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connector
by Jerry 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Hi: Where can I buy the the 7 pin connector for the Yaesu G-450A rotor?? It looks like a Bendix type connector. Jerry w0sat

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FO-29
by k3szh＠netzero.net 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

What a group on FO-29 to hear and work. EA8HB, G1WPR, PA1TNO, G7NFO, ON7EQ and K8YSE all had super signals now that was fun and to have short qsos. K3SZH Amsat 3788 ____________________________________________________________ Click here to become a professional counselor in less time than you think. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/Ioyw6i4vFH81Qrk7NNkFGOQlyGQ9…

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Re: Connector
by Rm2642＠aol.com 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Is this what you're looking for? _http://www.rlham.com/cgi-bin/shop/modellookup.dbw?MODEL=NJC207PF_ (http://www.rlham.com/cgi-bin/shop/modellookup.dbw?MODEL=NJC207PF) Ron n6paa **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)

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Xastir
by Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Anybody know the log on user and password for Xastir-Herdy? -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF) 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 5032 e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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Re: (no subject)
by James Craig 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Thanks Tim, I agree, without doubt, the most fun had on amateur radio so far....only wish I'd started sooner! regards, James - ZL4JM davenbeck.engineering(a)gmail.com +64 (0)21 1477265 - original message - Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] (no subject) From: n3tl(a)bellsouth.net Date: 30/09/2008 15:58 Congrats, James ... and welcome to orbit! I've only been working the satellites for a few months, but I still get the same rush of excitement every time I hear that first signal, which tells me I've acquired the satellite for a given pass. This is the most fun I've ever had in amateur radio! 73, Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 Athens, Ga. EM84ha - USA -------------- Original message from "James Craig" <davenbeck.engineering(a)gmail.com>: -------------- Well I just worked my first ever satellite this evening (AO-51) and all I can > say is WOW!.....The smile is still on my face! What a blast! > regards, > James - ZL4JM > davenbeck.engineering(a)gmail.com > +64 (0)21 1477265 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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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(no subject)
by James Craig 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Well I just worked my first ever satellite this evening (AO-51) and all I can say is WOW!.....The smile is still on my face! What a blast! regards, James - ZL4JM davenbeck.engineering(a)gmail.com +64 (0)21 1477265

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Falcon 1 successful
by Bob McGwier 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Falcon 1 successfully made it to orbit today. http://www.spacex.com/ Falcon 9 Heavy will be a 12000 Kg to GTO launcher and will almost certainly have test flights. http://www.spacex.com/falcon9_heavy.php and it pays to have friends: http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Jeff_Ward_To_Head_Up_Avionics_Guidance_A nd_Control_At_SpaceX_999.html Bob N4HY ARRL SDR Working Group Chair Member: ARRL, AMSAT, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. "Trample the slow .... Hurdle the dead"

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Re: Shenzhou object number & SpaceX Falcon
by Armando Mercado 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

----- Original Message ----- From: "Armando Mercado" <am25544(a)triton.net> To: <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 4:04 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Shenzhou object number & SpaceX Falcon > In April of this year, the Chinese launched Tianlian-1, > their version of a geo-stationary Tracking and Data Relay Satellite > (like NASA's TDRS) and made extensive use of it during the > flight of Shenzhou 7. One of the test objectives in deploying the > sub-satellite was to conduct communications through Tianlian-1, > in addition to taking pictures of the Shenzhoz. So I suspect it > is operating at many GHz's, transmitting in a modulation that amateurs > will find difficult use, and not transmitting all the time. > > Armando, N8IGJ > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF" <nigel(a)ngunn.net> > To: "Armando Mercado" <am25544(a)triton.net> > Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 9:48 AM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Shenzhou object number & SpaceX Falcon > > >> Of course, the spacecraft, as launched, has split into 3 parts to extract >> the re-entry module, which has now landed so I guess the question is, >> which object is the satellite and is it transmitting anything we can >> usefully receive. >> >> Space Track now lists an Objext H. >> >> OBJECT A >> 1 33386U 08047A 08272.15013951 .00054573 00000-0 29582-3 0 158 >> 2 33386 042.4044 178.2230 0005368 282.1563 235.6774 15.79173201 410 >> OBJECT B >> 1 33387U 08047B 08273.16486755 .00325302 82837-5 23439-3 0 190 >> 2 33387 042.4065 171.1579 0089600 151.1146 338.4513 16.06393261 587 >> OBJECT C >> 1 33388U 08047C 08273.16548304 .17339353 77079-5 36395-2 0 218 >> 2 33388 042.5562 171.1969 0068223 167.5297 192.7906 16.23206867 581 >> OBJECT D >> 1 33389U 08047D 08273.14301888 .09276831 78839-5 39833-2 0 195 >> 2 33389 042.5365 171.6287 0107704 169.6583 340.4200 16.09045925 578 >> OBJECT E >> 1 33390U 08047E 08273.03387694 .04395134 77585-5 35557-2 0 47 >> 2 33390 042.2885 173.1463 0175741 141.7480 301.2890 15.88629832 302 >> OBJECT F >> 1 33391U 08047F 08273.46256944 .04168032 77011-5 34082-2 0 49 >> 2 33391 042.2350 170.6011 0173283 148.5087 208.4764 15.89010588 365 >> OBJECT G >> 1 33392U 08047G 08273.22238605 .00019872 00000-0 11175-3 0 72 >> 2 33392 042.4049 171.6220 0006752 286.1477 212.5348 15.78777424 253 >> OBJECT H >> 1 33394U 08047H 08273.15670370 .00057461 00000-0 31173-3 0 37 >> 2 33394 042.4132 172.0125 0005298 291.8156 195.4335 15.79138991 579 >> >> >> Armando Mercado wrote: >>> Greetings, >>> There's been a thread on the BBS about which object is/was >>> the Shenzhou 7 spacecraft. For what it is worth I have been using >>> Object A keps. Central China Television (CCTV) covered the flight >>> extensively and mostly live as it happened. Whenever they showed >>> the big screen at mission control, my tracking program matched their >>> screen, so it's Object A for me. >> >> >

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downconverter
by Jerry 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

I have a Drake 2880 2.4 Gig downconverter with power supply and a conifer Pre amp all new in the original boxes. If interested please contact me off the list Jerry w0sat w0sat(a)msn.com

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FS TS2000 WITH MC60A DESK MIC
by Stuart Underwood 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

I have for sale a mint, (less then one year old, still has the plastic film on the display), TS2000 and a MC60A.. No dings or dents. Included is the radio, MC60A desk mic, hand mic, manual and original double box. I am asking $1300.00 shipped to the lower 48 States. I will accept paypal or postal money order. If interested please call 440-639-9547 after 3:00 PM EST or email me at w8stu(a)arrl.net ... Thanks in advance. 73, Stuart W8STU Pix on request.

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Eggbeaters FOR SALE
by Bob Herrell 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

I have a pair of M2 Eggbeaters, the EB-144 and the EB-432, both with radial kits. I will only sell them as a set. They work beautifully with the LEO satellites. M2 makes a fantastic product and the cost new is $519 + S/H. I am asking $325 firm which includes S/H to the CONUS ONLY. aj5c(a)cox.net Pictures on request. 73, Bob Herrell - AJ5C AMSAT #36645

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Telemetry
by Tim Tapio 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Hello all! Two questions on telemetry.. 1. I was considering dedicating a 70 cm "eggbeater" with a preamp as a good, omni-directional antenna. So far though, it doesn't seem to pick up below 12 degree elevations. Currently the preamp is in the shack (I know, at the antenna) and my coax is not optimum. If I use heliax, put the preamp at the antenna, is this feasible or should I plan on a steerable beam? 2. I'm having a dickens of a time figuring out what the telemetry frequencies are. I've looked at DK3WN's site which has the decoding software but I seem to be having issues finding frequencies, am I looking in the wrong places? Thanks for your time! 73 de Tim, K4SHF FM04

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Kenwood TS 2000 for sale
by Bill Bruno 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Kenwood TS 2000, like new condition, Manual, Power Cable and hand mike. Asking $1300 plus shipping. Please contact me off list if interested or have questions. Bill KB2RC. Amsat # 6986

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Re: Falcon 1 successful
by G0MRF＠aol.com 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

In a message dated 29/09/2008 14:32:11 GMT Standard Time, rwmcgwier(a)gmail.com writes: Falcon 1 successfully made it to orbit today. _http://www.spacex.com/_ (http://www.spacex.com/) Falcon 9 Heavy will be a 12000 Kg to GTO launcher and will almost certainly have test flights. Yup. We should be talking to SpaceX about test flights and as potential fee paying GTO customers. Regards David G0MRF

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AO-51 L/U very cool!
by DeYoung James 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Greetings, I finally decided to try L/U on AO-51 using my IC-910H, SATPC32, 70-cm arrow on a camera tripod, and a 10-elem. "cheap yagi" for the 1.267-GHz uplink. Very good signals for all on the downlink most of the pass, however my uplink on 1.267-GHz is heavily affected by trees, the fact I operate from inside my home from the 2nd floor, and I was arm-stronging the cheap yagi whilst twisting for polarization!. Great to hear Angelo, Carmen, Clare, and Mike. Thanks for calling me back in the group. A very cool mode that works very well. 73, JIm (N8OQ ex KG4QWC)

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Shenzhou object number & SpaceX Falcon
by Armando Mercado 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Greetings, There's been a thread on the BBS about which object is/was the Shenzhou 7 spacecraft. For what it is worth I have been using Object A keps. Central China Television (CCTV) covered the flight extensively and mostly live as it happened. Whenever they showed the big screen at mission control, my tracking program matched their screen, so it's Object A for me. SpaceX Falcon flight 4 made it to orbit. Persistence pays off. Interesting orbit. No Common Name Found 1 33393U 08048A 08273.15418783 .00071718 00000-0 92796-2 0 33 2 33393 009.3459 061.8581 0015292 250.8609 108.2346 14.79000846 26 Armando, N8IGJ

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Re: NI-MH battert charger
by Stephen Davis 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

You might want to look at this universal charger/analyizer/conditioner from Maha Engineering to see if it suits your needs: http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/item.asp?idproduct=185 73, Stephen - KJ4FEL ----- Original Message ---- From: VE6ITV <ve6itv(a)shaw.ca> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:05:41 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] NI-MH battert charger Hi, i have a Maha 12v 900mah battery and the charger i have for my other battery is only for a 7.2v battery. Can someone please tell me what brand of charger i can buy to charge this battery?. 73 de VE6ITV scott _______________________________________________ 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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Wanted: article from April 1989 Oscar News
by Douglas Quagliana 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Hi, Does anyone have a copy of (or know where I can get a copy of) the article "Determination of Orbital Elements Through Distance Measurements" by Stefan Eckart? It was published in the April 1989 "Oscar News" on pages 22-25. Douglas KA2UPW/5

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NI-MH battert charger
by VE6ITV 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Hi, i have a Maha 12v 900mah battery and the charger i have for my other battery is only for a 7.2v battery. Can someone please tell me what brand of charger i can buy to charge this battery?. 73 de VE6ITV scott

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SpaceX makes it!
by Andrew Glasbrenner 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Congratulations to SpaceX on the successful launch of Falcon 1 Flight 4! 73, Drew KO4MA

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 491
by Gopal Madhavan 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

One suggestion I had posted some time ago for these rotors was to change the bolts holding both halves together when the rotor is NEW and before it is put up in use, to Allen head bolts. The standard bolts with flat screwdriver heads become almost impossible to remove once the ravages of weather have had their toll. The Allen head bolts can be moved easily as the wrenches do not slip or damage the slots Also if the end stop limit switches fail, the rotor drives the unit past the stops ( which are just bent tabs on the mounting plate) and bends the whole thing out of shape. I have had this happen twice. Gopal Madhavan VU2GMN "Shreyas" Apartments 128(old63) Greenways Road Chennai - 600 028 Tel: 91 44 2493 7724 / 4230 3129 Mobile: 91 94440 18452 E-mail: gopal.madhavan(a)gmail.com -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 00:30 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 491 Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb(a)amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Kenpro elevation rotor repair (quadpugh(a)bellsouth.net) 2. Re: Chinese bird (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF) 3. Re: Chinese bird (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF) 4. Telemetry (Tim Tapio) 5. Re: Chinese bird (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF) 6. Re: Chinese bird (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF) 7. Re: GO-32 off??? (Mark Ku7z) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:24:24 +0000 From: quadpugh(a)bellsouth.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Kenpro elevation rotor repair To: Roy <rdwelch(a)swbell.net>, Sangat Singh <sangatsingh(a)gmail.com> Cc: AMSAT BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <092820081124.26404.48DF6967000719500000672422230682329B0A02D2089B9A019C0404 0A0DBF08099A9F0B0E9A9E(a)att.net> Content-Type: text/plain All Here is my $.02. First smell the motor. If the motor has burnt windings you can smell them. mesureesure the resistance between the winding. If the resistance beteen the winding is roughly the same suspect the capastor in the control box. If something mechanical has failed a visually inspection will reveal it. There a lot of parts in there but is faitly intutive on how to assemble them. good luck nickly -------------- Original message from Roy <rdwelch(a)swbell.net>: -------------- > Hi Guys, > > My two cents worth. It looks like Sebastian has made all of the > checks. I assume the rotor will not move in either direction. It's > possible that something had fallen into the gear train, jamming the > works but it does sound more like a bad motor. Have you measured all of > the voltages and especially the resistance values on the motor leads as > shown in the owner's manual? If the resistances all look good and the > supply voltages are good then I would check the resistance from each > motor lead to the metal case to see if there is a short circuit to the > rotor housing. I'm not sure but in some countries RFI hash protection > has been added to the rotor circuitry consisting of small RF chokes and > capacitors mounted inside the rotor case. For example, my Emoto rotors > don't have it but the versions sold in some European countries do have > it. You might check to see if there is a similar thing in your rotor > and that there are no failures there. I doubt that this is the problem > however. Good luck. > > Roy -- W0SL > > Sangat Singh wrote: > > Sebastian, > > > > I had a similar problem. In my case I found that the 24 volt motor had > > packed up. Since I had another Elevation Rotator with the faulty pot > > sitting on my bench for half a century, I swapped the motor and it > > worked. The motor is easily removed. Please remove the 4 screws that > > hold the motor and then try powering up and see if the motor works. I > > suppose you won't have a spare motor. I am trying to get the faulty > > motor rewired. Our local talent can do wonderful things. > > > > You might consult Roy Welch who has a great knowledge on ailing Yaesu > > rotators. I am sure he has seen this mail and may have some valuable > > suggestions. Do share your experience if you manage to fix this problem. > > > > Opening nuts is a big problem and your Motor Cycle workshop should be > > able to help. I got mine too opened that way. > > > > 73 > > > > Sangat, 9M2SS > > > > 2008/9/27 Sebastian > > > > > Well I had been back on the birds for the last 3 months or so, and > > while I was getting ready for an AO-16 pass a few days ago, my > > elevation rotor on my Yaesu G-5400B stopped at about 10 degrees. > > > > That's it. It won't go back down or up. > > > > So I checked the wiring on the rotor, everything appeared fine. I > > removed the elevation rotor from the azimuthal, and took it inside. I > > made a small patch cord to go from the control box to the rotor, but > > no luck. All I get is the display of the elevation of about 10 > > degrees, and I hear a little hum when I attempt to move it up or > > down. This tells me that the potentiometer is probably good, and the > > motor is receiving power. > > > > I've removed the small nameplate on the side, and there is no water > > inside, and I can see the ball bears; there doesn't appear to be any > > rust inside. I also removed the terminal assembly in case one of the > > wire had come loose, or had a cold solder joint, but I didn't find any > > problems there. Looking at the diagram of the rotor, there appears to > > only be a small 24 volt motor which turns this; along with numerous > > mechanical parts. > > > > So the question is. Before I send this to Yaesu, has anyone had this > > problem before, is it a minor one (something that I could fix myself), > > or is best left to Yaesu? Before anyone mentions, Norm's no longer > > services these rotors. The four 'screws' that hold the two parts are > > impossible for me to loosen. I would have to use a vice, but I do > > have a friend with a motorcycle repair business who I'm sure could > > open it for me in 60 seconds. To me, this looks like a jigsaw puzzle > > by looking at the diagram. > > > > The rotor was in service for about a couple of years back in the early > > 90s. It then sat inside without any use, up until a few months ago. > > If the consensus is to send it to Yaesu, should I bother to send in > > the azimuthal rotor, or should I follow the "don't fix it if it aint > > broken" rule? > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > -- > > Sangat Singh > > 53, Jln. Perdana > > National Planetarium > > 50480 Kuala Lumpur (MALAYSIA) > > Mobile: +60122838873 > > Office: +60322787388 > > FAX: +60322738873 > > Skype ID: sukhija > > -- > Roy > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:50:38 +0000 From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Chinese bird To: nigel(a)ngunn.net Cc: AMSAT-BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <48DF6F8E.1050109(a)ngunn.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed OBJECT A 1 33386U 08047A 08272.03157407 .00058856 00000-0 31878-3 0 148 2 33386 042.4039 178.9535 0005455 281.7900 281.1499 15.79165297 399 OBJECT B 1 33387U 08047B 08272.10851979 .00331787 82862-5 24665-3 0 157 2 33387 042.4056 177.9288 0091371 143.1653 350.9410 16.05709766 417 OBJECT C 1 33388U 08047C 08272.07164448 .05965914 79757-5 35793-2 0 165 2 33388 042.5635 178.2286 0132890 157.6146 335.5968 16.00603714 400 OBJECT D 1 33389U 08047D 08272.07101250 .05057167 78671-5 33535-2 0 155 2 33389 042.5304 178.4131 0159115 161.3630 282.7272 15.94264673 404 Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: > OBJECT A > 1 33386U 08047A 08270.86681241 +.00006639 +00000-0 +38759-4 0 00110 > 2 33386 042.4032 186.1321 0005349 274.8121 138.3688 15.79033427000219 > OBJECT B > 1 33387U 08047B 08271.52535880 .00338329 82876-5 25603-3 0 137 > 2 33387 042.4057 181.6668 0092304 138.7422 220.4247 16.05330553 315 > OBJECT C > 1 33388U 08047C 08271.81185072 .04662115 79977-5 29867-2 0 145 > 2 33388 042.5660 179.8746 0146387 155.4013 280.3695 15.97212014 364 > OBJECT D > 1 33389U 08047D 08271.81719943 .04217493 78797-5 28598-2 0 139 > 2 33389 042.5336 180.0025 0171279 159.4172 267.2907 15.91528416 367 > > > Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >> OBJECT A >> 1 33386U 08047A 08271.23698171 -.00000012 00000-0 00000+0 0 148 >> 2 33386 042.4022 183.8535 0005302 277.7711 082.3069 15.79028945 271 >> OBJECT B >> 1 33387U 08047B 08270.85410193 .00235864 82914-5 18380-3 0 93 >> 2 33387 042.4052 185.9676 0093288 133.5629 301.8137 16.04840629 210 >> OBJECT C >> 1 33388U 08047C 08270.87132440 .03977342 79208-5 33572-2 0 90 >> 2 33388 042.5672 185.7814 0174089 148.4949 287.3027 15.88486018 216 >> OBJECT D >> 1 33389U 08047D 08270.87631317 .03720308 78109-5 31413-2 0 86 >> 2 33389 042.5345 185.8690 0197556 152.6409 289.9087 15.83619080 215 >> >> >> Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >>> OBJECT A >>> 1 33386U 08047A 08270.86681241 .00006639 00000-0 38759-4 0 109 >>> 2 33386 042.4032 186.1321 0005349 274.8121 138.3688 15.79033427 219 >>> OBJECT B >>> 1 33387U 08047B 08270.85410193 .00235864 82914-5 18380-3 0 93 >>> 2 33387 042.4052 185.9676 0093288 133.5629 301.8137 16.04840629 210 >>> OBJECT C >>> 1 33388U 08047C 08270.87132440 .03977342 79208-5 33572-2 0 90 >>> 2 33388 042.5672 185.7814 0174089 148.4949 287.3027 15.88486018 216 >>> OBJECT D >>> 1 33389U 08047D 08270.87631317 .03720308 78109-5 31413-2 0 86 >>> 2 33389 042.5345 185.8690 0197556 152.6409 289.9087 15.83619080 215 >>> >>> >>> >>> Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >>>> Nobody going to disprove my suggeated keps? >>>> >>>> I suggest Object B might be carrying the men on the assumption that >>>> they would put it furthest from the debris items for safety. >>>> >>>> OBJECT A >>>> 1 33386U 08047A 08270.68174498 -.00000905 00000-0 -22590-5 0 97 >>>> 2 33386 042.4032 187.2728 0005325 272.1577 167.6660 15.79022331 185 >>>> OBJECT B >>>> 1 33387U 08047B 08270.56157778 .00436439 82806-5 34016-3 0 71 >>>> 2 33387 042.3979 187.8422 0093811 131.4805 051.7398 16.04686875 167 >>>> OBJECT C >>>> 1 33388U 08047C 08270.68292241 .03975689 79036-5 35116-2 0 81 >>>> 2 33388 042.5675 186.9542 0178822 147.1161 290.4471 15.86989279 180 >>>> OBJECT D >>>> 1 33389U 08047D 08270.68651225 .03790603 77941-5 32983-2 0 75 >>>> 2 33389 042.5365 187.0379 0202443 151.1578 288.4668 15.82251603 185 >>>> >>>> >>>> Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >>>>> OBJECT A >>>>> 1 33386U 08047A 08270.18946997 -.00000490 00000-0 00000+0 0 64 >>>>> 2 33386 042.4031 190.3062 0005331 265.6039 252.3510 15.79021965 107 >>>>> OBJECT B >>>>> 1 33387U 08047B 08270.13042824 -.00002624 82992-5 00000+0 0 40 >>>>> 2 33387 042.4069 190.5965 0095007 128.7569 080.7968 16.04298148 95 >>>>> OBJECT C >>>>> 1 33388U 08047C 08270.25198260 -.00002549 80695-5 00000+0 0 66 >>>>> 2 33388 042.5811 189.6118 0191957 145.1394 349.9743 15.83071972 115 >>>>> OBJECT D >>>>> 1 33389U 08047D 08270.25408649 -.00002516 79670-5 00000+0 0 56 >>>>> 2 33389 042.5439 189.6986 0215742 148.6792 347.2751 15.78503425 111 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >>>>>> Try one of these: >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >> > > -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF) 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 5032 e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:01:39 +0000 From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Chinese bird To: nigel(a)ngunn.net Cc: AMSAT-BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <48DF7223.9060505(a)ngunn.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed We have 3 new objects this morning. One will be the satellite they threw out, one might be the re-entry module, any guesses on the third? OBJECT A 1 33386U 08047A 08272.03157407 .00058856 00000-0 31878-3 0 148 2 33386 042.4039 178.9535 0005455 281.7900 281.1499 15.79165297 399 OBJECT B 1 33387U 08047B 08272.10851979 .00331787 82862-5 24665-3 0 157 2 33387 042.4056 177.9288 0091371 143.1653 350.9410 16.05709766 417 OBJECT C 1 33388U 08047C 08272.07164448 .05965914 79757-5 35793-2 0 165 2 33388 042.5635 178.2286 0132890 157.6146 335.5968 16.00603714 400 OBJECT D 1 33389U 08047D 08272.07101250 .05057167 78671-5 33535-2 0 155 2 33389 042.5304 178.4131 0159115 161.3630 282.7272 15.94264673 404 OBJECT E 1 33390U 08047E 08271.83351942 .03191372 77247-5 31858-2 0 20 2 33390 042.2872 180.6102 0210917 131.7480 299.3868 15.78884219 117 OBJECT F 1 33391U 08047F 08271.18885239 .02670637 76465-5 30734-2 0 17 2 33391 042.2455 184.6779 0229104 130.3664 231.7368 15.73363832 07 OBJECT G 1 33392U 08047G 08272.01633316 -.00014617 00000-0 -78040-4 0 31 2 33392 042.3990 179.0456 0007088 284.9410 190.4454 15.78718137 63 ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:22:00 -0400 From: "Tim Tapio" <tim(a)timtapio.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Telemetry To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <004201c92164$cf57be10$6e073a30$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Hello all! Two questions on telemetry.. 1. I was considering dedicating a 70 cm "eggbeater" with a preamp as a good, omni-directional antenna. So far though, it doesn't seem to pick up below 12 degree elevations. Currently the preamp is in the shack (I know, at the antenna) and my coax is not optimum. If I use heliax, put the preamp at the antenna, is this feasible or should I plan on a steerable beam? 2. I'm having a dickens of a time figuring out what the telemetry frequencies are. I've looked at DK3WN's site which has the decoding software but I seem to be having issues finding frequencies, am I looking in the wrong places? Thanks for your time! 73 de Tim, K4SHF FM04 ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:49:19 +0000 From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Chinese bird To: nigel(a)ngunn.net Cc: AMSAT-BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <48DF7D4F.5030805(a)ngunn.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed I will summise that: Object B was the original crew/payload module. Object B then split into 3 induvidual parts to become Object F, the re-entry module and Objects B and E are the propulsion module and crew module. Object G is the satellite they ejected. Objects A, C abd D are the rocket body and shields. Diagram of the spacecraft here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7640301.stm Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: > We have 3 new objects this morning. > One will be the satellite they threw out, one might be the re-entry > module, any guesses on the third? > > OBJECT A > 1 33386U 08047A 08272.03157407 .00058856 00000-0 31878-3 0 148 > 2 33386 042.4039 178.9535 0005455 281.7900 281.1499 15.79165297 399 > OBJECT B > 1 33387U 08047B 08272.10851979 .00331787 82862-5 24665-3 0 157 > 2 33387 042.4056 177.9288 0091371 143.1653 350.9410 16.05709766 417 > OBJECT C > 1 33388U 08047C 08272.07164448 .05965914 79757-5 35793-2 0 165 > 2 33388 042.5635 178.2286 0132890 157.6146 335.5968 16.00603714 400 > OBJECT D > 1 33389U 08047D 08272.07101250 .05057167 78671-5 33535-2 0 155 > 2 33389 042.5304 178.4131 0159115 161.3630 282.7272 15.94264673 404 > OBJECT E > 1 33390U 08047E 08271.83351942 .03191372 77247-5 31858-2 0 20 > 2 33390 042.2872 180.6102 0210917 131.7480 299.3868 15.78884219 117 > OBJECT F > 1 33391U 08047F 08271.18885239 .02670637 76465-5 30734-2 0 17 > 2 33391 042.2455 184.6779 0229104 130.3664 231.7368 15.73363832 07 > OBJECT G > 1 33392U 08047G 08272.01633316 -.00014617 00000-0 -78040-4 0 31 > 2 33392 042.3990 179.0456 0007088 284.9410 190.4454 15.78718137 63 > -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF) 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 5032 e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:11:37 +0000 From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Chinese bird To: nigel(a)ngunn.net Cc: AMSAT-BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <48DF8289.3070800(a)ngunn.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: > I will summise that: > Object B was the original crew/payload module. > Object B then split into 3 induvidual parts to become Object F, the > re-entry module and Objects B and E are the propulsion module and crew > module. > Object G is the satellite they ejected. > Objects A, C abd D are the rocket body and shields. > > Diagram of the spacecraft here: > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7640301.stm > OBJECT A 1 33386U 08047A 08272.15013951 .00054573 00000-0 29582-3 0 158 2 33386 042.4044 178.2230 0005368 282.1563 235.6774 15.79173201 410 OBJECT B 1 33387U 08047B 08272.16951968 .00327953 82862-5 24351-3 0 165 2 33387 042.4059 177.5399 0091257 143.6493 343.5235 16.05744722 424 OBJECT C 1 33388U 08047C 08272.17342119 .06092444 79886-5 34811-2 0 173 2 33388 042.5636 177.5826 0129090 158.4658 202.1979 16.01883401 425 OBJECT D 1 33389U 08047D 08272.20443186 .05125418 78832-5 32475-2 0 164 2 33389 042.5303 177.5714 0154719 162.3890 328.7653 15.95657293 425 OBJECT E 1 33390U 08047E 08272.09102851 .03224960 77331-5 30760-2 0 38 2 33390 042.2824 179.0310 0205276 133.9838 323.5950 15.80599614 151 OBJECT F 1 33391U 08047F 08272.16573425 .02824282 76802-5 27876-2 0 23 2 33391 042.2418 178.6899 0210798 137.8851 014.7122 15.79041458 168 OBJECT G 1 33392U 08047G 08272.14808939 .00006963 00000-0 41046-4 0 40 2 33392 042.4041 178.2403 0007017 285.1879 219.9725 15.78732015 89 -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF) 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 5032 e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:46:33 -0600 From: Mark Ku7z <ku7zdn41(a)gmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: GO-32 off??? To: Mineo Wakita <ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp>, AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <48DFB4E9.7010409(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Nothing here either at 1645 utc. Usually get headers if its reloading. Mark, Ku7z DN41 Mineo Wakita wrote: > Nothing heard at 09:30UTC 28Sep2008 over Japan. > > JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > ------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 491 ****************************************

1 0

who was that masked man?
by Greg D. 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Right at the end of this morning's FO-29 pass (about 17:50z) I heard a station that sounded like "AL1S" in grid square AP90. That grid would be in Alaska, which was in the footprint, but there's no AL1S up there (nor KL1S, for that matter) according to QRZ.com. Anybody know who that was? I was at about 5 degrees elevation on the satellite, and I think he caught my call sign correctly. I was just about to confirm it all, then my south-centered antenna controller decided it was time to swing around to the other side of zero azimuth. By the time the antenna came back around a minute later, he was gone. Related side-question: Does anyone know if the latest version of Predict (Linux version) supports "flipped" antenna rotor operation? My rotor and controller can do it, but Predict 2.2.1 doesn't. Greg KO6TH _________________________________________________________________ See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093175mrt/direct/01/

2 1

A0-51
by WCP 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Are we still in L/U ?

1 0

OH8MBN on AO7
by k3szh＠netzero.net 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Mika Take pride and Congratulation on your 2000 plus contacts on AO7. Who would ever think it would come back and give us this kind of enjoyment of the last of the high fliers. Again Congratulation and tnx for the many qsos on AO7 73 Joe Amsat 3788 ____________________________________________________________ Hit it out of the park with a new bat. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/Ioyw6i4u0wiymZFsDNSpyrWqvJup…

1 0

OH8MBN-2000
by TERRY BROMLEY 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Well done Mika on reaching 2000 in the ao-7 log. See you soon my friend on ao-7. 73s Terry G1WPR.

1 0

Re: Chinese Bird
by Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

The keps for Objects A and E have not changed so I assume them to have re-entered. OBJECT A 1 33386U 08047A 08272.15013951 .00054573 00000-0 29582-3 0 158 2 33386 042.4044 178.2230 0005368 282.1563 235.6774 15.79173201 410 OBJECT B 1 33387U 08047B 08272.52125000 .00324036 82851-5 23787-3 0 175 2 33387 042.4058 175.2862 0090770 146.3481 216.8338 16.05968715 481 OBJECT C 1 33388U 08047C 08272.79537664 .07064019 81123-5 33940-2 0 180 2 33388 042.5742 173.5657 0090234 165.6608 196.7439 16.10983137 520 OBJECT D 1 33389U 08047D 08272.49420139 .05297875 79209-5 29873-2 0 173 2 33389 042.5303 175.7401 0145323 164.5134 195.0393 15.98817780 466 OBJECT E 1 33390U 08047E 08272.09102851 .03224960 77331-5 30760-2 0 38 2 33390 042.2824 179.0310 0205276 133.9838 323.5950 15.80599614 151 OBJECT F 1 33391U 08047F 08271.89590119 +.02818579 +76643-5 +29023-2 0 00022 2 33391 042.2388 180.3464 0215754 136.2522 281.2430 15.77502214000126 OBJECT G 1 33392U 08047G 08272.77258895 .00013893 00000-0 79060-4 0 57 2 33392 042.4046 174.3906 0006826 283.7746 175.2304 15.78758671 187 Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: > I will summise that: > Object B was the original crew/payload module. > Object B then split into 3 induvidual parts to become Object F, the re-entry module and Objects B and E are the propulsion module and crew module. > Object G is the satellite they ejected. > Objects A, C abd D are the rocket body and shields. > > Diagram of the spacecraft here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7640301.stm > > > > Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >> We have 3 new objects this morning. >> One will be the satellite they threw out, one might be the re-entry module, any guesses on the third? >> >> OBJECT A >> 1 33386U 08047A 08272.03157407 .00058856 00000-0 31878-3 0 148 >> 2 33386 042.4039 178.9535 0005455 281.7900 281.1499 15.79165297 399 >> OBJECT B >> 1 33387U 08047B 08272.10851979 .00331787 82862-5 24665-3 0 157 >> 2 33387 042.4056 177.9288 0091371 143.1653 350.9410 16.05709766 417 >> OBJECT C >> 1 33388U 08047C 08272.07164448 .05965914 79757-5 35793-2 0 165 >> 2 33388 042.5635 178.2286 0132890 157.6146 335.5968 16.00603714 400 >> OBJECT D >> 1 33389U 08047D 08272.07101250 .05057167 78671-5 33535-2 0 155 >> 2 33389 042.5304 178.4131 0159115 161.3630 282.7272 15.94264673 404 >> OBJECT E >> 1 33390U 08047E 08271.83351942 .03191372 77247-5 31858-2 0 20 >> 2 33390 042.2872 180.6102 0210917 131.7480 299.3868 15.78884219 117 >> OBJECT F >> 1 33391U 08047F 08271.18885239 .02670637 76465-5 30734-2 0 17 >> 2 33391 042.2455 184.6779 0229104 130.3664 231.7368 15.73363832 07 >> OBJECT G >> 1 33392U 08047G 08272.01633316 -.00014617 00000-0 -78040-4 0 31 >> 2 33392 042.3990 179.0456 0007088 284.9410 190.4454 15.78718137 63 >> > > -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Nigel A. Gunn. G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF) 1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA 937 825 5032 e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, AMSAT-UK, MKARS, ALC <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

1 0

AO-7 KL7
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

I had just talked to OH8MBN this last pass when AL1F in AP90 came on. His first AO-7 QSO. I told Joe he would be a popular fellow on AO-7. Keep an ear out for him. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

5 17

Telemetry question
by Bob DeVarney W1ICW 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

For Compass-1, try 437.275 CW mode for the beacon. Should come every 3 minutes or so. The cw is very "chirpy"; once you hear it you'll know what I mean. The cw can be copied in FM mode, but the "sound" you hear will be the space between the dots and dashes, not the dots and dashes themselves.. think about it and you'll understand... NH7WN has good luck copying "visually" by recording the audio and then analysing it visually in Audacity. Send him an email if you're interested. You might hear AFSK 1200 baud packet on 437.405 as well, but only very occasionally, and never in eclipse. With M2 30 elements CP and a SSB preamp at the antenna, I only get the bird S-7 to S-9 tops, so you might have a hard time hearing it with an eggbeater. Your actual mileage may vary. I have considered an eggbeater as well, if for no other reason than to save wear and tear on my 20 year old Yaesu 5400 rotor ! 73 de Bob W1ICW

1 0

WTB Icom MB-5 mounting bracket
by Andrew Glasbrenner 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Does someone have one of these they'd like to sell? I'm looking to buy one... 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

GO-32 off???
by Mineo Wakita 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Nothing heard at 09:30UTC 28Sep2008 over Japan. JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

2 1

Status DO-64?
by Rob Hardenberg PE1ITR 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Hi All, Er there station making qso's on DO-64? Last 2 weeks I tried serveal times but I can't hear my signal on the transponder. It looks like the transponder receiver is not working. I can hear the beacon and transponder noise very well. 73 Rob PE1ITR http://www.pe1itr.com

10 13

ANS-272 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by JoAnne Maenpaa 27 Sep '08

27 Sep '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-272 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 *************************************************************** *** 2008 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting *** *** October 24-26 in Atlanta, Georgia *** *** http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2008/index.php *** *************************************************************** In this edition: * AMSAT Symposium Presentations Posted * ARISS Confirms Amateur Radio Hardware Deliveries * Richard Garriott Operations Call for Support * Call For AMSAT Journal Articles * AMSAT-Italy Announces Joint VERTA-1 Satellite Project With AMSAT-UK * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status Report for the Week of September 22, 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.01 AMSAT Symposium Presentations Posted AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.01 The list of presentations for the 2008 AMSAT Symposium Oct 24-26 is now posted on the AMSAT web site. There is a link on the front page and also on the Symposium information page. We have a great line up of speakers, so make your plans to attend the Symposium in Atlanta. The AMSAT board meeting Oct 23-24 preceeds the Symposium at the same hotel. Please make your reservations soon and join us to get the latest news and information about the organization, plans for future satellites and technical information. Follow this link for the latest Symposium information: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2008/index.php We are about to lose our room block at the Buckhead Doubletree in Atlanta. If you are planning to attend the 2008 AMSAT Symposium, you need to make your room reservations ASAP. Their direct phone number is 404-231-1234. The room rate is $125 per night and the Group Code is ASG. [ANS thanks the 2008 Symposium Committee for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.02 ARISS Confirms Amateur Radio Hardware Deliveries AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.02 The ARISS team received confirmation from Sergey, RV3DR, that the recent Progress flight delivered the flight backup D-700, a David Clark Headset for the Ericsson system, and an additional VOX box and cables to support the computer-operated SSTV system. The D700 may be installed as early as late this week, depending on crew availability. The flight backup will not provide a significant change in ARISS operations, making it easier for the crew to change program modes. Richard Garriott plans to take a Kenwood VC-H1 SSTV communicator with him on-board the Soyuz for his flight and leave it aboard the ISS for future ARISS use. The VC-H1 has completed all hardware certification on the US and Russian sides. The final test, an EMI radiated emissions test, was performed last week and the test data was delivered to Sergey Samburov, RV3DR in Russia this week. The VC-H1 provides a very simple interface for ISS crew members and does not require the use of a computer. Computer usage has been a real challenge for ARISS, so the VC-H1 represents a lesson learned to improve ARISS operations. [ANS thanks ARISS International Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.03 Richard Garriott Operations Call for Support AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.03 Early during Richard Garriott's flight, he expects to setup the VC-H1 SSTV system and autonomously transmit a new Earth image every 3 minutes. He hopes to have this system on a great deal of his flight. We encourage the ham community to bring SSTV equipment into schools and download these images in real-time. The ARISS team also plans to display images from hams around the world on a special on a web/blog site. A beta site has been de- veloped and will be rolled out to the ham community in the near future. To successfully implement the on-line SSTV picture site and support it 24/7 during Richard's flight, we will need some savvy individuals that can sort through the many SSTV photos that ARISS will receive and keep the SSTV site up to date in near real time. Some computer skills will be required. We are looking for global support from a few individuals in each international region to make this happen. That way we will not be asking individuals to volunteer all-night to realize this project. If you are interested in helping on this, please e-mail Frank Bauer, KA3HDO directly via ka3hdo(a)amsat.org. [ANS thanks ARISS International Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.04 Call For AMSAT Journal Articles AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.04 AMSAT Journal Editor Ed, WA4SWJ said this week, "If you have articles for the Journal I need them now! Please, if you have an article to contribute to the Journal, get it to me right away. Do not delay. I want to get the Journal back on schedule." The deadline for contributions to the Journal is the 15th of the ODD numbered months (1-3-5-7-9-11) throughout the year. The intent is to get the Journal released to the printer the first week of each EVEN numbered month. [ANS thanks Ed, WA4SWJ for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.05 AMSAT-Italy Announces Joint VERTA-1 Satellite Project With AMSAT-UK AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.05 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.05 AMSAT-Italy President Florio LX2DV/IW2NMB said this week, "AMSAT-Italia along with AMSAT-UK has the great pleasure of announcing our joint application to launch the proposed "EuroDAST" micro-satellite onboard the Arianespace VEGA launcher, with its VERTA-1 flight opportunity." Florio continues, "Although it be launched with a European Launcher and is based on an AMSAT-Italia mission concept, the development of such micro-satellite is open to worldwide contributions in hardware and soft- ware." Any individuals or groups of interested amateurs, universities, research centers having space based hardware or software concepts are invited to submit their ideas by e-mail to: cd(a)amsat.it. More information about the Arianespace VEGA mission can be seen at: http://www.arianespace.com/launch-services-vega/vega_overview.asp. [ANS thanks AMSAT-Italy for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.06 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.06 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.06 + Information about a Google Earth plug-in plotting orbiting earth satellites can be found at: http://www.universetoday.com/2008/09/05/explore-earths-satellites-with-googl e-earth/ (watch line wrap - this URL is a single line). + Howard, G6LVB has posted video of the successful ARISS School Contact with the Michael Sobell Sinai School, Harrow, United Kingdom at: http://www.g6lvb.com/images/MichaelSobellSinaiSchoolHi.wmv 147Mb http://www.g6lvb.com/images/MichaelSobellSinaiSchoolMed.wmv 45Mb Howard recommends you download them first then play them, rather than attempting to stream. An MP4 format of the video is available at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/669/68/ + Congratulations to F3ZD on your 5000th contact via AO-7. Bob, W7LRD reports AO-7 contacts with OH8MBN and AL1F in Alaska. + The AO-27 command team will post updates on getting this satellite back on at http://www.ao27.org. + An interesting photo tour of the Baikonur Cosmodrome is at: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_baikonur_cosmodrome.html#photo6 (watch line wrap - this URL is a single line). + Watch http://spaceweather.com/flybys/ & http://www.heavens-above.com for visual sighting opportunites of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, ISS, Jules Verne, and the Early Ammonia Service jettisoned from the ISS. + Have you forgotten your AMSAT Store account name or password? If you have forgotten or misplaced your account name or password for the AMSAT Store, simply create a new one. We hope to have someone working on new software to give your password in the future. Until then go ahead and make your reservations or purchases with a new account. [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272.07 ARISS Status Report for the Week of September 22, 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272.07 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 28, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272.07 1. Upcoming School Contacts - Status The ARISS team continues its work on scheduling the next school radio contacts. Johnson Space Center was closed the week of September 15 due to Hurricane Ike, delaying contact approvals. Scheduling is expected to resume this week. 2. Richard Garriott - ISS Flight Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, will fly with the Expedition 18 crew to the ISS on Soyuz TMA-13 which is scheduled to launch on October 12, 2008. He plans to participate in several ARISS contacts during his mission. A press release has been posted. See: http://www.rac.ca/ariss/Garriott%20PR%20Final.doc 3. GSFC LaunchFest Update On Saturday, September 13, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland held a LaunchFest event, during which the Center's personnel manned exhibits and provided space related demonstrations for the public. ARISS supported LaunchFest with its own exhibit booth, providing information, distributing lithographs and generating much interest in the program. Approximately 13,000 attended the event. See: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2008/launchfest_recap.html 4. ASTC - ARISS Presentation The Association of Science - Technology Centers (ASTC) will hold its 2008 annual conference on October 18-21 in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. Ten presenters from NASA will describe NASA's education and outreach programs and NASA resources. ARISS Deputy Program Manager Mark Steiner, K3MS, will give an ARISS overview. For more information on this event, see: http://www.astc.org/conference/index.htm 5. ARISS Volunteer Receives Award Nancy Rabel Hall, a Research Scientist working at NASA Glenn Research Center and the current president of the NASA Glenn Amateur Radio Club, was the 15th recipient of the Allan Severson, AB8P memorial award. The Ohio ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Section Manager presents this award each year. Hall has assisted three local schools with ARISS contacts. For more information, see: http://www.arrlohio.org/arrl_allan_severson.htm [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, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM K9JKM at amsat dot org

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Re: Kenpro elevation rotor repair, Sebastian - W4AS
by John Kopala 27 Sep '08

27 Sep '08

Sebastian, The motors in these rotors use a RUN Capacitor which provides a phase shift to one set of the motor windings and produce a rotating magnetic field. When the run capacitor goes bad, you get the symptoms that your are describing. Then the motor hums but doesn't run in either direction. With the G-5400B, the azimuth cap is in the controller and the elevation cap is in the rotor. In any case, check the circuit for the nominal 24V AC between terminals 6 and 4 and then between 6 and 5 with either Down or Up selected. If there is voltage present on both terminals 4 and 5 referenced to terminal 6, then at least the cap is NOT open. But it may still be shorted. Check the resistance of the rotor between terminals 4 and 5. It should read about 5 ohms if the cap is not shorted. You will have to open the rotor to get at the cap to do further testing or to replace it. An extra side note. Yaesu has moved caps from the controllers to the rotors. So the G-400, G-500, G-5400B, G-5600B, and G-5500 rotors and control boxes are not interchangeable. With the G-5500 and G-5600B, both caps are in rotors. With the G5400B only the elevation rotor has the run cap in it. With other models, the caps are in the controllers. Good luck, John N7JK > From: Sebastian <w4as(a)bellsouth.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenpro elevation rotor repair > > Well I had been back on the birds for the last 3 months or so, and > while I was getting ready for an AO-16 pass a few days ago, my > elevation rotor on my Yaesu G-5400B stopped at about 10 degrees. > > That's it. It won't go back down or up. > > So I checked the wiring on the rotor, everything appeared fine. I > removed the elevation rotor from the azimuthal, and took it inside. I > made a small patch cord to go from the control box to the rotor, but > no luck. All I get is the display of the elevation of about 10 > degrees, and I hear a little hum when I attempt to move it up or > down. This tells me that the potentiometer is probably good, and the > motor is receiving power. > > I've removed the small nameplate on the side, and there is no water > inside, and I can see the ball bears; there doesn't appear to be any > rust inside. I also removed the terminal assembly in case one of the > wire had come loose, or had a cold solder joint, but I didn't find any > problems there. Looking at the diagram of the rotor, there appears to > only be a small 24 volt motor which turns this; along with numerous > mechanical parts. > > So the question is. Before I send this to Yaesu, has anyone had this > problem before, is it a minor one (something that I could fix myself), > or is best left to Yaesu? Before anyone mentions, Norm's no longer > services these rotors. The four 'screws' that hold the two parts are > impossible for me to loosen. I would have to use a vice, but I do > have a friend with a motorcycle repair business who I'm sure could > open it for me in 60 seconds. To me, this looks like a jigsaw puzzle > by looking at the diagram. > > The rotor was in service for about a couple of years back in the early > 90s. It then sat inside without any use, up until a few months ago. > If the consensus is to send it to Yaesu, should I bother to send in > the azimuthal rotor, or should I follow the "don't fix it if it aint > broken" rule?

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Yaesu G-600X Rotator
by Eric Christensen 27 Sep '08

27 Sep '08

And on the topic of rotators... I bought a Yaesu G-600X a few months back and never messed with it. Now I'm ready to put it up but I need a pole mount for it. Of course none of my usual dealers still have this rotator so it is going to be a little difficult. Does anyone know if I can just use the pole mount from a G-800 rotator? Does anyone happen to have a pole mount for a G-600X laying around that they'd like to sell? 73, Eric Christensen, W4OTN AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA AMSAT Member 35360 http://www.ericsatcom.net GPG Key Fingerprint: 4395 EF8D DDFF E681 26CB 7165 2F95 7CC9 D749 08ED

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Explore the Ionosphere (from the safety of your own home)
by Luc Leblanc 27 Sep '08

27 Sep '08

Hi! thought you'd be interested in this story from Science@NASA: Today, NASA-funded researchers released to the general public a new "4D" live model of Earth's ionosphere. Without leaving home, anyone can now fly through the layer of ionized gas that encircles Earth at the edge of space itself. All that's required is a connection to the Internet http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/30apr_4dionosphere.htm?friend It's crazy if it's working it will reignite my HF passion. Yous should have google earth running and try the radio section i fell on my XYZ just have to check live how it will really perform EG: Its a demo!!! "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Time Is Running Out
by Martha 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

We are about to lose our room block at the Buckhead Doubletree in Atlanta. If you are planning to attend the 2008 AMSAT Symposium, you need to make your room reservations ASAP. Their direct phone number is 404-231-1234. The room rate is $125 per night and the Group Code is ASG. For a list of speakers, go to the AMSAT website. -- 73- Martha

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FO-29 doppler observations
by Mark Lunday, WD4ELG 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

Just heard a bunch of stations on the high angle pass about 1600 UTC. One thing I am noticing is that FO-29 downlink is 4 kc higher than expected. I could hear my CW and SSB signals no problem, but they were higher than the satellite programs predicted. I did hear a bunch of SSB stations, which is great! Did not work anyone on this pass, though. :( Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.net

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VHF ITU submitted FRQS Shenzhou
by Luc Leblanc 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

Downlink 294.3 and 299.3 MHz Uplink 259.2 MHz and 260.2 MHz. FM! Max BW=1 MHz Credit to Sven Grahn from Heasat mailing list "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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alogger
by ryan woods 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

can anyone help me with alogger i want to igate iss,pcsat and maby go-32 but i don know how to set it up 73 kd8atf tnk and 7

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Re: ARISS school contact
by David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

I see the BBC has changed it to a "live teleconference link" now so thats a bit better. Here! <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7636229.stm> Trevor - any chance of getting the BBC to add more specific websites to the "Related Internet Links" panel to the right of the story? RSGB would be a good start! David Howard Long wrote: > David > > I really don't think I need to make any excuses here. Carlos and I were > there, we know what we did. > > We only knew about the contact early on Tuesday morning, so we had two days > to get it done, including taking a day off work. > > We had no idea about their telephone system until we arrived. We had to wire > up stuff to their ISDN PABX on the fly on the morning of the contact. > > We made an effort for them NOT to be speaking into a telephone by using the > microphone. We could have had them holding the telephone receiver but we > didn't think that would have the right image. So we wired up the mic to > their telephone receiver on the moring. > > We gained access at 08:45. Journalists started turning up at 10:30, > demanding audio feeds. As you will know, once the media turn up you have no > more time to do anything else. So we had 1:45 on site to get everything > working. > > Carlos had a 20 minute spot just prior to the contact where it was made > patently clear that this was amateur radio. > > I have spent hours if not days doing press packs in the past. They are > largely ignored in my experience. > > Carlos and I would much prefer direct contacts rather than telebridges. But > a telebridge was all we were offered. > > Journalists will say what they like I'm afraid. But at least we had one more > mention of amateur radio that we would otherwise not have. > > Howard > > ________________________________ > > From: David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: 26 September 2008 03:31 > To: Howard Long > Cc: 'AMSAT-BB' > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ARISS school contact > > > Hi Howard, > > Always happy to volunteer but geographically speaking I can't really be much > help to AMSAT-UK except on rare trips home :-) > > Trevor (M5AKA) is the AMSAT-UK PR guru and does a fine job - after I brought > this to his attention I believe he will be in touch with the BBC to have the > article corrected. > > Of course mistakes happen but if no-one notices them and reports them then > errors remain and for something as high profile as this we really can't > afford to pass up on any publicity. > > In response to your e-mail though, I am not sure why "volunteers" would > need to be "experts" in PR - the question asked by the media would be "how > is the contact made", the answer would be "amateur radio" - how satellite > phones got mentioned and by whom is more the issue I would have thought! > > Having been part of a team that conducted a highly successful School contact > a couple of years ago, I am well aware of the enormous pressures that are > ever present with these things and therefore things can slip! We had two TV > News crews and 3 local papers in attendance and we had pre-prepared Q&A crib > sheets for them to ensure that the subsequent reporting was as controlled > and therefore as accurate as possible. > > > 73 > -- *David* *KG4ZLB/MØZLB* *www.kg4zlb.com <http://www.kg4zlb.com/>* *www.mØzlb.com <http://www.m0zlb.com/>*

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AO-51 L/U FM operation
by Gould Smith 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

There was a problem changing to FM operation on the L uplink to the second repeater on AO-51 last night. That problem was corrected on the 1345Z pass this morning and the second repeater is in mode L/U FM and is now working fine. Enjoy this mode the rest of the week. 73, Gould, WA4SXM for the AO-51 Command Team

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ARISS school contact
by David - M0ZLB 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7636229.stm Disappointing to note that the BBC's on line news report of the ISS school contact today with a school in England noted that the contact took place via "satellite phone" doh! Bearing in mind there were three or four TV crews there, it is surprising that they were not given a handout with the facts or that the organisers failed to brief the media properly! A bit of a waste of good publicity for ARISS and the amateur radio service methinks! David KG4ZLB/M0ZLB

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AO-51 mode-L/U FM observations
by OZ1MY 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Hi all, AO-51 is working very well in mode-L/U FM. On the two last passes here over Copenhagen [Denmark :-)] The signals on the uplink went through the "transponder" with nice downlink signal. There is some slow fading, QSB, on the uplink when the satellite turns. That can not be avoided - but if you keep talking your signal will come up again. Remember that the downlink on 435.150 MHz is left hand circular. I use an IC-910H with 10 W on 23 cm. Antennas are two 19 turn helixes - gain about 18 dBi, right hand circular. Cable loss like 4 dB to the antennas from the transceiver. Another observation is that it helped to use the compressor in the IC-910. Managed to get a resonable downlink signal when the distance was about 3200 km. Have fun. 73 OZ1MY Ib

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FO-29
by Dave Guimont 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Where is everyone on FO-29??? Had a pass in San Diego ~1930z, and found one contact, Jim, W6ASL in Concord CA... It covered Alaska, a big chunk of the US and Canada, and the NE corner of Russia... I used about 50 watts EIRP on the uplink...with some polarity fading at times.... We've got from 145.900 to 146.000 on the uplink, cw or ssb, room for many, many SIMULTANEOUS QSO'S. Why fight the mob on AO-51???... Get Marty Davidoff's SATELLITE EXPERIMENTER'S MANUAL if you need help in understanding the procedure... A fifth grader could do it easily... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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The Moon - bit off topic
by JoAnne Maenpaa 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Hello everyone, I saw this on the moon-net reflector and posting it here for us space faring hams to enjoy it also ... http://sundry.i2phd.com/moon.pps It's a packaged-up powerpoint slide show featuring the moon. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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Re: FO-29
by Eric H Christensen 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

I'll have to agree with Tim. I dusted off my arrow a few days ago and walked outside to work AO-51 and I haven't had any problems at all. I have been consistently working three and four stations a pass using 5-watts or less and my arrow antenna. I remember when it was quite difficult to get into 51 with the same setup. Maybe people have gotten more polite or maybe it's just luck. 73, Eric W4OTN >For what it's worth, guys ... any day can be QRP day. > >I'll soon be applying for the AMSAT Achievement Award using confirmed contacts >that were all made while I was transmitting 50 milliwatts RF out from my Yaesu >VX-7R, on 2 AA Duracells - the same set of AA Duracells, actually. I ended up >making 51 contacts at 50 mW RF out, and another 3 at 300 mW RF out, from that >one set of Duracells. > >Only 4 of the 20 contacts I'll use for the Achievement Award came on AO-51's >QRP pair of 145.880 up and 435.300 down. The other 16 contacts included all >three Mode-J FM LEO satellites during operation on the standard V/U pairs. It >took me six days of operating to wear out the Duracells, and I ended up with >20 states, Ontario, Mexico and Venezuela worked. The highlight for me was >state No. 20, thanks to Mark, WA8SME - it was my first-ever contact (any mode, >any band) with W1AW. That was cool! > >So any time you'd like a QRP day, just reduce the output power and go for it! > >73 to all, > >Tim - N3TL >AMSAT Member No. 36820 >Athens, Ga. - EM84ha >-------------- Original message from Ben Jackson <bbj(a)innismir.net>: >-------------- > > >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- >> Hash: SHA1 >> >> Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: >> > Remember the weekly QRP day on ALL the sats until a few years ago? >> >> I actually like the idea of a QRP day. When Drew started bringing the >> 2nd V/U transponder online last winter/early spring it was fun to have a >> (nearly) empty satellite to play on and see "how low I could go" to get >> in. (5W into a vertical) >> >> Now that I'm testing a more directional antenna, it would be fun to not >> have to deal with the 50W stations muscling through. >> >> >> - -- >> Ben Jackson - N1WBV - New Bedford, MA >> bbj innismir.net - http://www.innismir.net/ >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- >> Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32) >> Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org >> >> iQEVAwUBSNuglwQiWVsfSvVvAQIsYAgAhRjVWgNvET8NcTHhtM4bpJxY8iliWFaZ >> r/2UlyWyQsfuwpNBK0x6UvzKgORqwjtV/g12TuT31fTpDhahf+h5ogVGs0uzQxjM >> BYFhAUW10eol8bi5JFtlHN1PCV2wev3vy7frxbyAx5Z5d73S4TLZEUPbNa1dmZ9z >> q8R13i9nWRxISIDlm/35iCM0xCBuRgVtCi2CRR+BMk4Up/aMDmJU2p7TQyLjrB2r >> TuBHb/PMjs/PrDA2k2TnhQ+9Qjia+HraMxLNHtESa+pMCaO8vDZeKnlR3mNmA9q9 >> wm7HmUX/mB8BGe590LJWeN9Fo4gzllgp1dOUITxRIHMxIW5B25GTxA== >> =eGIs >> -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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AO-51 L/U FM not working
by Luc Leblanc 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

HI I just check the 2 first morning pass here and there was a noise carrier on 435.150 and nothing seems to be received on 1278MHZ? nothing on the downlink only noise. "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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FM satellites from a Novice point of view
by Jim Danehy 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

I have been (back) for 5 weeks. With my several recent QSOs on AO16 I have operated on 7 satellites. If you check me out on QRZ.COM you will see that I am a CW operator. I made my first QSO on October 9, 1952. Well what does an old CW man think of FM satellites. It is a lot of fun. Not just the QSOs but in setting up my station with a pair of high gain yagis (14 ele and 30 ele). Installing them on an elevation rotor and a Ham M turning the entire set up. Without the FM birds I would have no way to really test this gear. I also operate FO 29 and AO 7. As we know AO 7 has been around for 34 years. I even worked it in the 70s. It is a LEO also with 15 minute passes. I get a thrill working Europe on AO 7. Working DX or Grid Squares while fun is not the point. It is the activity. I have CW skills that allow me to carry on a QSO on CW at speeds in the 40 wpm to 55 wpm range. I used to be able to have QRQ QSOz on the low end of forty meters. Unfortunately these skilled CW ops are fast becoming SK and the joys of QRQ CW QSOs are fading. I do not see the logic from those that harp on the fact that there is no HEO. What do they want ? If they want to sit in their rocking chairs in front of their rigs chewing the rag with somebody overseas they can do that now on 20 meters. I never had the chance to operate an HEO. I got off the birds before AO 40 got launched. We know that working FM birds is easier than controlling doppler effect on FO 29, VO 52 or AO 7. Besides tracking these birds the doppler issue causes some not to operate SSB/CW satellites. I hear some folks struggle to get doppler under control. I had that same issue but overcame it with the help of other satellite users. Thanks to K9QHO and K9CIS who both helped me. They also live hundreds of miles from me too. The CW/SSB birds require more investment in gear. I do hope that those that use FM will eventually graduate to CW/SSB satellites where there is plenty of spectrum. I thought N3TL's recent email put things into perspective for most. Even this 70 year old ham (me) is having fun and also has learned about several technical issues. Having CW FM and SSB contacts on 7 satellites in the past month has been fun. Most have been FM. However some good DX (12 countries so far) have been worked on SSB & CW. At my age learning and participation is what ham radio is all about. Tomorrow we are having a local lunch with 4 satellite users none of whom I knew a month ago. There may not be an HEO in my short lifetime but I am enjoying what we have and I am thankful for it. Thanks for all of you who have worked me during the last few weeks. It has been a real hoot. A CW man operating FM who would have thought that possible. I love my signal on AO 7 with its chirpy signal. Reminds me of 1952 . . . . nostagilia 73 Jim W9VNE Cincinnati, Ohio

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Re: FO-29
by Michael Heim 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

I consider myself a newcomer to trhe satellites like Tim, but in all actuality, I'm not really. I operated AO-10 and AO-13 for a short time back in the 1980's. They were great fun, but... I could never put up the kind of antenna system today that I needed to work those birds where I am located now. I had an 11 element CP yagi on 2, and a rather large helix on 70 cm. Even with that size of an array, signals were on the weak side, and could not hit the birds at apogee reliably. The FM birds gave me the opportunity to get back on the air from this new QTH with a minimum of antennas. I am working towards a couple of goals here, one is the capability to work AO-51 in mode S mode, and will be starting work on a mode L transmit converter soon. AO-51 offers a nice test bed for equipment that most likely will be used on P3E and others. When AO-51 goes into mode U/s, Ill be ready to work that mode, I hope. I have a 1296 transverter, but it isnt working properly at this time, and I do want to continue using it for terrestrial work once I can get things working there. As far as operating the SSB birds, I'm also working on that too. Actually, I have everything I need to do it. I do have 2 multimode rigs that cover 145 and 435 MHz. Only thing getting in the way is a preamp situation that I installed on 435, as well as a mast mounted diplexer that I installed without any foresight of where I want to go next. It wont be hard to remedy, and I hope to have it all working soon, so I can operate these birds, hopefully in a week or 2. I have listened in on them, they are relatively quiet, few signals on, and the capability of having an extended QSO on them. I built a new antenna (U/V), and am currently debugging it. 145 has a high SWR which I'm currently working on. When I get that worked out, I'll be coming down with 2 feedlines so I can operate both radios at the same time. If it all works out, I should be on the SSB birds soon. Mike, kd0ar

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Problem in mode change on AO-51
by Luc Leblanc 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Around 0008 UTC the change of mode on AO-51 from U/fm and L/usb to U/fm and L/fm seems to not working. The noise drop and only a carrier remain on U where i was able to hear my downlink from 1278 usb very very weak. Switching my L uplink to FM produce also a very weak signal but perfectly clear. Could be on the other west pass someone will be able to give some report. Thank's "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Thanks for AO51 23cm USB uplink mode !
by Henk, PA3GUO 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Dear AO51 team, As the person that requested the 23cm USB uplink mode, which has been active the past 3 days, I would like to say "thank you, to all the AO51 teammembers involved that made this happen". Quite a few people enjoyed this mode and conducted new experiments (isn't this what HAM radio is all about ?) ... for myself the preparation was also the end result: in my attempt to upgrade my 70cm antenna from fixed RHCP to switchable RCHP/LHCP I ran out of time, and my Cushcraft is today still not ready. Next few days we have 23cm FM uplink, I want to try to get at least 1 day out of that ! THANKS ! Henk, PA3GUO

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Re: FO-29
by Dave Guimont 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

>Mr. Guimont, > >I take exception to your comments about AO-51 and its relative merits. Except ahead, but don't give up... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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F3ZD 5000th on AO7
by dcowden＠nc.rr.com 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Congrats Henri and thanks for our QSO's. 73 de Don, N8DDk

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Baikonur Cosmodrome
by Clint Bradford 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

Twenty-six spectacular photographs at... http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_baikonur_cosmodrome.html#photo6 Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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July/August AMSAT Journal
by Ed Long 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

Everyone, I wanted to let you know that this issue of the Journal was uploaded to the printer this afternoon. Once again I must apologize for being late. This issue was due to the printer the first week of August. I had no content to place into this issue until considerably later. So, again I am late and realize that I am letting you down. If you have articles for the Journal I need them now. I will repeat this for those of you that have been contributing to the Journal and for those of you that are hopefully thinking about it (and I thank you for it!) -- The deadline for contributions to the Journal is the 15th of the ODD numbered months (1-3-5-7-9-11) throughout the year. The intent is to get the Journal released to the printer the first week of each EVEN numbered month. That means that contributions for the Sept/Oct issue are already LATE and were due a week and a half ago. Once again I have only a small amount of content to publish right now so I need your help. Please, if you have an article to contribute to the Journal, get it to me right away. Do not delay. I want to get the Journal back on schedule. 73 and thanks, Ed Long WA4SWJ Editor, The AMSAT Journal

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ARISS Sept 24, 2008 Update and Call for Support
by Frank H. Bauer 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

All, The ARISS volunteer team is working quite feverishly in preparation for the upcoming Soyuz 17S mission with Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, and Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, on-board. This e-mail provides an interim update for the mission and some new news regarding on-orbit ARISS hardware. Please refer to the press release dated Sept 18 for additional information on Richard Garriott's flight operations. Hardware Deliveries SSTV: Richard plans to take a Kenwood VC-H1 SSTV communicator with him on-board the Soyuz for his flight and leave this on-board the ISS for future ARISS use. The VC-H1 has completed all hardware certification on the US and Russian sides. The final test, an EMI radiated emissions test, was performed last week and the test data was delivered to Sergey Samburov, RV3DR in Russia this week. The VC-H1 provides a very simple interface for ISS crew members and does not require the use of a computer. Computer usage has been a real challenge for ARISS, so the VC-H1 represents a lesson learned to improve ARISS operations. Backup Hardware: At this week's ARISS-International Meeting we received confirmation from Sergey, RV3DR, that the recent Progress flight delivered the flight backup D-700, a David Clark Headset for the Ericsson system, and an additional VOX box and cables to support the computer-operated SSTV system. The D700 may be installed as early as late this week, depending on crew availability. The flight backup will not provide a significant change in ARISS ops. It will make it easier for the crew to change program modes (PMs). Richard Garriott Operations--Call for Support Early during Richard Garriott's flight, he expects to setup the VC-H1 and autonomously transmit a new Earth image every 3 minutes. He hopes to have this system on a great deal of his flight. We encourage the ham community to bring SSTV equipment into schools and download these images in real-time. The ARISS team also plans to display images from hams around the world on a special on a web/blog site. A beta site has been developed and will be rolled out to the ham community in the near future. To successfully implement the on-line SSTV picture site and support it 24/7 during Richard's flight, we will need some savvy individuals that can sort through the many SSTV photos that ARISS will receive and keep the SSTV site up to date in near real time. Some computer skills will be required. We are looking for global support from a few individuals in each international region to make this happen. That way we will not be asking individuals to volunteer all-night to realize this project. If you are interested in helping on this, please e-mail me directly. Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming ARISS activities. And get your stations ready! 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman E-mail: ka3hdo(a)comcast.net

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AO-51 L/U SSB/FM mode report
by Rob Hardenberg PE1ITR 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

Hi, Today I was qrv on the AO-51 17:43 and 17:20UTC pass. The audio from the L-band receiver was good on the downlink. The first pass there was no activity. Worked OZ1MY and EA3EMG in the last pass. There is a slow deep qsb on the satellite coming from the L-band uplink. When the AO-51 is north from me a strong radar is heard on the downlink. The SSB/FM mode is an interesting mode to study the L-band uplink propagation. 10Watts + 26 el yagi on L-band is sufficient for Horizon to Horizon communication. 73 Rob PE1ITR http://www.pe1itr.com

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cross-satellite contact - more details
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

I found myself wondering about the distances involved in the cross-band, cross-mode, cross-satellite contact between WB9L and N3TL yesterday, so I did a little research, then some math. Here's how the contact worked, based on the distances at the time when WB9L acknowledged my call to him and we completed the contact: My FM signal travelled 1,808.086 km (1,123.493 miles) northeast to AO-51, which re-transmitted it in FM 1,684.521 km (1,046.713 miles) west-southwest to him. His FM signal travelled 2,576.642 km (1,601.051 miles) west-southwest to AO-16, which re-transmitted it in DSB 2,885.516 km (1,792.997 miles) east-southeast to me. Ain't that a hoot?! 73 to all, Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 Athens, Ga. - EM84ha

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AO-16 Pass at 09:30z
by Eric Christensen 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

Wow! This was the first time I worked AO-16. Of course I was the only one on AO-16 at this early hour. Since I don't have any antennas up for satellites at my house (yet) I worked the satellite from my truck. I hooked up my arrow antenna to my FT-857 for receive and used a 5/8 wave vertical on my portable for the uplink. I couldn't believe how clear my 5-watt signal was making it to (and from) the bird! On that little antenna and my HT I was full quieting into AO-16! I can't wait until the next pass! 73, Eric Christensen, W4OTN AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA AMSAT Member 35360 http://www.ericsatcom.net GPG Key Fingerprint: 4395 EF8D DDFF E681 26CB 7165 2F95 7CC9 D749 08ED

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AO-51 L/U SSB/FM mode
by Luc Leblanc 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

On the morning pass i was able to have a QSO with WO3T Carm and VE3NPC Clare signal where good but manually adjusting the doppler became more and and easy with the usage. I guess some adjustment where made live as the audio deviation swing and i think too much make only the noise appears too high and it distorded the audio too much. The best setting is where the noise start to increased a bit. I was able also to determine my transverter IF in zero beating my carrier and checking the frequency on a scope display. 1268.692,100 MHZ equal to 144.01355MHZ on the exciter now i will have to figure out how to enter theses values in the tracking programs. I was able also to confirm my last minute quick station modifications make's a huge difference on the uplink. My previous configuration was the FT-847 driving the 1.2GHZ transverter who delivers about 3 watts into a downeast microwave 18 watts amp. The TX line was a 45 foot 5/8" heliax feeding a 25 elements loop yagi. In this configuration my results where less than marginal. Just before the evening pass i take the amplifier from the shack and i literally planted it over the heliax male connector at the antenna. i wrap the amp and the 12V DC line in a clear plastic bag to be able to see if any moisture build up inside, as the amp heat sink became quite hot. Bingo my uplink is now quite good "lesson learn" put your amp at the antenna not in the shack... I don't figure out why there was so much attenuation in the heliax? or it is a lossy coax jumper l used RG-214/U at both end only at the shack i have a SO-250 plug at the end of the heliax where i should used an UHF to BNC adaptor??? Any ideas! Finally this SSB L band experience was a good one and with the satellite deviation tweaking (Thank's to the control teams) this mode is quite effective even if it still not a killer one. "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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S-Band
by D. Mynatt 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

Has anyone used a M-Squared SBAND-21R (Frequency range 2390-2450 MHz) for sat work? Dave

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CubeSat Launch Opportunities for 2009/10
by Trevor 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

CubeSat Launch Opportunities for 2009/10 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/september2008/cubesat_launch_opportunities… Also some interesting articles in the new issue of the free British National Space Centre magazine Space:UK, see http://www.southgatearc.org/news/september2008/space_uk.htm 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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KA9SCF email ??
by Alvaro de Leon Romo 24 Sep '08

24 Sep '08

Hi guys I am looking for some email from KA9SCF Pat... I have sent several to his QRZ email adress but no answer, or if someone have an eyeball contact please contact me .... Many thanks for your time Al XE2AT _________________________________________________________________ Live Search premia tus búsquedas, llévate hasta ¡Un Auto! http://www.ganabuscando.com/Default.aspx

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AO-51
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

This last pass of AO51 I could hear Luc very well. I'm having an uplink issue. Do we need a pl tone? How much should I adjust for doppler? 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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sucess on ao-51 L/U
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Thanks to WA6FWF for talking me through a qso on ao51. Not using computer control is a very touchy effort with the doppler up on 1.2Ghz. At least now I sort of got the hang of it. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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AO-51 L (USB)/U mode
by Gould Smith 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

The command team was experimenting with improving the signal on the L/U transmitter during the passes this evening. The greatest improvement was noted by taking the resistor out of the path to the transmitter, then lowering the amplitude of the signal to keep it from clipping. The U downlink now shows that a number of stations are trying to access this mode. Some are even trying FM uplink :-( We will be switching to the FM uplink on the late east coast pass tomorrow night. If you have 1.2 GHz SSB equipment give AO-51 a try. 73, Gould, WA4SXM for the AO-51 Command team

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Cross-band, cross-mode ... and cross-satellite!
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

So ... I had just finished working Rick, WA4NVM, on AO-16 in "bent pipe" mode at 23:03 UTC when I heard Mike, WB9L. I chased the Doppler a bit and had called him a couple times when he finally answered and we made the contact at 23:04:39 UTC. AO-16 was at 4.1 degrees elevation for me, and my signal (according to Orbitron) travelled 2,885.516 km to the satellite - 5 watts from a Yaesu VX-7R HT going into an omnidirectional eFactor dual-band antenna. I was excited because Mike lives in Indiana, my 7th state worked on AO-16. Then I got an email from Mike, and from Dave, KB1PVH, in Massachusetts, and I realized what happened. As AO-16 was between 4 and 4.5 degrees elevation far to the west of me (269 degrees azimuth), AO-51 was at roughly 19.5 degrees to my northeast (45 degrees azimuth) using the same FM uplink as AO-16, on 145.920. So WB9L and I made a cross-band, cross-mode, cross-satellite contact! I'm sure it's not a first, but it's a first for me - and just about the coolest QSO-in-orbit I've had to date. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 Athens, Ga. - EM84ha

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Fw: Solar Wind Loses Power, Hits 50-year Low
by Robert W. Strohmeyer 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

----- Original Message ----- From: NASA Science News To: NASA Science News Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 4:22 PM Subject: Solar Wind Loses Power, Hits 50-year Low NASA Science News for September 23, 2008 Solar physicists have announced that the solar wind is losing pressure, hitting a 50-year record low for the Space Age. This development has repercussions across the solar system. FULL STORY at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/23sep_solarwind.htm?list1057721 Check out our RSS feed at http://science.nasa.gov/rss.xml! You are currently subscribed to snglist as: rstroh2(a)earthlink.net. This is a free service. To unsubscribe click here: http://lyris.msfc.nasa.gov/u?id=1057721R&n=T&l=snglist or send a blank email to leave-snglist-1057721R(a)lyris.msfc.nasa.gov

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L SSB / U FM report
by Andrew Glasbrenner 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

I worked VE3NPC this AM with good signals both ways and heard VE2DWE in the noise occasionally. Tuning is quite fast, and was done by hand here, mainly because I did not have the proper modes and frequencies loaded in SatPC32. The audio could be brought up some, and we'll look into that. Plenty of radar pulses this morning too. 73, Drew KO4MA

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AO-51 mode L>U and SSB>FM report
by Rob Hardenberg PE1ITR 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Hi All, At 19:40UTC today I tried the mode LU pass on AO-51 over europe. At first I couldn't hear my SSB uplink signal on the downlink so I switched to CW. That worked. I noticed that the audio level on the downlink was very low. My 23cm signal level at the satellite must be good because mode LS is working OK. Heard my CW signal on the downlink from 4 degrees el AOS to 3 degrees el at LOS. Hrd also one other station trying with CW dits/dots and heavy 23cm radar signals. Station: Uplink: IC-910 10W and 26el yagi Downlink: IC-910 2x16el Yagi 73 Rob PE1ITR http://www.pe1itr.com

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AO-27
by Andrew Glasbrenner 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Not much to report, but I did swap a brief e-mail with one of the command ops for AO-27. They are working on getting the satellite back up, and will post any updates on www.ao27.org. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Ops

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Re: The Moon - bit off topic
by Ronald Long 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Isn't it obvious that the 'pics' are photoshop creations? ron

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Is SEEDs Off line?
by Mike Ryan 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Hello all, Has SEEDs gone dead? I have not heard it in 3 days or so now and normally it is very strong here. I know my antennas are still good because I still here AO-51, SO-50 and other birds fine. The Keps I use are: 1 32789U 08021G 08123.12010393 .00000728 00000-0 10000-3 0 221 2 32789 97.9951 183.1430 0014145 286.1272 73.8374 14.81365032 582 Mike WB1AAT

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2 meter KLM long boom X polarized antenna fs
by mike Kana 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Greetings all Ive finally decided to sell my KLM cross polarized 2meter antenna - was originally used for OSCAR 13 and also for a school contact to the shuttle Discovery. This was garage kept and only brought out for operating - aluminum is clean - one of the black plastic insulators for holding a driven element is cracked. $90 pick up in Grayslake, IL. thanks Mike AA9IL

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Re: AO-51 LU Mode
by Henk, PA3GUO 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Hi Luc, Ron, I tried this new & exciting mode this morning. Since the downlink is on 435.150 I had to change the 70cm antenna from RHCP (fixed) to LCHP. During the weekend I started that but was not able to finish it. This morning I connected a coax to one of the dipols of the Cushcraft 2x8 cross yagi, but most likely that was done too much in a hurry as I did not hear anything via that beam. My groundplane antenna did pick up the downlink, but not noise-free. With that set-up I could not detect any voice/audio on the downlink, also not my own signal. I tried both USB and CW, and used on top of automatic doppler correction also manual uplink tuning (XIT knob on the TS2000x). Well, I think I need to continue to get my 70cm RX in place for both RHCP and LHCP (switchable). Dom, I8CVS, provided me the diagrams, which are similar to what I have made for 2 mtrs, so I expect no issues, apart from running out of time ... Anyway: after this SSB uplink we have a few days the FM uplink on 23cm active, another great opportunity ! Looking forward to more reports via this group. Henk, PA3GUO TS2000X 23cm uplink; 10W, 35 elements Tonna

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AO-51 LU Mode
by Rm2642＠aol.com 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Can't hear users very well on AO-51 LU Mode. U band downlink exhibits good quieting of squelch with some QSB. For downlink I'm using an M2 436CP30 polarized yagi with SSB SP7000 pre-amp. I might have heard a whisper of somebody today during a high pass over California. Maybe if I had a polarity switch I could hear better. de Ron n6paa **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)

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AO7 F3ZD
by k3szh＠netzero.net 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

Henri Congratulation on your 5000 qso on AO7 and your smooth fist. It's great to hear a AMSAT NA LM 1750 from across the pond. 73 Joe K3SZH Amsat 3788 ____________________________________________________________ Click to begin your health care training online. Request info today. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/Ioyw6i4vEFR3uqGM3gunLG4FnNE0…

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AO-51 L/U mode SSB/FM
by Luc Leblanc 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

HI Couple of pass with nobody but a lot of stations out of the passband. Just hear VE3NPC in the morning pass and a K3 station swishing on the evening pass and me calling in the void!. The downlink audio is very very low i have to set the volume near the maximum to be able to hear something. Don't use automatic doppler for the uplink as you will have to "clarify" the voice. It is not a killer mode... but it help to see how your L band apparatus is working. I don't know why the audio is so low? Any explanations are welcome If any one got a recording i will be glad to hear it. I will try to record something tomorrow morning if i can get up early to start the wood stove as they forecast a minimum of -2 overnight. Autumn is really on the 21st of september here!!! "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Re: FOR SALE ICOM IC-W32A
by Stuart Underwood 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

The W32A has been sold. Thanks to all that had interests. 73, Stuart W8STU I have for sale a mint W32A.. It looks like it just came from the store. That's how nice of shape it is in. This is a 2m/70cm HT. Comes with radio, stock antenna, wal-wart, manual, HT case, and box. Pix on request. I am asking $225.00 shipped. Paypal or postal money order. If interested please call 440-639-9547 anytime after 3:00 PM EST or email w8stu(a)arrl.net Thanks in advance. 73, Stuart W8STU _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: Duplexer for Sats
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

In a message dated 9/22/2008 10:41:01 AM Central Daylight Time, satkins(a)inetdesign.org writes: > Subj: [amsat-bb] Duplexer for Sats > Date:9/22/2008 10:41:01 AM Central Daylight Time > From:[email protected] > To:[email protected] > Received from Internet: > > > > Hello everyone. I've worked AO-51 a few times so I'm not a total > newbie. Just joined the list here to ask about building my own duplexer > for working the sats. Awhile ago I found a page that described how to > build one using a pencil to wind the inductors. It was a really small > duplexer using RG-174 and SMC connectors. Does anyone know where I > might find this web page? Or have instructions for building a duplexer? > > Thanks > -- > Stephen Atkins > VE6CPU > _______________________________________________ > 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 > Stephen, Check this out: http://www.wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf A duplexer is built as part of the antenna combination, but could be done separately if necessary. Any 50 ohm coax and connectors could be used. This one does feature inductors wound on a pencil. 73 - Keith, W5IU

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Re: Polarity questions
by Clint Bradford 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

>>...20-dB, assuming the signal is pure circular polarization...linear, then -3 dB...difference between RHCP and LHCP is 20 dB...difference between Horizontal and Vertical Linear is 20 dB...difference between (RHCP or LHCP) and (Horizontal or Vertical) is 3 dB...the VHF/UHF Manual handbook says 20 -30dB...in the real world, expect around 20~25dB loss from being completely cross- polarized...Between linear and circular, expect about 3dB loss... Ahh, thank goodness for the engineers... Just know that to get started working the FM satellites, you do not need to spend much to make successful contacts...Working AO-51 from Southern California (which some claim is not a "real world") at a Watt or so with an HT and Arrow Antenna is a breeze, and the polarization of the Yagi makes no difference in quality of TX/RX signal. And as you refine your satellite comms requirements, you can spend more money! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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Duplexer for Sats
by Stephen Atkins 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

Hello everyone. I've worked AO-51 a few times so I'm not a total newbie. Just joined the list here to ask about building my own duplexer for working the sats. Awhile ago I found a page that described how to build one using a pencil to wind the inductors. It was a really small duplexer using RG-174 and SMC connectors. Does anyone know where I might find this web page? Or have instructions for building a duplexer? Thanks -- Stephen Atkins VE6CPU

2 1

Opening up a U110 rotator motor?
by Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

Does anyone have information on this? Has it been discussed on AMSAT-BB or in the Journal at any time? If you done it (and put it back together) any hints would be appreciated. 73, doug

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Re: helix feed for sale
by Edward Cole 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

Hey, Bob, Does RCA know you stold their mascot? I suppose the dog is not part of the offer? Nice looking antenna! 73, Ed - KL7UW At 10:44 PM 9/21/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: >Hello >I have an extra helix feed available on Ebay. >http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110291240601&ssPage… >73 Bob W7LRD >_______________________________________________ >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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helix feed for sale
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

Hello I have an extra helix feed available on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110291240601&ssPage… 73 Bob W7LRD

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FOR SALE ICOM IC-W32A
by Stuart Underwood 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

I have for sale a mint W32A.. It looks like it just came from the store. That's how nice of shape it is in. This is a 2m/70cm HT. Comes with radio, stock antenna, wal-wart, manual, HT case, and box. Pix on request. I am asking $225.00 shipped. Paypal or postal money order. If interested please call 440-639-9547 anytime after 3:00 PM EST or email w8stu(a)arrl.net Thanks in advance. 73, Stuart W8STU

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Re: First impression
by Clint Bradford 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

>>..I too am frustrated by the almost complete abscense of any thing related to AMSAT or the satellites coming out of QST.... We have no one to blame but ourselves if WE miss the opportunity to submit articles to QST. They would WELCOME well-written articles on the topic. Clint Bradford, K6LCS -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Icom 7000 vs. FT-857 on sats??
by James A. Carmody 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

Any thoughts? I had been using my FT-817 but it keeps blowing finals at 5W out. Very unreliable. Jim/nn5o James A. Carmody, Attorney & Arbitrator 6363 Woodway, Suite 820 Houston, TX 77057 carmody(a)lawyer.com Voice: 713 333 2002 FAX: 713 333 2003 www.carmodylex.com

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Re: Polarity questions
by Tony Langdon 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

At 09:23 AM 9/20/2008, n3tl(a)bellsouth.net wrote: >I don't-at-all disagree with the concept that working AO-27, AO-51 >and SO-50 isn't terribly difficult with a handheld station. Frankly, >that has really (and pleasantly) surprised me. However, I do believe >that adjusting polarity when hand-holding the Arrow provides >improved performance during many passes. It makes a big difference in many cases. 73 de VK3JED http://vkradio.com

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General Astrodynamics Library v0.4.0 Released
by Paul Willmott 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

Version 0.4.0 of the General Astrodynamics Library has been released. It can be downloaded from the project website here: http://homepage.mac.com/pclwillmott/GAL/index.html Updates in this release: Higher precision ephemerides for the Sun, Planets, and Pluto. Implemented using VSOP87. Heliocentric and barycentric routines for position and velocity provided. Support added for classical Keplerian models, circular, elliptical, parabolic, and hyperbolic orbits and trajectories supported. Keplerian propagation implemented using the Universal formulation. Release includes some additional support files, and minor updates. Work continues with the atmosphere, and remaining force models. The General Astrodynamics Library (GAL) is a numerical library for C and C++ programmers. It is free software under the GNU General Public License. The library provides a wide range of astrodynamical routines such as ephemerides, earth orientation, and orbit propagation. There are over 250 functions in total with an extensive test suite. Paul Willmott, VP9MU AMSAT-BDA

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Antenna question
by Michael Heim 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

I built one of Kent Britain's "Cheap LEO Antennas" as a handheld antenna, and I have a question. I built mine on a 3/4 inch ID PVC boom. works great!. Anyway, there are a good number of designs out there that use a folded dipole for the driven element, Kent's is of course "half" folded. However each of these folded elements I see, it is folded perpendicular to the plane of the antenna. (in otherwords, if the antenna lays flat on the floor, the element fold is vertical) I have a small 2 meter antenna that uses one and its perpendicular also. My question is, to simplify mounting to a small diameter insulated boom, could such an element be placed "laying down", so the element could be better supported by drilling 2 holes in the boom? In a normal folded element, balanced, I would assume the radiation center would be located at the center between the 2 parallel rods. The thoery that Kent uses for his states that the "j" portion of his, the J is the matching section, and the half wavelength rod, I would then assume to be the radiator. I'm building this one to replace a "permanent" station antenna, which uses tee matches for the drivens. Kent's is easier to build, and would be easier to do if the element could be laid down on its side. Would like to get your thoughts on the thoery. I wouldnt think it would matter, as either way, its a dipole, and they all radiate 360 degrees around the element. Just trying to figure out why theyre all designed in the orientation that they are. Michael Heim ARS KD0AR

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[ans] ANS-265 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-265 ************************************************************** *** 2008 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting *** *** October 24-26 in Atlanta, Georgia *** **** Please see the AMSAT-NA Website for INFO **** ************************************************************** 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: * South African SumbandilaSat Launch Likely By Year-End 2008 * Richard Garriott W5KWQ ISS Operations Will Include SSTV * Increased Solar Illumination Allows AO-16 Operations to Continue * Flight 4 of Falcon 1 * Welcome Aboard AMSAT-Indonesia * ARISS Status - 21 August 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-265.01 South African SumbandilaSat Launch Likely By Year-End 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 265.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 21, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-265.01 South African SumbandilaSat Launch Likely By Year-End 2008 ITAR-TASS published a news item stating that the first South African satellite Sumbandila "is likely to be launched into orbit along with a Russian spacecraft Meteor-M at the end of 2008, said the head of the Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos), Anatoly Perminov. "We are currently working toward adapting this cluster of satellite launch with the spacecraft Meteor-M, which will be launched this year." Perminov added that "in the near future to meet with experts from South Africa, perhaps even with the head of the South African Space Agency, to discuss the matter." According to Roscosmos, the South African side is ready to launch its first spacecraft to the new Russian launch vehicle Soyuz-2 ". ITAR-TASS said that in return for launch services Russia will have the opportunity to place on the territory of South Africa a tracking station to receive f telemetry from upper stages of launch vehicles. [Editor Note:] AMSAT South Africa has designed and built a control system to facilitate the following operations: + V/U voice transponder with an uplink in the 2 meter band and a downlink in the 70cm band. + A parrot repeater (voice digipeater) + A voice beacon [ANS thanks ITAR-TASS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-265.02 Richard Garriott W5KWQ ISS Operations Will Include SSTV AMSAT News Service Bulletin 265.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 21, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-265.02 Richard Garriott W5KWQ ISS Operations Will Include SSTV September 18, 2008 Silver Spring, Maryland Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, to communicate with Students and Ham Radio Operators World-wide through the Amateur Radio Station on-board the International Space Station (ISS) Through multiple agreements with NASA, the Russian Space Agency, RSC Energia, Space Adventures Ltd, and ARISS (Amateur Radio on the Inter- national Space Station), Richard Garriott will fly to ISS and will communicate with students, ham radio operators, friends, and family world-wide using the ARISS amateur radio station on-board the ISS. Richard Garriott, with the amateur radio callsign, W5KWQ is the sixth private citizen to be flown by the Russian space agency to the ISS. A legendary video game programmer and designer, Garriott will be travel- ing to orbit this October and will speak with hundreds of students while thousands more listen in during a series of ten-minute ham radio contacts. His on-orbit stay on Soyuz and ISS is planned for October 12 through 22, 2008. The locales for the worldwide student contacts include eight Challenger Learning Centers in the U.S., the Austin Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy in Austin, Texas, the Pinehurst School in Ashland, Oregon, the Budbrooke School in the U.K., and the National Space Challenge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Garriott also plans to have random chats with scouts world-wide as part of the amateur radio "Jamboree on the Air" which is planned for October 18 and 19. "An important aspect of Richard Garriott's mission is to encourage students' interest in science and technology through the amateur radio contacts," said Rosalie White, ARISS International Secretary-Treasurer and ARISS Program Manager for ARRL (American Radio Relay League). "ARISS team members from all over the world volunteer their time every day so that students receive opportunities that we hope will cause them to study harder and learn more about any educational subject." The connection from the ISS to individual student locations will be established through an amateur radio station set up directly at the school or through the ARISS network of worldwide amateur radio ground stations utilized to link Garriott directly with students. The amateur radio system works similar to the way mission control centers in the United States and Russia talk to their space explorers. To date, the ARISS international working group volunteer team has conducted over 360 school contacts with crew members using ham radio on the ISS. The team has also set up radio contacts for family members of space explorers via ham radio. And have enabled countless contacts between the ISS crew members and hams on the ground. All previous Space Adventures private citizens who have flown to ISS have used the ARISS equipment to talk to school students, ham radio operators and friends and family. As part of Richard Garriott's science investigations, he will be taking highdefinition photographs of many parts of the Earth and comparing them to photos taken on previous space missions. In con- junction with his Earth science investigation, Mr. Garriott is flying special amateur radio electronics that will enable him to send and receive low resolution images from space, comparable to cell phone images. Through this ham radio system, called Slow-Scan Television (SSTV), Garriott will beam down images of the Earth to schools and ham radio operators on the ground so that they can actively participate in his mission. Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chairman and AMSAT Vice President for Human Spaceflight Programs, states: "The ARISS team is quite excited about Richard's flight. He is very interested in bringing the wonders of space to those of us on Earth and he sees amateur radio as a great mechanism to make that happen. Through his school and scout voice contacts, his SSTV image downlinks and his communications with the world-wide amateur radio community, we see his mission as being "action packed" from an amateur radio perspective." Bauer continues, "What is extra special is that Richard Garriott's flight coincides almost 25 years from when his father, Owen Garriott, made history as the first ham radio operator to communicate with radio amateurs from space on the STS-9 Space Shuttle mission." Owen Garriott's call sign is W5LFL. Richard also hopes to link up with his father via amateur radio during his flight. Currently, Mr. Garriott is finishing his final spaceflight preparations at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (GCTC) located in Star City, Russia. His launch date is scheduled for October 12, 2008, with ISS docking planned for October 14 and undocking planned for October 22. Mr. Garriott was trained thoroughly to be a member of the Soyuz TMA-13/ 17S crew. Since its first flight with Owen Garriott, in November 1983, Ham Radio has flown on more than two-dozen space shuttle missions, on the Mir Space Station and on the ISS. ARISS is the first and longest continuous operating educational outreach program to fly on the ISS. ARISS is an internationally-based working group, sponsored by the national amateur radio organizations and the international AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) organizations from each country as well as the ISS space agency partners. In the United States, ARISS is sponsored by the Ameri- can Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation- North America (AMSAT-NA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- istration (NASA). NASA's education office provides support to ARISS and guidance in the development of ARISS educational objectives. The primary purpose of ARISS is to allow students engaged in a science and technology curriculum to speak with an astronaut orbiting the Earth on the International Space Station. Using amateur radio, students ask questions about life in space or other space-related topics. Students fully participate in the ARISS contact by helping set up an amateur radio ground station at the school and then using that station to talk directly with the on-board crew member. Prep- aration for the experience motivates the children to learn about radio waves, space technology, science, geography and the space environment. In many cases, the students help write press releases and give presentations on the contact to their fellow students and to the local community. Through this hands-on experience, students are engaged and educated in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and are inspired to pursue STEM-related careers. For more information about amateur radio on the ISS and Richard Garriott's flight, go to: http://www.ariss.org http://richardinspace.com http://spaceadventures.com http://www.arrl.org http://www.amsat.org http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/radio/index.html http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=634 http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/ARISS.html Scout Jamboree on the Air: http://www.scout.org/jota Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-265.03 Increased Solar Illumination Allows AO-16 Operations to Continue AMSAT News Service Bulletin 265.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 21, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-258.03 Increased Solar Illumination Allows AO-16 Operations to Continue AO-16 Command Station, Mark N8MH commanded AO-16 ON and restored it to voice mode on September 15. Mark commented, "At the time of my message we are up to 30 hours of continuous uptime, which is a 'good thing.' Our predictions regarding sustained activities seem to be right on the mark. Recording your observations about AO-16 at http://oscar.dcarr.org/ has been, and will continue to be, very helpful to us." It is possible that the transmitter will turn OFF; this requires some commanding to get it running again, which means a pass over the Eastern US coast is required for a change in status. The command team is hoping that the bird will remain ON more often than OFF for the next several weeks. Illumination projects (and subsequent temperature predictions) suggest that AO-16 might be able to sustain operations until early November. So, if you want some AO-16 contacts, you had better get them before then. After November 2008, it may be a long, long, time before the orbit pro- vides favorable temperatures for the bird to remain operational for more than a few seconds or minutes at a time. Current operational mode for AO-16 Mode FM Voice Repeater ( Downlink is DSB) Uplink : 145.9200 MHz FM Downlink 437.0260 MHz SSB [ANS thanks Mark, N8MH for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-265.04 Flight 4 of Falcon 1 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 265.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 21, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-265.04 Flight 4 of Falcon 1 As mentioned in my update last month, we do expect to conduct a launch countdown in late September - as scheduled. Having said that, it is still possible that we encounter an issue that needs to be investigated, which would delay launch until the next available window in late October. If preparations go smoothly, we will conduct a static fire on Saturday and launch sometime between Tuesday and Thursday (California time). The SpaceX team worked hard to make this launch window, but we also took the time to review data from Flight 3 in detail. In addition to us reviewing the data, we had several outside experts check the data and conclusions. No flight critical problems were found apart from the thrust transient issue. Flight 5 production is well underway with an expected January completion date, Flight 6 parts are on order and Flight 7 production will begin early next year. We are now in steady state production of Falcon 1 at a rate of one vehicle every four months, which we will probably step up to one vehicle every two to three months in 2010. --Elon-- [ANS thanks Lee, KU4OS for the above information] EX/ SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-265.05 Welcome Aboard AMSAT-Indonesia AMSAT News Service Bulletin 265.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 21, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-265.05 Welcome Aboard AMSAT-Indonesia Hakim Satar YB0AN, contacted AMSAT-NA President Rick Hambly W2GPS this week with the announcement that AMSAT-Indonesia has formed. Rick replied, "Congratulations on the new AMSAT. I have added you to the AMSAT Web site and included various AMSAT-NA mail groups on this reply so everyone will receive the good news." Two web links are available: http://www.amsat-id.net http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/links/Asia.php [ANS thanks Hakim Satar YB0AN, President AMSAT-Indonesia for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-265.06 ARISS Status - 21 September 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 265.06 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. September 21, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-265.06 ARISS Status Report for the Week of September 15, 2008 1. Upcoming School Contact - Status The ARISS team continues working to schedule the next contact. Contact approvals for the week have been delayed due to the closure of Johnson Space Center, which was closed for Hurricane Ike. 2. Boy Scouts Contact Successful On Saturday, September 13, Prairielands Council Scouts attending the Space Jamboree at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois partici- pated in an ARISS contact with Greg Chamitoff, KD5PKZ. Telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii assisted with the contact. Thirteen Scouts were able to ask 17 questions of the astronaut during the pass. Scout leaders replayed the question and answer session later in the day for all 3,000 Scouts attending the Jamboree. The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT server and Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) Reflector 9010. The News-Gazette printed a press release for the event: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2008/09/12/scouts_at_jamboree_set_to_ talk_with_space_station_astronauts 3. ARISS at Launchfest On Saturday, September 13, the public was invited to Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland to attend Launchfest. There were plenty of exhibits and demonstrations of space related activities including model rocket launches and space robots. The event also celebrated NASA's 50th anniversary. ARISS members supported Launchfest and distributed ARISS lithographs. 4. Garriott Prepares for Ham Radio Activities Spaceflight participant Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, is scheduled to launch on October 12 with the Expedition 18 crew. He plans to take part in several ARISS activities while onboard the ISS. His activities include speaking with children at Challenger Learning Centers throughout the U.S. He mentioned his radio training in his recent blog. See: http://www.richardinspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.welcome&theyear=&the month=&view=77#77 [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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Space-X to launch flight 4
by G0MRF＠aol.com 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

Hi all. I see Space X have an initial launch period scheduled for flight 4. The web site says anytime from Tuesday to Thursday (next week?) from their Kwajalein Atoll base in the Pacific. After the unfortunate loss of flight 3 due to a very minor glitch, does anyone know if the planned RazakSAT is flying of flight 4? Would be a shame if it isn't and the payload is a mass dummy only. Thanks David ( Good luck Space-X )

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re help needed on chip ID
by Angus 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

Hi been to a local radio ralley and bought a nice looking ex mod board for £1 (2USD) and found that its a an amplifier for 400-470mhz (board marked as such but tuned somewhere I would have thought. The chip inside is a single chip that is marked as 'TRW Bordeaux France MX7,5-3 2.2880' anyone have any information on this chip at all, voltages, current input/output power etc? many thanks regards Gus M0IKB -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for home users. SPAMfighter has removed 3128 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len

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FS - Symek TNC3S high speed packet controller
by st797＠dcpages.net 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

Hello, I have a nice used Symek TNC3S high speed packet controller http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&ite… Good for satellite or ground high speed packet. Search ebay item 320301584793 if the link above breaks. -- Best regards, st797 mailto:[email protected]

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first impression
by Jim Danehy 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

I operated OSCAR satellites back in 1974-1976. It was simple with 2 meters up and 10 meters down. Not much doppler effect either. I got back on a month ago after a lapse of 32 years. I would like to give my impressions to date. I have had QSOs on 6 or 7 different birds using CW, SSB and of course FM. By far the most productive mode is FM. It is also the easy way to get on OSCAR. The transponders on AO7, VO52 and FO29 go aching for use. On 15 minute passes you can find just one or two other users. Sadly nobody at times. Of course you need to be able to manage doppler and to track the bird with some degree of accuracy. I guess I have had over 400 QSOs during the past month. I have worked 42 states and 7 countries along with about 110 grid squares. Being newly retired the XYL encourages me to stay in the shack. However of the 400 QSOs I have probably only worked 120 different stations. The biggest disappointment for me is the lack of information in QST and CQ magazines on OSCAR. I had no idea that there were that many potential birds flying and providing the opportunity to make contacts. Having been a ham for 56 years and always active I don't miss a lot. Oh I see the AMSAT booth at Dayton. But there is little effective public relations going on to attract hams to use OSCAR satellites. There is some but not to the extent that is needed. I just rejoined AMSAT. It is obvious that there is plenty of transponder "spectrum" going unused. It is a very modest challenge to use satellites other than FM birds, in my opinion. I have some M Square yagis that I put together along with an elevation and azimuth rotators. I put them up about 15 feet off the ground. I learned a few things about switching polarity too. We did not have circular polarity being used in 1974 if my memory is working. The best part about being back on is the opportunity to meet a new group of hams. I have learned about SatPC32 and struggle to get it working with the Vista operating system. I also got the RHCP vs. LHCP wrong on my 2 meter antenna. I owe thanks to K9QHO and K9CIS for helping me on that issue. Most use AO51 as the bird of choice. I wonder why there is so little use of SO50 ? It works great and is under used too. These are my first impressions. There really is a lack of public relations about how much is out there in the way of satellite opportunities. Of course that is just my opinion. One thing for sure you do not need to count the sun spots to see if you can make contacts. I would like to see folks give a little opening to some of the Central American stations who come on frequency but get stepped on. A QSO with a TI4 or a KP4 is still DX even for a guy like me who has been around long enough to have worked them all. One day HR1LW called me on VO52. What a thrill. There was no one else on. A few weeks later he called me again and called me by name. Same for a few European QSOs that I have had. My XYL wants to thank all of those that have kept me in the shack and out of her hair as she adjusts to my retirement. I do too. 73 Jim W9VNE Cincinnati, Ohio EM79tb

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NASA Prepares...
by Clint Bradford 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

This spectacular NASA photo from the Kennedy Space Center shows how, for the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on launch pads at the same time. Atlantis is in the foreground on Launch Pad A, and Endeavour is behind it on Launch Pad B. http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/271560main_08pd2730.jpg Endeavour was moved into position Friday so it could be on standby in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary for the Atlantis' planned October 10 mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the agency said. Once Endeavour is cleared from its rescue spacecraft duty, it's scheduled to move to Launch Pad A for planned November 12 mission to the International Space Station. What makes the Hubble repair mission particularly dangerous is that if Atlantis gets seriously damaged during flight, the seven astronauts would be stranded--they couldn't just hang out at the International Space Station waiting for a ride. Plus, as the Associated Press points out, Atlantis "faces an estimated 1-in-185 chance that a piece of space junk or a micrometeoroid will cause catastrophic damage to their ship." Those odds are greater than for a typical shuttle flight because of Hubble's unusually high and debris-filled orbit. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Fw: Re: first impression
by Doug Kuitula 20 Sep '08

20 Sep '08

Mark Jim, Just wanted to say that I've gone through the same thrill as you with my first contact on the birds. I'm doing it the what you are with a handheld and an Arrow antenna. It took me a good month of just listening and getting used to the procedure, as well as the doppler shift, before I actually made a contact. Like you, my next step will be a basic rotor with a small antenna. As they say, "One step at a time". But the best time I've had is exposing my great niece and nephew (5 and 6 years old) to amateur radio satellites, as well as a small telescope. They probably think their uncle is a bit strange, but they had a lot of fun. Anything we can do to expose them to science will pay off in the future. 73 de Doug KA8QCU > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday(a)nc.rr.com> > To: "'Jim Danehy'" <jdanehy(a)cinci.rr.com>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 12:39 > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: first impression > > > > Jim > > > > I would like to add to your comments. I have been a ham for 31 years, and > a > > DXer almost from the start. CW has been my mode of choice, and I have > never > > run more than 100 watts (I get a lot of grief from the hard-core DXers for > > not using QRO, but that is another story). I have always wondered about > > AMSAT, but never wanted to invest in the heavy duty equipment and > antennas. > > With the sunspot lulls and a new FT817 from my XUL last Christmas and no > > progress in the sunspot department, I decided to see what all the > excitement > > was about. Starting in April with 5 watts and a hand-held Arrow dual-band > > yagi, I had a rejuvenated ham experience working satellites. My hands > shook > > with excitement when I made my first QSO through AO-51. The thrill was > just > > as great when I worked MODE A on AO-7 two weeks later. The Doppler on CW > > and SSB is an interesting challenge, but the satellite prediction programs > > (thanks, Simon for HRD!) make it much easier. Instead of firing up my rig > > on HF first thing, I now check the satellite passes first to see what is > > available! My Arrow is mounted on a radio shack rotor in the attic at a > > fixed elevation of 20 degrees, and I have heard every satellite that I am > > listening for so far. What a thrill! I agree with you Jim, this puts > even > > more excitement into the hobby for me. Although so far I have heard every > > bird active, I have already re-worked a couple of hams in just the 30 > QSO's > > made so far. I like how Patrick WD9EWK is actively evangelizing the > > satellites, and others are doing the same. I think it's time for a demo > at > > my local club meeting, and for groups beyond ham radio. This is another > > entry point for non-hams into our hobby. > > > > 73, look forward to hearing you on the "birds" > > > > Mark Lunday > > WD4ELG, FM06 > > wd4elg(a)arrl.net > > http://wd4elg.net > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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More: circular polarization (45deg physical distance)
by Henk, PA3GUO 20 Sep '08

20 Sep '08

So ! As the discussion is ongoing anyway: This is how I have done it for 2 meters: - 2 x 6 elements (phyically same position, no 1/4wave distance http://www.pa3guo.com/dk7zb.html - switch box for H/V/LHCP/RHCP in the shack (2 long cables needed) http://www.pa3guo.com/polarizer.html But now 70cm ! My 13 year old Cushcraft had always fixed circular polarization. - 435.300 (AO51) had never any fading and was strong - 435.150 (AO51) I could barely hear (proofs the >20 db separation) Now: as AO51 will be in an mode that I want to use in the coming days, with the 435.150 downlink, I needed to change the polarization. Initially I wanted to have a temporal situation (swapping the coax on the front dipol), but the screws needed replacement anyway, so I decided to take the whole antenna down. The 2x8 elements beam has the 2 antennas mounted 1/4 wave distance spaced on the boom (the physical method). Now, I want to be able to switch between LHCP and RHCP. Not fixed. A good website I found is: http://sv1bsx.50webs.com/antenna-pol/polarization.html At the bottom the physical method for CP is described. Almost what I needed, now I need to be able to switch on top of that. I would assume that this should still be possible :-) My preference would be only LHCP and RCHP, no need for Hor or Ver. Prefer to have eg the coaxes of the 2 beams to a small relay box on the back of the beam and then with a relais create the RHCP vs LCHP.... but I lack the schematic for that :-) ... can someone point me to a URL that has the solution described ? OR: would it be simply this: 1. take the front dipol 2. swap conductor/shielding to create LHCP or RCHP AT the solder points ? (is this how WIMO is able to get it all in their small boxes) Well, I have 2 days before AO51 is in the mode I requested, I really need to get the antenna in place :-) Thanks ! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com

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Re: Polarity questions
by Edward Cole 20 Sep '08

20 Sep '08

If I may try to interpret what Clint wrote: If a yagi has 15 or 20 dB more gain than needed to receive a decent signal, then one can "throw away" some of that gain to cross polarization loss and still have enough gain to adequately receive a signal. Sort like saying if you have a 150-foot dish for receiving AO-51 it don't matter! But it "does matter" about polarization as far as maximizing signal. A yagi is not different than any other linear antenna in this respect. Now I will have a 22-element CP 2m yagi and 42-element CP 70cm yagi for satellites. This is obvious overkill for working the Leo sats. It is the old standard for mode-B sats like AO-10/13. With this pair you had really good signals with those old satellites. If and when we get another Heo, they will be appropriate for mode-UV, LU, US, etc. (of course this will require 1268 and 2400 antennas for half the link). On the HF bands polarization is generally less important because the ionosphere messes with polarity when the signal is refracted. Perhaps this is where that saying originates. If so, be cautious about generalizing and applying to VHF/UHF/and above! Get a copy of the ARRL Handbook or Antenna Book and read it. The information is in them. There are even better antenna texts like Jasik and Kraus if you like calculus. 73 Ed - KL7UW At 03:23 PM 9/19/2008, n3tl(a)bellsouth.net wrote: >" ... and the polarization of the Yagi makes no difference in >quality of TX/RX signal." > >I know I haven't been working the satellites nearly as long as Clint >and many others - and with all due respect, my friend - I have to >disagree with the above statement. I routinely work passes during >which I swing my Arrow through, and sometimes beyond, 90 degrees to >maintain signal quality. There also have been times when a quick >twist of the wrist has made the difference between making a contact >and getting a new grid square ... and not. > >I don't-at-all disagree with the concept that working AO-27, AO-51 >and SO-50 isn't terribly difficult with a handheld station. Frankly, >that has really (and pleasantly) surprised me. However, I do believe >that adjusting polarity when hand-holding the Arrow provides >improved performance during many passes. > >73 to all, > >Tim > >-------------- Original message from Clint Bradford ><clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net>: -------------- > > > > >>...20-dB, assuming the signal is pure circular > > polarization...linear, then -3 dB...difference between RHCP and LHCP > > is 20 dB...difference between Horizontal and Vertical Linear is 20 > > dB...difference between (RHCP or LHCP) and (Horizontal or Vertical) is > > 3 dB...the VHF/UHF Manual handbook says 20 -30dB...in the real world, > > expect around 20~25dB loss from being completely cross- > > polarized...Between linear and circular, expect about 3dB loss... > > > > Ahh, thank goodness for the engineers... > > > > Just know that to get started working the FM satellites, you do not > > need to spend much to make successful contacts...Working AO-51 from > > Southern California (which some claim is not a "real world") at a Watt > > or so with an HT and Arrow Antenna is a breeze, and the polarization > > of the Yagi makes no difference in quality of TX/RX signal. > > > > And as you refine your satellite comms requirements, you can spend > > more money! > > > > Clint Bradford, K6LCS > > 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 >_______________________________________________ >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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