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Need some 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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Playing/Converting IC-R20 Audio Files
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

I have the IC-R20 Reciever and the CS-R20 Cloning Software. Does anyone out there know of a good software package to play or convert the ICOM .icw audio files on a Windows PC? 73 - Keith, W5IU

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Re: LOTW and Logging Info
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

KK0SD said: > If anyone is interested it is possible (fairly easy in hind sight) to make > AC Log from N3FJP properly report OSCAR contacts in LOTW automatically. I'm currently using ACLog with eQSL, and only needed to change two of the "Other" fields, to do what I wanted. The ADIF export 'does the right thing'. The eQSL 'one-shot' method does not pick up these two "Other" fields. I changed "Other" to "Prop_Mode" and "Other2" to "QSO_Comment"... In the Prop_Mode field I indicate "SAT", and manually indicate which satellite and additional comment in the other. I have not done LOTW, but if it wants ADIF, ACLog should work as above. > If you have worked me as kk0sd or ks5z via satellite those contacts should > be in LOTW except for contacts made from my home of the last 2 years. They > will go in next. After that I will go after my ka0yos logs. I would not have recognized you as KK0SD, but I do remember you as KA0YOS !! We worked a time or two on RS10/11 when I was in Tennessee. I have your card... Did I ever send you one ? 73 for now /;^) -- <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 -> <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net -> <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->

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Re: ARISS antennae
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

>> they are considered to be on the earth-facing surface... > Actually, an "earth facing" antenna can be confusing to some. Roger that. A narrow-beamwidth directly under ISS would not serve well. I was (in)effectively paraphrasing the cited reports, that observe that the primary antennas are mounted on the (earth-facing) Nadir side, as opposed to the (space-facing) Zenith side. For a simple single vertical element, pointing directly toward earth gives a good view either side, and front/back. Not so sure what pattern or beamwidth to expect from the patches. As I read it, both WA1 and WA2 have capability to Tx and Rx at the same time, but "the space station ham shack will install a dual-band, 2 meter/70 cm radio and a 70 cm radio that will use the downward/Earth-facing WA1 and WA2 antennas" I would suspect that the cross-band setup uses one to Rx, and the other to Tx. Which might yield a 'deaf-zone' for each, but not in the same place. Possibly if we dig around the ARISS info, more detail has been provided. (I see that KA3HDO has just posted some new links...) 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 antennae
by Bob Bruninga 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

>> Still haven't found what beam width >> and direction the antennas view >> from the ISS WRT its direction of flight. > ...In either case, they are considered > to be on the earth-facing surface... Actually, an "earth facing" antenna can be confusing to some. Because only about 5% or less of the earth bound users that are in view are "under" the ISS. Whereas 95% of them are to the side in all directinos most of the time. In fact, almost 70% of them are within just 20 degrees of horizontal in all directions from the ISS. So, a "down" antenna with any gain, is not the ideal spacecraft antenna. See the plot of elevation angle versus distance and time in view on this web page: www.aprs.org/rotator1.html That sketch is shown from the perspective of the ground station, but just turn it upside down, and you see that almost all communications to the ISS are "from the side"... Good luck! Bob, Wb4APR

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ARISS antennae
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

WA4SCA asked : > Still haven't found what beam width and direction the antennas view > from the ISS WRT its direction of flight. >> > I know this is out there, but does anybody have off the top of their head > a reference on the ISS antenna orientation, and what its view is WRT the > direction of flight? Which sent me on a brief scavenger hunt ... with these quick results. Description (new one is probably available somewhere) of ARISS antenna (2002): http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/radio/antennas.html (You can click on the pictures for hi-rez views) The WA1 and WA2 antennae are reportedly on the perimeter of the Zvezda module, on the nadir (earth-facing) side, near the Soyuz docking port.?. These appear to be of the flexible spring element type for VHF & UHF, with a patch-type for L & S band. These also support Russian spacewalk video. The WA4 antenna reportedly has an element for 10 meters instead of VHF. A very detailed description of antenna development effort for Columbus Lab : http://www.ariss-eu.org/columbus.htm I don't now if these recent tests are with these new Columbus antennae or the existing elements on the Russian segment. I'm guessing the originals. In either case, they are considered to be on the earth-facing surface... Perhaps ARISS team personnel can enlighten us further, with links... 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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ISS Repeater
by n1jez＠burlingtontelecom.net 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Just got on the ISS repeater - L band up and V band down from FN34 here in Vermont. I used full power here. 80 watts in the shack to a 55 el 1269 Directive Systems loop yagi. Transmission line is 75' of 7/8" hardline. Results were mixed. The pass was 25 degrees max here. I had little to no success as the ISS was ascending. I opened the repeater a couple of times. I'm not sure if this was because other stations were trying and we were clobbering each other or not. As the ISS was going overhead, it appeared that the polarity was shifting rapidly as I would open the repeater for just a word or two. I did hear Clare, VE3NPC briefly. As the ISS was descending, things got better and I was able to consistently open the repeater, but nobody came back.... I could not access the repeater below 10 degrees.... If anyone else was on and trying, can you let me know? I'd like to see if that was the reason I couldn't access the repeater as it was ascending. One other observation, I found the doppler correction to be pretty critical. I've seen this when running low power into AO-51 for tests. I hope to try a few more passes this week. 73, Mike, N1JEZ AMSAT 29649 "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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help with 817 and satpc32
by Tim Goodrich 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Hi all, I just finally upgraded to general over the weekend, so I went out and got a Yeasu 817. However, I'm having problems with using it for Doppler tracking in SatPC32. Here's what it's doing. When I turn the control on, the radio will track the frequencies that are showing in SatPC32 for both the uplink and the downlink. It switches between the uplink and downlink frequencies quite often- about once per second. The radio will also switch to the correct mode (FM, etc). However, when I hit PTT, it transmits on the previously stored VFOb frequency. So, for example.... 1) I tune vfoa to 50.1Mhz, AM and vfob to 50.5Mhz, AM 2) I turn CAT control on from SatPC32 3) The radio starts switching between the vhf downlink frequency in USB and the uhf uplink frequency in USB about once per second to correct for Doppler 4) When I press transmit, it transmits at 50.1Mhz, but in LSB Obviously, it should be flipping between the VFOs (instead of 2 freq's in one VFO). So it seems like its flipping frequencies in one VFO and then trying to transmit in another VFO, where it changes the mode for transmit, but not the frequency that was originally stored. Any help please? Tim KC2DDS/AG

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LOTW and Logging Info
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

If anyone is interested it is possible (fairly easy in hind sight) to make AC Log from N3FJP properly report OSCAR contacts in LOTW automatically. If you have worked me as kk0sd or ks5z via satellite those contacts should be in LOTW except for contacts made from my home of the last 2 years. They will go in next. After that I will go after my ka0yos logs. Speaking of older logs, has anyone entered QSOs from RS 10/11 in LOTW? My logs show it as RS 10/11, is there anyway now to determine if it was RS-10 or RS-11? Thanks and 73, Joe kk0sd

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ISS Repeater
by n1jez＠burlingtontelecom.net 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Had a nice QSO with Clare, VE3NPC via the ISS repeater this morning during the 1235 pass over Vermont, FN34im. We were alone. I held the repeater longer today. Doppler tuning seems pretty critical. Clare was computer controlled. I was using manual tuning (OK, call me old school...) One of these days I'll hook up the radios for computer tuning. I got a copy of SatPC32 so maybe it's time. 73, Mike, N1JEZ AMSAT 29649 "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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FT817 issues SATPC32
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Tim, I have an FT817 as well and have had the same problem as described. I hope others can offer suggestions as I had the same experience in searching the online suggestions and none had it working properly. There were only a few settings to try to change and none were a solution for me. The difference here is that is an extra rig for me and not the one I usually use for satellites. Jay, AA4FL Message: 9 Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:51:29 -0800 From: "Tim Goodrich" <tim(a)timgoodrich.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] help with 817 and satpc32 To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <000001c96a31$e6ad0410$b4070c30$@net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Hi all, I just finally upgraded to general over the weekend, so I went out and got a Yeasu 817. However, I'm having problems with using it for Doppler tracking in SatPC32. Here's what it's doing. When I turn the control on, the radio will track the frequencies that are showing in SatPC32 for both the uplink and the downlink. It switches between the uplink and downlink frequencies quite often- about once per second. The radio will also switch to the correct mode (FM, etc). However, when I hit PTT, it transmits on the previously stored VFOb frequency. So, for example.... 1) I tune vfoa to 50.1Mhz, AM and vfob to 50.5Mhz, AM 2) I turn CAT control on from SatPC32 3) The radio starts switching between the vhf downlink frequency in USB and the uhf uplink frequency in USB about once per second to correct for Doppler 4) When I press transmit, it transmits at 50.1Mhz, but in LSB Obviously, it should be flipping between the VFOs (instead of 2 freq's in one VFO). So it seems like its flipping frequencies in one VFO and then trying to transmit in another VFO, where it changes the mode for transmit, but not the frequency that was originally stored. Any help please? Tim KC2DDS/AG

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Mesh Diosh and GS-5500
by D. Mynatt 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

I have been given a 7ft mesh dish from a local college but without a rotor or Az/El mechanism. I might be able to find a GS-5500 and was wondering what the group thought of using it as an Az/El system for the mesh. A commercial system would cost more than three times the price of a GS-5500. Any thoughts from the group? Dave // DM78qd // KA0SWT

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lindenblad observations
by francesco messineo 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Good morning all, even if this setup probably won't be used by anyone I thought I'd share my findings. I've built a couple of lindenblads following the AA2TX articles. The EZ-lindenblad for 2m and the parasitic lindenblad for 70cm. This is for a 2 week temporary location in IS0 (JM49MG). Both antennas have been made with locally available hardware, not very far from original design anyway. The biggest difference is perhaps the parasitic elements for the 70 cm one which have a 4mm diameter instead of approximately the 3mm of original design. Both antennas are on the same pole, 1.5 meters apart and not very far from the roof (< 1m the 2m one), they have however a clear sky view. Cable runs are quite long, 20m of rg-213 on both bands and no preamps. Only RHCP versions made. Rig is ft-847 with internal preamps on. In 4 days I have tried almost all LEOs (but AO-16 and AO-27 which are non operational afaik). DO-64: never heard anything (is it operational?) AO-51: 435.300 output can be heard at times, some callsing can be undestood, never quieting the receiver. FM uplink in europe is too crowded to attempt any try at txing. 435.150 output is much lower than the 435.300 one, only rarely it can be heard but when it's heard I can hear myself briefly from the USB uplink. Obviously no contact is possible. SO-50: usually can't be heard, sometimes during a pass on positive QSBs the downlink can be heard very noisy and for a short time (so far only copied a full callsign). AO-07: downlink on mode B can be heard quite easily down to 3 degrees, uplink is next to impossible (50W out of the rig, CW only of course) but probably depends on the high level of power used in europe as during a pass over the atlantic and part of brazil I could hear my own signal down to 3 degrees and I couldn't hear any other signal. No contacts have been made, so far only heard my own signal a few times and very low (maybe the 432 MHz uplink is too far out of the optimal passband of the 435 MHz lindy?) FO-29: downlink can be heard, not very strong but workable, uplink is sometimes difficult but a lot easier than AO-07. No contacts made so far, have been calling CQ in CW for a few passes. VO-52: downlink easy to copy as on AO-07, quite easy to hear my own CW peaking at S3 during all passes over 5 degrees, no contacts made, heard only a lot of SSB stations, this is the easier sat with this setup. ISS: never heard any signal so far. I think I'll go back to the homemade V/U yagi "arrow" like on next travels, that's a real performer on LEOs. PS: the NB on FT-847 (first time using this rig) is quite uneffective, motors on the street still make an audible signal when passing by, it's attenuated but not like on all other rigs I know. Is there any fix for it? 73 Frank IS0/IZ8DWF

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I: I: ISS L / v Transponder 09.05 utc ITALY / Europe Pass
by Francesco Grappi 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

...sorry 08.05 utc Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di Francesco Grappi Inviato: martedì 30 dicembre 2008 9.22 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] I: ISS L / v Transponder 09.05 utc ITALY / Europe Pass Priorità: Alta 09.05 utc ITALY /Europe Pass Hi All I tried ISS transponder L/V this morning..... TX FT 736R FM-Narrow + PA Output power 70 Watts 2x35 elements antennas linear pol. RX 2x11 elements cross yagi Also here nothing heard and unable to access L/V Transponder... Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di David Barber Inviato: martedì 30 dicembre 2008 6.09 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; sarex(a)amsat.org Cc: 'Frank H. Bauer' Oggetto: [amsat-bb] ISS L / v Repeater 04.49utc UK / Europe Pass 04.49utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. 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 _______________________________________________ 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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I: ISS L / v Transponder 09.05 utc ITALY / Europe Pass
by Francesco Grappi 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

09.05 utc ITALY /Europe Pass Hi All I tried ISS transponder L/V this morning..... TX FT 736R FM-Narrow + PA Output power 70 Watts 2x35 elements antennas linear pol. RX 2x11 elements cross yagi Also here nothing heard and unable to access L/V Transponder... Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di David Barber Inviato: martedì 30 dicembre 2008 6.09 A: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org; sarex(a)amsat.org Cc: 'Frank H. Bauer' Oggetto: [amsat-bb] ISS L / v Repeater 04.49utc UK / Europe Pass 04.49utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. 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 and GO-32
by Dave Aitch 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Like David, nothing from the ISS. I did listen for GO-32 and it's occasional carrier has returned. 73, Dave. IO80SM

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ISS L / v Repeater 06.25utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

06.25utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. No activity on other frequencies. David G8OQW

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SatPC32 Woes & Successes in the Sticks
by vq9jc＠gimail.af.mil 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

My thanks go to WD9EWK, ZS6MI, and DK1TB for their assistance in helping me get a new copy of SatPC32 loaded on a laptop on my ship. My problem resulted from a changeout in office hardware followed by an installation disk gone bad. Downloading the program turned out to be an impossibility because my internet connection is via a government facility, and while it's completely legal to download apps and such, the satellite service provider back in the States imposed an unwavering 2 MB filter on everything. (The app is about 30 MB zipped.) I was finally able to obtain a copy of the program over a non-gov't system on the island where my ship is based. It's tough to get things done from a rock that's 1400 km from the nearest land of any size, let alone through a government system. All is well now, and I can "see" the birds on screen again. Maybe this will help get my grid square (MI62) into a few logbooks. All the best in 2K9 to everyone! 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC

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ISS L / v Repeater 04.49utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

04.49utc UK / Europe pass. Nothing heard and unable to access L / v repeater. David G8OQW

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Eavesdropping on AO-51 tonight
by K8KFJ＠aol.com 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

/1/ K4DLG /2/ W4AS /3/ XE1KW /4/ KD4MZM /5/ N1ABA/M NH /6/ KB3RRU FN20ee /7/ KB1PVH/M FN42 /8/ W2VV/HT FN30 /9/ KB9BIT EN61 /10/ KU8L EN82 /11/ W5KUV EM55 /12/ VE3DRT /13/ N0FJP Nice turnout. I see it's still a very popular bird. Great to hear the mobiles and Handheld station. FT-470 + Arrow QTH WV EM98 73, Gary -K8KFJ- AMSAT #32,574 SAT VUCC #125 **************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000…)

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Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Trey Brown 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have been. http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html -- Trey -- N5THX They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

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AO-16 operational?
by w4upd 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Have just tried to work AO-16 on my 2109Z pass and heard nothing. I tried a few days ago with the same results. Is AO-16 now in operational or is it that someone has not been able to switch it on or reload the MBL? Regards, Reid, W4UPD

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Re: Fw: ELK or ARROW
by Bob K0NR (email list) 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > It seems improving the 2.4 dB of insertion loss of the diplexer would be a > better strategy (although not necessarily easy in the space available) than > attempting to modify what is very mechanically sound antenna. > > 73, > Joe kk0sd > > I am surprised that the duplexer/diplexer (take your pick) has that much loss. Has anyone verified this via a direct measurement (such as via a network analyzer)? Bob K0NR

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Quotation of the Year Nominee
by Clint Bradford 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

I nominate Alan WA4SCA for the AMSAT-BB Quotation of the Year Award for his... > Had a great QSO with myself... And if anyone nominates my "I Could've SWORN I just saw AO-51 pass overhead with my own, un-aided eyes..." - I will respectfully decline the award. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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ISS Repeater
by Ron Miles 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Heard nothing on the ~16:47UTC pass today. Elevation 47 degrees. Could not key up the L band repeater at any power level. Yaesu FT 736R set for 67Hz PL tone and using SATPC32 doppler steering frequency pairs: ISS,145800,1269650,FM,FM,NOR,0,0. Is uplink tone necessary when operating either ISS L/V or V/U?? Thanks, Ron n6paa

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I hear WA4SCA calling CQ via ISS
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

WA4SCA via ISS is loud and clear . . . - no one else heard /;^) -- <- 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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ISS Repeater
by Scott Schmautz 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Just heard WA4SCA calling CQ on what I assume is still L/V. Not much else heard, one other station heard prior to that. Scott/WB2UZR --

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NA1SS - calling CQ
by Bruce Semple 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

NA1SS was calling CQ (several times) this morning on the 13:50 Z pass over east coast Nice loud signal on the 2M downlink -- Apparently he was not hearing anybody on the L-band uplink -- It was killing me not to be able to give him a call (no 1.2 Ghz capabilities).

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ISS L / V Active 07.30utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Active again this pass. 07.30utc UK / Europe. Managed to access the repeater briefly for the second time at an elevation of approx 45dg. No other stations heard. Good luck to all who try. Regards David G8OQW

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Re: Elk vs Arrow
by Clint Bradford 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Trey - I have an extra, new Elk you may borrow. Send me private email. Clint Bradford On Dec 28, 2008, at 7:25 PM, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org wrote: > I think will probably end up purchasing both > and using them on a couple passes Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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ISS L / V Active 05.58utc UK / Europe Pass
by David Barber 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

The L / V repeater was active during the 05.58utc pass over UK / Europe this morning. Heard and recorded my own signals as it passed overhead. No one else on. Icom IC-910 via 3m of RG58U (don't laugh!) to a 19 element horizontal yagi mounted on az/el rotator on my patio. Manual control of rotator and Doppler. All a bit crude I know but it worked! Good luck to all. Regards David G8OQW

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give the newbie the full story on ELK and ARROW please
by Jim Danehy 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Yes folks can make contacts with Arrow and Elk antennas because it is done every day of the week . . . . that is not the argument here . . . my comments have been made to give full disclosure of the several issues which seemed to be ignored by advocats of one over the other . . . Arrow and Elk are LINEARLY polarized antennas . . . . the 17,000 mph moving satellite is throwing off CIRCULAR polarized RF energy . . . please SUBTRACT 3 db or more of gain from your Elk or Arrow when receiving the satellite's signal . . . some still do not understand this concept and never will . . . ignorance is bliss . . . . For years I grinned ; like I am doing now whenever I saw an 18 wheel trucker with a pair of 3 foot high verticals and a big coil of aluminum tubing at the bottom . . . . probably a good analogy . . . . yes they can make contacts for a little distance just like users of the Arrow and Elk can make contacts . . . . yes "field tests" ( anecdotal evidence ) give you some sense of satisfaction . . . . some CB ers enjoy CB operating too . . . ignorance is bliss . . . . .working a buddy across town from his house to yours on 2 mtrs or 435 mhz is one thing because your antennas are not moving . . . . once one of them starts moving quickly ( 17,000 mph ) it all changes . . . I realize that this requires some further reading, studying and understanding . . . .you need to understand the entire story . . . . ignorance is still bliss for far too many . . . up until about 1952 folks used monoband beams . . . . then the triband beams with traps appeared . . . degradation occurs one small step at a time . . . it is progressive too . . . now we have folks doing CW with their computers during contests and they think that they are CW ops . . . . . . note I did not say sending . . . a couple of locals were all in a lather a few years ago when the local DX packet cluster went down . . . what are we going to do . . . I told them it really made no difference to me as I will continue to TUNE the bands for the DX . . . because that is what a DXer does . . . the DUMMYING DOWN of hams is sad . . . of course it depends upon your base of experience . . . . if you do not know any better . . . well ignorance is bliss . . . we do need fuller disclosure to the newbie who asks a question . . . . If somebody says : yes I know all of that but this is my compromise; that is fine . . . but folks are preaching to folks who ask questions : what should I buy ? . . . . there is another option which is being ignored . . . thus my questioning to let the newbie know that these antennas work but there should be a caveat of the compromise . . . without that caveat or understanding they think they are on the Gold Standard . . . ignorance is still bliss . . . in other areas we call it : 1) doing due diligence or 2) informed consent . . . . some folks hand over all their money to somebody else to manage . . .oh yes . .. ignorance turns from being bliss . . .to catastrophic . . . but it goes on and will continue . . . Some folks are selling these antennas like some sell religion . . . with certainty that theirs is the one true one . . .give the newbie the FULL STORY please. . . that has been my goal for several weeks now . . . I have received many nice personal emails thanking me for my comments . . . I am not bashing ARROW or ELK just trying to give a FULL DISCLOSURE which is what should be going on not just blind advocacy for one of these over the other . . . . which is mostly what I have seen with anecdotal comments . . . Jim W9VNE

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Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Edward Cole 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

One last comment that may help your decision: The Arrow comes as a portable take-apart version. All the elements unscrew and the square tubing boom comes apart to fit in 24-inch long package. I bought a 25-inch by 2-inch diameter PVC tube with end caps (sewer pipe to most) to carry my Arrow on board airlines back before 911. Handy way to travel with a dual-band HT and enjoy operating Leos. I believe one of the ham accessory mfrs sell a fabric tote sack for the Arrow. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 01:06 PM 12/28/2008, Trey Brown wrote: >Thanks for everyone's comments. I think will probably end up purchasing both >and using them on a couple passes and then deciding which one would be >better for me and returning the other. Both companies offer refunds, so that >may be the best route for me. I just can't get over the fact that I've >talked to and read what quite a few hams have had to say regarding the >arrow, and I can't see why they would use one for multiple years if it was >so horrible, so that leads me to think I may like it better, but we'll see! > >On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 8:00 PM, Trey Brown <palintheus(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering > > purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and > > opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have > > been. > > > > http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm > > http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html > > > > -- > > Trey -- N5THX > > > > They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > > safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. > > - Benjamin Franklin > > > > > >-- >Trey > >They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, >deserve neither liberty nor safety. >- Benjamin Franklin >_______________________________________________ >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

Egg beater, ELK, yagi, arrow, Lindenblad
by Dave Guimont 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

And probably a few others!! But if you have a modicum of constructional skills try a quadrifilar..It outperforms all of them... My site is under construction, but as soon as I get it organized, I will post it here... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

2 2

Re: Building an EggBeater
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

PE0SAT said : > Does anybody have a good article from building an Eggbeater > for 144 and 435 MHz? I have built several of these in the past (Eggbeater II by K5OE), and currently have two in the attic - one each for 145 and 435. They serve me well, both for satellites and horizontal-omni for VHF contest. I have no outside antennae currently, but the 144 version I built for my Dad 6 years ago is still intact atop his 50 ft tower. I will probably paint the PVC on the next ones I build for outdoor service. The original website is gone, but I recently found a mirror site : http://www.observations.biz/K5OE/ look for Eggbeater link. Construction is simple, the given dimensions worked well for me. Hopefully you have or can locate some RG-62 (93 Ohm) for phasing loops. Build the 70cm version first, as the smaller elements are easier to handle. The experience will help in construction of the 2m version. I currently have no other antennae for comparison, but these are an improvement over simple verticals. I appreciate the fact that they provide horizontal polarization at the horizon - as I also enjoy the VHF contests. Receive preamps are nice if you have them. (no need for a rotator either) On satellite, I use a Yaesu FT-736R (25~30 watts), about 60 feet of good air-dialectric coax for each, and these two Eggbeaters. I typically only operate on VO-52 as I prefer linear modes... I have been away from the birds for several years, but I am now returning - thanks to these antennae... Good luck, enjoy - and let us know how you progress. 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' ->

4 4

my arrow
by andy thomas 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Well, my Arrow took me from a clifftop in Cornwall with a THD7E at 5w to PCSAT at a 2 degree elevation and down to Maine as Bob will doubtless remember... 73 de andy g0SFJ

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Re: Arrow Antenna
by Clint Bradford 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

.. Ducting could explain the performance in the tropics ... Heck, Tim and I worked AO-51 a couple months ago ... He's in the South, I'm in Southern CA. 2200 miles or so - no record by any means - but we were both using HTs and those horrible Arrow Antennas. I believe Tim stated it was a three degree elevation pass for him ... I need to drop out of this group for a while. Seeing folks suggest adding a wing nut here and a washer there and making wild, unsubstantiated claims as to the Arrow's duplexer's loss makes me want to scream. Meanwhile, I'll be watching the San Diego Chargers blow away their opponents this evening, and sneak out and work AO-51 at the end of the first quarter. And so it goes .... Clint Bradford

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Re: Arrow Antenna
by Clint Bradford 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

> > I've noticed some "Arrow" discussion on the BBS. I am not a real > technical ham but I do know that I can routinely hit the mainland > from Hawaii at 1 degree elevation with the Arrow (ask K7WIN). Nope. Sorry. You are wrong. The engineers here state that that type of performance from an Arrow Antenna is impossible. You are deluded. Other engineers here state that you would really be pleased with the performance of the Arrow if it were polarized differently. Anywhere from 3-to-20dB increase in signal strength. So your "1 degree elevation" passes you are successfully working are nothin' ... Removing tongue from my cheek, Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

2 1

Fw: ELK or ARROW
by Jim Danehy 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

. there is the old adage that you get what you pay for . . . why buy a poorly designed antenna that does not work very well > ? > > If you have a 5 element yagi that only produces 4 dbi you are not getting > what you paid for . . . most 2 element yagis would out perform that > statistic . . . a 5 element yagi should be at least 9 db + or 10 db dbd > (dipole ) not isotropic . . . . there is something that is called > MERCHANTABILITY . . .i.e., an IMPLIED WARRANTY that you are getting at > least the minimum for your money . . . > 4 dbi for an Arrow is way off base . . . so it is not just ; you can not > afford a Cadillac but you are not even getting a Ford or Chevy . . i.e., > the gain of a 5 element yagi on 435 mhz . . . that is the issue, not cost > alone . . . . . . same comments apply to the ELK but I have attempted to > make the point that there is a minimum performance for a certain number of > elements that is pretty OBJECTIVE and when it is not met . . . . well > that is my point . . . these two antennas have shown to some testers that > they do not measure up to the minimum EXPECTATIONS . . .unfortunately that > is acceptable to some . . . . then it becomes acceptable to many . . . > and objectivity is abandoned . . . > > Jim W9VNE > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Trey Brown" <palintheus(a)gmail.com> > To: "Jim Danehy" <jdanehy(a)cinci.rr.com> > Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:39 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ELK or ARROW > > >> Thanks for the comments. Realize, though, that not everyone wants or >> can afford to have the Cadillac. >> >> >> On Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 4:06 PM, Jim Danehy <jdanehy(a)cinci.rr.com> wrote: >>> the Arrow antenna has been critiqued by Kent Britain, WA5VJB >>> >>> http://wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf >>> >>> he says that some have measured the Arrow for gain on 435 mhz @ 4 dbi >>> (isotropic) . . . . and that further analysis showed that for the >>> element lengths used on 435 mhz that it peaks at 457 mhz and not 435 mhz >>> . . . Kent is a well respected VHF/UHF antenna person who has plenty of >>> credibility . . . >>> >>> Kent opines that the Arrow, as built does not have its elements >>> insulated from the boom. It uses dimensions for insulated elements . . . >>> so much for the Arrow . . . . >>> >>> Now for the ELK : a local friend of mine owns an Arrow and he uses it >>> successfully. He bought an ELK and attempted to compare the Arrow and >>> the ELK . . . . he could not make an across town QSO on 435 mhz from his >>> second story window with the ELK , so he sent the ELK back for a refund >>> . >>> >>> I have worked and exchanged QSLs with several hundred satellite users . >>> . .the majority of the folks that have worked and QSLed me (close to 250 >>> + ) have been using either the Arrow or ELK based upon the information >>> on their cards. So they are popular. Are they optimum ? A lot of >>> anecdotal information would seem to say NO . . . >>> >>> Thirty-five years ago I worked Oscar 6 with a homebrew 2 mtr yagi that >>> probably was worse than either the Arrow or Elk but I worked YV and KL7 >>> from Indiana on CW with about 15 watts to the 3 elements which my XYL >>> waved around at my directions . . . not any more . . .what do I use >>> these days : a pair of circular polarity yagis on 10 foot booms >>> manufactured by M Square . . . . >>> >>> Folks ask what should they buy ? Maybe a Ford or maybe a Chevy . . . >>> neither is a Cadillac . . . . >>> >>> Jim W9VNE >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Trey -- N5THX >> >> They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary >> safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. >> - Benjamin Franklin >> >

8 13

Elk or Arrow
by Jim Leder 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Wow, did this topic ever take a weird turn! Jim Bob Buckeye AKA **** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999 There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.

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ISS V/U Pass
by Scott Schmautz 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Just heard a nice pass of the ISS in V/U repeater mode, nice and strong on the HT. Astronaut Mike was working the pile nicely! Could hear the stations he was in QSO with on the downlink quite well. He said L band later today. Scott/WB2UZR --

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NA1SS today
by Perry Yantis 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

NA1SS is on 145.99 up 437.800 dn today will go to 1269.65 up and 145.800 down later today. Perry WB8OTH

2 1

Possible YUBILEINY RS-30 event
by andy thomas 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Following on from Mike DK3WN's successful intercept, I think there's a possibility of a Yubileiny RS-30 broadcast event on January 2nd or 4th 2009. January 2nd 1959 (50 years ago) saw the launch of MECHTA (Dream) -renamed LUNA-1 - which missed the Moon but established two things (according to the 'net): the Moon has no magnetic field and that the solar wind streamed into space. AMSATters will be pleased to hear that it was also the best dx to date (Moon to earth and beyond!) See for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_1 http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1959-012A On January 4th she was the first man made object to leave the Earth's orbit. I have no tip-off, but a gut feeling that it might be worth a listen on 435.315 or .215 NBFM on the anniversary?? 73 de andy g0sfj

1 0

Re: Building an EggBeater
by John Marranca, Jr 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

If I may be so brazen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u7aoHDc-gw&feature=channel_page Good Luck 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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Building an EggBeater
by PE0SAT 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Hi, Does anybody have a good article from building an Eggbeater for 144 and 435 MHz? Via Google I couldn't find a good one. Thanks in advance, PE0SAT

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ISS repeater V/U and EVA timeline comment
by andy thomas 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Having not had hide nor hair of the ISS over the holiday, /p in Cornwall - making do with the Mighty KBC on Shortwave, hi - was very pleased to hear her again on the V/U repeater at 1018utc today, very low elevation over the Atlantic. 2E0EUB very strong initially, called him but incompletely relayed (which is all I could manage), then him in IO92BX working David G8OQW, and then when overhead spain EA1ESA called and EA1BYC working him. Would be great if it were left on this combination just a day or so more? BTW I was interested to see that on the Timeline for 22/23 December the crew switched comms into a standard mode for EVAs: "2050/2100: FE-1: Pre-EVA comms config reconfiguring C&W indication from [Cyrillic PSS] (Caution & Warning panel) to [Cyrillic POV] (EVA support panel)" and switched back at 07:40/55 - this must mean that 143.625 acts as a rebroadcast channel during EVAs. Good to know (unless just with Russian suits). 73 de andy G0SFJ

1 0

what positioner interfaces exist?
by Eric Fort 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

I've been looking at how tracking hardware interfaces to positioner hardware. There seems to be multiple ways used to induce movement and multiple ways to sense/track position. some seem to require up, down, right, left (4 bit) control signals along with an analog voltage provided for position indication while others may just count pulses to track position and may use unipolar vs bipolar motors. I've also seen syncros and steppers used. What is being used and what is common for positioner interface requirements? What means are used to sense/track position and what signaling is needed by various systems to induce a change to that position? Thanks, Eric AF6EP

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ISS V/U repeater active, and audio recording ISS rep. on Japan.
by Cor 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Hello All, This morning I worked only a few stations via the ISS V/U crossband repeater. Probably many people are not aware that it is active now. TX Uplink: 145.990Mhz FM (with 67hz tone!!!). RX Downlink: 437.800Mhz FM (adjust doppler few khz up and down). Renember this V/U mode is not useal and was sceduled for this 25 years ham radio in space event (for December 2008). I have received an audio recording from JA0CAW with ISS V/U repeater on Japan. I have posted the audio recording on my website. Good luck (to all) if you trie. 73's Cor PD0RKC http://iss.ontwikkel.nl

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Mahalo
by dukenuke＠pixi.com 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Mahalo to the many ham enthusiasts that I have talked to via satellite over the holidays. What a treat this has been for me! I've noticed some "Arrow" discussion on the BBS. I am not a real technical ham but I do know that I can routinely hit the mainland from Hawaii at 1 degree elevation with the Arrow (ask K7WIN). So hopefully, when I am back in Honolulu next month I will be able to continue some of my new friendships via satellite. Always willing to travel, perhaps I can also provide some additional grids other than BL11. Mahalo and Happy New Year to all Respectfully, robert smith NH7WN

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Re: Arrow vs. Elk
by Clint Bradford 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

> > ... the Arrow, as built does not have its elements insulated from > the boom. It uses dimensions for insulated elements . . . so much > for the Arrow . . . . This is a case of where "engineering mentality" and "first-hand, practical experiences" are colliding. When I was selling these for HRO, a gentleman brought his back one day. "This can NOT work," he exclaimed. "It is designed all wrong ... " I refunded his money, and bought the antenna for a backup for myself. I am using it to this day, successfully working the FM sats with 1.5-to-2.5W TX power. So much for the Arrow, indeed ... (grin) Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

1 0

More LOTW stuff
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Is there any interest in entering QSOs before 2003 (2003 is a natural break in my logs) in Log Book of the World? 73, Joe kk0sd

1 0

Portable Satellite LOTW
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Has anyone mastered putting records of portable satellite operations into Log Book of The World? I would like to give folks credit for the Grids I worked them from, but how to do this is not obvious. 73, Joe kk0sd

3 2

Re: Delfi C3 status?
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

The packet data downlink is presently operational at 145.870. It is extremely strong from AOS/LOS. When the amateur transponder is activated, A CW beacon will be at 145.870 in place of the packet data signal. It sends "HI HI DELFIC3 in CW." I recently emailed wouterw(a)delfic3.nl asking when the satellite would be put back into the amateur mode. I have received no reply. It's the holidays at the university so I really do not expect an answer at this point in time so maybe after the new year. Unlike just after launch when transponder signals were strong, I have recently been having difficulty getting a signal through the transponder. I would like to experiment more so I'm waiting and hoping. All the best, Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589

1 0

Delfi C3 status?
by John Marranca, Jr 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Happy Holidays, Everyone. I hope Santa was good to everyone this year. Is Delfi C3 non-operational at this time? Each time I monitor passes, I hear no activity. I was under the impression that it was SUPPOSED to be open for Amateur use. Also, Delfi's Operation's web page doesn't appear to have been updated since November. Did I miss something? 73 de 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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ANS-363 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-363 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 on OSCAR 2009 This Week * AO-51 Schedule to Support SKN and Kids Day * Richard Garriott Interview Available Online * ARISS 25th Commemorative Event to Feature L/V Repeater This Week * ARISS Status - 22 December 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.01 SKN on OSCAR 2009 This Week AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.01 Ray Soifer, W2RS extends the annual cordial invitation to all radio amateurs worldwide to participate in AMSAT's Straight Key Night (SKN) on OSCAR 2009. Participating in SKN on OSCAR 2009 is easy. No rules, no scoring and no need to send in a log. Just operate CW through any OSCAR between 0000 and 2400 UTC on 1 January 2009, using a straight hand key. In keeping with the friendly nature of this event, all participants are encouraged to nominate someone they worked for "Best Fist." Your nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, just of those you worked. Please send your nomination to w2rs(a)amsat.org. A list of those nominated will appear in ANS and The AMSAT Journal. CU SKN! [ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.02 AO-51 Schedule to Support SKN and Kids Day AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.02 AMSAT VP of Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, reminds everyone that AO-51 will be configured to support two upcoming special events. For the first time AO-51 will be configured to support CW operations during the annual SKN Event. Following SKN the uplink will be reconfigured back to the more traditional FM/FM up and downlinks to support the ARRL's Kids Day event. December 29 - January 2 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM SSB/FM Repeater, V/U (CW QSOs only on Straight Key Night) Uplink: 145.880 MHz USB Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM January 3 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM FM Repeater, V/U (ARRL Kid's Day, QSOs between or with kids ONLY) Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM [ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.03 Richard Garriott Interview Available Online AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.03 Space traveler Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, ha been interviewed by science fiction writer Tracy Hickman about Garriott's recent visit to the International Space Station. During the session, W5KWQ talked about his experience of operating amateur radio on orbit and conversing with the ham community worldwide. The entire interview is 2 hours and 45 minutes in duration. Its available in 3 installments. You will find it at http://feeds.feedburner.com/Dragonhearth [ANS thanks Newsline for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-363.04 ARISS 25th Commemorative Event to Feature L/V Repeater This Week AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.04 To date, the ISS crew has configured the radio to support cross-band repeater operations, they have supported some SSTV downlinks and we have had the opportunity to participate in a special test of 9600 baud packet radio operations on the simplex frequency of 145.825 MHz. Specifically, December 28-January 3, we plan to reconfigure the Crossband repeater for a special experiment. This will be a test of our L-Band uplink capability, which, to date, has not been proven out. Plan for an uplink of 1269.65 MHz and and downlink on the standard frequency 145.80 MHz using low power. Given the substantial cable losses of the L-band system, we hope some "big guns" are able to penetrate through, keep up with doppler, and make the connection. We will provide more updates in the near future. 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). Frank concluded, "In the meantime, enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS! And congratulations to Owen Garriott, W5LFL, on the 25th anniversary of his historic flight!!" [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-363.05 ARISS Status - 22 December 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 363.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. December 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-363.05 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium on Monday, December 29 at 11:43 UTC via telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii. 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. 2. Canadian School Contact Successful Students from King George Elementary School in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada took part in a question and answer session with Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact took place on Monday, December 15. Ten students were able to ask one question each of the astronaut as an audience of 320 looked on. Ray Boughen, Minister of Education Provincial Parliament, Dale McBain, City of Moose Jaw Mayor (both former educators) and Brenda Edwards, Director of Education for Prairie South School Division attended. Television stations taped the event and interviewed the children. Radio station CHAB interviewed the school coordinator. The Moose Jaw Times Herald printed an article covering the contact. See: http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=201052&sc=3 The story includes links to the contact video: http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?main=broadcast&bcid=10109 Principal Ward Milligan commented, "It was an awesome 'once in a lifetime experience' that will become more important in the lives of these students as they look back upon this event in years to come. Having a personal contact with someone in space increased the students' interest in space by three fold. Sandra Magnus was very enthusiastic and answered the students' questions in a manner they could relate to. She was very encouraging of the students. It was an inspirational and moving experience." 3. Italian Students Radio ISS On Thursday, December 18, students from Scuola Elementare Faleriense "Gianni Rodari" in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT as over three hundred students, teachers and parents gathered for the event. Twenty-one students questioned the astronaut and Season's Greetings were exchanged. RAI3 Regional Television and some local media and newspapers covered the event. The audio was fed into the EchoLink servers. For more information, including photos and audio, go to: www.ariss-eu.org/2008_12_18.htm The Corriere News ran an article (in Italian): http://www.corrierenews.it/index.php/corrierenews3100/content/view/full/220… ESA mentions the recent Marco Polo, Circolo Didattico San Giuseppe and Gianni Rodari contacts in this story (also in Italian): http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMXK4TTGOF_Italy_2.html 4. ARISS International Meeting Held The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team meeting was held on Tuesday, December 16. Agenda items included the next face-to-face meeting, SuitSat-2 development status and the ARISS special event. Minutes have been posted to the ARISS Web site. See: http://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2008-12-16.htm 5. Astronaut Training Status Astronaut Michael Barratt, KD5MIJ, took a refresher course on the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) equipment and operations on Wednesday, December 17. Barratt is looking forward to supporting the program during his time on board the ISS as an Expedition 19 crew member. Expedition 19 is the first half of the planned 6 person crew. 6. ARRL QST Covers ARISS News The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) printed 4 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) news items in its January 2009 issue of QST. Under "Media Hits" (page 12) is a lengthy paragraph about how the media coverage for Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, was very prolific. A story on pages 59-60 is about Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, a student at Georgia Tech who's a ham and was quite interested in ARISS. She was friends with a ham teacher at a middle school near her middle school; the teacher had applied for an ARISS contact. The story is called "DXpedition to Planet Mars" and is about Andrea's involvement in the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). It says at the end that she wants to be an astronaut. Two columns under "Happenings" (page 63) are titled "Richard Garriott; W5KWQ Back on Terra Firma" which is about Richard and ARISS. It carries two pictures - one of the students in Austin who contacted him during his mission in space and the other is a photo of Richard. "Grants Focus on the Future of Amateur Radio" (page 95) covers three groups that won ARRL Foundation grants. One grant was given to the Eagle Scouts of Indiana who took part in an ARISS contact at the Space Jamboree 2008. The grant received was used to fund equipment for electronic building projects at the Space Jamboree which helped scouts complete the electronics merit badge. The equipment also served other regional and national scout gatherings to introduce amateur radio. Another group that received an award was the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum which is scheduled for an ARISS contact on December 27. The money received funded a ham station (and antenna) in the museum lobby. 7. ARRL and AMSAT Articles on ARISS Special Event The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ran a Web story about the 25th anniversary of ham radio in space. It includes the latest news covering the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) special event. See: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/12/18/10509/?nc=1 The ARRL also issued a W1AW bulletin on the same subject and an article was published in the ARRL Letter. See: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/08/1219/ [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, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

1 0

ELK or ARROW
by Jim Danehy 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

the Arrow antenna has been critiqued by Kent Britain, WA5VJB http://wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf he says that some have measured the Arrow for gain on 435 mhz @ 4 dbi (isotropic) . . . . and that further analysis showed that for the element lengths used on 435 mhz that it peaks at 457 mhz and not 435 mhz . . . Kent is a well respected VHF/UHF antenna person who has plenty of credibility . . . Kent opines that the Arrow, as built does not have its elements insulated from the boom. It uses dimensions for insulated elements . . . so much for the Arrow . . . . Now for the ELK : a local friend of mine owns an Arrow and he uses it successfully. He bought an ELK and attempted to compare the Arrow and the ELK . . . . he could not make an across town QSO on 435 mhz from his second story window with the ELK , so he sent the ELK back for a refund . I have worked and exchanged QSLs with several hundred satellite users . . .the majority of the folks that have worked and QSLed me (close to 250 + ) have been using either the Arrow or ELK based upon the information on their cards. So they are popular. Are they optimum ? A lot of anecdotal information would seem to say NO . . . Thirty-five years ago I worked Oscar 6 with a homebrew 2 mtr yagi that probably was worse than either the Arrow or Elk but I worked YV and KL7 from Indiana on CW with about 15 watts to the 3 elements which my XYL waved around at my directions . . . not any more . . .what do I use these days : a pair of circular polarity yagis on 10 foot booms manufactured by M Square . . . . Folks ask what should they buy ? Maybe a Ford or maybe a Chevy . . . neither is a Cadillac . . . . Jim W9VNE

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Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna (Trey Brown)
by Mike Ryan 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

I have both. I started with the ELK due to the cheaper price as it does dual band without a duplexer. I've been very happy with it and its currently in my back yard on a rotor (its cold outside this time of year). For comparison, I bought the Arrow 5 months ago. Contrary to N3TL'd very respetable and valued comments, the Arrow does seem to do better for me, holding a signal a little lower in the sky. No leaps and bounds, but noticeable. I'd sum it up like this: Elk + cheaper all around + can be easily set up for permanent use + easier to aim due to wider beam width. Log periodic are like this. + smaller and very fast setup/teardown + one connector for dual band. - no handle for handheld use . You have to make one, but it's extremely easy to do. And no threads for tripod. - inconvenient if using 2 rigs. Must but a separate duplexer. Arrow + copies a few degrees (just a few) lower than the Elk at my QTH + convenient built in handle and built in threads for tripod - narrower beam width - have to "aim" better. - not easily set up for permanent use. No simple mount and you wouldn't want to leave that "in handle" duplexer outside - Can easily use for 2 rigs. Just don't use the duplexer (if so equipped) and plug into the separate UHF and VHF Mike WB1AAT -------------- Original message from "Trey Brown" <palintheus(a)gmail.com>: -------------- > I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering > purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and > opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have > been. > > http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm > http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html

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Re: Elk vs. Arrow
by Clint Bradford 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

>> ... the Elk out-performs my Arrow consistently ... For AO-51 and SO-50, the Arrow seems to "capture" the birds noticeably better than the Elk for me. The Arrow makes the Elk feel "sloppy" in comparison ... just my first-hand observations. Clint Bradford -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Edward Cole 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

Kauto, I completely agree. I do not use PL-259 at work except for some Marine radio equipment. Motorola mobile has gone to the mini-UHF and cellular is mostly TNC. Base stations and repeaters are all N-connectors as are the duplexers. All my antennas have N connectors as do the hardline runs. What I hear from local hams is "its too hard to assemble N connectors" to which I say "hogwash" (a US term meaning ridiculous). N connectors only require soldering the center pin which normally is gold plated. PL-259s require "tons of heat" to solder the shield which risks melting the center insulator of the coax. I have more instances of shorted PL-259 connectors. MY DEMI xvtrs all are equipped with N-female and BNC connectors for RF connections. It seems that mostly ham radios made in Japan come with SO-239 (female) connectors...and I would say this is because US hams are requesting them on their equipment (or have in the past). My FT-847 has one N connector for 70cm but the other bands are all SO-239. I added two sma connectors for separate Rx antennas on 2m and 70cm. All my mw gear use either N, TNC, or sma's.......so??? 73, Ed - KL7UW At 02:32 AM 12/27/2008, Kauto Huopio OH2LFM wrote: >I have an Elk myself, bought originally for emergency prepardness ops. >Have tried >with satellites couple of times - with very favourable results. One >odd thing - why >PL-256 connectors are still used in 2m/70cm equipment sold in US? We >have a saying >that PL-256 is a screwable banana plug connector.. at 70cm, loss is >already noticeable. > >Why the ham radio equipment industry can't supply equipment with appropriate >connectors like N on rigs and antennas to US market? In Europe, N is >the way to go >on yagis, amps and rigs on 2m and 70cm gear. > >--Kauto OH2LFM > >-- >Kauto Huopio OH2LFM - oh2lfm(a)srali.fi >Hansakallionkuja 12 A 1, 02780 Espoo, Finland >Tel. +358-40-5008774 (gsm) >_______________________________________________ >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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FT 847/SYMEK F-IFD installed and TNC3S on EBAY
by wgravett＠juno.com 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

Hi HAM Satellite enthusiasts Mark it on your calendar!. On Jan 5th, 9:00pm PST, I am listing the above mentioned equipment with a low reserve on ebay. The SYMEK TNC3S is equipped with a 9.6k and a 38.4k modem. The FT-847 is maxed out with a voice synthesizer, 500hz cw filter, and 2.5khz SSB filters . You can process satellite pictures with this set-up. If you want a terrific deal or know some one who wants to get into satellite communication in a first class way, here is the opportunity. I will be selling some more ham satellite stuff on ebay and will keep you informed when it goes on the block. Best 73 and a Happy '09. Bill, W5PGZ ____________________________________________________________ Click here for free information on how to reduce your debt by filing for bankruptcy. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw22U6CbwaM6XKTobQu85BjbJ9s…

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Re: reminiscing about a long ago
by richard＠g3rwl.demon.co.uk 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

James W8ISS wrote: I am wondering how many of us had relatives that did something during those fun times? No relatives, just lil ole me. I was mixed up in the manned space flight comms network in the Gemini days of the 1960's. NASA's comm links to various places came through London and I worked for the British Post office in the control centre for overseas telegraph comms but we did NASA voice as well as teletype and telemetry too via our wireless stations - to their tracking stations in Kano (Nigeria), Canary Islands and Tananarive (Madagascar). I even had a special desk which was staffed 24 hours a day during a manned flight. Still have tapes from the voice network for some of the Gemini missions (haven't played them for years). Nasa's London comm switching centre was in the same building and there was a multi-rack computerised message switch there. One night shift I stuck a label on the side of it that said "made by slave labour in the Soviet Union". The (American) Station Director had a sense-of-humour failure over that one (remember this was in the 1960's) but I don't think they ever found out who applied the sticker. 73 Richard G3RWL

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Re: Earthrise - add
by Reicher, James 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

Seeing this link brought tears to my eyes. At the time the tapes were made, I was the tender age of three, but I still have a very close connection with those images and with the tapes. My grandfather, Walter Lyons, an electrical engineer with RCA, helped develop the technology used in taking the images from the Lunar Orbiter and Surveyor series and converting them into radio waves and into the data found on these tapes. Although he never was licensed as an amateur, he was one of my inspirations for becoming a ham. Unfortunately, he passed away 2 years before I earned my ticket. 73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO (ex-N8AU) Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:36 -0900 From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Earthrise - add To: Joe Fitzgerald <jfitzgerald(a)alum.wpi.edu> Cc: Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <200812252030.mBPKUbv8086213(a)hermes.acsalaska.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 04:25 AM 12/25/2008, Joe Fitzgerald wrote: >Rocky Jones wrote: > > I think that the first black and white photo of Earthrise over > the Moon...was from one of the Lunar Orbiters... I think 5... > > > > > > >There was a nice story recently about a recent restoration of that photo >...http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-111408a.html > >-Joe KM1P >_______________________________________________ >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 I am amazed at times how my own past resurfaces. One of my duties at Goldstone from 1974-1976 was to manage the tape backup for data received from spacecraft like the Voyagers and Pioneers that flew by Jupiter, Saturn (and the outer planets after my time), and other missions. It was sort of an unwanted task handed off on me. But I took it serious and devised a record system to keep track of when they were recorded and so they would be retained for the required time period. These were backups as the prime data had been transmitted to the mission scientist. These were held a minimum of 30-days in case of any bad data in the originals. I started stacking them in an unused office but in time they ended up in the climate-controlled "basement" of the 64m DSS-14 Control Building. They ended up being kept much longer than 30-days. I'm guessing these reel tapes were made by the same recorder as mentioned in the article. Isn't it fantastic that the old Lunar tapes were recoverable! 2009 will be my 30th anniversary of leaving Jet Propulsion Lab to move to Alaska...tempis fugit! The, then new, Hydrogen Maser Master Clock was installed in this same room. It was used for precise timing of VLBI experiments, which previously required calibration by the famous "flying clock" or the x-band Moon Bounce timing system (ask Dick, K6HIJ). Not only Goldstone, but Madrid, and Canberra stations required to be on the same accurate time (ask Tom Clark about that). As the New Year approaches we reflect on the past. Thanks to those who recently found those articles. Merry Christmas and Happy New year! 73, Ed Cole - KL7UW (& Janet)

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Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna
by Trey Brown 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have been. http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html -- Trey -- N5THX They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

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Re: 4A1DXXE via FM satellite this weekend
by Allen Vinegar 27 Dec '08

27 Dec '08

I agree it sounds like chaos. I have already worked 4A1DXXE on 20M CW yesterday and 20M RTTY today, so it will be nice to work them on satellite as well. Al W8KHP

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Re: amsat-bb] Gulf Alpha Antenna Model No.2M 70CM Sat. (Dual
by Mike Ryan 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Why not start with upgrading from handheld using what you already have before making the leap to the expensive antenna? I was recently right where you are in development but will hold off a little bit.This is what I did. I already had a Elk, and Arrow, 2 FT-857s, a switched AR2 (not mast mounted) preamp. I also picked up a Comet CF-416 duplexer. I put the Elk on a Alliance U100 and set elevation for 20 degrees, so far just out on sawhorse in the back yard. It works great and does very well for both FM Sats and SSB. Does as well as standing outside but much warmer for the winter and I can safely push a little more power. I run up to 35 W on 2M and 20 W on 70cm but rarely is more than 5 W needed on 2M. I do experience a little crosstalk running V/U but none running U/V. When it gets too annoying I just switch to Xmitting on my 2M turnstile. In my experience, the turnstile is more than enough for the VHF side. Its the 70cm side that really needs all the help it can get. I can routinely start copying at 5-7 degrees or so, even without being on the roof. Will a beefier antenna do better? Probably, but I was so intrigued by what I had on hand could do that I will run it for a while. Mike WB1AAT

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Gulf Alpha Antenna Model No.2M 70CM Sat. (Dual Band Antenna)
by Guy Brauning 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Hello and thanks for reading this. I am looking for some "Owner Experience" before making a decision about buying one of the Gulf Alpha dual band satellite antennas. I know the antenna is a compromise compared to a pair of circular polarized yagis; however, I am looking for a less expensive alternative for a basic 2M/70CM base set-up. My only experience with the satellites has been with handheld/portable radios (FT-60R and FT-817ND) and the Arrow and ELK handheld antennas. My guess is that the Gulf Alpha dual band satellite antenna (installed above obstructions and with an AZ rotator / low loss feed lines / and a 70CM mast mounted pre-amp) would be comparable if not considerably better than the handheld Arrow/ELK for FM work on AO-51 and SO-51 (for passes at or below 40 degrees max elevation) but I would also like to work some of the linear sats on SSB/CW and I don't know if the antenna would meet that need. (I already have a 2Meter all mode in addition to the FT-817 as well as a refurbished CD-44 rotor.) If this antenna would support reliable CW/SSB contacts on the linear satellites, it would be a good fit. I would install the antenna at approximately 25 feet in height, leave it fixed at 15 degs elevation using the supplied mast mount, and rotate it with a CD-44 rotator. I plan on using LMR-600 coax for the 432 run and LMR-400U for the 2 meter run (Total length for each run about 30 - 40 feet). I would also use an AR2 mast mounted 432 preamp and Polyphasers at the shack entry with appropriate jumpers (best loss specs vs. needed flexibility) from the Polyphasers to the radios. Radios would be a Yaesu FT-290R MKII (2 MTR All-Mode) and a Yaesu FT-817ND for 432. I'm looking for someone with experience using the Gulf Alpha to let me know their opinion of how well the antenna might play given my anticipated installation specifics. Thanks for your help! Guy N3SCR

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Re: 4A1DXXE via FM satellite this weekend
by John Marranca, Jr 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Sounds great, Pat. But I can just hear the CHAOS on the FM-sats already! 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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Telemetry.
by John Hackett 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Dear Amsat friends, While having many years experience of analogue satellite operating, I'm the first to admit that I'm a *TOTAL* ignoramous regarding 'digitalis horriblis' ... so please don't 'smirk' at my question. Is the telemetry from AO-51 transmitted continuously?, or only at certain specified times? ... on 435.150? ... I 'could' probably find the answer to these questions by 'Googling' ... but isn't the Amsat-bb here for this precise purpose?. Answers on a $100 note please, to <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> ... failing the C note, an e-mail *WILL* be just as appreciated. In anticipation of your answers - thank you. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2009. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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4A1DXXE via FM satellite this weekend
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Hi! The Mexican DX group DXXE has been authorized to use the special callsign 4A1DXXE to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the founding of their group, between 25 December 2008 and 6 January 2009. Along with plans to operate on the HF bands, DXXE members will put 4A1DXXE on the FM satellites during this time - and, in particular, this weekend. If you work 4A1DXXE, the QSL manager for this call is N7RO. Contacts will also be uploaded to the ARRL Logbook of the World system. Good luck and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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NEW AMATEUR FM SATELLITE FROM KACST!
by nader omer 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

HI all During the last summer I meet .Mark Kanawat (N4TPY) from SpaceQuest during a visit to KSA with Dr.Abd Alaziz Alsagir from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) at shack of Firas HZ1FS at Riyadh city. We had a nice friendly meeting Dr.Alsagir mentions and discussed the possibility of Adding a FM amateur satellite repeater to The future planed satellite from KACST I hope we will have another new Amateur FM Satellite soon from KACST photo of the meeting at my homepage link http://www.st2nh.com/news 73 Nader ,st2nh www.st2nh.com

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Apollo 8 Press Kit
by Clint Bradford 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

OK - Sorry 'bout this ... I promise this will be my last nostalgic post of the season ... The original press kit for Apollo 8: http://gizmodo.com/5118084/the-apollo-8-original-press-kit Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Re: Apollo 8 Press Kit
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Clint- Don't apologize, this is cool stuff. Or we can always reminisce about past HEO's. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Clint Bradford <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net> > OK - Sorry 'bout this ... I promise this will be my last nostalgic > post of the season ... > > The original press kit for Apollo 8: > > http://gizmodo.com/5118084/the-apollo-8-original-press-kit > > > Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 > 909-241-7666 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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XE1AO from DK99 through Friday night (North America)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Hi! I had a chance to talk with Omar XE1AO after AO-51 and SO-50 passes around 0035-0105 UTC tonight. Omar was very happy with the chance to work several USA and Mexican stations on AO-51, and once again had an easy time on SO-50 with a few QSOs. Omar does not plan on being on AO-51 Friday morning from DK99, as it is too cold for him to go outside (below freezing). He is planning to work AO-51 and SO-50 Friday evening before heading home, if you still want a chance to get DK99 in your log. Merry Christmas and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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KE5GDB -> EM20 (North of Houston) through Tuesday
by Andrew Koenig 26 Dec '08

26 Dec '08

Hello all- I will be active in EM20 Friday through Tuesday. Every year my Boy Scout troop attends a winter camp program at Camp Strake, and this year I plan to bring my new Arrow Antenna along with an FT-60. Although I will do my best to make it on the birds, there will be times when I'll be eating the (horrible..) camp food or doing other activities during the pass times. Anyway, hope to hear y'all on the birds, and hopefully I can do a few demonstrations for my troop! 73 de KE5GDB (Life Scout) -- Andrew Koenig

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AO-51 Telemetry
by Peter 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, I will be using a PK-96 to decode AO-51 TLM using TLM echo, what terminal program are you using and what are the TNC commands that you use, thank you. 73, Pete, WB2OQQ

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Earthrise - add
by Clint Bradford 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

That first, incredibly wonderful black-and-white Earthrise photo almost didn't happen. From NASA transcripts: 075:47:30 Borman (onboard): Oh, my God! Look at that picture over there! Here's the Earth coming up. Wow, is that pretty! 075:47:37 Anders (onboard): Hey, don't take that, it's not scheduled. There was limited film available for the Hasselblad ... and what was in it at that moment was a black-and-white magazine. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Happy Holidays from FN02
by John Marranca, Jr 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

Good Morning to all of my friends around the world... Peace, security, and prosperity this holiday season and in 2009 to all. 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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A politically correct Christmas greeting
by Alan P. Biddle 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

>From a lawyer: >From us ("the wishors") to you ("hereinafter called the wishee"): Please accept without obligation, explicit or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion or secular practice of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions. Please also accept, under aforesaid waiver of obligation on your part, our best wishes for a financially successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of this calendar year of the Common Era, but with due respect for the calendars of all cultures or sects, and for the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform or dietary preference of the wishee. By accepting this greeting you acknowledge that: This greeting is subject to further clarification or withdrawal at the wishor's discretion. This greeting is freely transferable provided that no alteration shall be made to the original greeting and that the proprietary rights of the wishor are acknowledged. This greeting implies no warranty on the part of the wishors to fulfill these wishes, nor any ability of the wishors to do so, merely a beneficent hope on the part of the wishors that they in fact occur. This greeting may not be enforceable in certain jurisdictions and/or the restrictions herein may not be binding upon certain wishees in certain jurisdictions and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wishors. This greeting is warranted to perform as reasonably may be expected within the usual application of good tidings, for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first. The wishor warrants this greeting only for the limited replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wishor. Any references in this greeting to "the Lord", "Father Christmas", "Our Savior", or any other festive figures, whether actual or fictitious, dead or alive, shall not imply any endorsement by or from them in respect of this greeting, and all proprietary rights in any referenced third party names and images are hereby acknowledged. Sincerely, Dewey, Cheetham, and Howe Attorneys at Law ==================================================== And a sincere, unreserved Christmas greeting from WA4SCA!

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A Quantum Mechanical Analysis of the Santa Claus problem
by Daniel Schultz 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

Every year about this time, various analyses go out over the net purporting to show that Santa Claus cannot possibly exist, because of the extremely high speeds and accelerations required for him to make his rounds, absence of chimneys or other means of ingress, etc. The analysis about the death of Santa Claus, based on classical physics, is seriously flawed owing to its neglect of quantum phenomena that become significant in his particular case. An application of Quantum Mechanics to the Santa Claus problem shows that the situation is not nearly so hopeless as a classical analysis would have you believe: Consider the following: * Santa is never directly observed, but indirect evidence of him abounds. * If direct observation is attempted (say, by staying up all night with the lights on), not only is Santa not observed, but the indirect evidence of his presence does not appear either--only if no attempt is made to observe Santa do the stockings get filled. * Evidence of Santa appears in multiple locations simultaneously throughout the world. (The multiplicity of time zones does not substantially alter this argument, and will therefore be ignored.) * Evidence of Santa appears even in rooms that are separated from the rest of the universe by barriers (small or non-existent chimneys) that Santa cannot classically pass through. It is obvious, then, that Santa can best be described by a quantum-mechanical wavefunction SC, which is nonzero at midnight on Christmas eve throughout the world. Like other quantum-mechanical wavefunctions, it is not confined to one spatial location, and can "tunnel" through classical barriers (house walls and roof), producing a potentially nonzero expectation value in (classically forbidden) living rooms and apartments. Children expect Santa to arrive; therefore, in living spaces with the child operator (closely related to the annihilation operator), the expectation value is small but finite, and a small but finite fraction of Santa's presents are deposited. However, if an attempt is made to observe Santa, the observation finds the Santa wavefunction in either a "not-Santa" (OC|SC> = |SC->) or "Santa" (OC|SC> = |SC+>) eigenstate. Because of the very small expectation value of the Santa function (approximately the reciprocal of the number of houses Santa visits, adjusted by local "naughty" and "nice" operators), the eigenstate is extremely likely to be "not-Santa" (|SC->)--no presents appear. One cannot really blame these intrepid experimentalists, however: if one of them did succeed in finding Santa in the "Santa" (|SC+>) state, he or she would not only have unprecedented direct evidence of Santa Claus, but would find Santa's entire load of presents deposited in his or her living room. (The foregoing analysis attributed to R. Carey Woodward, Jr., Ph.D.) Another, less mathematical, analysis (gotta love Google) is that: As it happens, the terminal velocity of a reindeer in dry December air over the Northern Hemisphere (for example) is known with tremendous precision. The mass of Santa and his sleigh (since the number of children and their gifts is also known precisely, ahead of time, and the reindeer must weigh in minutes before the flight) is also known with tremendous precision. His direction of flight is, as you say, essentially east to west. All of that, when taken together, means that the momentum vector of Mr Claus and his cargo is known with incredible precision. An elementary application of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle yields the result that Santa's location, at any given moment on Christmas Eve, is highly imprecise. In other words, he is "smeared out" over the surface of the earth, analogous to the manner in which an electron is "smeared out" within a certain distance from the nucleus in an atom. Thus he can, quite literally, be everywhere at any given moment. (Author unknown) Merry Christmas. Get to bed tonight and maybe Santa will bring Amsat a launch vehicle in 2009. Dan Schultz N8FGV

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AO-7 Log screw-up
by N3TL＠bellsouth.net 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

My apologies to all who use the AO-7 log. You'll see that,according to my last entry, I worked K1VZI an hour after he worked me. My CW is slow, but it's really not that slow.... Merry Christmas to all, Tim - N3TL

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ESEO Project latest news!
by Graham Shirville 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

Hi All, For the latest update on the ESEO mission visit the AMSAT-UK website http://www.uk.amsat.org/ Season's Greetings and wishing you great success with your satellite activities in 2009 73 Graham G3VZV

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Happy Holidays
by Bill Greene 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

I just wanted to take a second to wish my friends all over the world a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season from my family to their's. For a New Years resolution you can expect Station VE7WFG to be back on the satellites. Kindest Regards, Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year. Bill Greene VE7WFG Amsat# 29777 DO00jk, Armstrong British Columbia, Canada

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Happy Birthday Earthrise
by Clint Bradford 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

It was 40 years ago tonight that we all were glued to our TV sets, watching the first Earthrise... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7797439.stm Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Re: 2008 was fantastic - and: a Happy New Year !
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Hi Hank, A very well put together summary of the hobby and this years amateur satellite events etc. May I also ( I am sure on behalf of many ) also say thank you to you for your very valuable contribution in passing on your feedback and information via your web page. Seeing your success and your time and effort bringing success with the satellites, has I am sure, also contributed to helping many others pursue the same aims.. Thanks again. Best wishes to you and all, I trust that the new year brings good luck to stir on success and rewards. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat - UK Amsat NA

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Happy Holidays To All
by Bill Ress 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Hello to all, As Henk, PA3GUO pointed out so well, we have many operational satellites to be thankful for. But, we're always anxious for even more and better satellites and as a new member of the AMSAT-NA management team I can tell you that the organization is working very hard to redefine itself along it's revised Mission Vision, with the sincere desire to bring even more exciting satellites to the Amateur satellite community. So, as we head into an uncertain New Year on many fronts, be certain that AMSAT-NA is working hard to deserve you support and membership. To all of you, my best wishes for a happy Holiday season and a much better New Year. Regards...Bill - N6GHz

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Re: Amateur Satellites mentioned on BBC News
by Clint Bradford 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Someone in England should send a "thank you" to the BBC ... either via their online "BBC News website feedback" page or to their postal address ... BBC News Web Site Room 7540 BBC Television Centre Wood Lane London W12 7RJ This media contact can prove to be very useful in the future! Clint Bradford

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2008 was fantastic - and: a Happy New Year !
by Henk, PA3GUO 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Dear satellite radio friends, With the end of the year approaching, I feel the need share how much I appreciate and enjoy all the fun we have on this amsat-bb. Where we discuss, help, ask, and challenge eachother with our shared love: amateur radio satellites. 2008 has again been a truly fantastic year; just to name a few things I recall (at the risk to overlook all those others); Delfi-C3: 2008 brought us a new, well working satellite with a transponder! A brand new satellite where industry, university and radio-amateurs worked together in defining, building and operating a spacecraft. A big project where various objectives got successfully merged into a small Cubesat. Many aspects on the behaviour of the sat to observe and validate, at least it kept me very excited back in May: http://www.pa3guo.com/dc3_12may08_2045utc_pa3guo_spin_145.930.jpg Delfi-C3 also brought to my attention that my PC cannot share its line-input over more than one program at the time, something to fix in 2009 ! AO51 My favorite FM satellite to operate portable during the summer holidays. This year I operated as OK/PA3GUO and had despite all the QRM many fun contacts around Europe. Always a good exercise ! http://www.pa3guo.com/holiday_2008.html Its the 23cm up / 70 down modes were new for me, now I had the (from Rob, PE1ITR borrowed) 35 elements TONNA for 23cm. I made my first QSOs in L/U mode. For this I first needed to get 435.150 downlink working, and I built with good help of Domenico, I8CVS a polarization switch for the old Cushcraft 70 cm antenna. http://www.pa3guo.com/cushcraft_416tb.html Finally, the SSTV 'mode' as preparation for the ISS experiments was also new fun. Yes, often AO51 is a lot of chaos, but next to that it has very interesting modes to use and explore. Thanks to the AO51 team for keeping us busy ! Cute1.7+APD-II As I wanted to help the project team to collect as much as possible CW telemetry, I did set up my remote access using the www.logmein.com software. Now I could remotely gather & forward the telemetry, from QRL but also while enjoying the good summer evenings in my backyard: http://www.pa3guo.com/cute_ops_pa3guo.jpg. PE1ITR was so kind to loan me his 23cm beam, to prepare myself for the 23cm packet uplink of this new satellite.... it showed that while our Japanse friends can digipeat over it I can't (yet), so I need to review if my antenna cable is good enough ... some day in 2009. SEEDS A new satellite, that provides an SSTV beacon in space, great for demonstration purposes. While I have a very clumsy set-up; holding a microphone in front of my loudspeaker, the picture is cool to receive. Also it transmits a 'secret' code in VOICE. I have listened to it a thousand times, but one character I still cannot really 'hear'. Has anyone gotten this confirmed from the project team ? Anyway: thanks for a new satellite to experiment with ! http://www.pa3guo.com/seeds.html ISS Especially in the last months a lot of new things to experiment (and this is what amateur radio is all about right ?). SSTV operations brought the ISS crew very close to us, remarkable how appealing receiving pictures with this old technology still is. Also the voice operations by Richard were a through inspiration. I was there to hear him talking for the first time with his dad while he was flying over Europe, and his dad in Moscow ground control. Also new packet modes: 9k6 worked SO good. A good back-up communication system for Emergency Communication (or SSET as Bob would call this :-)) The last few days of the year also promise new tests with the repeater mode in 23cm uplink configuration: let's see how the D700 receives at 1.2GHz ! PCSAT The old lady is running out of batteries, but is today still the only APRS satellite that we have flying around 24/7 in this mode. Even though we slowly lose control due to the automatic resets, we still LEARN a lot regarding how to operate in bad conditions (looking at angle of the sun for optimum power, radio channel clearance etc). PCSAT is also still a good test vehicle for anyone to set-up a fully automated tracking station (read: have a receiver listening 24/7 to 145.825 and Igate all received traffic to the internet). Having this available NOW is a good way to be prepared for anything unexpected (eg. emergencies). On one hand very easy, on the other hand it looks simpler as it is (keep a PC running 24/7 un-attended and not to loose the internet link). Good stuff... ! http://www.pa3guo.com/pcsat_cmd_dec2008.jpg AO7: Always fascinating to hear the 10mtr signals travelling all the way from space into my small wire antenna, amazing how clear CW sounds ! Yubileiny Haven't really figured out yet what its use for me will be, but it sure is another strong signal that can serve as a testvehicle for stuff like automated antenna tracking, doppler correction, telemetry decoding and storage. http://www.pa3guo.com/yubileiny_24may08_pa3guo_435.315_cw_short.jpg Compass: Have seen great support from the amateur community: first of all Mike, DK3WN, who is clearly in the lead helping out the university controlling the satellite. Great that when Mike asked for help, many HAMs around the world stepped in and tried to 'save' Compass. For me: to be able to decode the MSK downlink of Compass I need to connect the radio's audio to my PC. Missing for that is a proper (optical) audio interface, this is now my holiday project in the next 2 weeks... will keep me busy for while :-) AO27 ... you won't believe it, but only this year I made my first contact via AO-27. Folks QRV here you don't hear on the other FM sat's. Great bird ! AO16 After 18 years in space, I finally made my first QSO via this satellite. Fantastic idea of the AO16 team to have the satellite configured as FM/SSB transponder ! http://www.pa3guo.com/ao16.html Looking back 2008 was a truly exciting year with many new satellites, as well as new modes of operations of existing satellites. Most important; a year of a lot of new satellite radio-friends via this AMSAT-BB ! HAM radio remains for me both a source of inspiration, as well as a hobby shared with many good friends around the world. I wish all of you a Healthy & Happy New Year ! Warm regards, Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com

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AO-51 Mode L/U 9K6 uplink frequency ?
by Dave Aitch 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Can someone confirm the uplink as 1268.700 for 9K6 for the coming week please ? 73, Dave.

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Out of Office
by Martha 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

I will be out of the office from Dec 25th - January 2nd. I will be back in the office on Monday, January 5th. -- 73- Martha

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Amateur Satellites mentioned on BBC News
by Trevor 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

The OSCAR satellites get a brief mention in a story carried by the BBC news service. See the bottom of BBC News - Christmas messages from far away http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7797779.stm A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. 73 Trevor M5AKA --------------- Daily Amateur Radio RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email your news items to: editor at southgatearc.org News On Your Website: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/index.htm News On Your PC: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/newsreader.htm Upload Your News: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm ---------------

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Santa-llite Tracking
by David Barber 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

And one for Christmas: http://www.noradsanta.org/ Enjoy the festive season and thanks to all that make the ARISS project and the various Satellites possible. Regards David G8OQW

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Happy Holidays and Thanks!
by Frank H. Bauer 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

All, This e-mail was sent to the ARISS volunteer team. On behalf of the ARISS International Team I wish you all a very happy holiday season. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS Team Members, I want to wish each of you a very happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year. This past year has been incredible for ARISS, filled with outstanding new opportunities and a lifetime of memories for all--> school children, educators, the general public, ham radio operators and the on-orbit crews. As we look back on this past year, we continue to be thankful for the support of the on-orbit crew members who volunteer their precious personal time to operate the ham radio system for us. And we thank each one of you---the ARISS volunteers---for your outstanding support to the program. This program would not be possible without the phenomenal hardware development and operations support provided by this internationally-based ARISS team of volunteers. While we are called radio Amateurs, you are definitely PROFESSIONALS in my book. Let's continue our efforts to instill inspiration and interest in space exploration and ham radio..through the excellence we bring to our efforts and our interactions with ham radio operators and the general public. Thank you all. 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS International Chairman

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ISS - All Quiet
by vk5alx＠amsat.org 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

they always seem to forget to turn things back on after space walk etc.

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ISS - All Quiet
by David Barber 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

No activity on any passes over UK / Europe today, 24 December 2008. David G8OQW

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Re: HRD freq. saving/storing
by Henk, PA3GUO 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Hi Tony ! I am NOT an expert user of HRD. For Cute, Delfi, SEEDS, etc, I put HRD on the beacon frequency of that satellite and HRD does the doppler correction. In that special pop-up window (the tracker) at the bottom right is a small horizontal scroll bar that allows to save settings for multiple satellites. That way I have also a different setting for AO51 V/U and L/U. I have not tried this for FO29 like lineair transponders, only for fixed frequencies, simply because I do FO29 etc. always (embarassed to share that here) by hand using the TS2000 built-in coupling, but without doppler compensation. Maybe this helps, maybe (most likely) you knew this already. Sorry if this is useless, then I apologize :-) Henk, PA3GUO

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HRD
by John Marranca, Jr 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Tony: Spoke too soon. It's under definitions! OK...I stand corrected! John -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Re: HRD Frequencies
by John Marranca, Jr 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Tony, et al: I think that is my biggest "issue" with HRD is that the frequencies MUST be entered each time by hand. It becomes a bit tedious. Other than that, HRD isn't bad at all. Happy Holidays! 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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Ham Radio Deluxe Sat Tracking
by Tony 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

All, Does anyone know how to store the transponder frequencies for each satellite with HRD's tracking program? There doesn't seem to be a 'save' button in the ground control window. Thanks, Tony -K2MO

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PCSAT
by Dave 23 Dec '08

23 Dec '08

Hi group- I recently acquired an ICOM-271H and have it running into AGW and PCSAT 2.4.2s Decoder. Anyone with a similar setup willing to help me ensure I am configured properly? Dave // DM78qd // KA0SWT

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Spectacular NASA Photographs
by Clint Bradford 23 Dec '08

23 Dec '08

It's that time of the year, folks ... where scores of "best of..." lists are released. From columns of cloud streaking over the Caspian Sea in January to vast tracts of cleared forest in Bolivia in December. In 2008, the NASA Earth Observatory has captured more stunning images of the Earth. Here's an article with several exciting NSAS photographs ... http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/12/23/nasa.space.images/index.html Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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