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ANS-062 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin - March 3 is AMSAT's 40th Anniversary
by JoAnne Maenpaa 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-062.01 ANS Special Bulletin: March 3 Marks AMSAT's 40th Anniversary AMSAT News Service Bulletin 062.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 3, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-062.01 March 3, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of AMSAT's incorporation. AMSAT was incorporated in the District of Columbia on March 3, 1969. Perry, W3PK who was AMSAT President from 1969 to mid-1980 said, "We filed the application for incorporation 40 years ago on Feb. 27, 1969. A copy of the filing has been saved at: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/AboutAmsat/documents/incorporation.php You can see a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation at: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/AboutAmsat/documents/certificate.php Perry is working with Dick Daniels, W4PUJ to preserve the original AMSAT Newsletters, archived in paper format onto electronic media. Additional AMSAT history can be found in the archives of the "Amateur Satellite Report" Newsletters scanned and converted to PDF by Phil Karn, KA9Q. Phil has these issues posted on his website (with AMSAT's permission). See: http://www.ka9q.net/newsletters.html As the electronic archive project makes progress Perry will issue a call for one or more volunteers willing to receive scans of additional issues JPEG format via e-mail, perform the OCR work and help us change them to searchable PDF files. Watch upcoming issues of The AMSAT Journal for articles of AMSAT's roots. AMSAT will also feature 40 years of our accomplishments at the 2009 Dayton Hamvention. [ANS thanks Perry, W3PK for the above information] /EX

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AO-51 V(ssb)/U fun!
by Mark L. Hammond 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

Hi all, Had a great LONG QSO with Marc N1SDH this morning on AO-51 on the V(SSB)/U repeater. Audio sounds great on this mode and even lets you "double" a bit and still hear each other :) Here is my DOPPLER.SQF entry for SatPC32: AO-51,435150,145880,FM,USB,Nor,0,0,SSB V/U I was within 100Hz of being "on the money" with the uplink (TS-2000x). Give it a try...you too might find it fun and a bit different from the "same ol' same ol'" FM Repeater, V(SSB)/U Uplink: 145.880 MHz SSB Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM 73, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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AO-7 DX-list NEW-UPDATE
by SV1BSX 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

Hello all, the new updated "AO-7 DX-List" is already uploaded and we have 2 NEW Records for the 1st & 2nd place of the "Longest Distance QSO" via AO-7!!! The 1st "New WW Record" has been achieved by W4FDU and LU2DPW on CW-Mode. The distance between the 2 stations (EL89TP <> GF05GI) is 7537 Km, about 99 Km more than previous record ! Well done ! The 2nd place has been also changed with a second New-Record of 7524 Km by AA4FL and LU2DPW (....LU2DPW "strikes" once again !). The previous Record (7438 Km) by Joe, K3SZH and Fabio, PY4AJ, it's now in the 3rd place of DX-List. Congratulations to all operators ! Great competition ! For more details visit the new URL of page: http://www.qsl.net/sv1bsx/oscardx/ao7-dx.html ....and a few "Tips": Please keep in mind, I have set a new "Limit" for each operator in order to send me NO more than 2 QSOs maximum. So, please send me just your "first two" best DX contacts - no more- in order to keep the List as short as possible (and interesting !). The participation does not have meaning if includes a lot of contacts for each one operator, there is not any sense to send me somebody 5-10 QSOs and the most of these with a distance lower than 6500 Km. We looking for the "Longest distance DX-QSOs" via AO-7 - NOT for a.... Long-long boring List. Actually, after a few months I will keep into the DX-List ONLY the confirmed QSOs . Thus, in my new page only these QSOs (Highlighted with Yellow-color) have "counting" - including the foto of QSL-card. The NON CONFIRMED QSOs are already without any number (counting) in the 1st column and they will be erased the next year from the list, if the concerned operators don't send me the relative QSL-cards. That it was a request by several operators which have already Confirmed QSOs and I agree with that, it's absolutely fair. As they used to say: "The Final Courtesy of DX-QSO is a QSL Card" ! BTW I am fully surprised about the complete absence of MODE-A in the DX-List ! Nobody? Why that? After a few weeks the Old-girl will enter in new eclipse-period, so we will lose the 24/7 "switching" between Mode-A & B. Finally, pse check your personal entries (...if you have) in the DX-List and let me know for any possible error -particularly- in the "Distance (Km)" and "Locator" columns. The most participators have different programs, they don't use the "TinyLocator" for the distance-calculation and thus, I need to re-calculate several entries in order to make an accurate DX-List. That is not easy if I have 10-15 new entries per update, so ...."don't shoot the pianist" ! Just let me know about the fault and I will correct it ASAP. Thanks in advance 73 de Mak, SV1BSX Email: sv1bsx "AT" yahoo .gr URL : http://sv1bsx.50webs.com

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News for the Southern Hemisphere only
by Graham Shirville 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

Hi All, VERY GENTLE DX-PEDITION TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC Commencing March 7th 2009, I will be onboard MV Minerva which is visiting the islands off lying Antarctica. The schedule includes visits to South Georgia (VP8) on March 12 &13th and Tristan da Cunha (ZD9) on March 18 &19th before arriving in Cape Town on March 24th. Activity is planned via SO50, AO51 and the ISS (if available) from the ship and, if licences can be obtained, from the islands themselves. I intend to take FM handhelds and an Arrow antenna and hope to have at least some limited internet access which can be used to arrange skeds. 73 Graham G3VZV/MM

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CUTE TLM
by Dave Aitch 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 88 CB A4 68 3C 2B 27 A4 58 33 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 87 CB A4 68 3C 2A 27 A9 5D 35 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 88 CA A4 68 3C 2A 27 9F 56 31 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 88 CA A4 67 3C 2A 27 9E 5D 34 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 87 CB A7 99 3C 2A 27 7B 5B 30 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 87 CB A8 9A 3C 29 27 81 51 31 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 87 CC A9 94 3C 29 27 7C 5B 34 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI OFF CUTE 88 CC A9 9B 3C 29 26 76 5D 34 17 73, Dave. G1OCN AMSAT UK 5766 IO80SM

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AO-7 Telemtry
by Pierre van Deventer 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

AO7 435.100 RTTY dump 2 March 2009 1620 UTC Hope this is of some use. 73, Pierre ZS6BB 16:18:52> Main -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ361-Ø1917-Ø2891-Ø3857-Ø4647-Ø5Ø1Ø-Ø6911-Ø79Ø5-ØØØØØ-Ø9682 -1ØØØØ-11771-12338-13715-146Ø3-15937-16429-174Ø2-1ØØØØ-19149 -2Ø484-21912-229Ø1-2388Ø-24636-25Ø1Ø-26888-27882-2ØØØØ-29667 -3ØØØØ-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-33472-34ØØØ-35234-36263-37292-3ØØØØ-39251 -4Ø5Ø1-41915-42911-43899-4463Ø-45Ø1Ø-46922-47916-4ØØØØ-49667 -5ØØØØ-51767-52331-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ-57ØØØ-5ØØØØ-59857 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ362-Ø1914-Ø289Ø-Ø3891-Ø4619-Ø5Ø1Ø-Ø69Ø2-Ø79Ø5-ØØØØØ-Ø9665 -1ØØØØ-11771-12339-13715-146Ø3-15937-1643Ø-174Ø2-1ØØØØ-19149 -2Ø484-21878-229Ø1-239Ø3-24654-25Ø1Ø-26848-27882-2ØØØØ-29694 -3ØØØØ-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-33446-34ØØØ-35234-36267-373Ø2-3ØØØØ-39249 -4Ø5Ø1-41849-42912-43913-44689-45Ø1Ø-4685Ø-47916-4ØØØØ-49734 -5ØØØØ-51768-52331-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ-57ØØØ-5ØØØØ-59864 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ362-Ø18Ø2-Ø2891-Ø3895-Ø4729-Ø5Ø11-Ø6792-Ø79Ø5-ØØØØØ-Ø9772 -1ØØØØ-11771-1233Ø-13715-146Ø3-15937-16426-174Ø1-1ØØØØ-1915Ø -2Ø484-21781-229Ø2-239Ø5-24748-25Ø11-26757-27883-2ØØØØ-29782 -3ØØ54-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-33463-34ØØØ-35234-36267-37296-3ØØØØ-39248 -4Ø5Ø1-41767-42912-43915-44767-45Ø11-46767-47916-4ØØØØ-49813 -5ØØ64-51767-52331-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ-57ØØØ-5ØØØØ-59855 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-Ø)Ø47 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ363-Ø1711-Ø2892-Ø3897-Ø4818-Ø5Ø11-Ø67Ø2-ØKUUUU-Ø9863 -1ØØ62-11771-1238-13715-146Ø3-15937-16425-174ØØ-1ØØØØ-1915Ø -2Ø484-21689-229Ø3-239Ø7-24841-25Ø11-26667-27883-2ØØØØ-29875 -3ØØ58-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-33479-34ØØØ-35234-36259-37278-3ØØØØ-39248 -4Ø5Ø1-41676-42913-43916-44858-45Ø11-46679-47917-4ØØØØ-49899 -5ØØ56-51767-5233Ø-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ-57ØØØ-5ØØØØ-59851 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ364-Ø1662-Ø2891-Ø3898-Ø4865-Ø5Ø11-Ø666Ø-Ø7899-ØØØØØ-Ø99Ø7 -1ØØ43-1177Ø-12338-13714-146Ø3-15937-1642Ø-17397-1ØØØØ-1915Ø -2Ø484-21681-2287Ø-239Ø7-24875-25Ø11-2667Ø-27844-2ØØØØ-299Ø7 -3ØØ8Ø-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-33495-34ØØØ-35235-36248-3729 -4Ø5Ø1-41716-42846-43916-44881-45Ø11-46729-47843-4ØØØØ-4992Ø -5ØØ97-51767-5233Ø-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ-57ØØØ-5ØØØØ-59847 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ365-Ø177Ø-Ø2773-Ø3897-Ø4876-Ø5Ø11-Ø6769-Ø778Ø-ØØØØØ-Ø9916 -1Ø119-1177Ø-12337-13714-146Ø3-15937-1642Ø-17397-1ØØØØ-1915Ø -2Ø484-21783-2276Ø-239Ø6-24882-25Ø11-26766-27739-2ØØØØ-29913 -3Ø119-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-33528-34ØØØ-35234-36232-37226-3ØØØØ-3925Ø -4Ø5Ø1-418ØØ-4275Ø-43915-44886-45Ø11-468Ø9-4775Ø-4ØØØØ-49925 -5Ø11Ø-51765-52329-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ(877-5ØØØØ-59845 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47-ØØ554-ØØØ47 -ØØ365-Ø1866-Ø2671-Ø3896-Ø4877-Ø5Ø11-Ø6866-Ø7676-ØØØØØ-Ø9917 -1ØØ74-1177Ø-12337-13714-146Ø3-15937-16422-17398-1ØØØØ-19149 -2Ø484-21882-2266Ø-239Ø5-2488Ø-25Ø11-)682-27639-2ØØØØ-29911 33ØØ5Ø-31ØØØ-32ØØØ-3364Ø-34ØØØ-35234-3622Ø-37211-3ØØØØ-39252 -4Ø5Ø1-41898-42652-43915-44885-45Ø11-469Ø8-47656-4ØØØØ-49923 -5ØØ28-51767-5233Ø-53ØØ9-54ØØØ-55ØØØ-56ØØØ-57ØØØ-5ØØØØ-59848

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AO-7 70-cm RTTY telemetry: Please capture, decode, and post.
by DeYoung James 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

Greetings, The 70-cm beacon has been on again today. Unfortunately, the frequency was not stable at all times during the two passes monitored here. I encourage those with the capability to capture, decode, and post any 70-cm RTTY-based telemetry here on the AMSAT-BB to ensure archiving and general availability of the data obtained. Best regards, Jim, N8OQ

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Interesting orbit for a Japanese mission
by Andrew Glasbrenner 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/e/enterp/missions/astro-g/index.shtml Altitude Perigee 1,000km, Apogee 25,000 km Inclination 31° Type of Orbit Highly elliptical Period Approx. 7 hr 30 min That would sure be a good launch to have something with a transponder hitch a ride on. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: AMSAT-UK Colloquium Manchester England - First Call for Speakers
by G0MRF＠aol.com 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Given that I have sent 8 e-mails to this address over the last 2 years and every one has been rejected, wouldn't it be an idea to get an additional address which does not have the very high levels of security present on this works QTH e-mail? (Blocks all AOL addresses among others) Dave is aware of the problem but it is never resolved. Thanks David In a message dated 01/03/2009 23:10:56 GMT Standard Time, m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk writes: Offers of talks should be submitted as soon as possible; the final date for full documents to be received is late-June 2009 in order that the "Proceedings" document be available to participants. Submissions should be sent *ONLY* to G4DPZ via the following routes: e-mail: david dot johnson at blackpepper dot co dot uk

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W5ACM/C6A/MM QSLs start shipping tomorrow
by Andy MacAllister 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

To All, QSLs for the W5ACM/C6A/MM Western Caribbean Cruise 2009 start shipping tomorrow, March 2, 2009. Operators/participants for this event included W5ACM, WB5RMA, WA5TWT and WA5WOD. Observers included ex-WB5QCC and ex-WA5VJT. Hopefully QCC and VJT will renew their tickets! We operated from various grids (EL54, EK69, EK66, EL60, EL46 and EL37) in the Gulf of Mexico from Galveston to Roatan (just off the coast of Honduras). We had a great time, and hope to see more ports of call, and operate from more grids in November. 73 de Andy W5ACM/C6A/MM http://www.w5acm.net

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AMSAT-UK Colloquium Manchester England - First Call for Speakers
by Trevor 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

AMSAT-UK Colloquium Manchester England - First Call for Speakers This year AMSAT-UK will be holding their Colloquium from Friday July 24th to Sunday 26th July at the University of Manchester right in the centre of the city and within 200 metres of Piccadilly Railway Station. The station has direct trains to Manchester Airport and there is also an hourly bus service from the Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This 3 day event attracts an International audience of those involved in building and operating Amateur Radio satellites and CubeSats. Details of this and previous events can be found at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium AMSAT-UK invite speakers, about amateur radio space and associated activities, for this event. They are also invited to submit papers for the "Proceedings" document which will be published at the same time but printed papers are not mandatory. We normally prefer authors to present talks themselves rather than having someone else give them in the authors' absence. We also welcome "unpresented" papers for the Proceedings document. Offers of talks should be submitted as soon as possible; the final date for full documents to be received is late-June 2009 in order that the "Proceedings" document be available to participants. Submissions should be sent *ONLY* to G4DPZ via the following routes: e-mail: david dot johnson at blackpepper dot co dot uk SnailMail: QTHR from http://www.qrz.com/ (enter G4DPZ is the callsign box) AMSAT-UK also invite anyone with requests for Program Topics to submit them as soon as possible to G4DPZ. Invitations for any papers on specific subjects will be included in the future call. Likewise if anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other information to G4DPZ. 73 Dave G4DPZ ---- AMSAT-UK website http://www.uk.amsat.org/ Join AMSAT-UK online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/ Colloquium page: http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/ ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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Question about NOAA-19
by Mark Lunday, WD4ELG 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Today, I downloaded the latest Keps into HRD after being offline for 2 weeks. Suddenly, I noticed NOAA-19 listed as having a pass today. It shows an FM repeater capability. Wow. I need to keep up, I did not catch this new FM bird. Or am I out of synch and this is not correct? Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.net

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Sumbandila satellite info.
by G0MRF＠aol.com 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

A power point presentation on this soon to be launched South African satellite can be downloaded from _http://www.amateurradio.org.za/Sumbandila_Intecnet.pdf_ (http://www.amateurradio.org.za/Sumbandila_Intecnet.pdf) The presentation is by Dr Gert-Jan van Rooyen, ZS1GVR and is dated 22nd Feb 2009. The 80kg satellite includes an AO-51 type VHF up and UHF down repeater as a secondary payload. Launch may be as early as the end of March. Regards David

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CUTE CW TLM - 1st March 2105 to 2111 UTC
by Dave Aitch 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

CUTE 88 CA A6 69 3C 29 25 84 5E 31 17 CUTE 87 CB AC 93 3C 28 25 6F 57 34 17 CUTE 88 CB A9 9A 3C 28 25 6E 5A 34 17 CUTE 87 CB AB _5 3C 28 25 71 5C 36 17 CUTE 86 CC AA 9C 3C 28 25

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AO-27 may return, once again...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Hi! I saw on the AO-27 web page: http://www.ao27.org/ that the satellite is transmitting once again. From the schedule posted on that page, it appears it will be transmitting several minutes of data on the same passes it would have been on in the past (for a few minutes over the Northern Hemisphere). Let's hope all checks out well, so this satellite can return to normal (for AO-27) operation soon. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: AO-7 70-cm RTTY beacon and telemetry on!
by DeYoung James 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Greetings, I only recorded 1-minute of the RTTY from last evenings pass but was able to decode channel 11 through 16 from it to augment David's (VK5DG) decodes. Here is what I was able to decode using reverse,45,85 parameters. I also used the 1974 AMSAT J. final parameters and equations conversions. Great job to David for finding the 70-cm beacon on and decoding so much! Ch Value Ok? Description Converted Value ------------------------------------------------------- 11 734 Y Battery volts 13.74v 12 326 N Half battery volts 3.41v 13 695 Y Regulated volts 23.63v 14 602 Y 10v Reg volts 9.38v 15 937 Y 9v reg volts 9.37v 16 422 Y Ch reg1 volts 6.53v ------------------------------------------------------- Jim, N8OQ

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2M1EUB/P QRV SCOTLAND
by paul robinson 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Hi group ill be qrv all SATS from N.E.Scotland ,from 21.March.09 for one week .check out qrz.com under 2M1EUB listing for more info.should be qrv 160m and 80m as well. de paul 2E1EUB

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Re^2: CO-65 9k6 Digipeater hint... Award needed ?
by Mineo Wakita 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Drew KO4MA wrote, > I had several packets repeated (presumably) on the 0310 pass but > I could not decode them. Signal was pretty strong on the downlink. > Just using HyperTerminal and I'm sure I have a setting wrong. > Is there an easy program to use to digi that doesn't involve agwpe? I'm now using UI-View32 with TNC modeled G3RUH. L-band loop antenna, 32 ele x 2, 24dBi U-band cubical quad, 14 ele x 1, 16dBd U-band preamp, RFgain 20dB JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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ARRL Satellite Handbook
by Bruce 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Looking for something to keep you busy on those cold New England evenings? How about something to take with you to the beach while you catch some rays. Or even after hiking to the top of your favorite mountain and enjoying the breath taking view? The ARRL Satellite Handbook by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, is the perfect publication to take with you. For the new satellite and seasoned operator, this is for you. Now available at the AMSAT online store. Visit http://www.amsat.org and click on Online Store from the menu on the left. Follow the link to Publications 73...bruce AMSAT Online Store Manager (amongst other things) -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Re: AO-7
by dobarrows＠aol.com 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

As W7LRD observed, AO-7 did not go to mode B as expected earlier today. As of 0100 March 1, it was still in mode A (with signals in the 10m downlink weak) and the 70cm beacon is on at 435.100 with a good signal. W8IJ Dave Barrows

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Re: CO-65 9k6 Digipeater hint... Award needed ?
by Mineo Wakita 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Yes, the uplink frequency is 1267.603MHz. Up 1267.603MHz / Down 437.475MHz, GMSK 9k6 Unproto APRS via JQ1YTC Up Down 1267.576 437.484 AOS 1267.603 437.475 TCA 1267.630 437.466 LOS CO-65 continue doing ON of a transponder all the time for these periods in March 2009. > 2/28(Sat)12:29 - 3/02(Mon) 0:38 > 3/06(Fri)12:57 - 3/09(Mon) 1:13 > 3/14(Sat) 1:23 - 3/16(Mon) 0:12 > 3/20(Fri)12:31 - 3/23(Mon) 0:46 > 3/27(Fri)11:30 - 3/30(Mon) 1:22 > Coordinate Universal Time, UTC When it is the elevation more than about 30 degrees, you will be able to digipeat your GMSK signals. And you need to give power more than about 10 watts, and it's necessary to use a pre-amp for downlink because the output power from CO-65 is 300[mW]. This is VERY VERY weak output power from CO-65. Today 00:20-00:32UTC, 1st Mar 2009, Mel 49deg, GMSK 9600bps JE9PEL>APRS,JQ1YTC* [03/01/09 00:27:13] <UI R>::SAT :Hello via CO-65 9k6 JA5BLZ>CQ,JQ1YTC* [03/01/09 00:27:51] <UI>::JE9PEL :HELLO VIA CO-65 JA5BLZ>CQ,JQ1YTC* [03/01/09 00:30:37] <UI>:73 ALL JH1BCL>CQ,JQ1YTC* [03/01/09 00:30:40] <UI>::JA5BLZ :RGR TNX MSG 73 JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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AO-7
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Was not AO-7 supposed to be switching over from mode A to B at about 2011Z? From the log it is still in mode A. I could not access it the last pass. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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Re: AO-27 may return, once again...
by Rafael Valdez G. 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Great news Pat XE2RV ------Original Message------ From: Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Feb 28, 2009 4:50 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-27 may return, once again... Hi! I saw on the AO-27 web page: http://www.ao27.org/ <http://www.ao27.org/> that the satellite is transmitting once again. From the schedule posted on that page, it appears it will be transmitting several minutes of data on the same passes it would have been on in the past (for a few minutes over the Northern Hemisphere). Let's hope all checks out well, so this satellite can return to normal (for AO-27) operation soon. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ <http://www.wd9ewk.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 <http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb>

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AO-7 70cm beacon
by David Giles 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Hello All, I have just heard AO-7's 70cm beacon. I reckon the frequency to be 435.106MHz. The signal bandwidth was 100Hz and rather weak. I couldn't determine any modulation. So, if you find AO-7 in mode A, try the 70cm beacon. 73 de David VK5DG

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DO-64 over U.S.?
by Mark L. Hammond 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Hello all, Has anybody in the US successful copied Delfi-C3/DO-64 in the last month? Since the satellite was configured into its current science mode with infrequent packets (nearly a month ago), I haven't been able to copy it. Just trying to determine if it's bad luck or what. Thanks for your reports. 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Re: AO-16 @ the 21:16 pass--UPDATE
by Mark L. Hammond 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Hi Marv, For the last several weeks AO-16 has been in an orbit that prevents its operation for extended periods. Currently the satellite transmitter won't stay up for more than a minute or two at a time. We are seeing cooler internal temps, and this causes the satellite to reset. What you were hearing was me commanding the PSK transmitter ON and then the satellite shutting itself off (or resetting itself...) When my schedule permits I try to turn the bird ON during afternoon/early evening passes over the east coast of the US. I can't make every day or every pass, but I do what I can. In reality, the bird isn't staying UP long enough to be much use--and you saw that today. Sadly it looks like this is the way the bird will be for the next several years--unless something in the satellite changes (aging, radiation, etc.) for the better! In all likelihood, it might actually get worse. To all users: If you hear the satellite "humming", it is in the digital mode. Please do not transmit to the satellite while it is in the digital mode. Rather, wait for the humming to go away and listen for the characteristic carrier, which means that the bird is in "voice mode" and will then support voice operations. 73, Mark N8MH AO-16 Command Station Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-16 @ the 21:16 pass > * From: "racer5039" <<mailto:[email protected]>racer5039@xxxxx> > * Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:31:05 -0600 > >---------- > >Was it just me or was AO-16 having a problem? >It was a very high pass for me @ the 21:16 pass. >I could hear a tone of some kind and then it would drop off. No tone or anything >I had one conteact but I don't think I got the call right. >Think I may have a radio problem...:( >Marv. >N0FJP Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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AO-7 70-cm Beacon is on!
by DeYoung James 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Greetings, The AO-7 70-cm beacon was monitored with very strong signals during the 2009 February 28 22:52-23:14 UTC pass from FM18. The beacon was in a two-state mode that sounded a bit like RTTY in idle. The shift was about 50-Hz between the two states. The nominal zero Doppler frequency appeared to be around 435.1056-MHz and was rock-steady through the pass. 73, Jim, N8OQ

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CO-65 CUTE TLM
by Dave Aitch 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

TLM from the 28th Feb @ 2217 UTC HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI ON CUTE 888999 87 CB A4 68 39 2B 28 A7 57 36 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI ON CUTE 888999 87 CA A4 67 39 2B 27 9E 5C 30 17 HI HI DE JQ1YTC DIGI ON CUTE 888999 87 CB A4 67 39 2A 73, Dave. G1OCN AMSAT UK 5766 IO80SM

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CO-65 CW beacon working OK
by Henk, PA3GUO 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Hi Dave ! Just monitored the 16 degrees elevation pass of Cute: 19:05utc Feb 28, 2009 Cute CW, 16 degrees elvation pass. 17 hihi de jq1ytc digi on cute 88899987cba468392826a8593e 17 hihi de jq1ytc digi on cute 88899988cba4683929utm5a9ih43f 17 hihi de jq1ytc digi on cute 888ntg9987cba4663928259e6544 17 hihi de jq1ytc digi on cute 88899988caa468392825a8583d 17 hihi de jq1ytc digi on cute 8889998gttcaa3673928249d6841 17 hihi de jq1ytc digi on cute (from the difference in line length you see my CW isnt the greatest in this world :-)) So CW beacon is working, the FM digipeater I did not check during this (low) pass. Henk, PA3GUO

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AO-16 @ the 21:16 pass
by racer5039 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Was it just me or was AO-16 having a problem? It was a very high pass for me @ the 21:16 pass. I could hear a tone of some kind and then it would drop off. No tone or anything I had one conteact but I don't think I got the call right. Think I may have a radio problem...:( Marv. N0FJP

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Icom ic-w32a
by Johnny Miller 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

I have just purchased an icom ic-w32a and I plan to use it to work the satellites with a arrow antenna. I was wondering if anyone else sues this radio to work the birds how they have the channels setup in the radio? Johnny Miller millerj - @ - cinci.rr.com N8RTW Xbox Live Gamer Tag:wcso845 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Lets cure cancer together visit: http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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CO-65 digipeater report PA3GUO
by Henk, PA3GUO 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Report Feb 28, Cute-1.7+APD-II 82 degrees elevation pass. --------------------------------------------------------- Experiment to activate the Cute 9k6 GMSK digipeater: failed. Nothing heared on the downlink (437.475) Also Mike, DK3WN listened in, so RX is not the issue :-) Must be my uplink set-up therefore. .. no clue still what is wrong. Kenwood TS2000X, 10W, 35 elements beam (this set-up works for AO51) Doppler correction via HRD. Tried both .600 and .603 uplink freq. TNC: PK96 external TNC, connected to the TS2000 via ACC2, filter setting 9k6 in the TS2000X. HBAUD 9600 U CQ via JQ1YTC then typing in converse mode ":ALL :test" This way I 'fired' around 100 packets on 23cm, but I didn't hear anything back. Who has a better station or better operating skills :-) ? Henk, PA3GUO

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Circuit City going out of business & voice recorders
by Rob Rousseau 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Hi Folks, Last night I stopped by the local Circuit City and picked up a brand new Olympus VN-5000 for $26.25 (with tax). Seemed to be pretty decent since the ones I found online were going for $39 or so. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1388 The nice thing about this one is the 3.5 mm mini-jack microphone input, voice activation, 3 different recording speeds/quality and 2 AAA batteries included. The store had a sign saying only 10 more days (so 9 days left today), but this may only apply to this local store. Just a heads up for any of you looking for a voice recorder for satellite work. 73, -Rob, KI4BKE

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CO-65 ?
by Dave Aitch 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Nothing heard as I type (1258 UTC )for a mid-Atlantic south bound pass. Was it switched on OK ? Dave. G1OCN AMSAT UK 5766 IO80SM Dorset. England.

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Re: CO-65 GMSK schedule in March 2009
by Mineo Wakita 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Hello Frank IW4DVZ, Thanks for your FO-29 telemetry. My address is below. --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL: pm95tj Date: Feb 28, 2009 ---------------------------------------------

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Re: [OT] Urgent request - probably off-topic but please read...
by Nate Duehr 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Folks, I am not a spammer by trade or by choice in normal circumstances, but I BEG of you to please read this. If you are even a SMALL enthusiast of Aviation, Aerospace or anything related to breaking the surly bonds of earth and reaching skyward, PLEASE take a moment, I beg of you. To my friends and members of: Boulder, CO Linux Users Group Colorado Linux Users and Enthusiasts Rocky Mountain VHF+ Amateur Radio Group Colorado D-STAR Association Grand Mesa Contesters of Colorado Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation and Mailing List Repeater-Builder Mailing List MIT PIC Microcontroller Mailing List Yaesu FT-857 Mailing List VHF Contesting Remailer Mailing List The Internet Radio Radio Linking Project The D-STAR Digital List And other friends and acquaintances who will receive this message privately... and anyone you care to forward it to... Tonight on my way home I fired up my iPod to listen to a podcast by well-known and very well-spoken Steven "Force" Tupper, an aviation enthusiast from Michigan. What I heard chilled my heart to the bone. The TSA under the auspices of "Homeland Security" has floated a proposal to restrict and in my opinion, DESTROY numerous legendary aircraft, by limiting their use so heavily that you will never see them in the skies over America again. While this may sound "alarmist", please trust me, it's not. You all know me, and know that I can write well, expressing my concerns with politics, living, and even the banal things of life in words, fairly well -- but I can not possibly top the writing of Mr. Tupper. Even more eloquent is his VOICE in his podcast, where he perfectly expresses the frustration, and sheer TERROR that the TSA itself has brought down on the United State's Aviation community with the proposal they've recently released, inappropriately entitled, the "Large Aircraft Security Program", or LASP. For the best and most intelligent commentary I've heard on the topic to date -- PLEASE ... LISTEN to his podcast at: <http://media.libsyn.com/media/airspeed/AirspeedLASP.mp3> You really must just hear... his voice. I do hope his server can handle an onslaught -- if it can't, wait, and listen later. (I fully intend to help him with the costs associated with distributing his podcast if he needs it this month, it's just that important. Steve, please let me know if you need assistance. I have worked in data centers and web-based businesses, and I understand that publishing these things online to large numbers of people, is NOT free.) It's just over 30 minutes in length, and he NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT -- even if you are NOT a pilot. He gives instructions in the podcast. If you honestly do NOT have time to listen, at least READ and RESPOND to his letter in response to the TSA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. He needs your input by TOMORROW. The entire text of his podcast is also available at the link below, if you read faster than you listen -- so to speak. <http://airspeedonline.blogspot.com/2009/02/large-aircraft-security-program-… > If this non-legislative rule change comes to pass, you and your family may never SEE many historical aircraft or have an opportunity to purchase a RIDE in any classic "warbird" aircraft in the skies over America ever again. The rule is BROAD and affects modern aircraft also, but the aircraft we will miss the most, are the ones of our history that tell our story as a country. To NOT take action and RESPOND means that you've let a small group of tireless aviation historians, restoration specialists, mechanics, pilots, and everyone who's ever watched an airshow with aircraft from the classic Warbird fleet down. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. PLEASE read or listen. Mr. Tupper explains it far better than I possibly can. The TSA's proposal adds NO security to our nation whatsoever. It's simply government run amok. Here's a list from Mr. Tupper's website, of aircraft that I personally believe you will RARELY see in the skies of America again, if the TSA's "LASP" passes into being without even so much as a single legislator overseeing it, and little to no due-process available to anyone who violates it. Aircraft and Max Takeoff Weight (Varies within Type) Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress - 65,500 Chance Vought F4U Corsair - 14,449 Consolidated B-24 Liberator - 65,000 Curtiss C-46 Commando - 48,000 Curtiss SB2C Helldiver - 16,800 Douglas A-26 Invader - 35,000 Douglas DC-3/C-47 Skytrain/Dakota - 31,000 Douglas B-23 Dragon - 32,400 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar - 64,000 Fairchild C-82 Packet - 54,000 Ford Tri-Motor - 13,500 Grumman AF-2S Guardian - 25,500 Grumman Avenger - 17,893 Grumman F6F Hellcat - 15,415 Grumman F8F Bearcat - 12,947 Grumman HU-16 Albatross - 33,000 Grumman G-73 Mallard - 12,750 Junkers Ju 52 - 24,200 Lockheed C-60 Hudson - 18,500 Lockheed L-18 Lodestar - 17,500 Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon - 31,077 Lockheed T-33 - 15,100 North American B-25 Mitchell - 41,800 North American P-82 Twin Mustang - 25,591 PBY-6A Catalina - 64,450 Republic P-47 Thunderbolt - 17,500 You may not be a pilot, you may not even care about ANY aircraft -- but if you care about the pilots who fly them, the mechanics who wrench on them, the crowds at hundreds of airshows across the country who see them, and the thousands of thousands who lived their lives building an American legacy in Aviation -- one of our best legacies ever -- please follow Mr. Tupper's request, and add your name to the list of people who AGREE with him in his response to the NPRM sent out by the TSA. I, like you, am a busy person -- I had other things to do tonight. I would much have preferred an enjoyable evening pursuing other things. Hell, I would rather have just forwarded you all a few jokes or stayed "on-topic" on our favorite mailing lists, but I can not sit by idle and watch this come to pass. Mr. Tupper needs your support no later than mid-day tomorrow, please listen, read and RESPOND. Thank you for your time, and I apologize if this is FAR off-topic for some of the mailing lists you all know me from. Some lists, it's more on-topic than others. This is so aggregious, so saddening, so frustrating, that I just HAD to share. Like Mr. Tupper -- I'm trying hard to keep this message "PG Rated". VERY hard. I just can't think of any more caring, thoughtful people in all of the other hobbies and passions of my life to share this critical information with, and to BEG for your support of Mr. Tupper's letter in response to the TSA. Mr. Tupper also points out that the rule isn't far from encompassing other iconic aircraft, and says that if the TSA enacts this rule and LOWERS the weight limitations low enough to encompass such iconic aircraft as the North American P-51 "Mustang", then... as he so eloquently puts it: "Be very careful. You might get away with decimating other grand dames of the skies, but every redneck, suit, line worker, banker, lumberjack, lawyer, cop, fireman, landscaper, fast-food cashier, and child able to stand recognizes the mighty P-51 Mustang. Not that aviation would fail to miss the other aircraft that the TSA would so cavalierly tear from the sky, but at least we have the P-51 Mustang still guarding the 12,100-pound boundary." Thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart if you take the time to listen or read, and especially if you will send your full name as a U.S. Citizen to Mr. Tupper with your comments. Aviation is one of my deepest passions, and I can't imagine that even the most disinterested person in Aviation would let these great ships of our past be virtually banned from our skies in a single powerful and misguided attempt at "security" over liberty, in this great country. Enjoy the rest of your evening in peace, please help, and thank you again. -- Nathan Duehr, nate(a)natetech.com Private Pilot, Single-Engine Land (since 1991) Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association Member (since 1992) Amateur Radio Extra-Class Operator (WY0X - since 1991) Current President, Colorado Repeater Association Former Secretary, Colorado Council of Amateur Radio Clubs Former Member, USAF Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol Linux, Electronics, and RF enthusiast ... ... Or however else you know me. -- Nate Duehr nate(a)natetech.com

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I: CO-65 GMSK schedule in March 2009
by Francesco Grappi 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Hi Mineo, JE9PEL I have some Fo-29 telemetry files, can you give me e-mail address where I could send these files ? 73" Frank IW4DVZ > -----Messaggio originale----- > Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per > conto di Mineo Wakita > Inviato: venerdì 27 febbraio 2009 14.59 > A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Oggetto: [amsat-bb] CO-65 GMSK schedule in March 2009 > > GMSK is now scheduled on every weekend over the world wide. > You can digipeat via CO-65 9k6 GMSK. > > Up 1267.600MHz / Down 437.475MHz, 9k6 GMSK > Unproto APRS via JQ1YTC > > According to the information of Ground Station, > > Open schedule of digipeater mission in March are as follows: > > > > 2/28(Sat)12:29 - 3/02(Mon) 0:38 > > 3/06(Fri)12:57 - 3/09(Mon) 1:13 > > 3/14(Sat) 1:23 - 3/16(Mon) 0:12 > > 3/20(Fri)12:31 - 3/23(Mon) 0:46 > > 3/27(Fri)11:30 - 3/30(Mon) 1:22 > > Coordinate Universal Time, UTC > > > > Digipeater will be closed OFF during the day which does not > > listed above. Thank you for your understanding. > > > > It is assumed to discontinue opening digipeter to give priority > > to other missions in March. > > In this case, we are going to inform it again. > > We would appreciate your cooperation. Thank you. > > http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ct17gmsk.htm > > JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita > > _______________________________________________ > 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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CO-65 GMSK schedule in March 2009
by Mineo Wakita 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

GMSK is now scheduled on every weekend over the world wide. You can digipeat via CO-65 9k6 GMSK. Up 1267.600MHz / Down 437.475MHz, 9k6 GMSK Unproto APRS via JQ1YTC According to the information of Ground Station, > Open schedule of digipeater mission in March are as follows: > > 2/28(Sat)12:29 - 3/02(Mon) 0:38 > 3/06(Fri)12:57 - 3/09(Mon) 1:13 > 3/14(Sat) 1:23 - 3/16(Mon) 0:12 > 3/20(Fri)12:31 - 3/23(Mon) 0:46 > 3/27(Fri)11:30 - 3/30(Mon) 1:22 > Coordinate Universal Time, UTC > > Digipeater will be closed OFF during the day which does not > listed above. Thank you for your understanding. > > It is assumed to discontinue opening digipeter to give priority > to other missions in March. > In this case, we are going to inform it again. > We would appreciate your cooperation. Thank you. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ct17gmsk.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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QSL card graphics
by Tim Goodrich 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

Hi all, I am in the process of designing my own QSL cards. I need a source for several (images/graphics files, including: 1) The ARRL logo 2) The standard box where you write in the details of the QSO (time, date, freq, signal report, etc.) 3) Anything else that would be standard on a QSL card If anyone can help me locate these images on the internet or email me directly with them, it would be much appreciated. Thanks! Tim KI6VBY

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Satellite contact logging software
by Joe KI4TZ 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

Is there a good software for logging satellite contact with award tracking. DXbase 2007 seems limited in what it can do on Sat contacts. Thanks Joe KI4TZ

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GMSK: Time for a stupid question :-)
by Henk, PA3GUO 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

While trying to work Cute-II, I started to think about GMSK ... (I have a PK96 external TNC hooked-up) My beautifull TS2000 has FM/AM/USB/LSB/CW modes. For GMSK, do I use FM or FSK ? Please only a gentle smile, I realize I do look silly asking this :-) Henk

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Positive Message
by Peter 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

Hello All, Well, Bruce's message is among the most constructive ideas, heard in days, to improve our Satellite technique, thank you Bruce. 73, Pete, WB2OQQ Looking for something to keep you busy on those cold New England evenings? How about something to take with you to the beach while you catch some rays. Or even after hiking to the top of your favorite mountain and enjoying the breath taking view? The ARRL Satellite Handbook by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, is the perfect publication to take with you. For the new satellite and seasoned operator, this is for you. Now available at the AMSAT online store. Visit http://www.amsat.org and click on Online Store from the menu on the left. Follow the link to Publications 73...bruce AMSAT Online Store Manager (amongst other things) -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.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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Fw: K5D contacts from tonight
by Andrew Glasbrenner 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

Drew, Here is tonight's AO-51 pass: KI4FIA YV4DYJ XE3SSS WP4LBK N2WB N4QWF N4ZQ

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Help requested--RARSFest in NC 4/11/2009
by Mark L. Hammond 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

Hello All, I plan to host an AMSAT table at RARSFest in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, April 11, 2009. I certainly could use another person to help with manning the table and answering questions. I've helped with or hosted the table for the last several years, and we always have some good interest in our aspect of the hobby and in AMSAT. (I will take care of all details and goodies---I just need somebody to help.) If you are willing and able to assist me in this effort, please contact me directly at: N8MH at AMSAT dot ORG Details for RARSFest can be found here: http://www.rars.org/hamfest/ Thanks! -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Re: Fw: K5D contacts from tonight - NA1SS works K5D and others
by Bill Dzurilla 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

Mike NA1SS just worked K5D at 1543z this morning. Mike came on about half-way through the pass and began calling K5D on schedule, but K5D was not then on. Mike was kind enough to come back and give out a few QSOs to myself and others who were bold enough (rude enough?) to call him while he was waiting for K5D. Gary at K5D finally came on and worked Mike just as I was losing the bird. As others have noted, there really is some problem with the audio on the HT that K5D is using, but he is copyable. 73, Bill NZ5N >NA1SS, Mike in the ISS tried in vain to contact K5D earlier today. I >heard K5D quite clearly on ISS working a few stations; but it appears >they shut down the operation right at the time Mike was calling them. This is only a guess in my part, that someone there must have looked at the footprint and determined that no one else would be on the air from stateside. There were some stations down south calling them, and I asked them to please wait since Mike was calling them; which they kindly did, but it looks like Mike lost a great opportunity to work them. I can only hope he was able to work them when I was no longer in the footprint, but I doubt he was able to. 73 de W4AS Sebastian

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Icom 910 and amp
by Gregory Dober 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

I'm looking to add an amp on VHF with an Icom 910 to do some weak signal work on the VHF bands. In addition, it may help my 23cm uplink on satellites. Since the 910 doesn't have an amp relay like most HF rigs, does anyone have suggestions on the best way to wire. It appears that I have to use the PTT/Ground in the microphone. Any suggestions or experience with this? Can e-mail me off board too at almetco (at) Comcast (dot) net. Thanks Greg N3MVF

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The Tragedy of the commons / split frequency working
by G0MRF＠aol.com 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Having been on a few DX-peditions, I can't imagine the sense of failure that would go with running a DX-Net on a satellite, However, I nearly missed the following great idea from Bruce. Actually we can do split on AO-51. If anyone felt a DX-depition was worth the effort and resources, we just tell the DX to use one uplink channel and the people replying to use the other. It would maximise QSO rate and even a handheld with low audio would be Q5 without any interfering signals. 73 es gud DX David G0MRF / 9H0WW / C56DX / ZC4DX / 3B9C In a message dated 24/02/2009 15:02:29 GMT Standard Time, kk5do(a)amsat.org writes: Very interesting Bob..... I had just sent this to a friend of mine to look at before sending to the bb. It is basically the same thing. However, taking checkins is too time consuming, this is a much easier plan. When dx stations are working HF and they are operating split, they can very easily move up and down the band to find a station that is in the clear. Also, no one has a problem hearing them (except for the occasional guy that forgets to hit split). However, when on the satellite, you do not have the luxury of split operations on FM.

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satellites & Dxpeditions
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Hello With all the good/bad comments about the K5D satellite efforts I believe these and future efforts should be encouraged. As I remember AO-40 (sobsob) was on several dxpeditions. I believe there was a shipable "kit" of sorts for those efforts. Not only should we use FM sats but our other LEO birds for these endeavors. The more exposure we get, the more exposure we get. This equates many good things for our niche of amateur radio. 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT 28498

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 91
by Louis McFadin 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

I have to chime in with Nate on this, This BB is not the place for personal attacks. Bob's contributions to the betterment of ham radio are legendary. I have found that any suggestions he has made should be taken seriously. None of these things have anything to do with the military. I am not sure if his idea of a directed net are practical on a short satellite pass pass but I am also sure that we need to try some way of avoiding the current situation of he with the most signal at the satellite staying on to the exclusion of all others is a bad situation. Bob has made many suggestions about courtesy and operational techniques on the FM birds as well as have others. Many hams ignore those suggestions. I think education and courtesy are the only thing that will work. On Feb 24, 2009, at 3:00 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating procedure. (Darin > Cowan) > 2. Re: W9VNE response to N5UXT on AO 51 (Clint Bradford) > 3. Re: the tyranny of the military (Nate Duehr) > 4. Re: Manual ( Great site for alot of free Manuals ) (nader omer) > 5. Re: the tyranny of the military (Donald Jacob) > 6. Proper operating procedure? (Darin Cowan) > 7. Re: the tyranny of the military (Greg Dober) > 8. Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating procedure. > (Sean Cavanaugh) > 9. Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating procedure. > (Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604) > 10. The Tragedy of the commons / split frequency working > (G0MRF(a)aol.com) > 11. Re: Manual (BobsImsai8800(a)aol.com) > 12. Re: The Tragedy of the commons / split frequency working > (Andrew Glasbrenner) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:28:52 -0500 > From: "Darin Cowan" <yet.another.squid(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating > procedure. > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <49a42e65.1917400a.692e.fffff607(a)mx.google.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > W9VNE said: >>> Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I >>> have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such >>> poor operating procedures. > > I'd be happy if people would just use the proper phonetic alphabet. > So many > logs have been messed up by "kilowatt" which is KW to me, as opposed > to the > correct "kilo" and the other bizarre appellations of letters. And > it's not > just on satellites that this is a problem. When I hear something like > "Kilowatt Capacitor Eight United Airlines" (made up example, if you > are > KC8UAL, I'm not picking on you or accusing you) I can pretty much > guarantee > it won't end up correct in the logs. That makes it a non-QSO and a > waste of > time for both ends. > > Combine proper phonetic use with "listen before transmitting" and > 90% or > better of the issues we see would go away. > > 73 de VE3OIJ > -Darin > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:42:25 -0800 (GMT-08:00) > From: Clint Bradford <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: W9VNE response to N5UXT on AO 51 > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: > <31077319.1235497345926.JavaMail.root(a)elwamui-darkeyed.atl.sa.earthlink.net > > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > >>> ... what is abundantly clear on AO 51 is a lack of respect for >>> your fellow operator ... > > I live in the most populous region of the U.S.' most populous state. > I state this because the potential for abuse with this concentration > of hams should be evident here. But I have no idea what you are > referring to. Sure, the FM birds get busy during "prime time" > passes. But "lack of respect" being displayed on the air? Nonsense. > First-time sat operators are as welcome and acknowledged - as are > the experienced operators. > >>> ... I consider myself somewhat of an iconoclast ... > > Although you might believe you are one a who effectively attacks > cherished beliefs or institutions, true iconoclasts destroy > religious symbols, or, by extension, established dogma or > conventions. No, your baseless arguments do not merit that label. > More appropriately, you're merely dissatisfied and rebellious. > That's being a "malcontent." > > Clint Bradford, K6LCS > 909-241-7666 > > > -------------------------------------- > Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 > 909-241-7666 - cell > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:22:17 -0700 > From: "Nate Duehr" <nate(a)natetech.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: the tyranny of the military > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <001201c996ac$d39af920$7ad0eb60$@com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > It's important to maintain civility on these mailing lists, because > cowards > behind keyboards will say anything -- but part of that is to call > someone > out when they're WAY out of line. > > Bob's done thousands of volunteer hours of work on things for > Amateur Radio > that weren't even dreamed up before he attempted them, Pat. The > Amateur > Radio community simply wouldn't have APRS if it weren't for Bob's > unique > entrepreneurial characteristics. > > You're WAY out of line with your "military" and "tyranny" comments and > personal attacks on Bob. That is, unless you're going to dedicate > the time, > resources, and intelligence that he has to the Amateur Radio community > WORLDWIDE. > > Are you prepared to step up and offer useful things at the rate and > enthusiasm to the Amateur community as Bob has? If not... "Step off." > > The space station comment is almost comical -- the Astronauts have > strict > schedules set by their CIVILIAN program managers, and then choose on > their > own what to do with the remaining time in their days. > > The fact that APRS and other Amateur technology are even on board -- > technology that can be used when the Astronauts are NOT available -- > is a > testament to Bob's ingenuity and stamina, along with many other > Amateurs who > worked together to make it happen. > > Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to fly gear on a manned > spacecraft, to > get it certified, and to build procedures for its safe use? > (Example: The > Amateur station must be switched OFF during EVA activity in order to > alleviate risks with frequency interference. This makes the > Astronauts > BUSIER, and that makes coordination more difficult -- don't you > think the > program manager would rather just say "shut the thing down > permanently" or > have never flown the Amateur station in the first place?) > > Do you have enough interpersonal skill to work with people in those > roles > and garner the Amateur community enough resources to put something > in orbit > around the planet? Realistically, you probably don't have to answer > that > question -- since I doubt you do. If you do... "Step up." > > Your perception of Bob is wickedly twisted, indicating that you have > some > deep and over-reaching mistrust of quite normal hams who just happen > to have > military-related jobs. You may want to get some counseling for > that. Bob > never did anything but good for you, as far as I can see. Meanwhile > to > soothe your strange phobia, think of Bob as a college professor > instead, if > that helps you lower your outlandish concern level. > > Attacking him in a public forum (while I'm sure he's seen it all > before, > well maybe not THIS one... and can defend himself adequately), is an > insult > to all volunteer hams who build infrastructure for other hams, > everywhere. > > My personal pet-peeve are the IDIOTS who attack volunteers who do > good work > for Amateur Radio. They're few and far between and I get seriously > pissed > off at people like you who attack them for no sane reason. Welcome > to my > gun-sights. > > I'd rather see you learn and get over your personal problems, but if > it's a > choice between you or Bob, the community would be better off with > Bob. If > you think my reply is harsh, it is MEANT to be. Maybe you'll think > before > you attack the next volunteer while you whine from your recliner, > accomplishing nothing. > > Celebrate Ability, > > Nate WY0X > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] > On > Behalf Of Thomas McGrane > Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 7:36 AM > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] the tyranny of the military > > Greetings from Patrick N2OEQ > > Regarding bruninga's post suggesting even more control over the > satellite.... Bruninga and the military has too much control over the > space program and amsat satellites. > > Look what happened to the space station, years of military devised > packet position reporting and very little "human" contact. > > I recommend you all think for yourselves and remember, this is AMATEUR > radio, NOT PROFESSIONAL. > > Regarding activity on oscar 51, its great to hear the excitment of new > operators but very disappointing to hear so many regulars almost every > day. Give some new people a chance. > > Bruninga reminds me of the movie title, "the world is not enough" > > Think for yourselves! > > pat > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:23:33 -0800 (PST) > From: nader omer <st2nh(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Manual ( Great site for alot of free Manuals ) > To: amsat bb bb <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <43110.59396.qm(a)web51402.mail.re2.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Hello Robert Sondack,VE2ASL & ALL > ? > KB2LJJ radio mods database offers approximately 7,000 Radio Mod's, > This comes close to 12Mb of the typical space. The KB2LJJ Radio Mods > Database is the premier online that stores many radios > modifications, that you can search on the Radio Mods Database for free > (the above info? from KB2LJJ QRZ website) > ? > link is:- > ? > http://kb2ljj.serveftp.com/ > ? > KEEP IT IN YOUR FAVORITES > ? > Thanks JOAO F RIBEIRO KB2LJJ? for the great work.FB OM. > ? > ? > ? > Here is a link to Icom 471A > http://kb2ljj.serveftp.com/icoms/IC-471A_E%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf > ? > ? > ? > 73 de Nader , st2nh > www.st2nh.com > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:36:54 -0800 > From: Donald Jacob <wb5eku(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: the tyranny of the military > To: Nate Duehr <nate(a)natetech.com> > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: > <1a659d360902241036s51f57694hc6a251678547849b(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Nate, > Very well said. I support your comments 100%. I hope the person that > you replied to is able to understand your comments. > > 73 > Don WB5EKU > > > On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:22 AM, Nate Duehr <nate(a)natetech.com> > wrote: > >> It's important to maintain civility on these mailing lists, because >> cowards >> behind keyboards will say anything -- but part of that is to call >> someone >> out when they're WAY out of line. >> >> Bob's done thousands of volunteer hours of work on things for >> Amateur Radio >> that weren't even dreamed up before he attempted them, Pat. The >> Amateur >> Radio community simply wouldn't have APRS if it weren't for Bob's >> unique >> entrepreneurial characteristics. >> >> You're WAY out of line with your "military" and "tyranny" comments >> and >> personal attacks on Bob. That is, unless you're going to dedicate >> the >> time, >> resources, and intelligence that he has to the Amateur Radio >> community >> WORLDWIDE. >> >> Are you prepared to step up and offer useful things at the rate and >> enthusiasm to the Amateur community as Bob has? If not... "Step >> off." >> >> The space station comment is almost comical -- the Astronauts have >> strict >> schedules set by their CIVILIAN program managers, and then choose >> on their >> own what to do with the remaining time in their days. >> >> The fact that APRS and other Amateur technology are even on board -- >> technology that can be used when the Astronauts are NOT available >> -- is a >> testament to Bob's ingenuity and stamina, along with many other >> Amateurs >> who >> worked together to make it happen. >> >> Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to fly gear on a manned >> spacecraft, to >> get it certified, and to build procedures for its safe use? >> (Example: The >> Amateur station must be switched OFF during EVA activity in order to >> alleviate risks with frequency interference. This makes the >> Astronauts >> BUSIER, and that makes coordination more difficult -- don't you >> think the >> program manager would rather just say "shut the thing down >> permanently" or >> have never flown the Amateur station in the first place?) >> >> Do you have enough interpersonal skill to work with people in those >> roles >> and garner the Amateur community enough resources to put something >> in orbit >> around the planet? Realistically, you probably don't have to >> answer that >> question -- since I doubt you do. If you do... "Step up." >> >> Your perception of Bob is wickedly twisted, indicating that you >> have some >> deep and over-reaching mistrust of quite normal hams who just >> happen to >> have >> military-related jobs. You may want to get some counseling for >> that. Bob >> never did anything but good for you, as far as I can see. >> Meanwhile to >> soothe your strange phobia, think of Bob as a college professor >> instead, if >> that helps you lower your outlandish concern level. >> >> Attacking him in a public forum (while I'm sure he's seen it all >> before, >> well maybe not THIS one... and can defend himself adequately), is >> an insult >> to all volunteer hams who build infrastructure for other hams, >> everywhere. >> >> My personal pet-peeve are the IDIOTS who attack volunteers who do >> good work >> for Amateur Radio. They're few and far between and I get seriously >> pissed >> off at people like you who attack them for no sane reason. Welcome >> to my >> gun-sights. >> >> I'd rather see you learn and get over your personal problems, but >> if it's a >> choice between you or Bob, the community would be better off with >> Bob. If >> you think my reply is harsh, it is MEANT to be. Maybe you'll think >> before >> you attack the next volunteer while you whine from your recliner, >> accomplishing nothing. >> >> Celebrate Ability, >> >> Nate WY0X >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb- >> bounces(a)amsat.org] On >> Behalf Of Thomas McGrane >> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 7:36 AM >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] the tyranny of the military >> >> Greetings from Patrick N2OEQ >> >> Regarding bruninga's post suggesting even more control over the >> satellite.... Bruninga and the military has too much control over the >> space program and amsat satellites. >> >> Look what happened to the space station, years of military devised >> packet position reporting and very little "human" contact. >> >> I recommend you all think for yourselves and remember, this is >> AMATEUR >> radio, NOT PROFESSIONAL. >> >> Regarding activity on oscar 51, its great to hear the excitment of >> new >> operators but very disappointing to hear so many regulars almost >> every >> day. Give some new people a chance. >> >> Bruninga reminds me of the movie title, "the world is not enough" >> >> Think for yourselves! >> >> pat >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:54:24 -0500 > From: "Darin Cowan" <yet.another.squid(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Proper operating procedure? > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <49a44271.1e2d400a.2769.09dc(a)mx.google.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > W9VNE wrote: >>> Upon my recent retirement I decided to equip my station with >>> a satellite setup. I have a substantial amount of money invested >>> ( $3500 ) in antennas and transceiver. I can work just about >>> anything that I can hear. Since August 2008 until December I >>> made more than 800 QSOs in 200 grids and 15 countries. I met a >>> lot of fine people who gave me good advice. >>> >>> Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I >>> have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such >>> poor operating procedures. I am not writing this note to trash >>> AMSAT. I could continue to operate, experiment and enjoy HF and >>> VHF radio and ignore the Satellite operation. However, I have >>> always thought when you see something that is terribly wrong you >>> have an obligation for the ( Ham and AMSAT ) community to speak >>> out. That is the spirit in which I write. > > Not to be catty, but other than writing about it, what have you done > to > positively influence the operating procedures of other radio amateurs? > > I should have put this in the other message I wrote on this topic. > > In the various publications, in the clubs, and apparently on this > list, > there is much writing and speaking devoted to how operating skills are > declining, how it was better in the old days, yadda yadda. In fact, > I'm > even going to go so far as to say that I agree with a lot of it. > > The problem is, that aside from grousing, very little is done. > > The older, experienced operators use poor operating procedure all > the time - > not just on satellites, but on HF and VHF radio as well. Those that > care > tend (in my experience) to belittle rather than mentor. > > When teaching opportunities are presented, radio operation is > overlooked. > One of the local clubs here offers an excellent exam prep course for > getting > one's licence - but it includes almost nothing on operation, and > certainly > no practical work. Graduates get their tickets and are tossed to the > breeze. This is contrary to my training in the military where we > spent many > hours on operation and less on technical stuff. > > Operating procedures also change. Just because you learned it as a > rad-op > in Korea back in '52 doesn't mean it's done that way now - "niner" and > "fife" being a fine example. People who use those terms merely date > themselves. We don't use Q-codes in voice modes because it makes > communication less clear? I suppose that is true, but if you > understand > what is being said, who cares? If you don't understand - ask. That's > called communication, and I bet Mr. Q-code will give up having to > explain > himself repeatedly soon enough. > > The spirit of amateur radio is friendly communication with an eye to > learning. The primary operating procedure everyone needs to learn > is "be > polite and don't interfere with other stations". Everything else > comes with > practice in the fullness of time. But if you're not leading by > example... > not operating the way you expect other people to operate... and not > being > polite, it's unfair to expect any improvement any time soon. > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:18:25 -0500 > From: "Greg Dober" <almetco(a)comcast.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: the tyranny of the military > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <001401c996b4$aad89490$6701a8c0@Uniblab> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Nate, Concur, very well said... > > Greg > N3MVF > > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] > On > Behalf Of Donald Jacob > Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 1:37 PM > To: Nate Duehr > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: the tyranny of the military > > Nate, > Very well said. I support your comments 100%. I hope the person that > you replied to is able to understand your comments. > > 73 > Don WB5EKU > > > On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:22 AM, Nate Duehr <nate(a)natetech.com> > wrote: > >> It's important to maintain civility on these mailing lists, because > cowards >> behind keyboards will say anything -- but part of that is to call >> someone >> out when they're WAY out of line. >> >> Bob's done thousands of volunteer hours of work on things for Amateur > Radio >> that weren't even dreamed up before he attempted them, Pat. The >> Amateur >> Radio community simply wouldn't have APRS if it weren't for Bob's >> unique >> entrepreneurial characteristics. >> >> You're WAY out of line with your "military" and "tyranny" comments >> and >> personal attacks on Bob. That is, unless you're going to dedicate >> the >> time, >> resources, and intelligence that he has to the Amateur Radio >> community >> WORLDWIDE. >> >> Are you prepared to step up and offer useful things at the rate and >> enthusiasm to the Amateur community as Bob has? If not... "Step >> off." >> >> The space station comment is almost comical -- the Astronauts have >> strict >> schedules set by their CIVILIAN program managers, and then choose >> on their >> own what to do with the remaining time in their days. >> >> The fact that APRS and other Amateur technology are even on board -- >> technology that can be used when the Astronauts are NOT available >> -- is a >> testament to Bob's ingenuity and stamina, along with many other >> Amateurs >> who >> worked together to make it happen. >> >> Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to fly gear on a manned >> spacecraft, to >> get it certified, and to build procedures for its safe use? >> (Example: The >> Amateur station must be switched OFF during EVA activity in order to >> alleviate risks with frequency interference. This makes the >> Astronauts >> BUSIER, and that makes coordination more difficult -- don't you >> think the >> program manager would rather just say "shut the thing down >> permanently" or >> have never flown the Amateur station in the first place?) >> >> Do you have enough interpersonal skill to work with people in those >> roles >> and garner the Amateur community enough resources to put something in > orbit >> around the planet? Realistically, you probably don't have to >> answer that >> question -- since I doubt you do. If you do... "Step up." >> >> Your perception of Bob is wickedly twisted, indicating that you >> have some >> deep and over-reaching mistrust of quite normal hams who just >> happen to >> have >> military-related jobs. You may want to get some counseling for >> that. Bob >> never did anything but good for you, as far as I can see. >> Meanwhile to >> soothe your strange phobia, think of Bob as a college professor >> instead, > if >> that helps you lower your outlandish concern level. >> >> Attacking him in a public forum (while I'm sure he's seen it all >> before, >> well maybe not THIS one... and can defend himself adequately), is an > insult >> to all volunteer hams who build infrastructure for other hams, >> everywhere. >> >> My personal pet-peeve are the IDIOTS who attack volunteers who do >> good > work >> for Amateur Radio. They're few and far between and I get seriously >> pissed >> off at people like you who attack them for no sane reason. Welcome >> to my >> gun-sights. >> >> I'd rather see you learn and get over your personal problems, but >> if it's > a >> choice between you or Bob, the community would be better off with >> Bob. If >> you think my reply is harsh, it is MEANT to be. Maybe you'll think >> before >> you attack the next volunteer while you whine from your recliner, >> accomplishing nothing. >> >> Celebrate Ability, >> >> Nate WY0X >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb- >> bounces(a)amsat.org] On >> Behalf Of Thomas McGrane >> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 7:36 AM >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] the tyranny of the military >> >> Greetings from Patrick N2OEQ >> >> Regarding bruninga's post suggesting even more control over the >> satellite.... Bruninga and the military has too much control over the >> space program and amsat satellites. >> >> Look what happened to the space station, years of military devised >> packet position reporting and very little "human" contact. >> >> I recommend you all think for yourselves and remember, this is >> AMATEUR >> radio, NOT PROFESSIONAL. >> >> Regarding activity on oscar 51, its great to hear the excitment of >> new >> operators but very disappointing to hear so many regulars almost >> every >> day. Give some new people a chance. >> >> Bruninga reminds me of the movie title, "the world is not enough" >> >> Think for yourselves! >> >> pat >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:21:47 -0600 > From: Sean Cavanaugh <seanc(a)unixgeeks.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating > procedure. > To: Darin Cowan <yet.another.squid(a)gmail.com> > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: <49A448CB.1080809(a)unixgeeks.ca> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Darin Cowan wrote: >> W9VNE said: >>>> Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I >>>> have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such >>>> poor operating procedures. >> >> I'd be happy if people would just use the proper phonetic >> alphabet. So many >> logs have been messed up by "kilowatt" which is KW to me, as >> opposed to the >> correct "kilo" and the other bizarre appellations of letters. And >> it's not >> just on satellites that this is a problem. When I hear something >> like >> "Kilowatt Capacitor Eight United Airlines" (made up example, if you >> are >> KC8UAL, I'm not picking on you or accusing you) I can pretty much >> guarantee >> it won't end up correct in the logs. That makes it a non-QSO and a >> waste of >> time for both ends. >> >> Combine proper phonetic use with "listen before transmitting" and >> 90% or >> better of the issues we see would go away. > > I am often guilty of not using the correct phonetics, but I do have a > reason. 95% of the time, if the other station has marginal reception, > they come back as VE5, not VA5. I think it's just the other ops' brain > filling in the blanks with what they expect to hear, so I will correct > as "Victor America 5" and it usually seems to solve that problem. I do > try to stick with the ITU phonetics 99% of the time though. > > I'd be happy with people just doing the listen before you transmit > thing. I can't count the number of times I've had my transmissions cut > off mid exchange. > > I would also add to that the following: If you can't hear the bird, > don't transmit! I have NEVER had a situation where I can't hear the > sat. > Even when the satellite is coming down from the north and no one > else is > in the footprint, the background noise changes when it comes into > range. > > Hopefully with my preamps arriving today (gotta pick them up after > work), I will be able to use the linear birds a bit. Maybe relieve > some > pressure on the FM sats. > > 73 all, and see you on the satellites. > > -- > Sean - VA5LF > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:38:03 -0500 (EST) > From: Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 <faunt(a)panix.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating > procedure. > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: <20090224193803.6F8FB8FDE0(a)panix3.panix.com> > > The NATO/ITU phonetics aren't perfect. The "DXer's" phonetics (mostly > place names) are a reasonable alternative, but only the two sets > should be used. When I'm working 'phone, when I've got it together, I > try to repeat back using the other set. And I hate Kilowatt, too- I > always hear that as "KW". > > 73, doug > > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:21:47 -0600 > From: Sean Cavanaugh <seanc(a)unixgeeks.ca> > > Darin Cowan wrote: >> W9VNE said: >>>> Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I >>>> have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such >>>> poor operating procedures. >> >> I'd be happy if people would just use the proper phonetic >> alphabet. So many >> logs have been messed up by "kilowatt" which is KW to me, as >> opposed to the >> correct "kilo" and the other bizarre appellations of letters. And >> it's not >> just on satellites that this is a problem. When I hear something >> like >> "Kilowatt Capacitor Eight United Airlines" (made up example, if you >> are >> KC8UAL, I'm not picking on you or accusing you) I can pretty much >> guarantee >> it won't end up correct in the logs. That makes it a non-QSO and a >> waste of >> time for both ends. >> >> Combine proper phonetic use with "listen before transmitting" and >> 90% or >> better of the issues we see would go away. > > I am often guilty of not using the correct phonetics, but I do > have a > reason. 95% of the time, if the other station has marginal > reception, > they come back as VE5, not VA5. I think it's just the other ops' > brain > filling in the blanks with what they expect to hear, so I will > correct > as "Victor America 5" and it usually seems to solve that problem. > I do > try to stick with the ITU phonetics 99% of the time though. > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 10 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:44:49 EST > From: G0MRF(a)aol.com > Subject: [amsat-bb] The Tragedy of the commons / split frequency > working > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: <bc2.405e179b.36d5a831(a)aol.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" > > > Having been on a few DX-peditions, I can't imagine the sense of > failure that > would go with running a DX-Net on a satellite, However, I nearly > missed the > following great idea from Bruce. > > Actually we can do split on AO-51. If anyone felt a DX-depition > was worth > the effort and resources, we just tell the DX to use one uplink > channel and > the people replying to use the other. It would maximise QSO rate > and even a > handheld with low audio would be Q5 without any interfering signals. > > 73 es gud DX > > David G0MRF / 9H0WW / C56DX / ZC4DX / 3B9C > > > In a message dated 24/02/2009 15:02:29 GMT Standard Time, kk5do(a)amsat.org > writes: > > Very interesting Bob..... I had just sent this to a friend of mine to > look at before sending to the bb. It is basically the same thing. > However, taking checkins is too time consuming, this is a much > easier plan. > > When dx stations are working HF and they are operating split, they > can > very easily move up and down the band to find a station that is in > the > clear. Also, no one has a problem hearing them (except for the > occasional guy that forgets to hit split). However, when on the > satellite, you do not have the luxury of split operations on FM. > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 11 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:51:48 EST > From: BobsImsai8800(a)aol.com > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Manual > To: robertsondack(a)videotron.ca, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: <bc4.41dc438e.36d5a9d4(a)aol.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" > > > > Hi all, > > Although it was a little hard to find, Icom has manuals for all of > their > equipment online: > > _http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/disp_cate.asp?searchcode= > ham_ > (http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/disp_cate.asp?searchcod… > ) > > > The IC 471a is a mobile by the way. > > Bob > > K5GNA > > > > > > In a message dated 2/24/2009 10:26:00 A.M. Central Standard Time, > robertsondack(a)videotron.ca writes: > > I need the ICOM 471A Service Manual to recalibrate my equipment who > has > drifted 1.5 kHz ,with age.The manual could be on paper form or CD. > > Thanks in advance, > > Robert Sondack,VE2ASL. > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just > 2 easy > steps! > (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=htt… > %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62) > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 12 > Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:56:45 -0500 > From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Tragedy of the commons / split frequency > working > To: <G0MRF(a)aol.com>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <D6B9905C9EE8484EA35EBD46FB0AFE6F@Andrewlaptop> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > > >> Actually we can do split on AO-51. If anyone felt a DX-depition >> was >> worth >> the effort and resources, we just tell the DX to use one uplink >> channel >> and >> the people replying to use the other. It would maximise QSO rate >> and even >> a >> handheld with low audio would be Q5 without any interfering signals. > > We considered doing this, but unless they used two receivers, how > would > anyone know when to shut up and when to call? Even though there is a > capture > effect, when 20 signals come up at once, usually no one wins. Now if > we'd > used the SSB receiver on the user uplink? > > This whole DXpedition was on a space and operator available basis. > We looked > at sending a 817 for the transponder sats, but the space and operators > unfamiliar with current satellites kept us to the HT and Arrow. I > think it's > still a positive that so many made QSOs considering the alternative. > > Rest assured I've learned from this, and future efforts will benefit > from > those lessons. Meanwhile, I've identified the jerks among us from > some of > the really out of line negative comments directed at me and the > expedition > members ;-). > > 73, Drew > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 91 > *************************************** Lou McFadin W5DID ARISS US Hardware manager

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Re: K5D an embarrassment / poor operating procedure.
by Darin Cowan 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

W9VNE said: >> Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I >>have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such >>poor operating procedures. I'd be happy if people would just use the proper phonetic alphabet. So many logs have been messed up by "kilowatt" which is KW to me, as opposed to the correct "kilo" and the other bizarre appellations of letters. And it's not just on satellites that this is a problem. When I hear something like "Kilowatt Capacitor Eight United Airlines" (made up example, if you are KC8UAL, I'm not picking on you or accusing you) I can pretty much guarantee it won't end up correct in the logs. That makes it a non-QSO and a waste of time for both ends. Combine proper phonetic use with "listen before transmitting" and 90% or better of the issues we see would go away. 73 de VE3OIJ -Darin

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Re: Manual
by BobsImsai8800＠aol.com 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Hi all, Although it was a little hard to find, Icom has manuals for all of their equipment online: _http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/disp_cate.asp?searchcode= ham_ (http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/disp_cate.asp?searchcod…) The IC 471a is a mobile by the way. Bob K5GNA In a message dated 2/24/2009 10:26:00 A.M. Central Standard Time, robertsondack(a)videotron.ca writes: I need the ICOM 471A Service Manual to recalibrate my equipment who has drifted 1.5 kHz ,with age.The manual could be on paper form or CD. Thanks in advance, Robert Sondack,VE2ASL. _______________________________________________ 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 **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=htt… %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)

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the tyranny of the military
by Thomas McGrane 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Greetings from Patrick N2OEQ Regarding bruninga's post suggesting even more control over the satellite.... Bruninga and the military has too much control over the space program and amsat satellites. Look what happened to the space station, years of military devised packet position reporting and very little "human" contact. I recommend you all think for yourselves and remember, this is AMATEUR radio, NOT PROFESSIONAL. Regarding activity on oscar 51, its great to hear the excitment of new operators but very disappointing to hear so many regulars almost every day. Give some new people a chance. Bruninga reminds me of the movie title, "the world is not enough" Think for yourselves! pat

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Proper operating procedure?
by Darin Cowan 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

W9VNE wrote: >>Upon my recent retirement I decided to equip my station with >>a satellite setup. I have a substantial amount of money invested >>( $3500 ) in antennas and transceiver. I can work just about >>anything that I can hear. Since August 2008 until December I >>made more than 800 QSOs in 200 grids and 15 countries. I met a >>lot of fine people who gave me good advice. >> >>Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I >>have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such >>poor operating procedures. I am not writing this note to trash >>AMSAT. I could continue to operate, experiment and enjoy HF and >>VHF radio and ignore the Satellite operation. However, I have >>always thought when you see something that is terribly wrong you >>have an obligation for the ( Ham and AMSAT ) community to speak >>out. That is the spirit in which I write. Not to be catty, but other than writing about it, what have you done to positively influence the operating procedures of other radio amateurs? I should have put this in the other message I wrote on this topic. In the various publications, in the clubs, and apparently on this list, there is much writing and speaking devoted to how operating skills are declining, how it was better in the old days, yadda yadda. In fact, I'm even going to go so far as to say that I agree with a lot of it. The problem is, that aside from grousing, very little is done. The older, experienced operators use poor operating procedure all the time - not just on satellites, but on HF and VHF radio as well. Those that care tend (in my experience) to belittle rather than mentor. When teaching opportunities are presented, radio operation is overlooked. One of the local clubs here offers an excellent exam prep course for getting one's licence - but it includes almost nothing on operation, and certainly no practical work. Graduates get their tickets and are tossed to the breeze. This is contrary to my training in the military where we spent many hours on operation and less on technical stuff. Operating procedures also change. Just because you learned it as a rad-op in Korea back in '52 doesn't mean it's done that way now - "niner" and "fife" being a fine example. People who use those terms merely date themselves. We don't use Q-codes in voice modes because it makes communication less clear? I suppose that is true, but if you understand what is being said, who cares? If you don't understand - ask. That's called communication, and I bet Mr. Q-code will give up having to explain himself repeatedly soon enough. The spirit of amateur radio is friendly communication with an eye to learning. The primary operating procedure everyone needs to learn is "be polite and don't interfere with other stations". Everything else comes with practice in the fullness of time. But if you're not leading by example... not operating the way you expect other people to operate... and not being polite, it's unfair to expect any improvement any time soon.

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Re: Manual ( Great site for alot of free Manuals )
by nader omer 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Hello Robert Sondack,VE2ASL & ALL KB2LJJ radio mods database offers approximately 7,000 Radio Mod's, This comes close to 12Mb of the typical space. The KB2LJJ Radio Mods Database is the premier online that stores many radios modifications, that you can search on the Radio Mods Database for free (the above info from KB2LJJ QRZ website) link is:- http://kb2ljj.serveftp.com/ KEEP IT IN YOUR FAVORITES Thanks JOAO F RIBEIRO KB2LJJ for the great work.FB OM. Here is a link to Icom 471A http://kb2ljj.serveftp.com/icoms/IC-471A_E%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf 73 de Nader , st2nh www.st2nh.com

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Re: W9VNE response to N5UXT on AO 51
by Clint Bradford 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

>> ... what is abundantly clear on AO 51 is a lack of respect for your fellow operator ... I live in the most populous region of the U.S.' most populous state. I state this because the potential for abuse with this concentration of hams should be evident here. But I have no idea what you are referring to. Sure, the FM birds get busy during "prime time" passes. But "lack of respect" being displayed on the air? Nonsense. First-time sat operators are as welcome and acknowledged - as are the experienced operators. >> ... I consider myself somewhat of an iconoclast ... Although you might believe you are one a who effectively attacks cherished beliefs or institutions, true iconoclasts destroy religious symbols, or, by extension, established dogma or conventions. No, your baseless arguments do not merit that label. More appropriately, you're merely dissatisfied and rebellious. That's being a "malcontent." Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Manual
by robert sondack 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

I need the ICOM 471A Service Manual to recalibrate my equipment who has drifted 1.5 kHz ,with age.The manual could be on paper form or CD. Thanks in advance, Robert Sondack,VE2ASL.

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AO-51 debacle.
by Dave Aitch 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Sent to me by anymouse. > Best use suggestions: > > Let the Chinese use it for target practise. Made I laugh anyway me ansum. Cheers, Dave.

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Re: the tyranny of the military
by Edward Cole 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Hmm, Well, too bad AO-51 isn't mode-VU. I could get on with my 55kW ERP 2m Moon-bounce signal and "fry the little sucker"...He he (I'm only kidding) ;-) Whatever "rule" that is devised, it would bring some order to the chaos! I recall a big station acting as "gate keeper" or "Net" (if you want to call it that), and helping facilitate quite few QSO's thru the short time span of a Leo pass. OK, I'm back to Oscar-Zero (never mind my noise) ;-) 73, Ed - KL7UW At 06:13 AM 2/24/2009, Scott Gillis N3UJJ wrote: > > >WOW !!!!! > >It's time I jumped in with my 2 cents worth of opinion (that's all it's >worth) > > > >I might not agree with Bob 100% of the time, but I when I'm being honest >with myself I realize that for the most part, Bob's posts to this mailing >list are well thought out. I have never seen Bob get emotional (in the time >I have been on the list), even when others are attacking him. > >In all fairness, when I got started in APRS, I made some really bad >screw-ups that would have gotten badly flamed by some, but Bob took the time >to politely inform me of my mistakes. >Bob can be biased at times, but so are most of us (at times). But what he >has contributed to OUR hobby has been enormous, and I think he deserves >credit for his contributions. > > > > > >Scott Gillis N3UJJ > <http://n3ujj.com/hamshack.html> My Hamshack > <http://location.n3ujj.com/> My Current Location > <http://weather.n3ujj.com/> My Amateur Weather Station > > > >Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. >~Abraham Lincoln~ > > > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of Thomas McGrane >Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 09:36 >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] the tyranny of the military > > > >Greetings from Patrick N2OEQ > > > >Regarding bruninga's post suggesting even more control over the > >satellite.... Bruninga and the military has too much control over the > >space program and amsat satellites. > > > >Look what happened to the space station, years of military devised > >packet position reporting and very little "human" contact. > > > >I recommend you all think for yourselves and remember, this is AMATEUR > >radio, NOT PROFESSIONAL. > > > >Regarding activity on oscar 51, its great to hear the excitment of new > >operators but very disappointing to hear so many regulars almost every > >day. Give some new people a chance. > > > >Bruninga reminds me of the movie title, "the world is not enough" > > > >Think for yourselves! > > > >pat > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > >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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The Tragedy of the commons
by Bob Bruninga 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

The situation on AO-51 is called the "tragedy of the commons" and is as predictable as day and night and an inescapable result of human nature. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons No amount of grousing and complaining, and high minded condemnation of others is going to change that. What we need to do is not try to change human nature (my wife has been trying to do that her entire life with little to show for it), but either live with it and take advantage of it, or change the paradigm. I have been recommending for years that we solve it like we do any amateur radio net. That is, operate with volunteer net control operators that take checkins by region or other discriminant for the duration of the pass. On each exchange, he announces the next narrow selection and takes checkins. Ever mindful of the satellite location on the map. Examples from a pass from Sandiego to Maine: "This is N6XXX taking checkins from K6's in SOCAL" "Now W6's... Now A6's.... Now N6's. "This is N6XXX taking checkins from HT's in SOCAL "now W0's... now K0's, now ... "Handing over to Net Control in the Central States... and so forth. How do you define Net Control? Easy. the first guy with the most power and stamina. Can you think of problems, sure! There are all kinds of complaints and issues and why-not-me, and how-could you limit my rights... etc... that we will hear, but operating as a net has always been the method in radio to gain some semblance of order, and we should be proud of our tradition in that regard. What about contesting and points, and scores, etc? That is easy. We define a contact as a 2 way between every person that got his full call and grid or location through. After all, that is what a net control does, facilitate the many-way exchange of information between all users. If net control hears of a DEMO, or DX station or special event, or emergency traffic, or island expedition, he can then give that station the attention it needs. Anyway, this method cannot be worse than what we have now (which is a free-for-all which is setup to fail as the tragedy of the commons). We operated PCSAT2 FM voice repeater sometimes with a net control and it was nice and orderly and fun. Anyway, there is the solution. Either try it, or keep complaining forever... Bob, Wb4APR

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Re: the tyranny of the military
by Scott Gillis N3UJJ 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

WOW !!!!! It's time I jumped in with my 2 cents worth of opinion (that's all it's worth) I might not agree with Bob 100% of the time, but I when I'm being honest with myself I realize that for the most part, Bob's posts to this mailing list are well thought out. I have never seen Bob get emotional (in the time I have been on the list), even when others are attacking him. In all fairness, when I got started in APRS, I made some really bad screw-ups that would have gotten badly flamed by some, but Bob took the time to politely inform me of my mistakes. Bob can be biased at times, but so are most of us (at times). But what he has contributed to OUR hobby has been enormous, and I think he deserves credit for his contributions. Scott Gillis N3UJJ <http://n3ujj.com/hamshack.html> My Hamshack <http://location.n3ujj.com/> My Current Location <http://weather.n3ujj.com/> My Amateur Weather Station Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln~ -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Thomas McGrane Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 09:36 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] the tyranny of the military Greetings from Patrick N2OEQ Regarding bruninga's post suggesting even more control over the satellite.... Bruninga and the military has too much control over the space program and amsat satellites. Look what happened to the space station, years of military devised packet position reporting and very little "human" contact. I recommend you all think for yourselves and remember, this is AMATEUR radio, NOT PROFESSIONAL. Regarding activity on oscar 51, its great to hear the excitment of new operators but very disappointing to hear so many regulars almost every day. Give some new people a chance. Bruninga reminds me of the movie title, "the world is not enough" Think for yourselves! pat _______________________________________________ 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: The Tragedy of the commons
by Bruce 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Very interesting Bob..... I had just sent this to a friend of mine to look at before sending to the bb. It is basically the same thing. However, taking checkins is too time consuming, this is a much easier plan. When dx stations are working HF and they are operating split, they can very easily move up and down the band to find a station that is in the clear. Also, no one has a problem hearing them (except for the occasional guy that forgets to hit split). However, when on the satellite, you do not have the luxury of split operations on FM. The dx station keeps trying to get back to the one station he wants to work, others keep calling and it is futile. By the time you work that one guy, minutes have gone by and both are bouncing call signs back and forth until correct. I worked a bunch of rare grid squares over the years (as I am sure many others have done like WB4APR, KO4MA, N5AFV, W5ACM, WD9EWK, WI7P (former W7SFI) etc) and I have found the easiest way to maximize your contacts is to first listen and write down all the calls you hear for about a minute. This is the quickest way to get them all down without having everyone stepping on each other. Since the stronger stations will repeat themselves several times, you will have a chance to get them correct. Then one of the regular ops (the alligator, you might say) has to tell everyone to stop transmitting for a minute and see who the dx station has heard. The dx station comes back and says I have K1KK, K2KK, K3KK etc. As the dx station was heard by everyone and he answered back with your call, you have a two-way contact. Now, those that he did not hear will give out their calls while all the others are happy. If he got a call sign incorrect, he just needs to write down the correction when he hears it and then acknowledge it on the next go around. After a minute, someone has the stations break and he again the dx station comes back and gives those that he has heard. Everyone that is on the satellite should have the opportunity to get their contact as the big fish will get plucked first and the weaker stations as you go on. This also means they all don't have to say, 'thanks for the contact.' Ten people saying, 'thanks for the contact, have fun' will wind up wasting a minute or two which further limits others from making a contact. It basically involves someone being a 'monitor or pilot' for the dx op because they don't have the power to get through and do it themselves. It can be anyone on that pass that just has to say after a minute or so, 'hang on guys let's see who he has heard.' In no more than 5 minutes he should have about 30 contacts, if there were that many on the pass. The training that the new dx op receives is great because it gets them on the air. However, with an FM transponder, you have to do things a bit differently to maximize your efforts. If we had some type of procedure, then everyone that tries to get the dx station on all dxpeditions would know when someone says see who he has heard, they would pause and give him a break to give his list. It will work very smoothly once everyone understands how to do it. Even those that do not subscribe to amsat-bb will know when someone says, 'stop transmitting, see who he has heard' will understand what that means. As the AO-51 command team setup the second transponder for the dxpedition's use, those that are not into hunting dx/grids can remain on the primary transponder. 73...bruce On 2/24/2009 7:31 AM, Bob Bruninga wrote: > The situation on AO-51 is called the "tragedy of the commons" and is aspredictable as day and night and an inescapable result of human nature. See > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons > > No amount of grousing and complaining, and high minded condemnation of others is going to change that. What we need to do is not try to change human nature (my wife has been trying to do that her entire life with little to show for it), but either live with it and take advantage of it, orchange the paradigm. > > I have been recommending for years that we solve it like we do any amateur radio net. That is, operate with volunteer net control operators that take checkins by region or other discriminant for the duration of the pass. On each exchange, he announces the next narrow selection and takes checkins. Ever mindful of the satellite location on the map. > > Examples from a pass from Sandiego to Maine: > "This is N6XXX taking checkins from K6's in SOCAL" > "Now W6's... Now A6's.... Now N6's. > "This is N6XXX taking checkins from HT's in SOCAL > "now W0's... now K0's, now ... > "Handing over to Net Control in the Central States... > and so forth. > > How do you define Net Control? Easy. the first guy with the most powerand stamina. > > Can you think of problems, sure! There are all kinds of complaints and issues and why-not-me, and how-could you limit my rights... etc... that we will hear, but operating as a net has always been the method in radio to gain some semblance of order, and we should be proud of our tradition in that regard. > > What about contesting and points, and scores, etc? That is easy. We define a contact as a 2 way between every person that got his full call and grid or location through. After all, that is what a net control does, facilitate the many-way exchange of information between all users. > > If net control hears of a DEMO, or DX station or special event, or emergency traffic, or island expedition, he can then give that station the attention it needs. > > Anyway, this method cannot be worse than what we have now (which is a free-for-all which is setup to fail as the tragedy of the commons). We operated PCSAT2 FM voice repeater sometimes with a net control and it was nice and orderly and fun. > > Anyway, there is the solution. Either try it, or keep complaining forever... > > 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 > > -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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ao-51
by Steve Howard AB0XE 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Good morning all I like reading the amsat-bb everyday. I have learned alot by doing so. I am a newbie to the satellites, only starting around Christmas time. Yes AO-51 and ISS can get crowded, much like a contest station. When it does get like that I usually don't try to transmit. Instead I listen and practice copying down all those fast calls and grids. I consider Ham Radio to also be a listening hobby not just a transmitting hobby. What I have done is look at what passes will work the best for me. In my case its the early morning passes before work, the ones that come down over Canada. I tend to do alot of listening on the evening passes no matter how crowded it gets. The fact that I can hear XE2PHH or XE2MWY or Patrick portable in Mexico off of a satellite and I am sitting in a basement in Minnesota is still pretty exciting to this old man. Yes, even I know who the K3 station is on AO-07. But he took the time to work me when I was running only an elk antenna and a none duplex radio that was off frequency. He also took the time to send me an e-mail to encourage me to work the satellites. In fact it was my very first satellite contact and I had little idea of what to do So from this newbies point of view the good parts of satellite radio by far out weigh any negative parts of satellite radio 73 Steve Howard AB0XE

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Trying a Handheld for the First Time
by Kent Frazier 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

Hello everyone, I am going to try using my handheld for the first time today (February 24, 2009) during the 2200UTC SO-50 pass over DM91. Since my radio is 2m only I'll be listening to the downlink on my mobile rig. I have no idea if or how this is going to work. If anyone is able to make a recording of me during this pass it would be really appreciated if they would email a copy to me. I'll be trying again on the following passes, all SO-50: February 25, 2009 20:47 and 22:27 UTC February 26, 2009 21:15 UTC February 27, 2009 20:06 and 21:45 UTC (Depending on what plans my daughter has) February 28, 2009 2033 UTC Thanks, 73, Kent K5KNT ARRL AMSAT #36765 Sent from: San Angelo Texas United States.

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Needless discussions re AO51
by Dave Guimont 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

This is NOT a criticism of AO51. Use it, such as it is, and enjoy it, but try the following: I was on FO29 with my friend, Leo, W7JPL, in AZ, and we had a nice 10 minute conversation, 100% readability on FO29. Much as we have been doing for over 25 years on FO29, and most of the other LEO'S and HEO'S. I spent the other 10 minutes of a 20 minute pass searching the pass band for other stations. And using minimal antennas.... Most of NW Mexico was visible, western half of the US and Canada, all of Alaska, and the NE portion of Russia, and there was NO ONE ELSE IN THE PASSBAND!! The downlink of FO29 goes from 435.800 to 435.900, with a corresponding reversed uplink on 2 meters, 146.00 to 145.900. Room for dozens of ssb and or cw contacts. I've instructed 14-18 year old hams in San Diego, and plus a copy of Marty Davidoff's RADIO AMATEUR'S SATELLITE MANUAL they operated easily....The manual is available from ARRL.. Try the manual, and if you have questions, I will gladly answer them, or tell you where to get the answer.. 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Fw: AO-51 2/23/09 7:09PM Local
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Feb '09

24 Feb '09

----- Original Message ----- From: "KP1-5 Project/Desecheo 2009" <kp1-5project(a)att.net> To: "'Andrew Glasbrenner'" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 8:50 PM Subject: AO-51 2/23/09 7:09PM Local > XE3ISS > N4AC > NZ5NZ > VE3VC > N4HUF > N3TL > KC8NZJ > WA4NVM > WA4SCA > K3VN > N1RCN > > We heard many other callsign we could have gotten to but couldn't get into > the repeater. It's fun. >

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K5D an embarrassment
by Jim Danehy 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

I no longer read the AMSAT bulletin board. I have intentionally not operated the satellites for several months. I have some local friends who still do read AMSAT BB and attempt to operate the satellites. They forwarded to me W4AS and WD9EWK's emails concerning the (quite predictable) debacle with K5D. My two local friends who continue to read AMSAT BB and operate AO 51 are very disgusted with the operating on AO 51. It got to the point with me that any attempts to show leadership by example or the written word received a substantial amount of push back. So I put my ham radio operating in a different mode. I have been a licensed amateur since October 1952 and I have worked every DX entity except North Korea. My total on the ARRL DXCC Honor Roll is 364 entities. I only cite my background in order to show some sense of credibility and knowledge. I worked the satellites back in circa 1974 ( Oscar 6 ) when it took some technical savvy to adjust for the Doppler effect. It was fun and working some DX was a thrill that still lingers. Upon my recent retirement I decided to equip my station with a satellite setup. I have a substantial amount of money invested ( $3500 ) in antennas and transceiver. I can work just about anything that I can hear. Since August 2008 until December I made more than 800 QSOs in 200 grids and 15 countries. I met a lot of fine people who gave me good advice. Unfortunately the operation of AO 51 is a large embarrassment. I have never in 56 years of operating ever seen demonstrated such poor operating procedures. I am not writing this note to trash AMSAT. I could continue to operate, experiment and enjoy HF and VHF radio and ignore the Satellite operation. However, I have always thought when you see something that is terribly wrong you have an obligation for the ( Ham and AMSAT ) community to speak out. That is the spirit in which I write. Operating an FM repeater on a satellite is asking for trouble. To attempt to work DX on an FM repeater is a guarantee for trouble. Some operators have very little operating experience of any kind. They take the lead of others they hear operating. I read the AMSAT Journal in a matter of minutes and never look at it again. The articles remind me of an IEEE Journal. Most ( not all ) of the authors are not currently active on the satellites based upon my constant use of the birds for four months. Very little is written about how to operate. There is a need for such articles. Sebastian, W4AS is correct in stating that there are a substantial number of users who never read or are even aware of the AMSAT BB. Fewer yet are AMSAT members who get the Journal. If you think that AO 51 represents the normal operating ability of the average ham you are dreaming. AO 51 represents the VERY WORST operating I have every witnessed. It is an embarrassment. I could list dozens of examples but that would be a waste of time. AO 51 is not the only satellite. I had to give up on AO 7 because of a K3 station who continues to use high power and trashes the transponder for others who would like to use it. I have had numerous people write me about that station. You can copy him in 5 or 6 spots when he transmits. That is an embarrassment too. Yet nobody speaks out. It reminds me of the fable about the Emperor and his new clothes. I have heard some licensed operators turn the microphone over to their kid who then CQs after CQs. . . .I list that of the many infractions because it is easy to cure. Tell the operator to take the microphone back. The satellites with transponders go relatively unused. Why ? If you do not know the answer then you do not understand the question. To those that continue to use and hopefully enjoy AO 51 jump in and speak out when you see somebody doing something that is not helpful to the satellite community. I think Sebastian did. I know that Patrick also has his heart in the right place. I recently travelled to the Turks & Caicos Islands for a vacation and some radio operating. I got to use a rare prefix VQ5 rather than VP5. A couple of my local friends asked if I was going to operate the satellites. I just looked at them and smiled. They did too. I worked HF and it was enjoyable. 73 Jim W9VNE

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K5D from CM98kx?
by Greg D. 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Hi folks, Does anyone know if either of the sats being used by K5D have a mutual window with CM98kx (that would be me)? I just realized that none of my software knows how to compute this, and all of the passes I've looked at don't appear to cover us both. If there is a pass, it seems like it would be vanishingly low on the south eastern horizon. Thanks, Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®…more than just e-mail. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_hm_justgotbetter_how…

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Talking to the Fish
by Robert Smith 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Aloha All Almost unimaginable, but true; most passes of AO-51 over Hawaii are "silent." The two of us whom are the most frequent AO-51 users call it "talking to the fish," i.e., no respondents. Luckily, low passes to the east often generate a gratifying west coast contact; overhead passes though are locals only. My first "session" on the mainland was indeed intimidating! When AO-51 came over the horizon, it was not so much quieting as here in Hawaii but rather scores of voices often so intense that for moments at a time the frequency would actually be nulled. QSO's were fast paced and required careful listening. It was an adrenaline rush! Although I am still a "newbie" or sorts, I have worked AO-51 on the mainland a half a dozen times now. Things have not changed. I am always rewarded with numerous contacts, albeit short QSOs, with friendly, professional hams. In fact, I have not had a "bad experience," while working AO-51 on the mainland. I am sure there are incidents but I agree with some previous commentators that seemingly poor operating procedure typically comes from lack of experience, lack of information, lack of good equipment (esp. downlink) or a combination of the above. I do not believe during my short history on AO-51 that I have heard anything or anyone that I would consider to be blatantly malicious. As aforementioned in previous submittals, I believe education is the answer. Yes, AO-51 is busy (on the mainland). During my early phase of satellite life, I almost gave up because I was just talking to the fish!! Fortunately, wh6bie appeared one day. With no disrespect to Kyle however, I do look forward to hearing again, the voices of the literally hundreds of hams I have had to the pleasure of talking to during my mainland visits. Much more gratifying than talking to the fish!! Respectfully robert, NH7WN Honolulu, HI

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(no subject)
by Howard Kowall 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Hope I have this working now. Once again sorry for all this Howard VE4ISP

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Re: K5D an embarrassment
by Bill Dzurilla 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Jim, I agree with your premises, but your solution (ceasing to operate via satellite) is not the one I would choose. Yes, there is a lot of bad operating on AO-51 and other FM birds. Yes, a flying repeater is not the ideal way to put ham radio into space (I don't go as far back as you, but I remember AO-10 with fondness). Yes, a massive mess is predictable when DX like K5D is on the air. Not that two wrongs make a right, but the K5D situation on HF is not all that much better. People screaming at each other on the air and on the clusters, intentional QRM, calls from fake stations pretending to be K5D, EU and USA stations arguing over where K5D should be listening, etc. I took an HT with me on a 2008 DXpedition to Swan Island (HQ8R) and was quite pleased overall with the decorum. I was particularly happy to receive several nice emails from folks who thanked me for their first DX contact ever on ham radio. In my view, the FM sats are an easy intro to this aspect of ham radio. Those who find it interesting and get into the sats will hopefully move up to the linear birds and create momentum for more of these. Those who don't will go away, hopefully without causing too much QRM. As with any type of beginner or introductory mode, we can't expect perfect operators (and boy, did I make a few dumb mistakes during my year as a novice). You ask why the transponder sats go relatively unused. I think it is largely because of the expense. I've wondered for a long time why there is such a huge price differential between FM only and all-mode rigs. About the cheapest way to get on the transponder sats is to buy a pair of used FT-817s plus a rotatable antenna (I know that Patrick has worked them with an Arrow, but that it is easier said than done). You can put up a respectable HF station for a lower price. Not everyone has that kind of money to spend for a set-up that allows you to operate for only a couple of passes each day. So I'm sorry that the poor operators on the FM birds have driven you away, but I think I'll stick it out for a bit longer. I agree with you about the need for more teaching and for easier-to read articles about sat operations, and hopefully someday you will join us again on the birds and on this BB. 73, Bill NZ5N

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Fw: 2/22/2009 AO-51 609PM Local Pass
by Andrew Glasbrenner 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

----- Original Message ----- From: "KP1-5 Project/Desecheo 2009" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 5:39 PM Subject: 2/22/2009 AO-51 609PM Local Pass > Drew, > Here they are: > > YV6EVC > WP4CNU > W4AS > N4QWZ >WB2OQQ > KC9ELU > VE3VC > N2BX > > We heard lots of others but people were looking for 2nd and 3rd > confirmations > and cost other a Q. That too bad. We are having fun. I'm still trying to digest the extreme poor operating I heard on the last pass. If it continues we may switch the 2nd repeater off before the end of the DXpedition rather than to allow the behavior to continue. 73, Drew KO4MA

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(no subject)
by Howard Kowall 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Sorry to post this But I am having trouble sending messages to amsat bb this is just a test to see if messages arrive to amsat bb sorry for any inconvenience Howard VE4ISP

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K5D on ISS?
by Alan P. Biddle 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Anybody with the magic sat phone number know if they will be trying the ISS repeater, which is reported active? There are some good to excellent passes in the next few days. Alan WA4SCA ----------------------------------- "Are you of the Body? May you know the Peace of Landru!" The Return of the Archons

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Yes, again, my call was XE2/WD9EWK...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 23 Feb '09

23 Feb '09

Hi! I had another good day in Mexicali today, before returning home to Phoenix tomorrow. I didn't get up early, and missed the morning AO-51 passes. I didn't take my FT-817NDs and related gear to work FO-29 and VO-52 with me, so I was on the two FM birds and one pass of the ISS cross-band repeater from the late morning through the evening. A good day, adding 44 QSOs on 6 different passes (1 ISS, 2 SO-50, 3 AO-51) before returning to California for the night. I was accompanied by Alex XE2BSS/N2IX - a good friend, and for today the driver as we went around Mexicali. I started with the ISS pass around 1050 local time (1850 UTC). Unfortunately, I didn't get set up in time, so I missed the first half of the pass. I was able to work 4 stations in a couple of minutes on the last half, so it wasn't a complete bust. After lunch and some shopping, I went over to the state university ("UABC", Autonomous University of Baja California - where Alex worked for many years when I first met him) campus and parked near a big parking lot for the first of the two SO-50 passes around 2237 UTC. Nine QSOs in a span of 7 minutes. I don't know if it's the K5D guys being on FM satellites or maybe some are looking for me to pop up on the birds while on this trip, but it has been nice to see more activity on SO-50 passes over the past few days. After that pass, and a stop at Starbucks near the UABC campus (yes, they do exist in Mexico - Mexicali has 3 so far), it was off to the "Ciudad Deportiva" sports complex where I worked a couple of passes on Thursday afternoon. This is where I worked the remaining passes - one on SO-50, plus 3 AO-51 passes. I had planned to only work two AO-51 passes, but there was a third pass at 2350-0000 UTC I decided to try. With maximum elevation of only 6 degrees for this pass from Mexicali, I figured I might get a couple of minutes where I could even hear the satellite. Surprise! I could hear it for about 7 of the 10 minutes, and made 7 QSOs in the 2357-2359 UTC window. A few minutes later, SO-50 went by - 7 more QSOs in the log. I've been using an Elk Antennas dual-band log periodic as my satellite antenna over the past few weeks, and it has worked very well. Especially on lower passes, or at the start or end of a pass when the satellite is very close to the horizon - times I would have difficulty hearing the satellite with my Arrow Antennas dual-band Yagi, if I could even hear anything at all unless the satellite was up higher. During this time, I had been going around Mexicali with Alex XE2BSS/N2IX. We were joined by David XE2DAK in the mid- afternoon, and we all decided to stay at the sports complex to chat while waiting for the best pass of the evening on AO-51 - up to over 65 degrees elevation and to the east around 0127 UTC. This was fun to work. An orderly pass, and 15 QSOs went in the log. By now the sun was setting, David had to go home, but Alex and I decided to stick around to try the last AO-51 pass we had for the evening - a 9-degree pass at 0308-0319 UTC. For this pass, Alex and I went up to the top row of bleachers overlooking a soccer field. Although the height of the bleachers helped with overcoming some trees to the west of the parking lot at the sports complex, it brought me in clearer view of one of Mexicali's TV transmitter towers (the same transmitters that were causing havoc on SO-50 passes Thursday). I was only able to make 2 QSOs near the end of the pass, when I was pointing away from the TV transmitter. I even tried the 145.880/435.150 repeater to see if that made any difference with the local QRM. That didn't help much. At least I was able to log some QSOs on that pass, instead of noting an unsuccessful attempt to work the satellite around that time. With that late AO-51 pass, that wrapped up my XE2/WD9EWK radio operating for this weekend. Between the hamfest, visits to Mexicali on two days (Thursday and today) plus Wednesday evening after I arrrived, and the after-hamfest quickie road trip to the DM22/DM32 grid boundary on Friday evening, it has been fun. I'll post more information, and probably a link to a web page with more photos besides those already referenced in earlier messages, once I return to Phoenix tomorrow. Sorry if I was not able to work you while I was out here in DM22-land, and especially if I wasn't able to get you in the log while across the border. Provided the security situation where I might go in Mexico is good, there will be more opportunities in the near future to hear me on the birds as XE2/WD9EWK. I'm also hoping for more sunspot activity, so I can have a good reason to try HF while on trips like this (either with my FT-817NDs, or with an IC-703 - but not mobile HF). Thanks again to Alex XE2BSS/N2IX for hanging around with me all day today while I played radio from Mexicali. It was also nice to see David XE2DAK, who is the secretary of the local Red Digital del Noroeste radio club I visited on Thursday evening. And thanks to all the stations that either worked me today and over the past few days, along with those who tried but were unsuccessful. Even when it was tough to get through on some passes, it has been fun to get on from out this area. I'm sure I will find my way back here in the not-too-distant future... Good night, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK (also XE2/WD9EWK) - Calexico, California http://www.wd9ewk.net/ P.S.: Yes, I am aware that these e-mails I've sent out during my trip might be a good start for an AMSAT Journal article. I have a ton of photos, audio recordings from the passes I worked, and even some video clips from the past few days.

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K5D "in the log" calls
by Andrew Glasbrenner 22 Feb '09

22 Feb '09

These are the calls that have been indicated to me as "in the log". There may be more since these. If you are on this list, please don't try to work them again. I've already heard complaints about two stations that have done exactly this, and it's not very sportsmen-like. Congratulations to these stations, and let's try to work together to make this list much larger. 73, Drew KO4MA XE1MEX HP2IY K8YSE N5UXT WA1BXC WB4WBAH (busted due to bad handwriting, if this is you, email KO4MA) K8YXS KB2M N1RCN KC9MLN KC9MON N8DZM KI4TZ XE2AT K5QXJ K3SZH WS2E N3NUM KO4MA WP4CNU N5ZNL VE3NPC

2 1

SEEDS-II: FSK or CW ??
by Henk, PA3GUO 22 Feb '09

22 Feb '09

I listened to SEEDS-II this evening (20:50utc) Strong FM signal. No CW. But when I switched to FSK on my TS2000 I could hear the CW, again; in FSK mode. Any thoughts ? Henk, PA3GUO

1 1

9k6 modulation query
by andy thomas 22 Feb '09

22 Feb '09

Hi I have a SYMEK 9k6 TNC2H which works fine on normal sat trx but does anyone know if it can handle FFSK and/or GMSK in 9k2 and ax25 format? If not, what is the hard- or soft- ware solution for up and down linking at 9k6 with these modulations? grateful for any pointers. many thanks 73 de andy G0SFJ

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Another Station and Grid to look for
by Rick - WA4NVM 22 Feb '09

22 Feb '09

Morning All, Dave, VP5/W2VV - FL31 was on A0-51 (upper pair of freq.) at 1107 utc. today. For those of us that might not get to work K5D, this is a nice consolation prize. 73 from Memphis, Rick - WA4NVM #1339

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WD9EWK on Saturday @ Yuma hamfest, DM22 only...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Hi! The second day at the Yuma (Arizona) Hamfest was a very good day. More people were passing through the exhibit hall and visiting the AMSAT table along with the other tables and booths. Throughout the day, my satellite and ISS demonstrations were generally well attended. The hamfest officially opened at 8.00am local time (1500 UTC), and as the hamfest started I was already working an AO-51 pass. Then a large crowd followed me outside for a VO-52 pass around 1720 UTC. Thanks to KG7EZ, AA5PK, and W7JPI for following me around the downlink for our quick contacts. There was a scheduled ISS contact around 1820 UTC, through a ground station in California. I was outside the exhibit hall for that, picking up the signals around 1823-1824 UTC and hearing the remainder of the contact from that point. I was only using an IC-Z1 HT and my Elk Antennas 2m/70cm log periodic, with a loudspeaker plugged into the HT, which was more than enough to let the crowd hear Mike Fincke's side of the QSO. The ISS came by again around 2000 UTC, and the cross-band repeater was on. More QSOs then, as well as two SO-50 passes and an AO-51 pass around 0030 UTC to wrap up my demonstrations and the hamfest. At 0100 UTC, there was a barbecue dinner - very good food! During the day today, I had two other hams who helped cover the AMSAT table when I went outside for the demonstrations. Thank you Alex XE2BSS/N2IX and David XE2DAK from the Red Digital del Noroeste radio club in nearby Mexicali. This is the club that I gave an impromptu presentation for on Thursday evening, recently formed and awaiting the issuance of its Mexican club callsign. Along with Alex and David, two other members from the club came out to the hamfest to visit the AMSAT table and see the other stuff at the hamfest - Antonio XE2SIV and Eliseo XE2TPJ. There were lots of hams stopping by, many of them "snowbirds" from the colder parts of the USA and Canada that live in and around Yuma during the wintertime. Alex XE2BSS/N2IX has posted another web page with photos taken today at the Yuma Hamfest: http://www.xe2bss.org/yumahamfest.html Again, this is a "work in progress" as he goes through the photos he took along with other photos. The text on the page is in Spanish, so Babelfish or Google's web-page translation service can be your "friend" if you need it translated to English or some other language. In all, WD9EWK was on 6 different passes Saturday from grid DM22qq - 2 AO-51 passes using the normal 145.920/435.300 MHz V/U transponder, 2 SO-50 passes, and one pass each for VO-52 and the ISS cross-band repeater - along with hearing the ISS school QSO. I logged 43 more QSOs today, for a total of 61 QSOs at the hamfest. As of tonight, I have logged 152 QSOs from grids DM22 and DM32 in Arizona, California, and Baja California since I left Phoenix on Wednesday. So far, a fun trip - with one more full day to go before heading home. More activity is planned from somewhere on the FM birds and *maybe* VO-52/FO-29, probably still in DM22, on Sunday. A special thank-you needs to go to Richard KC2LGR and the Yuma Amateur Radio Hamfest Organization. I was approached last summer by members of this group, asking if I could bring an AMSAT table to this hamfest. Richard and the group allowed me to set up a table, display AMSAT information and merchandise, and were very helpful for whatever I needed over the two days. The location in Yuma - near a freeway and within 3 to 4 hours' driving for many hams in Arizona, California, as well as northwestern Mexico - could help things improve in the coming years. I had good crowds for most of the demonstrations, even on Friday. And did I mention the great food at the barbecue this evening? :-) This was a good hamfest, put on by a lot of hard-working people in the ham community in and around Yuma, and I hope to return in 2010. Good night, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Calexico, California http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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IC-821 HELP
by ab0xe 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Hello I am running an IC-821 with Satpc32 software Occasionally when I am using 2 meters as the uplink the radio will jump down exactly 400k cycles on the transmit The software shows the correct freq, but the radio is off by minus 400K To prevent this I usually have to turn the CAT off and use the radio manually to track the freq. It certainly is not the end of the world to do this, but I sure would appreciate any advice that would allow me to keep the CAT connected. Thanks from cold and snowy MN Steve Howard AB0XE

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Re: Fw: Re: VO 52 Certificate
by Nitin 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

All, AMSAT India has received 20 submissions till date and the certificates will go for printing and dispatch after we hit 50 numbers. More informtion can be found at the AMSAT India February newsletter at www.amsatindia.org/Newsletter 73's Nitin [VU3TYG] www.amsatindia.org > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Alan Sieg WB5RMG" <wb5rmg(a)somenet.net> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 7:24 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VO 52 Certificate > > > > MM3YCG said : > > > >> Hi all, Does anyone know or have they heard any more regarding the > >> special certificate being issued by AMSAT India for having a QSO on > >> the VO 52 satellite as was mentioned In a previous posting on this > >> digest as I am unable to find any Information regarding this anywhere ?? > > > > Callum, > > I am about to send some cards, but haven't heard anything further. > > Here is the original AMSAT Bulletin from ANS a few weeks back. > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.01 > > AMSAT India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate > > > > AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.01 > >>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. > > February 8, 2009 > > To All RADIO AMATEURS > > BID: $ANS-039.01 > > > > 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] > > > > /EX > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > > > I have only indoor antennas currently, but work VO-52 fairly reliably. > > (Not enough muscle to get thru on the orbiting repeaters...) > > > > There was also a report recently about the upcoming launch of ANUSAT. > > http://www.spacemart.com/reports/ISRO_To_Launch_A_Breakthrough_Satellite_99… > > I haven't seen any details, but mention was made of store and forward... > > Perhaps it will perform as an APRS digipeater as well as a BBS. > > That might be useful I would think. > > 73 for now /;^) > > -- > > <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 -> > > <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net -> > > <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' -> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 > 15:36:00 > > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 15:36:00 > ________________________________________________

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ANS-053 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by JoAnne Maenpaa 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-053 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: * Satellite News From AMSAT-India * AMSAT Awards * KiwiSAT News from New Zealand * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 16, 2009 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.01 Satellite News From AMSAT-India AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 22, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-053.01 AMSAT-India Project Manager for the U/V HAMSAT-II Linear Transponder project, Prathap Kumar, VU2POP provided technical details of this new Amateur Radio transponder in the February, 2009 issue of the AMSAT- India Newsletter: Type: Linear (Mode B) Transponder Uplink: 434-438 MHz PLL controlled 50 KHz steps. Downlink: 144-146 MHz PLL controlled 25 KHz steps. IF: 21.4 MHz RF Power: 1-3 Watts PEP. Bandwidth: 50 KHz Communication: CW/SSB/FM Dimensions: 165mm x 115mm x 30mm Power supply: 12V @400mA, 20V@50mA for PA Photos and other news in the AMSAT-India Newsletter can be found on-line at: http://www.amsatindia.org/Newsletter In other amateur satellite news from India word has been received that Anna University in Chennai, India is working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop a micro-satellite named ANUSAT. This satellite will be a cube 600mm on each side. The Amateur Radio payload is planned to include a digital store and forward mode with a VHF uplink and UHF down link operating in the amateur frequency bands. Telemetry downlink from the primary scientific payloads is planned to be transmitted around 137 MHz using PCM/FSK/AM at 256 bits/sec. Additional information can be found on-line at: http://beswaminathan.googlepages.com/anusat - and - http://beswaminathan.googlepages.com/Anusat.pdf Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL along with Ralph Wallio, W0RPK provided information of the next ISRO launch which will carry Amateur Radio satellites: Launch : 25Apr2009 (Maybe postponed) Vehicle: PSLV C12 Site : ISRO Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota India Main Payload: Oceansat-2 Satellite Country Downlink Mode ----------- ----------- -------- ------------------ BeeSat Germany 436.000 GMSK 9600/4800bps UWE-2 Germany 437.385 CW, AFSK ITU-pSat Turkey 437.325 CW, High speed TLM SwissCube-1 Switzerland 437.505 CW, AFSK 1200bps Additional information can be found at: http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/CubeSat.htm http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/finished.asp?order=sat [ANS thanks AMSAT-India, Mineo JE9PEL, and Ralph W0RPK for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.02 AMSAT Awards AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 22, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-053.02 AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce KK5DO reported the past few weeks have been real busy for AMSAT Awards. We have a lot of new satellite operators to welcome to the hobby. These have made their first satellite contact and are now members of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club: + John Hengel, W0JPH + Andrew Schmidt, N2FTR + Tom Deeble, KA6SIP + Robert Warshel, KG6MGE + Harry Strahlendorf, KC2OJN + Bruce Pendleton, KD8DQ + Rodney Waln, KC0ZHF The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement Award: + Peter Nintzel, KB9ZLK #480 + Douglas Anoman, KC9MLN #481 + Gary Lockhart, AB3ID #482 The following have earned the AMSAT South Africa Satellite Communications Achievement Award: + Douglas Anoman, KC9MLN #US130 The following have upgraded their AMSAT W4AMI Satellitie Communication Achievement Award: + Wilse Morgan, WX7P from 1,000 to 2,000 + Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK from 3,000 to 4,000 Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK earned the AMSAT W4AMI 5,000 Satellite Communication Achievement Award #21. To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org. [ANS thanks Bruce, KK5DO for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.03 KiwiSAT News from New Zealand AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 22, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-053.03 The KiwiSAT linear flight transponder is now "on air" in New Zealand from the Whangaparaoa area with beam antennas pointing South. It features: Transponder: Inverting type (Orbital Doppler shift compensation) Transmit Power: 2 Watts PEP. Beacon frequency: 145.885 MHz Uplink: 435.265 to 435.235 MHZ LSB Down link: 145.850 to 145.880 MHz USB The team says they are currently looking to ISC Kosmatras for a DNEPR launch in mid to late 2009. Full details can found on-line at: http://www.kiwisat.org.nz/index.html [ANS thanks the KiwiSAT team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.04 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 22, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-053.04 + From Japan Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL reports that PRISM satellite team at Tokyo University have seen first light with the Wide Angle Camera. Data from this first test will be used to calibrate the camera and future photos are expected to be less overexposed. This picture was taken when the PRISM satellite was over Hokkaido, Japan. The first photograph can be at: http://tinyurl.com/ag7way + A video re-creation of the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 Collision can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/ap3ydx (UniverseToday.com) + Winter is turning to spring in Mars' southern hemisphere. Photos taken by the HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/bwu4wv. An entertaining video named "Springtime on Mars 2020" is on-line at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjiGH9QNiU0 (via UniverseToday.com) + The second repeater aboard AO-51 (Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM /Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM) remains ready for use by the K5D Desecheo Island 2009 DXpedition when the satellite is within range of the island (near Puerto Rico). When AO-51 is not within range of Desecheo Island this repeater is open for general use following the QRP guidelines. The transmitter power on both repeaters is ~800 mW. If you use circular polarization on the UHF downlink 435.150 is LHCP, and 435.300 is RHCP. Watch the blog at http://www.kp5.us/ for hints at satellite operation and other operating plans. + Registration is now open for the 35th Eastern VHF/UHF Conference on on April 17-19, 2009 in Enfield, Ct. Papers for the Proceedings are due March 10, 2009. More info at: http://www.newsvhf.com/vhfconf.html [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.05 ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 16, 2009 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.05 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 22, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-053.05 1. School Contacts An ARISS contact was completed with South Park Elementary Center in South Park, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, February 17 via telebridge station K6DUE in Maryland. Students participated in a contest to determine which questions will be asked of astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. They learned about astronauts, shuttles and NASA and created posters or wrote essays (depending on grade level) about space related topics. Salluit Schools in Salluit, Quebec, Canada completed an ARISS contact on Thursday, February 19 via telebridge station W6SRJ in California. Approximately 400 students from Kindergarten through Secondary are enrolled in the schools located in a remote North-West Quebec Inuit community. Teachers have included space related topics in their curri- culum. All students have created artwork for the event and have sub- mitted questions to ask the astronaut. During morning announcements, a "cool space fact of the day" has been announced daily. An ARISS contact with Erie Planetarium in Erie, Pennsylvania took place on Saturday, February 21 via telebridge station W6SRJ in California. The Planetarium offers astronomy programs, interactive stations and science experiments throughout the year. 2. Italian Students Contact ISS On Tuesday, February 10, students from Istituto Comprensivo Pietra- santa1-Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado "Padre Eugenio Barsanti" partici- pated in a successful ARISS contact. Students posed 12 questions to Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, in front of an audience of 350. Contact video was streamed live on the Web and was seen in 14 countries and in more than 36 different towns around the world. Local television stations and newspapers covered the event. Video of the contact has been posted to the OndaForte TV Web site. See: http://www.ondaforte.tv/eventi/ariss_school_contact/index.php 3. Greek Contact Successful On Wednesday, February 11, an ARISS contact took place with students from Alexandroupolis School of Special Education and 11th Alexandrou- polis Primary School in Greece. Students asked 20 questions of Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE, in front of an audience of approximately 200. Another 700 students from four schools listened to the contact in the garden. A representative of the Greek Minister of Telecommunications and the Director of Education of Evros also attended. Three television stations, two radio stations and newspapers covered the event. 4. ARISS Presentation at MACUL Conference The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) will host its 33rd annual conference in Detroit, Michigan on March 18-20. MACUL aims to bring educators together to share knowledge about edu- cational uses of computers and technology. ARISS member Steve Michalski, KB9UPS, will participate in the conference and give a talk on the ARISS program, showing clips of the Martin Luther King Academy (Mount Clemens, Michigan) ARISS contact which took place in September 2007. The MACUL conference draws 3,000 educators annually. 5. Photos of German Contact Posted Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany participated in an ARISS contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, on Saturday, February 7. Photos of the contact have been posted on the Web. See: http://picasaweb.google.de/Rueliman/ARISSContact?feat=directlink# 6. ARRL QST Covers ARISS News The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) published two ARISS news items in its March 2009 issue of QST. Under "Media Hits" (page 12) is an item on the Ohio Department of Edu- cation Web story about the September 2008 ARISS contact with students at the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County in Toledo. Also listed is the Ann Arbor Chronicle article about the Ann Arbor, Michigan Hands On Museum contact. The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000. 7. ARISS Member Dieter Schliemann Dies ARISS team member Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y, passed away on Monday, February 9. Dieter had been responsible for coordinating and expanding the educational outreach of ARISS through the use of Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) with Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) and EchoLink. As his health deteriorated, Dieter continued his support, making sure that others would carry on in his absence. He will be sorely missed. Dieter was a member of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). ARRL posted an article on his contributions: https://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/02/12/10647/?nc=1 [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. And, with that keep in mind that you know you are getting older if you and your teeth don't sleep together. 73, This week's ANS Editor, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM K9JKM at amsat dot org

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Re: ISS Igates?
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

WB4APR said: > What happened to the West Coast ISS Igates? I think it is not just the west coast Bob... The last opportunity I had to listen (while ISS was in APRS mode), it seems like I only heard a few packets downlink, but they weren't appearing in the APRS-IS. I only copied one or two beacons, neither was mine. I couldn't tell if it was my station, the ISS digi, or just that the Igates of the southeast US were all asleep... Checking the map tonite tho, I see that the most recent activity was a few days back. I'm afraid that with the irregularity of the schedule, some are finding it difficult to dedicate the resources to that frequency 24x7 ... I hope to have mine back on the air soon, I hope there will be enough in the schedule to keep it on freq. /;^) -- <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 -> <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net -> <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->

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Re: VO 52 Certificate
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

MM3YCG said : > Hi all, Does anyone know or have they heard any more regarding the > special certificate being issued by AMSAT India for having a QSO on > the VO 52 satellite as was mentioned In a previous posting on this > digest as I am unable to find any Information regarding this anywhere ?? Callum, I am about to send some cards, but haven't heard anything further. Here is the original AMSAT Bulletin from ANS a few weeks back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.01 AMSAT India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 8, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-039.01 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] /EX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have only indoor antennas currently, but work VO-52 fairly reliably. (Not enough muscle to get thru on the orbiting repeaters...) There was also a report recently about the upcoming launch of ANUSAT. http://www.spacemart.com/reports/ISRO_To_Launch_A_Breakthrough_Satellite_99… I haven't seen any details, but mention was made of store and forward... Perhaps it will perform as an APRS digipeater as well as a BBS. That might be useful I would think. 73 for now /;^) -- <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 -> <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net -> <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->

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More from K5D ops
by Andrew Glasbrenner 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Gentlemen, Please give these guys a chance to answer one call at a time. If you can't hear the downlink, don't transmit. All sixteen stations could have made the QSO with some cooperation. 73, Drew KO4MA > Drew, > > I tried ao51 this evening during a good pass. They guys on it just kept > keying up constantly and didn't give me a chance to get on. W4AS > mentioned > this on the air and they just kept sending their signals without giving me > a > chance to answer. I heard 16 different stations but only worked Wp4cnu, > n5znl, ve3npc. It was getting dark and about half way thru when I was > changing the downlink frequency I forgot to go back on transmit and > screwed > up the last 3 or4 min of the pass by not transmitting. I am going to try > to > make at least 1 contact per day but can't make every pass. Ao51 seems > much > better than so50 on my downlink but please put out the word to give the > callsign and have everyone wait about 5 seconds after they hear a callsign > for me for me to answer. Hopefully I will be able to be on for 1 or 2 > passes per day. >

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Can I cross-band my way to L-band BBS?
by Greg D. 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

This may be too crazy of an idea, so I should probably ask before I put too much effort into it... The only 9600 BPS packet capability that I have is with my Kenwood TH-D7A, but the BBS system on AO-51 is currently in mode LU, and now we hear that CO-65 will be doing the same. I have L-band capability in my Yaesu 736R. Would it be possible to link the two? AO-51's downlink is on 70cm; I'd need to use 2m as the link between the radios. D7 listens on 70cm, and transmits on 2m. (I believe the D7 can work split band on packet, right?) The 736 listens on 2m and transmits on 1268. Since the 736 can't do "cross band repeat", in the traditional sense, my thought is to use the satellite mode on the 736 and cross-connect the audio at the data in/out jack and use the VOX on 1268 to key the transmitter. I can think of two issues with doing this. First, is the VOX operation going to be quick enough to get the whole packet through? I'll probably need to extend the transmit delay to compensate; how long? Second, is the audio response going to be adequate going in and out of the Data jack? It's supposed to be right off the demodulator, without any audio shaping, but the rig is unmodified in this area and I thought the 736 didn't do 9600 very well out of the box. I've got the 736 hooked to the computer for Doppler tracking; at least that part should work. Oops, no, not quite; I'd need to modify the PC's Doppler control client so that the 2m side stays static. Not a big deal. So, is this worth trying? (I know, buying a "real" TNC would be a lot easier...) Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®…more than just e-mail. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_hm_justgotbetter_how…

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VO 52 Certificate
by Callum Graham 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Hi all, Does anyone know or have they heard any more regarding the special certificate being issued by AMSAT India for having a QSO on the VO 52 satellite as was mentioned In a previous posting on this digest as I am unable to find any Information regarding this anywhere ?? Cheers Callum MM3YCG

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Re: What a shame!
by Sean Cavanaugh 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Sebastian wrote: > While I certainly agree with the intent of the QRP transponder on > AO-51; you might want to consider the possibility that the station > calling CQ may not be aware of it. Not all the hams who work, or > attempt to work the satellites are active on this reflector, or even > read up on how to properly work a satellite. > > I always try to send an email to the person who can't hear anything, > and 9 times out of 10 I receive an email back thanking me for letting > them know they were heard, and asking me why they can't seem to hear > anything. It then translates into a bit of Elmering to get them to > put up either better antennas or just send them towards some of the > articles on the Amsat web page. > > A number of those hams are now active 'new' hams on the birds. If you > have his call, why not send them a nice email, saying they were heard, > and it's not proper etiquette to call CQ on an FM satellite > continuously; and point them to this reflector or the AMSAT web. > > Recently on this reflector there have been several posts about the > over abundance of activity, abuse and interference on AO-51; even one > that surprised the heck out of me from one of the AMSAT officers. > Seems to me that we might need another LEO or 2 to tied us over since > the loss of AO-27 and AO-16. While it seems that most of the posts > on here eventually go on a tangent towards the lack of a HEO, the use > of the LEOS are exponentially going up. Just my .02 worth. > > 73 de W4AS > Sebastian [resend, forgot to cc list] Hi Sebastian, Thanks for helping out with getting new people on the sats. I've only recently started working the FM LEO sats myself and have been enjoying it quite a lot. I tend to agree that a lot of the "bad" operating I've been hearing on the recent passes can be attributed to lack of knowledge on how to operate satellites. It seems that in the last couple of weeks the contention for AO-51 has gotten extremely high compared to what it was even earlier this month. Perhaps the K5D expedition has sparked interest in a few more new people to try using satellites, and this is a good thing IMO. I hope that more people take your example and try to help out the new people. The majority of hams don't want to be LIDS, they just need guidance. As for the HEO vs. LEO issue, I think that more LEO sats would be useful as well. I've never used a HEO, and while I would love to be able to, I also think that we should put our resources into things that will give the greatest return. LEO sats are cheaper and easier to get into orbit than HEO, no question. LEOs are also much more usable by those getting started, or in areas where there are restrictions on antenna arrays (both apply to me at the moment). I have been able to use AO-51 and SO-50 with a vertical for the uplink and a small PVC pipe and copper wire beam for the downlink. I don't think that setup would be very good for HEOs. I am not suggesting that the amateur satellite community should ignore HEO opportunities, but rather than LEOs seem to be a better use of resources at the moment, given the current state of things. Anyways, enough ranting. I'm off to work on getting things set up so I can start using my newly aquired FT-847 on the linear transponder birds. 73, Sean - VA5LF

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Fw: Contacts (K5D)
by Andrew Glasbrenner 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

An update from K5D... > Drew, > Here are the contacts so far: > > Yourself > KI4TZ > XE2AT > K5QXJ > K3SZH > WS2E > N3NUM > XE1MEX > > There is a good AO-51 this evening around 7pm we are going to try to make > it. The is also a pass around 4:30 but we got a supply boat today and we > are > bushed from the work. We will try to do some more over the next few days. > We > will be breaking camp on Tuesday, pack on Wednesday and helo all the stuff > on Thursday. 73, Drew KO4MA

2 1

Cute/CO-65 packet: anyone outside Japan ?
by Henk, PA3GUO 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Hi all ! Several times I tried digipaeting via CO65 (Cute-11), but so far never success. (23cm up, 70cm dwn / 9k6) ... still our Japanes friends seem very succesfull ! Whom of us has had success ? Please share the tricks ! Henk, PA3GUO Kenwood TS2000X 10W / 35 elements 23cm (works on AO51) preamp / 8 elements 70cm (can receive the CW beacon strong) PK96 TNC, UNPROTO CQ VIA JQ1YTC, HBAUD 9600 Automated doppler correction via HRD

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New UISS version 5.2.5
by nader omer 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

UISS Version 5.2.5: ------------- http://users.belgacom.net/hamradio/uissdownload.htm ·New: Text color of messages addressed to you can be defined ·New: In Connection Window: -Make/Edit/Delete Pre-defined Selection List: Select a pre-defined text-file from the selection list which can/may contain unlimited number of pre-defined text files. - Open files by default in the CSaves folder ·New: Open MHeard files (in "View MHeard details" and in right-click MHeard list) ·New: Open any log file (right-click Autolog label in the Monitor console and also found in Options-menu 'Autolog') ·New: Open any messages files in the Messenger ·Profiles selection shows date of creation, last accessed and last written time and dates ·The name of the last selected (or active) profile (if any) is shown in the File-menu and in Console Statistics (works after at least one profiled has been opened in v5.2.5) ·Rare occurrence of error nr 9 in LAN fixed ·And other minor changes 73's Guy ON6MU ............................... sourse http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UISS_ON6MU/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks Guy for the new upgrate UISS version Great work Guy pse joint UISS yahoo group and support UISS . 73 de Nader st2nh www.st2nh.com

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TS-790 430 low output
by William Liporace - WC2L 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Hi Folks, OK I have replaced D2 & D3. I am now getting about 2.5 watts output (Bird Slug and a dry dummy load good to 2 GHz). I am the process of downloading the service manual for the TS-790. Can some one give me a hint on what to look for. Not a lot of test gear, but any help would be great!! FYI, the 144 MHz and the 1.2 GHz portions seem OK. I am getting the specs out. or close to it. TNX Will WC2L

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(no subject)
by jrj13＠aol.com 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Jim Jennings Elcom Sales Jim_Jennings(a)elcomny.com Phone 585-385-1400 Cell 585-329-6546

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CO-65 GMSK 9k6 digipeat
by Mineo Wakita 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

CO-65 GMSK is now scheduled on every weekend over the world wide. Up 1267.600MHz / Down 437.475MHz http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ct17gmsk.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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K5D in the log!!!
by joe 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Got them on this morning's AO-51 pass. Heard him work a few guys, so they are active. 73, Joe KI4TZ

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What a shame!
by John Price 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

During the over head pass this evening of AO-51 on the QRP transponder there was a station that called QC from AOS to LOS. He obviously could not hear himself or anyone else. A couple of stations tried to call him and got no answer. I wont give the call but I am sure he it was him. What a shame! Hard to believe anyone would be that inconsiderate. I don't know if the DX was on or not but they sure would have had no chance if they were. Then someone started sending music towards the end of the pass. How bad is ham radio going to get before we all get feed up and find another hobby? Sure is causing me to rethink my opinion. -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

13 12

AO-51 QRM from Russia
by andy thomas 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

I understand that communities in Russia of less than 10,000 inhabitants may (legally under Russian law) have an unlicensed local telephone system operating by radio relay. Given the ready availability of Chinese manufacture repeaters and handhelds I suspect that's the problem on the AO-51 uplink here in Europe. I'll try and find out more in May this year. 73 de andy G0SFJ

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I: What a shame!
by Francesco Grappi 21 Feb '09

21 Feb '09

Hi John ...unfortunately same situation more or less here over europe.. my thought is that education must not give way to ignorance and rudeness. 73" Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di John Price Inviato: sabato 21 febbraio 2009 3.52 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] What a shame! During the over head pass this evening of AO-51 on the QRP transponder there was a station that called QC from AOS to LOS. He obviously could not hear himself or anyone else. A couple of stations tried to call him and got no answer. I wont give the call but I am sure he it was him. What a shame! Hard to believe anyone would be that inconsiderate. I don't know if the DX was on or not but they sure would have had no chance if they were. Then someone started sending music towards the end of the pass. How bad is ham radio going to get before we all get feed up and find another hobby? Sure is causing me to rethink my opinion. -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!" _______________________________________________ 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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Friday at the Yuma (Arizona) hamfest...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 20 Feb '09

20 Feb '09

Hi all! Friday was a good day out here. The Yuma hamfest in Arizona started at midday (1900 UTC), and there was a small crowd that came through the exhibit hall where I had an AMSAT table. Since this was a normal workday for most, tomorrow's crowd should be much better. The weather was nice, but some of the Harrier pilots from the Marine Corps airfield south of the hamfest site made it very hard at times when the planes were taking off. Flying low over the hamfest before gaining altitude, those Harriers are LOUD! Even when sitting inside the hall. Since this was only a half-day, I only had two passes that I did demonstrations on - an ISS pass around 1930 UTC, and an SO-50 pass later in the afternoon. Thanks to all who showed up on those passes, and helping show off this corner of amateur radio. Even long-time operators like Allen N5AFV and Rick WA4NVM, good satellite operators who have thousands of QSOs in their logs and a fair number of QSOs with me already, drop in and say "hello" to me and the hamfest audience. Thanks! After the hamfest ended at 0000 UTC, I saw I had some time before another SO-50 pass and an AO-51 pass that followed immediately after that. I decided to drive east from Yuma to a spot I visited several weeks ago, on the DM22/DM32 grid boundary. I worked those two passes, and made a total of 17 contacts (14 of those on a busy AO-51 pass!). I said I would be on from "DM22-land" for a few days, and kept to that - but also added DM32 to the list. After that pass, I drove back to where I am staying while here for the hamfest in Calexico CA. Just before reaching Calexico, there was one more AO-51 pass just before 0300 UTC to the west. I made 8 more QSOs there, including real long-distance contacts :-) with Alex N2IX (my host while in Calexico, a few miles/km west of where I stopped) and N6RNN north of me in the next grid (DM23). Tomorrow will be a full day at the Yuma hamfest. I'll have a couple of helpers for the AMSAT table with me (Alex XE2BSS/N2IX, David XE2DAK), which should let me do many demonstrations: on the FM birds, the ISS (including hearing the ISS side of a scheduled contact in the late morning), and a couple of SSB birds (VO-52, FO-29). There is a barbecue in the evening after the hamfest officially closes, and then I will have a chance to figure out what I'll do on Sunday before I head back home on Monday. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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KKS-1 observation
by David Giles 20 Feb '09

20 Feb '09

Hello All, Just heard KKS-1 go over (2009-02-21 0220 UTC). During the past infrequent times I have listened to it, it just repeats the same message for the full pass. This time it gave: Message 6 twice, Message 1 three times, Message 2 once Message 3 once fully, then once without the last 5 characters No message 4 Message 5 four times fully, then once with the last 2 characters missing and back to message 6. The 6 messages are detailed on their website. I wonder if something is starting to fail? 73 de David VK5DG

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