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GO-32 beacon
by Mineo Wakita 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

GO-32 is now transmitting KISS beacon every 30 seconds. [2009/01/06 08:54:14z] TechSat-V4.2 ... [2009/01/06 08:54:44z] TechSat-V4.2 ... [2009/01/06 08:55:14z] TechSat-V4.2 ... JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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LOTW - Cabrillo Editing
by Clint Bradford 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

I received this inquiry this evening ... Can anyone point me to the answer??? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = I have 133 satellite contacts made through RS-12 when I lived in Hawaii. I was logging then on a program that is no longer published. A friend helped me convert the old log format to Cabrillo (one of two acceptable input formats for Logbook of the World). However, there is some additional data needed for each contact to show satellite mode and satellite name. I can find how to add that info in ADIF (the other format accepted by LoTW) but not in Cabrillo. Here's what a line of Cabrillo input looks like; the data is column- position-sensitive: QSO: 21000 CW 1994-03-20 0109 N6VI/KH6 599 31 W2HG 599 00 Do you have any idea how to modify a line of contact data in Cabrillo so that it is correctly shown as a satellite contact in LoTW? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Yep still works!!
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Hello This evening (0325Z) on AO-51 my old S band AO-40 (sobsob) still works!! No one else was on, only the west coast was available. The biggest challange is tracking the fast moving AO-51 with a 3 foot primestar dish with out auto tracking (next project). think HEO 2009 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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Still not getting into the ISS...
by Gordon JC Pearce MM3YEQ 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

I tried again just now on the (fairly high) pass over the UK and EU. Heard a couple of EA and SM stations on, but I couldn't open the repeater myself. I had my Kenwood TH-F7E handheld with the cross-band Yagi, and a Jingtong JT-308 with its own rubber duck listening for the downlink. The Jingtong was picking up a huge signal from the ISS - very very good reception indeed. I just couldn't seem to get the repeater to open for me at all though. Any suggestions? I know the TH-F7E and antenna work well for LEO satellites, so I figured it would work for the ISS. Gordon

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Re: QSL Cards?
by Jeffrey Koehler 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Hi Tom: You could look into using something like eQsl (www.eqsl.cc) which is pretty cool. Also, get yourself a computer logging program (N3FLP's amateur contact log) that will interface with eQsl. Pretty neat, although there is a learning curve associated with eQsl. The exchage is different on the FM sats vs the others (AO-7, FO-29, AO-16) where you can actually have a short conversation. listen in for a bit before you try to work anyone. On the FM birds, you have to be pretty quick, as well...people don't wait to make calls to others. The FM birds are a world of their own. Enjoy, and see you on the birds!! 73, Jeff WB2SYK FN13 --- On Sun, 1/4/09, Jim Walls <jim(a)k6ccc.org> wrote: From: Jim Walls <jim(a)k6ccc.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: QSL Cards? To: "Amsat-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Sunday, January 4, 2009, 5:32 PM Tom Williams wrote: > I'm just starting to work sats - are QSL cards commonly exchanged? How is the exchange initiated? Also, what is the voice protocol on a busy bird? > As far as QSL cards, yes many people send them. When I was active, I would QSL to any station that I had not talked to before, or any time upon request. I normally just sent the postcard, and I did have special QSL cards printed for satellite use with a custom set of fields that made more sense for satellite work. See http://home.earthlink.net/~k6ccc/QSL.html for my cards. If the other station was on an expedition (for example a rare grid), I would send an SASE as I knew they had gone to special expense to activate a grid for the community so I would pay for the postage both ways. For the voice protocol on the busy birds, the best way is to listen for a couple passes and you'll pick it up pretty quickly. The short answer is keep it VERY SHORT and FAST. When the birds are not busy, you can actually chat. Back a few years ago when I was active, there were northbound passes on UO-14 in the late evening that were well off the Pacific coast of the USA and the footprint just skirted the west coast. As I am in the Los Angeles area I often got on and there was only one or two other stations for the first one to three minutes of my pass. We would often chat for fun that way. As the bird went farther north, there were more people and it was back to the SHORT and FAST operating mode. -- 73 ------------------------------------- Jim Walls - K6CCC jim(a)k6ccc.org Ofc: 818-548-4804 http://home.earthlink.net/~k6ccc AMSAT Member 32537 - WSWSS Member 395 _______________________________________________ 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: not getting into the ISS using HRD 4.1
by Bill Dzurilla 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

I think everyone is having a hard time getting in, just because there are so many people trying at the same time. When most of the footprint is outside the CUSA and the repeater is not busy, I can get in easily with just a 19" ground plane (here in south Florida, there are often passes where Floridians are in but otherwise the footprint is mostly over water). Double check that you have the correct new uplink frequency (145.99). 73 and GL, Bill NZ5N >>>I am having a problem getting into the ISS,even when its over head. >>>I can hear the station vary loud. Last night it was almost over head and it was 40 over, still no luck. I am using HRD 4.1Build 2019 to run the TS-2000. I have checked the tone and it should be set for 67hz. and turned on. It is almost like the tone isnt there. Will the uplink antenna make that much of a differance? I am using an old style KLM 143-150-14C without the switch wired up so I cant change it. The other question I have is...is it better to cant the antennas at a 45* angle rather than being 90* to ground(looking more like an"X" than "+") ? I would sure like to get in one time before the mode changes again. Great web site. Thanks everyone for the help the last couple of weeks. It make this new mode a lot more fun. Marv. N0FJP

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SO-50 06:48 pass over the UK
by Gordon JC Pearce MM3YEQ 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Having not really got into the ISS, I'm going to be on SO-50 in 20 minutes or so when it appears over the UK. At its highest it will be 88 degrees elevation over my QTH, straight over the top! I should be able to get in at that... Gordon

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ARISS V/U from uk
by andy thomas 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Just worked ON4LEA at 0558 utc. Replied to IV3RYQ call but no reply from him. Could not hear MM3YEQ on sked. 73 de andy G0SFJ

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ISS frequencies
by WB2LLP 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Since several people were having good luck using the ISS repeater, I decided to put the frequences into my computer. While I am there, I was decided to add the crew contact frequencies, but.... what do regions 1,2/3 mean? 73 de WB2LLP Gene

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not getting into the ISS using HRD 4.1
by racer5039 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

I am having a problem getting into the ISS,even when its over head. I can hear the station vary loud. Last night it was almost over head and it was 40 over, still no luck. I am using HRD 4.1Build 2019 to run the TS-2000. I have checked the tone and it should be set for 67hz. and turned on. It is almost like the tone isnt there. Will the uplink antenna make that much of a differance? I am using an old style KLM 143-150-14C without the switch wired up so I cant change it. The other question I have is...is it better to cant the antennas at a 45* angle rather than being 90* to ground(looking more like an"X" than "+") ? I would sure like to get in one time before the mode changes again. Great web site. Thanks everyone for the help the last couple of weeks. It make this new mode a lot more fun. Marv. N0FJP

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Re: QSL Cards?
by Jeffrey Koehler 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Well, I forgot to mention Logbook of the world. www.arrl.org/lotw/ You can also download entries from N3FJP's software into Logbook of the world. Pretty simple. 73 and good luck. Jeff WB2SYK FN13xc --- On Sun, 1/4/09, John W Lee <k6yk(a)juno.com> wrote: > From: John W Lee <k6yk(a)juno.com> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: QSL Cards? > To: jeffk13057(a)yahoo.com > Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Date: Sunday, January 4, 2009, 7:07 PM > > Don't forget, E-QSL's don't count for any > of the major awards ! > > > On Sun, 4 Jan 2009 15:35:05 -0800 (PST) Jeffrey Koehler > <jeffk13057(a)yahoo.com> > writes: > > Hi Tom: > > > > You could look into using something like eQsl > (www.eqsl.cc) which is > > pretty cool. Also, get yourself a computer logging > program (N3FLP's > > amateur contact log) that will interface with eQsl. > Pretty neat, > > although there is a learning curve associated with > eQsl. > > > > The exchage is different on the FM sats vs the others > (AO-7, FO-29, > > AO-16) where you can actually have a short > conversation. listen in > > for a bit before you try to work anyone. On the FM > birds, you have > > to be pretty quick, as well...people don't wait to > make calls to > > others. The FM birds are a world of their own. > > > > Enjoy, and see you on the birds!! > > > > 73, > > Jeff WB2SYK FN13 > > > ____________________________________________________________ > Become a Medical Transcriptionist. Click here to find > schedules designed to fit your life. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2bxf5CLFKAvBTbeJDd5sqIc1o… >

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Re: QSL Cards?
by John W Lee 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Don't forget, E-QSL's don't count for any of the major awards ! On Sun, 4 Jan 2009 15:35:05 -0800 (PST) Jeffrey Koehler <jeffk13057(a)yahoo.com> writes: > Hi Tom: > > You could look into using something like eQsl (www.eqsl.cc) which is > pretty cool. Also, get yourself a computer logging program (N3FLP's > amateur contact log) that will interface with eQsl. Pretty neat, > although there is a learning curve associated with eQsl. > > The exchage is different on the FM sats vs the others (AO-7, FO-29, > AO-16) where you can actually have a short conversation. listen in > for a bit before you try to work anyone. On the FM birds, you have > to be pretty quick, as well...people don't wait to make calls to > others. The FM birds are a world of their own. > > Enjoy, and see you on the birds!! > > 73, > Jeff WB2SYK FN13 > ____________________________________________________________ Become a Medical Transcriptionist. Click here to find schedules designed to fit your life. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2bxf5DTiGfJPlMdOJJlBFY96j…

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go-32 not heard
by N1MIW 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Is it back in MBL mode? I had no problems hearing it on 1-2-09.

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QSL Cards?
by Tom Williams 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

I'm just starting to work sats - are QSL cards commonly exchanged? How is the exchange initiated? Also, what is the voice protocol on a busy bird? Thanks, Tom Williams KJ4EAW

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RH and LH CP simutaniously
by RFI-EMI-GUY 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

In theory, it would sort of work for receive. But don't try to TX through the array as it would create interference to other users on adjacent frequencies on TX (NOT GOOD). Now as far as the RX application; If you think about it those adjacent frequency users would also mix with the switching frequency and become interferers to your desired RX frequency. Interesting idea if it could be made to work. However if you have a second receiver, no reason you could not have a diversity RX setup to select best polarization. Hi all, Has anyone ever considered the possibilty of using PIN diodes and a free running square wave oscillator to electronically switch between RHCP and LHCP? The switching frequency would have to be high enough so as to not introduce a tone to the signal. Just a thought I have had for awhile. RoD KD0XX -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Use only Genuine Interocitor Parts" Tom Servo ;-P

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Re: RH and LH CP simutaniously
by Edward Cole 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

At 06:27 PM 1/3/2009, R. Chastain wrote: > From what I have read from people with > switchable RHCP/LHCP, they can switch to the > other polorazation to combat fading. Wouldn't > doing this at a fast rate accomplish the same > goal? Â I admit my antenna theory is very weak > and surely someone would have considered this > long ago. Â Thanks, RoD KD0XX --- On Fri, > 1/2/09, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF > <nigel(a)ngunn.net> wrote: From: Nigel Gunn > G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Subject: Re: > [amsat-bb] RH and LH CP simutaniously To: "R. > Chastain" <suenrod(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "Amsat-BB" > <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Friday, January 2, > 2009, 6:28 PM Would effectively cause a 3dB > loss of antenna gain as seen by another > circularly polarised antenna as the receiving > end would receive negligable signal 50% of the > time. R. Chastain wrote: > Hi all, > ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ > Has anyone ever considered the possibilty of > using PIN diodes and a free running square wave > oscillator to electronically switch between > RHCP and LHCP? > The switching frequency would > have to be high enough so as to not introduce > > a tone to the signal. > ï¿½ > Just a thought I > have had for awhile. > ï¿½ > RoD > > KD0XX > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions > expressed are those of the author. > Not an > AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur satellite program! > Subscription > settings: > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > No virus found in this incoming > message. > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: > 270.10.2/1871 - Release Date: 1/1/2009 5:01 > PM > > -- > <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> > Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF) 1865 > El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, > USA 937 825 5032 e-mail > nigel(a)ngunn.net www > http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP > #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig > #385, Dayton ARA > #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK, > MKARS, ALC > <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> > _______________________________________________ > 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 The problem with switching is knowing when to switch. If you switch to LHCP when the signal favors RHCP you will not hear anything due to 20-dB cross polarization loss. The change of polarization isn't a regular event (or predictable for the average ham). Another approach to polarization diversity would be by using two receivers. One connected to RHCP and the other to LHCP, The receivers would need to be in phase sync (use a common LO). Then using a program like Winrad (or Linrad if you use Linux) the actual polarization will display and be maximized. You can feed each receiver to a stereo headphone and you will hear the shift go from side to side. Such a system is used on eme by a few folks. It is a bit more complicated to do than switching, as you propose. A better approach for satellite is just having the capability to switch pol when it is needed. if signals begin to fade, you switch pol to check if that is better. 73, Ed - KL7UW

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follow up on lindenblads
by francesco messineo 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

Hello all, for those interested in further results with two lindenblad antennas (see my earlier post for a description of the setup), I had the opportunity to already test a couple of passes of the ISS configured as V/U repeater. The received signal is very strong already an S9 from 2 degrees of elevation and peaks to S9+40 when the ISS is higher than about 14 degrees. Usually there can be some deep fades during the pass. The transponder is accessible if not too many stations are txing at the same time. I couldn't complete any QSO in a 80 degrees (max) pass (many european stations heard), but completed two QSO in a 30 degrees pass over south europe. Unfortunately the frequency pair isn't very friendly for the FT-847, it receives its own spurii or harmonic when the doppler correction hits a certain frequency pair at the second half of a pass. On the linear sats (VO-52/FO-29) I'm able to complete a mean of one CW QSO per pass, AO-07 is much more difficult because my own signal is very low and other signals are greatly frequency modulated and thus very difficult to decode (for my poor cw skills). Again things would be much easier with preamplifiers under both antennas, but I think only CW QSO would be possible anyway (but probably a lot easier than now). 73 Francesco IS0/IZ8DWF

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[ans] ANS-004 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-004 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: * SKN Nominations Due * UNITEC-1 * ESEO Project News * ISS Ops * ARISS Report * Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report December 29, 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-004.01 SKN Nominations Due AMSAT News Service Bulletin 004.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 4, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-004.01 Thanks in part to the AO-51 command team's support, activity in OSCAR SKN 2009 seemed at an all-time high. If you participated, please nominate someone you worked for Best Fist now, while you're thinking of it. Remember, your nominee need not have the best fist you heard, just the best of those you worked. Send your nomination to w2rs(a)amsat.org. Tnx & 73, Ray W2RS [ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-004.02 UNITEC-1 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 004.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 4, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-004.02 JAMSAT Announces Amateur Satellite to Venus AMSAT has received news from Japan that JARL/JAMSAT are collaborating with the Japanese University Space Engineering Consortium (UNISEC) to send an amateur radio payload into a Venus transfer orbit with the pri- mary JAXA Planet-C Venus Orbiter mission planned for May, 2010. UNITEC-1, developed by the teams who have already launched cubesats such as University of Tokyo's XI-IV, XI-V, and Tokyo Institute of Tech- nology's CUTE-1, CUTE-1.7+APD has the following engineering missions: 1. Onboard computers developed by several universities will be tested in the harsh space environment in the form of a competition; i.e., the computer which can survive to the last in the radiation-rich deep space environment will win the competition. 2. Technologies to receive and decode very weak and low bit rate signal coming from deep space will be developed and tested. 3. Technologies to estimate orbit and signal Doppler shift of the satellite based on the received RF signal will be developed and tested. These technologies are essential for tracking and receiv- ing signals from a satellite in deep space. The UNITEC-1 team invites the support of amateur radio amateurs all around the world to participate in the receiving and data capture ex- periments in objectives 2 and 3, above. They note that amateur radio operators working as individuals or in groups develop stations and techniques to relay their received signal reports and data to the UNITEC-1 control station. This is also a unique opportunity to pro- pose amateur experiments or competitions to the satellite team. UNITEC-1 will transmit a signal consisting of a CW beacon of about 1 bps speed. One experiment requiring the participation of several amateur radio earth stations would include the development of infer- eometric techniques to combine the received signals from several antennae to improve the received S/N ratio from the spacecraft out- bound from earth. The UNITEC-1 website provides the latest mission information (such as orbit parameters, data formats and current status). UNITEC-1 will be the first university developed interplanetary satellite as well as the first amateur interplanetary satellite. The team sincerely hopes that UNITEC-1 will provide unique and exciting opportunity for the radio amateurs all over the world to enjoy reception of signals from deep space. The UNITEC-1 website can be seen at: http://unitec-1.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp/en/news_en [ANS thanks Graham Shirville, G3VZV for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-004.03 ESEO Project News AMSAT News Service Bulletin 004.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 4, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-004.03 Latest News From the AMSAT-UK/ESEO Project AMSAT-UK reports it is getting ready to support the European Student Earth Orbiter (ESEO) with on board transponder and telemetry equipment. AMSAT will provide some of the satellite communication functions and enable the ESEO flight operations to access the Global Educational Network for Satellite Operations (GENSO) and the worldwide amateur radio network. The ESEO project is studying the implementation of some important changes in requirements, in order to comply better with launch opportunities to fly the satellite to low Earth orbit as a secondary payload on one of the VEGA qualification flights. This essentially involves a redesign to reduce the dry mass of the satellite and its payload from about 120 kg (as per Phase B1) to a target of 75 kg, while at the same time maintaining an architecture that will support the key systems and functions of the satellite. The development team consisting of 10 different universities and AMSAT completed a workshop in December, 2008 which completed a preliminary definition of the new ESEO configuration and the def- inition of the corresponding preliminary system budgets (mass, power, data links), as well as the identification of potentially critical areas that will require further attention at a later date. The Amateur Radio Payload is planned to include: + U/S Transponder - either FM voice and/or linear/with DSP + U/V Transponder - linear with DSP + C-Band beacon Additionally, telemetry will be provided in a number of different formats. The latest news can be found on the ESA Education website. See: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Education/ [ANS thanks Graham Shirville, G3VZV for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-004.04 ISS Ops AMSAT News Service Bulletin 004.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 4, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-004.04 The ISS operated with an uplink 0f 1269.650 MHz and downlink of 145.800 MHz. There have been many QSO's via this repeater mode along with interesting reports about doppler effects, signal strength etc. Many have been posting reception reports and comments after successful contacts on the AMSAT-BB e-mail list for those of us to enjoy that may not have the equipment to operate with. (Time has been my bandit. ed. note) Mike, N1JEZ reported, "I got on the ISS Repeater this morning during the 1127 UTC pass here in Vermont FN34im. I took the opportunity to play with doppler/power/antenna alignment/modulation etc. As suspected, everything needs to be pretty much right on for good access. By paying close attention to AZ/El and Doppler, I was able to hold the repeater down to less than 5 degree El. Even at my power level, being 2-3 kHz off seemed to be the maximum error on doppler. Power here was set at approximately 5 kW EIRP. I did drop 10 dB and still got in as the ISS passed overhead. My full power setup here includes 80 watts in the shack to a 55 element 1269 MHz Directive Systems loop yagi. My trans- mission line is 75' of 7/8" hardline." Alan, WA4SCA said, "I have about 2500 watts EIRP on L-Band, minus some attenuation from trees, and could only bring it up above 45 degrees. the limiting factor seemed to be having enough radiated power to break the squelch. I determined that the uplink frequency needs to be properly centered. On AO-51 I can go ± 5 kHz and still get it, whereas with the ISS I got nothing, even around TCA. ± 3 kHz is probably more like it, and of course depends on your power." Clare, VE3NPC wrote, "NA1SS heard my reply to his CQ and congratulated me on being the first station heard via L-band but unfortunately he didn't get my call right and I wasnt able to get in again on that pass." He was able to work N1JEZ and other stations on later passes. Frank, IW4DVZ running and FT-736R + PA output of 40 watts on L-Band FM into antenna consisting 2x35 elements linear polarization and manual doppler compensation worked Fer, IW1DTU. Fer was running a TS-790 with 60 watts output into 55 element yagi on L-Band. David, G8OQW running an Icom 910 into a horizontal 19 element yagi on a tripod mount on his patio reported, "At 60 degrees elevation I just made it in but very briefly and with a very scratchy signal. On Jan- uary 1 I had and excellent pass, accessed repeater at best range yet, 750Km still using only 170w max ERP from tripod mounted 19 element horizontal yagi." Jeff, K7WIN reported working Ron, N6PAA on January 1, "I could hear you for over 2 minutes prior to our QSO and our QSO lasted just about 2 minutes. I couldn't get in until ISS was above 15 degrees as I only have 10 watts on L Band." [ANS thanks Frank, KA3HDO, AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs and ARISS International Chairman for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-004.05 ARISS Report AMSAT News Service Bulletin 004.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 1, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-004.05 All, Happy New Year!! The ARISS team hopes you are all enjoying the diverse amateur radio opportunities that have occurred on the ISS over the past several weeks. We want to thank Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, for his outstanding support to the ISS Ham Radio community. His efforts have been phenomenal! This e-mail provides an update of the ARISS special event opportunities for the next two weeks. As previously mentioned, the ARISS team is currently celebrating 25 years of amateur radio operations from space. This past week, the ISS Ham radio system was configured in the L/V crossband repeater mode. This configuration will continue through to Saturday when a school contact is scheduled around 10:35 UTC. After the school contact on Saturday January 3, it is our plans to have Mike Fincke reconfigure the radio to support V/U crossband repeater operations. As a reminder, that configuration has a 145.99 MHz uplink frequency including PL tone of 67.0 and a 437.80 MHz downlink frequency. All repeater operations are being performed in low power (5 W) mode. It is our intent to keep the repeater active in this configuration for 2 weeks (through January 17). We are also considering follow-on experimental operations of the 9600 baud packet radio system and the L/V crossband repeater. Stay tuned for future updates. As a reminder, a special certificate is being developed for those who communicate with the ISS. This certificate will be awarded to those that have had 2 way communications with the ISS on Voice, Packet (APRS), or through the voice repeater. And those that have heard the ISS from space in any of the ARISS operations modes (Voice, SSTV, School Contact, Voice Repeater, Digital). Valid dates to qualify for certificate: November 30 to January 15. To receive the certificate: A) Please note on your QSL the ARISS mode of operation (e.g. SSTV, voice, school, etc) and whether the contact with you was 1 way (receive only) or 2 way. B) Send your SASE to the normal ARISS QSL volunteer distributor in your area of the world. C) On the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words "25th Anniversary Certificate" D) Make sure your envelope is big enough to accept an 8.5 by 11 inch certificate and includes the proper postage. E) Go to www.ariss.org if you do not know where to send your QSL and please use one of the standard international QSL distributors that are noted on the Web page. Important note: We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors in bulk AFTER the event is over. (This saves workload and money). So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the event closes on January 15. We would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods of time. (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for a commemorative certificate). Continue to enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS in 2009! 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-004.06 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report December 29, 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 004.06 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 4, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-004.06 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium on Saturday, January 3 at 10:35 UTC via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia. The mission of Technopolis is to bring science and technology to the public. The center has permanent and temporary exhibits and organizes workshops, school activities and other outreach activities. The ARISS contact will be open to all school children 6 -18 years of age and will be supported through a workshop, lecture or science show. Aaxam Jatiya Vidyalaya in Guwahati, India has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, January 7 at 07:54 UTC via telebridge station W6SRJ in California. Approximately 1300 students are enrolled at the school. All students are taught in Assamese with English taught as a compulsory second language. 2. Michigan Museum Contact Successful Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Saturday, December 27. Approximately 100 people witnessed the contact as 13 students posed one question each to Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 15 connections from 8 countries. Three newspapers sent reporters to cover the event. The Ann Arbor News posted an article to its Web site. See: http://www.mlive.com/annarbor/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1230450021247… To view the Ann Arbor Chronicle story, go to: http://annarborchronicle.com/2008/12/27/to-infinity-and-beyond/ 3. Spaceflight Participants Interviewed Technology Review interviewed the ISS spaceflight participants. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) equipment is mentioned. Go to: http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/21808/?a=f 4. AMSAT Report Posted The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) held its 2008 Annual Meeting and Space Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia in October. The president's State of AMSAT report includes a status on SuitSat-2. The report has been posted to the AMSAT Web site. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/pdfs/2008_Annual_Meeting/2008-10-25_WD4ASW_A… [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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Re: What would be a good radio ???
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

Don't forget the IC-1271A. Icoms 1.2Ghz 10W transceiver no longer being produced. They are rare and still command a high price. I found one from this BB several years ago. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Sebastian <w4as(a)bellsouth.net> > ICOM IC-910H if you want 1.2 GHz. Radio is in production, a bit on > the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. > > Otherwise a Yaesu FT-847; no longer in production, doesn't have 1.2 > GHz but can be added with a transverter. The Yaesu FT-736R is still > an excellent radio but really getting old, and parts may be a problem; > many suffer from broken internal power supplies, however you can use > an external one. > > If I missed any, I'm sure someone else will give you more ideas. > > I also have a TS-2000 for HF, but use the FT-847 for satellite work. > Some have said that if you use a mast mounted preamp for 440 MHz, and > disable the TS-2000's internal preamp, that significantly cuts out the > birdy. I haven't tried that because my preamps are fed their voltage > directly with the coax via the FT-847. The TS-2000 doesn't have that > capability; why that was left out doesn't make any sense to me. > > > 73 de W4AS > Sebastian > > On Jan 3, 2009, at 1:33 PM, racer5039 wrote: > > > I have a TS-2000 that I am using now to work the birds but am you > > all know the Kenwood TS-2000 has a problem with the down link at or > > around 436.800. > > My question is...what would be a good radio to use on these birds? > > Maybe something that would cover the 1.2G stuff as well. > > Thansk to all those that helped me out with the SSB Sat tuning. > > It has really helped me out. > > Thanks again. > > > > Marv > > N0FJP > > _______________________________________________ > > 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

4 3

ISS over US ~13:20z
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

Heard several stations working thru ISS u/v repeater, including Mike Fincke - KE5AIT calling for Ken - N5VHO ... Pretty strong signals coming down, not enough ERP here to get in. Thanks /;^) -- <- 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: ARISS V/U over UK this morning
by andy thomas 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

Eastbound over the sea, from due West, obviously, sorry. G0SFJ --- On Sun, 4/1/09, andy thomas <andythomasmail(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > From: andy thomas <andythomasmail(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Subject: ARISS V/U over UK this morning > To: "amsat" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org>, sarex(a)amsat.org > Date: Sunday, 4 January, 2009, 10:38 AM > Heard myself very clearly on v/u as the ISS came in > Westbound over the sea (my favourite orbit)- but no one to > talk to circa 0530utc here in UK/Europe! As footprint came > over continental europe the ususal burps and hisses from an > FM repeater that's overdriven, copied RR in the flow. > > 0703 at low elevation much the same, talking clearly to > myself, missed a qso with HB9ICC at the end of the pass. > > XYL not impressed with my dedication...hi > > 73 de andy g0SFJ

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ARISS V/U over UK this morning
by andy thomas 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

Heard myself very clearly on v/u as the ISS came in Westbound over the sea (my favourite orbit)- but no one to talk to circa 0530utc here in UK/Europe! As footprint came over continental europe the ususal burps and hisses from an FM repeater that's overdriven, copied RR in the flow. 0703 at low elevation much the same, talking clearly to myself, missed a qso with HB9ICC at the end of the pass. XYL not impressed with my dedication...hi 73 de andy g0SFJ

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ISS V/U active and loud
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

The ISS repeater will be in V/U mode through January 17, according to http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2009/ariss_anniversary_update.htm . I just had a 20 degree pass and it was really loud, far louder than anything I've ever heard from AO-51 or any other bird. Quite a lot of activity, I worked 6Y5RA, N4QWZ, YV5MM, and KG4ZLB. Called N2EHG (good signal) several times but no answer. Note that this is NOT the usual ISS repeater configuration (used to be 70cm uplink, 2 meter downlink). The downlink is now on 437.8, and the uplink is on 145.99 (67hz PL tone needed). 73, Bill NZ5N

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RH and LH CP simutaniously
by R. Chastain 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

Hi all, Has anyone ever considered the possibilty of using PIN diodes and a free running square wave oscillator to electronically switch between RHCP and LHCP? The switching frequency would have to be high enough so as to not introduce a tone to the signal. Just a thought I have had for awhile. RoD KD0XX

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L band radio
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Hello All With the latest interest in 1.2Ghz. I found this on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/Icom-IC-1271A-1-2-Gig-1296-All-mode-Transciever-IC_W0QQ… I do not know the fellow selling it. I do own one and find it an excellent radio. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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How to do 1.2ghz when sat radio is FT-847
by Michael J. Wolthuis 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

I am excited with all the late use of 1.2ghz and want to get involved. I have an FT-847, which doesn't have a 1.2ghz option. So what are others doing? Here were my thoughts.... 1) Add a 910 for 1.2ghz - expensive 2) Utilize my TS-2000 (currently HF) for 1.2ghz by adding UT-20 - not sure how hard the add-on is to do 3) Buy another radio (?????) for 1.2ghz use 4) Is there some way to use the FT-847? If there is references out there to this, Google did not do me well, please send links and pointers. Thanks and hopefully I'll be on 1.2ghz soon. I have an antenna and 50ft of inch and a quarter to the shack on the Sat rotator, but just never hooked it too anything. Mike kb8zgl

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What would be a good radio ???
by racer5039 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

I have a TS-2000 that I am using now to work the birds but am you all know the Kenwood TS-2000 has a problem with the down link at or around 436.800. My question is...what would be a good radio to use on these birds? Maybe something that would cover the 1.2G stuff as well. Thansk to all those that helped me out with the SSB Sat tuning. It has really helped me out. Thanks again. Marv N0FJP

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Re: How to do 1.2ghz when sat radio is FT-847
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

I forgot to include the link http://users.innercite.com/kj6ko/ 73 W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE(a)UNITED.NET> > Mike, > > The TS-2000 is a very capable satellite rig, and the 1.2 gig module will get > you on mode L. According to the sales sites, you need to have the module > installed by a dealer or from the factory. So in one sense, the > installation is easy. Let somebody else do it. ;) At about $500-600 plus > installation, it is probably comparable in cost to a good external > transverter and avoids all the quirks of interfacing and deciding which IF > to use. Note that 10 watts out is really marginal, and you need an > amplifier in the 50-100 watt range along with a good antenna to make > satellite operating more than a chore. > > The FT-847 works well with a transverter. I regularly operate AO-51 in the > various modes using mode L as an uplink, and with a little recabling worked > the ISS in mode LV about as well as could be done. There is a brief note in > the July/August AMSAT Journal about using TX transverters with 2 meter IFs > when you need to be able to RX on 2 meters. > > One thing to consider whether you are talking about amplifiers or > transverters, is that terrestrial communication centers around 1296 MHz, > while space communication centers around 1269 MHz. Almost all equipment is > designed for the higher and much more common frequency. The amps often need > retuning for the lower frequency, and are less efficient. Likewise, > transverters will require significantly different crystals to get the IF > where you can use it. > > Going with the TS-2000 and adding a brick amp is the easiest and cleanest > way, but if you are a good scrounger, not necessarily the cheapest. > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: How to do 1.2ghz when sat radio is FT-847
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

here's your amp. I have one tuned for the middle of 1268 & 1296. I get about 50-60 watts out. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE(a)UNITED.NET> > Mike, > > The TS-2000 is a very capable satellite rig, and the 1.2 gig module will get > you on mode L. According to the sales sites, you need to have the module > installed by a dealer or from the factory. So in one sense, the > installation is easy. Let somebody else do it. ;) At about $500-600 plus > installation, it is probably comparable in cost to a good external > transverter and avoids all the quirks of interfacing and deciding which IF > to use. Note that 10 watts out is really marginal, and you need an > amplifier in the 50-100 watt range along with a good antenna to make > satellite operating more than a chore. > > The FT-847 works well with a transverter. I regularly operate AO-51 in the > various modes using mode L as an uplink, and with a little recabling worked > the ISS in mode LV about as well as could be done. There is a brief note in > the July/August AMSAT Journal about using TX transverters with 2 meter IFs > when you need to be able to RX on 2 meters. > > One thing to consider whether you are talking about amplifiers or > transverters, is that terrestrial communication centers around 1296 MHz, > while space communication centers around 1269 MHz. Almost all equipment is > designed for the higher and much more common frequency. The amps often need > retuning for the lower frequency, and are less efficient. Likewise, > transverters will require significantly different crystals to get the IF > where you can use it. > > Going with the TS-2000 and adding a brick amp is the easiest and cleanest > way, but if you are a good scrounger, not necessarily the cheapest. > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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ISS L/V repeater attempt
by N1MIW 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

I will try to be QRV on the next pass for RI (~6:34UTC). I'm working my way back into satellites & need to get some use out of my 1.2GHz gear. Just listened to the 04:50UTC pass & heard a 2 and an 8 call, but didn't get the whole thing. It seemed like the squelch is set too high - hope my 45el loop yagi & 10 watts will make it! I'll be manually tuning the rig for now... If it works well, I'll connect the rig to a computer tomorrow! Anyone have an idea how long the ISS repeater will be in L/V mode? 73's from FN41 Larry N1MIW

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Re: Meteor Pings Web Cast
by Michael Fletcher 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Hi all, here is a very good live meteor scatter feed too: http://stream.ham.fi:8000/Meteor_Scatter.m3u 73's de Michael, OH2AUE -- "Life is too short for Sudoku"

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Meteor Pings Web Cast
by JoAnne Maenpaa 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Happy New Year everyone, While really not on-topic I hope other hams will enjoy this info ... http://spaceweatherradio.com/ is playing the audio from the space radar fence again for this weekend's meteor shower. Ping! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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Re: VE7XDT Voice contact with ISS on U/V repeater fromVancouver, Canada at 11.03 UTC
by MAC1 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Hi Dirgantara, What antenna system do you use? 73! Dino VE7XDT

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VE7XDT Voice contact with ISS on U/V repeater from Vancouver, Canada at 11.03 UTC
by MAC1 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Hi , Just talked to Mike from the ISS on the newly configured repeater. I was the only station.. 3.03 AM local time.. We had a nice chat for about 7-8 minutes at least.... Using 4 element yagi on 2M with 25W 9 element yagi for 70CM with a pre-amp. Max elevation was 50 deg. My feeling is that 5W will not cut it below 20 deg elevation... 73! Dino VE7XDT

2 1

Active ISS L/V with 10W and 16 element yagi
by MAC1 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Hi to all, Just to confirm that I made a contact with ISS L/V repeater using the following set up: FT 736R with 10W on 1.2 GHz 16 El Comet 1216E horizontal yagi on 1.2 GHz (16 db gain, 54 inches long ) 120 Ft of LMR 400 from the shack to the top of the tower (loses 4.5 db/ 100 ft @1.2 GHz) ERP is less than 120 Watt ( not counting the "N" connectors ) Using manual doppler (hard to tune with the SatPC32) Time was 9.33 AM UTC (1.33AM local time), location Vancouver, BC, Canada, CN89 Max elevation 42 deg, I turned the repeater at around 32 deg elevation with FM-N. Talked to myself for about 30 sec or so... lost again around 32 deg .. 73! Dino VE7XDT

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Re: Active- ISS L / v Repeater 05.01utc UK / Europe Pass
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Hi David, Glad that you and others in the UK have been able to work via the repeater during this weeks experiment. The reason of course that it has been quiet over hear is due to the regression time into very early morning passes. Of course it is even worse this time of the year in view of the cold weather. Maybe perhaps the opportunity will come again in the future perhaps with a look at operations in Europe for day time passes. But not with pile ups Hi! I think that the same considerations of course may apply about crew contacts as they are of course still in rest periods during our overnight passes. Good Luck to the team for the New Year and all, thanks also to all for another step forward with progress for amateur radio. Ken Eaton GW1FKY

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 06.36utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Repeater active for 06.36utc UK / Europe Pass. Last UK pass of the day and L/v session. Peter, MW0CXH putting through a good signal, no access for me, too low and too far. It's been a great experiment. Thanks to all involved and thanks for reports, comments and contacts. David G8OQW

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ISS over EU at 0505
by Dave Aitch 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Heard MW0CXH and G8OQW, end stopping signal. Despite best efforts and manual uplink tuning, my 10w with the 910 doesn't cut the squelch. 73, Dave.

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 05.01utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Repeater active for 05.01utc UK / Europe Pass. Just Peter, MW0CXH and me again this pass. Hope NASA don't bill us for our air time! Downlink recorded. David G8OQW

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater passes from 00.16 to 03.25utc UK / Europe Pass?
by Peter Evans 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Worked the iss cross band repeater this morning for the 1st time in L/V mode and was able to open the repeater on the last 3 passes. I could hear myself very well on the down-link , I used manual Doppler correction on the up-link in 5kc steps and worked ok. Many thanks for the reports that have been sent to me from dl7et and ea4bgh and the 2 qso I had with Dave g8oqw who I could hear for 98% of his overs with his 10 watts and 19 elements on a tripod. Set-up here... Kenwood TS 2000X 65 watts at the antenna end, 2 x 23 element tonna antenna stacked And one hell of a cold night to go up on the roof to alter my 23cm troppo system to go on the elevation rotator, but I had to give this a go!. 73, Peter MW0CXH IO71

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 03.26utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Repeater active for 03.26utc UK / Europe Pass. Just Peter, MW0CXH and me again this pass. Downlink recorded. David G8OQW

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 01.50utc UK / Europe Pass
by peter evans 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Worked the iss cross band repeater this morning for the 1st time in L/V mode and was able to open the repeater on the last 2 passes. I could hear myself very well on the down-link , I used manual Doppler correction on the up-link in 5kc steps and worked ok. Many thanks for the reports that have been sent to me from dl7et and ea4bgh and the qso I had with Dave g8oqw who I could hear for 98% of the time with his 10 watts. Set-up here... Kenwood TS 2000X 65 watts at the antenna end, 2 x 23 element tonna antenna stacked And one hell of a cold night to go up on the roof to alter my 23cm troppo system to go on the elevation rotator, but I had to give this a go!. 73, Peter MW0CXH IO71 _________________________________________________________________ Imagine a life without walls. See the possibilities. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/122465943/direct/01/

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Decoding GO-32 data
by N1MIW 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

I was wondering if anyone has tried to record a .WAV file of this bird & decode it later on. I've seen some archived posts where MixW was used, but it wasn't clear what the individual did to set up the software. I've tried tinkering around myself with MixW - I played the file back & ran a cable from the speaker out to the line in on my computer, but I don't think I had the 9K6 protocol set properly in the program (basic changing of the parameters didn't work either). I guess I'm looking to "cheat" from you guys since I can't get any decodes. Is what I'm trying to do even possible? For a little info on my station setup: FT-847 audio is captured from the DATA port for 9K6 & higher speeds auto track for antennas & doppler Audio recording in 8khz mono (could there be a problem here???) ...I receive GO-32 quite well with an S-5 or better on some passes, so receiving the signal is not an issue. Even if it's just sending telemetry right now, it would be fun to play with the high-speed data. Is there another program I could use for decoding the data? Any help is appreciated! 73's from FN41 ...Larry N1MIW

3 2

Active- ISS L / v Repeater 01.50utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Repeater active for 01.50utc UK / Europe Pass. Worked Peter, MW0CXH, many thanks, very good signal through repeater. It was worth getting up! No other stations heard. David G8OQW

1 0

KC0TOH
by Andrew Glasbrenner 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Are you on this list, or does someone have a working email for him? 73, Drew KO4MA

3 2

An Off-Topic Question
by D. Mynatt 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

I asked sometime ago in the group, but sometimes things change and stuff comes along so I thought I'd ask again and see if any one had a mini-computer like a PdP-11 with tapes drives and the large external disk drives in the floor boxes. As I mentioned before, just trying to find a unit to show students the older technologies as well as how to program with Cobol/Fortran. Using PCs is the best way to do a lot of stuff, but a mini-mainframe is the visually appealing idea. Just thought I'd ask in case things changed out there! Dave // DM78qd // KA0SWT

4 3

Re: LOTW &/or eQSL ?
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

WB5RMG (showing his lack of understanding) said : > Reckon is there any harm in also doing LOTW ? Thanks to BB-responses and several email replies (and some good'ol RTFM) I now recognize that LOTW is not 'just another QSL/log toolbox'... A simple definition for LOTW : a contact database to make it easier for the ARRL to confirm 2-way contacts by those requesting ARRL awards. I'm sure that there are other benefits that I may learn of as I go down that path; but not being an award collector, the biggest benefit I see now with LOTW is to add my few contacts that others may be waiting for confirmation - for their award... Seems simple enough, and I will probably start that process before long. Thanks again for the guidance ... HNY /;^) -- <- 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

ISS: L band repeater 04:40utc pass Europe
by Henk, PA3GUO 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

89 degrees elevation pass over Europe Nothing heared this time. I did not get over the L band uplink. Close to max elevation while TXing I heared squelch open/close but that was all. For G8OQW: Thanks a lot for joining me during these nighttime experiments David !!! Henk, PA3GUO (... now back to bed )

7 12

Re: Ham-Mag
by Clint Bradford 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

>> ... The first English issue of the free electronic Amateur Radio magazine Ham-Mag is now available and features an article on working satellites with your HT by K6LCS ... Thanks for mentioning that! As always, the original document will be posted on the amateur radio pages at ... http://www.clintbradford.com Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

1 0

AO-16 back on and very strong
by w4upd 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Thanks to the control station turning AO-16 back on. Heard the sequence and then the bird was really kicking butt on its signal. I lowered my power to 5 watts and was still banging in and this with some very "bad" verticals that I have difficulty with on the other birds. Heard to satellite quit during the pass and then obviously, control station came back and turned it on again. Other then some "junk" only a couple of stations were on. I had a choice of AO-16 or SO-50. No brainer, stuck with AO-16. Good work fellows, 73, Reid, W4UPD

7 13

FT 736 Question
by Dimitrios Pallis 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

I wish happy new year to the group.I would like to ask if i can use lower step than 100 hz in sat mode on FT 736.I cannot turn on the clar on sat mode!thank youDimitrios Pallis (JIMMY)73 de SW1JGWwww.sw1jgw.com _________________________________________________________________ It’s the same Hotmail®. If by “same” you mean up to 70% faster. http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_broad1_…

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Delfi-C3 / DO-64 status update January 2nd 2009 14:00 UTC
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Hi all, please find a status update of the Delfi-C3 / DO-64 satellite below. 1. On behalf of the Delfi-C3 / DO-64 team we would like to wish you all a very happy 2009! 2. Delfi-C3 is currently operational in basic mode, transmitting housekeeping telemetry at 1200Bd BPSK AX.25 on 145.870MHz. Basic mode is the "safest" mode the spacecraft can be in, since it transmits continuously and furthermore commanding is easiest when in this mode. The craft has been in this mode for a while so that we can analyze a possible issue with the linear transponder :(. As some of you may have noticed, the transponder has been hard to access during its last weeks of operation, contrary to the first weeks where it performed fine. We have performed a number of tests in order to assess this issue, up till now it seems like the issue is in the receiver frontend. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to investigate this issue, so whenever the satellite is over Europe and in range of our groundstation, it may be switched to transponder mode. In this mode, a CW beacon is transmitted at 145.870MHz. When you hear the satellite in this mode, please DO NOT transmit to the satellite until further notice. This will allow us to further characterize the issue and work out a solution, if possible. 3. All other subsystems continue to perform fine on orbit. 4. In the meantime, telemetry can still be received using the RASCAL software package, and forwarded to our server. We have again received a lot of frames already from various hams worldwide, thank you all for your efforts! Note that the primary server at 83.138.144.157 is not operational, but the backup server is and will continue to be operational. 5. During our free time at Christmas, we have implemented a number of improvements / bug fixes in RASCAL, the most noticeable one being an improved tuning range of the demodulator, allowing the input audio carrier to be between 900 and 2300Hz, instead of 1400-1800Hz. This makes tuning much easier. These fixes have been implemented in RASCAL version 1.1.0, which is available for download as of now from the website at: http://www.delfic3.nl/rascal on this page, in the "upgrading RASCAL" paragraph, you can also find instructions on how to upgrade to this newer version without losing your original settings and telemetry repository. 73 on behalf of the Delfi-C3 / DO-64 team, Wouter Jan Ubbels PE4WJ

2 1

Costs of getting cargo to ISS
by Trevor 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Article at http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/12/24/nasa_iss_cargo_deals/ "Overall, each kilo of cargo delivered to the station by commercial resupply will cost NASA $87,500. The Shuttle was said to carry stuff to orbit for $44,000 per kg, but that didn't include development costs." 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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I: Active- ISS L / v Repeater 07.45utc UK / Europe Pass
by Francesco Grappi 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Hi David, Yes I had wonderful signal coming from ISS repeater up to 5° elevation and 1650 Km. from my qth !! Beautiful and exciting experience!!! Thank you very much to ARISS TEAM and ISS CREW MEMBERS !! Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di David Barber Inviato: venerdì 2 gennaio 2009 9.03 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; sarex(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Active- ISS L / v Repeater 07.45utc UK / Europe Pass Repeater active for 07.45utc UK / Europe Pass. IW4DVZ calling CQ, no takers. Excellent signal. Anybody wanting to hear how it should be done should listen to Frank's signal. The audio and tracking is perfect. David G8OQW _______________________________________________ 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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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 07.45utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Repeater active for 07.45utc UK / Europe Pass. IW4DVZ calling CQ, no takers. Excellent signal. Anybody wanting to hear how it should be done should listen to Frank's signal. The audio and tracking is perfect. David G8OQW

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ARISS Certificate info
by vk5alx＠amsat.org 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

>From Ariss Update, I see that to get certificate we need to send a large addressed stamped envelope. How does that work out for operators in Australia (or and other country outside the qsl country list)? Should we instead include IRCs ? (how many) , or local stamps to what value? or what? cheers Alex, VK5ALX

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I: Active- ISS L / v Repeater 06.10utc UK / Europe Pass
by Francesco Grappi 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Strong signal from ISS trasponder L/V I heard you David for a short time but very well !! Thank you David ! I also recorded downlink for whole pass. Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di David Barber Inviato: venerdì 2 gennaio 2009 7.24 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; sarex(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Active- ISS L / v Repeater 06.10utc UK / Europe Pass Repeater active for 06.10utc UK / Europe Pass. Max 38dg elevation here so marginal for my antenna. Excellent signal via repeater from IW4DVZ calling me, my reply very weak but I hope it got there. Thank you Frank. Recorded downlink. David G8OQW _______________________________________________ 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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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 06.10utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Repeater active for 06.10utc UK / Europe Pass. Max 38dg elevation here so marginal for my antenna. Excellent signal via repeater from IW4DVZ calling me, my reply very weak but I hope it got there. Thank you Frank. Recorded downlink. David G8OQW

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my first satellite CW QSO tonight
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Hi! I have not done much CW in recent years. The last time I worked this mode was for the 2005 ARRL Sweepstakes CW contest, which did wonders for getting comfortable with higher CW speeds. I tried it once via satellite unsuccessfully a few months ago. I decided to try CW on the SSB/FM side of AO-51 tonight, after a few calls in SSB without responses. I sent DE WD9EWK a couple of times, and Glenn AA5PK showed up. We made a quick QSO, and now I have 1 satellite CW QSO in my log. Thanks, Glenn, for the contact. A QSL card will be heading your way. I know I could change my callsign, to eliminate the one big reason I don't do CW much (the "K" at the end of my call). That was the reason why my first attempt at satellite CW didn't work out - the other station thought my callsign ended in a "W". Now that I have a CW QSO via satellite in the log, I may just try to deal with the "K" and see if I can start logging more satellite CW QSOs. More satellite fun for the new year, to go along with just getting on the air and also getting on from many different locations... Happy 2009 to all, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ (I've already operated from 4 different grids in 2009 - on the DM32/DM42 border Wednesday evening to start the new year on the UTC clock, and on the DM33/DM43 border tonight)

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ISS L band: 3:00 utc pass
by Henk, PA3GUO 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

During the 3:00 utc (82 degrees elevation) pass I did not get over ISS L band uplink (10W, 35 elements). I did hear David G8OQW calling me. Henk, PA3GUO

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 02.59utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Repeater active for 02.59utc UK / Europe Pass. Poor access time, squelch setting seems higher. Only solid signal got through today where as yesterday access was maintained with a much weaker / scratchy signal into the box. No other stations heard. David G8OQW

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FM Sat Packet
by Marc 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Hello all and Happy New Year, I hate to sound like such a Newbie, but I know how hard it was figuring out some of the nuances of FM and SSB voice birds with no experience in Sats. Asking for help would have cut down my learning cure immensely. The learning curve can be tough when doing something new with the assistance of old data. So rather than going through that again, I am going to ask for help. I have just rewired my old Kantronics all mode TNC to my FT-847 and have been watching some local APRS data packets. I think I am ready to see what is available on Sats. What are the Sats that I can hear and TX to in the 2m/440 freqs that, are easy to hit with minimum antenna equipment? N1SDH Marc

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SKN 2008/2009
by John Marranca, Jr 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Happy New Year, everyone... Last night's Straight Key Night was fun! I was pretty impressed with the amount of stations on the linear satellites participating in the event. Worked a few, missed a few, but still enjoyable all night. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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USB to serial converters
by Mark Spencer 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a USB to serial convereter that works well with SAT32PC and an ICOM 706 or a FT 736. Conversely if anyone has had bad experiences that would be usefull to hear about as well. I've heard that some USB to serial converters work better than others. Many thanks Mark VE7AFZ __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

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ARISS Update--25th Anniversary of Ham Radio in Space--Jan 1, 2009
by Frank H. Bauer 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

All, Happy New Year!! The ARISS team hopes you are all enjoying the diverse amateur radio opportunities that have occurred on the ISS over the past several weeks. We want to thank Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, for his outstanding support to the ISS Ham Radio community. His efforts have been phenomenal! This e-mail provides an update of the ARISS special event opportunities for the next two weeks. As previously mentioned, the ARISS team is currently celebrating 25 years of amateur radio operations from space. This past week, the ISS Ham radio system was configured in the L/V crossband repeater mode. This configuration will continue through to Saturday when a school contact is scheduled around 10:35 UTC. After the school contact on Saturday January 3, it is our plans to have Mike Fincke reconfigure the radio to support V/U crossband repeater operations. As a reminder, that configuration has a 145.99 MHz uplink frequency including PL tone of 67.0 and a 437.80 MHz downlink frequency. All repeater operations are being performed in low power (5 W) mode. It is our intent to keep the repeater active in this configuration for 2 weeks (through January 17). We are also considering follow-on experimental operations of the 9600 baud packet radio system and the L/V crossband repeater. Stay tuned for future updates. As a reminder, a special certificate is being developed for those who communicate with the ISS. This certificate will be awarded to those that have had 2 way communications with the ISS on Voice, Packet (APRS), or through the voice repeater. And those that have heard the ISS from space in any of the ARISS operations modes (Voice, SSTV, School Contact, Voice Repeater, Digital). Valid dates to qualify for certificate: November 30 to January 15. To receive the certificate: A) Please note on your QSL the ARISS mode of operation (e.g. SSTV, voice, school, etc) and whether the contact with you was 1 way (receive only) or 2 way. B) Send your SASE to the normal ARISS QSL volunteer distributor in your area of the world. C) On the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words "25th Anniversary Certificate" D) Make sure your envelope is big enough to accept an 8.5 by 11 inch certificate and includes the proper postage. E) Go to www.ariss.org if you do not know where to send your QSL and please use one of the standard international QSL distributors that are noted on the Web page. Important note: We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors in bulk AFTER the event is over. (This saves workload and money). So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the event closes on January 15. We would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods of time. (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for a commemorative certificate). Continue to enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS in 2009! 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman

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Re: WA4SCA ISS Last Pass
by Ron Miles 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

K7WIN...Congratulations Jeff and thanks for the new mode. Solid L/V mode QSO on the ~16:32 UTC pass. Seems like I was running enough power on the uplink to ionize every fluorescent light bulb on Station! Happy New Year. Ron n6paa

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Re: lindenblad observations
by Joe Krepps 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Ed, I googled "AA2TX Lindenblad" and found: http://www.arrl.org/qst/2007/08/monteiro.pdf Hope this helps & 73! :) Joe WB3CFN

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WA4SCA ISS Last Pass
by dcowden＠nc.rr.com 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Thanks Alan, WA4SCA, For the short contact. Solid 59 Copy most of the pass. I had trouble with my TX doppler. 73, Don N8DDK

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Re: FM receiver filters
by Bob Bruninga 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

> I suggest you consider AFC. > Not enough demand for that wide a filter. Won't work for packets, or at least would require a long TXD making packet communicatiosn inefficient. As to rarity, only one filter in the whole world is needed and that is on the uplink receiver. This lets eveyrone on the ground use conventional rigs without mods, and with minimal doppler uplink tracking. Too many simple satellites are being built without considering the need for a wider bandwidth receiver on the uplink. The difficulties of such an approach for users is very obvious on the ISS cross band repeater, which is using a stock amateur transceiver with a 12 KHz wide receiver on the uplink, which makes even 5 KHz step tuning on the uplink be out-of-bandwidth splatter half the time. This is not a complaint at all. The ISS team is to be congratulated for making the most of what they were able to get up there. It just takes more skill by users on the ground... It is good to see this new UK project planning on a wider uplink RX filter. Bob, Wb4APR

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Ham-Mag - Work satellites with your HT
by Trevor 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

The first English issue of the free electronic Amateur Radio magazine Ham-Mag is now available and features an article on working satellites with your HT by K6LCS. The first issue can be downloaded from the magazines website at http://www.ham-mag.com/ and if you subscribe (free) the magazine will be emailed to you each month. Note: The subscription page email address field assumes the @ character is Shift-2 rather than the Shift-Quote used on some national keyboards. The magazines editor is looking for articles for future issues. 73 Trevor M5AKA ----

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817 and satpc32 problem solved!
by Tim Goodrich 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Hi all, A few days ago I posted the problem I was having with my new 817 and satpc32. After emailing with the very kind Erich (creator of the software), we were able to find the source of the problem in the CAT delay setting (standard value was 110, but mine needed to be higher for some reason). Below is my email to him with observations for any who might be experiencing similar difficulties. The strangest thing..... I came home and changed the CAT delay from 110 to 200. It worked! Both the mode and frequencies were changed for vfoa and vfob and everything was good. Out of curiosity (and thinking it might help with any troubleshooting you may need to do), I changed the CAT delay to 150. My observations were that both the mode and freq. would change for vfoa and vfob, but the interval settings did not work. What I mean by this is the radio would switch between both vfo's on a very rapid basis, basically whenever there was the slightest Doppler change, it would retune. Obviously, this would make the receive audio extremely choppy. To sum it up: 110-change downlink freq. and mode, change uplink mode only, rapid toggling 150- change downlink freq. and mode, change uplink freq. and mode, rapid toggling 200- perfect Tim KC2DDS/AG

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 07.18utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Repeater active for 07.18utc UK / Europe Pass. Max 20dg elevation here so too low for Tx antenna. Excellent signal via repeater from IW4DVZ calling CQ. No other stations heard. Recorded downlink. David G8OQW

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 05.43utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Repeater active for 05.43utc UK / Europe Pass. Excellent pass, accessed repeater at best range yet, 750Km still using only 170w max ERP from tripod mounted 19 el horizontal yagi. Held repeater much longer than has previously been achieved. No other stations heard. Recorded downlink. David G8OQW

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Active- ISS L / v Repeater 04.07utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Repeater active for 04.07utc UK / Europe Pass. No other stations heard. David G8OQW

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Doppler correction too choppy on HRD?
by Mike Ryan 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

I'm using the beta HRD (rev 4.1 build 2055) that offers the new Sat module. This was very handy in the ISS SSTV passes of late but I'm having some difficulties with FM and SSB birds with Doppler. I run a pair of Yaesu FT-857Ds and It corrects very quickly, several times per second, interrupting audio with each correction. This makes for near impossible copy on the downlink, often causing me to disable correction and follow manually. SATPC32 corrects less frequently and is easier to copy with, but I'd really like to get HRD working right with the integrated logging and all. I've been unable to locate any settings to adjust the frequency of correction and I seem to recall the "old" Sat module could do this. Has anyone else encountered and resolved this challenge? I have posted on the HRD forum with no responses. BTW, thanks to all for posting the manual process for following Doppler. Being new to SSB sats, this is very handy to have. I was wondering why I would hear a quick whistle noise as folks locked in! Regards, Mike WB1AAT

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Re: FM receiver filters
by Bob Bruninga 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

>> We did that on the uplink receivers >> for PCSAT-1 and -2 ... to make the >> receiver about 30 KHz wide. > > Yes, this is a similar venture. > We did buy a Hamtronics RX ... but > decided we could reduce the size > significantly. Yes, its size is very wasteful. But we were surprised that we could hack-saw off one edge of the board and make it fit inside a 4" cubesat and only have to move the first coil a little bit. Though we have since found a smaller receiver, though not crystal controlled... Even with the hamtronics and modern APRS pic processors, we could easily fit a full 5 Watt APRS digipeater into HALF of a cubesat, leaving the other half for other experiments.

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Congrats on ISS contact
by Rick - WA4NVM 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Hi Alan and fellow AMSAT, I just heard your contact with Drew on the ISS. (WA4SCA - KO4MA) Happpy New Year to all, Rick - WA4NVM

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Mode L/V
by Scott Schmautz 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

WA4SCA with KO4MA via L/S with good signals at 1443 UTC Scott/WB2UZR --

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LOTW &/or eQSL ?
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

I started using eQSL a year or so back, and have only recently seen enough action in my log to warrant uploading new contacts. I've been trying to go back thru old logs, and get caught up on returning some QSLs... Seems what I'm hearing is that some do eQSL, some LOTW, others only paper... Reckon is there any harm in also doing LOTW ? How many do both ? I'm sure that there are some that don't do either - no great loss I guess. /;^) -- <- 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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Brazil and Mexico on AO-7
by Luciano G Nachif 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

To those who won't go after a satellite mode B contact on AO-7, I just talked to Alvaro, XE2AT, on that bird using a three elements 2 meters yagi with no preamp at all. Get a chance, give yourself a new excitement, put some life into your life, go for satellites! HAPPY NEW YEAR! 73, Luciano PT9KK

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Station Heard on ISS
by Peter Gibson 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Hi Heard the downlink this morning at 8.30 local time in SW UK Heard IW4DVZ Very strong audio Tried to uplink but had no luck. 73 Pete

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ARISS Antenna Specifics
by Frank H. Bauer 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

All, The ARISS L-band/S-band antenna systems are Left Hand Circularly Polarized. There are some good details of the antenna systems in this paper: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/Papers/Phase%202%20AGM03Final.pdf And this presentation: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/Presentations/AMSAT%20Symposiums/AMSAT03.pd f Chart 25 of the above presentation shows the antenna locations looking down the axis of the Service Module. In this picture, the ISS velocity vector is either in or out of the page and Earth is towards the bottom of the page. This assumes they are in the normal Earth pointing mode (which is not always a given). We have some good on-orbit views of the antennas in this set of charts too. Enjoy! I hope this helps. And thanks for all the interest in ARISS. 73, Frank, KA3HDO

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ISS Repeater
by n1jez＠burlingtontelecom.net 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Got on the ISS Repeater this morning during the 1127 UTC pass here in Vermont FN34im. No one else heard. I took the opportunity to play with doppler/power/antenna alignment/modulation etc. As suspected, everything needs to be pretty much right on for good access. By paying close attention to AZ/El and Doppler, I was able to hold the repeater down to less than 5 degree El. Even at my power level, 2-3 kHz seemed to be the maximum error on doppler. Power here was set at ~ 5 kW EIRP. I did drop 10 dB and still got in as the ISS passed overhead. (33 degrees El). Unfortunately that was the last pass I can get on... Did I read there was the possibility of 2.4 GHz operation? I have a transverter and 60 watts that I can use. That would be fun!! 73, Mike, N1JEZ AMSAT 29649 "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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Re: FM receiver filters
by G0MRF＠aol.com 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Many thanks to Tony, Drew, Bob and Art. Mouser appear to be the source of choice for 30kHz 10.7M filters HNY David G0MRF

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I: ISS L / v Repeater 08.27utc UK / Europe Pass
by Francesco Grappi 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Hi David, G8OQW Thank you it was fun !! For me is the first time that I'm able to success ISS repeater L/V. !!!! I had a nice qso with my friend Ferruccio IW1DTU (Thank's Fer !!) My set-up Tx FT 736R + PA output 40 watts FM-Narrow Feed coaxial line 35 mt. of 50/20 Antennas 2x35 elements linear polarization manual doppler compensation (it was moving very fast hi.. !!) Rx TS 790E (I used it to read the right frequency for Doppler Correction with SatPc32 and to set FT 736R TX) Antenna 2x11 elements cross yagi rhcp with SP-2000 preamp. The signal was very strong 9+++ !!! Congratulations David also for your qso and all orbit access to ISS repeater, I hope to hear you. Thank you to ARISS TEAM for this nice experience ! Happy New Year 2009 to EveryBody !! Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di David Barber Inviato: mercoledì 31 dicembre 2008 9.41 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; sarex(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] ISS L / v Repeater 08.27utc UK / Europe Pass ISS L / v Repeater 08.27utc UK / Europe Pass. Too low for my Tx antenna this pass but heard my first stations via the repeater. Congratulations to IW4DVZ and IW1DTU both good signals. I have a recording. If either station wants a copy please let me know. David G8OQW _______________________________________________ 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 L / V Repeater 08.30z Europe Pass
by Fer IW1DTU 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Nice and exciting QSO with Francesco IW4DVZ via ISS mode L/V . Good signal but sometime deep QSB, frequent chance of polarization in DL VHF, seems to need more doppler correction in UL than ao-51. TS790 / yagi 55 elements H 1296Mhz 60 W / 7+7 elements VHF Thanks to David G8OQW and JJ from Spain for the nice report Cheers Fer IW1DTU , Torino

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ISS L / v Repeater 08.27utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

ISS L / v Repeater 08.27utc UK / Europe Pass. Too low for my Tx antenna this pass but heard my first stations via the repeater. Congratulations to IW4DVZ and IW1DTU both good signals. I have a recording. If either station wants a copy please let me know. David G8OQW

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Re: ISS L / v Repeater 06.56utc UK / Europe Pass and ThankYou
by Henk, PA3GUO 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Hi David ! > My last viable pass of the day and year! Grrr - I missed it totally due to family visits away from home, so I didn't even hear ISS :-( > > No other stations heard. Yes, I realized I missed the opportunity. Must have been weird: a quiet ISS over Europe (normally I cannot even get a single 1k2 APRS packet in ...) Would have been interesting to learn myself what the real challenge was for the 1,2GHZ uplink: - ERP (as some US reports suggest) - Correct doppler handling (as some others suggest) What RF power did you use David ? (just your plain IC910?) > David > G8OQW. Henk, PA3GUO

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Re: "Newbie" Need's Help working AO-07
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

N0FJP said: > I am new to working the Sats so if I am in need of "directions" > please feel free to set me in the right direction. > > With that said, I am having problems working AO-07 and the other SSB sats. > >I can copy stations vary well but I can't seem to keep on track with them. Marv, I can provide some direction ... - whether it is considered the 'right direction' remains to be seen. I was brought up in the 'old school' before CAT and HRD assisted tuning, so I'll describe the manual tuning mode I've used since way back. A couple of starting points to keep in mind: 1. doppler affects both uplink and downlink, moreso the higher freq. 2. you need hear yourself, anyone calling you back will be on your downlink. 3. It is not considerate to 'sweep' your Tx around the band looking for yourself - better to sweep your receiver. I'll have a table of 'un-doppler-d' transponder freqs, like this for VU-52: up (LSB) dn (USB) ... ... 435.260 145.290 435.250 145.900 435.240 145.910 ... ... As the pass starts, lets say I'll set Tx for 435.240 (LSB)... then I'll set the Tx to CW and send a string of dits with the keyer. I'll tune around with the Rx until I hear my dits, and zero beat them. In otherwords, tune Rx until the pitch goes down to nothing. Then I'll switch Tx back to LSB and whistle, and slightly adjust Rx to perfectly match the pitch of my whistle in the headset. Now as I call CQ, I can gradually tweak the Tx freq to keep the pitch normal so that I don't need to adj the Rx. I try to keep the Rx coming out in the same place, so I'm only trying to keep up with one knob (Tx)... When someone comes back, they may drift across the band a bit, and I follow them (Rx) - assuming they are also following themself. Then when it is my turn to Tx, I first whistle and tweak my Tx for that zero-beat of the pitch, and start talking... I guess I've had plenty of practice, as it comes easy for me. If the other station is adjusting their Tx to keep a steady Rx freq, then each of us only needs adjust the Tx freq along the way... At least that's the way I learnt it, you know - back in the day. Sometimes good practice for 'newbies' is to whistle to themselves, and get some practice finding their downlink and matching the tone. This method works with manual tuning, others may have additional suggestions. Probably the guys using CAT have methods that better suit their needs. The FM satellites obviously don't have the passband to waller'round in. My radio is a Yaesu FT-736 and has the ability to lock the two VFOs once you hit that zero-beat, but as short as the LEO passes are, I hardly ever do that. Back in the day of AO-13, it was common to lock them and run up and down the passband looking for other stations. Find one, unlock for a quick zero-beat whistle, and lock it back... I do miss that bird... I don't get on a lot, and may only get one or two contacts per pass, but I prefer linear transponders over FM, so listen for me... I'll be the one whistling alot. Looks like VO-52 is coming up AOS about 0340z for me. 73 for now, let us know how it goes. /;^) -- <- 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: ISS Repeater
by Bob Bruninga 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

> The ISS radio system currently supports > only one mode at a time. The current > L/v configuration is scheduled to be > active until Saturday, Jan 3. > > And I don't think you can't get into > the 1.2 GHz uplink without a yagi ;) The most important thing is proper Doppler compensation. At 1.2 ghz the Doppler is from -25 KHz to plus 25 KHz or so, and you have to be within a few KHz, or your splatter will not open the squelch of the repeater. With 11 full Doppler steps during a pass, you have to nail it exactly or you dont get through he 12.5 KHz filter. Plus I bet even being 2.5 KHz off between each step and speaking fully, will splatter so much as to keep the squelch closed. So in that case, there are 22 discrete windows of opportunity, only half of which are useable, so it takes real care to get through. Of course, I am only kibitzing, since I have not tried it, but all the signals I have heard do NOT seem to be suffering power limitation, but all seem to be suffering off-frequency splatter and therefore squelch unreliability. Maybe setting narrow band deviation (as used in europe) will reduce the spaltter and keep the squelch open better. Good luck! Bob, WB4APR I'd suggest setting narroband deviation too, to help prevent

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Fwd: Re: lindenblad observations
by Edward Cole 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

> >I am considering building a pair of the AA2TX Lindenblad antennas, >but cannot remember what issue of the Amsat Journal published the >design. I went thru all of them from mid-2006 to current and somehow >miss the article. > >73, Ed KL7UW > Thanks to Dave, Sven and Joseph. The article was in August 2007 QST! Oh well --> HNY 73, Ed - KL7UW

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ISS L / v Repeater 06.56utc UK / Europe Pass and Thank You.
by David Barber 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

My last viable pass of the day and year! Not able to access the repeater this time over. Elevation and direction were marginal for me anyway. No other stations heard. Good luck to all, have a happy New Years Eve, peaceful New Year and thanks to all those who have passed on information over the last year. And finally, a special thanks to Kenneth, Frank and all the ARISS team, not forgetting the Astronauts, for making the end of 2008 one to remember. It has been much enjoyed and appreciated. Long may it continue. Best regards. David G8OQW.

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ISS L/V 0640 UTC pass - repeater active
by Mark Lunday, WD4ELG 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Directly overhead. Unable to transmit on uplink, so I listened for activity only. I did hear someone key the repeater and blow into a microphone, and someone else said "HELLO"twice. Finally as the ISS was near LOS, I copied partial calls of VE3? and K3NC? The repeater did not allow the complete callsigns to get through. Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.net

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FM receiver filters
by G0MRF＠aol.com 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Hi all. I'm trying to find some 455kHz filters suitable for FM +/- some doppler. Ideally, 30kHz wide and fairly small I have some by Murata. Types BLFYM-455C and BLFCM-455C but these are +/- 12.5k. Any ideas? I've checked Digikey, but they only seem to list narrow band FM or AM filters. Is there a Murata or Toko distributor that I've missed? Thanks David G0MRF

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ISS L / v Repeater 05.16utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Repeater active for 05.16utc UK / Europe Pass. A better pass for me this time, directly overhead and consequently a little longer access time. Downlink recorded. No other stations heard. David G8OQW.

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Re: lindenblad observations
by Joe Krepps 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Thank you, Frank! :) I do have an Arrow antenna but I never seem to have time to wave it in the air. However, I do spend a lot of time driving so an antenna solution which could be used mobile is appealing. I've seen one or two other Lindenblad designs but the AA2TX "EZ-Lindenblad" looks strong enough for mobile use. 73! Joe WB3CFN FM20

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ISS L / v Repeater 03.41utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Repeater active for 03.41utc UK / Europe Pass. At 60dg elevation 180dg az. I just made it in but very briefly and with a very scratchy signal. Downlink recorded. Equipment: Icom 910, horizontal 19el yagi on a tripod mount on my patio. David G8OQW.

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Re: FM receiver filters
by Bob Bruninga 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

>> I'm trying to find some 455kHz >> filters suitable for FM +/- some >> doppler. Ideally, 30kHz wide >> and fairly small We did that on the uplink receivers for PCSAT-1 and -2 so that uplink doppler on UHF was pretty liberal. We used the old xtal controlled HAMTRONICS receivers, with the "wideband" and "9600 baud" options to make the receiver about 30 KHz wide. This of course suffered about 4 dB performance loss, but with a 25W uplink, the 4 dB was an insignificant loss compared to the ablity to hear a signal with +/- 6 KHz or more Doppler without splatter. Bob, WB4APR

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ISS Repeater
by Ron Miles 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

Called the ISS L / V repeater two separate passes this morning...15:39UTC and 17:14UTC. At LOS on the first pass I heard a call ending in "HH". At the end of the second pass I heard Jeff, K7WIN. It was too late for a contact with Jeff by then, I was already below my tree line. These were 20 and 40 degree passes for me. 40W out to the antenna seems to hold the repeater. Sorry to report no contacts again today. Hope the L / V mode stays up a few more days. I would like to claim victory in this mode. 73, Ron n6paa

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"Newbie" Need's Help working AO-07
by racer5039 31 Dec '08

31 Dec '08

I am new to working the Sats so if I am in need of "directions" please feel free to set me in the right direction. With that said, I am having problems working AO-07 and the other SSB sats. I can copy stations vary well but I can't seem to keep on track with them. I am using HRD and a TS-2000. The antennas are a KLM on the 2m side without the phase switch hooked up(got cold on me too soon) On the 432 side I am using a home brew Yaga that I found on KC4UMO's web page. It seems to be working OK. I really think it me and the tuning. Can anyone point me in the right direction on these birds? On the 2230 pass for AO-07 I called K3SZH and I think he was calling me back but I couldn't keep up with the tuning. Later when I found him again, he was in a QSO with another station and I thought I better not interrupt. Sorry Joe. I did hear you talking about me. Any information would be a great help. Marv. N0FJP EN34

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