- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

COMPASS-1 in emergency mode
by Mike Rupprecht 14 Aug '08

14 Aug '08

Hi all, we need your help ! COMPASS-1 is in emergency mode since Sunday night. The battery voltage is very low and the satellite is rebooting every pass. The CW beacon is on in sunlight - but only in 8 minutes interval. We need telemetry - so much as possible. Could you help us please and listen to COMPASS on 437.275 MHz? Any reports are very appreciated. You can find a simple CW telemetry decoder on my website www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml (also mp3 or wav files are welcome). Please send your reports to compass1cubesat(a)googlemail.com or post via this list. Thank you very much in advance - on behalf the COMPASS-team Mike DK3WN

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help
by w3vvp 14 Aug '08

14 Aug '08

For years I have used IT as my tracking program with no problems. All of a sudden I can not longer put the keps in. I have not changed anything on my computer. I download and save same as I have always done. Now when I try to put them in it says "can't open file keps.txt" which is how I have always saved them. Is there someone out there that uses IT and knows computers who will give me a phone number to call so I can talk to them. Thanks George,W3VVP

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TNC Problem
by Gregory Dober 14 Aug '08

14 Aug '08

Went back to attempting to work digital modes on the birds. Hooked a new Timewave 9600 and was able to communicate immediately by hyperterminal. I tried a loopback test and couldn't connect to my callsign though the TNC would light TX. Went to an APRS program, connected the TNC to my Icom and was able to copy stations. When I would transmit, TNC, radio all keyed up but I heard no packets on another radio. Just a quick empty carrier. Borrowed my friends AEA PK 900.same problem. Never had this problem on past TNC's or laptops. The only difference is they all had direct serial connections to the laptop. The Dell Inspiron is about 6 months old and uses the serial to usb connections. I have two Belkins for the com ports. Are some serial to usb connections problematic for the TNC? This is the only change I can note since I last worked packet. APRS and digital modes about a year ago on an older computer with a serial connector. Perplexed as I awaited GO-32. Greg N3MVF

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NASA tells students about Amateur Radio
by Tom Clark, K3IO 13 Aug '08

13 Aug '08

I sent this a couple of days ago, but for some reason it never appeared. See -- these thing happen even to members of the Board! -------- Original Message -------- Subject: NASA tells students about Amateur Radio Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:10:46 -0400 From: Tom Clark, K3IO <k3io(a)verizon.net> Reply-To: k3io(a)verizon.net To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> CC: AMSAT BoD <bod(a)AMSAT.ORG>, AMSAT Officers <officers(a)amsat.org> We have all heard that amateurs on the Space Station (ARISS=Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) frequently have "direct from orbit" contact with students in schools around the world. To help prepare the students for an ARISS experience, NASA has generated a series of teaching modules for the students. They have three different packages available suitable for students in K-4, 5-8 and 9-12 grades (for folks outside the US, "K" is Kindergarten at age ~5, and Grades 1-12 are for ages ~6-18). I think that the AMSAT folks should see how amateur radio can be introduced to children -- the packages are described and available from NASA's Digital Learning Network (DLN) <http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/> at http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=634. I found them to be very interesting. Perhaps you know some local teachers who could make use of these lesson plans. 73, Tom

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is this ground control callsign?
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 13 Aug '08

13 Aug '08

hi folks, just got some data from go-32 and was wondering if this is the ground control call? or what is this as its a number not a call? the bottom one! This was in my heard list: 4XTECH-12 ........ 4XTECH-11 ........ 243482

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Re: WD9EWK's first non-FM satellite QSOs today!
by Clint Bradford 13 Aug '08

13 Aug '08

> After months of trying to make a portable station that would > allow me to work the SSB/CW satellites (first with an FT-817ND > and AOR AR8200Mk2B wide-band receiver, then later with two > FT-817NDs, all using my Arrow Antennas handheld Yagi), I finally > made everything work... Your attitude and enthusiasm continue to amaze me, Patrick - Great work! I demo'd AO-51 yesterday morning before a club meeting of 63 folks. From Tarzana, CA we talked to Tennessee, West Texas, and, lo and behold, Athens, Georgia's own N3TL came through. It was a 4.1 degree of elevation pass for him. Let me repeat that, in case you thought there was a typo: FOUR POINT ONE DEGREES OF ELEVATION for Tim in Georgia. But he was cheating: he was using a full five Watts output on his Yaesu FT-60. I refuse to use high power during my demos...(grin) And so it goes.... Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666

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Volunteers needed for Amsat booth at Boxboro 2008!
by Steve Meuse 13 Aug '08

13 Aug '08

lunteers are needed to man the booth at the 2008 ARRL New England Convention in Boxboro. If you plan on attenting and have some spare time, please consider volunteering to work the booth. Full information about the convention can be found at: http://www.boxboro.org/ Please drop me an email with your availability for either Saturday or Sunday. There will be an Amsat presentation from 10am-12noon on Saturday organized by Barry Baines, WD4ASW. See you at Boxboro! -Steve N1JFU

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heres the ao-51 calls
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

PACB-1 ........ PECHO-11 ........ PECHO-12 ........ PACBLS-8 ........ PLCTL-8 new one there plctl-8 kc8gkf

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qsl ao-51 data again
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

hi folks, copy ao-51 @9600 baud again just now, thought I would share it with the group. here it is: PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: WA4SXM PECHO-12*>BBSTAT <UI>: Open ABCD: PACB-1*>TIME-1 <UI>: PHT: uptime is 211/00:31:25. Time is Wed Aug 13 00:14:24 2008 PACB-1*>TLMI-1 <UI>: `'HX- )Z]W '?J__+E3 !"#$5%&'(z)*v+t,p-./M0^12s3s456789:;<=H>?@AB;CD=E=FGHIJKLM PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:27 C4:34 C5:01 PACB-1*>TLMD-1 <UI>: WOD:2 ATP:0 BMW:1 BMS:0 CTS:1 CTN:120 CTL:119 CTE:Mon Aug 18 00:09:36 2008 PACB-1*>LSTAT <UI>: I P:0x13A8 o:0 l:27208 f:27245, d:1 st:6 e:e8 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: WA4SXM PACBLS-8*>PACBLS-8 <UI>: PACBLS S Meter = 0 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: WA4SXM PLCTL-8*>PLCTL-8 <UI>: PLCTL Mode:2 TXA:0 TXB:0 BatTrip:0 PACB-1*>TIME-1 <UI>: PHT: uptime is 211/00:31:35. Time is Wed Aug 13 00:14:34 2008 PACB-1*>TLMI-1 <UI>: j'HO( "Z]X )JWEa/DW !"#$5%&'(z)*~+k,u-y./M0\12t3t456789:;<=H>?@AB;CD=E=FGHIJKLM PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:27 C4:34 C5:01 PACB-1*>TLMD-1 <UI>: WOD:2 ATP:0 BMW:1 BMS:0 CTS:1 CTN:120 CTL:119 CTE:Mon Aug 18 00:09:36 2008 PACB-1*>LSTAT <UI>: I P:0x13A8 o:0 l:27208 f:27245, d:1 st:6 e:01 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: WA4SXM PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: WA4SXM PACB-1*>TIME-1 <UI>: PHT: uptime is 211/00:31:45. Time is Wed Aug 13 00:14:44 2008 PACB-1*>TLMI-1 <UI>: t'H]0 %Z]W $)gN_(E3 !"#$5%&'(z)*+n,}-l./L0[12s3t456789:;<=H>?@AB;CD=E=FGHIJKLM PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:27 C4:34 C5:01 PACB-1*>TLMD-1 <UI>: WOD:2 ATP:0 BMW:1 BMS:0 CTS:1 CTN:120 CTL:119 CTE:Mon Aug 18 00:09:36 2008 PACBLS-8*>PACBLS-8 <UI>: PACBLS S Meter = 0 PECHO-12*>BBSTAT <UI>: Open ABCD: PACB-1*>TIME-1 <UI>: PHT: uptime is 211/00:31:55. Time is Wed Aug 13 00:14:54 2008 PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:27 C4:34 C5:01 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: WA4SXM PACB-1*>LSTAT <UI>: I P:0x13A8 o:0 l:27208 f:27245, d:1 st:6 e:2c kc8gkf west michigan usa

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Re: AMSAT Journal
by Ed Long 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Hi Everyone, I apologize for the delay in getting the last issue out. Frankly I didn't have enough content to fill it up this time until very late. I am always looking for articles so if you have an article for the Journal please let me know. I have some articles already but I need more. I got my copy yesterday here in north central Florida. 73, Ed Long ----- Original Message ----- From: David - KG4ZLB/MØZLB<mailto:[email protected]> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 7:49 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Journal Martha tells me that the Journal was mailed out last week - has anyone else not received it or am I being an optimist in expecting it by now down here in SW FL? Thanks in advance David KG4ZLB -- *David* *KG4ZLB/MØZLB* *www.kg4zlb.com <http://www.kg4zlb.com/<http://www.kg4zlb.com/>>* *www.mØzlb.com <http://www.m0zlb.com/<http://www.m0zlb.com/>>* _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org<mailto:[email protected]>. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb<http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb>

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AMSAT Board Meetings
by Gould Smith 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Just as a reminder to all. The AMSAT Board meetings at the Symposium are an open meeting, other than a short segment that is a performance review. You can attend and listen to the entire meeting. There is no attempt to hide the information discussed. This year's meeting in Atlanta will begin Thursday morning 23 Oct and go into the evening (and sometimes after dinner), then resume Friday morning 24 Oct and go until around noon. The Board would welcome your interest. The notes from the meeting as well as notes from teleconferences are published in the AMSAT Journal. Barry, WD4ASW (AMSAT Corporate Secretary) has made it a priority to get the mintues published and has provided them to most issues of the Journal since his appointment. The minutes from the 2007 meeting will be in the next AMSAT Journal. While this is not as timely a publishing as many would like, it is one of many, many things Barry is volunteering to do for AMSAT. We have many things we can use help with. This was discussed at the executive meeting last weekend. We are looking into developing a more efficient system to match assets to projects and needs. I invite members to attend the AMSAT Board meetings in Oct and to become more involved with AMSAT. Become part of the solution, rather than talk about the problems. 73, Gould, WA4SXM

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Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NAPriorities
by Ken Ernandes 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

What exactly is the most appropriate post regarding this matter? A complete sentence might have helped to make your point clear. BTW even if somebody has "insider" information on something, it's highly inappropriate to disclose that in advance of an official announcement. I am therefore, not sure why you would suggest I keep quiet when I am merely asking that people wait until we have a clear announcement before effectively (and rudely) telling others the shut up. 73, Ken N2WWD -----Original Message----- >From: Bill Ress <bill(a)hsmicrowave.com> >Sent: Aug 12, 2008 1:23 PM >To: Ken Ernandes <n2wwd(a)mindspring.com> >Cc: k7zt(a)suddenlink.net, Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NAPriorities > >Ken, > >Possibly, one of the most appropriate post regarding this matter. > >As a result of last weekend's BOD and Senior Officer special meeting, >I'm confident you'll soon be getting the "AMSAT strategy update" from them. > >So please hold off on your comments until you have the most recent facts >regarding AMSAT-NA's planned direction. > >Regards...Bill - N6GHz > >Ken Ernandes wrote: >> Overruled? Interesting... >> >> What I've see in this discussion on the HEO issues appear to be more speculative than based on fact or any official announcement from the AMSAT-NA BOD. I personally would consider it premature to summarily declare the discussion closed. >> >> We could, perhaps put it on hold until the AMSAT-NA BOD provides current status. Perhaps it would be better to refrain from inflammatory statements with "absolutes" before we have an official statement on the HEO subject. >> >> 73, Ken Ernandes N2WWD >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> >>> From: k7zt(a)suddenlink.net >>> Sent: Aug 12, 2008 12:31 PM >>> To: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NAPriorities >>> >>> NOTICE to ALL HEO proponents: >>> >>> YOU HAVE BEEN OVERRULED, dialog is finished, so stop it. >>> >>> ---- Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> wrote: >>> >>>> At this point AMSAT is going to take the first thing that gets us above LEO >>>> that we can afford. If that is HEO, so be it. If it is GEO, it's GEO. Being >>>> divided and fussy over the details only detracts from the effort. We are >>>> basically beggars in the launch market, and we all know the saying about >>>> beggars and choosers. The mission is to provide long access time satellite >>>> comms on a daily, then 24/7 basis. How that happens is yet to be >>>> determined... >>>> >>>> Sorry to be so brief but I have a lot going on with my day job at the >>>> moment. There will be more information forthcoming. >>>> >>>> 73, Drew KO4MA >>>> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>> From: "Joe Westbrook" <k7zt(a)suddenlink.net> >>>> To: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 8:44 AM >>>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and >>>> AMSAT-NAPriorities >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> John: >>>>> That certainly is one approach, I'm not saying that there is anything >>>>> wrong >>>>> with that, it's just a change in the stated goals of Eagle. >>>>> The leadership needs to get in front of this and announce this is a >>>>> significant shift in organizational strategy if indeed that is the plan. >>>>> >>>>> At they same time for the sake of honesty they should probably tell folks >>>>> that this will end AMSAT-NA sponsorship of an HEO (Molmiya Orbit) >>>>> anytime soon or even in their lifetime ;-/ >>>>> >>>>> - Joe >>>>> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>> From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >>>>> To: "Joe Westbrook" <k7zt(a)suddenlink.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 6:05 AM >>>>> Subject: Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NA Priorities >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>>> It appears that leadership is allowing realities of >>>>>>> a rare, expensive launch opportunity drive the mission rather than the >>>>>>> mission driving the launch method, it's a bit like the tail wagging the >>>>>>> dog >>>>>>> don't you think? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> AO-40 was the case of a rare launch opportunity driving the mission. The >>>>>> AMSAT BoD has stated that the purpose of creating a relelationship with >>>>>> Intelsat would be to provide multiple launch opportunities. It seems to >>>>>> me >>>>>> that finding an affordable launch method should be the first step rather >>>>>> than the last step. >>>>>> >>>>>> 73, >>>>>> >>>>>> John >>>>>> KD6OZH >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >>>>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >>>>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> >>

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FS: KEPS 2.4GHz downconverter, 23cm antennas + more
by Stefan Wagener 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Hi folks, No, I am not getting involved in the current discussion about HEOs, LEOs and GEOs. But in case anyone is interested, I have a brand new, KEPS 13LNC2-PH downconverter for sale. This is the outdoor professional 2.4GHz Low Noise P-HEMT downconverter with a 144MHz IF. Never used or mounted! See the KEPS website for detailed information: http://www.keps.it/en/sat_products/downconverter/downconverter.html Will sell for $150 shipped (US or Canada). ............. I also have two M2 23cm yagis (see: http://www.m2inc.com/products/uhf/23cm/23cm22ez.html ) for sale. They come with one 23cm 2-way power splitter and 2 phasing cables. This will give you right or left hand circular polarisation for the satellites. Will sell both antennas with power splitter and cables for $230 plus shipping. They are in like new conditions. .............. I also have still the Yaesu G5500 and a Yaesu G5400 rotor with control box etc. for sale. ............. Please contact me off list for questions. Yes, many folks have asked. I am getting out of amateur radio. It was a great hobby and maybe in the future I will look into it again. To all my friends and fellow hams. Thanks for a great time! Please keep supporting AMSAT, help and volunteer. 73, Stefan VE4NSA

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Reminder of the AMSAT Mission
by Andrew Glasbrenner 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Just as a reminder....Drew AMSAT is a non-profit volunteer organization which designs, builds and operates experimental satellites and promotes space education. We work in partnership with government, industry, educational institutions and fellow amateur radio societies. We encourage technical and scientific innovation, and promote the training and development of skilled satellite and ground system designers and operators. Our Vision is to deploy high earth orbit satellite systems that offer daily coverage by 2009 and continuous coverage by 2012. AMSAT will continue active participation in human space missions and support a stream of LEO satellites developed in cooperation with the educational community and other amateur satellite groups.

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SSB Preamp
by Peter 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Hi, I appreciate all the help and ideas on my SSB 7000 not working with my Icom 910H. I followed the advice and all I can report is that the relay engages however the preamp is not doing anything with received signals. This condition sounds impossible the weak signal should increase if working or disappear if not and it stays static? So I shipped it off to SSB for evaluation, thank you again, now let's work some birds! 73, Pete, WB2OQQ

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Kenwood HMC-3, SMC 34, BC-19 for sale
by Bill Bruno 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

For sale Kenwood SMC-34 Speaker microphone .......$20 + ship Kenwood HMC-3 Headset with VOX/PTT.......$30 + ship Kenwood BC-19 Rapid Charger......................$35 + ship Contact off list please Bill Brtuno KB2RC

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Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NAPriorities
by Ken Ernandes 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Overruled? Interesting... What I've see in this discussion on the HEO issues appear to be more speculative than based on fact or any official announcement from the AMSAT-NA BOD. I personally would consider it premature to summarily declare the discussion closed. We could, perhaps put it on hold until the AMSAT-NA BOD provides current status. Perhaps it would be better to refrain from inflammatory statements with "absolutes" before we have an official statement on the HEO subject. 73, Ken Ernandes N2WWD -----Original Message----- >From: k7zt(a)suddenlink.net >Sent: Aug 12, 2008 12:31 PM >To: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NAPriorities > >NOTICE to ALL HEO proponents: > >YOU HAVE BEEN OVERRULED, dialog is finished, so stop it. > >---- Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> wrote: >> At this point AMSAT is going to take the first thing that gets us above LEO >> that we can afford. If that is HEO, so be it. If it is GEO, it's GEO. Being >> divided and fussy over the details only detracts from the effort. We are >> basically beggars in the launch market, and we all know the saying about >> beggars and choosers. The mission is to provide long access time satellite >> comms on a daily, then 24/7 basis. How that happens is yet to be >> determined... >> >> Sorry to be so brief but I have a lot going on with my day job at the >> moment. There will be more information forthcoming. >> >> 73, Drew KO4MA >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Joe Westbrook" <k7zt(a)suddenlink.net> >> To: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 8:44 AM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and >> AMSAT-NAPriorities >> >> >> > John: >> > That certainly is one approach, I'm not saying that there is anything >> > wrong >> > with that, it's just a change in the stated goals of Eagle. >> > The leadership needs to get in front of this and announce this is a >> > significant shift in organizational strategy if indeed that is the plan. >> > >> > At they same time for the sake of honesty they should probably tell folks >> > that this will end AMSAT-NA sponsorship of an HEO (Molmiya Orbit) >> > anytime soon or even in their lifetime ;-/ >> > >> > - Joe >> > >> > ----- Original Message ----- >> > From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> >> > To: "Joe Westbrook" <k7zt(a)suddenlink.net>; <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >> > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 6:05 AM >> > Subject: Re: AMSAT UK P3E Lecture HEO vs GEO. and AMSAT-NA Priorities >> > >> > >> >> > >> >>> It appears that leadership is allowing realities of >> >>> a rare, expensive launch opportunity drive the mission rather than the >> >>> mission driving the launch method, it's a bit like the tail wagging the >> >>> dog >> >>> don't you think? >> >>> >> >> AO-40 was the case of a rare launch opportunity driving the mission. The >> >> AMSAT BoD has stated that the purpose of creating a relelationship with >> >> Intelsat would be to provide multiple launch opportunities. It seems to >> >> me >> >> that finding an affordable launch method should be the first step rather >> >> than the last step. >> >> >> >> 73, >> >> >> >> John >> >> KD6OZH >> >> >> >> >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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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Re: way of satellite recovery?
by Bob Bruninga 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

> Somebody can I'm sure post the costs of the Shuttle > Missions that have recovered/repaired satellites. I think, that the only externally deployed, autonomous Amateur Satellite ever deployed and later recovered and returned to Earth was PCSAT2. Since PCSAT2 was attached to the outside of the ISS and although it floated in space (but held with a strong grip by an astronaut until affixed to a handrail), AMSAT denied the request for an OSCAR number. But otherwise it was completely atonomous payload. We think it can be claimed as the only amateur satellite returned to earth. Though of course, that can be argued for ever... Bob, WB4APR

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Fwd: Information Request
by Martha 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Would someone help Shayne? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: AMSAT Website <www(a)amsat.org> Date: Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 1:22 AM Subject: Information Request To: martha(a)amsat.org This message originated from the AMSAT website Sender: VK4HJS SHAYNE Email: vh5hjs(a)bigpond.com Host: CPE-60-229-61-191.nsw.bigpond.net.au Subject: Information Request Message: I am having endless trouble attempting to get my computers (3) to recognise my YAESU Computer Controller GS-232B. After following all of the instructions from the manual included with the GS-232B. I have used 3 Windows operating systems, XP, ME and Win98 Would anybody be able to help as Yaesu hasn't been any help whatsoever, saying that it works but neglect to tell me how they got it operational. Thanking you for your speedy reply JR Shayne (end of message) Problems with this message? Email to w2gps(a)amsat.org -- 73- Martha

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SSB Preamp
by Peter 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Hi, Is anyone using a SSB SP-7000 preamp and an Icom 910H powered via direct feed from the coax. I am not able to turn the preamp on with this method, I set the menu for the preamp and the front panel; it recognizes a preamp but it's not working, any ideas? 73 Peter WB2OQQ

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Fw: For Sale "TrakBox" Satellite tracker --- REDUCED Price
by Robert Felt 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

SOLD as of 8-11-08 @ 1807EDT ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Felt To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 6:11 PM Subject: For Sale "TrakBox" Satellite tracker --- REDUCED Price For Sale - REDUCED PRICE -- $100. "TrakBox" Satellite tracker, antenna rotor controller for stand alone operation. (JARL design, TAPR kit) The trakbox is a self-contained, stand-alone rotor/radio control for use with your satellite stations. Select the satellite you wish to track from a front panel control and the TrakBox will steer your antennas in both azimuth and elevation to track the selected satellite when it is or above your horizon. In addition, if you have a radio with a computer interface, the TrakBox will tune your transmitter and receiver and correct them for doppler shift. TrakBox is set up to directly interface to Kenpro, Emmoto, and Yaesu dual-axis rotators which include a computer interface. Trakbox includes a serial port to allow you to set the real-time clock (which is battery backed), your station location (latitude, longitude and elevation) and the keplerian elements for the satellites you are interested in (up to 40 satellites may be loaded, and the elements may be uploaded in ASCII in either the AMSAT or NASA formats). A two-line LCD display is updated every second, showing the azimuth and elevation of a satellite, along with the satellite ID and GMT. I built this kit from TAPR back in the late 1990's. It provided excellent service. Still works great. See Complete description and docs at TAPR web page: http://www.tapr.org/kits_trakbox.html Now asking only $100. (was $130). Will take PayPal. 73 --- //Bob// Robert Felt --KB5YZG-- 1403 5th Ave West Hendersonville, NC 28739 tel: 828-696-4103 email: kb5yzg(a)amsat.org

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AMSAT HEO design evolution (longish)
by G0MRF＠aol.com 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Given the understandable negative content of the posts recently regarding the AMSAT HEO satellite debate, perhaps it's time to return to basics and ask some fundamental questions about the way we design satellites and fund their launch. The problem: AMSAT High Earth Orbiting satellites have historically had a mass between 150kg for P3 and 650kg+ for AO-40 and at 30,000 Euros per kg, we do not have the resources to self finance the launch costs of 4.5 million (30k x 150) to 15 million Euros to launch. However, AO-40 was probably a 1-off and will never be repeated. So let's say 4 - 5 million. The way forward? 1) Raising the funds for the standard launch cost of the typical AMSAT HEO is beyond us. So other external funding solutions are needed either by providing a service which is paid for. - An example of exploring this route is the AMSAT NA proposed Advanced Communications Project via Intelsat. A second approach, is to include commercial payloads within the AMSAT spacecraft, or perhaps including AMSAT 'functionality' within other commercially or educationally funded spacecraft. Again, there are examples of this approach for LEOs. Delfi C3 is one success story. Also, and had it worked for more than a few orbits the ESA Education department / SSETI Express XO-53 was another. But at HEO the opportunites are very rare indeed, the only project currently being persued is the ESA ESEO educational mission with AMSAT UK providing a U/S transponder as part of a redundant communications system for the spacecraft. As we have been reminded in the past few days, self funding never worked before and it wont work in the future. I feel some sympathy for the AMSAT NA board who have an apparently impossible task to fulfil, but their enthusiasm to elicit support has let expectations exceed funding ability. - The response ha s been vocal. But at least they are trying. Finally on the funding issue, what have we done in the last 8 years? We've had the Eagle fund. We've had the successful AO-51 fund raising campaign, but really, since the launch of AO-40 in November 2000 we haven't saved for this 'HEO' eventuality. If we are ever going to replace spacecraft in the future, fund raising needs to be more sustained and less impulse led. We have little to show for the last 8 years. 2) There is however another option which may be self financing. A fundamental spacecraft redesign to reduce the mass to a figure we can afford to launch. Over the last 25 years, the mass of a P3 spacecraft has remained fairly constant. About 90kg of structure and payload with an additional 60kg of bi-propellent fuel. There are probably ways of trimming this back substantially. In LEO sat design we have seen a reduction in size from 400kg to the SSTL microsat of about 120kg in the 1980's. These days the SSTL 'microsat' has evolved down to 3 - 5kg. with projects like the NASA Nanosail design. But no such revolution has taken place in HEO satellites So, a few possibilities. You can probably think of more...... a) The 60kg of fuel has been needed to raise perigee and increase inclination from a typical geostationary transfer orbit. But there have been orbital change manoeuvres that have not gone to plan e.g. AO-10 and AO-40, but those satellites have still given us usable communications. Do we need all 60kg? How about raising the perigee to give a long life and a slight increase in inclination to get us out of the GTO belt around from around 7 degrees to 15 degrees? I wonder what the saving is there, 400 Newton motor down to 50 Newton motor. Fuel from 60kg down to 15kg? Saving = 45 + 5kg = 1.5 million Euros? OK the figures are guesswork, but there must be savings. b) Spacecraft design. During our time with P3 spacecraft, we have seen transponder power change dramatically. I recall the first few days of AO-40 when I heard the 2m beacon stronger than many local FM stations. But then it used a 300 Watt BLF278 type device and was designed to give a huge signal. Equally, I also recall receiving a worked all continents satellite award for QSOs I made on the experimental AO-13 mode S transponder. That was 1 Watt (max) into a 5 turn helix on 2400. So, in the future, do we need 45 or 50 Watts of power in a 100kHz wide transponder? After all, if there are fewer amateurs, we can use less bandwidth saving power and mass in the process. 8 Watts and 50kHz? A consequence of such a design change would require a groundstation with more than a patch antenna to pick up the signal. But is that unreasonable, dishes are cheaper than launches. c) Two final thoughts. Firstly, isn't the world moving away from metal structures to carbon and ceramic composites. Mass saving perhaps. Secondly, I don't think AMSAT with it's limited resources can afford to put spacecraft into orbit that will fail the moment the batteries die. Let's not dwell on the excellent Delfi example, but instead look at the Intelsat spacecraft. Is it not the case that they have a 10 year lifespan which is limited by stationkeeping fuel? While they operate 24/7 the power comes from the solar cells. The batteries are used only in eclipse. With our P3 designs, as I understand them, the spacecraft can not function on solar cells alone. Unfortunately, the advantage of our chosen HEO orbits also mean that the batteries on a P3 satellite go through a couple of eclipses a day. As battery life is proportional (or worse) to depth of discharge of the batteries, it's not surprising that most AMSAT spacecraft suffer battery failure. But with limited funds we really need to design in a mode so that 5 years on, the batteries can be switched out of circuit and a sensible geometry of solar panels can continue to provide some daylight only functionality. Conclusion: Funding campaigns need to run over several years within a rolling plan to supply launch funding. Designs need to evolve to include new technologies. Mass reduction = lower launch cost should be near the top of the list. With fewer amateurs, and modern digital modes we need less bandwidth. It is not unreasonable for an AMSAT member to need a moderate size of antenna to work an HEO. So, lower power in space. Lifespan needs to be increased and with HEO that means battery failure should be anticipated and mitigated in the design. A daylight operating spacecraft is better than no spacecraft at all. Thanks..........a quiet day here! David Could we do HEO within a 50kg budget? = 1.5million Euros spread over a 10 year lifespan?

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For Sale "TrakBox" Satellite tracker --- REDUCED Price
by Robert Felt 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

For Sale - REDUCED PRICE -- $100. "TrakBox" Satellite tracker, antenna rotor controller for stand alone operation. (JARL design, TAPR kit) The trakbox is a self-contained, stand-alone rotor/radio control for use with your satellite stations. Select the satellite you wish to track from a front panel control and the TrakBox will steer your antennas in both azimuth and elevation to track the selected satellite when it is or above your horizon. In addition, if you have a radio with a computer interface, the TrakBox will tune your transmitter and receiver and correct them for doppler shift. TrakBox is set up to directly interface to Kenpro, Emmoto, and Yaesu dual-axis rotators which include a computer interface. Trakbox includes a serial port to allow you to set the real-time clock (which is battery backed), your station location (latitude, longitude and elevation) and the keplerian elements for the satellites you are interested in (up to 40 satellites may be loaded, and the elements may be uploaded in ASCII in either the AMSAT or NASA formats). A two-line LCD display is updated every second, showing the azimuth and elevation of a satellite, along with the satellite ID and GMT. I built this kit from TAPR back in the late 1990's. It provided excellent service. Still works great. See Complete description and docs at TAPR web page: http://www.tapr.org/kits_trakbox.html Now asking only $100. (was $130). Will take PayPal. 73 --- //Bob// Robert Felt --KB5YZG-- 1403 5th Ave West Hendersonville, NC 28739 tel: 828-696-4103 email: kb5yzg(a)amsat.org

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DO-64
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

I did get two good descending passes today at 14:16 and 15:51 UTC. The 14:16 UTC pass was at 10 degrees maximum elevation and I was able to hear myself through the transponder satisfactory. My antennas are only 2.4 meters above ground so reception is blocked by buildings and trees. The pass was good enough for a QSO on CW. On the 15:51 UTC pass, I could hear the 200 mW transponder from just after AOS to about 3 degrees from LOS. When Delfi was above the ground objects, I could reduce my output to 2 watts and still return an excellent signal from Delfi Down link antenna is 14 ele. KLM LHCP Up link antenna is 11 turn helix RHCP Mike Williams K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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Transcontinental from Scotland (+ spam troubles)
by John Mock KD6PAG 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

[It appears that my first attempt at posting this failed, perhaps due to problems i'm having with a spammer using a variant of my e-mail address.] I'm heading out tomorrow for Scotland. Given the AO-51 schedule, it does not appear that i'll be able to work very far down the East Coast before i get to the Shetlands, as the relevant SO-50 passes will be past my bedtime. I may try to work some continental stations and will post an update if/when i have Internet access (and something to say). I look forward to working people from the Shetlands and then from mainland Scotland after the change to mode J-FM (VU mode). 73's and best of luck! -- KD6PAG P.S. Some spammer(s) are forging a variant of my e-mail address and i had to de-register my home computer's 'fdns.net' address, in the public interest (e.g. so spam might be rejected more quickly). Please use 'dyndns.org' in place of 'fdns.net', or better yet, use the links from QSL.net to access my local web resources.

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Re: DO-64 observation
by Bob Bruninga 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

> As Delfi-C3 goes over the earths poles, > it flips itself 180 degrees in Z axis > > Are you saying it has an active attitude control > ... Or is the satellite rotating with a period > equal to that of its orbit? Actually it is two rotations per orbit. To people on Earth it is "horizontal" over the equator and vertical over the poles and does a full revolution over half an orbit. A benefit is that it prevents any side from facing the sun for more than 12 minutes at a time... and also lets you plan on antenna orientation everywhere. Bob, WB4APR

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Delfi-C3
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

I'm having trouble receiving DO-64. It seems to be strongest at the beginning of the pass and then gets weaker. What is the polarization of the up link and down link? I'm using a KLM 14 el LHCP for down link and 11 turn helix RHCP for up link. When conditions are good (no local QRM) , I can hear AO7, VO-5, and FO-29 easily AOS/LOS even thought I have ground clutter up to about 20 degrees with my antennas 8 ft. off the ground. I would be interested in how strong others are receiving DO-64 and at what signal strengths. By the way, the beacon sounds stronger than the transponder signals. Tnx, Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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Re: WD9EWK's first non-FM satellite QSOs today!
by K & R Yoksh 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

Clint Bradford said: > lo and behold, Athens, Georgia's own N3TL came through. It was a 4.1 > degree of elevation pass for him. Let me repeat > that, in case you thought there was a typo: FOUR POINT ONE DEGREES OF > ELEVATION for Tim in Georgia. But he > was cheating: he was using a full five Watts output on his Yaesu FT-60. I > refuse to use high power during my demos...(grin) N3TL has gone QRO!?! <grin> I worked him the other day on AO-51 when was using 50 mW! 73. Kyle Yoksh K0KN Olathe, Kansas

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WD9EWK now on VO-52!
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

Hi all! After my success with FO-29 yesterday, I decided I would try that satellite again and also try VO-52. Although I was not successful with my second attempt on FO-29, I was successful in making my first 2 QSOs on VO-52. VO-52 had a very nice high pass, with maximum elevation of 82 degrees, at 1734-1747 UTC this morning. I was ready for that with my two FT-817ND transceivers and Arrow Antennas handheld 2m/70cm Yagi. Only 5W, and I would adjust my transmit frequency with the pinky on my hand with the microphone to keep on/around my receive frequency. I set up shop around 145.910 MHz USB, and started calling on there. Glenn AA5PK in Texas came back to me at 1740 UTC, and we had a nice chat. After that, Tom N6NUG found me at 1744 UTC near the end of the pass for another quick chat. I've worked both of them on the FM satellites in the past, and it was nice to get them on VO-52. Thanks Glenn and Tom! I then planned to make one more attempt on FO-29 before returning to Phoenix this afternoon. I found a nice high (maximum elevation 75 degrees) pass at 1835-1851 UTC. I could hear the downlink about a minute or so into the pass, and could hear myself through FO-29 shortly after that. Around the halfway point of the pass, I lost the downlink. I was not able to hear it for the remainder of the pass. My radios checked out OK, so now I need to take a look at my Yagi and coax. I had a coax issue crop up a few months ago, so that could be the problem. I have not read anything that would indicate a new problem on FO-29, and I'm hoping there are no problems with that satellite. I know I need to get a tripod for the Yagi, to free up a hand during the pass, and get more practice with my two- radio setup with an eye to adding computer control for both 817s in the future. I will put Delfi (DO-64) in my tracking program, and add it as a favorite on my account at www.space-track.org, so I can try that one out as well. I will also try AO-7 again, and maybe even go back to my AOR handheld receiver in place of the second 817, to see if I can make that work. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Yaesu G-5400B calibration
by John E 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

I have a Yaesu G5400B that came in in a box all disassembled. I put the azimuth unit together and it is working ok, But I am unable to calibrate it. The direction indicator works and follows with the rotor but is off. Is there a correct way to position the potentiometer when re assembling? I have followed the manual as to calibration set up. Any ideas? Thanks de John KØCQW

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Re: Fw: Re: [eu-amsat] AMSAT UK P3E Lecture Available
by Trevor 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

----- Original Message ----- > then why wouldn't we shift ALL > funding toward that effort? Following the PE3 launch, if any surplus > remains, the surplus could be transferred to the next HEO opportunity > (Eagle). If no surplus remains then at least we would have one working > HEO deployed. The drawback is that would kill Phase-IV stone dead and AMSAT-NA won't get another opportunity like that. There is unfortunately no existing big pot of money in the Amateur Satellite community to fund satellites/launches. Clearly funds have to be raised from collaboration with non-Amateur organisations wherever possible. Just building an HEO satellite can cost half a million+ dollars. In commercial satellite terms that's really cheap but it's still a struggle for Amateurs to raise particlarly when you consider there may be currently little more than a thousand Active satellite operators world-wide. Off the top of my head I can only think of three AMSAT groups that have more than 100 members, AMSAT-NA, AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-DL. (I really would love to be proved wrong on that). The half million+ dollars is just to to build the sat, as has been mentioned many times there's the $4+ million for a commercial launch as well. As an illustration of the funding issues take the 1.2 /2.4 GHz Amateur Antennas that where installed on the Columbus Module of the ISS. Eight months after launch Amateurs still haven't managed to raise the money to pay for it, they are still 22,567 Euros short, see http://www.ariss-eu.org/donations.htm AMSAT-DL has been trying to raise money for P3E with it's pixel page, see Get into Orbit with AMSAT-DL's P3E-Satellite http://www.p3e-satellite.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN >From looking at it you can get a rough idea of how much they've raised so far and how much further there is to go. AMSAT-ZL are trying to raise NZ$12,000, that's 8,454 U.S. dollars, for KiwiSAT to complete the design and construction of the basic unit to flight ready status. I hope they are eventually successfull in managing to raise from Amateurs the $8K dollars they require for that stage of the project, see http://www.kiwisat.org.nz/funding.html I think we need as many different AMSAT groups as possible to press ahead with their own developments and tap whatever local funding sources may be available in their country. The more satellites that are built the greater the probability that one or more will successfully make it into orbit. We have to remember even 'reliable' launchers fail sometimes. 73 Trevor M5AKA __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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ref my copy of ao-51
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

hi folks, can anyone exlpain a little of this copy to us? PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PACBLS-8*>PACBLS-8 <UI>: PACBLS S Meter = 0 PECHO-11*>STATUS <UI>: B: 120900539 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PACBLS-8*>PACBLS-8 <UI>: PACBLS S Meter = 0 PACB-1*>TLMI-1 <UI>: H$6 ZRX WdM3 !"#$w%&'p()*k+r,c-x.9/d0C12s3s456789`:;<=H>?@AB;CD=E=FG`HIJKLM PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:2F C4:04 C5:01 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:2F C4:04 C5:01 PECHO-12*>BBSTAT <UI>: Open ABCD: PECHO-11*>STATUS <UI>: B: 120900539 PACB-1*>LSTAT <UI>: I P:0x13A8 o:0 l:27208 f:27245, d:1 st:6 e:8b PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. tks in advance kc8gkf

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TH-D7AG and accessories for sale... UPDATE
by Bill Bruno 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

For sale: 1- TH-D7AG HT, with (Batteries America) 1100mha battery and clip, Antenna, BC 17 Charger, Manuals, Wrist strap. 2- BC19 Rapid Charger, SMC34 hand held mic, HMC3 headset / mic, Extra PB39 1100 mha battery with clip, extra battery clip, Diamond RH77CA antenna, SMC to BNC adapter. Both 1 and 2 $350 plus shipping, Just 1 $250 plus shipping. Please contact me off list if interested. Bill Bruno KB2RC ALSO INCLUDED IN #2... 2 EXTRA POWER CORDS FOR HT One with cigarette lighter plug attached and the other with two open wires and fuses in both lines. TWO CABLES FOR CONNECTING HT TO GARMIN 12XL gps One wired to Garmin plug the other with open wires

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Fw: Re: [eu-amsat] AMSAT UK P3E Lecture Available
by Joe Westbrook 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe Westbrook" <k7zt(a)suddenlink.net> To: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net>; "Luc Leblanc" <lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca>; <eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com> Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2008 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: [eu-amsat] AMSAT UK P3E Lecture Available > John: > Yes, you may have heard statements like in the past we've relied on > charity, and Amateur Radio Operators alone can not fund a launch, what you > haven't heard are any solutions for launching any HEOs. It seems that the > DL folks haven't lost that as a focus, they acknowledge that as expensive > as it is to launch an HEO, it is still doable. 3 - 4M Euros $4 - 5M at > least they gave us a tangible figure we can work with. This amount may be > a reach for AMSAT-NA alone, but given that we finally understand what it > would take to make a HEO Launch reality, then why wouldn't we shift ALL > funding toward that effort? Following the PE3 launch, if any surplus > remains, the surplus could be transferred to the next HEO opportunity > (Eagle). If no surplus remains then at least we would have one working > HEO deployed. > > Additionally, at least we know the PE3 platform is well vetted, and would > have the lowest risk. Rather than spending time and resources on a new, > untested platform why wouldn't we just facilitate PE3 FIRST? > > Ok, I'll speech for myself here, but the GEO ride-share simply isn't an > opportunity that will interest the HEO crowd. Launching an appliance to > serve the disaster response community and entry level satellite users > won't do a thing to satisfy the need for a HEO. I don't care if it's > free, like AO51, I would probably get on it, make a couple contacts say > "that's nice" and be done with it. Please understand, I'm not saying to > abandon GEO as a viable option, just don't spend a cent on it until we > launch an HEO. > > What we need is a satellite that enables the real sprit and intent of the > Amateur Radio Service, to push the envelop of the technology, allow for > experimentation, consider all of the alternative antenna solutions that > our resourceful community developed to receive the 2.4Gig Down Link. No > rotator required, different feed systems, a fairly modest resource outlay > to get on the air. I did it with a totally home brewed system in a > restricted neighborhood back yard. Had a blast and learned allot. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh(a)comcast.net> > To: "Luc Leblanc" <lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca>; <eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com> > Cc: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 3:14 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [eu-amsat] AMSAT UK P3E Lecture Available > > >> I've been hearing these two statments from AMSAT-NA officals for at least >> 2 >> years -- in person and on this BB. >> >> 73, >> >> John >> KD6OZH >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Luc Leblanc" <lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca> >>> >>> Very nice presentations. One attract my attention was made by Peter >>> Guelzow DB2OS one one of his slide we can read: >>> >>> ATTRACTIVENESS OF AMATEUR RADIO HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY >>> >>> FUNDING A SATELLITE FROM AMATEUR RESSOURCES ALONE NEVER WORKED BEFORE >>> AND >>> WILL NOT WORK NOW. >>> >>> I don't how to explain how all the wisdom and reality knowledge seems to >>> be concentrated in Europe when speaking about amateur satellite? >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Starting program before SatPC32
by Bruce Robertson 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Gang -- I seem to remember there is a configuration file somewhere for SatPC32 which tells the program to run an ancillary program before SatPC32 starts up. I have one such ancillary script, but now I can't find the setting where I can tell SatPC32 to start it. Incidentally, I'm not speaking of the standard 'drivers' for rotors, like SDX. One solution, of course, is to use a macro or bat file to launch SatPC32 and my custom script, but, as I say, I have some recollection of SatPC32 doing this itself. Perhaps I'm just so used to it fulfilling my every wish :-) 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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Re: WD9EWK's first non-FM satellite QSOs today!
by Bill Dzurilla 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Hi Patrick, That's pretty impressive, working a linear sat with an Arrow and manual tuning. You must have 3 hands. Hope to work you someday on the linear birds. By the way, I'm back in Florida now after a summer in Europe and Africa. Had about 30 FM sat QSOs in Europe and 14 in South Africa, using an HT and an Arrow. 73, Bill NZ5N **** Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 15:50:46 -0700 (PDT) From: "Patrick STODDARD $WD9EWK/VA7EWK$" <amsat-bb(a)wd9ewk.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] WD9EWK's first non-FM satellite QSOs today! To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <50018.69717.qm(a)web56101.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi! After months of trying to make a portable station that would allow me to work the SSB/CW satellites (first with an FT-817ND and AOR AR8200Mk2B wide-band receiver, then later with two FT-817NDs, all using my Arrow Antennas handheld Yagi), I finally made everything work. At 1756 and 1758 UTC today, I logged my first two satellite QSOs not using FM on either the uplink or downlink. As I expected, it was not an easy thing; FO-29's 2m uplink seemed to make it a bit easier than a 70cm uplink like I had tried before on VO-52 or AO-7. Now, after over 4100 satellite QSOs in the last 2 1/2 years or so, I can say I've got at least a couple SSB satellite QSOs to go with the others I've done on FM. I know that computer control for either - or both - of the radios is the preferred way to go. Less work for the operator, reducing how much my signal moves through the passband due to Doppler, and simply more time to work other stations. I will most likely end up with a portable setup using a small laptop that can control these two FT-817NDs or some other radio(s), eventually. I will also rig up a tripod or something for the Yagi, or try another antenna, so I don't have to hold it while trying to work the radio(s). I decided that the 1745-1759 UTC FO-29 pass this morning to my east would probably be a good pass to try. Good elevation, and a footprint covering most of North America. I set up my radios in the back of my truck just over the line into grid DM44ha northeast of Phoenix AZ, and tried my luck. It took a couple of minutes to get used to finding my signal in the downlink. My 5W signal with the Yagi was more than enough. I heard some CW early in the pass, then I could hear a couple of voices - Joe K3SZH and Jeff K7WIN. When those two finished their QSO, I quickly called K7WIN. K3SZH came back instead, and I made a quick QSO with Joe. I followed that up with another quick QSO with Jeff K7WIN. Both Joe and Jeff commented I had a good signal through the satellite. Thanks for the QSOs, and especially for dealing with my non-automated station near the end of the pass! Now I can go back to working on VO-52 and AO-7, plus the new Delfi satellite, and see if I can do the same with a non-FM satellite using a 70cm uplink. And keep on working FO-29, a very nice bird. I'm not turning my back on the FM birds, but adding more options when I want to play radio via satellite. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Searching for Az/El Rotor
by iz1dsj＠sparks.it 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

While on holiday I started planning a sat station, so I'm searching for an used Yaesu 5400/5500/5600 rotor system. If somebody wants to sell his one, possibly in Europe (coustoms and shipping would be less expensive), contact me, otherwise in September will buy a new one :( Hi! Thanks. IZ1DSJ Jack (iz1dsj(a)sparks.it)

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Delfi-C3 CW beacon
by Henk, PA3GUO 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Just as FYI, here is a short mp3 (27sec) of the Delfi-C3 CW beacon at 145.870: http://www.pa3guo.com/dc3_cw_beacon_02aug08_0950utc_pa3guo_145870.mp3 HI HI DE DELFI-C3 DELFI-C3 Henk, PA3GUO http://www.pa3guo.com

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test
by Bill Bruno 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

test

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TH-D7AG and accessories for sale
by Bill Bruno 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

For sale: 1- TH-D7AG HT, with (Batteries America) 1100mha battery and clip, Antenna, BC 17 Charger, Manuals, Wrist strap. 2- BC19 Rapid Charger, SMC34 hand held mic, HMC3 headset / mic, Extra PB39 1100 mha battery with clip, extra battery clip, Diamond RH77CA antenna, SMC to BNC adapter. Both 1 and 2 $350 plus shipping, Just 1 $250 plus shipping. Please contact me off list if interested. Bill Bruno KB2RC

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satellite orbiatl prediction through obersvation
by Bob DeVarney W1ICW 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

I. have been reading up on the history of the Kettering group and I am particularly curious about one thing: how did they determine the orbit of the satellite strictly from observation. Can anyone help me with this? I can see how you could pick up the period of the satellite from observation, but am stumped as to how the rest of it is worked out... Thanks and VY 73 de W1ICW

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[ans] ANS-223 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-223 ************************************************************** *** 2008 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting *** *** October 24-26 in Atlanta, Georgia *** ************************************************************** 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: * Falcon-1 Launch Failure * THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER ON AUGUST 12 * "Nanosputnik" Cubesat "Polar Lights" * ARISS Status - August 4, 2008 * Satellite Shorts * AMSAT-UK Colloqium SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-223.01 Falcon-1 Launch Failure AMSAT News Service Bulletin 223.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. Augugst 10, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-223.01 SpaceX's Falcon-1 rocket lifted off from the Kwajalein atoll on 03 August 2008 at 0334 UTC. On board was the Trailblazer satellite for the Jumpstart Program of the United States Department of Defense’s Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORS). Also on board where two triple-cubesats, PRESAT & NANOSAIL-D, from NASA which had beacons in the amateur 70cm band. Unfortunately, an anomaly occured approximately 2 minutes 20 seconds into the flight. The engineers said the rocket stages did not separate and the second stage did not ignite. SpaceX has announced that the problem with the last launch was that the first stage regenerative engine continued burning longer than they expected. It therefore bumped into the second stage after separation. A new downward looking video that includes this action is available at: http://mfile.akamai.com/22165/wmv/spacex.download.akamai.com/22165/F1-003.a… [ANS thanks SpaceX and Bruce, VE9QRP, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-223.02 THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER ON AUGUST 12 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 223.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. Augugst 10, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-223.02 HAM RADIO IN SPACE: THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER ON AUGUST 12 Meteor scatter enthusiasts attention. The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks on Tuesday, August 12th. The best time to see them and make contact by bouncing signals off their ionized tails is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday morning when forecasters expect 50 to 100 meteors per hour. The source of the Perseids is Comet Swift-Tuttle, which has littered the August portion of Earth's orbit with space dust. The dusty zone is broad and Earth is already in its outskirts. As a result, even before the peak on August 12th, you may see some "early Perseids" streaking across the night sky. (VHF Reflector) [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-223.03 "Nanosputnik" Cubesat "Polar Lights" AMSAT News Service Bulletin 223.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. Augugst 10, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-223.03 I am asked by Alexander Zaitev RW3DZ of the Izmiran Institute, in Troitsk outside Moscow, Russia, to publicise his proposed "Nanosputnik" Cubesat "Polar Lights." FYI the Izmiran Institute made the first spaceborne magnetometer, on Sputnik-3 in 1958. It is at: http://www.izmiran.ru RW3DZ recently referred to the Nanosputnik Cubesat in a blog at: http://www.vhfdx.ru/sputnikovaya-svyaz/50-let-kosmicheskoy-eryi and on his website at http://rk3dxb.narod.ru/polar_lights.html He is establishing a team within the promotion of amateur radio to young people around the RK3DKB club shack at Troitsk. John G7HIA and I were welcomed there last Sunday. The Nanosputnik is proposed to be built on a 10cm Cubesat frame and to weigh 1 Kg. Command uplink will be in 2 metres and data downlink at various data rates in 70cms, there are precise frequencies given but it is probably unwise for me to give them out at this stage as the satellite is not built yet and I do not know whether IARU frequency coordination has been undertaken. There may be an experimental 5 GHz beacon. The proposed payload is a unique magnetometer which will detect fluctuations along the flux lines of the magnetosphere and will be oriented along the flux lines within 1 degree by an on-board GLONASS/GPS. Data sampling will be 1 observation/second and he is interested in downloading every quarter orbit into the GENSO network. There is also scope for a CCD camera and cosmic ray detector. Orbital life is estimated as 3 years with rechargeable batteries and a solar panel charging system. I do not have any information about launch opportunities. John G7HIA and I will continue to work with RW3DZ and will bring any other information we have to this bb as we get it, although we are not responsible for this Nanosputnik in any way whatsoever. [ANS thanks Andy, G0SFJ for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-223.04 ARISS Status - August 4, 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 223.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 10, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-223.04 1. Upcoming School Contacts Two simulated Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts are scheduled for Tuesday, August 5 with U.S. deployed soldier dependents visiting Euro Space Camp (ESC) in Belgium. These training sessions are terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using ARISS-equivalent equipment. There will be EchoLink and IRLP coverage of both contacts. • The first simulated contact is scheduled with Koichi Wakata, KC5ZTA, at approximately 14:20 UTC. • The second simulated contact will take place with astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP, at approximately 14:50 UTC. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Town of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Summer Playground Camp on Wednesday, August 13 at 16:08 UTC. The New Providence Amateur Radio Club has been involved with this camp for the last four years. It has provided an introduction to ham radio on the air by setting up HF and VHF stations and having the campers communicate with hams around the world. The ARISS contact will be an extension of this activity. 2. United Space School Contact Successful An international group of high school students attending United Space School in Seabrook, Texas experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, July 31. Telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium facilitated the contact. Twelve students had16 questions answered by astronaut Greg Chamitoff, KD5PKZ. The audio for this event was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT (101 377) server, receiving 10 connections and it was also fed into the JK1ZRW (277 208) server. 3. ARISS Meetings Held The annual Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Face to Face Meeting was held in Moscow on July 17-18. Status reports were given by all committees and the election of officers was held. This meeting was preceded by the first Amateur Radio Working Group (ARWG) conference and was followed by a Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM) on July 21-23 where discussions covered SuitSat-2 and ARISS hardware. A final meeting was held at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (GCTC) to discuss astronaut training on the ARISS equipment. All meetings were successful, much was accomplished and minutes will be available in the near future. 4. NASA Posts ARISS Article to Web Site An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) article has been written and posted to NASA Web sites. Several ARISS members were interviewed for the story, including astronaut Bill McArthur, KC5ACR. “Communication From Space Inspires Young Minds” may be found at: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/index.html (and on the Kennedy site http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/index.html under "Features"). [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-223.05 Satellite Shorts AMSAT News Service Bulletin 223.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 10, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-223.05 Satellite Shorts From All Over + Congratulations are in order for Rafael, XE2RV on attaining VUCC number 164 in satellite mode. + John, KD6PAG will be in Scotland from 13 August - 2 September, with 16 August - 21 August 08 in the Shetland Islands. He'll primarily be trying to work the eastern Canada and northeastern parts of the US via satellite. He'll include European passes time permitting. John will be running QRP with a portable antenna similar to an Arrow antenna. + The Mid-Atlantic States VHF Conference on Saturday September 27 in Blue Bell, PA will include a presentation by Bob, N4HY to discuss Software Defined Radio Advancements. Also included in this weekend is the HAMARAMA hamfest on Sunday, September 28. For more informa- tion see http://www.packratvhf.com. + AO-51 ground controllers have been able to boost the downlink power due to increased solar illumination. Both repeaters were reported to be operating at around 400 mW this week in dueal V/U mode. + AMSAT area coordinator, Clint Bradford, K6LCS, demonstrated oper- ating via AO-51 and gave his "How to Work Ham Satellites with your HT" presentation in Tarzana, CA, on Saturday morning, August 9. Clint has a 4 page satellite operating tutorial available on-line at: http://homepage.mac.com/clintbradford/Menu3.html. + AMSAT received the sad news that Doug Beckwith N4CZT, an avid fan and supporter of Amsat, passed away Sun. July 27 2008. He was 1 day from his 65th birthday. His son, Douglas, wrote to AMSAT, "Thanks for helping him follow his dream." + RA3OE reported the first QSO between Russian and Eurasia via DELFI-C3 (DO-64) on August 3 when he had a QSO with Anatoly, UA9UIZ. [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-223.06 AMSAT-UK Colloqium AMSAT News Service Bulletin 223.06 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 10, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-223.06 AMSAT-UK Colloqium Presentation Videos Available On-Line The Mars Orbiter P5-A Presentation video (lecture 10) is now on the BATC website. To access the videos go to http://www.batc.tv/ and click on the 'Archive' icon on the left. Select which AMSAT-UK lecture you wish to watch then click the 'Play' icon. An add- itional feature allows you to click on the icon between the 'Progress' bar and the 'Volume' bar to get full screen viewing. Lectures 4 and 5 are about the MoonLITE project which will be the first Lunar mission by the United Kingdom. Lectures 6, 7 and 8 are about the Delfi-C3 satellite Lecture 9 is the P3-E satellite presentation given by AMSAT-DL President Peter Guelzow DB2OS, see also 'Get into Orbit with AMSAT-DL's P3E-Satel- lite' at http://www.p3e-satellite.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Lecture 10 will be the Amateur Radio Mars Orbiter P5-A given by Achim Vollhardt DH2VA, see also 'GO-Mars with AMSAT-DL's P5A Mission' at http://ticket-to-mars.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Other video presentations planned to be added include: Lecture 11 will be the Delfi-n3Xt next generation satellite presentation. Lecture 12 will be the presentation on the new GB4FUN vehicle given by Carlos Eavis G0AKI Lecture 13 will be the 2.3/3.4/5.6GHz Signal Generator for Satellite Applications by Grant Hodgson G8UBN Lectures 14/15 will be the Band planning for satellite operations on frequencies in the Amateur Service by Hans van de Groenendaal ZS6AKV, President AMSAT-SA followed by the IARU Satellite Forum. The full lecture programme (with video lecture numbers) can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/640/213/ The PowerPoint presentation slides can be viewed at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/664/235/ Pictures from the event can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/gallery2 [ANS thanks Trevor, M5AKA for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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Re: [eu-amsat] AMSAT UK P3E Lecture Available
by Frank H. Bauer 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Luc: Responding to your comment below: ------------------------ >From: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca> >Very nice presentations. One attract my attention was made by Peter Guelzow DB2OS one one of his slide we can read: >ATTRACTIVENESS OF AMATEUR RADIO HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY >FUNDING A SATELLITE FROM AMATEUR RESSOURCES ALONE NEVER WORKED BEFORE AND WILL NOT WORK NOW. >I don't how to explain how all the wisdom and reality knowledge seems to be concentrated in Europe when speaking about >>amateur satellite? ----------------------- I agree with Peter. And as a member of AMSAT-NA and a person that resides in NA, I have said these statements publically many times. Actually, one of my last postings addresses item #1 in your e-mail. Also, it goes without saying that #2 is an imperitive. The only reason that the ARISS team has been able to acquire 9 launches of hardware to ISS since 2000 is that the space agencies have a stake in our activities as it supports getting students from 6 years old to college age interested in science, technology and mathematice. They are willing to invest in these flights because they see a benefit to them as well as society. So I think this wisdom is shared worldwide. Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO

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Can anyone explain these calls?
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Hi folks, heres the calls out of my heard list, anyone know what the pacb-1, pacbls-8 are? I think there from ao-51 but see it has pecho-11,pecho-1. 4XTECH-11 ........ 4XTECH-12 ........ PECHO-11 ........ PACB-1 ........ PECHO-12 ........ PACBLS-8

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AO-51 L/U good condition
by Mineo Wakita 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Up: 1268.700Mhz, Down: 435.150MHz, 9600bps FSK Fm JE9PEL To APRS Via PACB-1* <UI pid=F0 Len=45 >[08:47:46] =3523.05N/13936.61E- Yokohama Japan {UISS523} Fm JE9PEL To APRS Via PACB-1* <UI pid=F0 Len=36 >[08:50:48] :SAT :Hello via AO-51 {UISS523}

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Pave pawns QRM?
by Luc Leblanc 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

On an SO-50 pass this evening i heard over pile up the distinct Pave Pawns signal (braw braw braw) pulsing signal. I don't know if the system is able to generate harmonics down to the 2 meter band? If it was not pave Pawns it is something i heard on AO-40 and that was triggering LEILA at that time? Anyone else on that pass heard that? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Nasa - NanoSail-D/PRESat Update
by Trevor 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

NanoSail-D/PRESat Update from http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/smallsats/nanosaild.html NASA's NanoSail-D and PRESat missions ended on Aug. 2, 2008, about two minutes after launch, when the SpaceX Falcon 1 launch vehicle experienced a problem during stage separation and was unable to achieve an Earth orbit. Although we were not able to test our payloads in space, NASA mission managers and payload engineers achieved success in these two low-cost missions by rapidly pulling together expertise from across the agency to develop, build and ground-test an innovative solar sail nanosatellite and a fundamental space biology micro-laboratory. The communications team also successfully established a fully operational South Pacific Ground Communication System using two ground stations, which were transported and installed at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and at the Universidad Centroamericana in El Salvador. This mission provided an excellent opportunity for collaboration between two NASA centers, other government agencies, academia and the burgeoning space industry. Through the development of NanoSail-D and PRESat, NASA gained experience and knowledge it can apply to future small and nanosatellite missions. ---- __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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WD9EWK's first non-FM satellite QSOs today!
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Hi! After months of trying to make a portable station that would allow me to work the SSB/CW satellites (first with an FT-817ND and AOR AR8200Mk2B wide-band receiver, then later with two FT-817NDs, all using my Arrow Antennas handheld Yagi), I finally made everything work. At 1756 and 1758 UTC today, I logged my first two satellite QSOs not using FM on either the uplink or downlink. As I expected, it was not an easy thing; FO-29's 2m uplink seemed to make it a bit easier than a 70cm uplink like I had tried before on VO-52 or AO-7. Now, after over 4100 satellite QSOs in the last 2 1/2 years or so, I can say I've got at least a couple SSB satellite QSOs to go with the others I've done on FM. I know that computer control for either - or both - of the radios is the preferred way to go. Less work for the operator, reducing how much my signal moves through the passband due to Doppler, and simply more time to work other stations. I will most likely end up with a portable setup using a small laptop that can control these two FT-817NDs or some other radio(s), eventually. I will also rig up a tripod or something for the Yagi, or try another antenna, so I don't have to hold it while trying to work the radio(s). I decided that the 1745-1759 UTC FO-29 pass this morning to my east would probably be a good pass to try. Good elevation, and a footprint covering most of North America. I set up my radios in the back of my truck just over the line into grid DM44ha northeast of Phoenix AZ, and tried my luck. It took a couple of minutes to get used to finding my signal in the downlink. My 5W signal with the Yagi was more than enough. I heard some CW early in the pass, then I could hear a couple of voices - Joe K3SZH and Jeff K7WIN. When those two finished their QSO, I quickly called K7WIN. K3SZH came back instead, and I made a quick QSO with Joe. I followed that up with another quick QSO with Jeff K7WIN. Both Joe and Jeff commented I had a good signal through the satellite. Thanks for the QSOs, and especially for dealing with my non-automated station near the end of the pass! Now I can go back to working on VO-52 and AO-7, plus the new Delfi satellite, and see if I can do the same with a non-FM satellite using a 70cm uplink. And keep on working FO-29, a very nice bird. I'm not turning my back on the FM birds, but adding more options when I want to play radio via satellite. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Re: GO-32 query on AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 400
by joe cassano aka jmario 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Jeff: The url http://mangrove.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi shows (a probably very limited view) of who has moved APRS packets through GO-32. Looking at that site it seems that there is only one sat-gate in the U.S. that monitors GO-32 and that is K3PDK who is located in Maryland so don't expect to see a lot of reports of stateside GO-32 APRS activity. I do occasionally hear other folks APRS packets being repeated by GO-32 and sometimes hear folk poking at the GO-32 pbbs. JoeC, K3FMA > > Message: 9 > Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:16:39 -0400 > From: "Mr Jeffrey L Ross" <radiooperator(a)comcast.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] anyone want to digi via sat go-32 @9600 . . . > p.s. does anyone know where the go-32 aprs web page satgate is? And is it > working? >

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Re: brain picking time
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Hello Domenico & all Thanks for all the information. The measured F/D ratio works out to 0.375, therefore a patch would be appropriate. As mentioned earlier I would be content to just be able to receive EME (for now). For transmitting no doubt a different feed would be needed. Currently I am looking around for a preamp. I built a dual helix feed I am going to use on a four foot primestar off center dish. I used to receive on AO40 (sobsob) with a 3731AA downconverter. This same system will be used for transmitting (L band) on our next HEO. Maybe by planning and working toward the next HEO will generate more intense drive by all concerned. I can mount the 70 watt amp behind the 12 foot TVRO as suggested. Could a short helix be used for receive on the big dish? They are easier to build as opposed to a patch. All this work (fun) will help fill the void untill the next HEO. From what I am reading on the BB I could be at this for a long time. Any additional information would be helpf ull, p erhaps others can get something out of this. I have some pictures of the dish, dual helix I can send upon request. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> Hi Bob, W7LRD Before to start anyting you must to know the F/D ratio of your dish because this parameter will tell you if a patch as a feed is suitable or not for it. If your TVRO dish is a prime focus dish to measure the F/D ratio is very easy Put your dish horizontal on the ground looking up 90 degrees and strain a rope passing just through the center of the mouth and measure the diameter D Measure the depth of the dish just from the center of the mouth between the rope and the bottom of the dish and call the deepth c 2 D D F/D = ----------------- and the focal point F = -------------- from the bottom of the dish 16 x c 16 x c If the F/D ratio is less than 0.5 then a patch can be used but if F/D is greater then 0.5 then a patch is not suitable. By the way a patch as a feed is not used at all for EME because there are type of specialized feed that are much and much better. If the F/D ratio is less of 0.5 then a VE4MA feed can be used and if the F/D ratio is greater of 0,5 then a dual mode dish W2IMU must be used. Both VE4MA and W2IMU are dual port feeds one the LHCP is used to transmit and the other one the RHCP is used to receive. Waiting for P3E and depending of the F/D ratio of a 5 meter dish that I plan to build for 1296 MHz EME I have already built both a VE4MA and a W2IMU feeds in order to be prepared for EME in the future because unfortunately the future seems to be not bright for the HEO satellites. 73" de i8CVS Domenico ----- Original Message ----- From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net To: Edward Cole ; i8cvs ; AMSAT-BB Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:39 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time Ed and all Many thanks for the information from many of you. I realize I will need a preamp. For now I will be content to see what I can hear. As you can guess once I can copy signals I will want to join in. That will require at very least mounting the amp at the antenna and a sequencer. I have seen W0LMD' web site as well as several others. I want to start out slow, before I "lose it". 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> > Domenico, > > You said it well. I forgot to mention that polarity sense will > reverse upon reflection at the dish surface, so the feed sense should > be Rx=RHCP; Tx=LHCP. In other discussions about using a patch for > eme, concern has been about sidelobe performance and high power > rating of the patch if full QRO eme is considered. Up to 200w it > probably is OK. > > I assumed that Bob was savy enough about microwave weak-signals to > know that on eme a preamp is not a luxury but an absolute > necessity. LMR-400 would be fine for connection from the preamp to > the receiver in the shack, if at least 15-dB net gain is left after > the cable loss is subtracted. More gain is desirable if the receive r > NF is high. A preamp of 0.3 dBNF is standard at 1296 for eme. > > I have a WD5AGO two-stage preamp with 0.30dBNF and 31-dBgain bought > from Radio Astronomy Supply. > > 73 Ed - KL7UW > > At 05:54 PM 8/5/2008, i8cvs wrote: > >----- Original Message ----- > >From: "Edward Cole" > >To: ; "AMSAT-BB" > >Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:24 AM > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time > > > >At 04:35 PM 8/4/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: > > > > >Next question- which probably would be more aimed at a EME bb. I > > >have a 12 foot TVRO I am building a patch feed for 1296, and feed it > > >through 50 feet of LMR400 to my IC-1271A. I want to see if I am > > >able to "hear" EME signals. Of course if I am able to, you can > > >g u ess what my next effort will be. This will be a cheapie effort as > > >I am only using stuff I already have. I do have a KJ6KO L band 70 watt > >amp. > > >73 Bob W7LRD > > >Seattle > > > > > Bob, > > > > > > Is your patch feed circular polar? EME on 1296 is RHCP in transmit > > > and LHCP in receive. > > > >Hi Ed, KL7UW > > > >It is best to specify to Bob that on 1296 MHz the dish in transmit must > >radiate RHCP in direction of the moon so that the patch or any other > >feed must radiate LCHP in direction of the surface of the dish. > > > > > The switch of polarity sense is due to the fact > > > that reflection at the moon reverses the sense of polarization. > > > >OK > >So that on receiving the wave coming from the moon is received LHCP > ; ; ; ; & gt;over the surface of the dish but the dish reverse by reflection the signal > >in direction of the feed that must be made RHCP polarized on receiving. > > > >In addition a TVRO dish works well with a patch feed if the F/D ratio of > >the dish is ranging from 0.35 to 0.45 > > > > > might be difficult to achieve with a patch feed. > > > >W0LMD make a patch feed for RHCP and LHCP but never I tested it > > > >Since the target of Bob is to see if he is able to only "hear" EME signals > >at 1296 MHz without to complicate his life I suggest at the very beginning > >to build only a patch feed RHCP polarized. > > > >To receive a 1296 EME signal with a 12 foot TVRO and a IC-1271A > >it is strictly necessary to connect directly to the patch connector a low > >noise preamplifier with a NF in the order of 0.5 dB &g t; & gt; ; &g t; >Since the gain of a low noise EME preamplifier for 1296 MHz is > >in the order of 30 dB or more then 50 feet of LMR400 connected from > >the output of the preamplifier up to the input of the IC-1271A will not > >deteriorate the overall NF of the system that will be only a little bit > >higher than 0.5 dB > > > > > 73 Ed - KL7UW > > > >73" de > > > >i8CVS Domenico >

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Re: Boy Scout Contact in AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 400
by joe cassano aka jmario 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Ken: http://oscar.dcarr.org is a good place to look for up to date reports on types of ISS activity (when it is active). Another place to look is http://www.ariss.net which indicates that (outside of school contacts) the ISS TM-D700 digipeater has not been active for over a month. The ISS digipeater was more active in the past - wonder why it is rarely active these days. JoeC, K3FMA > > Message: 6 > Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 21:29:17 -0700 > From: "Ken Owen" <n6kth(a)n6kth.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Help with ISS Boy Scout Contact > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <000801c8f9d8$7d10bc00$2e01a8c0@CIR2> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hi folks: > > I will be setting up the station that will contact the ISS in less than two > weeks on behalf of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club and a local Boy > Scout troop. The contact is scheduled, and we have the necessary equipment. > > I would like to make sure in advance that my station is tracking the ISS > correctly. I wonder if anyone is currently making any ISS contacts (of the > not so pre-arranged type) and whether the cross-band repeater is in use. > I've listened on 145.800 for a couple of passes, but I've not heard anything > yet. > > I appreciate any advice from those who have done this before. > > Thanks, > > Ken Owen, N6KTH > AMSAT Area Coordinator > >

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What happens when you loose a satellite
by Keith & Jenny Sloan 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

With things like the Falcon launch failure you obviously loose the satellite, but do you get another launch having paid you money or is that it. You loose everything if the launch fails If the later then the launch of P3E and P5A could prove very expensive if the launch fails.

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EA4TX RCI-SE board and Yaesu G-5500 Controller
by Sven Arne Astrup 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Hi! Just switched from using the G-5400B controller to the G-5500 controller and need someone to give me a lesson on how to calibrate the new controller. Would like to get in touch with someone using a simular setup, the ARS RCI-SE board and the G-5500 controller. 73 de Sven LA6KJ No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.0/1601 - Release Date: 08.08.2008 09:02

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Re: brain picking time
by G0MRF＠aol.com 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Hi Bob. There is a pre-amp kit available over here for about $70 which gives 0.26dB noise figure and 34dB gain at 1296MHz. Without resorting to cavity designs, this sounds pretty state of the art and is been used for EME. _http://www.g4ddk.com/_ (http://www.g4ddk.com/) Apparently, Sam accepts paypal and has variants of the design for 2.4G and 3.4G Thanks David In a message dated 09/08/2008 14:33:39 GMT Standard Time, w7lrd(a)comcast.net writes: Hello Domenico & all Thanks for all the information. The measured F/D ratio works out to 0.375, therefore a patch would be appropriate. As mentioned earlier I would be content to just be able to receive EME (for now). For transmitting no doubt a different feed would be needed. Currently I am looking around for a preamp.

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Santa Barbara Hamfest Demo Sunday (re-send)
by Ken Owen 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Hi folks: Your assistance is requested to help make my demo at the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club's hamfest on Sunday a success. I will be providing demos during the 10 Aug, 15:55 AO-51 pass and the 10 Aug 21:06 AO-27 pass. We'd certainly appreciate some contacts. Thanks! Ken Owen, N6KTH AMSAT Area Coordinator

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anyone want to digi via sat go-32 @9600
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

hi folks, anyone want to try and digi to each other via the go-32 sat? Just a short link is all we would have time for but it would be neat to do. We need to find out what freq and call we are to use too. If so contact me off list. 73 all kc8gkf West Michigan USA p.s. does anyone know where the go-32 aprs web page satgate is? And is it working?

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qsl ao-51 data/telem @9600
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

hi folks, I just copied ao-51 downlink @9600 baud. This is a first with this sat here for me so I'm Really Happy. Thanks AMSAT-NA. You know what for! (turning up the power) hi kc8gkf here it is: PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PACBLS-8*>PACBLS-8 <UI>: PACBLS S Meter = 0 PECHO-11*>STATUS <UI>: B: 120900539 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PACBLS-8*>PACBLS-8 <UI>: PACBLS S Meter = 0 PACB-1*>TLMI-1 <UI>: H$6 ZRX WdM3 !"#$w%&'p()*k+r,c-x.9/d0C12s3s456789`:;<=H>?@AB;CD=E=FG`HIJKLM PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:2F C4:04 C5:01 PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty. PACB-1*>TLMS-1 <UI>: C0:0D C1:44 C2:76 C3:2F C4:04 C5:01 PECHO-12*>BBSTAT <UI>: Open ABCD: PECHO-11*>STATUS <UI>: B: 120900539 PACB-1*>LSTAT <UI>: I P:0x13A8 o:0 l:27208 f:27245, d:1 st:6 e:8b PECHO-11*>PBLIST <UI>: PB: Empty.

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Re: brain picking time
by Edward Cole 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Bob, The problem with using a helix is that you need to switch circular polarity back-n-forth on eme everytime you swich from Tx to Rx. A helix is usable for only one sense of circular pol and near impossible to switch. Two helices would be nearly impossible to wind on the same common axis like your dual band helical. I strongly urge you to think about using a septum feed on 1296. 73 Ed At 11:28 PM 8/8/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: >Hello Domenico & all >Thanks for all the information. The measured F/D ratio works out >to 0.375, therefore a patch would be appropriate. As mentioned >earlier I would be content to just be able to receive EME (for >now). For transmitting no doubt a different feed would be >needed. Currently I am looking around for a preamp. I built a dual >helix feed I am going to use on a four foot primestar off center >dish. I used to receive on AO40 (sobsob) with a 3731AA >downconverter. This same system will be used for transmitting (L >band) on our next HEO. Maybe by planning and working toward the >next HEO will generate more intense drive by all concerned. I can >mount the 70 watt amp behind the 12 foot TVRO as suggested. Could a >short helix be used for receive on the big dish? They are easier to >build as opposed to a patch. All this work (fun) will help fill the >void untill the next HEO. Fr om what I am reading on the BB I could >be at this for a long time. Any additional information would be >helpfull, perhaps others can get something out of this. I have some >pictures of the dish, dual helix I can send upon request. >73 Bob W7LRD >Seattle > >-- >"if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" > >-------------- Original message -------------- >From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it> >Hi Bob, W7LRD > >Before to start anyting you must to know the F/D ratio of your dish >because this parameter will tell you if a patch as >a feed is suitable or not for it. > >If your TVRO dish is a prime focus dish to measure the F/D ratio is >very easy > >Put your dish horizontal on the ground looking up 90 degrees and >strain a rope passing just through the center of the mouth and >measure the diameter D > >Measure the depth of the dish just from the center of the mouth >between the rope and the bottom of the dish and call the deepth c > >2 > D > D >F/D = ----------------- and the focal point F >= -------------- from the bottom of the dish > 16 x > c 16 x c > >If the F/D ratio is less than 0.5 then a patch can be used but if >F/D is greater then 0.5 then a patch is not suitable. > >By the way a patch as a feed is not used at all for EME because >there are type of specialized feed that are much and much better. > >If the F/D ratio is less of 0.5 then a VE4MA feed can be used and if >the F/D ratio is greater of 0,5 then a dual mode dish W2IMU must be used. > >Both VE4MA and W2IMU are dual port feeds one the LHCP is used to >transmit and the other one the RHCP is used to receive. > >Waiting for P3E and depending of the F/D ratio of a 5 meter dish >that I plan to build for 1296 MHz EME I have already built both a >VE4MA and a W2IMU feeds in order to be prepared for EME in the >future because unfortunately the future seems to be not bright for >the HEO satellites. > >73" de > >i8CVS Domenico > >----- Original Message ----- >From: <mailto:[email protected]>w7lrd(a)comcast.net >To: <mailto:[email protected]>Edward Cole ; ><mailto:[email protected]>i8cvs ; <mailto:[email protected]>AMSAT-BB >Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:39 AM >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time > >Ed and all >Many thanks for the information from many of you. I realize I will >need a preamp. For now I will be content to see what I can >hear. As you can guess once I can copy signals I will want to join >in. That will require at very least mounting the amp at the antenna >and a sequencer. I have seen W0LMD' web site as well as several >others. I want to start out slow, before I "lose it". >73 Bob W7LRD > > >-- >"if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" > >-------------- Original message -------------- >From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> > > > Domenico, > > > > You said it well. I forgot to mention that polarity sense will > > reverse upon reflection at the dish surface, so the feed sense should > > be Rx=RHCP; Tx=LHCP. In other discussions about using a patch for > > eme, concern has been about sidelobe performance and high power > > rating of the patch if full QRO eme is considered. Up to 200w it > > probably is OK. > > > > I assumed that Bob was savy enough about microwave weak-signals to > > know that on eme a preamp is not a luxury but an absolute > > necessity. LMR-400 would be fine for connection from the preamp to > > the receiver in the shack, if at least 15-dB net gain is left after > > the cable loss is subtracted. More gain is desirable if the receive r > > NF is high. A preamp of 0.3 dBNF is standard at 1296 for eme. > > > > I have a WD5AGO two-stage preamp with 0.30dBNF and 31-dBgain bought > > from Radio Astronomy Supply. > > > > 73 Ed - KL7UW > > > > At 05:54 PM 8/5/2008, i8cvs wrote: > > >----- Original Message ----- > > >From: "Edward Cole" > > >To: ; "AMSAT-BB" > > >Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:24 AM > > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time > > > > > >At 04:35 PM 8/4/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: > > > > > > >Next question- which probably would be more aimed at a EME bb. I > > > >have a 12 foot TVRO I am building a patch feed for 1296, and feed it > > > >through 50 feet of LMR400 to my IC-1271A. I want to see if I am > > > >able to "hear" EME signals. Of course if I am able to, you can > > > >g u ess what my next effort will be. This will be a cheapie effort as > > > >I am only using stuff I already have. I do have a KJ6KO L band 70 watt > > >amp. > > > >73 Bob W7LRD > > > >Seattle > > > > > > > Bob, > > > > > > > > Is your patch feed circular polar? EME on 1296 is RHCP in transmit > > > > and LHCP in receive. > > > > > >Hi Ed, KL7UW > > > > > >It is best to specify to Bob that on 1296 MHz the dish in transmit must > > >radiate RHCP in direction of the moon so that the patch or any other > > >feed must radiate LCHP in direction of the surface of the dish. > > > > > > > The switch of polarity sense is due to the fact > > > > that reflection at the moon reverses the sense of polarization. > > > > > >OK > > >So that on receiving the wave coming from the moon is received LHCP >&gt >; ; ; ; ; & gt;over the surface of the dish but the dish reverse by >reflection the signal > > >in direction of the feed that must be made RHCP polarized on receiving. > > > > > >In addition a TVRO dish works well with a patch feed if the F/D ratio of > > >the dish is ranging from 0.35 to 0.45 > > > > > > > might be difficult to achieve with a patch feed. > > > > > >W0LMD make a patch feed for RHCP and LHCP but never I tested it > > > > > >Since the target of Bob is to see if he is able to only "hear" > EME signals > > >at 1296 MHz without to complicate his life I suggest at the very > beginning > > >to build only a patch feed RHCP polarized. > > > > > >To receive a 1296 EME signal with a 12 foot TVRO and a IC-1271A > > >it is strictly necessary to connect directly to the patch connector a low > > >noise preamplifier with a NF in the order of 0.5 dB >&g t; & gt; ; >&g t; >Since the gain of a low noise EME preamplifier for 1296 MHz is > > >in the order of 30 dB or more then 50 feet of LMR400 connected from > > >the output of the preamplifier up to the input of the IC-1271A will not > > >deteriorate the overall NF of the system that will be only a little bit > > >higher than 0.5 dB > > > > > > > 73 Ed - KL7UW > > > > > >73" de > > > > > >i8CVS Domenico > > > >From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net >To: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>, "Edward Cole" ><kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net>, "AMSAT-BB" <AMSAT-BB(a)AMSAT.Org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time >Date: Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:17:14 +0000 >Content-Type: Multipart/mixed; > boundary="NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_3405_1218266937_2" > >From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net >To: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs(a)tin.it>, "Edward Cole" ><kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net>, "AMSAT-BB" <AMSAT-BB(a)AMSAT.Org> >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time >Date: Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:09:09 +0000 >Content-Type: Multipart/mixed; > boundary="NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_27280_1218266234_2" > >

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Help with ISS Boy Scout Contact
by Ken Owen 09 Aug '08

09 Aug '08

Hi folks: I will be setting up the station that will contact the ISS in less than two weeks on behalf of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club and a local Boy Scout troop. The contact is scheduled, and we have the necessary equipment. I would like to make sure in advance that my station is tracking the ISS correctly. I wonder if anyone is currently making any ISS contacts (of the not so pre-arranged type) and whether the cross-band repeater is in use. I've listened on 145.800 for a couple of passes, but I've not heard anything yet. I appreciate any advice from those who have done this before. Thanks, Ken Owen, N6KTH AMSAT Area Coordinator

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AMSAT-UK Colloquium: Mars Orbiter P5-A Presentation on BATC site
by Trevor 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

The Mars Orbiter P5-A Presentation video (lecture 10) is now on the BATC website. To access the videos go to http://www.batc.tv/ and click on the 'Archive' icon on the left. Select which AMSAT-UK lecture you wish to watch then click the 'Play' (>) icon. Click on the icon between the 'Progress' bar and the 'Volume' bar to get full screen viewing. Lectures 4 and 5 are about the MoonLITE project which will be the first Lunar mission by the United Kingdom. Lectures 6, 7 and 8 are about the Delfi-C3 satellite Lecture 9 is the P3-E satellite presentation given by AMSAT-DL President Peter Guelzow DB2OS, see also 'Get into Orbit with AMSAT-DL's P3E-Satellite' at http://www.p3e-satellite.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Lecture 10 will be the Amateur Radio Mars Orbiter P5-A given by Achim Vollhardt DH2VA, see also 'GO-Mars with AMSAT-DL's P5A Mission' at http://ticket-to-mars.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Still to be added: Lecture 11 will be the Delfi-n3Xt next generation satellite presentation Lecture 12 will be the presentation on the new GB4FUN vehicle given by Carlos Eavis G0AKI Lecture 13 will be the 2.3/3.4/5.6GHz Signal Generator for Satellite Applications by Grant Hodgson G8UBN Lectures 14/15 will be the Band planning for satellite operations on frequencies in the Amateur Service by Hans van de Groenendaal ZS6AKV, President AMSAT-SA followed by the IARU Satellite Forum. The full lecture programme (with video lecture numbers) can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/640/213/ The PowerPoint presentation slides can be viewed at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/664/235/ Pictures from the event can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/gallery2 AMSAT-UK publish a newletter OSCAR News which is full of Amateur Satellite information. Join online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subscription/ For further details contact Jim Heck G3WGM. Tel: +44 (0)1258 453959 Email: g3wgm(a)amsat.org Web: http://www.uk.amsat.org/ ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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AMSAT-UK Colloquium: Mars Orbiter P5-A Presentation on BATC site
by Trevor 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

The Mars Orbiter P5-A Presentation video (lecture 11) is now on the BATC website. To access the video go to http://www.batc.tv/ and click on the 'Archive' icon on the left. Select which AMSAT-UK lecture you wish to watch then click the 'Play' (>) icon. Click on the icon between the 'Progress' bar and the 'Volume' bar to get full screen viewing. Lectures 4 and 5 are about the MoonLITE project which will be the first Lunar mission by the United Kingdom. Lectures 6, 7 and 8 are about the Delfi-C3 satellite Lecture 9 is the P3-E satellite presentation given by AMSAT-DL President Peter Guelzow DB2OS, see also 'Get into Orbit with AMSAT-DL's P3E-Satellite' at http://www.p3e-satellite.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Lecture 10 will be the Amateur Radio Mars Orbiter P5-A given by Achim Vollhardt DH2VA, see also 'GO-Mars with AMSAT-DL's P5A Mission' at http://ticket-to-mars.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Still to be added: Lecture 11 will be the Delfi-n3Xt next generation satellite presentation Lecture 12 will be the presentation on the new GB4FUN vehicle given by Carlos Eavis G0AKI Lecture 13 will be the 2.3/3.4/5.6GHz Signal Generator for Satellite Applications by Grant Hodgson G8UBN Lectures 14/15 will be the Band planning for satellite operations on frequencies in the Amateur Service by Hans van de Groenendaal ZS6AKV, President AMSAT-SA followed by the IARU Satellite Forum. The full lecture programme (with video lecture numbers) can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/640/213/ The PowerPoint presentation slides can be viewed at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/664/235/ Pictures from the event can be seen at: http://www.uk.amsat.org/gallery2 AMSAT-UK publish a newletter OSCAR News which is full of Amateur Satellite information. Join online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subscription/ For further details contact Jim Heck G3WGM. Tel: +44 (0)1258 453959 Email: g3wgm(a)amsat.org Web: http://www.uk.amsat.org/ ---- 73 Trevor M5AKA __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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AO-7: out of eclipse?
by SV1BSX 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

Hi all, as I read on AO-7's Online LogBook, today the Satellite "switched" on Mode-A after a long time. Looking for eclipse-periods, according to NOVA today @ 12:25 UTC it was the last Eclipse for the current season! The next one will be on 12th of May, 2009 . However, according to Emily's Log that is not true, the end of eclipses take place at October 2008. http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/Eclipse.php I wondering... Is it NOVA "true" or Emily's Log ? 73 de Mak, SV1BSX Email: sv1bsx "AT" yahoo .gr URL : http://sv1bsx.50webs.com

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qsl go-32 finally yip eee
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

hi folks, seems my wires are right, just copied the downlink from go-32 as it went right over head, got a page or two also, nice, here it is: 09:58:33 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:58:37 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:58:42 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:58:42 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:58:42 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163412718 09:58:42 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): >Fri Aug 08 14:03:36 2008 :UTC| Gurwin Techsat1B (V9.87) 09:58:42 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): BBS(V9.87) 2Users/8BCasts. 09:58:42 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): Upl:145.89,1269.8 09:58:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN1 GO32:cu APRS!!Use pth via 4XTECH 09:58:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN2 GO32:APRS msgs use 145.85 Upl 09:58:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN3 GO32:D7* posits use 145.93 09:58:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 10YR to GO32!keep on amigo 09:58:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 09:58:48 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:58:48 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:58:48 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163413157 09:58:58 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:58:58 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163413317 09:58:58 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163413397 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): >Fri Aug 08 14:03:56 2008 :UTC| Gurwin Techsat1B (V9.87) 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): BBS(V9.87) 2Users/8BCasts. 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): Upl:145.89,1269.8 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN1 GO32:cu APRS!!Use pth via 4XTECH 09:59:03 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN2 GO32:APRS msgs use 145.85 Upl 09:59:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN3 GO32:D7* posits use 145.93 09:59:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 10YR to GO32!keep on amigo 09:59:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 09:59:05 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:06 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:07 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163413836 09:59:12 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:12 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:12 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163413935 09:59:18 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:18 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:18 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163414015 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163414095 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): >Fri Aug 08 14:04:16 2008 :UTC| Gurwin Techsat1B (V9.87) 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): BBS(V9.87) 2Users/8BCasts. 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): Upl:145.89,1269.8 09:59:23 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN1 GO32:cu APRS!!Use pth via 4XTECH 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN2 GO32:APRS msgs use 145.85 Upl 09:59:23 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN3 GO32:D7* posits use 145.93 09:59:25 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 10YR to GO32!keep on amigo 09:59:25 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 09:59:27 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:27 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163414534 09:59:29 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:33 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:33 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163414614 09:59:35 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:37 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:37 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163414694 09:59:42 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:42 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:42 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163414793 09:59:42 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): >Fri Aug 08 14:04:36 2008 :UTC| Gurwin Techsat1B (V9.87) 09:59:42 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): BBS(V9.87) 2Users/8BCasts. 09:59:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): Upl:145.89,1269.8 09:59:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN1 GO32:cu APRS!!Use pth via 4XTECH 09:59:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN2 GO32:APRS msgs use 145.85 Upl 09:59:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN3 GO32:D7* posits use 145.93 09:59:43 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 10YR to GO32!keep on amigo 09:59:44 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 09:59:48 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:48 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:48 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163415232 09:59:54 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 09:59:54 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:54 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163415312 09:59:59 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 09:59:59 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163415392 09:59:59 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163415472 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): >Fri Aug 08 14:04:57 2008 :UTC| Gurwin Techsat1B (V9.87) 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): BBS(V9.87) 2Users/8BCasts. 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): Upl:145.89,1269.8 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN1 GO32:cu APRS!!Use pth via 4XTECH 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN2 GO32:APRS msgs use 145.85 Upl 10:00:04 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): :BLN3 GO32:D7* posits use 145.93 10:00:05 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 10YR to GO32!keep on amigo 10:00:05 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 10:00:05 4XTECH-12*>BEACON (UI): 10:00:09 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 10:00:09 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163415911 10:00:11 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 10:00:12 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 10:00:13 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163416036 10:00:17 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. 10:00:18 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 10:00:18 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163416090 10:00:27 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 10:00:27 4XTECH-12*>STATUS (UI): >B:163416170 10:00:29 4XTECH-12*>BBSTAT (UI): Open:AB1C23: 10:00:57 4XTECH-11*>PBLIST (UI): PB: Empty. and this was without a rotator and all I did is move the freq. manualy. +-10khz qsl go-32 de kc8gkf now I'm havin fun! anyone want to try the digi out next pass tonight? I"m at EN63UF West Michigan USA (4XTECH*)

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SEEDS in mode 0 (test mode)
by Mike Rupprecht 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

Hi all, SEEDS is actually in mode 0 (test mode). CW beacon as follow: Aug 08, 2008 at 0836 UTC jq1ygu seeds g0 d6c ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d59 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d70 ffd jq1ygu seeds g0 d80 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d78 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d72 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d6e ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d74 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 dcf ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d64 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d70 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d6e ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d76 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d6f ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d7f ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d77 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d6e ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d7e ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d68 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d5c ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d72 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d72 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d76 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 dca ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d70 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d76 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d7a ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d7e ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d5b ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d77 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d73 ffe jq1ygu seeds g0 d70 ffe 73, Mike DK3WN

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 398
by Clint Bradford 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

>Your assistance is requested to help make my demo at the Santa Barbara >Amateur Radio Club's hamfest on Sunday a success. I will be providing demos >during the 10 Aug, 15:55 AO-51 pass and the 10 Aug 21:06 AO-27 pass. I'll be listening. That is a good event, Ken - I worked it two years ago. Made one of my most memorable sets of contacts there: THREE GENERATIONS of hams making their first sat contacts with me. A high school student, who just received his license, and this was his VERY FIRST contact ever, his dad, and grandfather...all successfully hitting AO-51 and SO-50 that morning. If your in SoCA but cannot make it to Santa Barbara festivities this SUNDAY, I'll be demo'ing AO-51 in Tarzana this SATURDAY. Looks like the 7:56am local time pass will be accessible for us. Afterwards, I am giving my "How to Work Amateur Satellites with your HT" presentation. Carrows Restaurant, 18355 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA. Call me at 909-241-7666. If you attend and tell me you're a participant here, I'll "help" with your breakfast bill! Clint Bradford, K6LCS -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: Fwd: AMSAT-UK Colloquium
by G0MRF＠aol.com 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

In a message dated 07/08/2008 23:41:25 GMT Standard Time, martha(a)amsat.org writes: AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2008 videos of the individual lectures held Friday 25 July to Sunday 27 July at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK can be viewed at http://www.batc.tv/channelphp?ch=1 <http://www.batc.tv/channel.php?ch=1> Hi all. Didn't have any luck with the link above. But did find the lectures here. _http://www.batc.tv_ (http://www.batc.tv) then select Film Archive. The P3E update is lecture number 9 Delfi team are numbers 6 7 and 8 Thanks David G0MRF

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AMSAT-UK Video's on BATC Site
by Trevor 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

AMSAT-UK Video's on BATC Site Videos of the presentations given at this years AMSAT-UK Colloquium are now available on the BATC video site. To access the videos go to http://www.batc.tv/ and click on the 'Archive' button on the left. Select which AMSAT-UK lecture you wish to watch then click the 'Play' (>) icon. Click on the icon between the 'Progress' bar and the 'Volume' bar to get full screen viewing. Lectures 4 and 5 are about the MoonLITE project which will be the first Lunar mission by the United Kingdom. Lectures 6, 7 and 8 are about the Delfi-C3 satellite Lecture 9 is the P3-E satellite presentation given by AMSAT-DL President Peter Guelzow DB2OS, see also "Get into Orbit with AMSAT-DL's P3E-Satellite" at http://www.p3e-satellite.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Lecture 10 will be the Amateur Radio Mars Orbiter P5-A given by Achim Vollhardt DH2VA, see also "GO-Mars with AMSAT-DL's P5A Mission" at http://ticket-to-mars.org/index.pl?lang=en_EN Lecture 11 will be the Delfi-n3Xt next generation satellite presentation The full lecture programme can be seen at http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/640/213/ AMSAT-UK publish a newletter OSCAR News which is full of Amateur Satellite information. Join online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subscription/ For further details contact Jim Heck G3WGM. Tel: +44 (0)1258 453959 Email: g3wgm(a)amsat.org Web: http://www.uk.amsat.org/ ---- __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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AMSAT UK P3E Lecture Available
by Keith N4ZQ 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Please excuse if this has been posted already, as I have been away and have not been keeping close tabs on the AMSAT-BB reflector lately. The P3E Lecture that was given at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium by Peter DB2OS is available for viewing on the British Amateur Television Club web site. http://www.batc.tv/ It's located under the Film Archive Channel and is listed as AMSAT-UK Lecture 9 from the drop down menu. The other presentation are also available except I couldn't find the P5A lecture. Possibility it hasn't been processed yet ? Enjoy... Keith N4ZQ ____________________________________________________________ Click here for a free directory of employee development and training solutions. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/Ioyw6i4s28jrvcMhf50qrX0hhodG…

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Florida AMSAT Net - Cen.Fla check-ins
by David J 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Any stations that usually check into the Florida AMSAT Net via the N4HHA repeater here in Orlando, FL will need to check into the net via echolink or direct to the NI4CE system of repeaters in west central Fl. The N4HHA repeater has a technical problem and will not be able to carry the net this evening. Dave, AA4KN

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Doohan's remains
by Nate Duehr 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Someone notified me off-list that I was incorrect about the actor's remains being on board. I don't really care. Sorry I replied at all. Just saw some confusion about the videos and figured the news report from last time meant there was confusion about the "burial" trip to orbit too. I guess they must have split up the remains and have tried both times -- since there were news reports about them "losing" his remains in the destruction of the last launch, also. It would help a lot if the press would get it right. Sorry if my reply gave anyone heartburn... I personally don't care where the ashes of a dead actor end up, as long as he doesn't turn into more orbital debris that might hit something useful. So I've already spent too much time on this thread... back to more useful topics... thanks for the correction. Nate WY0X

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More than Just Sats Lost Last Week
by Clint Bradford 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Not only were three satellites lost in the SpaceX problem last week, but so were ashes of 208 people...including "Scotty" of Star Trek fame, James Doohan. http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/04/unfulfilled-space-fu.html Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Fwd: AMSAT-UK Colloquium
by Martha 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: g3zhi hotmail <g3zhi(a)hotmail.com> Date: Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 11:50 AM Subject: AMSAT-UK Colloquium To: martha591(a)gmail.com please let me know you get this ok thanks ==================================================== AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2008 videos of the individual lectures held Friday 25 July to Sunday 27 July at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK can be viewed at http://www.batc.tv/channelphp?ch=1 <http://www.batc.tv/channel.php?ch=1> 73 Ian G3ZHI http://www.qsl.net/g3zhi - many ham radio links http://www.southgatearc.org/ latest ham radio news G4NJI IRLP 5200 Echolink 135909 Rotherham simplex 145.2875mhz Dstar GB7YD 145.675mhz Mobile: 07984732058 -- 73- Martha

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Video of Falcon 1 3 malfunction
by Bruce Robertson 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

SpaceX has announced that the problem with the last launch was that the first stage regenerative engine continued burning longer than they expected. It therefore bumped into the second stage after separation. A new downward looking video that includes this action is available at: http://mfile.akamai.com/22165/wmv/spacex.download.akamai.com/22165/F1-003.a… 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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Santa Barbara Hamfest Demo Sunday
by Ken Owen 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Hi folks: Your assistance is requested to help make my demo at the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club's hamfest on Sunday a success. I will be providing demos during the 10 Aug, 15:55 AO-51 pass and the 10 Aug 21:06 AO-27 pass. We'd certainly appreciate some contacts. Thanks! Ken Owen, N6KTH AMSAT Area Coordinator

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Repeat announcement - Russain Nanosputnik "Polar lights"
by andy thomas 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Gang, I am asked by Alexander Zaitev RW3DZ of the Izmiran Institute, in Troitsk outside Moscow, Russia, to publicise his proposed "Nanosputnik" Cubesat “Polar Lights”. FYI the Izmiran Institute made the first spaceborne magnetometer, on Sputnik-3 in 1958. It is at: http://www.izmiran.ru RW3DZ recently referred to the Nanosputnik Cubesat in a blog at: http://www.vhfdx.ru/sputnikovaya-svyaz/50-let-kosmicheskoy-eryi and on his website at http://rk3dxb.narod.ru/polar_lights.html He is establishing a team within the promotion of amateur radio to young people around the RK3DKB club’s shack at Troitsk. John G7HIA and I were welcomed there last Sunday. The Nanosputnik is proposed to be built on a 10cm Cubesat frame and to weigh 1 Kg. Command uplink will be in 2 metres and data downlink at various data rates in 70cms, there are precise frequencies given but it is probably unwise for me to give them out at this stage as the satellite is not built yet and I do not know whether IARU frequency coordination has been undertaken. There may be an experimental 5 GHz beacon. The proposed payload is a unique magnetometer which will detect fluctuations along the flux lines of the magnetosphere and will be oriented along the flux lines within 1 degree by an on-board GLONASS/GPS. Data sampling will be 1 observation/second and he is interested in downloading every quarter orbit into the GENSO network. There is also scope for a CCD camera and cosmic ray detector. Orbital life is estimated as 3 years with rechargeable batteries and a solar panel charging system. I do not have any information about launch opportunities. John G7HIA and I will continue to work with RW3DZ and will bring any other information we have to this bb as we get it, although we are not responsible for this Nanosputnik in any way whatsoever. 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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M2 antenna opinions
by Doug Kuitula 07 Aug '08

07 Aug '08

Hi all, Has anyone had any experience with the M2 2M5-440XP 2 meter 440 antenna for LEO satellite use. Being the frugal ( extremely cheap) ham, I'll be using it with a tv rotor and a fixed elevation setup. From what I've read, the bandwidth should be wide enough for both satellites and fm repeaters. I know it's not the most ideal antenna for the birds but it's a start. Thanks in advance............de Doug KA8QCU

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re Polarity control box - again
by Angus 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hi Mak, thanks for reply. The problems occur when we go and try and make the polarity control unit remote controlled. I have a fully working manual unit here in the shack and is 100% fine. However the remote unit I built use's relays to add in extra lengths of 50ohm coax as a delay line (a 1/4 wave on the -45degree yagi, and a 1/2wavelength on the +45degree yagi.) This system I have seen used by very many operators and also some comercial units, however with just the 2 delay lines the LHCP will never really be LHCP, it needs an extra set of relays to switch in the other 1/4wave delay line. I was just wondering if anyone else had seen this or have I just misunderstood the circuit somehow. Any thoughts would be appreaciated. regards Gus M0IKB -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 1661 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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data port rig/tnc cable
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

hi folks, well I'm. halfway there in setting up a downlink/uplink data station for sats. So far, a local, way off station can copy me but I can not copy him. Was wondering if my wires are right. heres what i have: tnc:recv. -rig :9600 out tnc:xmit - rig :data in tnc:ptt -rig :ptt tnc:grnd rig:grnd pk 96 - ft 857 sound right? if not please let me know,tks still trying for go-32. /anyone got the status, web aprs page get updated/running yet? kc8gkf

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Re: [!! SPAM] Re: The Journal and "Progress"
by ANTHONY JAPHA 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hi Bruce, Good to hear from you. The news about P3E completion is very good. If the Mars connection helps to sell it, that's good strategy. What DX have you worked recently? 73, Tony, N2UN > [Original Message] > From: Bruce Robertson <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> > To: <tjjapha(a)earthlink.net> > Cc: Amsat-Bb <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Date: 8/6/2008 7:34:48 PM > Subject: [!! SPAM] Re: [amsat-bb] The Journal and "Progress" > > On Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 7:07 PM, ANTHONY JAPHA <tjjapha(a)earthlink.net> wrote: > > Greetings All, > > Just received the May/June Journal. It is extremely disheartening. > > > > For the 2nd issue in a row, there's no status report on Eagle (using the term in the broad sense as W2GPS uses it, to include the possibility of a rideshare). In Rick's Apogee View, there are the most vague references to progress, but the whole piece could have been written long, long ago. No conceivable definition of a progress report would include that writeup. There is not a single specific citation of real progress. We can only assume there has been none. > > > > This criticism has nothing to do with the difficulty in identifying an affordable launch opportunity, the discussion of which has been lengthy here. It has to do with getting ready for a launch if and when it appears possible. At one level, this is a chicken and egg problem; without a specific launch opportunity, what is to be built? But, the way to get out of a chicken and egg situation is to acquire either a chicken or an egg. We have neither. Without a chicken there'll never be an egg, and vice versa. > > > > Let's get a bird basically ready to go, i.e. designed, prototyped, tested, refined, etc. Where are we on these steps? How much more money is needed to get us there? Is the prospect of raising that amount of money good or is it as grim as being able to afford a launch? > > > > I continue to think that there is enough talent here to do the real stuff. That has been demonstrated many times. What there is little evidence of is the capacity to manage the effort in a way that improves the prospects of pulling the pieces (finance, planning, decision making) together. > > > > If I am wrong about all this, then please show the evidence. Just where are we on the many pieces that will comprise the bird? When will they be finished? How much will it cost? etc, etc, etc. I don't buy "progress" when none is apparent. Please make it apparent to us. > > > > 73, > > Tony, N2UN > > LM 183 > > Tony and everyone -- > > Forgive me if I'm repeating what you know; I don't have the new issue > of the Journal, I'm just stating what I understand from other sources. > In particular, the AMSAT-UK symposium two weekends ago had a long > presentation on P3E. It is supposed to be done by the end of the year. > Launch costs are prohibitively high, many millions of euros. However, > AMSAT-DL is presenting P3E and P5A as a package to the German national > space agency and hopes it might receive funding in that way. P3E would > be the test-bed for P5A. > > I know you are not asking about this specifically, but I thought at > the time that it did not get sufficient publicity on the bb, so I'm > writing it here. I understand the presentations will be published > online once the video is tidied up. The one on P5A is very > interesting, as is the one on Delfi N3xt. After the presentation on > P5A, I started pricing a dish :-) > > 73, Bruce > VE9QRP

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The Journal and "Progress"
by ANTHONY JAPHA 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Greetings All, Just received the May/June Journal. It is extremely disheartening. For the 2nd issue in a row, there's no status report on Eagle (using the term in the broad sense as W2GPS uses it, to include the possibility of a rideshare). In Rick's Apogee View, there are the most vague references to progress, but the whole piece could have been written long, long ago. No conceivable definition of a progress report would include that writeup. There is not a single specific citation of real progress. We can only assume there has been none. This criticism has nothing to do with the difficulty in identifying an affordable launch opportunity, the discussion of which has been lengthy here. It has to do with getting ready for a launch if and when it appears possible. At one level, this is a chicken and egg problem; without a specific launch opportunity, what is to be built? But, the way to get out of a chicken and egg situation is to acquire either a chicken or an egg. We have neither. Without a chicken there'll never be an egg, and vice versa. Let's get a bird basically ready to go, i.e. designed, prototyped, tested, refined, etc. Where are we on these steps? How much more money is needed to get us there? Is the prospect of raising that amount of money good or is it as grim as being able to afford a launch? I continue to think that there is enough talent here to do the real stuff. That has been demonstrated many times. What there is little evidence of is the capacity to manage the effort in a way that improves the prospects of pulling the pieces (finance, planning, decision making) together. If I am wrong about all this, then please show the evidence. Just where are we on the many pieces that will comprise the bird? When will they be finished? How much will it cost? etc, etc, etc. I don't buy "progress" when none is apparent. Please make it apparent to us. 73, Tony, N2UN LM 183

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Re polarity control box - again
by Angus 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hi all, its me again, sorry. OK got the 2mtr polarity control box working and very pleased, except for one very small item. LHCP never seemed to me to be 90 degrees out of phase with RHCP, never had the large drop in signal I expected. OK time for a bit or research and looked in to my VHF/UHF manual and found the pages and guess what, the design we have been using is wrong, or so I think, please correct me if I am wrong. OK both yagis have a 1/4 wave 75 ohm matching system to allow the system back to work with 2 x 50 ohm yagis in parallel, in case anyone forgets, so for Vertical both yagis fed in phase, for Horizontal the 135 degrees yagi is fed with a 1/2 wave of 50 ohm line to delay it by 180 degrees, no problems so far. For RHCP the 45 degrees yagi is fed with a 1/4 wavelength of 50 ohm delay line and again no problems. NOW HERE'S THE RUB! For LHCP we feed the 135 degrees yagi with a 1/4 wavelength of 50 ohm line, woops the system has a 1/2 wavelength of 50 ohm line! So instead of feeding as we should we are feeding it to make it simpler than it should be. Hence I was never happy that LHCP was never quite 90 degrees out with RHCP. So quite possibly we are going to get some form of strange oval type of polarity anyone take a guess at its true nature, I may have a play around with one of the antenna programs and see what comes out. Am I wrong completely on this or is it the better to have it off a little on LHCP to get the other 3 polarities correct? Sorry for boring some of you. regards Gus M0IKB

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Th-D7A(G) & HMC-3
by Jeff Yanko 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hi all, Just wondering if anybody on the BB is using the combination of the TH-D7A(G) and the HMC-3 headset? I have a few questions to ask about this setup. 73, Jeff WB3JFS

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LVB Tracker
by Peter 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hello, I am trying to setup Rotor Control using SatPC32 and LVB tracker; I am not finding the com port setup location. I would appreciate it if someone could walk me thru the Rotor setup, thank you. 73 Pete, WB2OQQ

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Re: brain picking time
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Ed and all Many thanks for the information from many of you. I realize I will need a preamp. For now I will be content to see what I can hear. As you can guess once I can copy signals I will want to join in. That will require at very least mounting the amp at the antenna and a sequencer. I have seen W0LMD' web site as well as several others. I want to start out slow, before I "lose it". 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Edward Cole <kl7uw(a)acsalaska.net> > Domenico, > > You said it well. I forgot to mention that polarity sense will > reverse upon reflection at the dish surface, so the feed sense should > be Rx=RHCP; Tx=LHCP. In other discussions about using a patch for > eme, concern has been about sidelobe performance and high power > rating of the patch if full QRO eme is considered. Up to 200w it > probably is OK. > > I assumed that Bob was savy enough about microwave weak-signals to > know that on eme a preamp is not a luxury but an absolute > necessity. LMR-400 would be fine for connection from the preamp to > the receiver in the shack, if at least 15-dB net gain is left after > the cable loss is subtracted. More gain is desirable if the receiver > NF is high. A preamp of 0.3 dBNF is standard at 1296 for eme. > > I have a WD5AGO two-stage preamp with 0.30dBNF and 31-dBgain bought > from Radio Astronomy Supply. > > 73 Ed - KL7UW > > At 05:54 PM 8/5/2008, i8cvs wrote: > >----- Original Message ----- > >From: "Edward Cole" > >To: ; "AMSAT-BB" > >Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:24 AM > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: brain picking time > > > >At 04:35 PM 8/4/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: > > > > >Next question- which probably would be more aimed at a EME bb. I > > >have a 12 foot TVRO I am building a patch feed for 1296, and feed it > > >through 50 feet of LMR400 to my IC-1271A. I want to see if I am > > >able to "hear" EME signals. Of course if I am able to, you can > > >guess what my next effort will be. This will be a cheapie effort as > > >I am only using stuff I already have. I do have a KJ6KO L band 70 watt > >amp. > > >73 Bob W7LRD > > >Seattle > > > > > Bob, > > > > > > Is your patch feed circular polar? EME on 1296 is RHCP in transmit > > > and LHCP in receive. > > > >Hi Ed, KL7UW > > > >It is best to specify to Bob that on 1296 MHz the dish in transmit must > >radiate RHCP in direction of the moon so that the patch or any other > >feed must radiate LCHP in direction of the surface of the dish. > > > > > The switch of polarity sense is due to the fact > > > that reflection at the moon reverses the sense of polarization. > > > >OK > >So that on receiving the wave coming from the moon is received LHCP > >over the surface of the dish but the dish reverse by reflection the signal > >in direction of the feed that must be made RHCP polarized on receiving. > > > >In addition a TVRO dish works well with a patch feed if the F/D ratio of > >the dish is ranging from 0.35 to 0.45 > > > > > might be difficult to achieve with a patch feed. > > > >W0LMD make a patch feed for RHCP and LHCP but never I tested it > > > >Since the target of Bob is to see if he is able to only "hear" EME signals > >at 1296 MHz without to complicate his life I suggest at the very beginning > >to build only a patch feed RHCP polarized. > > > >To receive a 1296 EME signal with a 12 foot TVRO and a IC-1271A > >it is strictly necessary to connect directly to the patch connector a low > >noise preamplifier with a NF in the order of 0.5 dB > > > >Since the gain of a low noise EME preamplifier for 1296 MHz is > >in the order of 30 dB or more then 50 feet of LMR400 connected from > >the output of the preamplifier up to the input of the IC-1271A will not > >deteriorate the overall NF of the system that will be only a little bit > >higher than 0.5 dB > > > > > 73 Ed - KL7UW > > > >73" de > > > >i8CVS Domenico >

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love QRM
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hello What! has Bob lost it? Love QRM! In the context of satellite communications yes QRM can be indicative of a good thing. It tells me this stuff up there is getting used. I can't tell you how many passes of AO7 right up the middle of the US my plaintive CQ calls went unanswered. Looking at the AO-7 Logbook http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/main.php our European friends are using AO-7 like no tomorrow! AO-7 has the largest footprint of all our sats. I suppose this subject makes as much sense as acronyms. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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Re: brain picking time
by Edward Cole 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

At 04:35 PM 8/4/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: >Next question- which probably would be more aimed at a EME bb. I >have a 12 foot TVRO I am building a patch feed for 1296, and feed it >through 50 feet of LMR400 to my IC-1271A. I want to see if I am >able to "hear" EME signals. Of course if I am able to, you can >guess what my next effort will be. This will be a cheapie effort as >I am only using stuff I already have. I do have a KJ6KO L band 70 watt amp. >73 Bob W7LRD >Seattle Bob, Regarding 1296-eme: The 12-foot dish will do fine on eme and the 70w amp will do fine as a start, especially if you use JT65C. Is your patch feed circular polar? EME on 1296 is RHCP in transmit and LHCP in receive. The switch of polarity sense is due to the fact that reflection at the moon reverses the sense of polarization. This might be difficult to achieve with a patch feed. Many eme stations are going to the septum feed since it produces both senses of circular polarization and eliminates the need for a high power coax relay. See http://www.ok1dfc.com/EME/emeweb.htm for septum designs. 50-feet of LMR-400 will lose a lot of power at 1296 (2.4dB loss); only 42w will reach the dish. You can solve this two ways: upgrade to 1-5/8-inch hardline (61w will reach the dish) or mount the amplifier at the dish (on the back side would work well). Then use a 10-12 foot 1/2-inch hardline to the feed so that 95% of the power reaches the feed. Typical stations on 1296 eme run a minimum of 150w and average 200-300w. I understand from talking with Gordy, WA6ZKY, that a 150w amp is being developed by KJ6KO. I probably let the cat out of the bag so my appology to Greg. 73 Ed - KL7UW

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For sale: Yaesu FT-736r
by Dave hartzell 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Hello, I'm selling my trusty Yaesu FT-736R rig. This has been a great satellite rig. The unit works fine, and is in good shape (but NOT mint). It has been used but NOT abused. No major scratches or blemishes on the front panel. The price is $550, plus shipping. I take PayPal only (or cash if the deal is local). The FT-736r has the following features: * Factory Standard 2m and 70cm modules ONLY * AM/FM/SSB/CW modes * 25 Watts on both bands * Built-in AC power supply * MH-1 Microphone (standard, with box) * FTS-8 Tone board * 9600-baud tap (to a new 1/8" plug on back, very professional, so you know I didn't do it) * CAT to RS-232 adapter included (non-Yaesu) * Manual with schematics (used a bit, written in, but complete) * Stack of information about the rig (9600-baud mods, CAT info). * AC Power cord * Includes Original box and Styrofoam packing * Non-smoking home The unit works great, but there are some minor issues which will NOT hamper operation: * Keypad beeps were disabled (previous owner) * Meter light-bulb is out * 2" strip of Velcro on the side * .75" rubber feet on the top Pictures are available at: http://picasaweb.google.com/hartzell/FT736r I would love to coordinate a hand-off in the San Francisco Bay Area (south Bay). Or, shipping (via FedEx) will be around $45. Contact me OFF LIST for more information: hartzell at gmail dot com 73, Dave AF6KD

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Re: OSCAR - Acronym for...?
by James Whitfield 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

Reading this thread has been entertaining, particularly the discussion about its importance. I am pleased, if also surprised, that there are writers and editors that actually care that much about the accuracy of what they write and edit. I have had a moderately long technical career, occasionally punctuated by what I now view as futile attempts to get co-workers, most of whom were supposedly well educated, to understand the meaning of the term "acronym". The difficult, and most frustrating, part is in trying to communicate what an acronym is not. COBOL is an acronym, but IBM and BLT are not. ( Since most of the time I have tried to point out the distinction, the reaction that I got was "serious don't care". ) With that as a back drop, I would speculate that since the term OSCAR was coined during a rampant epidemic of the alphabet soup of both government and industry, the term was created for its panache and the actual words for which it would stand were finalized afterward. The strongest evidence that I can bring forth is that it was a common practice at the time. If anyone can tell the story as it happened, or even some of the unverifiable legends of the time, I would enjoy hearing about it. Sputnik certainly proved that amateurs could receive signal from a radio in a man made satellite. The really great creative spark was suggesting that one could be build, not by the military or a government agency...or even an industrial corporation, but by amateurs, for amateur experimentation. Eventually it had to lead to the need to name it. Amateur radio equipment onboard a satellite. AREOS. Nothing to grab attention there. Satellite with amateur radio - SWAR. Nope. Satellite carrying amateur radio -- SCAR. Better, but not a positive message. However the name got to OSCAR, it was and still is a good name. Even so, I am a bit troubled by the thought that the expanded name for the project might not have been selected simply for the contraction to OSCAR. Suppose that Orbital ( or perhaps Orbiting ) Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio was really the name and OSCAR came later. What exactly would be the reason to use the combined term "orbital satellite". A quick check of the dictionary suggests to me that in the technical context, satellite is an object that is in orbit. That being the case, why use the term "orbital satellite"? At the time were there "non-orbital satellites" that needed to be distinguished from the amateur radio variety? The dictionary doesn't help, what with all of the different ways that the terms orbital, orbiting, and satellite are used, one can concoct a lot of different concepts, none of which I can tie into the basic concept, which in my mind needs not additional discrimination. It is only my opinion, but the term OSCAR has outgrown its roots as an acronym. Consider the word "radar". It has been so ingrained into the every day language of our society, even allowing for the dependence of society on technology, that it is no longer recognized as an acronym. Perhaps there are linguistic scholars that can trace its origins, but in the language of today, the term radar has lost its distinction from other words. So it is within the language of amateur radio. An OSCAR is a recognized thing. The term OSCAR, though perhaps it is still capitalized, invokes direct meaning rather than translation into the components that made up its origin phrase. Perhaps it is a fitting tribute to those whose genius and sweat built and operated OSCARs that the word has been accepted as a normal part of the amateur radio lexicon. My thanks to each of you, old timers and newcomers alike. James n5gui

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Re: OSCAR - Acronym for...?
by Trevor 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

I've missed some of the earlier posts on this but there is only one meaning for OSCAR given on the AMSAT-NA website so at the risk of repeating what someone may have already pointed out: OSCAR stands for "Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio" Intro to sats: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/faqs/Intro_sats.pdf OSCAR Numbers Policy: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html The Project Oscar website at http://www.projectoscar.net/ also gives the same definition. 73 Trevor M5AKA ---- __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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Re: More than Sats Lost Last Week
by Armando Mercado 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Hello, Only a "symbolic portion of cremated remains" are sent into space. See http://www.memorialspaceflights.com/process.asp Looks like a few grams per "participant." Fortunately, Celestic does offer a re-fly guarantee. 73, Armando N8IGJ >Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 16:57:25 -0700 >From: Clint Bradford <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net> >Subject: [amsat-bb] More than Sats Lost Last Week >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: <2D2B4E7F-7ED0-485F-A789-34D9B96FE235(a)earthlink.net> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes >Not only were three satellites lost in the SpaceX problem last week, >but so were ashes of 208 people... >http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/04/unfulfilled-space-fu.html >Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 http://www.memorialspaceflights.com/process.asp

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OSCAR - Acronym for...?
by Clint Bradford 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Some Web sites state that OSCAR is an acronym for "Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio." Or is it "Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio?" This is actually more important than it sounds...(grin) Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Grids In MN
by w6gmt＠bak.rr.com 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Hi All I will be working AO-51 and AO-27 from EM18,EM28,EM38, and EM48 for the next few days as I do a project for the Forest Service. HT and a Arrow. Most of the passes will be the PM passes. Please QSL to the MN address for contacts Thanks Brock W6GMT

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Doppler Shift Software
by Reicher, James 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

I'm trying to set up my station's Doppler shift control. I have an FT-847 and I've been working mostly with Satscape software because I love the graphics display and ease of use. But getting it to accept frequency changes thru the drop-down combo boxes (like changing AO7 from Mode A to Mode B) is next to impossible. Other software I've d/l'ed includes SatPC32, HRD, Nova for Windows, Orbitron, and Predict for DOS. I like HRD the best but the current build has a major defect in the 847 support. I've been less than successful in getting any of the others to control the radio. I'd like to hear from users of each package about how to interface with the radio. And please, no lectures about using Linux instead of Windows. It's not an option. 73 de W0HV, Jim in Raymore, MO Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

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Delfi-C3 PSK
by Mineo Wakita 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Satellite No. Uplink Downlink Beacon Mode DO-64 (DELFI-C3) 32789 435.570-530 145.880-920 145.870 SSB,CW I recorded a wav file when I succeeded in testing a loop by PSK signal, then Up 435.566 LSB / Down 145.900 USB in TCA. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/80805de2.wav JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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Request for Pictures of AMSAT-UK Colloquium
by Trevor 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

If anyone has any pictures of the recent AMSAT-UK Colloquium can they upload them to the Photo Gallery on the AMSAT-UK website at http://www.uk.amsat.org/gallery2/ To use the upload facility you may first need to click on the "Register" option (top right). 73 Trevor M5AKA __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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which is best software for DOPPLER in an FT-847
by Raul Romero CA3SOC 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

which is best software for DOPPLER in an FT-847 just look for software that is 847 layers of schedule when a satellite pass and that he order the radio frequency that is due to schedule tested with HRD but every time something happens oneself must change frequently in the software Some friends that I can made a hand in this issue Greetings Raul --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Are you still wasting your time with spam?... There is a solution!" Protected by GIANT Company's Spam Inspector The most powerful anti-spam software available. http://mail.spaminspector.com

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Re: [Fwd: DO-64]
by Alan Cresswell 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Hi Wouter Bear in mind that this happened about a minute or two before LOS and took me by surprise so these are not scientific observations. I was monitoring the beacon both by ear and with a visual display on spectran. When the CW started the normal display gave way to the CW signal only and it appeared to be on the centre frequency of the DSB beacon signal. I assumed at first that this was simply a new mode for the beacon. There were a few CW characters and then the beacon resumed. The same thing happened about 15 seconds later and then a couple of times more before LOS. I then realised that this is the exact pattern of RS-30, 5 or six CW characters at 15 second intervals. When I brought RS-30 up on my display I discovered that RS-30 and Delfi have orbits that converge from opposite directions once on each orbit and this convergence just happened to occur over ZL on that pass. My next chance to have another look at this is the 2246 UT pass on 6 August but I would think this can be checked before that on rev 1484 over Europe at about 0930 UT on the 6th August. Alan ZL2BX -----Original Message----- From: Wouter Jan Ubbels [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, 5 August 2008 07:08 To: Alan Cresswell Cc: albi(a)delfic3.nl; Delfi-C3 Mission Control Subject: Re: [Fwd: DO-64] Hi Alan, that is very strange. 435.315 is not a command frequency and is far away enough of the transponder uplink and the actual command frequencies so should not cause any trouble... How did you find out that the CW on 145.870 came from RS-30? Would be interested in your further observations! thanks a lot and 73! Wouter PE4WJ On Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 3:47 AM, Delfi-C3 Mission Control <missioncontrol(a)delfic3.nl> wrote: > fyi > > Hi Delfi team, > > With no one other than myself to talk to on a 2226 UT DO-64 pass this > morning I decided to monitor the beacon towards the end of the pass. > Shortly before LOS the beacon stopped and sent CW for a second or two and > then the beacon restarted. A few seconds later the same thing happened. I > eventually realized that the CW was the RS-30 downlink signal at 435.315MHz. > The two spacecraft were on opposite tracks and approaching each other at > this time. Why the 435.315MHz signal should stop the beacon and appear on > the 145.870MHz beacon frequency is a mystery to me. > I was about to post this on the amsat bulletin board when it occurred to me > that there could be a slight possibility that the effect on the beacon could > be because the RS-30 signal hit a command and control frequency at > 435.320MHz so thought I would send it to you direct just in case. > In the absence of any comment I will post the info on the Amsat bb for > general interest. > With the current orbits of Delfi and RS-30 they are in this relationship on > a regular basis so I will see what happens next time to the linear downlink > frequency. > > Alan > ZL2BX > >

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Re: OSCAR - Acronym for...?
by John Franke 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

The January 1962 issue of CQ announced the launch of OSCAR (later called OSCAR 1) and says Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. However, page 32 of the February 1962 issue shows a image of a "Father's List," with OSCAR Logo saying Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. The list was flown onboard the satellite. So, with the letterhead on the satellite, I tend to accept Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. John WA4WDL > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jim Jerzycke" <kq6ea(a)pacbell.net> > To: "Clint Bradford" <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net>; <amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org> > Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 8:20 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR - Acronym for...? > > >> The AMSAT glossary lists it as "Orbiting". >> The "Space Today" history of Amateur satellites lists >> it as "Orbital". >> http://www.spacetoday.org/Satellites/Hamsats/HamsatsBasics.html >> Guess I didn't help you much! >> Maybe one of the real Old Timers can chime in here! >> 73, Jim >> >> --- Clint Bradford <clintbrad4d(a)earthlink.net> wrote: >> >>> Some Web sites state that OSCAR is an acronym for >>> "Orbital Satellite >>> Carrying Amateur Radio." >>> >>> Or is it "Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur >>> Radio?" >>> >>> This is actually more important than it >>> sounds...(grin) >>> >>> Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 >>> 909-241-7666 >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are >>> those of the author. >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the >>> amateur satellite program! >>> Subscription settings: >>> http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >

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FW: OSCAR - Acronym for...?
by Don Ferguson 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

This did not make it to the bb so here is a resend. -----Original Message----- From: Don Ferguson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 8:09 PM To: 'Clint Bradford'; 'amsat-bb(a)amsat.org' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] OSCAR - Acronym for...? Clint, As the current President of Project OSCAR Inc., I felt some responsibility to answer your question. I went through our current Constitution and bylaws and find no reference to the original definition of OSCAR. I am inclined toward "Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio" but that is just my opinion. I have 26 boxes of company original documents all the way back to OSCAR I but I don't plan to go through them for this definition. I am still looking for your reason on why you state "This is actually more important than it sounds...(grin)" As someone else said, maybe some of the original members of Project OSCAR will recall the definition. Don Kd6ire -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 4:37 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] OSCAR - Acronym for...? Some Web sites state that OSCAR is an acronym for "Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio." Or is it "Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio?" This is actually more important than it sounds...(grin) Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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brain picking time
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 04 Aug '08

04 Aug '08

Hello all I have a couple of questions of some things I am working on- Has anyone used that expanding foam that you use for filling holes and gaps in walls etc. I am trying to use it for helix support inside some PVC pipe for a 2.4Ghz 6 turn helix. Once expanded it provides a rigid support for the coil. It stays cool in a microwave oven. I have no idea what if any the properties are regarding microwave applications. As with most of my efforts I just build and try. Next question- which probably would be more aimed at a EME bb. I have a 12 foot TVRO I am building a patch feed for 1296, and feed it through 50 feet of LMR400 to my IC-1271A. I want to see if I am able to "hear" EME signals. Of course if I am able to, you can guess what my next effort will be. This will be a cheapie effort as I am only using stuff I already have. I do have a KJ6KO L band 70 watt amp. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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