions to Swan Island and Jamaica, where there was > unobstructed view over the ocean, I could easily make contacts with > less than 1 degree of elevation with the same HT and > > Arrow. > > > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > > > > > --- On Fri, 4/17/09, n3tl(a)bellsouth.net wrote: > > > > > From: n3tl(a)bellsouth.net > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Homebrew > Elk-style 14/435 mhz log periodic for > > sats? > > > To: "Joe" , billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com > > > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > > Date: Friday, April 17, 2009, 10:19 PM > > > Bill and all, > > > > > > Joe is right. F2IL gave me a 569 report on AO-7 Mode B > > > Thursday evening - and I was hand-holding my Elk on the > > > second floor of my house, pointing it to the northeast at a > > > spot on a windowless wall. When we worked, AO-7 was at > > > roughly 3.5 degrees elevation here. > > > > > > I wish I had decided to try these low-angle passes months > > > ago! > > > > > > 73 to all, > > > > > > Tim - N3TL > > > -------------- Original message from Joe > > > : -------------- > > > > > > > > > > You'd be amazed at what you can do with an indoor > > > yagi also.. > > > > > > > > My first 2 meter ant was a 3 ele quad on a photo > > > tripod that sat right > > > > next to me on the floor in the shack, > > > > > > > > Joe WB9SBD > > > > > > > > Bill Dzurilla wrote: > > > > >Are there plans anywhere for a homebrew version of > > > the Elk duo bander? After reading through the prior thread > > > about the poor performance of Eggbeaters and other omnis, > > > I'm ready to risk the wrath of my Homeowners Association > > > and put up > > > > a small beam. > > > > > > > > > >Or, anybody have an Elk for sale? > > > > > > > > > >73, Bill NZ5N > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > > > > >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed > > > are those of the author. > > > > >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > > > amateur satellite program! > > > > >Subscription settings: > > > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are > > > those of the author. > > > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > > > amateur satellite program! > > > > Subscription settings: > > > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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L/U AO51
by Dale Hershberger 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Another L/U contact..Alaska - Seattle. Thanks Bob, W7LRD. Dale - KL7XJ

1 0

Re: Automobile Noise
by Gordon JC Pearce MM3YEQ 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

On Wed, 2009-04-15 at 19:17 -0800, Edward Cole wrote: > >S-9 noise when we put the radio in it. My F150 > >with a V6 gas engine has no noise, but it was > >S-9 noise when just parked next to the diesel. Just as a further aside to this, while driving back down today I noticed that some buses seem to produce a lot of noise. In particular, the Citylink service buses which use Volvo B10M chassis and VanHool bodies produced a little burst of S9 noise as I went past. Other similar buses didn't even make the S-meter flicker, let alone open the squelch. Gordon

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Delfi-C3 / DO-64 featured in the Dutch "Klokhuis" TV programme
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Hi all, Delfi-C3 / DO-64 was featured yesterday in the Dutch popular children's science TV show "Klokhuis" (Dutch for "apple core"). Footage was taken during the final integration and vibration testing of the satellite. As usual in every episode of this TV show, they have put short comedy scenes in the beginning and in between. Oh, and it is good to practice your Dutch skills hi. see http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=9308737 73 on behalf of the Delfi-C3 / DO-64 team, Wouter Jan Ubbels PE4WJ

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Satscape-WiSP DDE
by wcp2＠mchsi.com 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

OK so my WIN98 machine took a dump.....It was running Scatscape v1.88 with WiSp DDE to control rotor and all was fine. (using LVB via USB Fdti driver) Now after setting up WIN98 with new HD and reinstalling Satscape 1.88 and USB driver for LVB tracker when I use DDE link and send info to WiSP DDE Sat info goes ok however even if Sat is not in range it shows AZ with - deg Elev. and of course drives the LVB down!!! Before when Sat was not in range WiSP would show not in range then when in range all was fine. Any Help ? KA9ERV PS: I know get XP..............

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Any SSPI members on the AMSAT list?
by h05ram-k9ldw＠usa.net 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Pardon the bandwidth, but are there any members of the SSPI (Society of Satellite Professionals International... www.sspi.org) on this list? I am considering joining them if feedback indicates it is worthwhile. Thanks, Lowell ..yes, an AMSAT member! :)

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Presentations
by Bob Herrell 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hi all. I have been asked to do a presentation on satellite operation. Does anyone have any kind of presentation they would be willing to share? Appreciate your help. 73, Bob Herrell, AJ5C EM36

3 2

Tonight ... France found Georgia on AO-7
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hey everyone, These low angle passes of AO-7 are moving farther east every cycle of Mode B, so I only have one more before a several-week hiatus while the Grand Old Girl moves along. Tonight, PH7PCF in the Netherlands answered my CW "CQ DX" with a hello in SSB. Then, a couple of minutes later, F2IL returned my CW in some CW from France. It is really cool to work Europe on AO-7 in CW, and using a straight key. I confess ... I have the "CQ DX" call set up in a memory buffer on my FT-857D. But when somebody responds, the straight key takes over. What a hoot! Thanks again to Joe, K3SZH. He has been a wonderful help in getting me going on AO-7, and it's a load of fun to work. I feel very fortunate to have this chance to work such a historic satellite. I suspect I'm not the first to notice that Nov. 15th of this year marks the 35th Anniversary of her launch. I hope many of you will take the time tro try for contacts on that day. I'm already looking forward to it! 73 to all, Tim - N3TL Athens, Ga. - EM84ha

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Re: Presentations
by Clint Bradford 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

>> You can download mine from: >> http://www.slideshare.net/g4dpz/amateur-satelllite-beginners-presentation This is an excellent slideshow, indeed! I have a suggestion, tough ... Several of the slides have way too much wording on them. The more words there are on a slide means the audience will be reading them, and NOT listening to the presenter. It's human nature ... I suggest simplifying those wordy slides ... and simply using bulleted words/points. You want your audience hanging on YOUR spoken words, and not lose them while they are reading stuff behind you on the screen. And create handouts for your audiences. Handouts that include all the Wen site citations and programming charts. Anyone is welcome to use my "How to Work AO-51 With Your HT" 4-page tutorial posted at ... http://www.k6lcs.com Don't make your audiences write down URLs and Doppler-corrected sets of RX frequencies ... The first moment you see someone writing down a URL or freq after you've told it to them, interrupt yourself and tell 'em, "I have this all printed out for you in a handout - you don't need to write that down!" You will see sighs of relief and appreciation from several in the group - guaranteed! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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HRD Sat Tracking program - slow?
by Bill Dzurilla 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hi, Anyone using the Sat Tracking feature on Ham Radio Deluxe? When I click on New Satellite, CPU usage shoots to 100% and it takes over a minute to display the track of the new sat. Also very slow on several other functions. This can't be normal, is it my computer or is it Vista? Running a new Lenovo desktop with Windows Vista. I tried it with my Windows XP laptop and it worked fine. Darn Vista. Any way to get it working properly with Vista (32 bit version)? Any cure? 73, Bill NZ5N

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Re: [amsat-florida] Re: FCC 70cm Proposal
by Trevor . 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

--- On Thu, 16/4/09, Mike - N4HHA <n4hha(a)n4hha.org> wrote: > "The Notice proposes to limit MMN operations to use only by > persons for > diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and only to the extent > provided under > the direction of authorized health care professionals." For now, it's what'll happen in 5 or 10 years time that we need to watch out for. 73 Trevor M5AKA

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EggBeater
by Steve Bluemel 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Well, Im sorry to say that my Egg Beater experiment has yet to yield any good results. I have attempted passes on IIS, AO-51, and SO-50 and not heard a single contact. Im a trying some reconfiguring and will keep at it. I will post pictures of my progress soon and would appreciate any observations you might have. I'll tell you, the Pre-amp thread could not have been more timely. I just ordered one from ARR. If im lucky....and im always lucky, this will make some difference. In the mean time, I will listen for you all with the Elk and HT! Cheers! Steve KI6OQU

4 3

uiss can send msg's?
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

hi folks, I hear that the UISS software can send msg.s. someone send me one please. kc8gkf-5

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 180
by Mark L. Hammond 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hi Joseph, I use Predict under a DOS box in WinXPPro. It works fine--but I mainly use it for illumination projections. Do you have a specific question or do you need general help? 73, Mark N8MH > Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:37:29 -0400 > From: Joseph Armbruster <josepharmbruster(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] predict > To: "AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <49E6A7F9.4000404(a)gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > > Does anyone here use the dos version of Predict? > > Joseph Armbruster > KJ4JIO > >

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Re: EggBeater
by Edward Cole 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

I can echo what Bruce says! {uh pun intended} Early after "Echo" (AO-51) was launched I set up a ground-plane antenna with a 432-MHz preamp and copied telemetry quite well. The antenna was a 1/4 wave 2m mag-mount whip (19-inch) set on a 12-inch square of sheet metal. The preamp was attached to the 12-foot run of RG-58. It has the same GasFet as used in the ARR preamp with about 0.5 dB NF and 20 dB gain. BTW you will find the ARR is a good choice for satellite, and I will predict that you will be very happy with the results used with the eggbeater. Only a small yagi will better your eggbeater. 73, Ed - KL7UW got materials to build my AA2TX 2m-Lindenblad. Tony have you any dimension for a 432 version? At 05:31 AM 4/16/2009, Bruce Robertson wrote: >On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM, Rick - WA4NVM <wa4nvm(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > > > Steve, > > > > Good luck with your testing. The ISS and A0-51 haven't been on for you > > to try with your setup. Try S0-50 and A0-27 at this time. > > > > Look for you on the birds, > > Rick- WA4NVM > >Thanks for sharing your experiments with us, Steve. > >In my experience, with a omni antenna and no preamp, these two 70cm >satellites are very difficult to hear if there is any significant >amount of cable between the antenna and the radio. On the other hand I >find that a low-noise preamp *at the antenna* with a well-built omni >antenna should hear at least parts of their passes. If you're unsure >that your egg-beater is working properly, consider using a simple 1/4 >wave vertical with legs of about 6" at 70cm. Put this as close to the >preamp as possible: I constructed mine out of the connector that mates >with the preamp's connector! snip--------- >73, Bruce >VE9QRP > > >> Well, Im sorry to say that my Egg Beater experiment has yet to yield any > >> good results. I have attempted passes on IIS, AO-51, and SO-50 and not > >> heard > >> a single contact. Im a trying some reconfiguring and will keep at it. I > >> will > >> post pictures of my progress soon and would appreciate any observations > >> you > >> might have. > >> > >> I'll tell you, the Pre-amp thread could not have been more timely. I just > >> ordered one from ARR. If im lucky....and im always lucky, this will make > >> some difference. > >> > >> In the mean time, I will listen for you all with the Elk and HT! > >> > >> Cheers! > >> > >> Steve KI6OQU

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PBH-9 floating ARHAB flight with HF telemetry
by Ralph Wallio, W0RPK 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

The NS3 group of Cornell University engineering graduate students will launch PBH-9 (Project Blue Horizon) from Lockheed Martin in Owego NY on Sunday evening, 19Apr09, at approximately 21:00EDT (Monday, 20Apr09, 01:00UT) This ARHAB flight (Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning) will ascend and then float for up to 50-hours while drifting to the east. The payload will include a KC2TUA-8 144.390 APRS beacon (track via http://findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KC2TUA-8) and HF CW position report and telemetry downlinks on 7.104MHz and 10.148MHz. The NS3 PBH-9 team requests distant ground stations receive and report HF telemetry via N2XE(a)arrl.net including reception UT date and time. Distant receiving stations are welcome to also submit HF reception reports to W0RPK(a)amsat.org for the ARHAB <50MHz telemetry reception record, see http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABrecords.htm. Additional PBH-9 information including HF telemetry transmit schedule and format is available via http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABlaunchannouncements.htm. Flight updates are available from the NS3 PBH-9 team via http://twitter.com/pbh3. TNX es 73 de Ralph Wallio, WØRPK W0RPK(a)netINS.net W0RPK(a)arrl.net W0RPK(a)amsat.org http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ Hubbert's Peak - The Mother of all Perfect Storms

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Hudson Valley Satcom Group Net Tonight(Thursday at 8PM EST)
by Cotejaune2＠aol.com 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

It's time again for another net tonight Thursday the 16 th of April. We have our nets alternating Thursdays on the Mt Beacon repeater 146970 PL 100 and on Echolink (n2eyh-l). We are located about 70 miles north of NYC. Please join us and share your satellite knowledge with the group. 73 Gary WA2AQH **************Great deals on Dell’s most popular laptops – Starting at $479 (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1220029082x1201385915/aol?redir=htt…)

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Re: Automobile Noise
by Gordon JC Pearce 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Edward Cole wrote: > I had a 1978 International Scout Traveler (think > diesel powered 2-door explorer). It used a > 6-cylinder Nisan diesel engine with standard > mechanical rack injector. I had such a low RF > noise level that I heard all the noisy vehicles > passing by on the road. A couple of years ago, I had an '88 Citroën CX 25DTR turbodiesel, which was so (electrically) quiet I could pick out individual interference sources in cars parked beside me. Mechanically it sounded like a Caterpillar D9, though - not the smoothest diesel I've ever had but then 300lb/ft at 1800rpm with 16psi boost will do that. I had it running electricall silent once, when the main power fuse blew disconnecting everything except the starter motor feed - no electrics at all. All I did was remove the brass slug from the stop solenoid valve, tickle the starter lead (there's a handy plug and socket beside the battery for doing this) and ran about 40 miles with no electrics. Lack of brake lights was a bit scary, but the roads were quiet ;-) Gordon

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FCC 70cm Proposal
by Keith N4ZQ 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

This is interesting.... N4ZQ FCC Proposes to Allocate 20 MHz of Spectrum in 413-456 MHz Band For Implanted Neuromuscular Devices The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM - ET Docket 09-36) seeking comment on a proposal to allocate 20 MHz of spectrum in the 413-457 MHz band for use by wireless medical devices that could be implanted into the human body and used to restore sensation and mobility to paralyzed limbs and organs. The devices would act as a wireless medical micro-power network (MMN) within the patient. Among the conditions that could be treatable using MMNs include polio, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. The 400 MHz band is targeted because it is optimal for RF propagation through body tissue. The devices would require at least 5 MHz of bandwidth to function and would operate on a low power, secondary non- interference basis. Twenty MHz of spectrum in four band segments are proposed so that the device would have four options in case one band segment was already in use in a given area. The NPRM seeks comment on the feasibility of four different band segments: * 413-419 MHz * 426-432 MHz * 438-444 MHz * 451-457 MHz Comment is also sought on: * Potential for interference between MMNs and incumbent users * Service rules (licensed or unlicensed, definitions, permissible communications, eligibility, etc.) * Technical rules (power limitations, bandwidth, frequency stability, channelization, antenna locations, etc.) The text of the News Release is available at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-289482A1.doc ____________________________________________________________ Learning Centers - Click Here. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/BLSrjpYXVv0gKYPqCr8IkCaCq5KA…

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predict
by Joseph Armbruster 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Does anyone here use the dos version of Predict? Joseph Armbruster KJ4JIO

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AO-51 2100 UTC pass on 4/15/09
by WB2LLP 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

I was listening with my AO-40 S band equipment to the AO-51 2100 UTC pass onApril 15 up the US north east. But heard nothing. Was anybody active? It was a work day and most of the footprint was in the ocean. 73 de WB2LLP Gene

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AO-51 L/S
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Solid QSO with K4YYL mode L/S, great to know my AO-40 (sobsob) gear is still working! Now, where's that HEO? 73 Bob W7LRD

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Re: [amsat-florida] Re: FCC 70cm Proposal
by James - KB7TBT 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Cant wait to fire up the ATV transmitter and make people break dance....LOL James KB7TBT www.kb7tbt.com >>>> >>>> FCC Proposes to Allocate 20 MHz of Spectrum in 413-456 MHz Band For >>>> Implanted Neuromuscular Devices

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Re: EggBeater
by Steve Bluemel 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Hey Jeff, I hear ya. I have a blast with the Elk and my FT-60. Part of the fun for me is figuring out how things work and experimenting. I could buy a M2 antenna and be done with it, but this just keeps the hobby new for me. I worked AO-50 and ISS on my first attempt with the elk long periodic, and man did the big hit me! Steve KI6OQU On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 3:27 PM, Jeff Yanko <wb3jfs(a)cox.net> wrote: > Hi Steve, > > I don't use an eggbeater but have been having fun with an HT and Arrow > antenna. I managed to work a couple stations on the 3:00pm AO-27 pass. > Surprised to work KL7XJ, in Alaska. He had a great signal here in Las > Vegas. The pre-amp will certainly help out and you should be copying the > birds without a problem. > > 73, > > Jeff WB3JFS > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Bluemel" <stevebluemel(a)gmail.com > > > To: "Dave hartzell" <hartzell(a)gmail.com>; <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:14 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: EggBeater > > > Hi Dave, >> >> Dont be too suprised. It probably not the antenna, but my construction of >> it. I am building it and I new to the theory. I wish I had been born with >> an >> engineer's mind instead of good looks! >> >> I also had not been listening to the correct birds. Thanks to Rick WA4NVM, >> I >> did copy some of the AO-27 pass at approx. 3:00pm pacific time. It wasnt >> great copy, but i heard >> >> On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 3:01 PM, Dave hartzell <hartzell(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> >> Hi Steve, >>> >>> It is surprising to read that you are not hearing anything. I have >>> repeatedly used a 2m and 70cm Eggbeater for the sats and have had no >>> problem hearing things. No pre-amp. >>> >>> I was using a short cable (e.g. less than 10 meters). The rigs I >>> used were a FT-736r (deaf) and a FT-847 (so-so). >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Dave >>> >>> On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM, Steve Bluemel <stevebluemel(a)gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>> > Well, Im sorry to say that my Egg Beater experiment has yet to yield > >>> any >>> > good results. I have attempted passes on IIS, AO-51, and SO-50 and not >>> heard >>> > a single contact. Im a trying some reconfiguring and will keep at it. I >>> will >>> > post pictures of my progress soon and would appreciate any observations >>> you >>> > might have. >>> > >>> > I'll tell you, the Pre-amp thread could not have been more timely. I > >>> just >>> > ordered one from ARR. If im lucky....and im always lucky, this will > >>> make >>> > some difference. >>> > >>> > In the mean time, I will listen for you all with the Elk and HT! >>> > >>> > Cheers! >>> > >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> > >

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Re: Eggbeater
by Steve Bluemel 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Im sorry. I sent my last email prematurely. As i was saying, I did copy W6DXO, EX1ROR, W6RO, AND W7OJ during the last pass of AO-27. It wasnt spectacular copy, but i am still smiling that it worked at all. It had the best receive at nearly 90 degrees. I was hoping to improve my lower angle reception. This will be fantastic when I figure it out. Thanks again to Rick WA4NVM for getting me on the correct bird! Cheers! Steve KI6OQU

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Re: EggBeater
by Steve Bluemel 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Hi Dave, Dont be too suprised. It probably not the antenna, but my construction of it. I am building it and I new to the theory. I wish I had been born with an engineer's mind instead of good looks! I also had not been listening to the correct birds. Thanks to Rick WA4NVM, I did copy some of the AO-27 pass at approx. 3:00pm pacific time. It wasnt great copy, but i heard On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 3:01 PM, Dave hartzell <hartzell(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hi Steve, > > It is surprising to read that you are not hearing anything. I have > repeatedly used a 2m and 70cm Eggbeater for the sats and have had no > problem hearing things. No pre-amp. > > I was using a short cable (e.g. less than 10 meters). The rigs I > used were a FT-736r (deaf) and a FT-847 (so-so). > > 73, > > Dave > > On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM, Steve Bluemel <stevebluemel(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > Well, Im sorry to say that my Egg Beater experiment has yet to yield any > > good results. I have attempted passes on IIS, AO-51, and SO-50 and not > heard > > a single contact. Im a trying some reconfiguring and will keep at it. I > will > > post pictures of my progress soon and would appreciate any observations > you > > might have. > > > > I'll tell you, the Pre-amp thread could not have been more timely. I just > > ordered one from ARR. If im lucky....and im always lucky, this will make > > some difference. > > > > In the mean time, I will listen for you all with the Elk and HT! > > > > Cheers! > > >

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Re: [amsat-florida] Re: FCC 70cm Proposal
by Trevor . 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Hi Graham, We should bear in mind that in the British Isles and Europe Automobile Key Fobs, which operate on 433.920 MHz as against the 315 MHz used elsewhere, are also "Unprotected Devices". In a number of cases in the UK where people have complained about being unable to open their Automobiles in the vicinity of licenced 70cm Amateur Radio Repeaters then the Regulator (Ofcom in UK) has forced the licensed Amateur repeater to shutdown. Nevermind the cause of the problem is the Automobile Key Fob receiver. These typically have wide open front ends that collapse in the presence of strong RF fields. For those in North America, repeaters in the UK are individually licensed and now as a result of Key Fobs using 433.920 MHz anyone wishing to set up a 70cm repeater has to prove to the regulator that the "Unprotected" Automobile Key Fobs will not suffer "interference" (overload) from the repeater. Embedded (implanted) radio devices for medical applications is set to become a boom industry in the coming years. While the current FCC proposal relate to one particular application it is inevitable that once granted the frequencies will in coming years be used for a wide variety of other medical devices. Irrespective of what may be said now the health care needs of citizens (voters) will take precedance over Ham Radio operations. If these devices end up in Ham Radio allocations then we will in time be forced out. 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Wed, 15/4/09, Graham Shirville <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> wrote: > From: Graham Shirville <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [amsat-florida] Re: FCC 70cm Proposal > To: "Louis McFadin" <w5did(a)mac.com> > Cc: amsat-florida(a)amsat.org, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Wednesday, 15 April, 2009, 5:27 PM > Hi Lou, > > Yes I agree we should never relax! > > Thanks for reminding me of the fact:) > > 73 > > Graham > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Louis McFadin" <w5did(a)mac.com> > To: "Graham Shirville" <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> > Cc: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.com>; > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; > > <amsat-florida(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 4:51 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-florida] Re: [amsat-bb] FCC 70cm > Proposal > > > >I don't believe relaxing is a good idea. Constant > vigilance by all is the > >mantra to have. I am worried about getting sued for > causing someone to > >have some reaction to my 70CM signal I send up to AO51 > or other satellite > >or talking to the local repeater. Someone who I > have no knowledge of. > > We should ask them to stay away from the 70 cm ham > band. 400Mhz is OK as > > long as they can accept signals from 420 + without > harm. > > > > I would think something that has health consequences > would receive a lot > > of careful safety analysis before being made > operational. > > > > On Apr 15, 2009, at 4:28 AM, Graham Shirville wrote: > > > >> A further check with an expert gives me this > response: > >> > >> "No protection at all - at least in Europe. Short > Range Devices must not > >> cause interference and must suffer any > interference they receive. Ofcom > >> don't like that, but it's in the Short range > Device Directive. Not that > >> Ofcom pay any attention to it if they can avoid > doing so. Even Part 95 > >> MICS > >> devcies in the US get no protection, and that > applies every where else, > >> too." > >> > >> so perhaps we can relax? > >> > >> cheers > >> > >> Graham > >> ----- Original Message ----- > >> From: "Graham Shirville" <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> > >> To: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.com>; > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; > >> <amsat-florida(a)amsat.org> > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 8:38 AM > >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FCC 70cm Proposal > >> > >> > >>> Hi All, > >>> > >>> From another group I read that the maximum > power radiated outside the > >>> body > >>> will be around -30 to -40dBm, so not much > chance of these systems being > >>> a > >>> problem to us. > >>> > >>> But of course if they expect "protection" from > our signals.... > >>> > >>> 73 > >>> > >>> Graham > >>> ----- Original Message ----- > >>> From: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.com> > >>> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; > <amsat-florida(a)amsat.org> > >>> Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:18 PM > >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC 70cm Proposal > >>> > >>> > >>>> This is interesting.... N4ZQ > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> FCC Proposes to Allocate 20 MHz of > Spectrum in 413-456 MHz Band For > >>>> Implanted Neuromuscular Devices > >>>> > >>>> The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed > Rulemaking (NPRM - ET Docket > >>>> 09-36) seeking comment on a proposal to > allocate 20 MHz of spectrum in > >>>> the 413-457 MHz band for use by wireless > medical devices that could be > >>>> implanted into the human body and used to > restore sensation and > >>>> mobility to paralyzed limbs and > organs. The devices would act as a > >>>> wireless medical micro-power network (MMN) > within the patient. Among > >>>> the conditions that could be treatable > using MMNs include polio, ALS > >>>> (Lou Gehrig's disease), cerebral palsy, > and spinal cord injuries. > >>>> > >>>> The 400 MHz band is targeted because it is > optimal for RF propagation > >>>> through body tissue. The > devices would require at least 5 MHz of > >>>> bandwidth to function and would operate on > a low power, secondary non- > >>>> interference basis. Twenty MHz of > spectrum in four band segments are > >>>> proposed so that the device would have > four options in case one band > >>>> segment was already in use in a given > area. The NPRM seeks comment on > >>>> the feasibility of four different band > segments: > >>>> > >>>> * 413-419 MHz > >>>> > >>>> * 426-432 MHz > >>>> > >>>> * 438-444 MHz > >>>> > >>>> * 451-457 MHz > >>>> > >>>> Comment is also sought on: > >>>> > >>>> * Potential for interference between MMNs > and incumbent users > >>>> > >>>> * Service rules (licensed or unlicensed, > definitions, permissible > >>>> communications, eligibility, etc.) > >>>> > >>>> * Technical rules (power limitations, > bandwidth, frequency stability, > >>>> channelization, antenna locations, etc.) > >>>> > >>>> The text of the News Release is available > at: > >>>> http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-289482A1.doc > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > ____________________________________________________________ > >>>> Learning Centers - Click Here. > >>>> http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/BLSrjpYXVv0gKYPqCr8IkCaCq5KA… > >>>> > >>>> > _______________________________________________ > >>>> 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 > >>> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Via the AMSAT-Florida mailing list courtesy of > AMSAT-NA > >> AMSAT-Florida(a)amsat.org > >> http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-florida > > > > > > > > Lou McFadin > > W5DID > > w5did(a)mac.com > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

1 0

Automobile Noise
by BobsImsai8800＠aol.com 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Hi all -- some facts I have learned about automobile noise after 40 years in the profession. DEALER FIX: While dealing with many different professional communications users, I found that the automobile industry usually has a kit to fix most RF and electrical noises that are generated by the auto and with problems that the auto has with RF interference getting into the circuits. REASON -- It is cheaper to provide the equipment to fix the autos that have a problem due to installed communications equipment, than to install the fix on millions and millions of autos that don't need it. SOLUTION -- I always told the customer to check with the dealer to find the proper fix -- it usually took a manager and up the chain to a district manager for a fix. And now we have Google and the Internet, which makes finding these fixes easier. Of course the new Hybrids have a whole new set of problems and solutions. Side note -- the diesel and the 2007 trip to Dayton: One would think a diesel is very quite - no ignition and no electric fan on the radiator. Wrong -- the electric injector pump on the 1997 Ford F350 had 20 over S-9 noise when we put the radio in it. My F150 with a V6 gas engine has no noise, but it was S-9 noise when just parked next to the diesel. Google RF noise on the Ford diesel -- there are some solutions. Bob, K5GNA **************Great deals on Dell’s most popular laptops – Starting at $479 (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1220631252x1201390195/aol?redir=htt…)

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AMSAT/TAPR Banquet
by Martha 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

People - The Dayton AMSAT/TAPR banquet is just about 1 month away. Our Guest Speaker is Richard Garriott, W5KWQ. If you have not registered, go to the AMSAT website and look on the left hand side. There will be a box that says Dayton Hamvention. Click on that and it will lead you to the banquet registration. You MUST be pre- registered to attend. You cannot register at Dayton. -- 73- Martha- AMSAT Manager

2 1

FAO: Don Haynes -
by Dave Aitch 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Hi Don, did you receive my mail about the polarphaser ? Cheers, Dave.

1 0

Re: FCC 70cm Proposal
by Graham Shirville 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

A further check with an expert gives me this response: "No protection at all - at least in Europe. Short Range Devices must not cause interference and must suffer any interference they receive. Ofcom don't like that, but it's in the Short range Device Directive. Not that Ofcom pay any attention to it if they can avoid doing so. Even Part 95 MICS devcies in the US get no protection, and that applies every where else, too." so perhaps we can relax? cheers Graham ----- Original Message ----- From: "Graham Shirville" <g.shirville(a)btinternet.com> To: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.com>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; <amsat-florida(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 8:38 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FCC 70cm Proposal > Hi All, > > From another group I read that the maximum power radiated outside the body > will be around -30 to -40dBm, so not much chance of these systems being a > problem to us. > > But of course if they expect "protection" from our signals.... > > 73 > > Graham > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.com> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>; <amsat-florida(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:18 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC 70cm Proposal > > >> This is interesting.... N4ZQ >> >> >> >> FCC Proposes to Allocate 20 MHz of Spectrum in 413-456 MHz Band For >> Implanted Neuromuscular Devices >> >> The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM - ET Docket >> 09-36) seeking comment on a proposal to allocate 20 MHz of spectrum in >> the 413-457 MHz band for use by wireless medical devices that could be >> implanted into the human body and used to restore sensation and >> mobility to paralyzed limbs and organs. The devices would act as a >> wireless medical micro-power network (MMN) within the patient. Among >> the conditions that could be treatable using MMNs include polio, ALS >> (Lou Gehrig's disease), cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. >> >> The 400 MHz band is targeted because it is optimal for RF propagation >> through body tissue. The devices would require at least 5 MHz of >> bandwidth to function and would operate on a low power, secondary non- >> interference basis. Twenty MHz of spectrum in four band segments are >> proposed so that the device would have four options in case one band >> segment was already in use in a given area. The NPRM seeks comment on >> the feasibility of four different band segments: >> >> * 413-419 MHz >> >> * 426-432 MHz >> >> * 438-444 MHz >> >> * 451-457 MHz >> >> Comment is also sought on: >> >> * Potential for interference between MMNs and incumbent users >> >> * Service rules (licensed or unlicensed, definitions, permissible >> communications, eligibility, etc.) >> >> * Technical rules (power limitations, bandwidth, frequency stability, >> channelization, antenna locations, etc.) >> >> The text of the News Release is available at: >> http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-289482A1.doc >> >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> Learning Centers - Click Here. >> http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/BLSrjpYXVv0gKYPqCr8IkCaCq5KA… >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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Re: [Mw] Slightly OT: Mobile Installations
by AJ9N＠aol.com 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

I own a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and a 2008 Toyota Prius. Love both hybrids. So far I have not installed a radio in either car but I have used an HT using the 12V socket with no apparent problem. Here are some web sites that might help. _http://wa8lmf.net/mobile/prius/index.htm_ (http://wa8lmf.net/mobile/prius/index.htm) _http://www.k0bg.com/hybrid.html_ (http://www.k0bg.com/hybrid.html) the main page is listed below. _http://www.k0bg.com/_ (http://www.k0bg.com/) really cool home page for a bunch of mobile stuff. I am leaning towards just installing a VHF/UHF dual bander in my hybrids so I might not have much of a noise issue. But HF is another story. I also went into the Toyota web site to look at their manuals. You can buy a 1 day subscription and download as much as you want. They were not the most helpful for installing radios but there are some interesting things to know. Toyota has something called TIS (Technical Information System). Go to: _https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_nfpb=true&_pag eLabel=ti_home_page&SMENC=ISO-8859-1&SMLOCALE=US-EN&SMAUTHREASON=0&SMAGENTNA ME=%24SM%24mT%252bGLraBu9CwUVnZg4mEDzB2kysT90hgbwsWgdZzNOc%253d&TARGET=%24SM %24https%3A%2F%2Ftechinfo.toyota.com%2F_ (https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_nfpb=true&_pag… 1&SMLOCALE=US-EN&SMAUTHREASON=0&SMAGENTNAME=$SM$mT%2bGLraBu9CwUVnZg4mEDzB2ky sT90hgbwsWgdZzNOc%3d&TARGET=$SM$https://techinfo.toyota.com/) I too am interested in what others are finding. 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N In a message dated 4/14/2009 1:34:31 A.M. Central Daylight Time, kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net writes: At 05:22 PM 4/13/2009, Jim Sanford wrote: >All: >The other day, somebody decided he needed to get thru an intersection >ahead of me . . . . so, in search of a replacement chariot to support >the mobile equipment. Considering: > > Toyota Highlander hybrid > Saturn VUE Hybrid > >Have read the Consumer Reports rap on all. > >QUESTION: Does anybody have any experience or guidance regarding: > -- problems installing HF/VHF/UHF radios in either vehicle > -- problems with noise FROM the hybrid equipment > >I remember that some years ago, all the Japanese manufacturers would >void your warranty if you installed two-way radio equipment. That >appears to be no longer true, as long as "properly installed" (defined >as adequately fused). > >All experiences welcome. > >Thanks for bandwidth. > >73, >Jim >wb4gcs(a)amsat.org Jim, Excellent question, considering the number of hybrid cars (and all-electric cars soon to be offered in 2010). I wonder if the electric motors have brushes and if they are RFI bypassed? I do not have any info to provide, but certainly interested in what you find out. I am watching the Chrystler Electric Town & Country van to be offered in 2010 with 40-mpg performance. It runs with electric motors 100% and has gasoline generator for extended distance driving. 73, Ed - KL7UW _______________________________________________ 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 **************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the web. Get the Radio Toolbar! (http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000002)

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AO51 L/S
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Great contact with KL7XT for several minutes. I used a 16 turn helix, instead of the 22 el yagi. The helix blows the yagi away. 73 Bob W7LRD

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AO-51 Mode L/US at 4 degrees
by Greg D. 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Hi folks, I ALMOST had an entire pass talking to myself, but Dale, KL7XJ in BP40, saved me at the last minute. 4 degrees elevation, off to the north west, 10 watts at the shack-end of a long piece of coax and a 18 turn helix was just enough to make it into the bird. Thanks, Dale! Good signals throughout the pass on both U and S downlinks. Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ Rediscover Hotmail®: Get quick friend updates right in your inbox. http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Up…

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VO52 voice
by Gary Lockhart 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Tim, Heard you loud and clear but unable to tune up for a QSO. Didn't expect anyone on an ocean pass of this bird until it got up north. Keep trying. 73 de Gary AB3ID

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Tonight, the Netherlands found Georgia on AO-7
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Hey everyone, At 21:29 UTC tonight (5:29 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time), Hans - PA3CQE - responded to my "CQ DX" on Grand Old AO-7. We had a couple of exchanges in CW, and another country and "exotic" grid square went in the satellite log here. I am thrilled to make such a wonderful contact on AO-7, and with a straight key. As we worked, AO-7 descended from just about 4 degrees to 2.2 degrees here. What a hoot! 73 to all, Tim

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AO-51 from IO67 square
by Gordon JC Pearce 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Just heard M3IOP calling, practically from horizon to horizon with AO-51 reaching a maximum elevation of 12 degrees! Sadly I don't have any 23cm equipment to shout back. No other stations heard, either. It's so nice and quiet up here away from all the SCADA clatter. Gordon

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Need parts for G5400 elevation rotator
by w4upd 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Seeing the discussions on this thread about the Yaesu rotators, I'd thought I'd take a stab at it to see if someone out there can help. I have a Yaesu G5400 elevation/azimuth rotator combination. I recently disassembled the elevation due to it not functioning. In the process over a pint of water came out of the unit. In the disassembly process I managed to mess up the end of the motor armature which holds the drive gear. Apparently there are two version of this motor. The 'older' version cost about $85.00 and as I found out does not even come close to fitting the unit I have. Apparently I have a newer unit with limit switched which does not match the drawing in the manual (by the way it costs $207.00!!!!). To cut to the chase I only need the armature so if anyone has a unit in which the motor is even defective, please let me know. The unit I have mounts with 4 screws not three. The nylon gear is actually a slipping gear on the shaft and engages with a brake cam held by a set screw. It also contains a spring as part of a brake assembly. If anyone thinks they have this unit and again the motor can be bad as I only need the armature, please let me know, If you need a picture let me know and I'll send you a picture of the motor off-list. Due to the various differences of the motors and how they mount it's not even adaptable. I'll have to send it back (I hope) and try to fix this armature on my unit or find someone with a unit they are no longer using or need. Without this, the arrays will continue to remain on the ground where they have been since the storms of '04'. Being unemployed for 18 months doesn't help and therefore purchase of another G5400 or equivalent is out of the question. Hope someone can help, thanks. Regards, Reid, W4UPD Amsat #17002

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Re: [Mw] Slightly OT: Mobile Installations
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

In a message dated 4/14/2009 11:37:27 AM Central Daylight Time, AJ9N(a)aol.com writes: > Subj: [amsat-bb] Re: [Mw] Slightly OT: Mobile Installations > Date:4/14/2009 11:37:27 AM Central Daylight Time > From:[email protected] > To:[email protected], wb4gcs(a)amsat.org, microwave(a)echo.valinet.com, > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Received from Internet: > > > > I own a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and a 2008 Toyota Prius. Love both > > hybrids. So far I have not installed a radio in either car but I have > used > an HT using the 12V socket with no apparent problem. Here are some web > sites that might help. > > _http://wa8lmf.net/mobile/prius/index.htm_ > (http://wa8lmf.net/mobile/prius/index.htm) > > _http://www.k0bg.com/hybrid.html_ (http://www.k0bg.com/hybrid.html) the > > main page is listed below. > > _http://www.k0bg.com/_ (http://www.k0bg.com/) really cool home page for > > a bunch of mobile stuff. > > I am leaning towards just installing a VHF/UHF dual bander in my hybrids > so > I might not have much of a noise issue. But HF is another story. > > I also went into the Toyota web site to look at their manuals. You can > buy a 1 day subscription and download as much as you want. They were not > the > most helpful for installing radios but there are some interesting things > to know. Toyota has something called TIS (Technical Information System). > > Go to: > _https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_nfpb=true& > _pag > eLabel=ti_home_page&SMENC=ISO-8859-1&SMLOCALE=US-EN&SMAUTHREASON=0& > SMAGENTNA > ME=%24SM%24mT%252bGLraBu9CwUVnZg4mEDzB2kysT90hgbwsWgdZzNOc%253d& > TARGET=%24SM > %24https%3A%2F%2Ftechinfo.toyota.com%2F_ > (https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_nfpb=true& > _pageLabel=ti_home_page&SMENC=ISO-8859- > 1&SMLOCALE=US-EN&SMAUTHREASON=0& > SMAGENTNAME=$SM$mT%2bGLraBu9CwUVnZg4mEDzB2ky > sT90hgbwsWgdZzNOc%3d&TARGET=$SM$https://techinfo.toyota.com/) > > I too am interested in what others are finding. > > 73, > Charlie Sufana AJ9N > > > In a message dated 4/14/2009 1:34:31 A.M. Central Daylight Time, > kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net writes: > > At 05:22 PM 4/13/2009, Jim Sanford wrote: > >All: > >The other day, somebody decided he needed to get thru an intersection > >ahead of me . . . . so, in search of a replacement chariot to support > >the mobile equipment. Considering: > > > > Toyota Highlander hybrid > > Saturn VUE Hybrid > > > >Have read the Consumer Reports rap on all. > > > >QUESTION: Does anybody have any experience or guidance regarding: > > -- problems installing HF/VHF/UHF radios in either vehicle > > -- problems with noise FROM the hybrid equipment > > > >I remember that some years ago, all the Japanese manufacturers would > >void your warranty if you installed two-way radio equipment. That > >appears to be no longer true, as long as "properly installed" (defined > >as adequately fused). > > > >All experiences welcome. > > > >Thanks for bandwidth. > > > >73, > >Jim > >wb4gcs(a)amsat.org > > Jim, > > Excellent question, considering the number of hybrid cars (and > all-electric cars soon to be offered in 2010). I wonder if the > electric motors have brushes and if they are RFI bypassed? I do not > have any info to provide, but certainly interested in what you find > out. I am watching the Chrystler Electric Town &Country van to be > offered in 2010 with 40-mpg performance. It runs with electric > motors 100% and has gasoline generator for extended distance driving. > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > **************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the > > web. Get the Radio Toolbar! > (http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000002) > _______________________________________________ > 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 > One more departure from the topic. I have no noise problems with the exception of occasional tire static on certain types of pavement. I have an IC-7000 and a TH-D7 both installed. I operate 75 meters through 70 cm all modes. The vehicle is a 2006 VW New Beetle Diesel. I considered a hybrid at the time of purchase but opted for the Diesel. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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predict -s starts then immediately crashes
by Eric Fort 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

predict -s (pedict invoked as a server) immediately crashes (terminates) after startup. anyone have an idea why it would do this? (works fine when not invoked as a server) Thanks, Eric AF6EP

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Slightly OT: Mobile Installations
by Jim Sanford 13 Apr '09

13 Apr '09

All: The other day, somebody decided he needed to get thru an intersection ahead of me . . . . so, in search of a replacement chariot to support the mobile equipment. Considering: Toyota Highlander hybrid Saturn VUE Hybrid Have read the Consumer Reports rap on all. QUESTION: Does anybody have any experience or guidance regarding: -- problems installing HF/VHF/UHF radios in either vehicle -- problems with noise FROM the hybrid equipment I remember that some years ago, all the Japanese manufacturers would void your warranty if you installed two-way radio equipment. That appears to be no longer true, as long as "properly installed" (defined as adequately fused). All experiences welcome. Thanks for bandwidth. 73, Jim wb4gcs(a)amsat.org

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Sat Tracking and SatPC32 w/ICOM rig - CT-17 hardware mod needed
by Bill Dzurilla 13 Apr '09

13 Apr '09

This may be old news to many but perhaps will save a few hours of frustration for newcomers. In my prior post about HRD Sat Tracking slowness with my Windows Vista computer, I reported there that ST was working very slowly with my Lenovo desktop running Windows Vista, but that it ran at normal speed with a laptop running Windows XP. However, the frequencies were not tracking properly -- the transmit frequency would "stick" as the receive frequency on my IC-7000. It seems there is a hardware cause for this issue. After I gave up trying to get HRD Sat Tracking to work with the laptop, I downloaded SatPC32, another program that automatically sets transmit and receive frequency to account for doppler. The same "sticking" problem occurred with that program. The ReadMe(Icom) in SatPC32 provides what appears to be an explanation for this issue: ************************** With ICOM half duplex transceivers (IC-706MKIIG, IC-7000) hardware handshaking must be installed to suspend computer control while the radio is transmitting. Frequency changes are theoretically possible while the radio is transmitting, but frequency errors will occur, i.e., the frequencies of VFO A and VFO B will be exchanged. Unfortunately there is no way to check the PTT state of the radio via the CAT software. Therefore hardware handshaking is needed to prevent writing to the radio while it is transmitting. On the radio side pin 7 of the ACC socket can be used for this purpose. The voltage at this pin is approximately + 8.0 V while the radio is in RX mode. In TX mode the voltage at pin 7 drops to 0. Pin 7 of the ACC socket must be connected with the CTS pin of the serial port on the PC side (pin 8 of the 9-pin, pin 5 of the 25-pin RS232 cable connector). I have connected these pins via a diode and a 5K resistor, see Acc_Com.jpg in this sub folder. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT EVERYONE INSTALLS THIS LINE AT HIS OWN RISK! When the radio pulls down the voltage at pin 7 to 0, it signals the PC not to send data. As soon as the radio is back in RX mode the frequencies are updated by the program. ATTENTION! There must be NO bridge between pins 7 and 8 of the 9-pin (5 and 4 of the 25-pin) cable connector at the PC side! Otherwise the voltage at Pin 8 (rsp.Pin 5) and therefore also at Pin 7 of the ACC socket will be pulled down and the radio will be switched into transmit mode. The sketches in the Icom sub folder provide this bridge. If it is built in, please, remove it. The 25-pin Connector at the ICOM CT-17 also provides a bridge between pins 4 and 5 and other pins. The CTS pin of the cable connector at the PC side must be connected only to Pin 7 of the ACC socket. ************************* Thus, as I appreciate this, a standard ICOM CT-17 CAT cable will not work properly with SatPC32, and presumably not with HRD Sat Tracking either. Can anyone confirm this? Does anyone sell modified CT-17 cables that will do the job? 73, Bill NZ5N

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1.2Ghz Helix ebay
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 13 Apr '09

13 Apr '09

Hello I have a day left on this antenna on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/1-2Ghz-Ham-Radio-Helical-Antenna_W0QQitemZ110374480298Q… Works well on AO-51 L/U 73 Bob W7LRD

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