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2M1EUB/P QRV IO87RJ 12/04/08
by paul robinson 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Hi group ill be qrv once again from io87rj near aberdeen scotland from 12.04.08 for 7 days. its not an easy location for stateside but possible,if you wish to work me ,please be quick as only a small window for USA! would also be good to work some new calls from the states!! Europe window is ok! Ill be on all birds but mainly ao7 ssb .i will also be 160 and 80m as well as some hf ssb! check out the qrz web page under 2m1eub ,theres a nice photo and info.qsl is via home call 2e1eub.73 de paul amsat uk/na member --------------------------------- Yahoo! for Good helps you make a difference

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MacDoppler & MacLogger
by Roger Swickis 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Dear Folks, Does anyone out there have any experience in setting up MacDoppler to work with MacLogger? I have tried everything I can think of and can't manage to make it work. I have been told that a file called 'log.dat' should appear in my 'MacDoppler Folder'. As there didn't appear to be any 'MacDoppler Folder' anywhere on my computer, (only the MacDoppler application), I created one under my 'Documents' folder. But nothing appears in it when I try to log from MacDoppler. Also, does anyone know of a program out there designed to log satellite contacts, as MacLogger is not really designed for the info I normally manually record for my satellite contacts. Thanks, Rog

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MacDoppler and MacLogger
by Roger Swickis 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Dear Folks, Re my earlier problem on Logging from MacDoppler. After much poking around I found that the 'log.dat' file created by MacDoppler does not automatically save the file to 'the MacDoppler folder' as stated in the manual, but it saves it in my 'Applications Folder'. So, problem solved, sort of. I don't suppose there is a way of changing where MacDoppler puts that file, at least it's not evident to me. So I guess I'll hafta figure out a way to move the 'log.dat' file to a more logical location using OSX. Any suggestions? Rog VA7MG

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Houston AMSAT Net podcast
by Bruce 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

I think we are ready. The Houston AMSAT Net is now available as a Podcast. You can subscribe to http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml Please let me know off the list if there are any problems. Net #734 and #735 are available. They will remain online for 4 weeks then roll off. You can always download and listen with an MP3 player at http://www.amsatnet.com or the direct link http://www.amsatnet.com/audio.html Thanks to Dale, WD0AKO, for doing the encoding and creating our album art. I have submitted the link to iTunes but who knows if or when they will pick it up. And...off our website, it is commercial free. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Delfi update
by G0MRF＠aol.com 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

copied from _www.delfic3.nl_ (http://www.delfic3.nl) 10th April 2008 A couple of minutes ago the launch preparation team has arrived at the Delft University after an exhausting 24-hour trip from Chennai. We apologize for the lack of updates in the last 5 days but there was not much too tell on the two days off, and those were followed by a couple of extremely busy days in which we performed the final steps of preparing Delfi-C3 for launch. Delfi-C3 has been placed in its X-POD and left in the cleanroom at Sriharikota, giving the launch team mixed feelings about leaving without it. Now that we are back home we can say that all the checks and tests have been performed to satisfaction and we are convinced that Delfi-C3 is completely ready for a launch. Right now we will start to focus on the launch and early operations phase but we’ll keep you updated

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AO-16 Status Update
by Mark L. Hammond 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

AO-16 Status Update April 10, 2008 Hello All, AO-16 continues to operate well in its new voice configuration as follows: Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink: 437.026 MHz DSB (LSB and USB) After several months of continuous illumination, AO-16 is again experiencing short periods of eclipse. Recent telemetry indicates that the spacecraft temperatures are decreasing a bit as a result. As the eclipse periods of AO-16 continue to increase in the coming months, we must continue to monitor the spacecraft power budget. Spacecraft control is now limited to the Microsat Boot Loader (MBL). Therefore, the power budget of AO-16 is managed by varying manually the output power of the transmitter. Users of AO-16 are encouraged to report any aberrant operations by either posting to the AMSAT-BB or by emailing the command team at n8mh(a)amsat.org “Aberrant operations” might include the following: complete loss of signal from the spacecraft or significant change in the transmitter frequency. We are grateful to see significant activity on AO-16! On behalf of the command team, Mark L. Hammond, N8MH

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Fwd: 2M1EUB/P qrv io87rj on sats
by paul robinson 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- Yahoo! for Good helps you make a difference

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RS3X active on Cosmonautics day
by Robert Turlington 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

It looks as if there will be at least one other Special Call active on cosmonautics day RS3X to quote:- 'RS3X will actively FM / SSB / CW through AO7, AO16, AO27, AO51, FO29, SO50, VO52 from 11 to 13 April 2008. QSL via RA3XX.'Regards Robert G8ATE /GB0CD _________________________________________________________________ The next generation of Windows Live is here http://www.windowslive.co.uk/get-live

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RARSFest help at AMSAT table 4/12/08
by Mark L. Hammond 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Hello BBS Readers, This Saturday, April 12, is the Raleigh, NC hamfest--RARSFest. I have made all of the arrangements for the space/table/AMSAT goodies, etc. and have a committment from Barry Baines WD4ASW to assist. Two others had hoped to help, but have circumstances which prevent them from helping afterall. I know that this is short notice, but sometimes that works out best for some folks! If you are willing and able to help with the table on Saturday, please contact me directly off the list at n8mh(a)amsat.org No experience necessary, on the job training is available at no charge :) 73 -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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MacDoppler & IC821
by Roger Swickis 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Dear Folks, While I'm at it, has anyone had experience using MacDoppler with the IC-821? I find I am unable to manually tune the radio while using the MacD program to control my frequency(cies) for doppler shift. I can tune the radio while holding down the button above the 'VFOs Locked' box, but when I release the button the radio returns to the previous frequency. I have been working around it by finding myself, noting the frequencies and then manually adjusting the frequency with the uplink and downlink arrows, but this is neither convenient or quick. (It seems to me that I should be able to manually tune the radio and have the program follow it, as happens in SATPC32.) Thanks, Rog VA7MG

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MacDoppler and MacLogger
by Roger Swickis 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Dear Folks, Does anyone out there have any experience in setting up MacDoppler to work with MacLogger? I have tried everything I can think of and can't manage to make it work. I have been told that a file called 'log.dat' should appear in my 'MacDoppler Folder'. As there didn't appear to be any 'MacDoppler Folder' anywhere on my computer, (only the MacDoppler application), I created one under my 'Documents' folder. But nothing appears in it when I try to log from MacDoppler. Also, does anyone know of a program out there designed to log satellite contacts, as MacLogger is not really designed for the info I normally manually record for my satellite contacts. Thanks, Rog

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Florida AMSAT Net
by David J 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

HQ8R SWAN ISLAND DXPEDITON SATELLITE COMMUNICATION Florida AMSAT Net, on the 443.1 MHz N4HHA repeater, On the NI4CE system of repeaters and over Echolink at KG4YZY-R, node# 4429, on Thursday April 10th at 19:30 ET. Following a Preamble and announcements, Bill Dzurilla, NZ5N, http://www.qrz.com/nz5n will present his adventures to, during and from the recent Swan Island Dxpedition which ended about March 27. Web site: http://www.hondurasdx.com/ Please email questions you would like to ask Bill to: David Jordan, AA4KN, at: aa4kn(a)amsat.org Dave is only accepting questions sent PRIOR to net time. Additional questions will be allowed as time permits. This will allow reduction of duplicate questions and also allow David to be heard by everyone via the repeater. Please include your Name and Call Sign. Credit of the Name and Call Sign will be given over the repeater for those questions sent to David. During prior events, many mobile units were unable to present a consistent r.f. signal into the repeater. Also a more smoothly run net will occur by reducing the number of "overs" etc. AMSAT, The Radio Satellite Corporation, web site is: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php Prepared by Carl Zelich, AA4MI, aa4mi(a)arrl.net SENT BY DAVID JORDAN, AA4KN

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Help required understanding IC910H manual
by Graham Shirville 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Hi All, Simple question about the manual... On page 19 there is a statement: "....transmission can only be transmitted on the MAIN band - not on the SUB band. In the case of satellite operation, the SUB band is used for the transmission band." This seems to be contradictory - could anyone tell me what it actually means/ many thanks Graham G3VZV

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Re: Help reuired understanding IC910H manual
by Graham Shirville 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Many thanks to the many who have responded to my question. I have been able to satisfy the enquirer who is planning the set-up of the GENSO reference groundstation at ESA-ESTEC - so I am very grateful for your help! 73 graham G3VZV

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Re: AO-51 Mode L/U
by Dave Aitch 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Hi Jim, Have you checked this site ? http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/ControlTeam.php 73, Dave.

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AO-51 Mode L/U
by James Denneny 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

I have had no luck uplinking on Mode L. I even followed a suggestion to increase TX delay to 999 ms and tail time to 100 ms to give the bird extra time to grab me. However, 10w from my 910H on 23cm with a single twisted helix 1.2G antenna does not cut the mustard. I also have had very limited success on the 70cm downlink grabbing the DIR. All in all - a bust. Jim K7EG

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Re: EggBeater II antennas
by Oscar Diez 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

Hi Jeff, I would not swap your 6 el. Yagi for any eggbeater (neither the original M2 one nor the homebrewed eggbeater II design). I've build an Eggbeater II and it was very "nully" due to the many lobes of the antenna. I had it mounted about 20ft over the ground on the roof top and connected to a low noise GAsFET preamp. I removed it again after only one week of operation and was quite disappointed and went back to my homebrew ground plane. Furthermore the antenna is only circular overhead and horizontally polarized towards the horizon. Even the simple 1/4 wave groundplane + preamp gave me a better reception of 70cm LEO birds at low elevation angles and much less nulls. Generally I found vertical polarisation to work better most of the times with most kind of satellites (although by theory when receiving circular signals this shouldn't be the case - but you can centrainly confirm that with your yagi) If you look for an omnidirectional antenna I would give the parasitic lindenbald antenna a try as described by Tony AA2TX in the AMSAT proceedings 2006 and 2007. I haven't tried it yet, but I expect it to work even better than any Eggbeater design (maybe someone ever compared such antenna types and could report here?) Best 73, Oscar DJ0MY

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Swan Island Dxpedition announcement
by David J 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

_____ HQ8R SWAN ISLAND DXPEDITON SATELLITE COMMUNICATION Florida AMSAT Net, on the 443.1 MHz N4HHA repeater, On the NI4CE system of repeaters and over Echolink at KG4YZY-R, node# 4429, on Thursday April 10th at 19:30 ET. Following a Preamble and announcements, Bill Dzurrila, NZ5N, http://www.qrz.com/nz5n will present his adventures to, during and from the recent Swan Island Dxpedition which ended about March 27. Web site: http://www.hondurasdx.com/ Please email questions you would like to ask Bill to: David Jordan, AA4KN, at: aa4kn(a)amsat.org Dave is only accepting questions sent PRIOR to net time. Additional questions will be allowed as time permits. This will allow reduction of duplicate questions and also allow David to be heard by everyone via the repeater. Please include your Name and Call Sign. Credit of the Name and Call Sign will be given over the repeater for those questions sent to David. During prior events, many mobile units were unable to present a consistent r.f. signal into the repeater. Also a more smoothly run net will occur by reducing the number of "overs" etc. AMSAT, The Radio Satellite Corporation, web site is: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php Prepared by Carl Zelich, AA4MI, aa4mi(a)arrl.net SENT BY DAVID JORDAN, AA4KN _____ Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL <http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv00030000000016> Travel Guides.

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145.840 signal
by Andrew Glasbrenner 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

I received a report this morning from someone that heard a data signal on 145.840 and assumed it was BO-47. If I recall correctly that package was battery-only, so while I don't expect that is the right satellite maybe it's worth some folks listening to that frequency? 73, Drew KO4MA

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Field Hell via Satellite
by Robert Turlington 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hi All I have been experimenting with Field Hell via Satellite recently and have had good results on VO52,AO16 & AO7(b) at times if there is anyone out there also interested in this mode please let me know .I will be posting some results on my web site:- www.turlington.supanet.com in the next few days Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ The next generation of Windows Live is here http://www.windowslive.co.uk/get-live

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Cosmonautics Day 12th April 2008
by Robert Turlington 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hi All please have a look at my Web Site for details of GB0CD ops on the 12th April 2008 [email protected] Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Win 100’s of Virgin Experience days with BigSnapSearch.com http://www.bigsnapsearch.com

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Re: ITAR
by RFI-EMI-GUY 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

I had an inquiry from overseas for a piece of test gear I have for sale (HP3586B frequency selective level-meter). After reading the convoluted and very general wording of the ITAR rules, I concluded that an overzealous customs agent could make this out (in his head) to be export of "wiretapping" equipment so I _didn't _make the sale. -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P

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ITAR
by Trevor 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

U.S. eyes removing some satellite components from munitions list http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2008/itar.htm ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! For Good helps you make a difference http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Anyone looking for Grid Squares in Nevada like DM25 ?
by Ronald Nutter 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

I will be making a trip to Las Vegas to see some vendors in a couple of weeks and am thinking about taking an ultra-lite station with me to work the FM birds the first day while I am out there. The best day I can hope to work the birds will be 4/28. Satscape indicates the following passes will be available - SO-50 [+] 28 APR 2008 09:42:48 337 26 (AZ 046) AO-51 [+] 28 APR 2008 09:49:28 001 30 (AZ 293) SO-50 [+] 28 APR 2008 11:23:29 322 43 (AZ 249) AO-27 [+] 28 APR 2008 15:21:09 155 59 (AZ 073) AO-27 [+] 28 APR 2008 17:02:11 210 15 (AZ 269) AO-51 [+] 28 APR 2008 19:22:53 143 36 (AZ 066) AO-51 [+] 28 APR 2008 21:02:02 197 25 (AZ 269) The times listed are in CDT, I didnt get the conversion made for PDT when I ran these calculations. I am planning on taking 2 handhelds - one for uplink and one for downlink so I can run full duplex. Planning on using 1/4 wave 2 mtr mag mount and 5/8 wave 70cm mag mount for antennas. I used DM25 as a beginning reference for the pass calcs. Will be within 2 to 3 hours of Las Vegas and North during most of the passes. I havent flown with ham gear since before 9/11. Anything I need to know to be prepared to deal with TSA ? I plan on putting the mag antennas in the check-in luggage and will put the handhelds in a Pelican case that will have some recording gear I will be using to record some interviews for a radio show that I do. No promises that I will get to appear on any or all of the passes but I will do my best. Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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DELFI-C3 Launch
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hi Wouter, "Big Hello to you and the team" - Glad to see that things are once again in motion and Delfi-C3 has come out of hibernation after a very frustrating wait for all of you and prospective users. My thoughts are very much with you all especially after having the opportunity of meeting many of you at the Amsat- UK Colloquium. For those that have not met the team, let me just what wonderful guys they are and it is credit to see so many of the younger generation working together with such dedication. I hope that all of your efforts will now be appreciated and the rewards for your project can go ahead as planned. The week following the launch I am giving a presentation here in Wales on "Working Satellites". I intend to also include your presentation on Delfi-C3 with my work and hopefully also add the satellite to one of possible live demonstrations. Meanwhile "Good Luck and Best wishes to all of the Team " - Take Care. Remember that " AMATEUR RADIO SATELLITES - " ARE REALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD" Regards Ken Eaton GW1FKY AMSAT-UK AMSAT NA

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Re: Free Ham Satellite!
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hi Alan, Warbler does indeed not have soundcard selection capability, but RASCAL has. (When I have time, it will be incorporated in Warbler as well but that will probably be after Delfi-C3 is safely in orbit hi:) Bruce, thanks for the kudos:) It's been really rewarding to be able to build a satellite, it has been a true team effort with over 60 people involved! It's great to finally have our baby so close to launch. A life changing experience. As I type this mail, our mechanical guys are applying the final pieces of glue and thermal tape next to me, all is still ok. 73 Wouter Jan Ubbels VU/PE4WJ

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Re: Delfi3C
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

Hi Bruce, yes, that's a very recent presentation we gave for local Dutch hams, enjoy! Indeed, the software is named RASCAL, and yes, the demod algorithm of Warbler is in there so you can indeed check whether your setup is ok by using Warbler. The rest of RASCAL (GUI, connection to server etc. etc.) was specially developed by the team. The screenshot is actually of the beta test we ran 3 weeks ago, with a handful of radio amateurs. The software passed this test with flying colours, only some minor cosmetic changes will be made. We will publish the software on our website when we are back from our pre-launch checkout trip from India, which will be in the week of april 14th. So stay tuned:) greetings from warm India, Wouter Jan Ubbels VU/PE4WJ

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JA-W7 QSO
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

Hello I am looking for a station in northern JA to try to QSO with me on AO-7 mode A. My grid is CN87 near Seattle. If available and capable please email. Or if someone can assist me in getting this info to JA. Just trying to "stretch" the footprint.(grin) 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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Free Ham Satellite!
by Bruce Robertson 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

There is a group that is willing to give we amateurs a LEO satellite with mode-B linear transponder on board and at no cost to us! The only catch is that they hope we will give them our help in collecting telemetry from their experiment for the first three months of the bird's life. Does this sound too good to be true? Well, in fact, not only is it true, but the satellite is due to launch in only two weeks! For those who haven't been following the story of the Delfi-C3 satellite, that's exactly the deal that these researchers from Holland are offering us. It's the sweetest opportunity in a long time, and we'd be wise to respond with an overwhelming response. If we do, we'll make it clear to the myriad cubesat developers that, by leaving some communications hardware for us to work with after their experiments end, they can be sure of our full support in collecting telemetry. Delfi-C3 matters greatly to us for two other reasons. First, it is the first time that amateur voice communications equipment has flown in the inexpensive 'cubesat' form-factor. If Delfi shows how this can be done, we can expect other groups to follow in their path. Delfi-C3 is sized 30x10cm, a stack three times the size of the usual cubesat. Maybe the software-defined transponder concept could miniturize our hardware to the point that we could get a ham transponder into an even cheaper 20x10 cubesat, making it even more affordable for local groups to undertake. Secondly, Delfi-C3's experiment pertains to solar panel technology, something we should all hope progresses to give us more watts in space. If you've been lukewarm on cubesats because you think they're not 'real satellites' or if you're in the doldrums because the satellite industry seems to be keeping us from afordable launches, here's your chance to fix things, at least on the LEO side: 1. Ensure your 2m downlink station is working well. You'll probably need a yagi to collect telemetry. Get that low noise preamp installed on the mast. 2. Ensure that your radio/souncard interface is working well. Test this with some software APRS packet decoding, for example. 3. Get a software 1200 bpsk demodulator. The java program from the lead developer of Delfi-C3 will probably work: http://home.casema.nl/b.ubbels/Warbler.htm then test it with the audio files available there. You might need to fiddle with the 'stereo mixer' settings in your Win32 machine to get the WAV file to play back into the computer. You'll want to download the RASCAL software from the delfi-c3 people when it is available. 4. Join the cubesat chat rooms during and after the launch to help these projects identify their birds and apply the right TLEs. This is high drama, and its great fun to see just how good at this stuff people like Mineo and Mike are. 5. Collect telemetry! And help out the other cube projects, too, while you're at it. Some of you with really great HEO-class stations can use them to great effect here. 73, Bruce VE9QRP

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416TB help
by w0dxz＠aol.com 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

I have an old 416 TB, need wiring help.? It currently has been wired for use with? the PS-4 switching box,,, instructions say that as wired, it will be LHC when not energized,,,? RHC only when energized. I want the opposite,,, RHC when NOT energized.??? (I am not going to energize?? --? not going to use? the PS-4) How do I wire it to be RHC when NOT energized... ?I do not have the original wiring harness for use without the PS-4. or should I just go down to HRO and buy a linear? 432 antenna?? I need RHC or linear, i dont care which. Bob W0DXZ DM33? Sun City AZ

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Aldert 1000 points, AO-7
by TERRY BROMLEY 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

Well done Aldert on reaching 1000. Like Mika and Eric & Joe- Mak, all good friends through the old bird. Sorry i'm late with the congratulations just got back from my break with the 60 year old women hi hi. Hope she does not read this email. 73 see you all soon. Terry G1WPR.

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SSTL
by Willmott, Paul 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

Europe's largest space company, EADS Astrium, looks set to acquire the British satellite manufacturer SSTL. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7334231.stm ********************************************************************************* This message and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be privileged and/or subject to the provisions of privacy legislation. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed and review by anyone else is unauthorized. Any use, disclosure, reproduction, modification or distribution of the contents of this e-mail, or any part thereof, other than by the intended recipient, is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this message in error, please notify the sender of this e-mail immediately by return e-mail and destroy the message and all copies in your possession. Oil Management Services Ltd *********************************************************************************

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Delfi3C
by G0MRF＠aol.com 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

Hi all. Hopefully 16 days and counting... The following has appeared on the website. delfi3c.nl "The launch preparation team has safely arrived in India and is busy checking Delfi-C3. Everything has been found ok so far. The launch window remains as is. " Regards David

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Re: AO-51 findu.com request
by Mineo Wakita 07 Apr '08

07 Apr '08

Hello Steve, K4HG, There is 'findu_com web' for ISS APRS packet: http://www.ariss.net/index.cgi?absolute=1 And there is 'findu_com web' for PCSAT-1 APRS packet: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi?absolute=1 We want to open similarly 'findu_com web' for L/U digital mode of AO-51 APRS packet like ISS and PCSAT-1. Thank you. I wrote at the last time: > AO-51 is working now as L/U digital mode. > We hope to open 'APRS findu.com' of AO-51 L/U. > > JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [04/01/08 10:40:49z] <UI>:HELLO ALL GE vir AO-51 > L/U PKT > JE9PEL>APRS,PACB-1* [04/01/08 10:41:31z] <UI R>:=3523.05N/13936.61E- > Yokohama Japan {UIV32} > JA5BLZ>APRS,PACB-1* [04/01/08 10:42:20z] <UI>::JE9PEL :GE UR 599 TNX --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj Date: Apr 7, 2008 ---------------------------------------------

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FCAL Status
by DeYoung James 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

My latest prediction run as of 3 April 2008 gives a decay date of 1 June 2008 +/-6 days. 73 KG4QWC ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

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FCAL Status
by Chris Bloy 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

Hi all, When is FCAL due down? Just want to clean up my keps. Thanks, Chris - M0DQO Locator: IO90KU

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metal or non metal cross booms
by Gopal Madhavan 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

I have experimented with both non-metallic and metallic cross booms after reading numerous articles on the subject some years ago. With CP antennae mounted in X configuration there seems to be hardly any difference in performance. I speak of experiments done when AO-40 was active. I now use a metallic boom as it gives very good rigidity to mount two CP antennae, a small dish for 2.4 GHz, preamps etc. Here in India I do not have the option to order a good section of fibre glass cross boom any way, and so had made do with PVC tube wrapped in fibre glass, but it eventually sagged and I had to periodically rotate it 180 degrees to keep it somewhat level. Gopal VU2GMN

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I: Re: metal or non metal cross booms
by Francesco Grappi 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

Hi all, Another solutions : (I did it) Metal cross boom with, at the end of both side, 400 mm. of nylon shaft Inside. It works great ! 73" Frank IW4DVZ -----Messaggio originale----- Da: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] Per conto di kc6uqh Inviato: domenica 6 aprile 2008 19.05 A: Prathap Kumar; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Re: metal or non metal cross booms Suggestion, Wood has very good strength, why not place a wood dowel rod inside a pvc pipe with end caps to keep the weather out? THe wood will offer the support and the pvc will protect the wood from the elements. Art , KC6UQH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Prathap Kumar" <vu2pop(a)gmail.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:44 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: metal or non metal cross booms > Hi > I got the thick wall Blue PVC pipes used for plumbing wrapped in > fibreglass > mat and its been in use for over ten years now. > The final OD is now about 40mm. > It does support both my cross yagis on the rotator. > I am also looking for the fibreglass tube with thick wall and hope to get > some here in Bangalore and will keep you informed Gopal. > Best 73 > Pop > VU2POP > > > >> Gopal, >> >> A good decision that you made. A study by Kent, WA5VJB, shows that >> only some sensitivity of position between elements on the antenna >> boom impacts using a metal crossboom if the antenna is mounted in the >> "X" confinguration. My satellite antennas are mounted this way. >> >> 73 Ed - KL7UW >> >> At 05:50 PM 4/5/2008, Gopal Madhavan wrote: >>>I have experimented with both non-metallic and metallic cross booms after >>>reading numerous articles on the subject some years ago. With CP antennae >>>mounted in X configuration there seems to be hardly any difference in >>>performance. I speak of experiments done when AO-40 was active. >>> >>>I now use a metallic boom as it gives very good rigidity to mount two CP >>>antennae, a small dish for 2.4 GHz, preamps etc. Here in India I do not >>>have >>>the option to order a good section of fibre glass cross boom any way, and >>>so >>>had made do with PVC tube wrapped in fibre glass, but it eventually >>>sagged >>>and I had to periodically rotate it 180 degrees to keep it somewhat >>>level. >>> >>>Gopal VU2GMN >>> >>> >>>_______________________________________________ >>>Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >>>Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >>>program! >>>Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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recording software
by Nick Pugh 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

Hi AMSATERS I have ask the list before but have not gotten a good response. I am looking for shareware program that will record audio based on time that you enter. Skypipe comes close but it only let's you put one record time. thanks nick

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G-5500 lubrication
by Joel Kandel 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

Am abut to put up a G-5500 rotor and noticed on the test bench that the elevation rotor makes a but of a grinding noise when it operates. More so than the azimuth rotor. 1. Is this noise normal? 2. Is it worth trying to open the rotor and grease the beartings or whatever is making the grinding noise? 3. Any pitfalls to opening the unit? I have worked successfully on Ham IV rotors in the past. Thanks, Joel Kandel, KI4T

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[ans] ANS-097 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-097 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * Dayton Forums Schedule * AMSAT Booth Volunteers * DelfiC3 Update * AMSAT Room Block at Dayton * AO-51 Update * ARISS Status - 24 March 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.01 Dayton Forums Schedule AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.01 AMSAT Forum at Dayton Hamvention 0900-1130 Saturday, May 17 Forum Room 5 We have a great lineup of speakers for the AMSAT Fourm at Dayton this year. The forum will concentrate on discussing AMSAT projects and activites for this year. Moderator: Barry A. Baines, WD4ASW AMSAT Corporate Secretary & VP-Special Projects Rick Hambly, W2GPS AMSAT President and Robert Davis, KF4KSS AMSAT Director-Spacecraft Integration and Lab Manager, "AMSAT Update". Rick will present a status report on the Intelsat Negotiations, a brief update on Eagle, and AMSAT-DL's Phase 3-E Project. Bob will provide an overview of AMSAT's new Integration Lab in Pocomoke, MD as well as discuss the HASP (High Altitude Student Payload) and Cubesat Projects that are under development at the Lab. Gould Smith, WA4SXM, AMSAT VP-Member & User Services, Andrew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT VP-Operations, and Mark Hammond, N8MH AMSAT Command Station, "AMSAT Satellite Operations Update" which will provide an overview of AO-51 as well as highlight how AO-16 has been reconfigured as a voice repeater satellite. Matt Ettus, N2MJI, ACP System Engineer and Michelle Thompson, W5NYV ACP Ground Station Development Engineer, "AMSAT's Advanced Communications Package (ACP)". Matt and Michelle will provide an overview of the new communications system currently under development for Eagle and a potential payload package to be placed on a commercial geostationary satellite. ACP is designed to provide emergency communications using portable ground stations as well as make it possible for amateurs living in areas with CC&R restrictions to be able to communicate via our next generation satellite. They will explain why ACP is being developed and discuss both the work being done on the payload as well as the ground station component that is being developed concurrently. Frank Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT Director-Manned Space Programs, "A Ham Radio Operator's View of ARISS". Frank will outline several new initiatives under development for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) that will interest amateur radio operators as well as provide an overview of SuitSat-2 currently under development. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.02 AMSAT Booth Volunteers AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.02 AMSAT Booth Volunteers for Dayton 2008 I am looking for volunteers to help in the AMSAT booth during the 2008 Dayton Hamvention, May 16-18. I would like people to volunteer for 2 hour shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Multiple shifts are welcome. I also need help with booth setup and take down on Thursday May 15 and Sunday May 18. With enough people we have been able to setup and take down the booth in 3 - 4 hours ( or less). Please volunteer to Gould, WA4SXM at his callsign(a)amsat.org. This is a great opportunity to give back to AMSAT and to have an enjoyable time talking with other AMSAT members and future members. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.03 DelfiC3 Update AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.03 DelfiC3 Provisional launch date April 21st April 4th, 2008 Greetings from the clean room at Sriharikota! The Delfi-C3 checkout team has safely arrived at the launch site in India, and we are currently performing all checks on the space- craft. So far, everything goes as planned and we have found no problems. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed on the base so you'll have to use your imagination for now. Meanwhile, we will try to keep you updated by posting text-only blog entries. At this very moment, the team is building up the satellite into launch configuration, which means attaching the solar panels, the wireless sun sensors, and applying the final pieces of thermal tape and locking glue. All major health checks have been successfully completed up to this point so we know the spacecraft is in good health. The linear transponder was tested for the last time before launch, and it worked just fine. Frequencies: * Primary telemetry downlink: 145.870 MHz 1200 Baud BPSK AX.25 400mW * Backup telemetry downlink: 145.930 MHz 1200 Baud BPSK AX.25 400mW * Linear transponder passband downlink: 145.880 - 145.920 MHz (inverting) 400mW PEP * Linear transponder passband uplink: 435.570 - 435.530 MHz * Transponder mode beacon: 145.870 MHz CW (10dB below transponder PEP) Monitor http://www.delfic3.nl/photoblog/ for updates! [ANS thanks Wouter Jan Ubbels VU/PE4WJ for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.04 AMSAT Room Block at Dayton AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.04 Once again, Dayton is about 6 weeks away. If you plan to attend, we have a block of rooms reseved every year for our group. Please call Martha with C/C info and the days you plan to be there and she will make the reservations for you. [ANS thanks Martha for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.05 AO-51 Update AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.05 AO-51 is running less power than last week. Gould, WA4SXM, AO-51 Command station reported that the transmitter power levels on AO-51 have been reduced. 1) The SQRX receiver is on for L band uplink for the bulletin board 2) We are starting to enter a new eclipse cycle this week. TX B (analog) is 700 mW (was 820 mW) TX A (digital) is 550 mW (was 550 mW) We will reduce power slowly until mid June (eclipse length maximum), then slowly increase it until early Sept when we will again enter a no eclipse period for a number of months. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-097.06 ARISS Status - April 3, 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 097.06 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-097.06 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Osnovna skola Pazin in Pazin, Croatia on Monday, April 7 at 14:52 UTC. Eight hundred students are enrolled at the school which has offered technical classes in robotics, electronics and computer science for the past ten years. Students from Pazin’s two high schools are also expected to attend this event. The schools hope to pique the students’ interest in space and electronics through this educational activity. 2. Kodomo Contact Successful Youth from the Kodomo Support Project in Kyoto, Japan participated in a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, March 26. One hundred thirty parents and community members watched as eighteen children asked astronaut Garrett Reisman, KE5HAE, twenty questions before the ISS went over the horizon. Three television stations, including NHK, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, and seven newspapers covered the event. To view a video of the contact, go to: http://www.ariss.jp/kyoto/Kyoto.wmv 3. Shukor Crew Debrief Held An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) crew debrief was held on Tuesday, March 25. Spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 9W2MUS provided the team with feedback on his experience with ARISS contacts while onboard the ISS. 4. Articles Cover Upcoming Garriott Activities Articles have been posted covering the educational activities that Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, has planned while onboard the International Space Station. These activities include contacting children at the Challenger Learning Centers and taking part in amateur radio contacts. Prior to flight, children can take part in a contest creating a design for a patch. Spaceref.com and the Challenger Center articles may be viewed here: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=25010 http://www.challenger.org/programs/garriottdownlinks.cfm 5. Astronaut Training Status An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) training session has been planned for astronauts Bob Thirsk, VA3CSA, and Chris Hadfield, KC5RNJ/VA3OOG, on Thursday, April 17. Thirsk is a scheduled crew member on Expedition 19; Hadfield is his back-up. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

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COSMONAUTICS DAY 12th APRIL SPECIAL CALLSIGN GB0CD ON AIR
by Robert Turlington 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

HI ALL JOHN G7HIA AND MYSELF WILL BE USING THE SPECIAL CALL SIGN GB0CD 'COSMONAUTICS DAY' ON THE 12th APRIL 2008 BETWEEN 0800 &2200 hrs UTC ON AO7,AO16,AO27,SO50,AO51 & VO52 DETAILS TO FOLLOW LATER ON IN THE WEEK. SOME OPERATION MAY TAKE PLACE OVER THE FOLLOWING 4 WEEKS WITH PROPOSED SSTV AND OTHER MODES POSSIBLY FIELD HELL Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ The next generation of Windows Live is here http://www.windowslive.co.uk/get-live

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AO-51 Mode S Antenna question
by Ronald Nutter 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

I have one of the K5GNA modified downconverters with the corner reflector attached. Since starting to set my satellite station back up, this is one area that I hadnt addressed. I have my antennas mounted to a Channel Master rotor on a commercial TV tripod. The antennas are angled at about 25 degrees because of some ground clutter, trees, etc that I have to shoot over to get to the satellites. With this setup, can I mount the Mode S downcoverter and have a reasonable chance at getting it to work or should I look at some type of patch antenna to get better signal picket ? Is mode S a little less unforgiving so that I have to have it more directed at the satellite than I can get away with on my current VHF/UHF antenna setup ? Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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SO-50 67 khz?
by w0dxz＠aol.com 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Does SO-50 still require the? 67khz tone on input? I am gong to try it for the first time. Bob W0DXZ? DM33

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 171
by John Kopala 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Yes, SO-50 requires a 67 Hz PL tone. Note that the satellite receiver is turned on by a 74 Hz PL tone and stays on for 10 minutes. After turning it on, if it is not already on, switch back to the 67 Hz tone to talk. Be aware that if you are talking through the bird and no longer hear the downlink, the 10 minutes since the last time it was activated may have expired. If so, just turn it on again. John - N7JK Subject: [amsat-bb] SO-50 67 khz? To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <8CA655E76661585-1754-1BFA(a)webmail-nb12.sysops.aol.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Does SO-50 still require the? 67khz tone on input? I am gong to try it for the first time. Bob W0DXZ? DM33

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HT debate
by andy thomas 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

This morning I successfully QSO'd with ON4ASG in jo10nx through AO-51 using a HT that I bought in Jinan, China for the equivalent of £12 or 25USD. It's called a PU GUANG PG-5118 and has 2.5 watts out from a Li-ion battery (no CTCSS though). Similar rigs are on ebay. I was using my Arrow of course, and an adaptor to change the SMA male antenna plug on the HT to BNC, on a 67 degree pass. Downlink was heard full duplex on another cheap radio, Hora C408, costing about £40-50 here, tuning in 5kHz steps. Runs on 2 AA cells. No desensing whatsoever. Bit fiddly to doppler tune a second rig, and the tape ran out before the end (!), so lost IW8RRF. Watch out for an announcement coming up soon about EW/G0SFJ! 73 de andy G0SFJ ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! For Good helps you make a difference http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Looking for 10 Mtr loop info
by Ronald Nutter 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

I am trying to put together an antenna for AO-7 downlink on 10 meters. At one point I had a copy of an article from an older AMSAT journal but due to a move last year across country, I seem to have misplaced it. Does anyone happen to have a copy they can share with me ? I am trying to get fluent with the SSB birds prior to Field Day since the FM birds will pretty be useless that weekend. Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

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2M1EUB/P qrv io87rj on sats
by paul robinson 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Hi group ill be qrv once again from io87rj near aberdeen scotland from 12.04.08 for 7 days. its not an easy location for stateside but possible,if you wish to work me ,please be quick as only a small window for USA! would also be good to work some new calls from the states!! Europe window is ok! Ill be on all birds but mainly ao7 ssb .i will also be 160 and 80m as well as some hf ssb! check out the qrz web page under 2m1eub ,theres a nice photo and info.qsl is via home call 2e1eub.73 de paul amsat uk/na member --------------------------------- Yahoo! for Good helps you make a difference

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Delfi3C
by G0MRF＠aol.com 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

From: _http://www.delfic3.nl/photoblog/_ (http://www.delfic3.nl/photoblog/) Provisional launch date April 21st April 4th, 2008 Greetings from the clean room at Sriharikota! The Delfi-C3 checkout team has safely arrived at the launch site in India, and we are currently performing all checks on the spacecraft. So far, everything goes as planned and we have found no problems. It is great to meet the other teams and see all the other spacecraft which accompany Delfi-C3 on the launch, everyone is excited and can’t wait to see their satellite fly. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed on the base so you’ll have to use your imagination for now:) Meanwhile, we will try to keep you updated by posting text-only blog entries. At this very moment, the team is building up the satellite into launch configuration, which means attaching the solar panels, the wireless sun sensors, and applying the final pieces of thermal tape and locking glue. All major health checks have been successfully completed up to this point so we know the spacecraft is in good health. Furthermore, the linear transponder was tested for the last time before launch, and it worked just fine. Tomorrow is the last day we can work before we have two days off due to Indian national holidays. Frequencies: * Primary telemetry downlink: 145.870 MHz 1200 Baud BPSK AX.25 400mW * Backup telemetry downlink: 145.930 MHz 1200 Baud BPSK AX.25 400mW * Linear transponder passband downlink: 145.880 - 145.920 MHz (inverting) 400mW PEP * Linear transponder passband uplink: 435.570 - 435.530 MHz * Transponder mode beacon: 145.870 MHz CW (10dB below transponder PEP)

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Re: Delfi3C
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Hi David & the rest of the BB, yes we have safely arrived in India, I am currently sitting next to the spacecraft as I type this e-mail:) So far, everything is going well with the checkout. We also did a successful transponder test yesterday. You might also want to check our weblog at http://www.delfic3.nl/photoblog where we will post updates, photos are not possible since photography is not allowed here. 73, Wouter Jan Ubbels VU/PE4WJ

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Re: Delfi3C
by Wouter＠delfic3.nl 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Hi David & the rest of the BB, yes we have safely arrived in India, I am currently sitting next to the spacecraft as I type this e-mail:) So far, everything is going well with the checkout. We also did a successful transponder test yesterday. You might also want to check our weblog at http://www.delfic3.nl/photoblog where we will post updates, photos are not possible since photography is not allowed here. 73 de VU/PE4WJ

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EggBeater II antennas
by Jeff Moore 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Hi there, I've just recently started working some of the sats (AO-51, SO-50, and AO-27 so far). I'm using a 2m mobile with a vertical ground-plane for uplink and a 6 element yagi with HT for downlink. I've been wondering how effective the Eggbeater II antenna design would be for the downlink (70cm). Anyone using this antenna design to work the satellites? Any advice appreciated. Thanks and 73, Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY CN94ib Bend, Oregon

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Preamp for a Mobile Application
by Kent R. Frazier 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Hi all, I am really enjoying the satellite aspect of the hobby and have enjoyed the contacts I have made with my Icom IC-2720H with a 19" whip antenna from my vehicle. I have seen talk recently of using a preamp to improve the reception. From what I've read and understand, it appears that a "switching" preamp is needed for a setup using only one antenna for Tx and Rx such as mine. Is this correct? It also appears that most of the preamps are mast mounted. Since this would not be an option for me can the preamp be put near the transceiver? Are there any issues that result of doing so? Lastly, what preamp(s) would you recommend for an application such as mine? Thanks, Kent -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

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Re: Best HT's for sats?
by Bill Dzurilla 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Dan, Thanks for uploading the paper, very helpful. Guess no one rig can please everyone, but what is it about the FT-530 that makes it "very awkward to operate"? Drew KO4MA gave the FT-530 high praise in his post. I could never hear my downlink on the IC-W32A I borrowed for Swan Island, and if you can't use it to work full duplex, might as well buy a brand new FT-60 for about the same price as the W32A sells for on eBay. Also, you can't work the ISS with an unmodified W32A, as it won't transmit below 440 mhz. I know it's possible to hear your downlink on the FM birds with some rigs, because many have written about it. I've had no luck with 3 different rigs, even with separate radios and separate antennas. No problem for me to work duplex on AO-7 and VO-52, must be the third harmonic that is the issue with AO-51, AO-27, and SO-50. A lot of folks seem to like the Kenwood TH-D7A, but the price tag is quite high for a radio that is "very delicate," "extremely difficult to program," and "poor battery life". 73, Bill NZ5N >>Posted by: "Dan O'Barr" kl7dr(a)yahoo.com kl7dr Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:13 pm (PDT) I uplaoded my white paper on the best Walkie-Talkies to operate the LEO Amateur satellites. >>You can access this file at the URL: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/fm-satellite/files/Best%20Walkie-Talkies.doc 73, Dan O, KL7DR ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

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cross boom?
by w0dxz＠aol.com 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

In putting together my antenna,?? (144-432)I need something to use as a horizontal- cross? support boom. What would be the best length, and,? what would be the minimum length,,,? would 6? ft separation be OK?? To minimize problems, should I mount one beam horizontal, one vertical? Does it matter which one, is? which way? I doubt I can find a fiberglas boom locally,,,? what else could I use?? or, where can I order a fiberglas boom? thanks Bob W0DXZ

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Re: Best HT's for sats?
by Andrew Glasbrenner 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Bill, The 530 lets you select one band as the transmit band, and the other as the band that the dial tunes. Simply set the 2m side to the 2m uplink, the 70cm to the downlink + expected doppler shift, set the sub band tune to tune the 70cm side, and then when you push the ptt it will transmit on 2m. The only thing you'll need to touch during the pass is the main tuning knob, and the PTT. This feature is only on the 530, on the 470 you have to swap bands, tune, then swap back before transmitting. With the 470 figure on doing this 5 times on a long pass, and I was always able to do it with one hand, even with gloves standing knee deep in snow in South Dakota. To answer an earlier question (or to not answer it) I've never had the need or desire to operate a full duplex rig where the receive band mutes on tx. There are cheap earphones that work for full duplex just about everywhere. I still use a pair I picked up for free from JetBlue two years ago. If I'm doing a demo where I want others to hear, like at a hamfest, I have an extension speaker from MFJ (read CHEAP) that I screwed a belt clip from an old cell phone onto, so that it clips to the back of my belt facing the other way from me. This and careful volume control will normally prevent it from squealing due to feedback. Think about this...full duplex means you can tweak your antenna orientation WHILE transmitting for max signal. All the FM microsats use a single whip for receive, meaning a linear yagi like the Arrow will have ~20db!!! of variation on the uplink due to cross polarization. If on your next dxpedition, would you bring along a 500w amp if it only had the size and weight of a pair of earbud headphones? 73, Drew KO4MA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Dzurilla" <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 8:20 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Best HT's for sats? You mean you have to switch to the receive VFO and then switch back to the uplink VFO every time we need to make a Doppler correction? It's not cold here in Florida, but I can sure see how that would be annoying. Andrew said the FT-530 has a "subband tune function," what about that? 73, Bill > --- Dan O'Barr <kl7dr(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > Hi Rafael and Bill, > > > > That's the issue with the FT-530, and it's the > same > > with the Alinco DJ-580. > > They are both very good radios for full duplex. If > > you are in a warm climate, > > and do not have to wear gloves, then all the > button > > pushing to change back and > > forth between VHF for transmitting and then to UHF > > for receiving and changing > > frequencies for Doppler, then it's no big deal. > > However, up here the ability to > > just program 5 spit channels, like the VX-7R, > makes > > it a lot easier to work a > > pass. I believe the FT-51 has the capability of > > working full duplex with a > > setting that allows the operator to transmit on > one > > band and receive and tune > > on the other. ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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AO7 PH7PCF
by k3szh＠netzero.net 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Great job and congratulation Aldert on your 1000 plus qso's on AO7, it's a wonderful satellite on which we can actually have a meaningful qso.I am glad to be one of your many friends to be part of that. 73 Joe Amsat 3788 _____________________________________________________________ Own the Ultimate Platinum Credit Card. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tDlh8nJcx8oh1fYl100Tk…

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Easy to make, low cost omni-directional antennae
by Graeme Nelson 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Hi all, I'm wanting to make an antenna for "talking with the birds", mainly ISS and LEOs. Thank you to Don ZL1THO and John KB2HSH for the suggestions and encouragement they have already e-mailed me. I have done some more thinking since then and come up with the following list of criteria for the first antenna I make for satellite work: * easy to make * lost cost * omni-directional * good performance, especially for satellite work, without moving it * portable enough that I can pack it into the van when I go on holiday and it won't take up much space (it needs to share the space with all the stuff for my wife and 3 children, as well as me). It would also be nice to be able to store it in the corner of my office at work if I so desire. When I started looking in earnest last Friday, a ham colleague of mine did a Google search an came across a turnstile antenna that looked promising (http://www.wb8erj.com/turnstile_antenna.htm). That evening, I noticed the eggbeater on the web site of John KB2HSH (http://kb2hsh.blogspot.com/), which looks nice and easy to build. I then did some searching and came upon the Eggbeater II by Jerry K5OE (http://members.aol.com/k5oejerry/eggbeater2.htm), arguably a better fixed antenna for satellite use than the original eggbeater. A while later, I also found the EZ-Lindenblad by Tony AA2TX (http://www.arrl.org/qst/2007/08/monteiro.pdf). I am currently leaning towards the EZ-Lindenblad (for 2m) and a parasitic Lindenblad (for 70cm ... when I get hold of the design; I intend to e-mail Tony about it if/when I go ahead with the EZ-Lindenblad). How do these antennae compare performance-wise? Am I leaning in the right direction (EZ-Lindenblad), or should I be looking at something else? Your input would be much appreciated. TTFN., Graeme ZL2GDN

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G-5500 rotor schematic source?
by Joel Kandel 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Anyone happen to know a source of a schematic for the Yaesu G-5500 rotor pair? Thanks, Joel Kandel, KI4T

4 3

Re: Re-purposing ATVs
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Hi Guys, I am not being negative and "Yes if Only" - However there is more than the provision of amateur radio equipment and antennas to consider. It would not meet with the original objectives for the spacecraft - Apart from the consideration of the rubbish on board it would become another piece of "junk" in space and therefore a hazard especially when it starts to fall into the orbit paths of other spacecraft. Someone would have to be responsible to monitor and control this aspect which among many other considerations would I regret mean it would be rejected. Don't forget that this is only the first of a number of these spacecraft to be launched and the past few weeks with the dummy runs being used as part of a procedure for the future. This area alone must have cost a significant amount time and money for the Safety Cases,Risk Assessment, documentation ,training etc. etc. etc. I regret to say I do not think that we would have any positive agreement for a re-run of these costs just for the sake of amateur radio. I am sure that the "SuitSat" team and others participating in some of our projects could confirm the way things have changed since our earlier days. The process and current difficulties in time and costs now do mean it is very hard going for our hobby sad to say. Ideas are always worth listening to and also prove a useful learning curve to all, so thanks for your proposal and I really do wish that it could be adopted. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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Best HT's for sats?
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

I've made many sat contacts with my VX-2R but am thinking about upgrading to something with 5 watts output. I used a borrowed IC-W32A and Swan Island and it worked fine, although I could not hear my downlink in full duplex mode, too much desensing. Not sure full duplex is even worth the extra money, as it seems that most duplex HTs have a similar desensing problem. I was thinking about trading in the VX-2R for an FT-60 or a VX-6R, any comments on these or other sat-friendly HTs? 73, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

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antenna opinion?
by W0DXZ＠aol.com 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

I am going to put up a simple satellite antenna system. Simple means, that I won't be able to control the polarization, I am going to use linear 144-432 beams. I will be able to rotate AZ of course, AND elevation. Question is,,, how big of beams (how much gain) do I need for each band. I don't want the pattern to be so tight I am constantly changing the rotor,,, would something like 8 ele on 2 and 16 el on 432 do the job? I can use a pre-amp on receive (separate coax lines) Any recommendations for antennas? I just don't want to go through polarization switching. And,,, would it be any benefit to turn the beams somewhere between horizontal and vertical,,, at a 45 degree angle, for polarization? Or is that a waste of time, or would it make things worse. Bob W0DXZ DM-33 AZ **************Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv00030000000016)

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Re: Best HT's for sats?
by John Marranca, Jr 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

TH-D7A. Full Duplex...AND APRS capable. Ordering mine tomorrow. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Re: Re-purposing ATVs
by richard＠g3rwl.demon.co.uk 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

> I was reading about the Jules Verne docking at the ISS today and all of a sudden it occurred to me: instead of using the spacecraft fuel to de-orbit, what if it was placed in a higher orbit, and there was a ham package on board? What a wonderful idea. > You might convince ESA to linger a bit before deorbit to conduct some experimentation using amateur radio but I suspect they will want to clear that double decker bus sized satellite from the sky. And what goes up comes down. Bump Jules Verne up to 500km and it'll be back down at the ISS altitude in about ten years; if theres enough fuel for 1000 km the chances get better. But they'd probably want an inclination change at the very least. 73 Richard G3RWL

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Re-purposing ATVs
by wa6ilt＠verizon.net 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

I was reading about the Jules Verne docking at the ISS today and all of a sudden it occurred to me: instead of using the spacecraft fuel to de-orbit, what if it was placed in a higher orbit, and there was a ham package on board? Dave Reinhart wa6ilt(a)amsat.org

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Re-purposing ATVs
by RFI-EMI-GUY 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Decomposing garbage could provide fuel for a thermoelectric generator as well as gas for station keeping jets. ------------------------------ Message: 16 Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 11:23:16 -0700 From: "Jeff Moore" <tnetcenter(a)gmail.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Re-purposing ATVs To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <00fb01c895b7$cdddd440$f6ab0048@TNTCENTER> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" They have to fill it with garbage first :-) Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY ----- Original Message ----- From: <wa6ilt(a)verizon.net> I was reading about the Jules Verne docking at the ISS today and all of a sudden it occurred to me: instead of using the spacecraft fuel to de-orbit, what if it was placed in a higher orbit, and there was a ham package on board? Dave Reinhart wa6ilt(a)amsat.org -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P

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Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H
by John Kopala 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Ron, George has it exactly right. You don't need to fiddle with the radio except to tune up and down the passband to see if other people are on the bird. First select the satellite you want to access by clicking on one of the letters for the satellites you have configured on your SATPC32 display. The selected satellite will be highlighted on the display. Grey letters represent no configured satellite. In the upper left of the SATPC32 display, click on the C. It changes to C+ to show CAT tracking in activated. Watch the radio when you do this. It should respond by going into satellite mode and tuning to the frequencies shown in SATPC32. Sometimes I have to repeat this once or twice before the radio and SATPC32 sync up. Just check the frequency on the radio to verify that it has change to that displayed by the program. Next click on CAT in the menu bar. This opens the CAT Tuning display window. Here you can tweek the uplink and downlink frequencies if the downlink is too high or too low. It will need some adjustment depending on the satellite and the radio. With satellites with multiple modes, you can change modes here by just clicking on the appropriate line. Once the downlink sounds reasonable, you are good to go. You may have to tweek things a little on high passes. I've noticed the doppler seems to get off a little. On the FM birds, you don't have to touch the radio. On the SSB birds, you can tune for other operators. You will also have to tune to follow stations that are not using doppler control. If both stations have doppler control, you shouldn't have to do much of anything once you have found another station and started a QSO. If you change satellites, you must close and reopen the CAT box. John Kopala N7JK ------------------------------ With SatPC32, you won't need to set memories on the rig... in the Doppler.sqf file, you need to have an entry for VO-52 that looks like this: VO-52,145900,435250.3,USB,LSB,REV,0,0 This tells your radio the relationship between the uplink and downlink frequencies, what modes to use, etc., for that particular satellite. You can either open Doppler.sqf in Notepad (it's in the folder where you installed SatPC32, usually C:/Program Files/SatPC32), or from the Auxiliary Files section under the "?" option on the menu bar. Make sure that you not only have matched the addresses for your radio in the Setup menu, but the baudrate aand COM port as well, and put in a CAT delay value of around 60 or so. Then when you select VO-52 as the active satellite and press the "C" button in the upper left of the display, the program should automatically switch the radio to Satellite mode, LSB on the uplink, USB on the downlink, and set the frequencies to the values in the Doppler.sqf file. (Don't forget to turn the squelch knob, which is the RF Gain control in SSB mode, UP) You can then tune up or down from there manually, and the uplink VFO will track your changes to t! he downlink. Once you can hear yourself on the downlink, follow the instructions in the file FAQ.htm, in the section titled "AO-40 Operation," to fine-tune your uplink to match your downlink (every radio is slightly different). You should then be good to go! 73, George, KA3HSW -----Original Message----- >From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> >Sent: Apr 2, 2008 9:31 AM >To: Bruce <snyderb(a)cox.net> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H > >Bruce: > >Think I found part of the problem. I glossed over the CIV addressing. >I am used to applications that "know" the default CIV addressing, so I >hadnt looked at it. Although I hadnt changed mine, I looked at the >settings in my 910H and changed the settings in SatPC32. I can now see >there some indication of RIG control. Have to figure out now how to get >things to work. > >I dont use the satellite function in the radio, I put the vhf frequency >in one memory and uhf in the other. I shift the receive channel into >the slave part of the radio (lower display) and put the transmit in the >higher display. > >I will continue to look at the docs for SatPC but would appreciate any >pointers you can give on how you use SatPC32 with the SSB birds (i.e. >setting up the radio, etc). > >Thanks, >Ron ------------------------------

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Dayton Rooms
by Martha 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

I have 8 rooms left in the AMSAT block. If they are not booked by April 14th, they go back to the hotel for use by the general public. If you are interested in a room, please call me at 301-589-6062 before April 14th. -- 73- Martha

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YO22NATO active on Satellites today
by Robert Turlington 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Hi All YO22NATO will be active on AO27,SO50&AO51 today not sure after that though, so look out for him! I worked him at 1429 on SO50 this afternoon Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Amazing prizes every hour with Live Search Big Snap http://www.bigsnapsearch.com

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Anyone hearing SO-50 in the US ?
by Ronald Nutter 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

I havent heard SO-50 on either of the two passes I could use today. I had heard it over the weekend. I had been on AO-51 and AO-16 today so I know my equipment is ok. Ron KA4KYI

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Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H
by Tim Tuck 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

D. Mynatt wrote: > Guys, I've been watching the conversation. I have a Icom R-20 HH; > will this work for receive-only okay? > Not knowing the R20, I couldn't say - its not in the list of supported radios for WispDDE but if it can be remotely controlled and its command set is similar to an R7000, R8500 or PCR-1000 - it might work. Someone else might like to chime in here if they've managed to get an R20 working. cheers Tim -- VK2XTT :: QF56if :: BMARC :: WIA :: AMSAT

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Re: ARR pre amp Query
by John W Lee 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

I have an FT-847 with the good internal preamps. The ARR SP432VDG even makes this setup BETTER! I use both the internal and SP-432VDG. Signals are mostly VERY good. Also use a 20 element beam on the downlink. When I say VERY good, I mean over S9 a lot of the time and all over the place between zero and 60 over 9. That way, you don't have to be so careful in aiming the antenna, and you can hear the birds basically 100% of the time. If the signal goes down a few S-units you can move the antenna and get it back up again. Without all that, when it goes down a few S-units, it's GONE! Regarding the power cable, I have been using two of these preamps for years and years with a small cable attached and no problems. 73 John K6YK On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:03:10 -0500 "Alan" <ve4yz(a)mts.net> writes: > Very timely discussion for me as the snow sloooowwly disappears and > the > return of the Canada geese and robins signals the time for tower > work :-) > > Some previous comments suggest that a preamp near the rig is not > significant, but, I suggest otherwise as my Ft-847 internal preamps > can make > a significant difference in RX. Anecdotal, not empirical, but I can > hear > the diff at the push of a button. > > Now, I am consider mast mounted preamps as an alternative to my > FT-847 > internal preamps for one of my sites. I run Landwehr VHF and UHF > preamps at > 2 other locations and they are terrific! They are also almost 20 > years old > and no longer available :-( > > The preamps on the AR2 site look like what I could use. > > My questions are... Is the sequencer > > http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page20.html > > really necessary or recommended when using the MSP432VD-25 or > MSP144VDG-25 > preamps? My first thought is NO. 15-20 years of use of 4 Landwehr > preamps > without a sequencer is my rational. > > Finally, does anyone have a nice "warranty voiding" hack to get > around the > these different power connectors we see on indoor preamps and down > converters such as my KEPS http://www.keps.it/images/13lnc72db_m.jpg > ? > Instead of soldering to the pin and a ground lug > > http://picasaweb.google.com/ve4yz.alan/24Ghz/photo#5172119570416133618 > > Something as simple as removing the connector from the case and > running a > cable through the remaining hole, soldered internally with something > like > Anderson Power Poles at the other end for 12VDC????? I'm going to > do it one > day, but would rather have someone else confirm that it would work > without > adversely effecting performance characteristics. No guts; no glory > here. > > > Thanks for any feedback > > 73, Alan VE4YZ > EN19kw > AMSAT LM 2352 > http://www.mts.net/~ve4wsc/ > AMSAT A-485 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > >

3 3

Podcasts
by Bruce 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Thanks to everyone that responded to me about podcasts. I was not able to get it working with the free software and the free online services. So, I worked up the XML code and put it on my website. If it works and doesn't kill the connection of my friends server, we will be good to go. I will let everyone know when it is tested and working well. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H
by Tim Tuck 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Rafael Valdez G. wrote: > Tim, > > I have an ICOM 706 and use Orbitron, by any chance do you know if I > can do doppler control in it using the CIV? Yes, with WispDDE, Orbitron sends the data to WispDDE and it controls the radio. I don't think the 706 is full duplex but it should track nicely anyway. WispDDE also allows transparent tuning, i.e. If I hear someone in the passband up from my initial position I can tune the 910 and WispDDE will maintain the doppler shift by computing the delta between what Orbitron is telling it and what freq it gets back from the radio. All very cool. SatPC32 will do that too. cheers Tim -- VK2XTT :: QF56if :: BMARC :: WIA :: AMSAT

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Re: Preamp for a Mobile Application
by Tony Langdon 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

At 07:38 AM 4/3/2008, you wrote: >The "dollars to dBs" value proposition for pre-amps in a mobile >installation with short coax runs doesn't work out until after you >have an incredibly large antenna system. In the case of a mobile installation, I'd spend my money on the feedline. Design the coax run for 1.2 GHz or higher. Doing this means losses at 70cm will be negligible. Next, select an antenna suitable for what you are attempting to do. A 2m 1/4 wave might be a good option for mobile satellite work. With a high quality feedline, I actually had very good results working mobile on a high gain mobile whip, much to my surprise!. In any case, keep the gain low, you don't want all your radiation on the horizon, and directional antennas on a mobile are rarely practical (try aiming one on a winding road :D ). But first of all, spend the $$$$ on the feedline. 73 de VK3JED http://vkradio.com

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podcast
by Bruce 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Someone suggested that I provide the Houston AMSAT Net as a podcast. I am not familiar with how Apple does this, can someone shed some light on how to send my mp3 files to them? I found a link on their website for using iTunes to set it up but it says that it requires XML and I do not have anything in the XML language. Can you just send them the file and they take care of it? Or is there a repository that you can send the file and that's it? 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

6 5

Re: Preamp for a Mobile Application
by Bill Dzurilla 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Kent, Never tried it, but I doubt a preamp would be worth the expense if mounted at the rig in a mobil set-up. I assume the feedline is only 10' or so. The preamp helps most when the feedline is lengthy, especially if cheap coax is used. If you want to try a switching preamp, the ARR SP432VDG is a good one, see http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page7.html For about the same price, you could buy an Arrow handheld yagi antenna, which would substantially improve both reception and transmission. See http://www.arrowantennas.com/146-437.html , although if the rig is fixed inside your car if might not be convenient to hold the Arrow, unless your mike cord is long enough so you can stand outside the car. If you are limited to operating from the car, try driving to a hilltop or somewhere with a clear view from horizon to horizon. 73, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one month at no cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text4.com

2 1

Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H
by George Henry 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

-----Original Message----- >From: Tim Tuck <tim.tuck(a)penrith.net> >Sent: Apr 2, 2008 2:37 PM >To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H > [snip] >I'm pretty sure you will need to have your 910 in Satellite mode to work >correctly. >I use mine with Orbitron and WispDDE and that works fine as does SatPC32 > >regards > >Tim > SatPC32 puts it into Satellite mode for you when you enable CAT tuning. He won't need to touch the button on the radio at all. George, KA3HSW

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AMSAT-UK website
by John Heaton 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Greetings, I'm in the process of moving offices from ones end of the University campus to the other (around 0.75 mile) and since the AMSAT-UK website is on one of my desktop systems, it will be moving too. When that happens, sometime in the next week or so the AMSAT-UK website will be going offline for a few hours. I don't know exactly when, as its all dependent on when the University gets it done. Bye for now, John -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.3 (Darwin) iD8DBQFH8+qzDwhbGQHPUt0RAmZyAKCehjV2kHobnu91mqej9f0iiXsldgCeNF+W sETTcOg8IOiDxh7MRTSRNJQ= =O+ak -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Help with CIV and IC-910H
by Ronald Nutter 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

I am trying to find some solution that will have my computer auto-adjust my IC-910H. I have verified that the computer interface is working on my IC-910H as I can read data from the radio using Win-EQF. Someone suggested I get SatPC. I downloaded it but cant seem to get it to talk to my IC-910H. I can work all the FM birds and AO-16, just having problems getting onto the SSB birds (i.e. VO-52). Thanks, Ron KA4KYI

5 5

Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H
by Andrew Glasbrenner 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Once you get it set up, SatPC32 is the cat's meow for tuning. This is of course dependent on keeping a fresh set of keplerian elements, an accurate clock sync on the PC, and initially calibrating the tuning equations for differences in frequency accuracy between rigs. The learning curve is a bit steep, but it is well worth the time and effort. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: David <m0zlb(a)btinternet.com> >Sent: Apr 2, 2008 1:34 PM >To: G8IFF/KC8NHF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> >Cc: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H > >HRD does not deal with the Doppler compensation correctly on the 910 >(and possibly other radios) its a known fault which has been on >Simon's "to do" list for a while! I gave up on it a long while back >and started manually tuning instead. If SatPC can do it then I will >take a look at that and see if it is any better. > >David >KG4ZLB / M0ZLB > >m0zlb(a)btinternet.com >david.m0zlb(a)gmail.com > >On Apr 2, 2008, at 12:10, G8IFF/KC8NHF <nigel(a)ngunn.net> wrote: > >> Have you tried Ham Radio Deluxe? >> >> Ronald Nutter wrote: >>> I am trying to find some solution that will have my computer auto- >>> adjust >>> my IC-910H. I have verified that the computer interface is working >>> on >>> my IC-910H as I can read data from the radio using Win-EQF. >>> >>> Someone suggested I get SatPC. I downloaded it but cant seem to >>> get it >>> to talk to my IC-910H. I can work all the FM birds and AO-16, just >>> having problems getting onto the SSB birds (i.e. VO-52). >>> >>> 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 >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> <>< >> ><> >> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> >> Nigel A. Gunn. 59 Beadlemead, Milton Keynes, MK6 4HF, England. >> Tel +44 (0)1908 604004 mobile +44 (0)7951079089 >> e-mail nigel(a)ngunn.net www http://www.ngunn.net >> Amateur radio stations G8IFF, KC8NHF >> Member of ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548, Flying Pig >> #385, >> Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, MKARS, RAYNET >> <>< >> ><> >> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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

Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H
by George Henry 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

With SatPC32, you won't need to set memories on the rig... in the Doppler.sqf file, you need to have an entry for VO-52 that looks like this: VO-52,145900,435250.3,USB,LSB,REV,0,0 This tells your radio the relationship between the uplink and downlink frequencies, what modes to use, etc., for that particular satellite. You can either open Doppler.sqf in Notepad (it's in the folder where you installed SatPC32, usually C:/Program Files/SatPC32), or from the Auxiliary Files section under the "?" option on the menu bar. Make sure that you not only have matched the addresses for your radio in the Setup menu, but the baudrate aand COM port as well, and put in a CAT delay value of around 60 or so. Then when you select VO-52 as the active satellite and press the "C" button in the upper left of the display, the program should automatically switch the radio to Satellite mode, LSB on the uplink, USB on the downlink, and set the frequencies to the values in the Doppler.sqf file. (Don't forget to turn the squelch knob, which is the RF Gain control in SSB mode, UP) You can then tune up or down from there manually, and the uplink VFO will track your changes to the downlink. Once you can hear yourself on the downlink, follow the instructions in the file FAQ.htm, in the section titled "AO-40 Operation," to fine-tune your uplink to match your downlink (every radio is slightly different). You should then be good to go! 73, George, KA3HSW -----Original Message----- >From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> >Sent: Apr 2, 2008 9:31 AM >To: Bruce <snyderb(a)cox.net> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Help with CIV and IC-910H > >Bruce: > >Think I found part of the problem. I glossed over the CIV addressing. >I am used to applications that "know" the default CIV addressing, so I >hadnt looked at it. Although I hadnt changed mine, I looked at the >settings in my 910H and changed the settings in SatPC32. I can now see >there some indication of RIG control. Have to figure out now how to get >things to work. > >I dont use the satellite function in the radio, I put the vhf frequency >in one memory and uhf in the other. I shift the receive channel into >the slave part of the radio (lower display) and put the transmit in the >higher display. > >I will continue to look at the docs for SatPC but would appreciate any >pointers you can give on how you use SatPC32 with the SSB birds (i.e. >setting up the radio, etc). > >Thanks, >Ron >

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Re: Feedback on downlink on VO-52
by John Kopala 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Ron, I have to throw in my 2 cents. I'm not sure why you would be getting any desense. I have virtually the same setup. I have not had any indications of desense with my installation. I'm using an IC-910H, separate feedlines, mast mounted preamps, and yagi antennas. Feedlines are 9913F7 ultraflex and are about 60' long plus connections from the preamps to the antennas. I have a 2 meter CP KLM (oldie), a 1.2 GHz looper, and a 435 KLM. Separation between the 2 meter and the 70 cm antennas is about 8 feet. I do use an elevation rotor and so the antennas can be aimed quite precisely. Normal power output is usually about 5 watts unless the satellites have a very low pass. Using more than 25 watts would be pretty unusual with most satellites. I live in Phoenix, AZ, and am surround by mountains, some within walking distance, so in most directions I have an elevated, rugged horizon. The first question that I would ask is how much power are you running on the uplink? And then, how far apart are the antennas? I use the CI-V interface with SATPC32 to control the doppler. It works great. You just have to make sure the address in the radio matches what you have set in the software configuration files. For SSB I have the frequency updated whenever it gets off by 20 or more Hz. For FM I'm using 300 Hz. Maybe overkill on SSB, but it's better than having the tone jumping up and down all the time. As George said, do the CAT interface first, expecially if you plan to be doing SSB or CW. Once you have that set up, you can tweek your downlink on the CAT display when you first transmit. After that, your uplink and downlink should pretty well track with each other. The fun comes when you have to follow someone who has no doppler control. I don't think you are going to find any easy way to interface the Channel Master rotor to a computer interface. Generally the interfaces expect a voltage between 0 and 5 volts representing the azimuth of the antenna. A higher indicator voltage can be scaled down to the 0 to 5 range if you can find something suitable. Most ham rotors have separate wiring for the indicator potentiometer in the rotor and that can be easily scaled and used with computer interfaces. Hope this helps. I can set a picture of my antenna installation if that would help. John N7JK Message: 13 Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:12:03 -0500 From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Feedback on downlink on VO-52 To: George Henry <ka3hsw(a)earthlink.net>, "amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >> AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <47F250C3.7020801(a)networkref.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed I am using seperate antennas and feedlines. For the time being, I am using a Channel Master antenna to turn the antennas. I have a pvc pipe rig setup with the antennas at an angle of 25 degrees due to the clutter in the neighborhood I have to clear to see the sats. I hope to have a tower in the future but with being laid off from my job, cant really have any expenditures right now. I have the cat interface for the IC910H but havent looked into how to set it up yet. Ron KA4KYI George Henry wrote: > -----Original Message----- >> From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> >> Sent: Mar 31, 2008 10:40 PM >> To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Feedback on downlink on VO-52 >> >> Thanks to the help of several on this listserv, I was able to get a >> contact on VO-52 until I lost coordination on keeping the rotor turned >> and the IC910H tweaked the right way on the VFO's. I had problems >> finding my downlink because of what I think is desensing on the 2M >> downlink. >> >> Can I resolve this by putting a filter on the 2M receive to stop the >> desensing like I would on the UHF receive on the FM birds ? If not, is >> there another way to fix the problem ? >> >> Thanks to W0EOZ for putting up with me while I was trying to figure >> things out. Hopefully my next contacts will last a bit longer <G>. >> >> Ron >> KA4KYI > > Are you using separate 2 meter and 70 cm antennas with separate feedlines, > or diplexing onto a single feedline to a single antenna? First thing to > do is reduce your uplink power as much as possible while still being > heard. If you are diplexing to a single feedline, you only have about > 60dB or so of isolation, so too much uplink power can exceed that. You > should be able to work VO-52 with 25 watts or less... > > I have never experienced desense on 2 meters from my 70 cm uplink... only > the reverse, which can be cured with separate feedlines and antennas, > ample separation between the antennas, and the diplexer-as-filter trick > found at <http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/> > > And I strongly recommend buying or building a CAT interface and letting > your tracking program take care of tuning the radio (and turning the > rotors, if you buy or build a rotor interface as well). The demo version > of SatPC32 is fully functional except for saving your station parameters, > and can be downloaded from <www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm>. > If you like it, register it: all proceeds go directly to AMSAT. A CAT > interface PC board with the harder-to-find chips included is available > from <www.farcircuits.net> and only costs about $20 to build. The > FOD-Track rotor control PC board is also available from Far Circuits, and > will cost $45 - $50 to build. The LVB Tracker is available thru the AMSAT > store, and has the advantage of being able to operate without a computer > attached... nice for mobile ops! > > Go for the radio control first: that'll free you up to deal with the > rotors manually, and they demand far less attention than tuning does. > > 73, > George, KA3HSW > > > >

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AO-51 Mode L/U
by James Denneny 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Has anyone copied the Mode L/U BBS yet? I caught two passes on April 1 and could not hear or connect with BBS. Jim K7EG

2 1

interesting site
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

I happened across this site. It has probably been on the BB before. Still interesting http://science.nasa.gov/realtime/jtrack/Spacecraft.html 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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Re: [eagle] Re: WARNING!!! DMHO -- A threat to you and the environment
by Jim Sanford 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Pontificating here . . . . Mortal sin . . . . adulterating good Scotch with such hazardous waste . . .. . Very 73 to all, Jim wb4gcs(a)amsat.org Stan Wood wrote: > Tom, > > Frozen it's great with Scotch. > > 73 Stan > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Tom Clark, K3IO <mailto:[email protected]> > *To:* AMSAT BB <mailto:[email protected]> > *Cc:* AMSAT BoD <mailto:[email protected]> ; AMSAT Eagle > <mailto:[email protected]> ; senior-officers > <mailto:[email protected]> > *Sent:* Tuesday, April 01, 2008 2:17 PM > *Subject:* [eagle] WARNING!!! DMHO -- A threat to you and the > environment > > This is an alert to warn all AMSAT members about the threat to > your lives; I refer about exposure to DHMO (Dihydrogen Monoxide). > > Due in part to its widespread use in industry, Dihydrogen Monoxide > (DHMO) is involved in many environmental incidents each year. > While most are unavoidable given current technology, there can be > little doubt that the presence of DHMO in each significantly > increases the negative impact to the environment. > > Among the many commonly-sited DHMO-related environmental impacts are: > > * DHMO contributes to global warming and the "Greenhouse > Effect", and is one of the so-called "greenhouse gases." > > * DHMO is an "enabling component" of acid rain -- in the > absence of sufficient quantities of DHMO, acid rain is not a problem. > > * DHMO is a causative agent in most instances of soil erosion > -- sufficiently high levels of DHMO exacerbate the negative > effects of soil erosion. > > * DHMO is present in high levels nearly every creek, stream, > pond, river, lake and reservoir in the U.S. and around the world. > > * Measurable levels of DHMO have been verified in ice samples > taken from both the Arctic and Antarctic ice caps. > > * Recent massive DHMO exposures have lead to the loss of life > and destruction of property in California, the Mid-West, the > Philippines, and a number of islands in the Caribbean, to name > just a few. > > * Research has shown that significant levels of DHMO were > found in the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 which killed > 230,000 in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere, making it > the deadliest tsunami in recorded history. > > * It is widely believed that the levee failures, flooding and > the widespread destruction resulting from Hurricane Katrina along > the U.S. Gulf Coast in 2005 were caused or exacerbated by > excessive DHMO levels found in the Gulf of Mexico, along with > other contributing factors. > > In spite of the recent movement to ban unlawful dumping of > hazardous chemicals into waterways in the U.S. and abroad, release > of massive quantities of DHMO continues. Industry cannot be held > accountable entirely because lawmakers are reluctant to pass > legislation to make most forms of dumping of DHMO illegal. Reasons > for this could include pressures from corporate leaders, industry > lobbyists, and even vested foreign governments. This governmental > inaction leading to nearly unregulated dumping may be one of the > most overlooked environmental impacts of DHMO. > > The U.S. government refuses to ban the production, distribution, > and use of DHMO. This inaction may be due to pressures from > private interests and corporate-sponsored economists, among many, > who predict a DHMO ban could produce disastrous results. Claims > include damage to public health and the well-being of the U.S. and > world economies. > > To inform you of some of the dangers of DHMO You should review the > material available on the DHMO FAQ <http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html>. > > 73 de K3IO > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > _______________________________________________ > Via the Eagle mailing list courtesy of AMSAT-NA > Eagle(a)amsat.org > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/eagle > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Via the Eagle mailing list courtesy of AMSAT-NA > Eagle(a)amsat.org > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/eagle >

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Re: Yaesu G-5500 Connectors
by gregory.beat＠comcast.net 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Joel - KC8HZ found an Ohio distributor for Nanaboshi connectors (Japanese mfg.) in 2007 and was able to order in small quantities. He ended up ordering 2 male and 2 female -- so he could take the rotor out of the tower and have a ground test cable. The connectors cost him about $12 USD each in 2007. Kinetic Technologies of Ohio PO Box 447 190 North Mill Street Milford Center, OH 43045-0447 Phone 937-349-7361 In Ohio Call: 800-569-1334 Here is the Kinetic Technologies (US distributor) web page for Nanaboshi connectors http://www.kinetictechnologies.cc/nanaboshi.htm Nanaboshi - Japanese web page (English version) http://www.nanabosi.co.jp/index.php?ENGLISH 73 de Greg W9GB >Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 10:29:26 -0400 >From: "Joel Kandel" <> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu G-5500 Connectors >To: "AMSAT-BB" <> >Message-ID: <> > >I found a 2003 AMSAT thread from Wayne, W9AE, indicating that there was a source >for purchasing extra 7 pin connectors for the G-5500 az/el rotor. That was >Advanced Industrial Products, but with a long lead time. > >Since then, has anyone found another source for these connectors (Nanaboshi >NJC-207-PF), or another manufacturer? > >Thank you, >Joel Kandel, KI4T

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Re: AO-51 Tx power?
by Gould Smith 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Hi Alex, I don't have any plans to automate it. Depending upon the mode(s) in use on AO-51, I manually adjust the TX power to get through eclipse. As long as the BB is operational these settings are available in the downlinked telemetry. If you don't have a 9600 bps modem, Douglas Quagliana, KA2UPW has an operational, beta telemetry decoder/display that uses your sound card. This is available on the AMSAT Digital Disk. 73, Gould, WA4SXM ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alex Perez" <aperez(a)alexperez.com> To: "Gould Smith" <gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net> Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 7:40 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 Tx power? > Any plans for automating the process so changes like this get auto- > emailed to the list, so we can avoid these types of repeated inquiries? > > On Apr 1, 2008, at 1:48 PM, Gould Smith wrote: > >> Hello Jeff and BB, >> >> AO-51 is running less power than last week. >> >> 1) The SQRX receiver is on for L band uplink for the BB >> 2) We are starting to enter a new eclipse cycle this week. >> >> TX B (analog) as of this morning is 700 mW (was 820 mW) >> TX A (digital) as of this morning is 550 mW (was 550 mW analog last >> week) >> >> We will reduce power slowly until mid June (eclipse length maximum), >> then >> slowly increase it until early Sept when we will again enter a no >> eclipse >> period for a number of months. >> It is easy to get spoiled with the higher output levels, the last three >> months. >> >> 73, >> Gould, WA4SXM >> AO-51 Command station >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Jeff Mock" <jeff(a)mock.com> >> To: <amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org> >> Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 2:51 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 Tx power? >> >> >>> Was the 70cm Tx power on AO-51 reduced with the latest mode change? I >>> was getting about the same signal levels this morning as in March. >>> >>> jeff >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the >>> author. >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >>> program! >>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >> program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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AO-51 Tx power?
by Jeff Mock 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Was the 70cm Tx power on AO-51 reduced with the latest mode change? I was getting about the same signal levels this morning as in March. jeff

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Re: [eagle] WARNING!!! DMHO -- A threat to you and the environment
by Bruce 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

and.... i have stopped using gasoline in my vehicles and only use water. much more environmentally safe. happy april 1 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Re: [eagle] WARNING!!! DMHO -- A threat to you and the environment
by Frank Brickle 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Tom -- That settles it. Henceforth the only fluids to pass my lips will be Bacardi & Cola. Many thanks for the timely warning! 73 Frank AB2KT On Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 2:17 PM, Tom Clark, K3IO <k3io(a)verizon.net> wrote: > This is an alert to warn all AMSAT members about the threat to your > lives; I refer about exposure to DHMO (Dihydrogen Monoxide). > > Due in part to its widespread use in industry, Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) > is involved in many environmental incidents each year. While most are > unavoidable given current technology, there can be little doubt that the > presence of DHMO in each significantly increases the negative impact to the > environment. > > Among the many commonly-sited DHMO-related environmental impacts are: > > * DHMO contributes to global warming and the "Greenhouse Effect", and > is one of the so-called "greenhouse gases." > > * DHMO is an "enabling component" of acid rain -- in the absence of > sufficient quantities of DHMO, acid rain is not a problem. > > * DHMO is a causative agent in most instances of soil erosion -- > sufficiently high levels of DHMO exacerbate the negative effects of soil > erosion. > > * DHMO is present in high levels nearly every creek, stream, pond, > river, lake and reservoir in the U.S. and around the world. > > * Measurable levels of DHMO have been verified in ice samples taken > from both the Arctic and Antarctic ice caps. > > * Recent massive DHMO exposures have lead to the loss of life and > destruction of property in California, the Mid-West, the Philippines, and a > number of islands in the Caribbean, to name just a few. > > * Research has shown that significant levels of DHMO were found in the > devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 which killed 230,000 in Indonesia, > Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere, making it the deadliest tsunami in > recorded history. > > * It is widely believed that the levee failures, flooding and the > widespread destruction resulting from Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. > Gulf Coast in 2005 were caused or exacerbated by excessive DHMO levels found > in the Gulf of Mexico, along with other contributing factors. > > In spite of the recent movement to ban unlawful dumping of hazardous > chemicals into waterways in the U.S. and abroad, release of massive > quantities of DHMO continues. Industry cannot be held accountable entirely > because lawmakers are reluctant to pass legislation to make most forms of > dumping of DHMO illegal. Reasons for this could include pressures from > corporate leaders, industry lobbyists, and even vested foreign governments. > This governmental inaction leading to nearly unregulated dumping may be one > of the most overlooked environmental impacts of DHMO. > > The U.S. government refuses to ban the production, distribution, and use > of DHMO. This inaction may be due to pressures from private interests and > corporate-sponsored economists, among many, who predict a DHMO ban could > produce disastrous results. Claims include damage to public health and the > well-being of the U.S. and world economies. > > To inform you of some of the dangers of DHMO You should review the > material available on the DHMO FAQ <http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html>. > > 73 de K3IO > > _______________________________________________ > Via the Eagle mailing list courtesy of AMSAT-NA > Eagle(a)amsat.org > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/eagle > > -- The only thing we have to fear is whatever comes along next. -- Austin Cline

2 1

Digital (Packet) from a Vehicle
by Kent R. Frazier 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

We are currently renting and the landlord will not allow any external antennas. As such I'm limited to working the satellites from my vehicle. Is it possible to work the packet or digital satellites this way and if so what equipment would be needed? Thanks, Kent -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

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Re: Feedback on downlink on VO-52
by Ronald Nutter 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

I am using seperate antennas and feedlines. For the time being, I am using a Channel Master antenna to turn the antennas. I have a pvc pipe rig setup with the antennas at an angle of 25 degrees due to the clutter in the neighborhood I have to clear to see the sats. I hope to have a tower in the future but with being laid off from my job, cant really have any expenditures right now. I have the cat interface for the IC910H but havent looked into how to set it up yet. Ron KA4KYI George Henry wrote: > -----Original Message----- >> From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> >> Sent: Mar 31, 2008 10:40 PM >> To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Feedback on downlink on VO-52 >> >> Thanks to the help of several on this listserv, I was able to get a >> contact on VO-52 until I lost coordination on keeping the rotor turned >> and the IC910H tweaked the right way on the VFO's. I had problems >> finding my downlink because of what I think is desensing on the 2M downlink. >> >> Can I resolve this by putting a filter on the 2M receive to stop the >> desensing like I would on the UHF receive on the FM birds ? If not, is >> there another way to fix the problem ? >> >> Thanks to W0EOZ for putting up with me while I was trying to figure >> things out. Hopefully my next contacts will last a bit longer <G>. >> >> Ron >> KA4KYI > > Are you using separate 2 meter and 70 cm antennas with separate feedlines, or diplexing onto a single feedline to a single antenna? First thing to do is reduce your uplink power as much as possible while still being heard. If you are diplexing to a single feedline, you only have about 60dB or so of isolation, so too much uplink power can exceed that. You should be able to work VO-52 with 25 watts or less... > > I have never experienced desense on 2 meters from my 70 cm uplink... only the reverse, which can be cured with separate feedlines and antennas, ample separation between the antennas, and the diplexer-as-filter trick found at <http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/Mode-J/> > > And I strongly recommend buying or building a CAT interface and letting your tracking program take care of tuning the radio (and turning the rotors, if you buy or build a rotor interface as well). The demo version of SatPC32 is fully functional except for saving your station parameters, and can be downloaded from <www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm>. > If you like it, register it: all proceeds go directly to AMSAT. A CAT interface PC board with the harder-to-find chips included is available from <www.farcircuits.net> and only costs about $20 to build. The FOD-Track rotor control PC board is also available from Far Circuits, and will cost $45 - $50 to build. The LVB Tracker is available thru the AMSAT store, and has the advantage of being able to operate without a computer attached... nice for mobile ops! > > Go for the radio control first: that'll free you up to deal with the rotors manually, and they demand far less attention than tuning does. > > 73, > George, KA3HSW > > > >

1 0

Yaesu G-5500 Connectors
by Joel Kandel 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

I found a 2003 AMSAT thread from Wayne, W9AE, indicating that there was a source for purchasing extra 7 pin connectors for the G-5500 az/el rotor. That was Advanced Industrial Products, but with a long lead time. Since then, has anyone found another source for these connectors (Nanaboshi NJC-207-PF), or another manufacturer? Thank you, Joel Kandel, KI4T

1 0

AO-51 APRS
by Mineo Wakita 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

AO-51 is working now as L/U digital mode. We hope to open 'APRS findu.com' of AO-51 L/U. JH1BCL>APRS,PACB-1* [04/01/08 10:40:49z] <UI>:HELLO ALL GE vir AO-51 L/U PKT JE9PEL>APRS,PACB-1* [04/01/08 10:41:31z] <UI R>:=3523.05N/13936.61E- Yokohama Japan {UIV32} JA5BLZ>APRS,PACB-1* [04/01/08 10:42:20z] <UI>::JE9PEL :GE UR 599 TNX

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2401/144 down conveter and antenna questions
by CLAUDIA PIRKL 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Hello all. I found a 2401/144 down converter on the internet but when it came in the mail there was no info with it. It is a TranSystem Model AIDC-3733 and I think it came from K5GNA. I removed one cover (antenna on left/144 IF facing me) and found a wire with one end not connected. I realize it needs some DC volts to operate but how much and where it needs to be brought in. Does any one have any info to help me out? On the internet there a few helix antenna designs for 2401. I found a piece of 1" PVC and some AL. ground wire. I wrapped the wire around the PVC and came up with the 4cm dia. the article talked about. But, in another article (435 Mhz) it was mentioned the PVC was very lossy. What do you think?? Thanks for any help!! Tim N5KI EM65

3 2

Feedback on downlink on VO-52
by Ronald Nutter 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Thanks to the help of several on this listserv, I was able to get a contact on VO-52 until I lost coordination on keeping the rotor turned and the IC910H tweaked the right way on the VFO's. I had problems finding my downlink because of what I think is desensing on the 2M downlink. Can I resolve this by putting a filter on the 2M receive to stop the desensing like I would on the UHF receive on the FM birds ? If not, is there another way to fix the problem ? Thanks to W0EOZ for putting up with me while I was trying to figure things out. Hopefully my next contacts will last a bit longer <G>. Ron KA4KYI

1 0

(no subject)
by McnamMart＠aol.com 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

hi jack how clean is the kenwood 811 and what is your price to n.ireland thanks martin

1 0

RHC or LHC?
by w0dxz＠aol.com 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

I have this old CCraft? 432 beam i want to try,? it is wired for LHC,,, I can rewire it for RHC... which would be better, R or L?? I wont be able switch between the two.?? (for now) If I can only use? one, R or L, would that still be better than a standard 2M beam turned at 45 degrees? Bob W0DXZ

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Re: Question about Frequencies to use on VO-52
by George Henry 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

-----Original Message----- >From: Ronald Nutter <rnutter(a)networkref.com> >Sent: Mar 31, 2008 11:47 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Question about Frequencies to use on VO-52 > >I am trying to learn how to use the SSB birds. What are the "starting" >frequencies that most use for uplink and downlink ? If I understand >this correctly, you will leave the uplink set and then only tweak the >downlink ? > >Thanks, > >Ron >KA4KYI The convention on the linear birds is that the lower half of the downlink passband is for CW, and the upper half is SSB. So, you should pick an uplink frequency that will place your downlink in the appropriate half of the passband, and then adjust the higher of the two for doppler. In the case of VO-52, that means picking a frequency in the LOWER half (435.2200 - 435.2500) of the uplink passband in order to appear in the UPPER half (145.9000 - 145.9300) of the downlink passband (VO-52 uses an inverting transponder), and adjust only your uplink to keep your downlink frequency constant. And it's LSB on the uplink to give USB on the downlink. The ideal situation, if you have a radio that is CAT ready, is to use something like SatPC32 that will adjust BOTH your uplink and downlink for doppler, as well as automatically setting the uplink frequency that corresponds to your chosen downlink. Enjoy! VO-52 is an awesome satellite! George, KA3HSW

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