- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 239
by John Kopala 13 May '08

13 May '08

Ron, Been there, Done that. I am using a Directive Systems Looper antenna for 1.2 GHz. With the setup I have, I chose a 6 foot long version with a 30 degree beamwidth rather than the 12 foot long antenna. It works quite well when AO-51 is put in L/U mode as was done several months back for channel B. You can check out my satellite antenna setup on QRZ. I am using the IC-910 with the 1.2 GHz module. Works great. Figure about half of your output will ever reach the antenna. I selected Belden 9913F7 ultraflex cable which is ideal for my installation. Keep the runs as short as possible. Probably better, if it works for you, would be LMR-400 or 600 or hardline. For a given length CP Yagi, the gain of the antenna is going to increase as the frequency increases (more elements, etc) and beamwidth of the antenna is going to become more narrow. So pointing the antenna accurately becomes a more significant factor. It's time to go out and buy the elevation rotor. You'll find that it is worth every penny you put into it. A beamwidth of 30 degrees on 1.2 GHz gives the half power points as 15 degrees either side of the antenna position. You don't really want to be 15 degrees off. You want to keep the satellite well within the main lobe of the antenna. At 1.2 GHz, starting with 10 watts, figure half of that gets to the antenna. You don't want to throw away half or all of what's left because the antenna isn't pointed at the satellite. Elevation control will also reduce your power requirements on all of your uplinks. Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:49:23 -0500 From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Suggestions for Mode L antenna To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <4827A223.6020304(a)networkref.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed I am considering purchasing the 1.2 ghz module for my IC-910H. For my satellite work, I have my antennas angled at about 20 degrees since I dont have an az/el rotor. This setup worked reasonably well with Mode S this weekend. What are my chances to be able to work Mode L with this kind of setup ? Also, I would appreciate any suggestions for an antenna that I could use. With only 10 watts, I am not expecting a great signal but I would hope to have at least a readable signal. Also, would appreciate any suggestions as to coax/feedline that I should look at buying ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

3 2

AO-51 mode V/S
by Jesse Morris 12 May '08

12 May '08

Did anyone have a problem with the 145.88 uplink last week? For some reason the uplink wiped out my downlink. I had not had the problem before. I probably am the only one it affected since I have a different down converter set up than most. I use one of K5GNA converters with the original LO crystal. I convert the 123.2 Mhz IF to 29.2 Mhz. I have examined all the obvious harmonic/image/IF combinations but haven't hit on anything I think should be a problem. BTW - In response to some of the questions about antennas - I am using a 21 turn helix and had very good signals on the downlink. I did not observe much fading. I do have a DEM preamp ahead of the downconverter. Glad to get a chance to check the 2.4 Ghz receive system. 73 de Jess - W4MVB

3 2

Re: Operating from Baffin Island
by Hans Johnson 12 May '08

12 May '08

Hi Doug, and all.. Unfortunately, our client was forced to back out of the project, and as such the trip is canceled. :( Sorry to get everyone's hopes up. Regards, Hans On Mon, May 12, 2008 at 5:08 PM, Douglas C. Papay <dpapay(a)chartermi.net> wrote: > Hans, > > Ok on dates, I will be listening to all evening passes for you from Baffin > Island through the evening of the 14th. > > Try to stay warm & hope to hear you on the bird. > > Thanks & 73, > > Doug KD8CAO > > > > At 02:21 PM 5/10/2008, you wrote: > > It will be especially tough because it's still 20F there, and all I have > is a whip. :o > > Anyhow, my best bets will be either the evening of the 12th and 14th, or > evening of the 13th. I'll have to look at the passes to see what I can hope > to hit. > > Good luck, and I hope to talk to you soon. > > Regards, > > Hans > > On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 5:53 PM, Douglas C. Papay <dpapay(a)chartermi.net> > wrote: > Hans, > > Thanks in advance for attempting to put Baffin Island on-the-air. I hope > to work you on AO-51 during the 1st half of the week (May 12th-14th)--I'm > heading to Dayton on the 15th. I will look for you during the evening > passes, since this is when I will be available. This will be a new Canadian > province via satellite for me if we make the contact, in addition I'm still > looking for Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and > Yukon Territory. > > It's not going to be easy with a half-duplex radio & whip antenna, but as > I'm sure you know, AO-51 gets very quiet when it gets up over Canada, so > this is to your advantage. > > 73, > > Doug KD8CAO > Zeeland, MI USA > > > > At 04:09 PM 5/2/2008, you wrote: > Hi All, > > Just thought I'd drop a note saying that between May 12 and 16, I will be > in > Pond Inlet, Baffin Island (Grid Square FQ12AQ). While I will be there on > business, I will be bringing my TH-F6A, and will attempt to work AO-51 in > my > spare time. Unfortunately, I don't think I can get an arrow antenna or > other hand-held beam in time, so I'll be stuck with a whip. > > Anyhow, I would appreciate any tips or suggestions for this endeavour, and > look forward to the experience. > > Regards, > > Hans Johnson > VA7HAS > > --------------------------------------------- > Hans Johnson (hjohnson(a)sfu.ca) > B.ASc, Computer Engineering > Simon Fraser University > > ... Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes. -- Anonymous > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.7/1411 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 > 8:02 AM > > > > > > -- > --------------------------------------------- > Hans Johnson (hjohnson(a)sfu.ca) > B.ASc, Computer Engineering > Simon Fraser University > > ... Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes. -- Anonymous > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.14/1425 - Release Date: 5/9/2008 > 12:38 PM > > -- --------------------------------------------- Hans Johnson (hjohnson(a)sfu.ca) B.ASc, Computer Engineering Simon Fraser University ... Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes. -- Anonymous

1 0

no sigs at 2345 on ao-27, not 2145
by w0dxz＠aol.com 12 May '08

12 May '08

OOOps, sorry?? ( thanks for the correction Patrick)I meant I heard no stations at the pass at 2324,,, this afternoon on ao-27,,, did any one work or hear anything?? Did a pidgeon bust my beam? Bob

1 0

ao-27?
by w0dxz＠aol.com 12 May '08

12 May '08

I heard no stations on the most recent pass, at 2145Z,,, on AO-27... amI missing something? Bob W0DXZ

2 1

Registration for Dayton Banquet
by Martha 12 May '08

12 May '08

The following people have registered for the AMSAT/TAPR dinner: Melvin Musulin - 2 Jeff Kelly - 2 Larry Dietrich Joe Prokop Brian Gaffney-2 Bob Lumpkins-3 Robert Kunz Bernard Barnes-2 Scott Cowling-2 Hardmans-8 Mark Kilmartin See you at Dayton! -- 73- Martha

1 0

Re: HRD problem
by andy thomas 12 May '08

12 May '08

Thanks to exteremely fast responses by Simon and David, I am now ok again. The problem, for future reference, was caused in satellite mode on HRD by ADD - ing a second text file with a different name and different keps for the same object number. Dunno why I did that! I went to the / .../ satellites subfolder and deleted the new file - now ok. thanks to all 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

1 0

Re: Just starting (back) up
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 12 May '08

12 May '08

Sebastian-Currently the best SSB/cw satellite (my opinon) is AO-7. http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php 432 up and 145 down, from your QTH you can even "see" a piece of Europe, where there is a lot of activity. I use an old IC-251A and an IC-451A radios. You really don't need a lot of power. If money is an issue these old radios are just fine. The FM satellites are ok if all you want to do is swap grid squares, whereas on AO-7 you can actually have a conversation. For future HEO satellites you will need 70cm/2M at very least. Good luck! 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Sebastian <w4as(a)miamisky.com> > About 10 years ago or so, I owned a Yaesu FT-736R, and used AO-10, > UO-16 and a few others. I had a lot of fun. Family and job > obligations, as well as several hurricanes later (I'm in South > Florida), I ended up getting out of radio for many years. > > Now, things have changed. I'm disabled, so I was able to retire early > (49 years old). I can't do any tower work, or antenna work anymore, > so I have to rely on a friend. > > I kept my old AOP-10 antennas, my Yaesu G-5400B rotor, and I currently > have an Icom IC-746 (non-pro) and a Yaesu FT-8800. > > I plan to put back up my AOP-10 antennas, and work the FM birds. > > So here is my question. Considering the equipment I have right now, & gt; and the birds that are currently up; is it worth it for me to get a > satellite radio at this time? I'm interested only in voice. > > Should I even consider the old 736R, or go for the newer IC-910H. I > loved the 736R, but they still demand a lot on eBay; and it's an old > rig, which I'm not sure there are still parts available from Yaesu in > the event it requires service in the future. It's also a relatively > low powered rig, compared to the IC-910H, and even my IC-746. > > The IC-910H is expensive, however it's a current model, and puts out 4 > times the power of the 736R. But it's about 40% higher in price than > a 736R. > > Are there any birds planned for the near future which will require 440 > SSB? I would appreciate any thoughts as to which direction I should > go (I hope I have posted this in the right list). > > 73s de W4AS. > _______________ ________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

1 0

ham radio deluxe - sudden failure
by andy thomas 12 May '08

12 May '08

Tonight, after contact with the seeds website (may not be relevant) I can't run HRD in satellite mode, gives me a run time error. Abnormal program termination. # it reads from the ICOM ok. Runs fine on W2K, but no satellite mode. anyone any ideas? andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

2 1

Re: Suggestions for Mode L antenna
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 12 May '08

12 May '08

Hello Currently the way I have been doing L band is as follows. IC1271A (1.2ghz xcvr) 10 watts, KJ6KO 60 watt amp to a M squared 23cm22E2 yagi at 50 feet, through 50 feet of LMR400. The yagi is at 50 feet for terrestial L band. When we get our next HEO (praying) I will most probably put the 22 el on the satellite array at 15 feet with the az/el rotor. I have been able to work through AO-51 with the current set up. The power is enough so some RF gets squirted up. I am considering a helix for 1.2 for satellites, or even my four foot dish. So many choices <grin>. Does anyone know what the expected ERP on L band should be?? 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> > Greg: > > Thanks for your option. My antenna building abilities havent been the > best, so I am looking at commercially made antennas. > > What type of coax/feedline should I use ? I will probably have the run > under 50 ft. I would hope I dont have to use hardline as that will > probably be very expensive with the price of copper. As I get close to > the antenna, should I shift over to a different type of coax/feedline so > that I can rotate the antenna to track AO-51 ? > > Ron > KA4KYI > > Greg D. wrote: > > Hi Ron, > > > > I've done ok on AO-51 with a homemade helix. See > http://home.wavecable.com/~ko6th at the bottom of the page. I also have watts > in the shack, but a full az/el rotor system. I don't know how sharp the pattern > is for the helix, so I don't know how effective a fixed elevation system will > be. But from the reports I've received, the 10 watts and my 60' of hardline > with about 7 feet of RG-214 at each end seems to be quite adequate. > > > > Good luck, > > > > Greg KO6TH > > > > ---------------------------------------- > >> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:49:23 -0500 > >> From: rnutter(a)networkref.com > >> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Suggestions for Mode L antenna > >> > >> I am considering purchasing the 1.2 ghz module for my IC-910H. For my > >> satellite work, I have my antennas angled at about 20 degrees since I > >> dont have an az/el rotor. This setup worked reasonably well with Mode S > >> this weekend. What are my chances to be able to work Mode L with this > >> kind of setup ? Also, I would appreciate any suggestions for an antenna > >> that I could use. With only 10 watts, I am not expecting a great signal > >> but I would hope to have at least a readable signal. Also, would > >> appreciate any suggestions as to coax/feedline that I should look at > >> buying ? > >> > >> Thanks, > >> > >> Ron > >> KA4KYI > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. > > > http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh… > rive_052008 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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

1 0

USNA 40 foot antenna controller.
by Robert Bruninga 12 May '08

12 May '08

> The Naval Academy will be looking for a new > Controller for its 40 foot dish. Last month > I sent out a web page on how we want to > upgrade the controller. I have replied directly to all respondents. But in case we missed anyone, here is the updated web page. I scanned in a PDF of the Ferranti Shaft Encoders too. I think we also fixed the permissions that prevented a lot of the original files and docs from showing up. http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/12m-dish.html Bob Bruninga, WB4APR US Naval Academy Satellite Lab

1 0

Rooms Are Available for Dayton
by Martha 12 May '08

12 May '08

Before I cancel 2 rooms from the AMSAT block, does anyone need a room? You have until 5:00 today, to let me know. The phone number is 301-589-6062. -- 73- Martha

1 0

Re: Decoding SEEDS 9k6 GMSK Packets
by Mineo Wakita 12 May '08

12 May '08

SEEDS-II has only 1200bps AFSK, not 9600bps GMSK. CUte-1.7+APDII has both of 1200bps AFSK and 9600bps GMSK. We are now using a software 'TunaTerm.exe' for Japanese Language. We can simultaneously save the signal as ascii and binary files. I don't know if this software work on your PC.

1 0

Suggestions for Mode L antenna
by Ronald Nutter 12 May '08

12 May '08

I am considering purchasing the 1.2 ghz module for my IC-910H. For my satellite work, I have my antennas angled at about 20 degrees since I dont have an az/el rotor. This setup worked reasonably well with Mode S this weekend. What are my chances to be able to work Mode L with this kind of setup ? Also, I would appreciate any suggestions for an antenna that I could use. With only 10 watts, I am not expecting a great signal but I would hope to have at least a readable signal. Also, would appreciate any suggestions as to coax/feedline that I should look at buying ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

3 3

Putting keps for Delfi in Sat PC32???
by Michael Tondee 12 May '08

12 May '08

I'm about to pull my hair out! I've tried unsuccessfully for the last hour to put keps for Delfi into SatPC32. I tried a couple of methods posted here on the BBS and nothing seems to work for me. I'm using the keps on the Delfi C3 website. I cut and pasted them into a text file and put it in the Kepler folder of the program. I also just tried adding them to one of the existing txt files in the Kepler folder. Unfortunately I still cannot get anything to come up when using the program. Can someone explain to me what I might be doing wrong? Step by step would be best because right now I'm extremely frustrated. Tnx and 73, Michael W4HIJ

3 2

Decoding SEEDS 9k6 GMSK Packets
by Sion Chow Q. C. (9W2QC) 12 May '08

12 May '08

Dear All, Sometimes, SEEDS is heard transmitting in 9600 baud GMSK or 1200 baud AFSK. Could someone please advice me: 1. Is the 1200 baud AFSK decodable using standard 1200 baud TNC? Sorry I have not attempted to decode it yet as all packet passes were copied when I was not in the shack, and unfortunately done in USB mode (in anticipation for the CW beacon) 2. What software are available for decoding 9600 baud GMSK Packets? Something that uses soundcard based solutions would be the best for me. Thank you very much in advance. 73, Sion Chow Q. C., 9W2QC.

1 0

P3E Microwave Frequencies
by Stan 11 May '08

11 May '08

Hello The Net: Was just at the WWW.KEPS.IT website and saw a proposed frequency plan for P3E. I am starting to plan for Microwave receive only down converters and transmit only up converters. How firm is the frequency for the X band downlink at 10,490 MHz ? Ditto for the L2 uplink of 1,263 MHz and S band uplink at 2,447 MHz ? I am starting to look at possibilities of a common Local Oscillator (LO) for some of the bands, but I am having no luck. Having a common LO or at least parts of a LO multiplier chain, would economize and maybe lend themselves to being PLLed to the station 10 MHz reference. Has anyone come up with common LO and IF schemes for multiple P3E bands ? My IC-910H will cover 1,263 MHz nicely, but it looks like all of the other higher bands will have a unique LO for the band, at least for X band and below. Time to get ready.... Stan, W1LE FN41sr Cape Cod ZZZZZ

4 4

bias tee circuits and components for 2.4 GHz downconverter
by Michael Tondee 11 May '08

11 May '08

I have a Pacific Monolithics surplus MMDS downconverter here that I would like to get up and running on S-band. It has an 122 MHz IF and I want to whip up a bias -tee to power it. I've looked at the circuits in the Satellite Experimeters handbook and my problem is finding an rf choke of the right value that is readily available in my area. Shouldn't I be able to just wind something with an air core out of magnet wire or something similar that will do the trick? According to the circuit I have I'd need about a 1.5 uh choke for 146 Mhz and it isn't critical so that's probably close enough for my downconverters IF frequency. I hate to spend shipping charges to get one little choke or ferrite core for winding a choke on here. Most places have a minimum order and I don't need anything else at this time. I'd also welcome links to any other circuits that might be out there. Thanks, Michael, W4HIJ

3 2

Just starting (back) up
by Sebastian 11 May '08

11 May '08

About 10 years ago or so, I owned a Yaesu FT-736R, and used AO-10, UO-16 and a few others. I had a lot of fun. Family and job obligations, as well as several hurricanes later (I'm in South Florida), I ended up getting out of radio for many years. Now, things have changed. I'm disabled, so I was able to retire early (49 years old). I can't do any tower work, or antenna work anymore, so I have to rely on a friend. I kept my old AOP-10 antennas, my Yaesu G-5400B rotor, and I currently have an Icom IC-746 (non-pro) and a Yaesu FT-8800. I plan to put back up my AOP-10 antennas, and work the FM birds. So here is my question. Considering the equipment I have right now, and the birds that are currently up; is it worth it for me to get a satellite radio at this time? I'm interested only in voice. Should I even consider the old 736R, or go for the newer IC-910H. I loved the 736R, but they still demand a lot on eBay; and it's an old rig, which I'm not sure there are still parts available from Yaesu in the event it requires service in the future. It's also a relatively low powered rig, compared to the IC-910H, and even my IC-746. The IC-910H is expensive, however it's a current model, and puts out 4 times the power of the 736R. But it's about 40% higher in price than a 736R. Are there any birds planned for the near future which will require 440 SSB? I would appreciate any thoughts as to which direction I should go (I hope I have posted this in the right list). 73s de W4AS.

1 0

FS Bias Tee
by Ronald Long 11 May '08

11 May '08

I have a new unused commercial bias tee for sale. http://www.teletronics.com/Accessories.html#24ghzbiastee They call it a Bias Tee/dc injector. Part 17-101 on the above page. It is in a cast-type box, female N connectors. Rated at 2.4GHz. DC connector is type normally used with wall warts. This might be what you want if you don't want to build and want guaranteed specs. ron w8gus

1 0

WANTING TO KNOW PASSES USA FOR SEEDS
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 11 May '08

11 May '08

Hi folks, would anyone be nice enough to send the USA Passes here to the bb for seeds. Just a close call would be ok to have. have set up for 437. down with left hand polar. wanting to copy the cw or even 9600 baud or sstv pic but no way to set up the sat for the pass at this time. thanks in advance Sitting in the Midwest, Michigan USA. KC8GKF

1 0

Re: P3E Microwave Frequencies
by Michael Fletcher 11 May '08

11 May '08

>Hello The Net: > >Was just at the WWW.KEPS.IT website and saw a proposed frequency >plan for P3E. > >I am starting to plan for Microwave receive only down converters >and transmit only up converters. > >How firm is the frequency for the X band downlink at 10,490 MHz ? > >Ditto for the L2 uplink of 1,263 MHz and S band uplink at 2,447 MHz ? > >I am starting to look at possibilities of a common Local Oscillator >(LO) for some of the bands, but I am having no luck. Having a commonLO > or at least parts of a LO multiplier chain, would economize and maybe >lend themselves to being PLLed to the station 10 MHz reference. > >Has anyone come up with common LO and IF schemes for multiple P3E >bands ? > >My IC-910H will cover 1,263 MHz nicely, but it looks like all of the >other higher bands will have a unique LO for the band, at least for >X band and below. > >Time to get ready.... > >Stan, W1LE FN41sr Cape Cod There is some contradicting information around regarding the S band receiver and X band transmitter, but here are the frequencies the engineering and flight models are being synthesized and crystalled for as per our efforts to get at least the X band downlink to a more "standard" frequency: Center Frequencies for the IF center frequency of 10.700 MHz: U/D Mode Center Frequency Bandwidth Uplink Coherent 2438.567 MHz ~2 MHz Uplink Linear 2439.000 MHz 38 kHz Downlink Coherent 10451.000 MHz ~2 MHz Downlink Linear 10451.000 MHz ~2 MHz Beacon BPSK 10451.030 MHz NB, Modulation dependent These frequencies were last published in the AMSAT-DL Journal Nr.4 Jg.33, any other public sources may be unreliable. 73's Michael, OH2AUE -- "Life is too short for Sudoku"

2 1

AO-16 2110z 5/11/2008
by John Marranca, Jr 11 May '08

11 May '08

Job well done, Mark, on returning AO-16 to service-again!!! At the beginning of the pass, I had Warbler running...but heard N8MH and K3SZH as the bird was commanded on. Excellent pass...worked Allen N5AFV, my neighbor Jeff WB2SYK, and Mark N8MH...all using my IC-2AT at 1 watt (with the AA alkaline battery pack) as the uplink. 16 does sound a bit different running half the power she usually does...but still...it's great to have her back-again! John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

1 0

CUTE and COMPASS heard
by andy thomas 11 May '08

11 May '08

Interesting! Two distinct satellite CW transmissions on the CUTE-1.7 frequency: 1) A very chirpy CW: 00(both zeros) compassuf 00 (zeros)m then 5 zeros (several times) b) second cw signal: 38 26 25 -- 64 -1 cute 87 c6 a- a- 4- 17 cute 8-....8 26 24 ....12 1- with cc in there somewhere. 2035-2042 utc approx, 437.275 CW slightly downtuned to 437.274.789 to get a good cw tone, doppler corrected with Ham radio DeLuxe on yesterday's Cute 1.7 keps. Rig - ICOM IC-910, WiMo 70cm helix, no preamp. Locator - IO02NL, UK I will qsl to the COMPASS satellite office address ( on their website) and copy this report to CUTE-1.7 and COMPASS teams. 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

1 0

Re: bias tee circuits and components for 2.4 GHz downconverter
by G0MRF＠aol.com 11 May '08

11 May '08

Hi Michael. I see a lot of things written about bias tees, saying they are complicated or they need particular values of exotic inductor or coupling / decoupling capacitors.....but all the ones I've 'thrown together' have all worked perfectly with any converter with a VHF output. (The same is not true for UHF) General rule is to use a choke that is a minimum of 10 x the impedance of the line. So for 50 Ohm cable that's 500 ohms or about 700nH. Generally don't go above 2000 ohms as you can run into unwanted resonances in the choke. But that's a huge range, in practice 470nH to 4.7uH should be fine. - Your 1.5uH is within the limits. I've used iron dust cores from Amidon without problem. For the 2 capacitors required, the coupling capacitor and the decoupling cap to the DC supply, almost anything will do as long as it has a low impedance at 122MHz. The coupling cap can be 1n to 10nF ceramic. The decoupling capacitor can be the same value / type. Personally I always add an electrolytic as well for the DC connection. 1uF to 47uF will do. Regards David In a message dated 11/05/2008 18:23:12 GMT Standard Time, mat_62(a)netcommander.com writes: I have a Pacific Monolithics surplus MMDS downconverter here that I would like to get up and running on S-band. It has an 122 MHz IF and I want to whip up a bias -tee to power it. I've looked at the circuits in the Satellite Experimeters handbook and my problem is finding an rf choke of the right value that is readily available in my area. Shouldn't I be able to just wind something with an air core out of magnet wire or something similar that will do the trick? According to the circuit I have I'd need about a 1.5 uh choke for 146 Mhz and it isn't critical so that's probably close enough for my downconverters IF frequency. I hate to spend shipping charges to get one little choke or ferrite core for winding a choke on here. Most places have a minimum order and I don't need anything else at this time. I'd also welcome links to any other circuits that might be out there. Thanks, Michael, W4HIJ

1 0

Re: Delfi Not Heard
by D R Mynatt 11 May '08

11 May '08

Interesting. Is the telemetry the same or would one be looking for modulated tones only? Dave

1 0

AO-16 ON in voice mode 10May08 1020utc
by Mark L. Hammond 11 May '08

11 May '08

Hello All, This morning I turned AO-16 ON in voice mode around 1020utc. The output power is reduced a bit and is reported as 700 mW by the telemetry. It is possible that it will cease transmitting; any reports that help narrow down an approximate time for such an event will be helpful. Also, reports of its continued operation will also be appreciated. If you hear AO-16 in voice mode, free to use it. If you hear it "hummmming" in digital mode, please do not transmit to the satellite. AO-16 Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM AO-16 Downlink: 437.0260 MHz DSB (LSB and USB) On behalf of the command team, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

4 3

Re: Delfi Not Heard
by k9jkm＠comcast.net 11 May '08

11 May '08

John mentioned ... > Nothing heard on 930 or 870 > Possibly a problem at my station, hope the sat is OK One quick way to test your delfi setup is listen for AO-7 on ~145.950 and VO-52 on ~145.900. Delfi operating on 145.930 is right in between. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

1 0

Delfi-C3 information
by Nico Janssen 11 May '08

11 May '08

Hi all, For those of you who are monitoring the Delfi-C3 telemetry, here is some information on some of the abbreviations used in the RASCAL telemetry decoding software: - OBC On Board Computer - OBM On Board MORON - MORON Malfunctioning OBC Recovery OptioN - ComBo Combination Board - EPS Electrical Power Subsystem - MeBo Measurement Board - RAP Radio Amateur Platform - ICB InterConnect Board The average RAP 2 beacon frequency is around 145.9318 MHz. The actual frequency depends on the temperature of the transmitter. Just after leaving eclipse, when the transmitter is cold, the downlink frequency is 145.9323 MHz. While the transmitter warms up, the frequency drifts down to about 145.9313 MHz before entering eclipse again. So during an ascending pass, this downward drift adds some 500 Hz to the total observed doppler shift. I think by now everybody will agree that Delfi-C3 is object 32789, or 2008-021G. 73, Nico PA0DLO

1 0

AAUSAT-II FFSK/MSK recorded #2
by Mineo Wakita 11 May '08

11 May '08

WAV 4 minutes, 12:14-12:26UTC, 11 May 2008 2.7MB 88kbps 8bits monaural 11kHz PCM http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/aausatii.htm http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/80511aa2.wav AAUSAT-II are now transmitting the beacon every 30 seconds. We can not decode these beacon because of the weak signals.

1 0

Delfi Not Heard
by john heath 11 May '08

11 May '08

Listened for Delfi on the 11:00 UTC pass over the UK. Using day 128 keps object No. 32789 Nothing heard on 930 or 870 Possibly a problem at my station, hope the sat is OK. 73 John G7HIA

2 1

AO-16 report
by John Price 11 May '08

11 May '08

Heard in digital mode 5/11/08 @11.30z from FM07. Elevation 13 deg. west -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52 Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on 51 #13 LON -79.25 LAT 37.45 Grid FM07 >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

1 0

AO-16 report
by John Price 11 May '08

11 May '08

Heard in digital mode 11:29z 5/11/08 from FM07. Elevation 13 degrees west. -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52 Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on 51 #13 LON -79.25 LAT 37.45 Grid FM07 >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

1 0

Re: ARISS Quiet 5/11/2008 0629 Z
by Robert A. Netzband 11 May '08

11 May '08

All was quiet from a 76 degree pass over central New York. 145.800 was quiet as well was the digipeater on 145.825 for the entire 11 minute pass. ISS crew was in wake up mode having only been awake for 10 minutes. Bob NA2H.

1 0

AO-7 tlm.
by John Hackett 11 May '08

11 May '08

Apologies folks, forgot to sign the following 'parable' - so you wouldn't have known who to blame. Crikey, my 'periodic Altzheimers' is accellerating ... 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> .......................................................................................... Ron, (and any other interested parties) ... Be aware that 98% of the AO-7 tlm is rubbish. The satellite is has been sending incorrect frames for several years. You can check this yourself by monitoring the 6D parameters. They should be either 649, 650 or 651. If they are not, the tlm is incorrect. It has to do (mainly, but not only) with the power budget ... this is why it is imperative certain 'clowns' stop hitting it with too much power. It is essentially a QRP satellite and the 'gentleman' who proclaimed one needed an 80w BRICK, last year on this reflector. is wrong, wrong, wrong. The following is a recent e-mail to me from Jan King, AO-7's project manager. (I maintain a rather large database regarding this satellite and have just about all the information available on AO-7 in several maps). A *LOT* of information is contained on/from The AO-7 Resource Page if one cares to follow the links. EU-Amsat (c/o SV1BSX) maintains the distance records for AO-7. The foll0wing is an e-mail from Jan. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> ................................................................................................. John. Telemetry received may be good or bad. You can determine if the telemetry is good by the 6D value. It is the reference voltage for the analog TLM system and it should be around 50. If not, then the remainder of the telemetry will be incorrect. (clip) Jan King, W3GEY notes that AO-7 had (has?) a very sensitive receiver and a good uplink antenna. 5 watts EIRP should provide a good downlink (clip). Amplifiers are not required for the uplink. Excessive uplink power may be cause FMing of the transponder and may be causing the input voltage to the regulator that provides 6D to fluctuate causing all telemetry to be bad. AO-7 is almost certainly running only off the solar panels. It is very likely to be on only when in the sun and off in eclipse. Since it is resetting each orbit it may not come on every time. Reports of hearing the beacon just as it comes out of eclipse would be particularly interesting. 1. Speculation that long term chemical changes in one or more battery cells have led to increased cell resistance enabling the spacecraft to operate while in sunlight are correct and 2. Reports indicating that beacons, telemetry systems, and possibly transponders are operating Then The prognosis for long term spacecraft operation are excellent. Channel Measured Parameter Measurement Range Calibration Equation (Preliminary) 1A Total Solar Array Current 0 to 3000 ma I = 29.5 N (ma) 1B +X Solar Panel Current 0 to 2000 ma I = 1970 - 20N (ma) 1C -X Solar Panel Current 0 to 2000 ma I = 1970 - 20N (ma) 1D +Y Solar Panel Current 0 to 2000 ma I = 1970 - 20N (ma) 2A -Y Solar Panel Current 0 to 2000 ma I = 1970 - 20N (ma) 2B RF Power Out 70cm/2m 0 to 8 watts P = 8(1 - 0.01N)^2 (watts) 2C 24 Hour Clock Time 0 to 1440 min. t = 15.16N (min) 2D Battery Charge/Discharge -2000 to 2000 ma I = 40(N - 50) (ma) 3A Battery Voltage 6.4 to 16.4 V V = 0.1N + 6.4 (volts) 3B Half-Battery Voltage 0 to 10 V V = 0.10N (volts) 3C Bat. Chg. Reg. #1 0 to 15 V V = 0.15N (volts) 3D Battery Temperature -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 4A Baseplate Temperature -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 4B PA Temp. 2m/10m -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 4C +X Facet Temp. -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 4D +Z Facet Temp. -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 5A PA Temp. 70cm/2m -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 5B PA Emit. Current 2m/10m 0 to 1167 ma I = 11.67N (ma) 5C Module Temp. 70cm/2m -30 to +50 deg. C T = 95.8 - 1.48N (deg. C) 5D Instrument Sw. Regulator Input Current 0 to 93 ma I = 11 + 0.82N (ma) 6A RF Power Out 2m/10m 0 to 10,000 mw P = (N^2)/1.56 (mw) 6B RF Power Out 70 cm 0 to 1,000 mw P = 0.1(N^2) + 35 (mw) 6C RF Power Out 13 cm 0 to 100 mw P = 0.041(N^2) (mw) 6D Midrange Telemetry Calibration 0.500 V V = 0.01N(0.50 +/- 0.01) (V) AO-7 telemetry format: 1aa 1bb 1cc 1dd 2aa 2bb 2cc 2dd 3aa 3bb 3cc 3dd 4aa 4bb 4cc 4dd 5aa 5bb 5cc 5dd 6aa 6bb 6cc 6dd Hi Hi then these data are valid when 6D is one of 649, 650 and 651. 73 Jan W4GEY/VK4GEY ........................................................................................... > From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net > To: AMSAT-BB(a)AMSAT.Org > Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:41:15 +0000 > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO7 telemetry > > Hello > Why does the telemetry on AO7 work sometimes? I ususally take a quick listen, also does it respond to any comands. In my opinion it's the best satellite we have up there! You can actually talk to someone for a reasonable amount of time. > > > -- > 73 Bob W7LRD > AMSAT member 28498 > Seattle

1 0

Portland road trip results
by John Mock KD6PAG 11 May '08

11 May '08

I sent out about 45 cards or envelopes this week, mostly for the Portland road trip in March which represented over 100 QSOs and a total of about 150 grid squares given out. A large proportion of contacts were made from grid square boundaries (as located by GPS readings), and like last summer's road trip, one grid square corner was activated. These, alas, were not entered into Logbook of the World, as LoTW expects grid square designators to be either 4 or 6 letters (as opposed to CN70wx/CN71wa). 19 grid squares were activated (CM89, CN70, CN71, CN72, CN73, CN74, CN75, CN80, CN81, CN85, CN86, CN90, CN91, CN92, CN93, CN94, CN95, DN02, DN03) on this trip. The top operators (with grid square counts) were W6ASL(14), N6PAA(13), K6YK(10), W6HF(9), W6ZQ(9), KG7EZ(8), N7JK(8), W7JPI(8), VE7JRX(7), KK5DO(5), N4QWZ(5), AI7W(5) and K7WIN(5). If i worked you, then you should be getting your cards in the next week (or maybe two in Mexico or Canada), assuming your address hasn't changed recently. If you don't receive any soon, or i seem to have missed a QSL, then feel free to send me a card and i'll check my recordings. You can also e-mail me. On a few occasions, i could not hear my own downlink well and given your card, i may be able to confirm contacts that were not clear enough to send out unsolicited cards. Next trip is likely to be to Seattle towards the end of the month, albeit most contact are likely to be made on the return trip during the first week of June. Details when i know more. -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

1 0

AAUSAT-II FFSK/MSK recorded
by Mineo Wakita 11 May '08

11 May '08

WAV 5 seconds, 01:23-01:34UTC, 11 May 2008 http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/aausatii.htm http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/80511aau.wav Sat.callsign: OZ2CUB 437.425 MHz FFSK/MSK 1200, 9600bps (1200 standard) AX.25 FM CW TLM (only in safe mode) Aalborg University, Denmark http://aausatii.space.aau.dk/eng

1 0

Linear satellites
by Mike McConnell 10 May '08

10 May '08

I am somewhat new to satellites, but I have a question. I use a computer program to help with Doppler shift and to manage satellite memories. On AO-7 and VO-52 I have the following set as the middle of the pass band. This is what I set into the radio VFO. I have noticed that I have to adjust the transmitter frequency. I thought that the TX and RX would track each other? Does the relationship between TX and RX frequencies on the satellite change? If I am setting the wrong base frequency into my VFO's for these two satellites, what are better frequencies to use? Thanks Satellite Lower Upper middle VO-52A UPLINK 435.2200 435.2800 435.2500 DOWNLINK 145.8700 145.9300 145.9000 VO-52B UPLINK 435.2250 435.2750 435.2500 DOWNLINK 145.9250 145.8750 145.9000 AO-7 A UPLINK 145.8500 145.9500 145.9000 DOWNLINK 29.4000 29.5000 29.4500 AO-7 B UPLINK 432.1250 432.1750 432.1500 DOWNLINK 145.9750 145.9250 145.9500 Mike McConnell, Ph.D. W0PD 1518 Willson Ave. Webster City, IA 50595 515-835-9363

1 0

Mode S Antenna question
by Ronald Nutter 10 May '08

10 May '08

I have been using a 2.4 ghz Vagi antenna for my Mode S antenna the past few days. I am seeing quite a bit of signal droppout as AO-51 does a little rotating. With a circular polarized antenna do any better ? I have found a source for a 2.4ghz 10 db RHCP antenna and thought about trying that. I know I cant get it before AO-51 goes back to V/U mode but thought I could try that next time. The antenna I found has about a 50 degree pattern so I should get decent coverage since I have it pointed at a fixed elevation because I dont have an az/el rotor. Ron KA4KYI

3 3

CUTE 1.7 +APD II heard
by andy thomas 10 May '08

10 May '08

21:15 UTC CW, doppler corrected from 437.274.789 (gave a pleasant tone): 8.......5.....5f ...17 CUTE 87.......b0 38 ...7...24 59 5U.....8 (... are when I couldn't decode). weak signal, 42 deg elevation, Rig - no preamp, WiMo Helix for 70cm, IC-910 cntrolled by Ham Radio Deluxe. .WAV file generated by ScannerRecorder and replayed. Will have higher elevation (=stronger sigs) approx. this time tomorrow. 73 de andy G0SFJ __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

1 0

Re: AO& DX
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 10 May '08

10 May '08

TYPO this is for AO-7 -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net Hello Once again Bob I trying to stretch the footprint. From Seattle Wa. CN97 there is a mutual footprint to Northern Europe at 1918Z, 2110Z, 2305Z. Downlink 145.958 SSB maybe CW, help me make it happen. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

1 0

AO& DX
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 10 May '08

10 May '08

Hello Once again Bob I trying to stretch the footprint. From Seattle Wa. CN97 there is a mutual footprint to Northern Europe at 1918Z, 2110Z, 2305Z. Downlink 145.958 SSB maybe CW, help me make it happen. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

1 0

AO7 telemetry
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 10 May '08

10 May '08

Hello Why does the telemetry on AO7 work sometimes? I ususally take a quick listen, also does it respond to any comands. In my opinion it's the best satellite we have up there! You can actually talk to someone for a reasonable amount of time. -- 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT member 28498 Seattle

1 0

Another OSCAR is heading in
by Armando Mercado 10 May '08

10 May '08

Greetings, Along with ANDE FCAL (NO-62) , HitSat (HO-59) is also heading for re-entry. Space-Track predicts HitSat entry on May 26, 2008. HitSat apparently has power problems and does not respond to ground commands. I have only heard the CW beacon during daylight passes. The 1200bps AFSK beacon is silent. CW beacon is 437.275, the 1200bps AFSK beacon is 437.425. Keps for HO-59 HitSat: HITSAT 1 29484U 06041F 08131.04051668 .00205929 19207-4 38489-3 0 3776 2 29484 098.2448 243.5408 0071163 143.6223 216.9853 15.96240319 92420 73, Armando, N8IGJ

1 0

Is AO-51 V/u oper?
by CLAUDIA PIRKL 10 May '08

10 May '08

Hello ALL. I have not heard any one on AO-51 V/u all week. Did I miss an E-mail where it is dwn for a while? I hear a lot of activity on AO-27 and VO-52 but zip on AO-51.. Any ideas?? Thanks, Newbee on sat N5KI EM65

3 2

Ron Parise est passé SK (French langage)
by jean-claude.aveni 10 May '08

10 May '08

Ron Parise est décédé. On ne dira jamais assez que ce cancer est un fléau pour l'humanité même si ce n'est pas le seul. Ici notre collègue Ronald Parise tombe le 9 mai parés une lutte acharnée contre le crabe. WA4SIR était un de nos grand supporter mais également une grande culture technique, un aventurier des sciences et un pédagogue plus qu'émérite. C'était un explorateur spatial, pionnier dans cette activité, astrophysicien, pilote d'avions, spécialiste avionique, et il écrivait de nombreuses lignes de code pour des logiciels. En un mot c'était un Elmer. Il avait fait deux missions spatiales comme "spécialiste mission" et il avait été le premier à faire des contacts radio Ham en mode packet avec notre communauté AMSAT. STS-35 et STS-67 sur la navette Colombia en décembre 1990, et la navette Endeavour en mars 1995. Il était un chaud supporter de SAREX, et il soutenait les études scientifiques de la Naval Académie et la Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University dans lesquelles il faisait la promotion de l'activité satellitaire. Ron était devenu OM à l'age de 11 ans (sa première licence) et il était resté d'une grande attention pédagogique pour notre communauté. Beaucoup d'étudiants se sont orientés vers les sciences grâce à son influence. J'avais personnellement échangé des messages avec lui sans savoir qu'il était astronaute, il avait la gentillesse de me lire dans mon épouvantable expression anglaise, et il me répondait toujours avec sollicitude "chapeau Monsieur" [TK5GH]. Je termine ce message dont une partie est inspirée par le commentaire de Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO l'AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs Chairman, ARISS International. Je laisse à Franck le dernier mot sans le traduire : And to Ron Parise, WA4SIR SK: Our sincerest 73's and 88's…may your exploration spirit live on in us all!! "Respectueuses salutations Ron", de TK5GH -- *Jean-Claude Aveni* Tel portable : *06 80 92 38 79* Courriel prime : jean-claude.aveni(a)wanadoo.fr '' alternate : aveni(a)lma.cnrs-mrs.fr Site web à l'URL : http://astro-notes.org Call radio amateur : TK5GH

1 0

Interesting Microwave transceiver and dish
by Stargate 10 May '08

10 May '08

I wish I was in a position to buy these but I thought someone on here might be. http://www.govdeals.com/eas/itmdisplay.cfm?itemid=330&acctid=345 I have no connection to this site or the item, I just thought it might make someone a good uplink/downlink system. Heck, I don't even know what frequency their for:-) 73's RoD KD0XX

4 4

Re: AO-16 currently silent and resting 11:15UTC 5May2008
by Mark L. Hammond 09 May '08

09 May '08

Hi George, I plan to fire up AO-16 early tomorrow (Saturday 10 May 2008) morning, around 1030 UTC. I'll collect some telemetry and if all looks nominal, I'll put it in voice mode in support of the Scout-O-Rama special event. Perhaps the rest and reset will help our old girl behave properly! I'll cc: the AMSAT-BB list so that folks are aware of the testing and of the special event. Hopefully you can accomplish a few AO-16 QSOs with the Scouts. Good luck with your event! General announcement to the list: If you hear AO-16 in voice mode, please feel free to use it. If you hear it "hummmming" in digital mode, please do not transmit to the satellite. AO-16 Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM AO-16 Downlink: 437.0260 MHz DSB (LSB and USB) 73, Mark N8MH AO-16 Command Station At 01:21 PM 5/5/2008 -0500, you wrote: >Any chance that it will be available for use for the Scout-O-Rama Special Event station (K9BSA) this Saturday, 5/10? > > >George, KA3HSW > > >-----Original Message----- >>From: "Mark L. Hammond" <n8mh(a)embarqmail.com> >>Sent: May 5, 2008 6:33 AM >>To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >>Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-16 currently silent and resting 11:15UTC 5May2008 >> >>Hello all, >> >>The weekend presented a chance to gather some telemetry on AO-16. The telemetry looks nominal. Recently, the satellite seems to go silent on a nearly daily basis. Increasing eclipse periods remain a likely explanation, but we remain open to other explanations at this point. >> >>To this end, I have turned AO-16 OFF for a few days to rest and ensure that its batteries will be given a chance to become fully charged. Following its several day rest period, we'll try to conduct more tests to better determine what type of operations that AO-16 is currently able to support. >> >>Please do not transmit to AO-16 until further notice. >> >>73 on behalf of the command team (and Happy Cinco de Mayo!), >> >>Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

1 0

Send your name to the moon.
by Stargate 09 May '08

09 May '08

Check this out. Cool idea someone had. Amsat might be able to raise money with something similar. NASA is inviting everyone to send their name to the moon on board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Right now you can log onto a special NASA Web site that is collecting names, which will be put on a microchip that will be integrated into the LRO. The LRO mission is the first step in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon by 2020. The deadline to add your name to the microchip is June 27. http://lro.jhuapl.edu/NameToMoon/index.php RoD KD0XX

1 0

Is ARISS digi operating?
by Ronald G. Parsons 09 May '08

09 May '08

Is the ARISS digipeater operating? I am testing gear for an upcoming ARISS school contact and I thought I'd try testing with the digi. I am listening on 145.80 and transmitting packets on 145.99 using UNPROTO CQ VIA ARISS. I hear nothing on 145.80. Ron W5RKN

2 1

DELFI-C3 over Japan 11:27UTC
by ji1izr/Masahiro SANADA 09 May '08

09 May '08

Hello, everyone, I watched DEFLI-C3 just now, listen to it and try to decode with RASCAL. During this pass, the sound suddenly went out about 11:27UTC. The LOS was about 11:32UTC. I could not decode any data. What happened? Masahiro SANADA JI1IZR

3 2

Re: TrakBox Upgrade
by John Kopala 09 May '08

09 May '08

At 06:04 PM 5/5/2008, you wrote: >hello all > >my 'old' trakbox (dusty!) ,after 5 years of sleep, doesnt work in >stand alone mode anymore ; terminal mode works perfectly. Ram has been >cleared , clock adjusted, new keplers loaded ; version is 3.50b. > >Any ideas ? > >73 > >renauld on4kvi The first thing I would suggest is to change to 3.50d. TAPR has ROMs and the image is readily available if you can program EPROMs. Also check the battery to see if is still alive. If you need parts let me know as I still have most everything in the kits. After making these changes let me know your results. 73, Jack - WA4EJR ------ One more addition, if you order a new EPROM, make sure you order the proper one depending upon whether your box has been upgraded - Basic or Turbo with 80C320 and 22 MHz clock. John Kopala N7JK

3 2

Re: ANDE FCAL new re-entry prediction
by Mike Rupprecht 09 May '08

09 May '08

Hi, updated information and new plots on http://dk3wn.info/sat/afu/sat_fcal.shtml Thanks Jim, KG4QWC! 73, Mike DK3WN ----- original Nachricht -------- Betreff: [amsat-bb] Re: ANDE FCAL new re-entry prediction Gesendet: Do, 08. Mai 2008 Von: Mike Rupprecht<mail(a)mike-rupprecht.de> > Jim, KG4QWC did make an prediction for re-entry. See > http://www.dk3wn.info/images/FCal2008Apr13.gif > > 73, Mike > DK3WN > > > > -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- > Von: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Im > Auftrag von Robert Bruninga > Gesendet: Donnerstag, 8. Mai 2008 15:59 > An: 'Armando Mercado'; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Betreff: [amsat-bb] Re: ANDE FCAL new re-entry prediction > > > FCAL continues to be heard. > > Space-Track now predicts entry to occur June 4. > > Current passes are in the dark in Northern hemisphere and during > day in Southern hemisphere. So if there are any USA nightowls > or pre-dawn risers, we need the telemetry... > > > ANDE FCAL SPHERE 2 > > 1 29667U 06055J 08129.47585782 .00273160 00000-0 11659-3 > 0 9378 > > 2 29667 051.6186 159.3029 0001625 000.2928 359.8620 > 16.22017515 80161 > > Bob > WB4APR > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > --- original Nachricht Ende ----

1 0

AO-51 V/S Mode
by Allen F. Mattis 09 May '08

09 May '08

I had AO-51 all to myself this evening on the 0101utc pass 08-May-2008. V/S mode sounded great on the downlink with a 67 deg max elev pass here in Houston. Uplink was 145.880 MHz. I called for almost 10 minutes and heard no one else on the bird. Allen N5AFV Houston

3 2

Dayton hotel rooms
by Charles Reiche 09 May '08

09 May '08

I reserved a room with Martha, well not WITH her, but I Dont know which hotel we amsaters are staying in, Since I am flying in a small plane to dayton, our first real project will be to figure out how to get around... Looking foward to my first dayton. Thanks for any pointers for a newb if you have them to supply. Charlie N3CRT

4 3

2008 AMSAT-NA Symposium
by Eric A. Cottrell 08 May '08

08 May '08

Hello, I am starting to do some vacation planning and wonder where the Symposium will be this year? 73 Eric

2 1

Kansas City Tracker/Tuner board
by Stacey E. Mills 08 May '08

08 May '08

I've listed a Kansas City Tracker/Tuner board for sale on Ebay, Item# 330234962668 Thanks. -Stacey -- _______________________________________________________________________ Stacey E. Mills, W4SM WWW: http://www.keplerian.com Charlottesville, VA PGP key: http://www.keplerian.com/key _______________________________________________________________________

1 0

Re: Delfi over NZ
by Alan Cresswell 08 May '08

08 May '08

Hi Bram, I check out your Mission Status page but will also keep an eye on the BB. Alan ZL2BX -----Original Message----- From: Delfi-C3 Mission Control [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, 8 May 2008 22:19 To: Alan Cresswell Subject: Re: Delfi over NZ Alan Cresswell wrote: > Bram > > Delfi off during the 2152 pass. > > > Alan > ZL2BX > Thanks for your continuous reporting Alan, do you follow the amsat bb forum, Wouter Jan (PE4JW), one of the team members, frequently posts updates on the satellite status there. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/200801/msg02759.html Bram Delfi-C3 Mission Control

1 0

North center scale
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 08 May '08

08 May '08

Hello I need a North center scale for my G-5400B controller. I had one at one time when I put in a S. center scale for AO-40 (sobsob). Somewhere burried within the bowels of my ham shack the N. center scale is there. It will remain forever lost (until I get another scale). I called Yaesu and they do not have them! I know one of you has one and perhaps we can work out an arrangement. As always thankyou. -- 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT member 28498 Seattle

1 0

ARISS Featured On Australian TV Show
by Trevor 08 May '08

08 May '08

ARISS Featured On Australian TV Show Amateur Radio recently got some good publicity when Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI appeared in an interview on the Australian Channel 7 Today Tonight show. The show was broadcast on the 11th April and provided some great insights as to how Tony and others over the years have provided support to Nasa and how amateur radio helps to promote public awareness of the NASA space program through school contacts with the astronauts aboard the ISS. Read the full story and view or download the video from the WIA website at http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2008/20080504-2/index.php 73 Trevor M5AKA --------------- Daily Amateur Radio RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email your news items to: editor at southgatearc.org News On Your Website: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/index.htm News On Your PC: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/newsreader.htm Upload Your News: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm --------------- __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

1 0

AMSAT/TAPR Banquet
by Martha 08 May '08

08 May '08

The following people have paid for banquet tickets as of today: Bob Stricklin Bill Reed Tony Hutchinson Robin Haighton Randy Kohlewey Mark Hammond Tim Pirkl Mel Whitten - 2 tickets Mel Preston Alan Biddle Larry Brown Keith Schlottman Howard Long Steve Sanger Bob Felt Steve Gunsel Stan Gunsel Nigel Johnson - 2 Tickets Wilse Morgan Gould Smith Nancy Makley Tom Clark Doug Quigliana Barry Baines August Frebig Keith Pugh Roger Ley Dee Interdonato Michelle Thompson Paul Williamson Roger Boncichi Lou McFadin Richard Hagen Mark Hammond Eric Ellison Phil Harman Leo Voelkle Walt Wittenburg Steve Belter Joe Fisher - 4 tickets Rick Hambly Chuck Pinkham Jim Randall Ian MacFarquhar Dave Toth John Shew Tony Kujims Harry Lees Steve Bible - 2 Tickets Bruce Perens Mike Swiader John Germanos - 2 tickets Frank Brickle Larry Stoskopf -- 73- Martha

1 2

ANDE FCAL new re-entry prediction
by Armando Mercado 08 May '08

08 May '08

Greetings, FCAL continues to be heard. Space-Track now predicts entry to occur June 4. The latest keps are: ANDE FCAL SPHERE 2 1 29667U 06055J 08129.47585782 .00273160 00000-0 11659-3 0 9378 2 29667 051.6186 159.3029 0001625 000.2928 359.8620 16.22017515 80161 73, Armando, N8IGJ

3 2

DELFI-C3 over Japan 13:00UTC
by ji1izr/Masahiro SANADA 08 May '08

08 May '08

Dear everyone, Thank you for many advices. The pass 11:27UTC may have made DELFI out of sunshine. I finally decoded 66 packets about 13:00 pass over Japan and sent them through net on my registered ID of RASCAL. I used "32789U" TLE for Winorb + WoStars (+1kHz offset). I am starting to know how to catch DELFI! Masahiro SANADA JI1IZR *************************** Masahiro Sanada de ji1izr Hiratsuka-city Kanagawa,Japan ji1izr_1975(a)nifty.com ji1izr(a)jarl.com ji1izr(a)jamsat.or.jp web: http://ji1izr.atnifty.com/ blog: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ ***************************

1 0

FT847 doppler tuning and RASCAL
by Robert Turlington 08 May '08

08 May '08

Hi All because the ft847 won't tune in increments of less than 10hz via the CAT port I have found it difficult getting data from DELFI. In the end I had to increase the update time to 10secs which gives RASCAL time to follow the doppler down and decode packets,this is ok when the rate of frequency change is slow but on high elevation passes at TCA it stuggles.Appart from tuning by hand has anyone got other (better) solutions to the doppler tuning problem with the 847?Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Great deals on almost anything at eBay.co.uk. Search, bid, find and win on eBay today! http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/msnnkmgl0010000004ukm/direct/01/

1 0

Re: Yaesu G500 bearings, KLM antennas
by i8cvs 07 May '08

07 May '08

----- Original Message ----- From: "KYLE YOKSH" <yokshs(a)sbcglobal.net> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 8:36 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu G500 bearings, KLM antennas > Hello, > > I've got a KR-500 and G500a rotor that need a good servicing. I've found > a lot of great info in the archives that will help me, but still have a few > questions.. > > I've read that the original bearings were steel, and begin to rust > almost immediately after installation. Can anyone suggest a better quality > bearing, and perhaps a source and part number? > Hi Kyle, K0KN The KR-500 and G500a elevation rotors are mechanically similar and if you look at the KR-500 Instruction Manual you will find the exploded mechanical drawing with part numbar and location. Each bearing is composed by part numbar 34 made with 20 ball bearings size 0.312 ( 5/16 inch ) and a bearing holder part number 33 By the way one groove for the balls is casted into the "aluminum boom shaft tube" part number 29 and the other groove is casted into the rotor housing 1.2. The bearing holder 33 is a stainless steel toothed ring with 20 teeth and the purpose of it is to keep the 20 balls separated each other while holding the lubricant grease between them and lubricate the grooves during rotation preventing in addition the wather to enter the rotor housing from the outside. The problem here is that the balls are not in contact-to-contact each other but they are separated each other by the teeth of the bearing holder. In this condition when the weight of the antennas is very large the radial vertical force generated by it's weight is not absorbed by the balls but is completely applied over the teeth and so the 20 balls will be forced to separate away one from the other. This load is responsible to wear out, to deform and to cut the teeth but as soon only one or two teeth are broken then the distance from the balls decreases so that the assembly tube gear 31 has room to fall down a little bit but the distance between it and the internal gear 10,11 increases up to a point that to come into gear with the pinion fail. > > I've also read that the bearing cages are subject to failure, and some > folks prefer to ditch them altogether. > To cure this problem and prevent damages to pinion and gear 31 I have not used anymore the bearing holder 33 but I have filled the grooves with black molibden grease adding in it , I do not remember exacly if two or tree more same size balls in order to replace the original room occuped by the teeth and this rotator is actually running without problems from several years now. When I did this modifications in 1992 the spare parts for Kempro were sold by SMC South Midlands Communications l.t.d in UK actually available at shaun.hey(a)smc-comms.com but I got advice that actually they do not have many spare parts at stock for it. > > I'm also curious if anyone has any suggestions to optimize my old KLM > crossed yagis? > I use a KLM 2m14c and 43518c, and they seem to work fairly well, but are > not exactly > top performers. I've never opened the polarization switcher units on > either antenna, but suppose I might want to clean the relay contacts? > I have the same antennas and for the KLM 2M-14C I realized immediately that the PCB of the CS3 switcher carrying the polarization relay was the critical point exposed to rain and umidity condensation. For the above reason I have incapsulated the PCB with it's relay into an additional plastic box drilling in it few suitable holes to drain out water and let the relay to stay at the same atmospheric pressure inside and outside the additional box and this prevent condensation of the umidity. In order to prevent that during temperature variation occurring from night and day new contaminated air enters inside the original relay cup ( the relay breathe air + pollution) the original plastic cup of the switching relay must be very well silicon sealed and the studs fitted inside the PCB must be inspected for good soldering. In my antenna circularity switcher CS3 I found as new that one stud was not perfectly soldered to the trace of the PCB but when I attemped to better solder it I realized that the stud becames immediately oxidated when heated by the soldering iron. The stud of this relay is not made of copper and it became oxidated if the temperature of the soldering iron is too high so that it was necessary to scratch it and solder it again at a lower temperature using Alpha Metals Inc. Plastic Rosin Solder 62 Sn , 36 Pb and 2 Ag Another precaution to increase the relay contact life is not to switch the polarization while transmitting expecially with high power and the use of an electrical interlock between TX and polarization Switch seems to be a good idea. About my 435-40CX the original CS-2 switcher is identical to that of your 435-18 C but I have not used the CS-2 because I have replace it with one of my own designe 4 polarizations V-H-RHCP-LHCP as published into the AMSAT-Journal, March.April 2007 Part-1 and May-June 2007 Part-2 > > Since my tower must be tilted over to service the rotator and antennas, > I'd like to get several years of service out of this gear. > If you mount the antennas as per the Assembly Instruction of the Manual they will be already optimized for the best performance for gain and VSWR and I don't think it will be possible to do better. By the way in two separate email I will send to you copy of the mechanical drawings for the KR-500 and a set of pictures showing how I have water-protected the CS3 for the KLM 2M-14C and as well for the KLM 2M-22C > Thank you for any help. > > 73, > > Kyle > K0KN You welcome and 73" de i8CVS Domenico

1 0

AO-51 mode change to V/S
by Gould Smith 07 May '08

07 May '08

I will switch AO-51 into V/S mode duirng the 2 hours around the UTC date change tonight. In addition to switching the mode, I need to downlink telemetry. I can not be any more precise exactly when the mode will completely switch. I plan on turning the L-Band uplink off, switching TXA to digital mode and getting the telemetry for the last few days. Depending upon conditions, I may have to turn TXB off for a while and increase TXA. Regardless, by the end of the second east coast of the US pass 0115Z AO-51 will be in mode V/S. V Uplink 145.880 MHz S Downlink 2401.200 MHz Note that we will be using the 145.88 MHz uplink to keep those users that don't read the current mode information from interferring with those using the proper frequency pair. This mode will last until UTC 12 May when we will enter the normal of V/U analog 145.92/435.300 MHz L/U digital 1268.7/435.150 MHz Enjoy V/U for the rest of this week. 73, Gould, WA4SXM AO-51 Command Station

1 0

Delfi tonight
by john heath 07 May '08

07 May '08

Hi Chaps, Good signals in IO92. During the 22:30 UTC pass there were several breaks in transmission and periods when the signal did not have its characteristic sound. I see that the OBC runs very cool. I recorded the lowest temperature I have seen -5.679 C. RAP 1 Temp seems unchaging since I started to take telemetry at -68.1C is this sensor broken I wonder. 73 John G7HIA

1 0

Re: "Birdies" from Linksys Wireless router
by Karl Sandstrom 07 May '08

07 May '08

I use shielded cat5 on my Linksys. I still have the birdies but have to get the HT within 6" of the router for it to break squelch. It does not affect my radios with outside antennas. Karl R. Sandstrom, K5MAN Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

1 0

Yaesu G500 bearings, KLM antennas
by KYLE YOKSH 07 May '08

07 May '08

Hello, I've got a KR-500 and G500a rotor that need a good servicing. I've found a lot of great info in the archives that will help me, but still have a few questions.. I've read that the original bearings were steel, and begin to rust almost immediately after installation. Can anyone suggest a better quality bearing, and perhaps a source and part number? I've also read that the bearing cages are subject to failure, and some folks prefer to ditch them altogether. I'm also curious if anyone has any suggestions to optimize my old KLM crossed yagis? I use a KLM 2m14c and 43518c, and they seem to work fairly well, but are not exactly top performers. I've never opened the polarization switcher units on either antenna, but suppose I might want to clean the relay contacts? Since my tower must be tilted over to service the rotator and antennas, I'd like to get several years of service out of this gear. Thank you for any help. 73, Kyle K0KN

4 3

Replacement for TH-D7A(G) ?
by Ronald Nutter 07 May '08

07 May '08

I stopped by the local ham store today to buy the TH-D7A(G) but was told they were out of stock and it had been discontinued. Has anyone heard of its replacement and have any info ? I was thinking of getting this to start working the Digital birds. Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

3 4

AO-7 log.
by John Hackett 07 May '08

07 May '08

I think it's about time to put a notice on the AO-7 log again for the benefit of those who *CAN'T* see what everybody else does. PA1NTO at 14:45 ... then again at 14:46. PE1BVQ at 16:26 ... then again at 16:40. If people make a mistake they *CAN* correct it ... (tick the *REMEMBER ME* box and edit the entry with the hourglass). .................................................................................................. PLEASE !!! ... ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PASS ... (max 6 stations worked) ... MORE !!! than 6 stations per pass and you may use two entries for the same pass. The QSO's pane means the callsign of the station you worked, *NOT* the fact that you called CQ. There are lots of stations calling CQ who never put an entry in the log so a a mere CQ really of much interest to anybody. There is a dedicated COMMENTS pane ................................................................................................... 73 John. <la2qaa(a)hotmail.com>

1 0

SEEDS II Operation Mode
by Raul Romero CA3SOC 07 May '08

07 May '08

miércoles 7 de mayo 00:10 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 01:47 FM packet 11:02 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 12:39 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 22:54 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink jueves 8 de mayo 00:29 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 02:06 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 09:49 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 11:20 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 12:58 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 23:12 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink viernes 9 de mayo 00:47 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 02:26 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 10:06 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 11:39 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 13:18 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 23:30 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink sábado 10 de mayo 01:06 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 10:23 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 11:57 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 13:38 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 23:48 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink domingo 11 de mayo » 00:01 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 01:25 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 10:41 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink 12:16 FM packet and Digi-talker downlink Se muestran los eventos programados hasta el 7/6.Buscar más --------------------------------------------------------------------- "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

1 0

Delfi-C3 status update 7 May 12:00 UTC
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 07 May '08

07 May '08

Hi all, another status update of the Delfi-C3 satellite: 1. Delfi-C3 is now in orbit for over a week, and continues to perform well. 2. We are aware of the transmitter distortion and drop outs occurring. These two are related, and are not related to the transmitter itself, but are the result of a power / attitude issue combined with the way our Electrical Power System works. Thanks to all your reports we now have a clear view of what is happening, and are in the process of taking corrective actions while the s/c is over our groundstation. We are taking these actions step by step so the phenomenon will continue to occur over the coming days. Your reports on this phenomenon are welcome. 3. We are still not sure which TLE's correspond to Delfi-C3, so it is indeed kind of like a lottery hi:) Time will tell, since the s/c will drift further apart over time, so that we can discriminate better between the individual satellites. During the last days, our groundstation has been using object #32789 with good results. 4. There have been a number of orbits where the spacecraft entered "emergency mode". Up till now, every eclipse (reset) has cleared these issues. We think we have an understanding of what causes this. If you hear the satellite in emergency mode, your reports are appreciated, either on the BB or at missioncontrol(a)delfic3.nl 5. Today we tried listening to the satellite using handheld receivers and Arrow antennas, on the groundstation roof. Delfi-C3 was nice and strong during this overhead pass, we had a tremendous amount of fun as you can see from the photos at http://www.delfic3.nl/photoblog/ It was a magnificent feeling to be staring into the blue sky knowing that our spacecraft was somewhere up high. 6. Up till now we have received 70000+ AX.25 telemetry frames from the satellite on our servers, thank you all for listening and submitting telemetry! 73 on behalf of the Delfi-C3 team, Wouter Jan Ubbels PE4WJ

3 2

FCAL data
by Ivan Galysh 07 May '08

07 May '08

Hello all, FCAL is nearing the end of its mission. During its last few weeks, who ever can send me the most unique data (no duplicates) until reentry will win a mission patch. Send the data to ivan.galysh(a)nrl.navy.mil Ivan Galysh KD4HBO

1 0

Trakbox * problem solved *
by renauld halbardier 07 May '08

07 May '08

Hello, Thank you to all of you giving me their opinions. Related to the problem described in my previous message, the solution (easy) was to REPLACE the Lithium-Battery BT1 by a new one . Trakbox is now working and out of the dust after many years ! Tnx Delfi C3 ! Renauld ON4KVI

1 0

ANDE FCAL heard 0433UTC
by Armando Mercado 07 May '08

07 May '08

Greetings, ANDE FCAL still in orbit as of 0433UTC 07May2005. Packets copied this morning: 07-May-08 04:33:41 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:029824EAFFFEFD0FFFE0298FFFEFEF0FFFE02C0FFFEFEF0FFFE02A0 07-May-08 04:33:48 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:Analog 000600FF00EC00DB00AB000800DE0008N 0000001E 07-May-08 04:34:26 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:0298251FFEFD98FFFE0270FFFEFED0FFFE02B0FFFEFEF8FFFE0270 07-May-08 04:34:33 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:Analog 000800FB00F900DA00A6000500DD0010N 0000001E 73, Armando, N8IGJ

1 0

Linux based WRT54G Routers (and others too)
by William Liporace - NA2NA 07 May '08

07 May '08

I have had a few requests, so here is what I know... I used the DD-WRT version successfully on the WRT54G routers. DD-WRT now supports over 80 devices :- I just did a Google Search for Linux wrt54g and got lots of hits www.ddwrt.com www.sveasoft.com www.openwrt.org Just as a reminder... This will void any warranty. I am NOT responsible for any one blowing up their router. You can make your router totally useless... You can also improve the RF signals, make them more secure and have a lot of fun.... 73 es GL Will WC2L

1 0

SEEDS II Now Packet !!!! Over CHILE
by Raul Romero CA3SOC 07 May '08

07 May '08

Yes Now Copy SEED II in Packet Mode 437.485 FM Very Strong My Fyles in my Pc Server http://ce3soc.no-ip.org --------------------------------------------------------------------- "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

1 0

DELFI decoded
by ji1izr/Masahiro SANADA 07 May '08

07 May '08

Dear everyone, I finally decoded DELFI by RASCAL. It is very difficult to tune for decoding. I got only 2 packets. Masahiro Sanada JI1IZR *************************** Masahiro Sanada de ji1izr Hiratsuka-city Kanagawa,Japan ji1izr_1975(a)nifty.com ji1izr(a)jarl.com ji1izr(a)jamsat.or.jp web: http://ji1izr.atnifty.com/ blog: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ ***************************

4 5

CubeSats new TLE
by Mineo Wakita 07 May '08

07 May '08

In NORAD: 32783 OBJECT A = CARTSAT-2A 32784 OBJECT B = CANX-6 32785 OBJECT C = CANX-2 32786 OBJECT D = IMS-1 32787 OBJECT E = COMPASS-1 32788 OBJECT F = AAUSAT-II 32789 OBJECT G = CUTE-1.7+APDII 32790 OBJECT H = DELFI-C3 32791 OBJECT J = SEEDSII 32792 OBJECT K = RUBIN 8/PSLV

1 0

Delfi C-3 not so strong
by Paulo Pinto 07 May '08

07 May '08

Hi, For the last two days I noticed that signals from Delfi-C3 over Europe are not so strong as they were in the first 6 days. I have the same antenna setup which consists of a 9 element Yagui on my balcony (no rotor and abt 10 deg North/ 10 deg Elev.) and TS-2000. Anyone noticed that? 73's Paulo, CT1ETE

1 0

DELFI C 3
by Luc Leblanc 07 May '08

07 May '08

I watched DELFI C 3 when he goes out eclipse. As soon as he get some light he start to transmit his data but and as reported by some listeners he stopped transmitting after one or two minutes and he normally does not come back even if he's in full light. My question: is it normal or is it a problem? Thank's for your inputs P.S. SEEDS is now in CW TLM mode i try to decoded with CWGET but he's not reliable i will have to recorded and decoded it after...Pain in the neck as my CW is a "bit" rusty Did any one try another CW decoder who at least put gaps between TLM strings? Too lazy to copy CW "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

2 1

C3 heard 6-5-2008 at 8:00 and 18:55 utc
by Kostas Ioannidis 06 May '08

06 May '08

C3 heard 6-5-2008 at 8:00 and 18:55 utc at 145.930Mhz sending tlm. Packets uploaded to the server. 73 de sw1ixp

1 0

Re: Cubesat Antenna Modeling and truth?
by Anthony Monteiro 06 May '08

06 May '08

At 12:12 PM 5/4/2008, Robert Bruninga wrote: >A big problem on small satellites (cubesats) is how to match >antennas... >... >Has anyone had other successes? Just thinking what we should be >telling these students that are building cubesats. A 6" whip >for 70cm is not too bad on a 4" cubesat, but 2m is compltely >different... Hi Bob, This problem is not new. Walt Maxwell, W2DU had the same problem when working on antenna for big satellites at RCA Astro-Electronics. His solution was to use ferrites to decouple the feed cable from the satellite body. Then you can just use a directional coupler outside the satellite to measure the return loss. I have used this and it works pretty well as long as you keep the feed cables at 90 degrees from the antenna E field. You can use the EZNEC model to determine the expected E-field. You need to make sure the ferrites provide at least 10x the impedance of the antenna at the satellite (i.e. if you expect 35 ohms for the antenna, you need at least 350 ohms from the ferrites.) Also, you MAY need to break up any resonances on the cable by putting ferrites every 1/8 wavelength on the feed cable if you cannot get the cable at a true 90 degrees. Note that 90 degrees will not likely be directly broadside from the satellite especially for a 4" cube on 2 meters. 73, Tony AA2TX

1 0

Getting RASCAL into SYNC
by john heath 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hi, Thanks for the tip on this bb to use something like Spectran to tune the radio so that the strongest part of the signal is on 1600 Hz. Here is an useful observation - constant manual frequency adjustments of the radio seem to defeat the Costas Loop ? and prevent the software from locking onto the signal. Get close to 1600 then wait a few seconds to allow the software to do its job. Lost sync a few times due to deep QSB but got 172 packets on the afternoon pass at IO92IO. I am sure this is by no means a record but its a lot better than I have managerd so far. Hope this helps. 73 John G7HIA

1 0

Re: TLE lottery
by Mike Rupprecht 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hi, I agree Colin, Compass appearing before Cute but we work with 32787 (E) and 32785 for Cute (C) with good results. 73, Mike DK3WN Betreff: [amsat-bb] Re: TLE lottery Gesendet: Di, 06. Mai 2008 Von: Colin Hurst<cjhurst(a)bigpond.net.au> > Jeroen, > I do agree with your observations. > My observations have Compass appearing before Cute1.7+APDII. > I would suggest Compass is H and Delfi-C3 is J. > But time will tell. > Colin VK5HI. > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]]On > > Behalf Of Jeroen Vreeken > > Sent: Tuesday, 6 May 2008 8:32 AM > > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > > Subject: [amsat-bb] TLE lottery > > > > > > Hi, > > > > For the last few days I used object H (#32790) for tracking Delfi-C3. It > > is also the current object mentioned on the delfi-c3 website. > > However the last few passes it seems that it is getting > > increasingly late. > > Object J (#32791) seems to fit much better.... > > Is anybody else seeing the same? > > > > 73, > > Jeroen PE1RXQ > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > --- original Nachricht Ende ----

3 3

Re: DELFI decoded
by Mark L. Hammond 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hi Bruce, On my TS-2000x I find setting the LOW cut off around 200 Hz (or maybe 100 Hz) and the HI cutoff around 2600 (or maybe 2400) works pretty well on 1200 BPSK signals like Delfi-C3. Give that a try... you can go a bit wider (100/2600), or a bit more narrow (200/2400)..but 200/2600 should be pretty good. 73, Mark N8MH Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 12:04:48 -0300 From: "Bruce Robertson" <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: DELFI decoded To: "Viktor Kudielka" <viktor.kudielka(a)ieee.org> Cc: AMSAT <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <49657a760805060804xcf5383ah2810ae488bff1db9(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 It is possible to tune for RASCAL by ear. I use the following steps: 1. Tune to find the frequency with the greatest s-meter reading 2. Listen to the tone part of the signal, not the raspy part, and aim for a note much higher than a regular CW signal. 3. When the green sync light goes on in RASCAL, fine-tune to centre the signal at 1600 Hz. Does anyone know how narrow a SSB filter I can apply to this signal? I have a TS-2000, which is quite adjustable. For now I'm using it wide open. I know the centre signal is 1600 Hz, which is quite high. How high/low do the sidebands go?

1 0

SEEDS, Cute-1.7+APDII and COMPASS-1 over West Malaysia
by Sion Chow Q. C. (9W2QC) 06 May '08

06 May '08

Dear All, Pass report for SEEDS, Cute-1.7+APDII and COMPASS-1 over West Malaysia Time: 1054 Local or 0254 UTC Max Elevation: 55 degrees Satellites: Cute-1.7+APDII & COMPASS-1 http://www.9w2qc.net/amsatbb/cute05may1054.mp3 After 3 minutes, QSYed to SEEDS which was in digitalker mode. Below is the best SSTV picture from SEEDS. Can anyone explain why the image is still noisy despite a full quieting 59+10db signal (with preamp on)? http://www.9w2qc.net/amsatbb/seeds05may1054.jpg Also had an earlier 3 degree pass that was copied unattended. This was an exclusive SEEDS pass which was also in digitalker mode. 73, Sion Chow Q. C., 9W2QC.

2 2

Cochise Amateur Radio Assn. hamfest on Saturday (3 May) - report
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hi! On Saturday, 3 May 2008, the Cochise Amateur Radio Association (CARA) held its annual Larry Warren Hamfest on its "Green Acres" field in Sierra Vista AZ (grid DM41vm): http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=31.5197+n+110.1901+w&ie=UT… As part of the hamfest, there was an AMSAT table with information related to amateur satellites and on-air demonstrations during 3 passes. This was a large (for Arizona) effort, with two Sierra Vista hams (Jeff K7WIN, Bill K7WJS) taking the lead with the planning for the effort. Larry W7LB from Tucson and I (driving in from Phoenix) were also part of this. Jeff and Bill have done presentations for the CARA in the recent past, laying the foundation for the AMSAT effort at the hamfest. The CARA even authorized us to use its callsign K7RDG for our radio operations during the hamfest. Jeff and Bill also had information on IRLP and EchoLink, and we monitored K7WIN's 70cm repeater on both of those networks in case anyone wanted to call us during the hamfest. We set up the tables in time for the 7am (1400 UTC) start of the hamfest, put out flyers and AMSAT merchandise, and prepared our stations (satellite and IRLP/EchoLink). We were ready for the first pass, and talking with hams and anyone else walking by until the first satellite pass. AO-51 came by for an overhead pass between 1453 and 1508 UTC, and it was a busy pass. K7RDG made contacts with 2 Canadian stations, 6 Mexican stations, and 8 stations from all over the continental US. Despite the number of stations, this was a very good pass to show those not familiar to satellite operating. About 20 minutes after that pass (1529-1543 UTC), SO-50 went by from the north to the southeast. With a maximum elevation of 51 degrees at our station, it was another good pass for a demonstration. K7RDG logged contacts with 10 different stations during this pass. One Canadian station, 5 Mexican stations, and 4 US stations - again, a very nice show for the audience. Once SO-50 passed by, we had almost an hour before the next pass. AO-51 made a low pass (maximum elevation 8 degrees) to the west between 1633 and 1644 UTC. With mountains in that direction coupled with the low elevation, K7RDG logged only 5 contacts on this pass. Four in the continental US, and one (Dale KL7XJ) in Alaska. As with other Saturday hamfests in Arizona, this hamfest went until midday. Then we, like everyone else, packed up our stuff. Lots of people stopped by our tables, we made 31 contacts with stations from Alaska to central Mexico and all across the US, and everyone had a good time. Thanks to the Cochise Amateur Radio Association for the space and the use of the K7RDG call for our demonstrations, to the operators on these 3 passes (especially the many XE stations that showed up and said "hello" to the hamfest), and to Jeff K7WIN and Bill K7WJS for their work leading up to - and on the day of - the hamfest. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

ANDE FCAL still in orbit
by Armando Mercado 06 May '08

06 May '08

Greetings, ANDE FCAL (NO-62) continues it's mission. Copied packets during two passes over W. Michigan (EN62): 06-May-08 11:06:28 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:02972ED2FFEE60000601B8FFFEFE200000FFC8018CFF800024FD20 06-May-08 12:36:21 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:Analog 000E00F400FB00DA00A600FC00DE0005N 0000001E 06-May-08 12:39:13 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:0297449E014000FFFFFF000020FE88003B02180006FED8008AFD60 06-May-08 12:39:20 KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM:Analog 000400F500F900DC00A9000B00DD000AN 0000001E Space-Track still has re-entry predicted for May 2. Latest Keps are: ANDE FCAL SPHERE 2 1 29667U 06055J 08127.13381296 .00257346 11874-4 12382-3 0 9336 2 29667 051.6232 172.1966 0001650 005.7290 354.3845 16.20723490 79785 73, Armando, N8IGJ

1 0

re seeds elements
by Angus 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hi all, operator error :o)) I have just updated my Orbitron elements and found I deleted all the seeds elements, anyone please list the elements again for me so I can paste them back into the Orbitron programme. regards Gus M0IKB -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 3672 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len

2 1

New Ionosphere Tool for Ham Radio Operators
by Bauer, Frank H. (GSFC-590.0) 06 May '08

06 May '08

All, I am pleased to announce that NASA has just released a new 4D ionosphere tool that can benefit the ham radio community. To explore the ionosphere and for more information on this outstanding modeling system, please go to the following web sites: The vodcast on the 4D ionosphere www.nasa.gov. http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/4dions_feature.html A downloadable version that includes a sound bite on how ham radio operators will benefit from this model: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a010200/a010208/ Enjoy! 73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO

1 0

Hamsat Greetings
by Prathap Kumar 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hello All Thank you all for the greetings and encouraging words about Hamsat VO-52. I am glad to mention that we have our Hamsat 2 transponder built by one of our student members and working out plans for the same. Hopefull for a slightly higher orbit. There will be a presentation & demo of the new transponder at the forthcoming seminar & Sat workshop here. Looking forward to all your support. Best 73 Pop VU2POP Secy Amsat India

1 0

Re: TrakBox
by Jack E. Davis 06 May '08

06 May '08

At 06:04 PM 5/5/2008, you wrote: >hello all > >my 'old' trakbox (dusty!) ,after 5 years of sleep, doesnt work in >stand alone mode anymore ; terminal mode works perfectly. Ram has been >cleared , clock adjusted, new keplers loaded ; version is 3.50b. > >Any ideas ? > >73 > >renauld on4kvi The first thing I would suggest is to change to 3.50d. TAPR has ROMs and the image is readily available if you can program EPROMs. Also check the battery to see if is still alive. If you need parts let me know as I still have most everything in the kits. After making these changes let me know your results. 73, Jack - WA4EJR

1 0

Re: Trackbox
by Jack E. Davis 06 May '08

06 May '08

At 10:26 PM 5/5/2008, you wrote: >Me again, 3.50b is the most current eprom. The latest is 3.50d and available from TAPR. The rom image is readily available for those who can burn EPROMS. I still have all the parts for TrakBox (T_B) for anyone needing them. Jack Davis - WA4EJR ex TAPR TrakBox Manager After all these years I often wonder how many are still in use. I believe around 1000 were sold. CU at the AMSAT booth in Dayton. >You must connect it to an external 12 VDC even when in standalone mode. > >Finally, the binary switch ( one of my TrakBoxes has a rotary and the other >has 2 push buttons for moving up and down the 9 satellites plus "0" for >normal mode ) on mine does not automatically switch satellites when you >switch between "0" and any satellite. It also does not switch back to "0" >terminal mode from any satellite. The first change in switch position >requires a reset. So once I have gone to "1" from "0" and do a reset, I can >then go to any other satellite with just the switch. > >If I then go back to "0" I need to again "reset". An ON/OFF is as good as a >"Reset". On the original kit the reset was a momentary ON switch at the >back. > >I just checked the schematic and parts list from 1993 and the switch is >referred to as a 16 position BCD switch. > >Hope this helps. > > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)AMSAT.Org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of renauld halbardier >Sent: May 5, 2008 5:05 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Trackbox > >hello all > >my 'old' trackbox (dusty!) ,after 5 years of sleep, doesnt work in stand >alone mode anymore ; terminal mode works perfectly. Ram has been cleared , >clock adjusted, new keplers loaded ; version is 3.50b. > >Any ideas ? > >73 > >renauld on4kvi >_______________________________________________ >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

1 0

Delfi-c3 shutting down and rebooting.
by Charles Reiche 06 May '08

06 May '08

I captured audio of the Delfi-C3 pass this evening around 02:43 UTC on May 6 on 145.930. I was hearing some odd formations of the data coming from delfi-c3, I was synced and recieving packets at the time. Shortly after this the satellite shut off and restarted a few seconds later, sending more data. Again after about another minute I heard the strange noises, then the bird shut off.... a few seconds later it came back only to an idle, and once again shut down, this time for the rest of the pass. Hope this description and the following links to the audio can help. http://www.n3crt.net/amsat/delfic3/delfic3_050608_0240Z_reboot_and_idle.mp3 http://www.n3crt.net/amsat/delfic3/delfic3_050608_0240Z_reboot_and_idle.wav http://www.n3crt.net/amsat/delfic3/delfic3_050608_0240Z.txt Charles Reiche N3CRT FN20XW IC-910h ~80ft 9913 into M squared 2m7 yagi fixed on the horizon and horizontally polarized.

1 0

AO-51 mode L/S QSB
by Piero Baudino 06 May '08

06 May '08

Hi all, just worked AO-51 in mode L/S over EU starting at about 19.45 UTC. I can notice a very deep qsb from about S3 (converter noise) to S9+20. I can't remember a so deep qsb in the past, 1-2 years ago the sat in this mode was with very "stable" signals. Is AO-51 not well stabilized ? Any info from command stations ? My working setup is: RTX: Icom IC-910 converter: DB6NT 2,4 Ghz to 144 Mhz, 0.43 dB NF antenna: grid 70x70 cm. oriz. pol. Best '73 de Piero IZ1ERR

2 1

Trackbox
by renauld halbardier 05 May '08

05 May '08

hello all my 'old' trackbox (dusty!) ,after 5 years of sleep, doesnt work in stand alone mode anymore ; terminal mode works perfectly. Ram has been cleared , clock adjusted, new keplers loaded ; version is 3.50b. Any ideas ? 73 renauld on4kvi

2 2

Not heard DELFI over Japan
by ji1izr/Masahiro SANADA 05 May '08

05 May '08

Hello, this is ji1izr/Masahiro. I heard emergency sound of DELFI at 23:50 through 00:00 UTC over Japan. Nothing heard at 01:25 through 01:35. *************************** Masahiro Sanada de ji1izr Hiratsuka-city Kanagawa,Japan ji1izr_1975(a)nifty.com ji1izr(a)jarl.com ji1izr(a)jamsat.or.jp web: http://ji1izr.atnifty.com/ blog: http://ji1izr.air-nifty.com/ ***************************

1 0

Re: TrakBox
by Jack E. Davis 05 May '08

05 May '08

At 06:04 PM 5/5/2008, you wrote: >hello all > >my 'old' trakbox (dusty!) ,after 5 years of sleep, doesnt work in >stand alone mode anymore ; terminal mode works perfectly. Ram has been >cleared , clock adjusted, new keplers loaded ; version is 3.50b. > >Any ideas ? > >73 > >renauld on4kvi The first thing I would suggest is to change to 3.50d. TAPR has ROMs and the image is readily available if you can program EPROMs. Also check the battery to see if is still alive. If you need parts let me know as I still have most everything in the kits. After making these changes let me know your results. 73, Jack - WA4EJR

1 0