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Re: New CubeSats #2
by Daniel Schultz 20 Feb '09

20 Feb '09

Since the Hawk Institute has reorganized itself as a for-profit organization, any radio amateur who provides tracking services for HawkSat-1 should be sure to invoice them for those services at the commercial rate. Since you are only receiving the signals and not transmitting, you would not be in violation of Part 97 to be paid for your work. (However if Hawksat is transmitting on amateur frequencies, they might be.) Dan Schultz N8FGV -------------------------Original Message-------------- Subject:Re: New CubeSats #2 From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE@xxxxxxxxxx> Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:29:06 -0600 Satellite Operator Downlink Mode ----------- ------------- -------- ------------------ PharmaSat-1 NASA Ames 437.465 1200bps HawkSat-1 HISS 437.345 ? CP-6 CalPoly 437.365 1200bps AeroCube-3 Aerospace Co. ? ? ----------- ------------- -------- ------------------ Unless that is another HISS besides the one at UMES, I don't plan to provide any support until they give AMSAT-NA's stuff back, with interest. ;) Alan WA4SCA

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K5D on SO-50
by Andrew Glasbrenner 20 Feb '09

20 Feb '09

K5D was on the 20:05 pass of SO-50 with good signals this afternoon. It was a low pass but I managed to work him with the mobile and 1/2 an Arrow on receive. They are having problems with high winds and blockage from the island, especially to the east. This evening on AO-51, PLEASE give them plenty of space to reply, and call one at a time. 73, Drew KO4MA

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New CubeSats #2
by Mineo Wakita 20 Feb '09

20 Feb '09

Launch : 17 May 2009 (Maybe postponed) Vehicle: Minotaur-1 Site : WI LA-0B Main Payload: TacSat-III Satellite Operator Downlink Mode ----------- ------------- -------- ------------------ PharmaSat-1 NASA Ames 437.465 1200bps HawkSat-1 HISS 437.345 ? CP-6 CalPoly 437.365 1200bps AeroCube-3 Aerospace Co. ? ? ----------- ------------- -------- ------------------ http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/CubeSat.htm http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/finished.asp?order=sat JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Yes, my call was XE2/WD9EWK today...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 19 Feb '09

19 Feb '09

Hi all! Despite a lot of local QRM on the SO-50 downlink and the absolute wall of stations in the first half of one AO-51 pass (50W could not break through from here!), it was a very nice day in Mexicali. A good day to visit, with nice weather and (mostly) good conditions on several satellite passes. After over 4 years since my last trip to Mexico, this would be my first opportunity to work the satellites from there. Please note that my callsign when in Mexico is XE2/WD9EWK, as the Mexicans follow the CEPT convention (also used by FCC in the US except for visiting Canadian hams) with the prefix/indicator comes before the foreign ham's call. Please keep that in mind, if you are using Logbook of the World and upload satellite contacts to that system - I hope to do the same for my satellite QSOs eventually, including those made from Mexico. After getting my paperwork at the border (Mexican immigration) and at the communications ministry, I was itching to get on the air. The ISS was passing by just after midday local time (2039 UTC, to be precise), and I was able to work it from a spot in the west end of Mexicali for a few QSOs. I tried SO-50 from there around 2250 UTC, but had lots of QRM from nearby TV transmitters on towers very close to that area. Ouch! After that pass, I went across the city to the "Ciudad Deportiva" (Sports City) complex, near the baseball stadium that is home to a Mexican winter-league club and the recently-concluded Caribbean Series tournament. More open space, and not as close to those pesky TV transmitters. The AO-51 pass around 0010 UTC was crazy for the first 5 minutes. I could only break through a couple of times, and at one point it was nothing but stations calling for me - and I could not even get through to acknowledge any of them. I apologize for that, as even 50W into my handheld antenna was no good against all that RF to my east. I sincerely hope K5D is not greeted in the same manner if they show up on the FM satellites, especially since they will only have 5W to work with. After K7WIN cleared some space for me to come through the crowd (many thanks, Jeff!), I was able to log contacts. SO-50 right after that pass was a bit easier, with fewer stations and less QRM from those TV transmitters. There was a really high AO-51 pass to the west around 0147 UTC, and I was on there from a park area in a neighborhood a few miles/km southwest of the baseball stadium. This turned out to also serve as an impromptu demonstration for a local radio club, the "Red Digital Noroeste" (Northwest Digital Network). Four club members were there, and saw me work that western pass. I was closer to the TV transmitters, but they seemed to have less effect on the AO-51 435.300 MHz downlink compared to the SO-50 436.795 MHz downlink (and zero effect on the ISS 145.800 MHz downlink). This was a great pass to show satellite operating to hams who had never seen or tried this part of the hobby. Thanks to all the stations from central Mexico up through the western USA and Canada on the pass! Then a quick get-together with the local hams to talk about radio, satellites, and other stuff hams like to talk about almost anywhere before crossing the border back into the USA and calling it a night. Quick stats... I worked 5 passes this afternoon/evening. On those passes, I worked 6 stations through the ISS U/V cross-band repeater on one pass, 12 on the 2 SO-50 passes, and 28 on the 2 AO-51 passes. I operated from 3 different locations in Mexicali, two in DM22go and one in DM22gp (the baseball stadium), and all 3 were not too far south of the USA/Mexico border. Alex XE2BSS/N2IX, who was with me during the day, took some pictures and has started uploading them to: http://www.xe2bss.org/patmxl.html Alex is still adding pictures to this page, so consider it a "work in progress". Check it again in a couple of days to see additional pictures he posts there, and run the link through Babelfish or some other translation site if you can't read the Spanish-language text on that page. For Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, I will continue to be in grid DM22. For those two days, I will have an AMSAT table at the Yuma AZ hamfest, and will do satellite demonstrations on FM and SSB satellites as I had originally planned. I don't have firm plans for Sunday yet, but hope to be on satellites once again from somewhere. Monday is still my travel day back to Phoenix, possibly including stops to work passes in other grids on my way home. Good night, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK (now also XE2/WD9EWK) - Calexico, California http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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FT-51 Satelite HT's and more
by Robert Bruninga 19 Feb '09

19 Feb '09

The FT-51 is a popular AMSAT HT for full duplex satellite work. But the FT51 (and TH78) can also display DTMF Text Messages, and I am considering updating my APRSdata program that sends real-time satellite-in-view data for display on those radios. Just set the radio to the DTMF text messaging channel whenever you are mobile, and there on the radio, will appear the satelite name, frequency of downlink and direction and elevation to the satellite. When you see one of these, just QSY and work the bird. Then return to monitoring the DTMF data channel for the next bird. You wont ever have to do any predictions for casual operations again. But I don't have an FT51. SO I need someone that is familiiar with their radio, has their manual, and can take the time to figure out the DTMF text messsaging capabilities. See www.aprs.org/aprs-dtmf-gate.html to see how we are taking local APRS data and displaying it on the FT51 and TH78 radio front panels just like we do for APRS radios. Adding Satellite info is trivial to add. Also, I need confirmation that the FT11 and FT41 can also do the DTMF TEXT MESSAGING too. Thanks Bob, WB4APR

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Debris TLE
by PY2ZX 19 Feb '09

19 Feb '09

TLE of Iridium-33 and Cosmos-2251 debris are now on Celestrak database: http://celestrak.com Flavio PY2ZX

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New CubeSats
by Mineo Wakita 19 Feb '09

19 Feb '09

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 ----------- ----------- ------- ------------------ http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/CubeSat.htm http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/finished.asp?order=sat http://epubl.ltu.se/1653-0187/2008/032/LTU-PB-EX-08032-SE.pdf http://www.isispace.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=… Thanks to Ralph Wallio, W0RPK JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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AO-51 observation
by joe 19 Feb '09

19 Feb '09

Hello, I am new to the satellites and getting the hang of it. I listened to the 2 down links this morning and the 435.150 was much stronger that the 435.300. Is there any particular reason for that. Just curious. I copied it all the way to horizon and the 435.300 was very weak at that point. regards, Joe KI4TZ

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Amsat Awards
by Call Sign 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Congratulations Patrick, that's a bunch of heavenly looking, Arrow pointing, remote Satellite time, you have logged with this award............. and I appreciate you being out there! Rich KI6RRQ San Diego, CA. > The following have earned the AMSAT W4AMI 5,000 Satellite Communication > Achievement Award > Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK #21

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Re: W32A 4 Sale
by Sebastian 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Thanks for all the replies, the equipment has been sold pending receipt of funds. 73 de W4AS Sebastian

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Re: Satpc32 error??
by Rodney Waln 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

thank you all for the help, my problem was speech was enabled and the computer did not like that, also turned other sounds off (conflicting??) any way satpc is happy,

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Where is Desecho Is. ?
by WB2LLP 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

I have no problem with reserving operating on AO-51 QRP allocations only for contacts with the K5D Desecheo Island Operation, but I wonder if I am the only reader who does not know where Desecho Island is located. According to the DXpedition web site it is west of Puerto Rico at 18 degrees, 34 minutes, 14 seconds North and 67 degrees 28 minutes, 19 seconds West. Sorry, I do not have my Grid Square calculator nearby. Is the expedition on the island? Is someone going to tell us when they are active? How important are satellite contacts to the team? Since the island has been off limits for quite a while, I assume that the HF community will keep them busy. There seems to be some information lacking. WB2LLP Gene

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Re: New Indian Hamsat
by OZ1MY 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Hi Nitin, Do you know what frequencies it will use ? 73 OZ1MY Ib ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nitin" <vu3tyg(a)amsatindia.org> To: "Rocky Jones" <orbitjet(a)hotmail.com>; "Amsat BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11:11 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New Indian Hamsat All, This is a project of Anna University at Chennai and the satellite is ANUSAT. This is the first satellite from a educational institution in India. 73's Nitin [vu3tyg] www.amsatindia.org --------- Original Message -------- From: Rocky Jones <orbitjet(a)hotmail.com> To: Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] New Indian Hamsat Date: 02/17/09 06:46 AM" > > http://www.spacemart.com/reports/ISRO_To_Launch_A_Breakthrough_Satellite_99… > > Robert Oler WB5MZO Life member > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows LiveT: E-mail. Chat. Share. Get more ways to connect. > http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_allup_explore_022009 > _______________________________________________ > 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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AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

These past few weeks have been real busy for AMSAT Awards. A lot of new Sat Ops to welcome to the hobby. We would like to welcome the following to the satellite community. They 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 The following have earned the AMSAT W4AMI 5,000 Satellite Communication Achievement Award Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK #21 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com 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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link for other picture of TAMSAT Group
by Thailand Amateur Radio Satellites Corporate 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Dear sir Please see at link for other picture of TAMSAT Group http://www.100watts.com/smf/index.php?topic=22159.0 Regards, TAMSAT Group _________________________________________________________________ Discover the new Windows Vista http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?q=windows+vista&mkt=en-US&form=QBRE

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Satpc32 error??
by Rodney Waln 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Satpc, unspecified error??, i get this after the program has been running for about 5 min. it is running on a 500mhz nec comupter with winME with 512mb ram, the only other programs that are running are zone alarm, task manager, sound it iust freezes and has the error. great program and i have made a few SAT contacts with it's help. thanks in advance for any help.

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ISS Igates?
by Bob Bruninga 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

What happened to the West Coast ISS Igates? The other day I was doing a demo for my class and the ISS was approaching the West Coast for one of those symetric passes over the northern USA and Canada. I told my students to watch the map and the packets from the APRS-IS (internet System) on www.ariss.net as the ISS came in view of CA, OR and WA. The ISS came right over the west coast, not a single packet appeared on the APRS-IS until the ISS was over the Great Lakes and an IGate in the Northeast started gating. Admittedly, it would have been a low horizon pass for LA and San Diego, but any other IGate all the way up to Seattle should have received it. So I wonder are we dependent on only one IGate in the whole western USA and it was down that day? Bob, WB4APR

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Solar cell charging of Li ion.
by G0MRF＠aol.com 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Hi. This is a bit 'geeky' but may be useful to any cubesat builders reading the BB. Freescale have a nice video on You Tube showing their new ultra low voltage DC-DC converters being used to charge a Lithium ion cell. >From a single solar cell with an onload voltage of just 349mV they are charging a lithium ion battery at 3.82V at 63mA with about 83% efficiency. _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p9p2ySdcdM_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p9p2ySdcdM) Sorry for the bandwidth. Geek time over. - This may be useful copied to the cubesat reflector. David G0MRF

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PRISM success Earth picture
by Mineo Wakita 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Grand Station of Tokyo University have succeeded to take the Earth picture with Sub-camera, WAC (Wide Angle Camera). They have said as follows, Although it was liable to exposure exaggerated for a while, it was checked that WAC camera apparatus is functioning normally. We will be going to do adjustment of an exposure parameter from now on. Photography time : 12Feb2009 04:05:33UTC Photography place: Over Hokkaido in Japan http://www.space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/prism/img/PRISM_photo/PRISM_WAC_20090212_1… http://www.space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/prism/main-e.html http://www.space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/prism/about-e.html http://www.space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/prism/subsystem/O/index-e.html http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/prismpic.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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S band receiver neat pictures
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Hello And I thought I had a pretty good S band receive system. http://wiki.gb.nrao.edu/bin/view/Electronics/Sbandpictures 73 Bob W7LRD

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clarification on my plans for FO-29
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Hi! Sorry for the second message on this topic... I will try to be parked around 435.860 MHz USB +/- when I am on FO-29 over the next few days. Sorry for the confusion, and hope to hear you during the next few days. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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WD9EWK on the road (18-23 February 2009)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Hi! I will be on the road for the next few days starting tomorrow (Wednesday, 18th) afternoon. I will visit friends in southern California and have an AMSAT table at the two-day Yuma (Arizona) hamfest on 20-21 February 2009. Over the next few days, including the two days at the hamfest, I hope to be on the FM satellites (AO-51, SO-50) as well as VO-52 andFO-29. For Wednesday evening, depending on how fast I can get on the highway away from Phoenix, I might be on the late-afternoon/early-evening AO-51 and SO-50 passes from DM22 or maybe on the DM22/DM32 boundary. I hope to be on various passes from somewhere in DM22 on Thursday (19th) before the hamfest, as well as from the hamfest (grid DM22qq) on Friday (20th) and Saturday (21st). On Sunday (22nd) and on my drive home on Monday (23rd), I should be able to work passes from DM22 and/or other nearby grids. In order to honor the request by Drew KO4MA regarding the second AO-51 repeater on 145.880/435.150 MHz FM for use by the K5D Desecheo Island DXpedition, I will stay on the primary 145.920/435.300 MHz FM repeater when I am on AO-51 over the next few days. When I am on VO-52, I will try to be around 145.910-145.915 MHz USB. For FO-29, I will try to be somewhere around 145.960 MHz USB +/-. During this trip, I will have access to Internet. I will try to post updates to my planned travels over the next few days. After I return home, I will print QSL cards and be happy to confirm contacts I make from wherever I operate from during this trip. As many of you may remember from my trips in 2008, I am happy to work as many stations as possible during the passes I work from other locations. It's fun to combine my travels with satellite operating. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Disappointed
by Andrew Glasbrenner 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

I'm really disappointed in the fact that so many users are ignoring the request to leave the 435.150 downlink open for K5D while over Desecheo. It's really simple, if gridsquare FK68 is in the footprint there shouldn't be any QSOs or calls that don't involve K5D. Once FK68 is out of the footprint, it's QRP rules. If you are not sure when they are out of the footprint, then stand down for the entire pass or until you hear someone say they are out of the footprint. The consequences of even a few users ignoring this is that others will feel it is OK and pile on, and when K5D does show up they might just not even bother to try to break through the normal chaos. Satellite operators are considered by many to be the cream of the crop when it comes to ham radio. Let's live up to this and exercise a little self control and make this easy for both us and the DXpedition. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations

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New Indian Hamsat
by Rocky Jones 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/ISRO_To_Launch_A_Breakthrough_Satellite_99… Robert Oler WB5MZO Life member _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: E-mail. Chat. Share. Get more ways to connect. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_allup_explore_022009

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OMID
by PY2ZX 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Hello Raul, Thanks for the information. I heard doppler signal on 465,005 MHz SSB during a bad OMID pass over my location at 2125 Z. Just a few seconds were listen as you see on the following files. http://archangelo.net/temp/OMID.jpg http://archangelo.net/temp/OMID_SSB.wav Flavio PY2ZX GG66nt very nice Copy 59 + 10 db only with dual band movil antenna opek uvs-325 ?? and 18 meter heliax 1/2 with my FT-847 sorry not video next pass Raul CA3SOC CHILE FF46rj

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W32A 4 Sale
by Sebastian 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Have an Icom IC-W32A full duplex 2m/440MHz HT for sale. Please contact me OFF the list if you interested. 73 de W4AS Sebastian

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Re: Experience with AO-51 145.880 MHz uplink
by Harry Strahlendorf 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Dear Ib, I hate to be a "party-pooper," but my understanding is that the 2nd repeater operating on AO-51 is reserved only for the K5D Desecheo Island Operation. Someone correct me if this is not the case. >From the main page of the AMSAT.org website, I read, "The second repeater on AO-51 will be activated on February 16 and reserved only for contacts with the K5D Desecheo Island 2009 DXpedition <http://www.kp5.us/> while the satellite is within range of the island." I've experienced some of the issues you raise when attempting to work AO-51 from the East Coast of the USA when operating V/U. We all need to be patient and respect one another's use of the satellite. So many of us just want to make that contact, and perhaps we are a bit hasty in pressing that transmit button when others are still in QSO. It is a thrill to know that we can communicate in this manner. Good luck with your operating through the birds! Sincerely, 73 Harry ~ KC2OJN

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 78
by Angus 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Hi, at present on AO51 I am using my VX2e handheld attached to my 6 ele X yagi (indoor yagi) as my homebrew CTCSS board on my FT-480r is not working correctly. I have had really big problems with what at times seems to be almost deliberate jamming and what sounds like a 'pip' tone being keyed every few seconds. Again not wanting to point fingers I find the low westerly passes far quiter than the easterly passes which seem almost completely jammed with noise or just what appears 'chit chat'! regards Gus M0IKB ----- Original Message ----- From: <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 8:00 PM Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 78 > > 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. Omid in South America (Raul Romero) > 2. Experience with AO-51 145.880 MHz uplink (OZ1MY) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:36:16 -0300 > From: "Raul Romero" <ce3soc(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Omid in South America > To: <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <373CCD1300E94F3C957F9731B1A3820A@dualcore> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > very nice Copy 59 + 10 db only with > > dual band movil antenna opek uvs-325 ?? > > and 18 meter heliax 1/2 with my FT-847 > > sorry not video next pass > > Raul > > CA3SOC > CHILE > FF46rj > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:25:32 +0100 > From: "OZ1MY" <oz1my(a)privat.dk> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Experience with AO-51 145.880 MHz uplink > To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <000501c99135$80703020$6401a8c0(a)opasia.dk> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hi all, > Right now AO-51 is running with a second repeater, > for QRP stations here over Europe. > Yesterday and today I have listened - and the uplink is > partially blocked by a station in the south of Ukraine or > somewhere with the same latitude. > Yesterday with a long conversation in a language that sounded > like Russian to me. > Today there was nobody talking but a clean carrier from the same region. > > BUT - there were stations in Arab ? from North Africa ? > The usual QRM from misuse in Spain - when AO-51 had cleared that > in a more northern position it works very well even with my > QRP station with 3 W and an omnidirectional antenna :-) > > I would very much appreciate help to identify and stop the > problem. As it is now, QRP stations will have a very hard time > using the second repeater. > > Please no flames - I just try to make AO-51 more usefull to > all of us. > 73 OZ1MY > Ib > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > 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 78 > *************************************** > -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 6 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 8718 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message

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Experience with AO-51 145.880 MHz uplink
by OZ1MY 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Hi all, Right now AO-51 is running with a second repeater, for QRP stations here over Europe. Yesterday and today I have listened - and the uplink is partially blocked by a station in the south of Ukraine or somewhere with the same latitude. Yesterday with a long conversation in a language that sounded like Russian to me. Today there was nobody talking but a clean carrier from the same region. BUT - there were stations in Arab ? from North Africa ? The usual QRM from misuse in Spain - when AO-51 had cleared that in a more northern position it works very well even with my QRP station with 3 W and an omnidirectional antenna :-) I would very much appreciate help to identify and stop the problem. As it is now, QRP stations will have a very hard time using the second repeater. Please no flames - I just try to make AO-51 more usefull to all of us. 73 OZ1MY Ib

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Omid in South America
by Raul Romero 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

very nice Copy 59 + 10 db only with dual band movil antenna opek uvs-325 ¿? and 18 meter heliax 1/2 with my FT-847 sorry not video next pass Raul CA3SOC CHILE FF46rj

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Debris Falling Over Texas
by Clint Bradford 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=232111 Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Re: Soft,,, Well Kind Of,,
by Bob Christy 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

In 1966, the Soviet Luna 9 survived a near-vertical landing on the Moon with a speed of about 50km/h (approx 30mph). It used an inflated bag to cushion the impact. In 1997, America's Pathfinder rover used a similar technique and touched down on Mars with a similar vertical speed. It was designed to take an impact about fifty percent greater than it actually experienced. It would be possible to land something at a high velocity, providing the vertical component is not much more than that of Luna 9 or Pathfinder. Horizontal speed can be killed by rolling and bouncing, as happened with Pathfinder when it struck the surface at an angle of about 50 degrees. The downside of this approach comes in the form of any significant vertical obstruction such as a large boulder or a cliff face. Bob Christy ============================================================== What speed do you think would be max survivable speed for a landing on the moon for a robot, or comm system? How fast could something hit and survive? Joe

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Sat Collision - Debris Field Animation
by Clint Bradford 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

http://www.space.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=SP_090212_Iridi… Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Rotator rebuild with stepper motor
by Angus 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

Hi all, got given today an old rotator, looks OK with only a little weathering but 36 volt motor is burnt out completely. Apparently the owner had bought it to turn an 9 ele 2mtr yagi but after a year it was turning 6mtr beam, 4 mtr beam, 2 x 2mtr beams and 4 x 70cm yagis and yes you guessed it, first good wind it burnt out the motor. I had the unit apart and the gears look fine, as does everything else except the motor which is completely dead. I have over the last 2 years been building and using a homebrew PCB mill complete with stepper motor interface and control software etc. OK my thoughts are replace the AC motor with a good large stepper motor (I gathered loads up whilst building my mill) and fit that into the housing and build a completely new drive interface. The idea is that the rotator should now have a stronger motor and also being a stepper motor it should try and resist any movement whilst not in motion (whilst powered up), also as an added bonus I should be able to control the speed of rotation far more than a normal AC motor and almost have very small steps whilst tracking a satellite and then speed the whole thing up when I want to move to another satellite. OK has anyone done this and if so what problems did they face, or does anyone have any suggestions on what to do and what not to do. The unit was free, I got a large lump of a stepper motor doing nothing and a little time on my hands so not going to cost anything (in relative terms), so it must be worth a try. Knowing what my mill is like the unit could be positioned very accurately and track at a really nice slow almost step less rate. So got to be worth a try? any thoughts regards Gus M0IKB -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 5.9 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 8671 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message

2 1

Soft,,, Well Kind Of,,
by Joe 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

What speed do you think would be max survivable speed for a landing on the moon for a robot, or comm system? How fast could something hit and survive? Joe

2 1

[ans] ANS-046 AMSAT News Service
by Dee 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-046 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: * Scratch 2 Satellites * Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK * DX Expedition to Desecheo * Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite * ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 9, 2009 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.01 Scratch 2 Satellites AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.01 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Two big communications satellites collided in the first-ever crash of two intact spacecraft in orbit, shooting out a pair of massive debris clouds and posing a slight risk to the international space station. NASA said it will take weeks to determine the full magnitude of the crash, which occurred nearly 500 miles over Siberia on Tuesday. "We knew this was going to happen eventually," said Mark Matney, an orbital debris scientist at Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA believes any risk to the space station and its three astronauts is low. It orbits about 270 miles below the collision course. There also should be no danger to the space shuttle set to launch with seven astronauts on Feb. 22, officials said, but that will be re-evaluated in the coming days. The collision involved an Iridium commercial satellite, which was launched in 1997, and a Russian satellite launched in 1993 and believed to be nonfunctioning. The Russian satellite was out of control, Matney said. The Iridium craft weighed 1,235 pounds, and the Russian craft nearly a ton. No one has any idea yet how many pieces were generated or how big they might be. "Right now, they're definitely counting dozens," Matney said. "I would suspect that they'll be counting hundreds when the counting is done." [ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.02 Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.02 Frank Bauer, KA3HDO wrote on behalf of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y." Frank continued, "Those that knew Dieter recognized that he was a 'class act', a great gentleman and colleague who will be sorely missed by all. Dieter was instrumental in leading and supporting many key activities in AMSAT and on the ARISS program." For ARISS, Dieter led the school contact IRLP/Echolink initiative. Through this amateur radio VOIP system, Dieter and his team substan- tially extended the reach of the school contacts. And through his efforts, tens of thousands of school students and ham radio operators, world-wide, could listen to other school contacts, enhancing education and giving all a better understanding of what it is like to live and work on the ISS. Frank remembers, "Dieter's diplomacy, teambuilding skills and atten- tion to the details were impeccable and were well respected within the team. He rose to the challenge when I asked him to lead the IRLP/ Echolink team. At the time, there were strong, divergent opinions on the use of IRLP and Echolink on ARISS. He singlehandedly developed a cohesive team that is producing great results and are enjoying working together. Over the past couple of years, Dieter fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. A month ago, all of us thought he was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass. Through it all, Dieter remained the gentle, caring person that we all have grown to love. And during his illness, he remained dedicated to his AMSAT and ARISS causes and responsibilities. When he received the surprising news from the doctors that he had only two weeks to live and despite being weak from a long hospitalization, Dieter got on the e-mail and worked a transition plan to ensure the IRLP/Echolink capabilities on ARISS continues. What a great, compassionate, and loving human being!" Frank first met Dieter behind the AMSAT Booth at Dayton, where he was one of the mainstay individuals supporting AMSAT efforts at the Ham- vention. Reflecting on Dieter's support to AMSAT, AMSAT Board Member Gould Smith, WA4SXM, stated, "Two years ago Dieter told me that the only reason he came to Dayton was to work in the AMSAT booth and to talk with people about AMSAT". And he supported AMSAT in many other ways, including his efforts as an Area Coordinator, where he mentored a countless number of satellite enthusiasts. We are eternally grateful for all Dieter has done for AMSAT and the ARISS program. And we will miss him dearly." AMSAT 20 Meter Net Control, Keith Pugh, W5IU remininsced, "My memories of Dieter started during the AO-10 and AO-13 heyday. Dieter was an excellent example of the ideal contributor to our marvelous hobby. He constantly provided positive ideas and assistance for every phase of the AMSAT and ARISS efforts. Never complaining, always jumping in and doing what he suggested - not saying 'why don't you do this.' He will be truly missed by everyone and deserves a special place in Amateur Radio Heaven." Frank concluded, "On behalf of the ARISS and AMSAT teams, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Schliemann family and friends. We think of especially his wife Tina and his good friend Ron Arsenault, N1NYR, who helped Dieter and the Schliemann family throughout Dieter's long illness." Alan Sieg WB5RMG went to the visitation and described his experience, "This evening I introduced myself to Dieter's wife Tina. We had never met. When she saw my AMSAT badge she grabbed onto my hand and held it for at least 10 minutes, like we were long-lost friends. She said she was so glad that AMSAT could come to the visitation, and went on to tell me about all the wonderful email and phone calls she has received from all over the world. She understood what AMSAT meant to Dieter, and was so proud that the people of AMSAT recognized what a good man he was. She asked me to let everyone know how thankful she was that Dieter had so many wonderful friends ... Thank You All" from Tina" In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of North Alabama, LLC, 311 Bob Wallace Ave., Ste. 101, Huntsville, AL 35805 or to your favorite charity. [ANS thanks Frank KA3HDO, Gould WA4SXM, Keith W5IU for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.03 DX Expedition to Desecheo AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.03 Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now on Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the support of AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow antenna, as well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would like to thank Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard, WD7EWK for their generous donations of equipment for this and future DXpedition, as well as Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance. Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of the DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second repeater on AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th and reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the island. K5D may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS voice repeater modes if available. Operation on the transponder satellites is not expected unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo, users are encouraged to operate under the standard AO-51 QRP rules. These guidelines are 10 watts output or less, to omnidirectional or handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection operations on AO-51 will occasionally interrupt the 435.150 downlink on US west coast passes not in range of Desecheo. Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition does not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow more operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as most of Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO. Logs are expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many prolific DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with satellite may result in increased participation by future expeditions. Good Luck on working a new one on satellite! 73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations [ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.04 Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.04 Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite The KAGAYAKI satellite has not been heard since it was launched with Japan's January 23 GOSAT satellite. KAGAYAKI was to transmit morse code on FM after separation from the H-2A booster. If operational KAGAYAKI should be tranmitting morse code on FM or 9600bps packet at 437.375MHz. The command team thinks the sat- ellite'soutput power may very low because the antenna or solar panel has not extended properly. Ground controllers have been searching for a downlink signal using a spectrum analyzer. Object D is thought to be KAGAYAKI: OBJECT D 1 33495U 09002D 09036.75334341 -.00000021 00000-0 46489-5 0 433 2 33495 098.0277 148.2199 0008919 016.5422 343.6081 14.70127932 1978 Please monitor for KAGAYAKI. If heard please send your report to Masa, JN1GKZ (m-arai(a)a.email.ne.jp) and he will relay the information to the command station. English web site is available. http://www.sorun.co.jp/e_kagayaki/top.html [ANS thanks Masa, JN1GKZ for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.05 ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 9, 2009 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.05 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.05 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report February 9, 2009 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was planned & completed for Istituto Comprensivo Pietrasanta1-Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado "Padre Eugenio Barsanti" in Pietrasanta, Lucca, Italy on Tuesday, February 10 at 10:24 UTC. Students have been learning about the planets, planetary systems, rocket technology and radio communications. They have applied their knowledge of English in writing and rehearsing space related questions for the astronaut. They have studied the history of spaceflight and have written essays on space related topics. They have also learned about world geography and have developed cooperation and teamwork skills. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was scheduled with Alexandroupolis School of Special Education and 11th Alexandroupolis Primary School in Alexandroupolis, Greece. The contact took place on Wednesday, February 11 at 07:43 UTC. Astronomy and amateur radio lectures were given in preparation for the event. Special attention has been given to the role of humanity and science and to the every day life of an astronaut. The ISS courses have been based on ESA's education tool "ISS Education Kit." 2. Canadian Contact Successful On Monday, February 2, students from Humber College Institute of Technology and Higher Learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Approximately 100 students gathered in the lab where the radio gear was built and watched as students posed 12 questions to Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. There was national coverage of the event and it was broadcasted on morning television and radio - Canada AM (CTV Network). The Toronto Star and Toronto Sun were also present. The audience reached in Toronto was estimated to be over 3,000,000. To view the Toronto Sun article, go to: http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/02/02/8237126.html Toronto Star's story may be found at: http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/581309 For CTV coverage, see: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090203/students_space… The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) network carried a 14 minute piece on the Humber College contact that included an 8 minute interview with one of the lead students, followed by a 6 minute clip of the students and Sandy. The story also ran on the show "As it Happens," which is part of CBC's national network program feed and airs coast to coast beginning at 18:30 in each respective time zone. It was then posted on the Web: http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090202.shtml (The interview starts at approximately 16:50 in part one. Contact audio runs from 21:30 to 24:00.) The February 3 issue of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' (AIAA) Daily Launch also picked up on the news. It posted a summary, "College Students Contact ISS with Home Built Antenna," citing and providing a link to the CBC article: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/02/02/students-iss.html 3. UK Students Radio ISS Students attending Pilton Bluecoat Junior School in Barnstaple, Devon, England experienced a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, February 6. Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE answered 20 questions posed to her by ten children as an audience of approximately 260 students and guests looked on. Two newspapers covered the event. The contact video is available for viewing. Go to: http://www.it-sparkles.co.uk/ARISS/pilton.aspx 4. ARISS Contact with German School, a Success On Saturday, February 7, Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. Students were able to have 18 questions answered before the ISS went over the horizon. Approximately 350 students, teachers and parents were in attendance. The national television channel WDR, two radio stations WDR-Radio and Radio Aachen, and a few local newspapers covered the event. The audio was also fed into the EchoLink AMSAT server. The Aachener Zeitung article (in German) may be found here: http://www.az-web.de/lokales/nordkreis-detail-az/803788/ Funk-AG-des-Gymnasiums-Herzogenrath-spricht-live-mit-der-ISS 5. Assam, India Students Speak with Mike Fincke The College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphal, Assam, India took part in a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Sunday, February 8 via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia. Fourteen of the 16 questions prepared for the contact were answered by Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 9 connections from 6 countries. An article ran in the Morung Express. See: http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/13605.html 6. Article Posted on Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya Contact On January 7, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was conducted between Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya students in Guwahati, India. The Assam Tribune published an article on the event in its February 7 Horizon supplement. See: http://www.assamtribune.com/feb0709/horizon.html 7. Ellis Elementary School Contact Video On December 8, 2008, Ellis Elementary School in Belleville, Illinois experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. St. Louis public television KETC featured the contact on its "Living St. Louis" program. The video has been posted to YouTube. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TuJyNXx0c&eurl=http:// livingstlouis.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/living-st-louis-video -ham-radio/&feature=player_embedded ---- [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. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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FW: KP5 Desecheo DXpedition on satellite
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

For everyone's benefit, here is a re-post of Drew's earlier message about KP5 and the procedures. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL -------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, "ans-editor" <ans-editor(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] KP5 Desecheo DXpedition on satellite Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:46:08 +0000 Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now on Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the support of AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow antenna, as well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would like to thank Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard, WD7EWK for their generous donations of equipment for this and future DXpedition, as well as Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance. Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of the DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second repeater on AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th and reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the island. K5D may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS voice repeater modes if available. Operation on the transponder satellites is not expected unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo, users are encouraged to operate under the standard AO-51 QRP rules. These guidelines are 10 watts output or less, to omnidirectional or handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection operations on AO-51 will occasionally interrupt the 435.150 downlink on US west coast passes not in range of Desecheo. Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition does not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow more operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as most of Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO. Logs are expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many prolific DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with satellite may result in increased participation by future expeditions. Good Luck on working a new one on satellite! 73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations _______________________________________________ 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: K5D passses
by W0DXZ＠aol.com 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

OK, so,,, on what passes can I expect to hear, or work? the K5D _expedition? I am in DM 33......any of them at all? Bob in AZ WA7DXZ **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=htt… bemailfooterNO62)

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ICOM IC-970 transciever on eBay
by Bill Booth 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

Just 24 hours left for this auction of the Icom IC970 transceiver. eBay item # 180327423957 or follow this link. http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=… Thanks for the space ......now returning to the normal programming... Bill Booth VE3NXK Sundridge ON, Canada 79.23.37 W x 45.46.18 N FN05ns Visit my weather WebCam at http://www.almaguin.com/wxcurrent/weather.html Organ and Tissue Donation - The Gift of Life Talk to your family. Your decision can make a difference.

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Re: help with yaesu 736 (audio)
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

Nick said : > My 736 in its 3 rd decade has low audio on all modes. > I have to turn the af gain to about 3 o'clock position. I've not had that trouble w/736, but I do have the "Technical Supplement" for the FT-736R, which has block diagrams and schematics. The audio makes it way thru several boards and connectors on it's way around to the speaker. I can easily scan a few relevant pages and either email or post on my web site if you are so inclined to dig into it. Might check the level at the front headphone jack (and exercise the switch contacts inside the jack) as well as the external speaker jack on the back. I've had output interruptus due to cracked solder joints on the external spkr jack before. Aged output blocking capacitors often result in lower sound levels as time goes by. I've fixed many a VHF scanner that way. Reply direct email via amsat.org, and we can take this out-of-band... I didn't see your callsign handy, to reply direct. /;^) -- <- 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' ->

2 1

Fw: Soft,,, Well Kind Of,,
by Roger Kolakowski 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

> what would what hit? Immovable object vs unforgiving object? 90 degree > angle? > > Many of the non-propulsion designs I've seen look at a "ball" type object > coming to landing in a shallow trajectory and bouncing/rolling to a stop. > This scenario has little to do with speed and not much to do with control. > > Roger > WA1KAT > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Joe" <nss(a)mwt.net> > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 2:52 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Soft,,, Well Kind Of,, > > > > > > What speed do you think would be max survivable speed for a landing on > > the moon for a robot, or comm system? > > > > How fast could something hit and survive? > > > > Joe > > _______________________________________________ > > 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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iss repeater is on
by Perry Yantis 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

I noticed the ISS repeater was on during the last pass and did work a couple of contacts before it went over the horizon. Perry WB8OTH

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SOHLA-1 success Earth picture 12Feb2009
by nader omer 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

Hi The last news about SOHLA-1 sat at Mineo Wakita JE9PEL website Grand Station succeeded in the real photography of Earth picture by S-band more info at http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/sohlacwe.htm 73 de Nader , st2nh

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Satellites in collision; Watching satellites gone astray: ZS1BI in the news
by Tom Clark, K3IO 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

The first amazing news (http://www.space.com/news/090211-satellite-collision.html) is that the Iridium-33 satellite was obliterated by a highly improbable collision with long-dead Soviet Cosmos-2251 satellite ~800 km over Siberia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Totally unrelated, except for the news appearing on Space.com: one of our old-time AMSATers is also in the news on Space.com. The Feb. 5th edition carried a very interesting article on a long-time AMSAT supporter, Greg Roberts, ZS1BI. For those of you who don't know Greg, an interesting Hearsat "Ask The Expert" autobiographical (& how-to) article can be found at http://www.hearsat.org/content/ask-expert-greg-roberts. For many years Greg was a well-known Variable Star Observer <http://books.google.com/books?id=NoHxiPAkptYC&pg=PA367&lpg=PA367&dq=%22greg…> affiliated with the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Capetown and has been a very active amateur astronomer, well known for his visual tracking of satellites. See here <http://www.saao.ac.za/%7Ewgssa/as3/roberts.html> and also here <http://www.saao.ac.za/%7Ewgssa/as4/greg.html> to see Greg's very interesting notes about visual observing of satellites. A photo of Greg can be seen here <http://www.space.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/img_display.php?pic=090204….>. Greg's most recent visual satellite observing activities are reported on Space.com at http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/090204-tw-satellite-sleuthing.html. But first, some background -- recent news reports (like this report <http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=252590162>) tell of the DoD's secret satellite DSP-F23 wandering out of control in Geostationary orbit . The Feb.5 issue of Space.com tells of Greg's optical tracking of DSP-F23 as it flew near the European Astrium-1 constellation. Click here to see this spectacular video clip of the F23 "flyby" produced thru Greg's efforts. <http://www.space.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=SP090203_gRober…> 73 de Tom, K3IO

5 5

SatPC32 and Multiple Satellites?
by Scott Schmautz 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Hi All: We are considering using SatPC32 to track sats and operate a station remotely. Is there a way to have to program automatically switch the frequency and rotor tracking as various satellites become visible? I would like to track a list of 5-6 satellites, and have the software tune the radio, etc without having to manually select them. I think it can't be done the way we want, but was wondering if someone with more experience with the program has any thoughts. Thanks! Scott/WB2UZR

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Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK
by Frank H. Bauer 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

All, It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y. Those that knew Dieter recognized that he was a "class act"---a great gentleman and colleague who will be sorely missed by all. Dieter was instrumental in leading and supporting many key activities in AMSAT and on the ARISS program. For ARISS, Dieter led the school contact IRLP/Echolink initiative. Through this amateur radio VOIP system, Dieter and his team substantially extended our reach of the school contacts. And through his efforts, tens of thousands of school students and ham radio operators, world-wide, could listen to other school contacts, enhancing education and giving all a better understanding of what it is like to live and work on ISS. Dieter's diplomacy, teambuilding skills and attention to the details were impeccable and were well respected within the team. He rose to the challenge when I asked him to lead the IRLP/Echolink team. At the time, there were strong, divergent opinions on the use of IRLP and Echolink on ARISS. He singlehandedly developed a cohesive team that is producing great results and are enjoying working together. Over the past couple of years, Dieter fought a long and courageous battle with Cancer. A month ago, all of us thought he was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass. Through it all, Dieter remained the gentle, caring person that we all have grown to love. And during his illness, he remained dedicated to his AMSAT and ARISS causes and responsibilities. When he received the surprising news from the doctors that he had only two weeks to live and despite being weak from a long hospitalization, Dieter got on the e-mail and worked a transition plan to ensure the IRLP/Echolink capabilities on ARISS continues. What a great, compassionate, loving human being! I first met Dieter behind the AMSAT Booth at Dayton, where he was one of the mainstay individuals supporting AMSAT efforts at the Hamvention. Reflecting on Dieter's support to AMSAT, AMSAT Board Member Gould Smith, WA4SXM, stated, "Two years ago Dieter told me that the only reason he came to Dayton was to work in the AMSAT booth and to talk with people about AMSAT". And he supported AMSAT in many other ways, including his efforts as an Area Coordinator, where he mentored a countless number of satellite enthusiasts. We are eternally grateful for all Dieter has done for AMSAT and the ARISS program. And will miss him dearly. On behalf of the ARISS and AMSAT teams, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Schliemann family and friends. Especially his wife Tina and his good friend Ron Arsenault, N1NYR, who helped Dieter and the Schliemann family throughout Dieter's long illness. Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman

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FT-726R 2 meter modules available
by Alan P. Biddle 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Hi, I see in the latest issues of QST that R&L is closing out the 2m module for the FT-726R. I know there are still a few around, and wanted to mention this in case somebody needs one. ;) A great little rig in its day. Alan WA4SCA ----------------------------------- "Are you of the Body? May you know the Peace of Landru!" The Return of the Archons

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help with yaesu 736
by Nick Pugh 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

My 736 in its 3 rd decade has low audio on all modes. I have to turn the af gain to about 3 o'clock position. Has any one on the list had the same experience. nick Thanks nick Office 337 593 8700 Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Enigneering School

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too many satellites ?
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Timely image... after yesterday's crash. Todays's 'Image of the Day' shows the cloud of satellites about earth. http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/312941main_Bee-Hive-1_H1_full.jpg (This is a large image) It is apparently getting a little crowded up there. The SatScape program can provide a similar view if you zoom out far enough. For the detailed writeup, and other sizes check the main URL for IOTD... http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/iotd.html (After today, this one will be in the recent pics collection) Enjoy /;^) -- <- 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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Omid - Did you Receive It?
by Bob Christy 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

I am compiling a log of Omid radio observations. It operated in two regimes: 1 - between Feb 3 and Feb 8 transmissions were limited to passes going over the Middle East but it was heard as far afield as Western Europe and South Africa 2 - between Feb 8 and Feb 10 it transmitted continuously but it now seems to be silent. If you have any observations, I would appreciate receiving them. The date, time, transmission mode and your location will be sufficient. If it is of help - there are descriptions of three transmission modes, and a direct contact e-mail address for me if you wish to use it. Eventually I will include a summary of all observations on the web site: http://www.zarya.info/Tracking/Omid/OmidFrequencies.php Thank You Bob Christy

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KX4Y-SK
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

This evening I introduced myself to Dieter's wife Tina. We had never met. When she saw my AMSAT badge she grabbed onto my hand and held it for at least 10 minutes, like we were long-lost friends. She said she was so glad that AMSAT could come to the visitation, and went on to tell me about all the wonderful email and phone calls she has received from all over the world. She understood what AMSAT meant to Dieter, and was so proud that the people of AMSAT recognized what a good man he was. She asked me to let everyone know how thankful she was that Dieter had so many wonderful friends... "Thank You All" from Tina ... -- <- 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: Orlando Hamcation!
by Bob Bruninga 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

> Orlando Hamcation, one of the largest > hamfests in the nation, will be commencing > tomorrow at 12:00pm at the Central Florida > Fairgrounds here in Orlando, Florida. I just checked http://map.findu.com/hfest* and the only hamfest showing up on APRS is one in Shizuoaka Japan. And I also checked for hamfest* and there is only one of those also, and it is showing in Orillia, ONT. Please excuse my repetition if I mention many ways to enhance the local HAMFEST experience... One of the best ways to reach out to fellow amateurs is to place an APRS object on your local map named HFEST-14x for example for a hamfest on the 14th of the month ("x" allows for 26 different hamfests on the same day...). Then it shows on the front panel of all APRS mobiles within 100 miles and their GPS maps for them to easily find it. It is also visible then globally as well to all APRS stations on the internet. It is also best to include the talk in frequency in the object too, so everything the mobile needs is available to him right there on his radio. He just pushes the TUNE button when he sees that object and his D710 radio for example will instantly tune to that talk in frequency. Done. Net control at the HAMFEST also has an APRS display in front of his operating position, and then he can see where everyone is. Those without APRS who want to tell the net control where they are can just use their nearby mile mark, and then they also can easily show up on APRS. For AMSAT operations, If someone is running DIGI_NED or APRSdata in the area, then also on the front panel of all APRS mobile radios and HT's will show any AMSATs in view and their azimuth and range as well as their operating frequency. If there are none in view, then a schedule of all passes for the next 80 minutes is uplinked every 10 minutes to their radio's DX list for review at any time. For details on getting this local info to the mobile user, see www.aprs.org/localinfo.html Sorry for the intrusion. I will go put this out onto the APRS bulletin board and find out why no one down there is putting out this infromatin object. Oh, you can also put an AMSAT-x object on the map so people can find your table directly. You can also announce there your own separate AMSAT talk in too, and all mobiles will see it. Bob, WB4APR

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Orlando Hamcation!
by David J 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Orlando Hamcation, one of the largest hamfests in the nation, will be commencing tomorrow at 12:00pm at the Central Florida Fairgrounds here in Orlando, Florida. We are expecting large crowds and hope to many of our AMSAT friends there. The AMSAT booth is in the Commercial 1 building. AMSAT plans to have a working sat. station at the booth during all three days. Please listen for the station during sat. passes. We will try to work all available passes as we can. The call will probably be K4H, but possibly we will use my call, AA4KN. Please keep an ear out for either. We hope to work everyone we can. 73s, Dave, AA4KN

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Live coverage
by G0MRF＠aol.com 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Live coverage of todays Ariane 5 launch is now running at: _www.videocorner.tv_ (http://www.videocorner.tv)

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KP5 Desecheo DXpedition on satellite
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now on Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the support of AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow antenna, as well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would like to thank Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard, WD7EWK for their generous donations of equipment for this and future DXpedition, as well as Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance. Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of the DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second repeater on AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th and reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the island. K5D may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS voice repeater modes if available. Operation on the transponder satellites is not expected unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo, users are encouraged to operate under the standard AO-51 QRP rules. These guidelines are 10 watts output or less, to omnidirectional or handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection operations on AO-51 will occasionally interrupt the 435.150 downlink on US west coast passes not in range of Desecheo. Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition does not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow more operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as most of Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO. Logs are expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many prolific DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with satellite may result in increased participation by future expeditions. Good Luck on working a new one on satellite! 73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations

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AO-7 web site
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Anyone have success with the AO-7 web site? No connect here. 73 Bob W7LRD

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Out of the Office
by Martha 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

I will be out of the office Friday, February 13th and Monday, February 16th. The office will reopen Tuesday at 10:00AM ET -- 73- Martha

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Posting 12 messages to ISS in single pass
by nader omer 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Hello All Today 12/02/2009 at 14:40 to 14:50 UTC I have broken by previous record of posting 9 messages in one pass to ISS BBS by posting 12 messages to international space station BBS , I have sent 12 messages to 11 hams they had a post on ISS stations are:- PD0RKC EB1IAT LW5DGM CX1AQN VE2HAR EB5AGV CS1RAD VK2MAL HS3LSE E20YJC (1st message ) E20YJC (2nd message) DL6SDA setup Rig ic-910 ante-homebrew yagi homebrew soundcard interface software- UISS . here is a copy of the UISS communication window ------------------------------------------ Welcome to RS0ISS's message board System Ver 1.50 103554 Bytes free CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w PD0RKC Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w EB1IAT Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w LW5DGM Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w CX1AQN Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w VE2HAR Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w EB5AGV Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w CS1RAD Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w VK2MAL Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w HS3LSE Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w E20YJC Subject: hi Message: /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w E20YJC Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w DL6SDA Subject: hi Welcome to RS0ISS's message board System Ver 1.50 102352 Bytes free CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w DL6SDA Subject: hi Welcome to RS0ISS's message board System Ver 1.50 102352 Bytes free CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w DL6SDA Subject: hi Message: tnx OM for the iss message pse qsl via ea7ftr 73 de Nader www.st2nh.com /ex ------------------ Nader , st2nh www.st2nh.com Packet Radio

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Scratch two sats
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090211/ap_on_sc/satellite_collision Iridium versus a Russian satellite, I wonder who'll get the ticket. 73, Drew CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Two big communications satellites collided in the first-ever crash of two intact spacecraft in orbit, shooting out a pair of massive debris clouds and posing a slight risk to the international space station. NASA said it will take weeks to determine the full magnitude of the crash, which occurred nearly 500 miles over Siberia on Tuesday. "We knew this was going to happen eventually," said Mark Matney, an orbital debris scientist at Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA believes any risk to the space station and its three astronauts is low. It orbits about 270 miles below the collision course. There also should be no danger to the space shuttle set to launch with seven astronauts on Feb. 22, officials said, but that will be re-evaluated in the coming days. The collision involved an Iridium commercial satellite, which was launched in 1997, and a Russian satellite launched in 1993 and believed to be nonfunctioning. The Russian satellite was out of control, Matney said. The Iridium craft weighed 1,235 pounds, and the Russian craft nearly a ton. No one has any idea yet how many pieces were generated or how big they might be. "Right now, they're definitely counting dozens," Matney said. "I would suspect that they'll be counting hundreds when the counting is done." As for pieces the size of micrometers, the count will likely be in the thousands, he added. There have been four other cases in which space objects have collided accidentally in orbit, NASA said. But those were considered minor and involved parts of spent rockets or small satellites. Nicholas Johnson, an orbital debris expert at the Houston space center, said the risk of damage from Tuesday's collision is greater for the Hubble Space Telescope and Earth-observing satellites, which are in higher orbit and nearer the debris field. At the beginning of this year there were roughly 17,000 pieces of manmade debris orbiting Earth, Johnson said. The items, at least 4 inches in size, are being tracked by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, which is operated by the military. The network detected the two debris clouds created Tuesday. Litter in orbit has increased in recent years, in part because of the deliberate breakups of old satellites. It's gotten so bad that orbital debris is now the biggest threat to a space shuttle in flight, surpassing the dangers of liftoff and return to Earth. NASA is in regular touch with the Space Surveillance Network, to keep the space station a safe distance from any encroaching objects, and shuttles, too, when they're flying. "The collisions are going to be becoming more and more important in the coming decades," Matney said. Iridium Holdings LLC has a system of 65 active satellites which relay calls from portable phones that are about twice the size of a regular mobile phone. It has more than 300,000 subscribers. The U.S. Department of Defense is one of its largest customers. The company has spare satellites, and it is unclear whether the collision caused an outage. An Iridium spokeswoman had no immediate comment. Initially launched by Motorola Inc. in the 1990s, Iridium plunged into bankruptcy in 1999. Private investors relaunched service in 2001. Iridium satellites are unusual because their orbit is so low and they move so fast. Most communications satellites are in much higher orbits and don't move relative to each other, which means collisions are rare. Iridium Holdings LLC, is owned by New York-based investment firm Greenhill & Co. through a subsidiary, GHL Acquisition Corp., which is listed on the American Stock Exchange. The shares closed Wednesday down 3 cents at $9.28. ___ AP science writer Seth Borenstein in Washington and AP technology writer Peter Svensson in New York contributed to this report.

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Re: Scratch two sats
by Mark L. Hammond 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Maybe the peices will bump into the orbiting Shuttle tool bag and become repaired :) 73, Mark N8MH > Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:22:29 -0500 > From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Scratch two sats > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <E7445281337C41719D650C3BFACEE08B@Andrewlaptop> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090211/ap_on_sc/satellite_collision > > Iridium versus a Russian satellite, I wonder who'll get the ticket. > > 73, Drew >

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Iridium and Russian Sats Collide - Minimal Threat to ISS
by Clint Bradford 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

The two satellites collided at 780km over Siberia. Hundreds of pieces are being tracked. SOURCES: NASA, BBC Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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AO-7 Mode-A beacon
by Auke de Jong, VE6PWN 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

Hi all, I have never witnessed the Mode-A beacon... untill now! I don't believe that it has been reported to be working for a very long time... I saw it tonight on the waterfall display on my modified Wilson CB mag-mount vertical during orbit # 56704, about 03:00UTC, for most of the pass. It did not appear to be modulated, although I could not hear it to know for sure, only by visual on the spectrum display. 73's Auke de Jong VE6PWN DO33go Edmonton, AB

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Satellite Help
by Callum Graham 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

Hi all, Im fairly new to working satellites and I want to start using the satellites AO 7 and FO 29 as Ive not worked them before. Could anyone tell me the uplink & downlink mid passband frequencies for both satellites plese as It would make it slightly easyer for me to operate them as I find It difficult enough as Im only using a vertical antenna :-) 73.....Callum MM3YCG

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Re: Dieter
by Dave Guimont 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

At 01:16 PM 2/10/2009, you wrote: >Hi Dave. >I did not know KX4Y, but did work him a few times on AO-40. I was >digging around on the computer a came across an audio file which >Dieter is net control on the once famed "AMSAT plus 40 net", it is >about 9 minutes in length and under 4mb made me realize just how much >I miss AO-40, sad to say we have lost 2 friends that will not be >around for the next HEO I hope we don't loss anymore before the next >on gets up. > >73 Greg N0ZHE > Yes, I started that net on O10, and Dieter helped me continue it on AO40. It was a sharing of information about our families and other hobbies and interests, and the global nature gave us a good look at the world...We met many people that cemented world wide friendships.. Perhaps some miracle will allow it to happen again... Here is a partial list of those controls on AO40... wb6llo(a)amsat.org kx4y(a)amsat.org w7us(a)cox.net abowker(a)bowkera.com w7lrd(a)juno.com n0zhe(a)amsat.org 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Memories of Dieter, KX4Y - SK
by Keith Pugh 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

My memories of Dieter started during the AO-10 and AO-13 "Heydays." Dieter was living in Fort Worth at the time and working at the Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant near here. He was a regular on the "birds," our Metroplex AMSAT Net, and the Sunday afternoon 20 Meter AMSAT Net. He was a regular communications volunteer at the Soviet Space Exhibit in Fort Worth in 1991. Over the years, he was a regular member of the staff at the AMSAT Booth in Dayton. He handled all duties, but in particular, software assistance. Since he was a native German speaker, he frequently did translations for our German speaking visitors and provided valuable assistance with the development and distribution of SatPC32. Dieter assisted the author of SatPC32, Eric Eichmann, DK1TB, with problem solving and translation. Of course he attended many of the annual AMSAT Space Symposiums all over the country. Probably my favorite memory involved many others and Dieter's first visit to the AMSAT-UK Colloquium in 2004. Dieter and I had been discussing this on the 20 Meter AMSAT Net for some time and decided to meet in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a few days prior to the Colloquium. Dieter had been having regular QSOs with Ricky, GM1PLY, via IRLP, in Edinburgh, and I had never been to Scotland. Dieter and Ricky worked out the details. Ricky took us to a meeting of the Cockenzie & Port Seaton ARC to meet "the gang" and we had a very enjoyable evening along with continued communications since then. We then rode the "Flying Scotsman" train to London and on to the AMSAT-UK Colloquium. At the conclusion of the meeting, we went our separate ways; Dieter, on to Germany for a family visit, and me back to the US. Dieter also provided me with travel suggestions for a visit I made to South Africa on another trip. Dieter was an excellent example of the ideal contributor to our marvelous hobby. He constantly provided positive ideas and assistance for every phase of the AMSAT and ARISS efforts. Never complaining and always jumping in and doing what he suggested - not saying "why don't you do this." He will be truly missed by everyone and deserves a special place in Amateur Radio Heaven. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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Object D
by Dave Aitch 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

Heard CW from Object D (?), starting at 1324 UTC. A couple of minutes after acquisition, the CW appeared to stop. The downlink signal was not strong enough to decode using my software. Are there any better Keplers ? 73, Dave. G1OCN. IO80SM.

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Moscow State University satellite launch programme
by andy thomas 11 Feb '09

11 Feb '09

I hear that Moscow State University has 3 small satellites planned for launch this year: - Tatyana-2 see: http://www.skyrocket.de/space/doc_sdat/universitetsky.htm - a small satellite with India (no details yet) - and participation in the "Ivan Ivanych" spacesuit with detectors of space radiation. will try to find out more... 73 de andy G0SFJ

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Re: NO-44
by Bob Bruninga 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

> just checking in website NO-44 use > KPC9612, it that any modification in > KPC9612 ? space requirment request ? > or just KPC9612 standart put in Satelite ? 8 years ago, it was special code, becuse we had to ask Kantronics to add the TELEMETRY command. The KPC-3+ has always had the telemetry command, so we asked them to add TELEMETRY to the 9612+. By now, maybe the KPC-9612+ standard models also have TELEMETRY command? The only other special request, was to have our DEFAULTS all burned into factory ROM. Such as CALLSIGN, TELEMETRY, DIGI OFF, etc... THey did this for only a few hundred dollars. We were very happy with the result. But Kantronics had reduced its engineering staff, and it might not be as easy to get custom features now. I can send you our default settings if they are not on our web page somewhere. Bob, Wb4APR >thanks >73 de YF0EEE > > >_______________________________________________ >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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Arianespace launch 12/Feb
by G0MRF＠aol.com 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

Hi all. I see Arianespace is back in the auxilary payload launch business. 2 x 120kg mini sats for the "Spirale demonstration programme" are being launched as auxilary payloads with the 2 primary telecomms satellite. Launch can be viewed live at _http://www.videocorner.tv/_ (http://www.videocorner.tv/) Launch window is 10.09 to 11.04 UTC 12th Feb Regards David

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Dieter
by Dave Guimont 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

Yes, indeed, Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK, will be missed. He was an inveterate convention goer in the early years, and I learned much from, and enjoyed, conversations with him. If anyone reading this has contact with his family, please express our condolences. Dave WB6LLO Leanore KA6UCD 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Re: Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

# From: "Frank H. Bauer" <ka3hdo@xxxxxxxxxxx> # Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:15:35 -0500 > > A month ago, all of us thought he was on the road to recovery. > Unfortunately, that did not come to pass. Even tho I only met Dieter a few years ago, I feel a great loss, as do many many folks here - I'm sure. A great loss to the world. I am so glad tho, that he was able to come back home after his extended care, and enjoy his home & family & get back on his computer for his final whirl - rather than have faded away without that last hurrah ... RIP ol'buddy - we'll do our best to keep the inertia wheels turning..... Thanks & 73 /;^] -- <- 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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Slightly Off Topic...Iranian satellite Transmitting Continuously
by Armando Mercado 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

(Off topic content here so look away if offended...) Hello, Iran's first satellite is now reported to be transmitting a 20 second, 1 KHz tone every 100 seconds. Frequency is 464.9875 to 465.0125 MHz. Omid was previously obsevered transmitting only on passes passing over Iran. I have not heard it yet but will be listening. See the following for more: http://www.zarya.info/Tracking/Omid/OmidObservations2.php 73, Armando N8IGJ

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Off Topic... Omid Heard
by Armando Mercado 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

(Off topic content below...) Hi, Success. Heard Omid during the 1640 UTC pass over the Great Lakes, EN62. Signal had lots of flutter, but the tone was plainly heard. Was able to hear 3 cycles. 73, Armando, N8IGJ

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KAGAYAKI nothing heard
by Masahiro Arai 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

KAGAYAKI command station and related statainos are still looking for KAGAYAKI. KAGAYAKI was to transmit morse code on FM after separation form H-2A but nothing heard until now. The command station conjectures KAGAYAKI is tranmitting morse code on FM or 9600bps packet at 437.375MHz. The command station also conjectures the output power is very low because of not expanding antenna and solar panel. Command station is trying to watch KAGAYAKI using FFT spectrum analyzer. Object D is estimated as KAGAYAKI. Please watch KAGAYAKI and let me know if you heard her signal. I'll pass the info to command station. English web site is now available. http://www.sorun.co.jp/e_kagayaki/top.html Thank you for your help Masa JN1GKZ Tokyo Japan

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I: Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency choice, etc.
by Francesco Grappi 10 Feb '09

10 Feb '09

Hi Peter DB2OS, Thank you very much for your precise step by step satellites history explanation.....hoping that the human community can learn from these mistakes and never repeat these more.... ..waiting for P3-E and P5-A and ...."fingers crossed"... 73' Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di Peter Guelzow Inviato: lunedì 9 febbraio 2009 23.49 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency choice, etc. P3-B Someone forgot that P3-B (OSCAR-10) was hit by the last rocket stage of the launcher, when they neutralized that stage by venting the remaining fuel. Unfortunatly in the wrong direction... OSCAR-10 was hit, Antennas were damaged, the S/C spin was reverse (!) and the sun was shining on top of the spacecraft instead of illuminating the solar panels !!! The S/C was completely out of control, loosing rapidly it's battery capacity, getting into harsh temperatures due to totally wrong sun angles and thermal control... The S/C would have been dead and lost, if Karl Meinzer DJ4ZC would have not started his amazing rescue operation by completely re-programming the IHU on-the-fly. First he switched Off all modules and systems which were not urgently needed... he also programmed the beacon off and only sends some telemetry after a few hours... this way he was able to slowly re-charge the battery. Finally there was enough electrical energy to start magnetorqueing and bringing the S/C into the right attitude. But due to the fact that the S/C was spinning "backwards", he had to write and upload new navigation code into the IHU.... After several weeks of emergency, finally AO-10 was in a favorable orbit to continue commissioning and bringing the S/C into the right attitude for raising the perigee.. if we would have waited too long, perigee would get too close and the bird would have had other problems.. During the above emergency, the fuel tanks and helium bottle had some thermal cycles which were out of the designed specification limits.... Everyone will agree, that this was not the fault of the designer of P3-A.... any other spacecraft would have been lost... The "small deviation" mentioned below was not a design error... to my knowledge two bit's in the SEU's programmable register to set the burn-time counter were exchanged (wrongly wired in the module to the connector to the IHU) and the test pattern which was used for testing did not showed this... Due to the longer than planned burn-time, the Helium bottle temperature went shortly below the lower specified limit. Again, this was not a design flaw or any other mistake... One can argue if the burn-counter-problem or the emergency caused by the collision with the last rocket stage after seperation caused the leakage in the high pressure helium system... but that's history anway.. P3-C (OSCAR-13) The propulsion system worked perfectly and the planned orbit was reached exactly. Several experts (including from NASA) were involved in the planning of OSCAR-10's orbit, which was supposed to be safe / stable for a long long time...... Only several years later, OE1VKW Viktor Kudielka was so first one who predicted a premature re-entry of OSCAR-13... Kudielka V., /Long term Predictions for Highly Elliptic Satellite Orbits/, Amsat-DL Journal, Jun 1990. pps 5-7. (In German). Nobody can be blamed... but a lot was learned after this discovery, even in the professionally world.. P3-D (OSCAR-40) The catastrophic failure of the propuslion system was not a design error, it was 100% human failure... The 400N engine was the same which was used before on AO-10 and AO-13. Unfortunately "almost".. the engine which was donated to us, was used for some qualification tests, but 100% functional and 100% OK.. But it had a small modification used for the qualification.. a venting hole, which was secured with an additional screw or cap.. normally it's just a hole.. only very few people knew about it and unfortunately nobody asked what it was, although it was "red".... during the final and launch integration this was hidden and nobody noticed it. During some early testing in the integration lab in Florida, this valve was never used at it was recommended to not use it too often during "dry test" for reliability issues.. Later during our intense failure analysis we found a picture from the earlier integration phase, which showed the engine valve with this red cap in place.... arghhh... After the first sign of a malfunction of the engine, it would have been better to take more time to analyze the behavior... but there was some kind off pressure and afterwards everybody knows it better anyway.. I can only tell, that the the process which resulted in the catastrophic engine failure was completely understood in the aftermath... And still... we had almost 4 years to work with this wonderful spacecraft on S-band... even with very small antennas... most of the technology we wanted to test were successfully tested and proofed, including the Arcjet which was used to raise the perigee, the momentum wheels, etc... the discovery of an additional (temorary?) radiation belt was also due to AO-40's CEDEX... and so on... However, if you ever want another HEO, than there is no way around a propulsion.... As with P3-D some well known companies which design propulsion systems will be involved in the design and qualification of P3-E and P5-A's propulsion system.... 73s Peter DB2OS Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: > Paul Williamson wrote: > >> "The first burn went relatively well -- there was a small deviation from the expected burn duration, which placed the spacecraft perigee somewhat higher >> > than planned. The second burn could not be accomplished because a slow leak in the high-pressure helium system during > the week the spacecraft was being > reoriented prevented the opening of valves feeding fuel to the thrust assembly." > >> The "small deviation" is known to be due to a design error in the simple digital logic circuit that controlled the burn duration. >> > > OK. The helium leak was a propulsion system fault. The design error in the logic was human error and is known so can be > designed out. > > > >> On AO-13, the kick motor worked exactly as planned, and the spacecraft achieved the intended orbit. But that orbit could have been chosen better, >> > as it turned out. The early re-entry after only 8.5 years was not anticipated, and probably could have been avoided if > we had been smart enough, > soon enough. > > Another "human error" Hindsight is wonderful. > I don't think we should reject an option that requires propulsion because of past errors that are now well understood. > > > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

2 1

SATPC32 and Rigexpert
by joe 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hi All, I downloaded SATPC32 and installed. I cannot get it to see my 706mkiig or at least it does snot seems to want to control it. I am using a Rigexpert plus for an interface. It works great with all other programs and radios using the CAT control features. I have tried a few different baud rates and settings but no joy. Would it be possible anyone is using this type of interface with this type rig? This looks like it is the only program that will control this half duplex radio on both VFOs at once. Thanks Joe KI4TZ

2 1

PE1RAH's transponder
by Bruce Robertson 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Somewhere in all this discussion about the future of AMSAT we need to recognize the work that William did on the 10cm^2 U/V transponder that was featured in the most recent Journal. Here we have a young person -- by the reckoning of most of us -- taking the very component-based approach to satellite building that has been seriously suggested as a way forward. He has made something that will fit the most narrow and most cheap form in launches today, the cubesat, and the result would fulfill our interests in analogue communications satellites. I suppose I see this as something of a challenge for our forward thinking. As a group, how do we respond to this? I would like to see his work tested on ground, perhaps in more than one locale, perhaps in an urban environment where it would get lots of traffic. Perhaps his design could go through some sort of audit so that some of our technical team could ensure that the most performance is being derived from the least power. 73, Bruce VE9QRP

7 9

HEO naivete
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hello I have never complained on this BB before. However, I do have a fair amount of naivete (as many of us) regarding our next HEO. The lack of information from AMSAT as well from our DL friends is frustraiting. I read in the news about many countries sending up satellites virtually every few weeks. . The shuttle is going up every few months. With all this traffic why can't we get a ride? I know it's all about money. In the latest AMSAT Journal there is an article talking about using frequencies at 5650 and 3400Mhz. Talk about scarr ing away curr e n t members let alone attracting new ones. AO-40 (sobsob) was supposed to be the best of the best for everyone. The current mentality seems to be to put all our "over the top" technology in one basket. I subscribe to the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle regarding my ham radio endeavors. An example, when L or S mode is open on AO-51 how many are there? Yes, I pay my dues, buy AMSAT shirts, and contribute to the Presidents Club fu nding, and can be found on many of our satellites. I build and sell antennas and send a portion of those proceeds to AMSAT. I believe I have earned the right to complain. I have read the background of many of our members and BOD, we indeed have many very smart educated people in high places. Am I naive about the details? No doubt. I'm just a retired old ham with a back yard full of unuseable antennas, and a lack of comprehenson about what is going on (or not). If this diatribe is all wet I can take the slings and arrows. Talk to me about it on AO-7. 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT 28498 Seattle

22 40

Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency choice, etc.
by gu6efb 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hi All I agree with most of the comments made re Amsat I know that there are many obstacles to over come to get a bird in orbitInformation on the progress of new satellites seems to be a little scarce Could somebody from Amsat-US and Amsat-DL give us a current update as to the build progress on there satellite ie 100% built 50% built etcThe most common cause for complaint is lack of information if we knew the current Status we will know where to direct our donations 73 Keith GU6EFB

1 0

Free NASA flight!
by Sebastian 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Maybe we can get them to go up a little higher and crack open a door so we can throw a little satellite out? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/us_world/Blast-Off-NASA-To-Give-Free-Flights… 73 de W4AS Sebastian

1 0

Re: AGW32dll.dll
by CX2SA Amateur Radio Services 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hello all subscribers to the AMSAT-BB AGW32dll.dll is available from version 2002.10 to 2005.127 in the download page at www.cx2sa.org Best 73 and thank you for read my message, Jose (((((( CX2SA AMATEUR RADIO SERVICES )))))) CX2SA.COM CX2SA.NET CX2SA.ORG

1 0

Newcomer with a question
by joe barkley 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the contacts so far. I am new and an getting the hang of working the various modes and splits. I am curious if there is a rig control program for the IC-706mkiig that does the doppler correction for both up and downlink frequencies. I have been using HRD but I can only get it to control one VFO at a time. I have tried both the new beta version and the older standard and I just can't get it to work. I know the 706 is not really a satellite rig but I have been using it and my 275H together to make 40 or so contacts so far. Now I have come up on the AO-07 and really need both controlled. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Joe KI4TZ

3 2

All on board ISS messages list
by nader omer 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hello All with a low elevation 16:28 to 16:36 utc I have managed to sent a message download all the messages list and read 4 messages. As I said before, it is so quite over Africa :-) ------------------------------------------- Welcome to RS0ISS's message board System Ver 1.50 105422 Bytes free CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> w all Subject: hello Message: pse see www.st2nh.com /ex Thank you for your message. CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> l Msg# Size TS Date Time From To @ BBS Subject 97 27 /2218 ST2NH >ALL hello 91 201 $ /1543 EB1IAT>ALL 90 76 /1518 LW5DGM>ALL Saludo 89 57 /1518 LW5DGM>ALL Hola 82 122 17-Mar/0132 CX1AQN>ALL 81 8 17-Mar/0131 CX1AQN>ALL 79 8 16-Mar/1853 VE2HAR>ALL Hello 72 416 /1120 LW6DC >ALL Hello ISS fans !! 71 123 /0044 EB5AGV>ALL Hello from EB5AGV 67 55 /1639 CS1RAD>ALL hello from Portugal 65 159 /0059 VK2MAL>ALL Thankyou ARISS 63 45 10-Mar/0012 HS3LSE>ALL Hello fmThailand 61 72 09-Mar/1251 E20YJC>ALL Hello 59 24 09-Mar/0416 ST2NH >ALL hi 58 65 08-Mar/2323 DL6SDA>ALL Regards 57 28 /0013 E20YJC>ALL nice to see you again iss 73 55 240 /0753 N4ERO >ALL Hello 54 37 06-Mar/1356 CE3QC >ALL Hello from Chile 53 18 06-Mar/1354 CE3QC >ALL ALL 52 144 /0154 PD0RKC>ALL http://iss.ontwikkel.nl 51 164 /1219 SP9TTX>ALL Merry XMAS 50 76 /0349 LW5DGM>ALL Saludo 41 53 $ /1735 PY3RAA>ALL FELIZ NATAL A TODOS 38 58 /1109 LW5DGM>ALL Saludo 27 43 /1330 EA6XQ >ALL MERRY XMAS 22 133 /0044 N6NR >ALL Hello Crew 21 85 B$ /2150 IK0XIH>ALL greetings 19 58 /1940 EA7AHA>ALL 73 de EA7AHA 16 108 /0341 W3ADO >ALL HI from Naval Academy 11 79 B$ /1656 UA9UIZ>ALL Hello All 1 103 /0458 ON6HN >ALL Hello from ON6HN 105356 Bytes free Next message Number 98 CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> r 21 Posted : 21:50:05 >From : IK0XIH To : ALL @ BBS : Subject:greetings Merry christmas to the crew and all readers...! Best 73s de Gianluca IK0XIH CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> r 1 Posted : 04:58:18 >From : ON6HN To : ALL @ BBS : Subject:Hello from ON6HN Greetings from Belgium, name is Hugo, qth is Tongeren JO20RS email: eval(unescape('%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6f%6e%36%68%6e%40%74%65%6c%65%6e%65%74%2e%62%65%22%3e%6f%6e%36%68%6e%40%74%65%6c%65%6e%65%74%2e%62%65%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b')) on6hn(a)telenet.be CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> r 55 Posted : 07:53:00 >From : N4ERO To : ALL @ BBS : Subject:Hello To : KE5AIT From: N4ERO Time: 025126UTC Date: 29 Jan 2009 ----------------- Hello Mike, I hope you are all doing well. Tell Yury and Sandy hello for me. Looking forward to working you on voice soon. Take care and God Bless Rev. Carl CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> r 65 Posted : 00:59:09 >From : VK2MAL To : ALL @ BBS : Subject:Thankyou ARISS Thanks to the ARISS team for or the great work in organisng different modes on the ISS good to see the BBS still working as wel ------------------------------- 73 de Nader, st2nh www.st2nh.com

1 0

Good Book on Astrodynamics
by Rich Dailey (gmail) 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Came across this book recently at a local flea market - "Fundamentals of Astrodynamics". Great book explaining basic 2-body and N-body equations, classical orbital elements, and orbital transfer maneuvers. A little history is sprinkled in as well. Mine is a 1971 edition, but looks like there are still a few available on Amazon, new, old stock, I guess - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486600610?ie=UTF8&tag=outoftheeth-20&link… Gets a little deeper than I want to go with some topics, but an interesting read, none the less. Rich, N8UX

1 0

AGW32dll.dll
by El Bachir Zantou 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hi, I'm writting a software driving AGW packet engine,and I need it's DLL (AGW32dll.dll). Could anybody send me a copy or point me to where I can find it. many thanks 73s CN8ZE

1 0

AO7 BEACON
by k3szh＠netzero.net 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Orbit 56683 and 56684 The beacon is operational again.Did not check at 10:15UTC orbit 56682 was busy working lots of Dx stations 9A2SB,G7BTA,F2IL,G1WPR,PE1BVQ,EA3AGH hi hi. Joe Amsat 3788 ____________________________________________________________ FTD.com Shop now and save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/u4MuSdTxaj28KsO333y49UpkNCrL…

1 0

newcomer with questions.
by joe 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the contacts so far. I am new and an getting the hang of working the various modes and splits. I am curious if there is a rig control program for the IC-706mkiig that does the Doppler correction for both up and downlink frequencies. I have been using HRD but I can only get it to control one VFO at a time. I have tried both the new beta version and the older standard and I just can't get it to work. I know the 706 is not really a satellite rig but I have been using it and my 275H together to make 40 or so contacts so far. Now I have come up on the AO-07 and really need both controlled. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Joe KI4TZ

1 0

agwdll32.dll
by SALAH 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

Hi Could any one point me to where I can find the agwdll32.dll? and is there any piece of VB code to deal with it? Regards 73's CN8XS

1 0

eBay Icom IC-970A
by Bill Booth 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

I have listed for sale on eBay tonite an Icom IC-970A VHF/UHF Satellite Transciever. It is item number 180327423957, or at this link http://cgi.ebay.ca:80/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180327423957&ssPageNam… Thanks for the space and time Bill Booth VE3NXK Sundridge ON, Canada 79.23.37 W x 45.46.18 N FN05ns Visit my weather WebCam at http://www.almaguin.com/wxcurrent/weather.html Organ and Tissue Donation - The Gift of Life Talk to your family. Your decision can make a difference.

1 0

My two cents worth...
by Johnny Miller 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Why could we not approach Google about building and paying for a launch? They are always wanting to help mankind and looking for ways for people to stay in touch with each other. What with all the rumors about them one day becoming an ISP. Would it not be great? You know they got the money for it. I can see it now GO-10 Johnny Miller millerj - @ - cinci.rr.com N8RTW Xbox Live Gamer Tag:wcso845 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Lets cure cancer together visit: http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1 0

Fw: PE1RAH's transponder
by Roger Kolakowski 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

----- Original Message ----- From: "Roger Kolakowski" <rogerkola(a)aol.com> To: "Bruce Robertson" <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2009 6:52 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] PE1RAH's transponder > We have to remember that William's first transponder has already flown and > been proven on India's Amateur Satellite where when it's not in use it > stands as a "spare" in orbit > > Roger > WA1KAT > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Bruce Robertson" <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> > To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2009 5:52 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] PE1RAH's transponder > > > > Somewhere in all this discussion about the future of AMSAT we need to > > recognize the work that William did on the 10cm^2 U/V transponder that > > was featured in the most recent Journal. Here we have a young person > > -- by the reckoning of most of us -- taking the very component-based > > approach to satellite building that has been seriously suggested as a > > way forward. He has made something that will fit the most narrow and > > most cheap form in launches today, the cubesat, and the result would > > fulfill our interests in analogue communications satellites. > > > > I suppose I see this as something of a challenge for our forward > > thinking. As a group, how do we respond to this? I would like to see > > his work tested on ground, perhaps in more than one locale, perhaps in > > an urban environment where it would get lots of traffic. Perhaps his > > design could go through some sort of audit so that some of our > > technical team could ensure that the most performance is being derived > > from the least power. > > > > 73, Bruce > > VE9QRP > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > >

1 0

AO-7???
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Anyone have any luck With AO-7 in the last six hours or so. I should be in mode A. We'll see what happens when it goes to mode B at about 2100Z. 73 Bob W7LRD

2 1

Satellite tracking for Nokia N800/810
by Wayne Estes 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

I recently ordered a Nokia N810 "internet tablet". It's a pocket-sized computer with a 400 MHz Texas Instruments OMAP2420 processor running a stripped-down version of Linux called "Maemo". It's open source, of course, and a community of enthusiasts develops software for this platform. Unfortunately, the maemo.org software index does not list a satellite tracking program. What are the practical options to put a satellite tracking program on a Nokia N810? The display is 800x480 pixels, much larger than most "palmtop" computers. Is there an existing Linux satellite tracking program that might work with Maemo Linux if I install the necessary libraries? Or should I try a Palm OS emulator and use something like PocketSat that is designed for a much smaller display? Any other emulation options to consider? I'm NOT a Linux geek, so I don't know what are the range of options to investigate. The device can access online satellite tracking applications using a Wi-Fi connection. But I'm looking for something to track ham satellites when no wireless Internet connection is available. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

4 3

Re: The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
by Bob Bruninga 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

> The youth... are not interested in the > how and the why of the toys they play with... > China and Taiwan are now the center > of the electronics hardware industry. > ... we must find a way to seed Amateur > Radio into the minds of today's youth > or lose Amateur Radio tomorrow. One thing I have noticed in doing amateur radio for scout events is that the real pay-back is not necessarily in the kids, who's attention span cannot last through a single contact, but in the interest of the middle-aged Dad's (and Mom's). So, yes, by all means, target the youth, but keep your focus more broadly and reel in those parents who seem to take an interest. Bring in the parents and someday the kids may follow. In light of the above, I think there are some amateur-radio-for kids programs that are shooting so low to the kids, that the parents miss the big picture. This is not the case with AMSAT, but it is something I have seen elsewhere. For my last 45 years being licensed, from my first day to my last, has been the lamentation that all we have in Amateur radio are old-fuds over 50. And now I am finally realizing that THAT is FACT. We should not avoid recruiting old-fuds! In fact, maybe we should consider targeting them? Old fuds that are empty-nesters or retired have the $$$, the time, the motivation and in many cases the need to develop a great hobby interest. Amateur radio is about the ideal hobby for old fuds. You can do it almost anywhere, at any range of expense, and meet great people. So I do not in any way mean this to denegrate our outreach to youth. That is fundamental, but ALWAYS keep in mind, the potential to reel-in the older parents and bystanders. Bob, Wb4APR

3 2

How About This?
by Joe 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

How about running after this? http://www.googlelunarxprize.org/

5 4

Pilton School ARISS Contact - Friday 6th February 2009
by Ciaran Morgan 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Folks, Despite the UK being in the grip of the worst snow for nearly 20 years, the UK ARISS team of Carlos Eavis G0AKI, Howard Long G6LVB and assisted by Ciaran Morgan (M0XTD) helped pull of a stunning direct contact between Sandra Magnus on board the ISS using callsign OR4ISS and Pilton The Bluecoat Primary School in Barnstable, England (callsign G0NPV) on Friday 6th February at 1452hrs UTC. Contact was established right on time and the children at Pilton managed to get all 20 questions asked with no difficulty. The replies from Sandra where heard over most of Western Europe. Videos of the contact can be found at http://www.it-sparkles.co.uk/ARISS/pilton.aspx (single page with multiple links for FLV (YouTube), MOV (Quicktime) and WMV (MS Windows devices)). Howard Long has also produced some additional formats as follows Sound - http://www.g6lvb.com/images/pilton.mp3 (1.1Mb) Video WMV 320x240 - http://www.g6lvb.com/images/pilton.wmv (70Mb) Suitable for a Windows Mobile device Video MP4 480x320 - http://www.g6lvb.com/images/pilton.mp4 (70Mb) Suitable for an iPhone Video Flash 320x240 - http://www.g6lvb.com/images/pilton.flv (32Mb) YouTube quality Enjoy! Regards Ciaran Morgan M0XTD

3 2

a little different mode of sat tracking
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

An interesting article on Space.com regarding satellite tracking - visually. http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/090204-tw-satellite-sleuthing.html I remember reading about Ted Molczan of Toronto, Canada last year with the re-entering destruction of USA-193, via the SeeSat mailing list. http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html /;^) -- <- 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' ->

1 0

thathamkid.com
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Andrew, Congratulations on your successful 4 years of being 'hammy' !! Congrats on your calendar and especially your satellite accomplishments. That bike looks really sharp - I'm sure you are already working on plans for your car... Over the years you will probably spend more on your car than on radios - although you have a good collection started already. > I always use the criteria "Can a 15 year old afford it?" :-) I still use that criteria sometimes, but just as importantly you might also ask "Can I afford to NOT do it?" ... I know money is powerful, but the educational benefits towards your understanding of technology will usually repay with interest at some point in the future. Building a downconverter kit, or 'adjusting' an old CalAmp MMDS converter will provide experience that can last a lifetime - and not break the bank. Keep up the good work, listen towards the horizon - maybe we can catch a mutual window on a satellite someday. Please feel free to visit my links below, hopefully you will find some useful/helpful info there. 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' ->

1 0

The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 07 Feb '09

07 Feb '09

Topic Was :HEO naivete Michael said: > I usually tend to keep quiet during arguements such as this . . . But - this is not an argument .?. Hardly even a debate on specific points. What is happening here is genuine concern for our future, and well founded. Not only is AMSAT and ham radio facing uncertain times, the entire fabric of modern culture seems wobbling around like it may ALL come tumbling down. Stimulus, bailouts, layoffs, foreclosures - everything is connected to most everything else - always has been, always will be. So much of all this churn has been brewing for years, but no one really wanted to acknowlege, or take the gumption to creatively start solving the problems. Now we have to. None of us are ready to just lay down and say "I quit". But - the bright side is that humanity solves its' toughest problems when times get hardest. That can work to our advantage, not only for AMSAT, but for everything else that is connected to all this 'other stuff'. The early hamsats got built and launched because a handful of hams had a blistering passion, and didn't stop until they had accomplished what had been previously un-done. At the time I think a popular 2m rig was the ol 'Benton Harbor LunchBox'. The biggest thing I see missing today is this 'blistering passion' - not just in AMSAT, not just ham radio, but most everything that the masses do. The general public has been so numbed by 500 channels of nothing on TV, fast food on every corner, convenience in every WalMard - no one gets excited about 'stuff' anymore. It is easy (for me at least) to spot those who have some passion. They get stuff done, they promote worthwhile things, they teach and encourage others, etc, etc... I recognize many many folks on AMSAT-BB that exhibit passion - Great !!! I've always felt that the AMSAT community is one of the most passionate groups I've ever worked with. Unfortunately, victims of our own success, we now find a lot of folks who have gotten on the satellite bandwagon because it IS fun, and it HAS ignited some long lost passion - but not enough of these folks recognize the need to support the effort, not only with money - but with volunteer talent and recruitment. I really like Tim's challenge to rapidly ramp-up our membership. Talk it up ! Get em joined-up ! This IS actually rocket-science, and is hardly an arm-chair sport yet. This IS still a bleeding-edge of technology, and we need a few more folks willing to take an arrow or two 'for the team' ... Not that we should have to pay-as-you-go, but I'd suspect that each of us knows at least one satellite operator that has never paid a red cent, or contributed anything towards this incredibly fascinating, outrageously expensive, blatently addicting passion of operating with satellites. (Well, unless you include the purchase price of some personal radio gear.) In years past I shelled out plenty of cash, and had sweat equity in big antenna arrays, and I do miss them. But I'm looking forward to learning more about S-band, and X-band, and beyond if necessary - by building some Tx/Rx converters to front-end existing equipment. Just like long ago when I learned so much by building some Tx/Rx converters to work 2m with my FT-101... the future is coming - again - still . . . And these tiny antennas are so much easier to build and aim - wow. As usual, I had not intended to go off on such a rant, but sometimes my passion boils over, and quite often it becomes infectious, and someone else picks up on that passion, and passes it on. We need more collective passion - as THAT is what drives these discussions, fleshes out alternatives, gets through the chaff and cuts into the kernel. By participating in these discussions, WE are helping drive the future of AMSAT, and in the same sense - ALL of ham radio. Who knows - maybe the future of all humanity ! 73 for now, and Thanks for listening ... /;^) -- <- 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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ANS-039 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by JoAnne Maenpaa 07 Feb '09

07 Feb '09

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-039 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * AMSAT India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate * Volunteers Needed for AMSAT-DC Spring Conference * George Caswell, W1ME Silent Key * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 2, 2009 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 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.02 Volunteers Needed for AMSAT-DC Spring Conference AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 8, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-039.02 Maryland-DC AMSAT Area Coordinator, Pat Kilroy, N8PK will kick off planning sessions for the next AMSAT-DC gathering. If you would like to help with this event please send Pat an RSVP e-mail soon to n8pk(a)amsat.org. Pat will send you the call-in telephone number for the planning conference calls. Pat says, "Our first planning session conference call will take place during the week of February 8-14, most likely on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM EST. The first agenda item will be to discuss the location and date of the all-day event." Pat is proposing individuals and groups of Amateur Radio operators form teams who compete at this AMSAT-DC workshop to create and operate a simulated satellite mission. The first groups will build a PICetSat II flight module from a kit of electronic parts on a small printed circuit board. The second groups will set up simple satellite ground stations. The third groups will be in charge of setting up and loading software in the computers at the ground stations to decode the telemetry and to analyze it according to a set of instructions. This event will be perfect for beginners and advanced satellite users alike, all ultimately working together to "launch" the flight module, receive the downlink, and decode the telemetry. Instructions will be provided in advance of the event to enhance preparation. More details will follow as planning commences! [ANS thanks Pat Kilroy, N8PK for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.03 George Caswell, W1ME Silent Key AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 8, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-039.03 AMSAT received the sad news that George Caswell, W1ME died peace- fully at the Maine Veterans Home on February 3rd after a lengthy illness. George was a very active AMSAT Area Coordinator in Northern New England. For a number of years, George conducted a weekly AMSAT net on a number of linked repeaters stretching from Rhode Island to Maine (including one on top of Mt. Washington). AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW reflected, "He brought enthusiasm, knowledge and a sense of humor to these nets which attracted check-ins. Needless to say, those 'wide area' nets attracted numerous newcomers to what we do, not to mention gen- erating countless new AMSAT memberships as a direct result. George enjoyed awarding 'Certificates of Recognition' to those that participated in these nets since he knew that 'wall paper' was one way to foster continued interest. I still have the 'Certificate of Recognition' signed by George in 1996 which he gave me when I visited him and participated in one of his nets." George served as a recruiter for AMSAT's Field Operations Team, encouraging AMSAT members to become area coordinators and to establish an AMSAT presence in their local areas. A number of area coordinators in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine were recruited and encouraged by George. He also repre- sented AMSAT at various hamfests in Northern New England. George and his wife Caroline, W1MRE brought AMSAT to Maine as they teamed up to organize the 18th AMSAT Space Symposium that was held in Portland, ME October, 2000. At this event people outside of New England and the Field Ops team got to know George. George set up and operated the first ISS school contact to take place in Maine. In February, 2005, he set up his radio station at the Rockland, ME high school as part of a PenBay radio club activity and contacted the International Space Station, allowing high school students to communicate with the astronauts aboard. It was one of the highlights of his amateur radio involvement. Barry sums it up, "For many of us, George Caswell, W1ME was the face of AMSAT in New England. His kindness, gracious outlook on life, infectious enthusiasm for satellite operations and amateur radio in general touched many people and made a difference in their lives." Donations in George's Memory may be made to: Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter 170 US Route 1, Suite 250 Falmouth, ME 04105. [ANS thanks Barry Baines, WD4ASW for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.04 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 8, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-039.04 + YouTube video of the ARISS contact with Ellis Elementary School in Belleville, Illinois, is available on-line at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TuJyNXx0c&eurl=http://livingstlouis. wordpress.com/2009/01/22/living-st-louis-video-ham-radio/&feature= player_embedded (watch line wrap on very long URL). + Audio and video from the Humber College, Toronto contact with the ISS is available at: http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090202.shtml (audio) http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202. wvspacestation0202/VideoStory/Technology/home?pid=RTGAM.20090202. wcollegeradio0202 (watch the line wrap). + Paul Willmott, VP9MU released an updated Reference Manual for the General Astrodynamics Library (GAL) at: http://homepage.mac.com/pclwillmott/GAL/index.html + Listen for Andy, W5ACM/MM between February 8 and February 14 via AO-51. He hopes to put some new grids on the air while we are out on the water between Galveston, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roi Tan. Radio will be a a DJ-580Ts with several LiPo battery packs. + A video tour of the Altair Lunar Lander is available at: http://tinyurl.com/d5btqx (via UniverseToday). + NASA and Google announced the release of a new Mars mode in Google Earth that brings to everyone's desktop a high-resolution, three- dimensional view of the Red Planet. Additional information is on- line at http://tinyurl.com/b567u9 (Via MarsDaily). + An interesting article about a planned 500 meter diameter radio telescope in China is available on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/b8sv2k In contrast the radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is 305 meters in diameter (via UniverseToday). [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.05 ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 2, 2009 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.05 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. February 8, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-039.05 1. School Contacts Humber College Institute of Technology and Higher Learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada completed an ARISS contact on Monday, February 2. It has assembled the primary ground station right on the main campus, and it is hoped that it will inspire future students in conducting similar studies. Pilton Bluecoat Junior School in Barnstaple, Devon, England completed an ARISS contact on Friday, February 6. The school has planned an event with the theme "Our Home in Space - The Final Frontier," in which stu- dents learn about Earth as part of the wider universe. Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in Herzogenrath, North Rhine-West- phalia, Germany completed an ARISS contact on Saturday, February 7. The school has an amateur radio club whose members initiated the ARISS contact. College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphhal, Assam, India has been scheduled for an ARISS contact on Sunday, February 8 at 10:06 UTC via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia. 2. Russian Students Radio ISS Students attending the Palace of Children's and Youth's Creativity in Tver, Russia experienced a successful ARISS contact on Tuesday, January 27. The children prepared 9 questions to ask cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov, RA3DT. Approximately 300 people attended the event including cosmonaut S. Treshchev and ARISS delegate Sergey Samburov. The Governor of Tver Region, Dmitry Vadimovich Zelenin was also invited. The contact was made possible through the Amateur Radio Club, "Club-22," and its chairman, Sergey Kemov, RA3IS. 3. Successful Canadian Elementary School Contact On Tuesday, January 27, Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, participated in an ARISS contact with students attending Castor Valley Elementary School in Greely, Ontario, Canada. He answered all 16 questions posed to him by the youth as an audience of 750 students, parents and guests looked on. The students initiated the contact, thanked Mike for the contact midway through the session, and finished the rest of the questions. Media covered the event and the school was featured on the CTV 6 o'clock news. 4. French University Contact Successful Students attending CERAM EAI in Sophia Antipolis, France participated in an ARISS contact on Thursday, January 29 via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia. Students were able to ask 15 questions of Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, before interference made the downlink unreadable. Approximately 50 students, faculty members and guests witnessed the event which was covered by the media. The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 11 connections from 9 different countries. A short write up and contact audio have been posted to the ARISS-Europe Web site. See: http://www.ariss-eu.org/2009_01_30.htm 5. French School Contact Successful Youth attending Ecole & Collège Jean XXIII, a private primary & secondary school in Pamiers, France, experienced an ARISS contact on Friday, January 30. Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, answered 18 questions prepared for him by the students as 150 people gathered to watch. Media coverage included La Gazette Ariegeoise, Le Petit Journal, France 3 and Ariege News. The event is also expected to be reported by La Depeche du Midi, Radio Transparence, Radio Montaillou and Sud Radio. A summary with audio has been posted to the ARISS-Europe Web site. See: http://www.ariss-eu.org/2009_01_31.htm 6. General Radio Operations Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Yuri Lonchakov, RA3DT made general voice contacts over the last week. Among those contacted were stations in the U.S., Canada, Russia and Brazil. They also had the radio running in packet mode and crossband repeater mode and transmitted several Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images. 7. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The ARISS team held its monthly teleconference on January 27. Among the agenda items discussed were the ARISS Face to Face Meeting to be held in the Netherlands in June, Richard Garriott's mission and SuitSat-2 status. Minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2009-01-27.htm 8. K6DUE Replaces NN1SS K6DUE, callsign of the late Roy Neal, will now be used for the Inter- national Space Station Amateur Radio Club, replacing the Greenbelt, Maryland telebridge ground station callsign, NN1SS. Neal was instrum- ental in persuading NASA to fly amateur radio on the space shuttle and helped establish the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) working group, which ultimately led to the internationally-based ARISS program. The story was reported on the Amateur Radio Newsline. [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. With that keep in mind if you show me a piano falling down a mine shaft I'll show you A-flat miner. 73, This week's ANS Editor, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM K9JKM at amsat dot org

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