- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 161
by Mark L. Hammond 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Hi Alan, For your KEPS downconverter---you can power it through the coax! That's the slickest way to power that fine peice of hardware without any muss or fuss. I lashed up a homebrew coax injector that has Anderson power pole connectors on it. Works like a champ. 73, Mark N8MH _______________________________________________ Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:03:10 -0500 From: "Alan" <ve4yz(a)mts.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ARR pre amp Query To: "'Bill Dzurilla'" <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <000f01c89361$dcea1be0$0602a8c0@athlon> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" 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 -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Re: ARR pre amp Query
by Bill Dzurilla 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

The more expensive "mast mounted" versions (MSP432VDG-160, $240 and MSP432VDG-25, $190) come with a power connector, but the RF switched SP432VDG, $120 (25w rating) does not. You have to solder or clip the wire for the +13vdc to the top of a feedthrough, and the wire for the -13vdc to a solder lug attached to a screw on the chassis. Yes, a bit crude. See http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page37.html By the way, the "RF switched" preamps come standard with BNC connectors. You can buy them with N connectors for an extra $10, but they will not sell them with UHF connectors (SO-239). The "mast mounted" versions come standard with N connectors. 73, Bill NZ5N >>Hi Bob, The Advanced Receiver pre-amp that I purchased (MSP432VDG-160) came with the power connector. You will need to solder the wires to the connector. I found some old RG-58 that I used to run the power to it. Very nice pre-amp by the way. 73, Jeff K7WIN ----- Original Message ----- From: <w0dxz(a)aol.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 8:04 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] ARR pre amp Query >I am thinking aobut ordering an ARR pre amp for 432,,, I see the pin for >12V DC,,, what type of connector does this take, or do you have to solder >the? wire to the pin? That seems a bit crude. > Canby one use the ARR product, and how do you connect the 12V to it? ____________________________________________________________________________________ No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for Yahoo! users and friends. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text1.com

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Re: Preamp for a Mobile Application
by John W Lee 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Guys, Well, Those SP432VDG's work REAL GOOD for mobile operation. My mobile has a quarter wave whip (6.5 inches long) for receiving on UHF. Those low-noise preamps DO help a lot. And if you like to use a small beam to receive with, then the preamp will help that, too. I mean you get a LOUD signal that you can actually copy thru the whole pass instead of "in and out" and lots of "no copy" time. And of course the noise level is still zero or near it. This is not just an opinion, this is tried and true. I have logged thousands of contacts on the FM birds while mobile and portable with pretty minimal rigs. 73, John K6YK On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:01:03 -0700 (PDT) Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> writes: > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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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ARR pre amp Query
by w0dxz＠aol.com 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

I am thinking aobut ordering an ARR pre amp for 432,,, I see the pin for 12V DC,,, what type of connector does this take, or do you have to solder the? wire to the pin? That seems a bit crude. Canby one use the ARR product, and how do you connect the 12V to it? Bob W0DXZ

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Re: ARR pre amp Query
by John W Lee 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Bob, There's a ground lug and small pin on the preamp. I put a female pin on the wire for the 12 volt connection and soldered on the ground. I have 2 of those and they work great. Even run them from a HT battery when operating portable, maybe 9.6 volts or so, works fine. 73 John K6YK On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:04:00 -0400 w0dxz(a)aol.com writes: > I am thinking aobut ordering an ARR pre amp for 432,,, I see the pin > for 12V DC,,, what type of connector does this take, or do you have > to solder the? wire to the pin? That seems a bit crude. > Canby one use the ARR product, and how do you connect the 12V to > it? > Bob > W0DXZ >

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Question about Frequencies to use on VO-52
by Ronald Nutter 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

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

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GVLB Tracker and Yaesu rotors
by Ronald Nutter 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Since it may be a while before I can afford the az/el Yaesu rotor, is it possible to interface the current lvb tracker with an az only version of a Yaesu rotor ? I have been thinking of this since when I have my satellite antennas setup at home, I use a setup where my antennas are are pointed at a fixed elevation. Ron KA4KYI

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Re: FT-817 use on AO16
by Mark L. Hammond 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Hi Chris, While I haven't used an FT-817, I have worked AO-16 on 5 watts--through my 'short' M2 2M antenna. Of course, it's all about gain--so where you are sending that 5 watts (a mag mount or 12dB gain array??) makes all the difference in the world... The receiver on AO-16 is quite sensitive. Just now, I heard many VHF telephones from South/Central America/Caribbean coming through the bird :) 73, Mark N8MH At 01:00 PM 3/30/2008 -0700, you wrote: >Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:42:33 +0100 >From: "Chris Bloy" <chris(a)photofuture.co.uk> >Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-817 use on AO16 >To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <00c801c8928d$6f3111f0$4d9335d0$(a)co.uk> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" > >Hi all > >Has anyone used an FT-817 on AO-16? > >I am having issues getting into the repeater, I think partly due to the >amount of stations trying to access! But has anyone managed with 5 watts? > >Thanks, > >Chris - M0DQO Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Yaesu rotor connectors
by Gould Smith 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

I am checking to see if there is any interest in AMSAT carrying the Yaesu 5400/5500 rotor connector plugs [the plugs that attach the rotor cable to the rotor]. If enough interest we can have them at Dayton an carry them in the store. Reply to my callsign @amsat.org 73, Gould, WA4SXM VP User Services

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LMR 600
by Bill Bruno 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

I have 100' of LMR ultra flex cable with N connectors. I bought it a few years ago from cable experts and never used it. It's for sale. I anyone is interested Please contact me off list. Bill KB2RC

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Downlink issue with Icom IC-910H
by Ronald Nutter 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

After not having used my IC-910H for a while due to moving across country, I unpacked it tonight and setup my antennas. I was able to make contacts on SO-50 and AO-51 with one small problem. I can hear signals on the downlink but not mine. When I transmitted, all I could hear was some white noise when I was transmitting. I head several exchanges but it was like I was in half duplex. This was a working system before the move. I have good quality coax running from the IC-910H to an ICOM preamp for each side (VHF or UHF) and then running to the antennas. I believe that I have used all of the original coax but I could be wrong. The only thing I havent put in place was my mode J filter on the UHF downlink. Could this be causing my problem with not hearing my signal on the downlink but hearing those who are calling me ? Sorry for what is probably a stupid question but I am getting all the kinks worked out in my setup before Field Day. Thanks, Ron

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Re: FT-817 use on AO16
by John Marranca, Jr 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Hello everyone. Working AO-16 with an '817 is exceptionally easy...and I do it daily. In fact yesterday morning, I had a very enjoyable QSO (not the quick "grid square" type contact) with Allen, N5AFV throughout the ENTIRE pass. I have even cranked my '817 back to 3 watts and done it. Good Luck! John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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cushcraft "416" PS-4 query
by w0dxz＠aol.com 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

OK, I figured out that the antenna I was given/bought is an old CushCraft 432 circularly polarized antenna...? model 416 something... it also has the optional PS-4 polarity switcher on it. What is this switcher,,, looks like a gray box , some type of connector? (8 pin?)? goes on the bottom,,,I dont have the connector/control line for the switcher. If I hook it up and use it? without using the PS-4,,, will ? have RHC only?? LHC only? or will it work at all ,just not hooking up the PS-4 ?? Any one have one of these, can tell me about the RS-4 switch? Bob W0DXZ DM33AZ

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AO-16 and 5-watts
by DeYoung James 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Greetings, On AO-16 I usually can hear myself when AO-16 is above about 10-degrees using 5-watts from an IC-910H and an arrow antenna, however others appear not to hear me as well as I hear myself so I usually have to crank'er up to 10-watts... early and late in a pass. Today AO-16 was full of hets, gurgles, burbles, clicks, and off frequency signals (QRM) even more than normal when to the south as noted in another submission. Surprising to me was that SO-50 with PL tone access was full of the same, no hets, of course. I have to say these 2-m uplink satellites are rapidly becoming unusable from the RF uplink anarchy going on inside the footprints. I have always wanted to use the word anarchy in a AMSAT-BB email and there I've finally done it! Hi! 73, KG4QWC ____________________________________________________________________________________ Special deal for Yahoo! users & friends - No Cost. Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text3.com

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FT-817 use on AO16
by Chris Bloy 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Hi all Has anyone used an FT-817 on AO-16? I am having issues getting into the repeater, I think partly due to the amount of stations trying to access! But has anyone managed with 5 watts? Thanks, Chris - M0DQO

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local ( AZ) satellite beams
by w0dxz＠aol.com 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Anyone in the AZ area, looking for some? big satellite? beams,,, WA4SVJ@cox. net has some he would like to get rid of... can't ship them.? Brands -model unknown, I saw them, I THINK one is a KLM, circular polarized,? maybe 11 el vert, 11 horizontal??? Maybe 18 ft long???? The other is similar, but I could not tell what brand it was.? Both are for Two Meters.? Also has a long boom 432 SSB beam, maybe another beam, I can't remember. i told him I'd help him find a home for them.? He might be able to send some pics of them. Can be had cheap. Pick up only, near Phoenix?? (Sun City area) email him,,, nice guy,? his name is Bob 73 Bob W0DXZ DM33

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Re: IC-W2A as sat rig?
by Bill Dzurilla 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Thanks, John. On further investigation, it seems that the W2A will not fully suit my needs, due to an odd issue with this rig. It seems that the W2A will work cross-band in full duplex mode only, not in half duplex (in contrast, the W32A allows you to choose between full duplex and half duplex). This means that a W2A can only be used for sats with headphones, or else there will be feedback. Full duplex with headphones is of course the best way to work the sats, but sometimes it's just too inconvenient and I'd prefer to at least have the option of using the HT on half duplex with the speaker. And if the W2A desenses as badly as the W32A, then full duplex with headphones will be a total waste. I'll test it out as soon as the charger arrives. 73, Bill NZ5N > * Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: IC-W2A as sat rig? > * From: John Mock KD6PAG <kd6pag@xxxxxxxxx> > * Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:39:02 -0700 > I had one for several years and it worked very nicely as a J-FM satellite rig. I think you made a good choice! Consider getting an Arrow antenna, or something comparable. Also, use a casette or voice recorder, as it's hard to hold an antenna and a radio, and still write down callsigns. If i recall correctly, the IC-W2A has an ordinary stereo mini-phone jack, with the speaker on the tip and the microphone on the ring contacts. But what you'll really need is a patch cord from the IC-W2A to the mike input of your recorder, which might need attenuation. Write to me if you need any help with this. I hope to talk to you soon on AO-27, AO-51, etc. 73's and good luck! -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer) --- Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > I had success on Swan Island with a borrowed > IC-W32A. > Today at a hamfest I saw a nice price on an IC-W2A, > apparently an earlier version of the W32A, so I > bought > it. No charger, though, ordered one for $10 from > R&L. > > Anyone used a W2A with the sats? How does it differ > from the W32A? > > I've already noticed that some of the jacks are > different. I can't use the headset mike I used with > the W32A, the jack is smaller and won't fit. The > power supply jack is also different. > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Special deal for Yahoo! users & friends - No Cost. > Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now > http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text3.com > ____________________________________________________________________________________ No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for Yahoo! users and friends. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text1.com

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Re: GVLB Tracker and Yaesu rotors
by Ronald Nutter 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

At this point, I dont know which one that I would like to use. I am using a channel master rotor right now but would like to have some level of automated rotor control so I can concentrate more on operating the satellites than having to keep manually adjusting the rotor to keep pointed at the bird I am working. Ron Michael Young wrote: > Hi Ron, > > Which Yaesu rotor do you want to control? > > Generally if the Yaesu rotor has connections on the back of the control > box for external control it MIGHT work > with the LVB Tracker. BUT I cannot say for sure unless I knew which > rotor you had in mind to use so I could > find the documentation/schematics and see what is available. > > Sorry I cannot be more specific. > > 73's, > > Mike, WB8CXO > > > On Mar 29, 2008, at 11:44 PM, Ronald Nutter wrote: > >> Since it may be a while before I can afford the az/el Yaesu rotor, is it >> possible to interface the current lvb tracker with an az only version of >> a Yaesu rotor ? I have been thinking of this since when I have my >> satellite antennas setup at home, I use a setup where my antennas are >> are pointed at a fixed elevation. >> >> 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 > >

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FO-29 schedule Apr.2008
by Mineo Wakita 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Apr. UTC 1 3:25 - 2 2:30 - 3 3:20 - 4 2:25 - 5 3:15 - 6 2:20 - 7 None 8 2:15 - 9 3:05 - 10 2:10 - 11 3:00 - 12 2:05 - 13 2:55 - 14 None 15 2:50 - 16 1:55 - 17 2:45 - 18 1:50 - 19 2:40 - 20 1:46 - 21 None 22 3:27 - 23 2:31 - 24 3:23 - 25 2:26 - 26 3:17 - 27 2:22 - 28 None 29 2:16 - 30 3:07 -

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Earth Hour 2008: ISS + Jules Verne
by Henk, PA3GUO 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

As my family wanted to make a small contribution to Earth Hour 2008, we had put off all the lights in the house last night between 8-9pm CET. We decided to take a walk around the neighbourhood to see which other houses were 'dark'. Big bonus for us: it was a very clear sky, suddenly we say the Jules Verne ATV and ISS passing by ! ISS followed Jules Verne 'one second' behind as the more brighter object. Fantastic view ! Henk, PA3GUO (of course Earth Hour & ISS & Amateur Radio are unrelated)

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Re: IC-W2A as sat rig?
by John Mock KD6PAG 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

I had one for several years and it worked very nicely as a J-FM satellite rig. I think you made a good choice! Consider getting an Arrow antenna, or something comparable. Also, use a casette or voice recorder, as it's hard to hold an antenna and a radio, and still write down callsigns. If i recall correctly, the IC-W2A has an ordinary stereo mini-phone jack, with the speaker on the tip and the microphone on the ring contacts. But what you'll really need is a patch cord from the IC-W2A to the mike input of your recorder, which might need attenuation. Write to me if you need any help with this. I hope to talk to you soon on AO-27, AO-51, etc. 73's and good luck! -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

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ANS-090 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-090 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: * AO-51 Schedule - April 2008 * Satellite Demo Videos * AMSAT Awards * AMSAT Room Block at Dayton * KiwiSAT Update * ARISS Status - 24 March 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-090.01 AO-51 Schedule - April 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 090.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 30, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-090.01 The first week of April, AO-51 exits full illumination and our power budget will shrink considerably. The length of the eclipses will increase throughout the month, and we'll have to closely monitor our power situation. The schedule reflects this, as the BBS will be active throughout the first two weeks of the month. Additionally all AO-51 transmitters will be shut off on March 31st for a special Whole Orbit Data collection before full illumination ends. As the month progresses we will schedule some time with the L/U BBS switched to a L/U repeater on an "as available" basis. Watch the webpage and ANS for announcements with further details. April 2008 AO-51 Schedule March 31 until April 30, subject to modification March 31 All Transmitters OFF for WOD collection April 1 - April 13 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 Digital L/U BBS and Telemetry Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM April 14 - April 30 FM Repeater, V/U Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM 9k6 Digital L/U BBS and Telemetry -- OR -- FM Repeater as available (exact dates to be announced) Uplink: 1268.700 MHz FM Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM The AO-51 Operations Group is made up of AMSAT Members who are also AO-51 users. The Operations Group works with the Command Team to create the monthly schedule for the satellite. AO-51 Echo Mode Suggestion Email Address: ao51-modes(a)amsat.org 73 KO4MA For AO-51 Operations Group (KO4MA, WD9EWK/VA7EWK, N8MH, OZ1MY, VK5HI, WA4SXM) [ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-090.02 Satellite Demo Videos AMSAT News Service Bulletin 090.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 30, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-090.02 Robert Davies, KI4HXT, has produced a Windows media video showing how to work AO-27. Dave Jordan, AA4KN does the actual satellite demonstration during the 2008 Orlando Hamcation. Dave describes the Doppler shift that will occur during the pass, makes a number of contacts during the pass, then talks about setting up the Kenwood TH-D7A hand held for analog satellite operation. Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA was doing a simultaneous demonstration and has a cameo appearance describing the arc of the upcoming pass. This is about a 20 minute video. Bob McGwier, N4HY also has a video recorded in February that talks about the AMSAT Engineering activities during the next few months. Good information about a number of activities that are taking place this year. This is a 10 minute video. Videos can be found at http://www.ki4hxt.com/id5.html Thanks to Robert for hosting these. We are working on additional videos, stay tuned. 73, Gould, WA4SXM AMSAT VP User Services [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-090.03 AMSAT Awards AMSAT News Service Bulletin 090.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 30, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-090.03 We would like to welcome the following to the satellite community. They have made their first satellite contact and are now members of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club. Kent Frazier, K5KNT Jay Garlitz, AA4FL The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communication Achievement Award. Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, #459 Francis Geraci, WB1FXX, #460 Jay Garlitz, AA4FL, #461 The following have earned the South Africa AMSAT Satellite Communicaton Award. Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, #US118 Jay Garlitz, AA4FL, #US119 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com [ANS thanks Bruce, KK5DO, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-090.04 AMSAT Room Block at Dayton AMSAT News Service Bulletin 090.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 30, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-090.04 A reminder that time is running out. Over half the AMSAT room block for Dayton has been reserved. If you are interested in a room, please give me a call at 301-589-6062 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (EDT), Monday-Friday. [ANS thanks Martha for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-090.05 KiwiSAT Update AMSAT News Service Bulletin 090.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 30, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-090.05 KiwiSAT will now carry an additional special beacon which, it is planned, will be used by radio amateurs around the world to collect data on atmospheric aberrations to assist with finite information collection directly associated with Global Warming concerns and Carbon Balance monitoring. Details have yet to be finalized however the KiwiSAT structure has been modified to incorporate a second 70cm monopole mounted on the Z- face. A high level of filtering has been incorporated to minimize any desensitizing of the on-board 70 cm receivers. The operation of the beacon will be switched as required but will normally be ON for whole orbit data collection. The KiwiSAT linear flight transponder is currently transmitting from the Whangaparaoa area with beam antennas pointing South. Transponder is inverting type to compensate for Doppler shift when in orbit. * Transmit Power is 2 Watts PEP. * Beacon frequency is 145.885 MHz * Uplink is from 435.265 to 435.235 MHZ LSB (note the sideband) * Down link is from 145.850 to 145.880 MHz USB A test transmission on 435.2544 LSB came out at 145.860 USB. As it's a linear transponder 30kHz wide, any mode can be used, but FM is discouraged (but not banned). Amateur stations are encouraged to try out the transponder. Try to better the previous distance of record of 292 km previously achieved with the prototype transponder (same location/antenna). Reports welcome to < amsat-zl(at)kiwisat.org > [ANS thanks AMSAT-ZL for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-090.06 ARISS Status - 24 March 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 090.06 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 30, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-090.06 1. Upcoming School Contacts Shanghai Youth Centre of Science and Technology Education in Xuhui, Shanghai, China has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Tuesday, April 1 at 08:10 UTC. The Centre is an after school educational facility that educates teenagers in science and technology. It has its own radio club, callsign BY4AY, which focuses on educating students in science and radio communications and in fabricating electronic toys. 2. Shukor Crew Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) crew debrief was scheduled for Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 9W2MUS, on Tuesday, March 25. The spaceflight participant performed 5 contacts with Malaysian school children while onboard the ISS in October 2007. 3. Garriott to Participate in ARISS Contacts Space Adventures has posted an article covering the educational activities that Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, has planned while he is onboard the International Space Station. Inspiring children at the Challenger Learning Centers and taking part in amateur radio contacts are among the activities in which he plans to participate. See: http://www.spaceadventures.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.viewnews&newsid=599 4. Amateur Radio Stations in Colorado Air and Space Museum In promoting education, science and technology, Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver, Colorado has included amateur radio stations in its Avionics display and efforts are well under way in setting up a station, callsign K0WAR, in the International Space Station module exhibit. See: http://wings.rmhcn.org/ 5. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) monthly teleconference was held on Tuesday, March 18. Topics of discussion included the upcoming Moscow meeting, the ARISS nominating committee and SuitSat-2. Minutes have been posted. See: http://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2008-03-18.htm [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

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IC-W2A as sat rig?
by Bill Dzurilla 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

I had success on Swan Island with a borrowed IC-W32A. Today at a hamfest I saw a nice price on an IC-W2A, apparently an earlier version of the W32A, so I bought it. No charger, though, ordered one for $10 from R&L. Anyone used a W2A with the sats? How does it differ from the W32A? I've already noticed that some of the jacks are different. I can't use the headset mike I used with the W32A, the jack is smaller and won't fit. The power supply jack is also different. 73, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ Special deal for Yahoo! users & friends - No Cost. Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text3.com

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Re: UT1FG/mm report
by G0MRF＠aol.com 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

In a message dated 29/03/2008 16:36:18 GMT Standard Time, rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.com writes: Hi All I managed to contact Yuri UT1FG/mm @ 1457 today on AO16, he informed me that he would be in the Algerian Port of Annaba(JM36VV) for a further 4days before moving on.Regards Robert G8ATE Hi Robert. I hope he has an Algerian licence because if he is in the port then the maritime mobile call is not valid. -He needs to be outside the territorial limit. I recall a Russian was arrested in Libya for doing exactly that. David

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UT1FG/mm report
by Robert Turlington 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

Hi All I managed to contact Yuri UT1FG/mm @ 1457 today on AO16, he informed me that he would be in the Algerian Port of Annaba(JM36VV) for a further 4days before moving on.Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ The next generation of Windows Live is here http://www.windowslive.co.uk/get-live

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Re: QSL CARD EXCHANGE
by K7WIN - Jeff 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

Hi Gary, Thanks for the Kudos. My log website is something I programmed using ColdFusion that runs under IIS and MS SQL. As I enter the contacts into my logbook, the logbook queries QRZ for the information pertaining to that call sign and I can make adjustments such as grid etc, then hit save and it inserts a record into the QSL database which is then dynamically available on the web. I have also added some other features like Google Mapping and PDF reports. Thanks again and have a great day, hope to catch you on the satellites, 73 Jeff - K7WIN From: Gary Schuchardt [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 7:49 AM To: K7WIN - Jeff Cc: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: QSL CARD EXCHANGE Jeff, Fantastic success and logging system. Is this something you programmed or bought? I assume it is live and constantly updating as you record contacts. I am new to the satellite hobby. Great job! Gary N0EZH FM16un Chesapeake VA -------Original Message------- From: K7WIN - Jeff Date: 3/28/2008 6:18:37 PM To: 'Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org' Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: QSL CARD EXCHANGE I have been working Satellites since June 8, 2007 and have made 2280 contacts. I have sent 306 cards and received 216 which is 70.59 percent and I am pretty satisfied with the return rate. http://log.k7win.net/Statistics.cfm I have worked 254 grids and 166 confirmed. I do return QSL requests either same day or within 48 hours if I am in town. SASE is not necessary. Overall I think the community of Satellite operators are very courteous in sending QSO confirmations when requested. There are a few states that I have requested QSL cards from that just seem to ignore my attempts so I will look for those states again to complete my WAS certificate. I am still looking for Delaware, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and South Dakota. If anyone is from those states please let me know. Best 73 and have a great day, K7WIN - Jeff DM41, Arizona _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Starting up
by Alberto Mart 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

I do belong a TS-2000k and i'd experience some traffic over satellite. I did attempt using my vertical but results did not make me happy (very limited, in time, footprint and fading). I was recommended to check Gulf Antenna but they have jsu drop satellite's solutions (in term of antennas). I would buy a pair of 2 mts and 70 cms antenna and phasing them. Where could I find more infos ? i did "google" as well but did not find usefull infos (from my point of needs). I do hope some "guru" here could forward me to the right antenna's manufacturer. 73s de Alberto, iz0fma --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice: chiama da PC a telefono a tariffe esclusive

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ITAR and AMSAT
by G0MRF＠aol.com 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

Slightly off topic, but interesting for satellite constructors For anyone who is having trouble sleeping at night, or is interested in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regarding hardware / software export from the USA, the following site lists technologies that are restricted. _http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/offdocs/itar/p121.htm_ (http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/offdocs/itar/p121.htm) Space technolgies are listed in section 15 (XV) >From an AMSAT perspective it makes some nice distinctions in technologies that may be considered as 'US Munitions' and other allowable 'commerce' products. AMSAT has technologies that can be placed in both categories. e.g. Export of GPS capable of operating above 60,000 feet. / 1000MPH - Banned Attitude control systems capable of pointing accuracy 0.02 degrees or better. - Banned restartable kick motors that remain active once on orbit, that can produce greater than 1g acceleration. - Banned. Satellite antennas with ground coverage 3dB points less than 200 nautical miles diameter. - Banned. Radiation hardened space rated ICs. Banned, but if you embed them so they can't be removed. - Allowed. Fortunately for us, the overall emphasis is on military use and it does not seek to restrict commercial space products. Other than the GPS, (and buying a bigger pot of epoxy resin) none of the other exmples seem to be a problem for the average AMSAT mission. Or are they? Thanks David G0MRF

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Re: MANCHESTER encosing schemes
by RFI-EMI-GUY 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

Thanks Jim! Jim Sanford wrote: > > See Embedded Systems Design for Feb 2008. www.embedded.com > 73 and good luck! > Jim > wb4gcs(a)amsat.org > > > RFI-EMI-GUY wrote: >> Can anyone point me to some simple schemes for Manchester encoding >> and decoding. The application would be for high speed data over a low >> cost ISM link (manufacturer advises against long strings of data in >> 111 or 000's) >> >> > > > -- 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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QSL CARD EXCHANGE
by Stuart Underwood 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

Greetings, I have a question about exchanging QSL cards. When the last time the ISS xband repeater was up I made seven contacts. I was very excited because this was the first time I was able to work satellites. Very anxious, I sent out seven QSL cards. Waiting to get some back. I received only one. My questions is, is there a protocol for sending and receiving QSL cards for satellite work? When I get better, I would like to try for VUCC... Thanks in advance. 73, Stuart W8STU EN91

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Re: QSL card exchange
by John Mock KD6PAG 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

I've had very good luck with US and Canadian QSL cards. My experience with Mexico is too limited to draw that much of conclusion (but lately i've been getting a fair number of them). In fact, i get ALOT of cards that i don't ask for; people seem to like to send me cards even when i check 'TNX' on my card when i know that i don't need their grid and/or state. I'm not so good at QSLing promptly, as i record each pass i operate and then carefully transcribe them [when time permits]. But everyone gets a card from me the first time i work them in (or from) a new grid. I find that easier than trying to keep track of who needs which cards. So if you don't hear me on the air for awhile, that's probably because i have gotten too far behind in QSLing. Here's what i do that works well for me. I print my own cards from the QSO data on 4x6" card stock and accurately trim to post card size. (Alot of folks don't want your card sticking out of an otherwise neat stack of cards.) Since i'm frequently roving, i include both my operating location, six- character grid square and GPS co-ordinates. There are a couple of graphics and some lettering is colored. Perhaps most importantly, i add a personal comment to each card, even if it's just the other station's grid square and best wishes. In addition, as well as the usual 'Thx' and 'Pls QSL', there is also a box marked 'LoTW' which is checked whenever the QSO data has been already been uploaded to ARRL at the time the card was printed. Also, for QSLs on grid square boundaries, i often include a picture taken from QSO location, which could be compared to satellite images (such as Google maps) or topographic maps to help verify that i was operating from two [or more(!)] grid squares at once. (I probably should include the county and power level [available on LoTW] but that would require a re-design of my cards.) The other thing i do when i want a card back is to include a self-addressed envelope and 'loose' postage. This way, the receiver can use the postage and still have the choice of using my envelope or their own. For Canada, i order Canadian stamps on-line. (I don't have a good source of Mexican postage, but i make an effort by including the corresponding US postage with the notation "for your next USA SASE". Stamp trades are welcome.) At the moment, US amateurs get an extra 1 cent stamp to they can respond conveniently even after our postal rates go up [again]. Basically, i go through a fair amount of work to produce and mail the cards (much of which was a once-only task [programming]). People seem to respond to that effort. Compared to what i've heard from most HF'ers, i am quite pleased with (and also proud of) efforts that satellite operators make to QSL. -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

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Re: QSL CARD EXCHANGE
by Wayne Estes 29 Mar '08

29 Mar '08

Stuart Underwood wrote: Very anxious, I sent out seven QSL cards. Waiting to get some back. I received only one. My questions is, is there a protocol for sending and receiving QSL cards for satellite work? Wayne replies: The satellite QSL protocol is essentially the same as for terrestrial contacts, except we put slightly different information on the QSL card. Did you send a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with the QSL cards? In my experience, about 20% will send a card back to me if I don't include a SASE. The response rate is about 80% when I include a SASE. This is very different from when I was a novice in the 1970's. I had a high response rate then, and I never sent SASE's. I assume you were referring to domestic contacts because the ISS has a small footprint. For international contacts you need to send either an IRC or dollar bills for return postage. This gets expensive. A dollar is sufficient for a reply from Canada or Mexico, but you need to send 3 dollars to get a reply from Germany. It's difficult to buy IRC's in the United States. The U.S. signed a treaty that requires post offices to stock IRC's, but most U.S. post offices don't stock them. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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Re: QSL CARD EXCHANGE
by Frank A Cahoy 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

Hello Wayne and the Group, I believe that this message may have been sent before it was ready to be sent. My email server (JUNO) has a habit of sending things at a time when it should not do so. Therefore, I'll start over again and hope for the best. I am an avid "paper" QSL card collector. In 2007 I sent nearly 2000 cards to the outgoing ARRL bureau. It's much too soon to calculate the results from last year but after 47+ years of sending cards I'd be quite pleased with a 50% return. Recently I contacted a fellow in Hungary with a plee for some help in getting that entity confirmed via satellite. I thought I was in great luck because he told me that he personally, could indeed, confirm one of my Hungarian QSOs. That being HA5MRC on AO-40. He did state that he had no HA5MRC paper QSLs and no way to get any. I got on the computer and made up and printed several paper HA5MRC cards that met his approval. I then sent those paper cards with an SAE and $2.00. That was late in 2007 but to date only a short reply telling me to be patient! This same fellow also gave me specific instructions about how to get a card from HA2RD whom I'd QSOed via AO-10. More wasted effort and dollars down the drain. My point??? Even when you follow directions and make double sure that you've done everything RIGHT, your efforts may go unrewarded!! I think that I have a minimum of $10.00 to $15.00 invested from my efforts to get an HA satellite confirmation. It would appear that I have to wait for P3E before I can find and work a station in Hungary who is willing to send QSLs............. My 2 cents worth on QSL card exchanging. 73 Frank, KØBLT

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IT time change
by Dave Guimont 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

A few days back someone had a question regarding the latest time change and IT. I was a way from my computer for several days, forgot who asked the question, perhaps it has been answered... When I got back I inadvertently deleted a bunch of files, and the question with it.... Simply enter the change in the it.ini file...a text file explains it... Its been a long time, but as I remember a "SET" command introduces the error, but the ini will correct it... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Re: ke7jgb qso with Alaska
by Robert Coppock 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

HI, there is a post on qrz forums about university night: John / ke7jgb (western Washington state) had a qso with an Alaska station at 0317 utc 28th (thursday evening pdt) on ao51. he did not get the station callsign, and this was his very first satellite qso! the other station did repeat his callsign. he is looking for that station and callsign. if anyone can help him, please email him. his qrz info has the email id. i just thought i would relay his post to another good chance place. maybe if he gets in contact with the other station, he will become an AMSAT member. thank you very much, 73, Robert kf0g cm97 #35488

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Re: QSL CARD EXCHANGE
by Kent R. Frazier 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

By mistake, I sent this only to Jim at first... On Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 7:24 AM, Kent R. Frazier <k5knt(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > > On Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 12:52 AM, Jim Walls <jim(a)k6ccc.org> wrote: > > > Stuart Underwood wrote: > > > Greetings, > > > > > > I have a question about exchanging QSL cards. When the last time the > > ISS xband repeater was up I made seven contacts. I was very excited because > > this was the first time I was able to work satellites. Very anxious, I sent > > out seven QSL cards. Waiting to get some back. I received only one. My > > questions is, is there a protocol for sending and receiving QSL cards for > > satellite work? When I get better, I would like to try for VUCC... Thanks > > in advance. 73, Stuart W8STU EN91 > > > > When was the ISS last on cross-band? Has there been enough time for you to > have received the cards? I'm new to satellites also, from what I've read > some use QSL bureaus and they only send out once a month or when a certain > amount of cards are ready to be sent. > Did you include a SASE with your cards? > > > > > > Unfortunately fewer and fewer hams are willing to send QSL cards. I > > will always send a card if requested, and would usually send a card if > > it was to someone I had never worked on satellite. Also if it was > > something special for one or the other of us. > > > > When I was trying to finish my satellite VUCC, it took some effort to > > get the last few card. > > > > Satelllite VUCC #108 > > > This is disturbing... As a newbie to satellites, I've never been > interested in collecting awards or QSLs until now. If fewer hams are > willing to send QSL cards (too expensive?) then the ARRL and AMSAT need to > reconsider allowing some form of electronic QSLs for the awards, IMO. > > I just sent nine cards out this week. These are the first satellites I've > worked. I included a SASE with each. It will be interesting to see what kind > of response I get. > > 73, > > Kent > > -- > Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

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MANCHESTER encosing schemes
by RFI-EMI-GUY 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

Can anyone point me to some simple schemes for Manchester encoding and decoding. The application would be for high speed data over a low cost ISM link (manufacturer advises against long strings of data in 111 or 000's) -- 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: QSL CARD EXCHANGE
by Frank A Cahoy 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

Hello Wayne and the Group, I too am an avid "paper" QSL collector. Last year, 2007, I sent nearly 2000 QSLs out. It's much too soon to calculate the return results for last year but after 47+ years I'd say that 50% would be a great return. Recently I contacted a fellow in Hungary since I still need satellite confirmation from that entity. I have worked three HAs but many dollars and many attempts direct and via the bureau have netted me zero return.

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VHF WAC WAS WAZ DXCC VUCC
by VE2PIJ FN35 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

Please reply to ve2pij(a)hotmail.com Hello, Do you have certificate number +date +locator for VHF VUCC DXCC WAS WAC WAZ Example for DXCC Band # Date Grid Call Name Worked Confirmed SAT#108 24 Aug 1992 EN51 W9HAD Earl 104 104 it's for my web site: VHF-> WAC WAS WAZ DXCC VUCC certificate holder http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2/2mvucc.html Sat+2m+ VUCC http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2/6mvucc.html 6m VUCC http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2/vhfwas.html VHF WAS http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2/vhfwaz.html VHF WAZ http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2/vhfwac.html VHF WAC http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2/vhfdxcc.html VHF DXCC 73 de Pierre VE2PIJ ve2pij(a)hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2 _________________________________________________________________ Pars à la recherche pour gagner une Eclipse Spyder 2008! Cliquez ici pour participer! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/218

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KiwiSAT transponder on air tests
by Trevor 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

>From http://www.kiwisat.org.nz/ The KiwiSAT linear flight transponder is currently transmitting from the Whangaparaoa area with beam antennas pointing South. Transponder is inverting type to compensate for Doppler shift when in orbit. * Transmit Power is 2 Watts PEP. * Beacon frequency is 145.885 MHz * Uplink is from 435.265 to 435.235 MHZ LSB (note the sideband) * Downlink is from 145.850 to 145.880 MHz USB 73 Trevor M5AKA __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. More Ways to Keep in Touch. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Re: Easy to make, low cost omni-directional antennae
by Bill Dzurilla 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

I have just been involved with the sats since February and also wanted an omni for base station use. I started with a simple 1/4 wave ground plane (19" for 2m, 6 1/2" for 70 cm), later tried homebrewing Jerry's Eggbeater II, and then bought a second-hand M2 eggbeater and the ARR preamp. I noticed little or no difference between the 3 antennas, certainly not enough to justify the relatively high price of a new M2 eggbeater. The preamp helps a lot but, as Jeff says, SO-50 is still quite weak. Have not tried the Lindenblad. Not many are using it or talking about it, so I doubt it is all that great. Same for the turnstile. I do far better with a 5w HT and a handheld Arrow than I do with an IC-7000, ARR preamp, and any of the omnis I have tried. However, unlike some people, I don't really enjoy standing in the yard holding the Arrow antenna for 15 minutes. So I usually work from inside. If you do go omni, get it high enough to be in the clear. And unless you get a preamp, use very good coax and keep the line as short as possible. You can get a 70cm receive-only preamp from Ramsey Electronics for $17, but with that you'll need a separate coax line for the 2m uplink, or a duplexer. The ARR is the cheapest RF switching preamp and it's over $125. I also homebrewed one of Kent's dual band LEO cheap yagis, see http://www.wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf. It can be built for $10 and it works as good or better than the far more expensive expensive Arrow, although it's not quite as portable. As Jeff mentioned, the Arrow unscrews into very small pieces and fits in a suitcase, very nice for air travel. The cheap yagi elements are glued to the wood boom, will fit into a car trunk but is not suitable for air travel, unless someone comes up with a different way to attach the elements to the boom that allows easy removal. Have not tried this, but I'm almost certain that a cheap yagi mounted at a fixed 20-30 degree elevation and rotated with an old TV rotator will be less expensive and give substantially better results than any omni, even an omni with a preamp. Good luck and 73, Bill NZ5N ********************************** Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:37:20 -0700 From: Jeff Mock <jeff(a)mock.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Easy to make, low cost omni-directional antennae To: Graeme Nelson <zl2gdn(a)gmail.com>, "'AMSAT-BB'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <47EBB120.30806(a)mock.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Hi, I'm new to satellite stuff and I had essentially the same requirements as you. I live in a dense urban environment so I have more QRM problems than most, limited roof space, and I try to keep a low profile and not get the neighbors too excited. I wound up purchasing two eggbeaters from M2, one for 70cm and one for 2m: http://www.m2inc.com/products/vhf/2m/eb144.html They work well, they are well-built, and are great for AO-51, ISS-digital, and GO-32. I also wound up getting an ARR masthead preamp for the 70cm eggbeater to compensate for my long feedline to the roof http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page10.html To tell you the truth, the two eggbeaters are marginal for me working SO-50. It is just above the noise and I don't feel like I hear it well enough to transmit. If you want to listen for weak signals you might go straight to a directional setup with more gain. I feel a rotator in my not-too-distant future... Eggbeaters aren't terribly portable. The copperweld loop is going to spring loose when you take it apart and poke someone in the eye, so I don't move them. For portable I got and Arrow-II handheld 70cm/2m yagi. It's great fun and seems to be popular. I used it with an old Icom-W32A HT on vacation and used it to work AO-51. It breaks down really small, fits in a little bag, and I can put it together in less than 5-minutes: http://www.arrowantennas.com/146-437.html jeff AD6EO Graeme Nelson wrote: > 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 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

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Re: Easy to make, low cost omni-directional antennae
by Bill Dzurilla 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

With the receive-only preamp at $17 and the switching preamp at $125, you could blow up six of the receive onlies and still be ahead on cost. I use a switching preamp because I use the same 70 cm antenna to work VO-52, AO-7 and the local repeaters. Would have been cheaper to use a receive-only preamp with one antenna dedicated to the FM LEOs and put up a seperate 70 cm transmit antenna for the other purposes. But probably the piece of mind is worth the extra money. 73, Bill NZ5N At 09:43 AM 3/28/2008, Jeff Mock wrote: >I like having a switching preamp because I'm an idiot. I'm always >moving stuff around, I'll get a crazy idea to work a local 70cm repeater >or whatever. I would have certainly blown up a receive-only preamp >5-times over by now, even though I rarely use the switching part. For idiot proofing, the switching preamp is a good idea. :) 73 de VK3JED http://vkradio.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

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UT1FG/mm still in the Algerian port of Annaba
by Robert Turlington 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

Hi All Since my last report a few days ago I have had one or two QSO's on AO16/AO27 withYuri UT1FG/mm and he is still in the Algerian Port of Annaba JM36VVRegards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Amazing prizes every hour with Live Search Big Snap http://www.bigsnapsearch.com

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Programming software for TH-D7AG
by Jeff Yanko 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

Hi all, I noticed on the Kenwood site that they offer free programming software for all of their HT's. I was very surprised to read in fine print that the software may not work under the Windows NT 4.0 or XP platforms. Has anybody tried this software under XP. How did it function? Any problems? 73, Jeff WB3JFS

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Time is Running Out
by Martha 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

A reminder that time is running out. Over half the AMSAT room block for Dayton has been reserved. If you are interested in a room, please give me a call at 301-589-6062 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (EDT), Monday-Friday. -- 73- Martha

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Re: AO-51 2nd repeater EMPTY!
by Wayne Estes 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

I never heard anybody but myself on the AO51 2nd repeater, even after announcing on the congested primary channel that the 2nd channel is completely empty. SatPC32 users with CAT control can switch channels with 3 mouse clicks. Here's the entry for your Doppler.SQF file. AO-51,435300,145920,FM,FM,Nor,0,0,Voice V/U AO-51,435150,145880,FM,FM,Nor,0,0,Voice V/U Wayne Estes Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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[amsat-bb] Brazillian hams, especially near São Paulo
by Andrew Glasbrenner 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

I have been contacted by some university students at University of São Paulo who are interested in an amateur satellite communications project. Would any interested hams in the area please contact me, and I'll forward their information to you. Thanks in advance. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Programming software for TH-D7AG
by don 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

Jeff, Assuming you mean "MCP D7G",This works fine for me on 2 laptops with XP pro, SP2 and a desktop with XP home /SP2. I used the serial cable supplied with the radio and an ordinary serial rs232 plug wired up to the cable. One laptop is usb only and the software worked fine with a generic usb to serial adapter. Cheers, Don ZL1THO

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Re: ISS visual passage
by Dave Guimont 27 Mar '08

27 Mar '08

>I agree with you that it is simply awe inspiring that something like that >can be seen from the ground. Shortly after New Years', my Freestar died in >the driveway. The battery had drained due to my XM Receiver being left on >overnight...and it was -3 when I woke up. Yes, John, a fun thing to do...Not particularly a technical challenge, but I've been watching since MIR, and have inspired a lot of others not really interested in ham radio, satellites or otherwise... IT is better to use than Heavens Above, or several other available programs, they all work.. 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Sorry Jay, got your last name wrong in my database for the Satellite Communicators Club award. It is correct on the other awards. Jay Garlitz, AA4FL To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com 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: ISS visual passage
by John Marranca, Jr 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Dave, et al: I agree with you that it is simply awe inspiring that something like that can be seen from the ground. Shortly after New Years', my Freestar died in the driveway. The battery had drained due to my XM Receiver being left on overnight...and it was -3 when I woke up. My neighbor helped jump start my truck. It was 6:03 am. That morning, crystal clear sky, the ISS has an almost 80 degree pass... My neighbor, Al, was as thrilled as I was. And it will only get better and EASIER to see as they ADD modules to the ISS. 73 de John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Yaesu FRG-9600 + CAT + Wisp + Orbitron
by Raul Romero CA3SOC 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

hi need help in my staion iam have one yaesu FRG-9600 CAT (Homemade) Wisp And Orbitron Wisp not Take Control From FRG-9600 Iam Donwload Other Software for Yaesu FRG-9600 And Work http://f17317.free.fr/frg9600.php Any Help Need My Station Automatic Frecuency For Satellite Tnx Raul CA3SOC --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Are you still wasting your time with spam?... There is a solution!" Protected by GIANT Company's Spam Inspector The most powerful anti-spam software available. http://mail.spaminspector.com

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ISS triple viewing
by Dave Guimont 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Thanks to all that responded, and explained what I had seen. I'd seen garbage dumps several years ago, but this is my first triple... Looks like we'll have "strings" of stuff the way things are progressing! Tnx agn to all... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

2 1

OT: Tektronix Power supply repair in SF Bay Area/CA?
by Alex Perez 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Hi folks, Sorry for the Offtopic intro, but I'm looking for someone with discrete component-level diagnostic skills to fix a power supply for me for my Tektronix 492 spectrum analyzer. This thing is mil-spec 10MHz-20GHz and I'd be happy to let anyone who fixes it use it for a while if they'd like. I'm willing to pay someone, but this is beyond my ability to fix. Ive got the full schematics and user manual in PDF form for the device. I suspect it will be a relatively trivial repair.

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ISS visual passage
by Dave Guimont 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

We don't often have good "seeing" in San Diego, but we did tonite, and I have some questions... ISS went over just as predicted, overhead at 26mar08 0308Z. Estimating the magnitude at -3.0...We had a little bit of haze, and it looked like a lighted cigar! About a minute before, an object on the same course mag ~1.5, and about 2 min after ISS, another object, same course, mag ~1.0... Can someone tell me what the other objects were? The shuttle?? A garbage dump?? I've not really been following ISS progress, again "seeing" in San Diego is a real variable.... Tonite was an exception... Any help appreciated... We have almost an identical pass for ISS on 28 mar Z. 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

3 2

IT time???
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Hello-I need help in changing the time in IT to PSDT. I have no clue how to do it. Please use monosylablic words, I'm not very computer savy. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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AO-51 2nd repeater EMPTY!
by Andrew Glasbrenner 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

I have a hard time believing this...the 145.88/435.15 repeater has been mostly empty this evening. The first pass there was a grand total of four other stations and everyone worked everyone, very leisurely. On the second pass, I worked K5KNT who was mobile on a 19" whip with ZERO QRM! For everyone who is tired of the pileup on 435.300, please try the 435.150 repeater this week. Remember this coming Thursday is College Night, come on over and work the future satellite builders and make them feel as part of the fraternity. 73, Drew KO4MA

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AMSAT callsign badge with magnet back
by Bruce 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

For those that are interested in the AMSAT callsign badge with a magnetic clip instead of the pin clip, you can get the magnet option for an additional $2.00. Just tell Martha when you call. I will add a new online store item when the store comes back up. 73...bruce Sent from my iPhone

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AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

We would like to welcome the following to the satellite community. They have made their first satellite contact and are now members of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club. Kent Frazier, K5KNT Jay Frazier, AA4FL The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communication Achievement Award. Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, #459 Francis Geraci, WB1FXX, #460 Jay Garlitz, AA4FL, #461 The following have earned the South Africa AMSAT Satellite Communicaton Award. Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, #US118 Jay Garlitz, AA4FL, #US119 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com 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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G5600B rotor
by Peter Gibson 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Hi I have the yaesu G5600B AZ/EL unit. I'm about to service the EL unit. Has anyone got a copy of the service manual or any info on setting the Pot up Thank you for reading this 73's Pete

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I'm Back!
by Martha 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

I'm back from my holiday and in the office. I will be here until 3:30 when I leave for an appointment with my Ophthalmologist I developed a problem with my eye in Spain . Back in the office tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM EST. -- 73- Martha

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Interactive Radio Spectrum
by Rick Mann 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Too bad it doesn't detail the Amateur frequencies: http://www.spectrumatlas.org/spectrum/ -- Rick

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Using Ham Radio Deluxe with a pair of ICOM transceivers IC-271A and IC-471H?
by boprie＠aol.com 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

AMSAT-BB ? Is anyone using Ham Radio Deluxe with a pair of older ICOM transceivers IC-271A and IC-471H?? I'm also trying to get the CT-16 satellite interface unit set up with these radios. I had one suggestion to set the dip switches on the interface to (looking at the switches on the box with the buttons up) UDUUUDUU and UUUUUDUU.? Looks like this interface would just dial the other VFO but I would still have to manually move one. It works. ? The only?automated control is?on the Yeasu 5400 rotator via?a Sat688 interface with another tracking program.??If anyone has interfacing suggestions (or has done it!) ?to control?both VFOs as well, please let me know. You're welcome to send emails direct to spare the BB?the extra postings if you?like. Dave? WS8P? QRP HF AMSAT?? Tnx & 73

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FW: Transatlantic Ballon attempt on 29.498 now
by Robert Bruninga 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

Europeans standby for balloon! The Ballooon was launched on Friday and should be approaching Europe... If anyone hears SDG-9 (sending CW telemetry) on 29.498, please let everyone know! Launched from Michigan Friday morning, it was very strong over Maryland at 2035z. We attempted to post our signal strength plots: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/dfing.html See the balloon's web page: http://arhab.blogspot.com/ It should be arriving over Europe now... Bob, Wb4APR

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Re: On Easter, regarding negativity and renewal...
by PDC 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

On 24/03/2008, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > > As I awoke on this Easter Sunday, I was scanning my email (I subscribe > to lots of groups > and get lots of daily summaries) and once again found myself reading > amsat-bb. Amidst the > normal, pleasurable messages, I was again (as it seems to happen > weekly) faced with a > message of disappointment in AMSAT, this time by Brian Beckius. It > seems that whatever > he was searching for, he didn't find it in AMSAT, and thus proclaimed > to all that he wouldn't > be renewing his membership. > > He's not alone of course. Lots of people aren't very satisfied with > the current state of > AMSAT-NA or amateur satellites. It's not very hard to understand why: > launching satellites > actually _is_ rocket science. It's difficult, and even more difficult > with limited funds > and relying solely on the efforts of volunteers. But the simple fact > that it can be done > at _all_ should give everyone in amateur radio a sense of justified > pride. > > Personally, I joined AMSAT because I use the satellites and figured I should contribute at least a little toward the design, deployment and upkeep. Anything I get above that (and I do!) is sort of a bonus... that's how I look at it. Darin -VE3OIJ

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Re: [digitalradio] RFI-Free PCs?
by Tony 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

All, I found what seems to be a good deal for the next shack PC. Dell offers a 200 Slim Tower with a 19" LCD monitor for around $400. As for the RFI issues, I have my fingers crossed. Anyone using a Dell in the shack? Any RFI complaints? Tony -K2MO

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Free Ham Mobile Web Page
by Robert Bruninga 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

Does everyone realize that they all have their own callsign WEB page that they can update anywhere, anytime, via ham radio and even without internet access? Any operator with a radio and his old TNC, and no special software can post just about anything for others to see... Including sending email. See the following AMSAT example: >> I just checked http://map.findu.com/w6gmt >> and don't see any position info on your >> [traveling satellite] station? > > APRS is the project for the summer. > So by June I should be back on the digi birds. Actually, I was not suggesting APRS via the birds, but simply using an APRS weblink as a means for informing everyone about your schedules and locations, status and announcements. Everyone with a callsign has an APRS web page... Just tell others to look there for your info. You -don't-even-need-to-run-APRS! All it takes to create your own instant web page for all the world to see is to TRANSMIT a single successful packet on 144.39 anywhere in North America, or 144.80 in Europe (etc), and then the above web page will work for your callsign. I will use W6GMT's cross country traveling satellite station as an example for how to take advantage of this capability from the field... 1) Set radio to 144.39 (in north america) 2) Set UNPROTO APRTNC VIA WIDE2-2 3) Set CONVERse mode >From this point on, anything you type will go to your FINDU APRS web page as long as it is in APRS format. Just transmit it once successfully. If you see it digipeated, then you can safely assume in most areas of the world, that it also got into the global APRS system. To make sure, wait a minute and send it again.. The simplest format is GRID Square. While in CONVERSE mode, just type this: [FM19sx] Sittin here waiting for AO51. Then go to the above web page, and you will see your station at that location and with that text. Even if it was just one packet, it will be there for up to 10 days. The age of the packet is also shown. You can only have one such position packet existing at any one time and using gridsquare, the position will only be approximate. New ones will replace old ones. But you can have as many MESSAGES as you want. Type this: :BLN1ABCDE: Operating times today will be 1430z from Grand Canyon The above web page will now have a link to ALL of your messages, which will include this bulletin. Additional bulletins can be BLN2, BLN3 and so on. The "abcde" is just to make sure that you padd the format to the indicated number of bytes.. You can even send someone an email. Just type: :EMAIL : w3xyz(a)amsat.org hi joe, will arrive tonight at 10PM. There has to be four spaces after the EMAIL in this case for padding and the first thing after the colon has to be a valid email address. Do it correctly, and it will get delivered. MULTIPLE OBJECTS: Another good example for a mobile traveler might be to put out future waypoints. But each waypoint has to have its own callsign. The easiest way to do that is to change the MY CALLSIGN in the TNC. Make W6GMT-1 be the first waypoint, and say W6GMT-2 be the second waypoint.... So make each MYCALL change in the TNC, then type in the way point in the above gridsquare format: For MYCALL W6GMT-1, type: [EN45gh] Waypoint for 1400z on 25 Mar. For MYCALL W6GMT-2, type: [EN46ab] Expected location on 1500z Friday And so forth. That is why the universal web page for any HAM on the FINDU system should end in an asteerix (*) so that all of his waypoints or other objects will show up. For example http://map.findu.com/wb4apr* Just think of it. Carry a TNC with you in your car, and you can communicate with the world anywhere, anytime, via the Internet. Just a tiny example of all the potential applications of packet radio and APRS and the web to improve our ability to communicate APRS, it is NOT just vehicle tracking! Bob, WB4APR

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The Trip East
by Brock Thomsen 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

W6GMT BROCK THOMSEN PO BOX 222 MARCELL MN 56657 I am on schedule and will leave here in the AM first stop is Kingman AZ(DM25). Tuesday night in Grants NM (DM65). Wednesday Night in Albuquerque (DM65). Thursday I will be in Clovis NM (DM84). Friday Night I will spend in Guymon OK (DM96). Three stops in Kansas Liberal(DM97), Lyons(EM08) then Smith Center(EM09) I will Spend 10 days in KS with side trips to activate DM99 and DM89. When I leave Kansas on the 8th of April I will head up Hwy 281 thought EN00,01,02 over night in EN02, SD on Tuesday EN03,EN13 night stop will be in MN in EN24. Should Make the campground on Wednesday. I will work as many passes as possible on AO-27 and AO-51 I will also work AO-16 when stopped at night. Equipment is a FT-857 a Small KF0AK log. I use a GPS to confirm that I am in the grid given out on the move I use a Dell PDA with Pocketsat+ to track the Birds. I record all Passes and then log from the recording. QSL to the MN address. I will check Email on the road. Come ride with see you on the birds. 73 Brock

2 1

Re: NO-44 Question
by Bob Bruninga 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

> How long does NO-44 need to be in sun > before it begins to operate normally? About 15 to 20 minutes, AND, all of that sun must fall on the +Z pannel. Any other situation, and it is unuseable. SO the only time it has a chance of getting that sun on that panel is above a latitude of about 40 degrees and in the winter and during a pass overhead about noon. So dont expect much from NO-44 until next fall has been our experience. Often you can hear it trying to get out a packet, but it dies on heach one. Bob, WB4APR

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Re: Proud to be a member
by Gregory Dober 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Brian, With all due respect to your comments, they are vague and subjective and it is difficult to understand your dilemma. I noticed your website is for the lunar X-prize. If you asked AMSAT to partner or somehow become involved in that and was rejected, declined or ignored, then I would believe that is not part of the organizations mission statement nor funding criteria. If you have expertise in the production of satellites etc. and are volunteering to bring "that to the table," then I can understand your frustration and disappointment. In fact, I would wonder myself as to why your expertise would not be utilized. 73 Greg N3MVF >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of truckwiz >Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 10:44 AM >To: 'truckwiz'; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Proud to be a member > >Judging from the amount of email I'm getting on the side, It does not >appear that I'm the only unhappy "horse" in the barn. > > > >Brian > > > > _____ > >From: truckwiz [mailto:[email protected]] >Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 7:37 PM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: Proud to be a member > > > >Hi, > > I'm the president of PropelX (www.propelX.com ><http://www.propelx.com/> ) and a member of AMSAT . I've come to the >conclusion over that last couple of months of asking questions and >offering to help on satellites (only to be jerked around), That the >only space that AMSAT is concerned about is their own . I will not be renewing my membership. > > > >http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1GOGdNdQNc > > > > > > > >Brian Beckius > >

1 0

Re: On Easter, regarding negativity and renewal...
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Well said! ditto 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Mark Vandewettering <mvandewettering(a)gmail.com> > Hi all... > > As I awoke on this Easter Sunday, I was scanning my email (I subscribe > to lots of groups > and get lots of daily summaries) and once again found myself reading > amsat-bb. Amidst the > normal, pleasurable messages, I was again (as it seems to happen > weekly) faced with a > message of disappointment in AMSAT, this time by Brian Beckius. It > seems that whatever > he was searching for, he didn't find it in AMSAT, and thus proclaimed > to all that he wouldn't > be renewing his membership. > > He's not alone of course. Lots of people aren't very satisfied with > the current state of > AMSAT-NA or amateur satellites. It's not very hard to understand why: > launching satellites > actually _is_ rocket science. It's difficult, and even more difficult > with limited funds > and relying solely on the efforts of volunteers. But the simple fact > that it can be done > at _all_ should give everyone in amateur radio a sense of justified > pride. > > I'm a total newbie when it comes to satellites. I've worked mostly > the FM birds for less > than six months. I don't have L or S band equipment. I've never > worked AO-40 or any of the > RS birds. I am still trying to perfect my setup to work the linear > birds. But I have had > fun, and I've tried to pass on that spirit of fun to others, to let > them know just how much > enjoyment you can get, even with modest equipment, even by just > listening to what goes on. > > If you can't find a reason to renew your membership, don't. We are > all free to take our > dollars elsewhere, and to spend them how we see fit. If that $40 > makes you happier when > spent elsewhere, then I think you should spend it elsewhere. If that > donation of $100 or > whatever to a different organization makes you feel a greater sense of > altruism or > achievement, then by all means, send your money there. > > Me? I'm happy to be a member. I'm getting way more out my membership > than I put in, even > when the organization itself doesn't exactly meet my own personal > expectations of what they > can and should be doing. I'd like to see firm plans about where > AMSAT-NA is going, and > when launches will happen just like everyone else, but in the mean > time, I'll be happy doing > what I'm doing, and stretching what I can do with new projects as time > and money in my > rather hectic life allows. And I'll be looking to help new satellite > projects with donations > when I can. > > Maybe you aren't so happy. Maybe the loss of AO-40 and the slow > progress toward another > Phase 3 or Phase 4 makes you grumpy. Maybe you see the money spent on > a single channel > FM bird as a complete waste of time. There are lots of you out > there. I hear you on this > mailing list every few days. But here's the thing: no amount of > growsing about the state > of the amateur satellite service gets any hardware even a foot closer > to orbit. It doesn't > make even one more person smile. It doesn't help get even $1 donated > to the creation of > new amateur satellites. > > It's Easter. It's a time of renewal and rebirth. Cast aside some of > your bitter skepticism, > and rededicate yourself to trying to actually help make amateur > satellites a fun and rewarding > endeavor for all. > > Catch you on the birds... > > Mark KF6KYI > > _______________________________________________ > 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

Lunar Bird
by D. Mynatt 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Has anyone been following 'The Orbital Classroom' column in the AMSAT journal? This month in Part 2, Dr Shuch spoke about the antenna systems needed to copy the ESMO or ASMO project transmissions. Not many of us will be able to find an 18m dish, so I was wondering if anyone has tried an interferometer setup? Can multiple dishes act as one, and so replace a single 18m dish with, say, 10 modified TVRO dishes 2m apart in some form of matrix? Dave ===== http://sciencecenter.no-ip.org/blogs/ SID ID: S-0258 LAT: 38'16.278" N LON: -104'40.537" W DM78QG51WG 719-423-4124

1 0

On Easter, regarding negativity and renewal...
by Mark Vandewettering 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Hi all... As I awoke on this Easter Sunday, I was scanning my email (I subscribe to lots of groups and get lots of daily summaries) and once again found myself reading amsat-bb. Amidst the normal, pleasurable messages, I was again (as it seems to happen weekly) faced with a message of disappointment in AMSAT, this time by Brian Beckius. It seems that whatever he was searching for, he didn't find it in AMSAT, and thus proclaimed to all that he wouldn't be renewing his membership. He's not alone of course. Lots of people aren't very satisfied with the current state of AMSAT-NA or amateur satellites. It's not very hard to understand why: launching satellites actually _is_ rocket science. It's difficult, and even more difficult with limited funds and relying solely on the efforts of volunteers. But the simple fact that it can be done at _all_ should give everyone in amateur radio a sense of justified pride. I'm a total newbie when it comes to satellites. I've worked mostly the FM birds for less than six months. I don't have L or S band equipment. I've never worked AO-40 or any of the RS birds. I am still trying to perfect my setup to work the linear birds. But I have had fun, and I've tried to pass on that spirit of fun to others, to let them know just how much enjoyment you can get, even with modest equipment, even by just listening to what goes on. If you can't find a reason to renew your membership, don't. We are all free to take our dollars elsewhere, and to spend them how we see fit. If that $40 makes you happier when spent elsewhere, then I think you should spend it elsewhere. If that donation of $100 or whatever to a different organization makes you feel a greater sense of altruism or achievement, then by all means, send your money there. Me? I'm happy to be a member. I'm getting way more out my membership than I put in, even when the organization itself doesn't exactly meet my own personal expectations of what they can and should be doing. I'd like to see firm plans about where AMSAT-NA is going, and when launches will happen just like everyone else, but in the mean time, I'll be happy doing what I'm doing, and stretching what I can do with new projects as time and money in my rather hectic life allows. And I'll be looking to help new satellite projects with donations when I can. Maybe you aren't so happy. Maybe the loss of AO-40 and the slow progress toward another Phase 3 or Phase 4 makes you grumpy. Maybe you see the money spent on a single channel FM bird as a complete waste of time. There are lots of you out there. I hear you on this mailing list every few days. But here's the thing: no amount of growsing about the state of the amateur satellite service gets any hardware even a foot closer to orbit. It doesn't make even one more person smile. It doesn't help get even $1 donated to the creation of new amateur satellites. It's Easter. It's a time of renewal and rebirth. Cast aside some of your bitter skepticism, and rededicate yourself to trying to actually help make amateur satellites a fun and rewarding endeavor for all. Catch you on the birds... Mark KF6KYI

2 1

Re: Proud to be a member
by truckwiz 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Judging from the amount of email I'm getting on the side, It does not appear that I'm the only unhappy "horse" in the barn. Brian _____ From: truckwiz [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 7:37 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: Proud to be a member Hi, I'm the president of PropelX (www.propelX.com <http://www.propelx.com/> ) and a member of AMSAT . I've come to the conclusion over that last couple of months of asking questions and offering to help on satellites (only to be jerked around), That the only space that AMSAT is concerned about is their own . I will not be renewing my membership. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1GOGdNdQNc Brian Beckius

3 3

AMSATsatellite demo video
by Gould Smith 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Robert Davies, KI4HXT has produced a Windows media video showing how to work AO-27. Dave Jordan, AA4KN does the actual satellite demonstration during the 2008 Orlando Hamcation. Dave describes the Doppler shift that will occur during the pass, makes a number of contacts during the pass, then talks about setting up the Kenwood TH-D7A hand held for analog satellite operation. Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA was doing a simultaneous demonstration and has a cameo appearance describing the arc of the upcoming pass. This is about a 20 minute video. Bob McGwier, N4HY also has a video recorded in February that talks about the AMSAT Engineering activities during the next few months. Good information about a number of activities that are taking place this year. This is a 10 minute video. Videos can be found at http://www.ki4hxt.com/id5.html Thanks to Robert for hosting these. We are working on additional videos, stay tuned. 73, Gould, WA4SXM AMSAT VP User Services

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Dropping Membership
by David G Lewis 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

And why are you still here,complaining? David

1 0

Re: RS-15
by Auke de Jong, VE6PWN 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

I've tried it a few times, no returns. I think that it must be designed to default to the "off" state until commanded "on". Either that, or else the hardware has failed completely. No-one with command-autority for Russian sats have spoken about RS-15 for a very long time. 73's Auke VE6PWN ----- Original Message ----- From: ryan woods To: Auke de Jong Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 11:55 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: RS-15 ok qsl and tnx yea I heard it today do you know if the transpounder is still working? ----- Original Message ---- From: Auke de Jong <sparkycivic(a)shaw.ca> To: ryan woods <kd8atf(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 10:27:34 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: RS-15 Hi, I heard it up to yesterday. I've been recording the reception instances here: http://oscar.dcarr.org/ . I find that it only beeps a little below it's "beacon#1" frequency. I put my HTX-100 on "29.351MHz"USB, and use a truck-stop LIttle-Wil mag-mount vertical stuck to my metal garden shed to receive it. Since the satellite entered continuous-sunlight a couple weeks ago, it's been beeping all the time. Sometimes the on-off periods change, I am not sure why it does that. Yesterday, it was off for many seconds, and then on for only 1/2 second. It was really hard to see that on my spectrum display through the noise I get here. usually, it's pretty easy to hear, at about 2 seconds on/ 2 seconds off. Lastly, When it's experiencing eclipses, it stops beeping immidiately after going dark, so it's got no batteries at all anymore. It's quite loud up to that point, though, so I think the solar panels are still working OK. When it comes out of darkness, it usualy doesn't start transmitting unless it happens to pass over Japan... can't explain that one! Maybe it's reacting to some QRM on it's command-receiver somehow. The only way to know that would be to ask whoever used to control it. 73's Auke VE6PWN DO33 ----- Original Message ----- From: "ryan woods" <kd8atf(a)yahoo.com> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 6:13 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: RS-15 > What is the last know report of people being able to hear RS-15 > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1337 - Release Date: 3/20/2008 > 8:10 PM > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1339 - Release Date: 3/22/2008 4:43 PM

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Re: Icom IC-910 Mics
by Clint Bradford 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

>The stock microphone on the Icom-910 works fine, but I'm wondering if >there is something a little fancier available. I wish the mic had DTMF >buttons... Icom doesn't offer a DTMF mic for the '910. And the owners manual doesn;t specifically state that the rig accepts DTMF commands for ops. Better sounding options over the stock mic: the Icom SM-20 or the Heil iCM... http://heilsound.com/amateur/products/icm/index.htm Clint Bradford, K6LCS -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: [eu-amsat] DM9LSB /1000 !
by John Hackett 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Mak puts it into perspective. When one thinks about it ... surely on a par with the veritable old RS-10 regarding activity and enjoyment. All we need now is a MEO/HEO bird and we're all ready to rock n' roll. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com CC: terry.bromley(a)btinternet.com From: sv1bsx(a)yahoo.gr Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:13:56 +0200 Subject: [eu-amsat] DM9LSB /1000 ! Congrat's also to DM9LSB for 1000 points on AO-7's Online LOG. He is the 6th European station (and 12th WW) which reaching this score. http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/userStats.php According to statistics, the total score for the first 12 users (above to 1000) is 25155 points !!! By abstracting 20 % (statistic-error, wrong entries, blank entries etc.) definitely we can talking in practice for about 20.000 real QSOs ! Just from 12 users !!! What a great Sat ! The "Grand Old Lady" (aka... AO-7) is still... very beautiful ! 73, Mak SV1BSX Email: sv1bsx "AT" yahoo ..gr URL : http://sv1bsx.50webs.com avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 080313-0, 03/13/2008 Tested on: 3/23/2008 14:14:00 avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2008 ALWIL Software. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 1 New Members Visit Your Group Sitebuilder Build a web site quickly & easily with Sitebuilder. Yahoo! Groups Dog Zone Connect w/others who love dogs. Move More on Yahoo! Groups This is your life not a phys-ed class. . __,_._,___

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Proud to be a member
by truckwiz 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Hi, I'm the president of PropelX (www.propelX.com <http://www.propelx.com/> ) and a member of AMSAT . I've come to the conclusion over that last couple of months of asking questions and offering to help on satellites (only to be jerked around), That the only space that AMSAT is concerned about is their own . I will not be renewing my membership. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1GOGdNdQNc Brian Beckius

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 149
by ve7ovy＠telus.net 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Re: DTMF with the 910H Jeff, I too wanted DTMF with my IC-190 and IC-746. So i bought an Icom HM-118TN DTMF Microphone from my Icom dealer, snipped off the connector, then wired it up to an appropriate Mic connector for the IC-910/IC-746 and voila, a DTMF Mic! Works fine, sounds great. Put the stock mic away in the box never to be used again. Hope this helps. 73 de Kevin VE7OVY > Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:11:57 -0700 > From: Jeff Mock <jeff(a)mock.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Alternate microphone for Icom-910 > The stock microphone on the Icom-910 works fine, but I'm wondering if > there is something a little fancier available. I wish the mic had DTMF > buttons and maybe better direct control of the radio. It seems that > some Icom radios have much fancier microphones. Does anyone use a nicer > mic on the 910? > > jeff > AD6EO

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AO7 DM9LSB
by k3szh＠netzero.net 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Juergen congratulation on your 1000 qso on the wonder full bird, and thanks for the many many conversation we have it's always a pleasure.Enjoy your Easter with the snow in the Black Forest. 73 Joe K3SZH Amsat 3788 since 1976 _____________________________________________________________ Beauty Product Reviews Read Unbiased Beauty Product Reviews and Join Our Product Review Team! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/RjQ8uAqyvXHASpOn0KW1eLLrYFyY…

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Re: WorkedGrids v6 Ham Log Grid Square Mapping Software
by Bert, VE2ZAZ 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Hi Everyone, Version 6 of the WorkedGrids software is now available for download on my website. This version adds a zoom-in feature and an auto-detection of the band data for the ADIF and Cabrillo formats. This means that there is no longer a need to examine the log file when using an ADIF or Cabrillo format file. WorkedGrids is a ham log grid square mapping software. It is a freeware and it runs under Windows. The program displays a map showing the amateur radio grid squares contacted and logged in using a third-party logging program. WorkedGrids uses colors to display information on a per-band basis. Up to four bands can be displayed concurrently on the map. For its input, the program reads the plain-text (ASCII) log files generated by most logging programs as well as ADIF-format files. This project was initiated because I could not find a logging program that provided the level of detail and mapping quality that I wanted. The software is directed towards the VHF and above operators who collect grid squares for contesting or award purpose. It is designed to supplement a logging program and it replaces the pen and paper technique. Please visit http://ve2zaz.net for more details. Your input is still welcome! Best Regards, Bert, VE2ZAZ __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/

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UT1FG/mm docked in the port of Annaba Algeria yesterday
by Robert Turlington 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Hi Allwhen I worked Yuri UT1FG/mm(Master of the merchant ship M.V.Greenwing) @ 1437 on AO27 yesterday afternoon in JM36VV ,he was docked in the Port of Annaba Alegeria,I will try and find out where he is going to next if can! Happy Easter everybody from a cold and snowy central England.Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Get Hotmail on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 now! http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

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DM9LSB- AO-7, 1000
by TERRY BROMLEY 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Congratulation's DM9LSB, Yourgen in reaching 1000 points on the ao-7 log. Look forward to be a part in reaching the next one hi. 73, Terry, G1WPR.

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Nanosatellite project Oufti-1
by renauld halbardier 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Good news : http://www.leodium.ulg.ac.be/cmsms/index.php?page=links

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Alternate microphone for Icom-910
by Jeff Mock 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

The stock microphone on the Icom-910 works fine, but I'm wondering if there is something a little fancier available. I wish the mic had DTMF buttons and maybe better direct control of the radio. It seems that some Icom radios have much fancier microphones. Does anyone use a nicer mic on the 910? jeff AD6EO

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Comet CX-902 as sat antenna?
by Bill Dzurilla 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Hi, I'm trying to help one of the local Honduran hams get started on the sats. He has a dual bander and a Comet CX-902 vertical antenna, 9 db gain, about 35' in the air. We set up to work tonight's AO-51 pass but did not hear a thing. About halfway through the pass, when it was obvious we were not hearing the bird, we switched the antenna from his rig to mine, just to verify that the rig was not at fault. But we still heard nothing. This suggests to me that the problem is the antenna or feedline. Is there any reason why the Comet would not work at all on the sats? He can raise the local repeater with this antenna. 73, Bill NZ5N PS - Several of the Swan Island guys were intrigued by my sat operation and we hopefully we have a few more HRs active soon. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

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My First Satellite Contact SO-50
by Kent R. Frazier 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

I made my first and second satellite contact via SO-50 at approximately 1639UTC 2008-03-22! My first contact was with Leo, W7JPI; followed by Jerome, W0SAT. My thanks to both for the contacts. I was in my vehicle, parked in the driveway, operating my Icom IC2720H with a 19" whip magmount antenna with 15 watts power. I now have some more questions: When operating from a vehicle, when is it proper to indicate "mobile"? At any time or only when actually in motion? Also, with regard to QSL cards, what is the proper protocol? Should I send them first? How accurate do I need to be on the time of contact? Thanks, Kent K5KNT -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

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Re: RFI-Free PC's
by Wayne Estes 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Kurt KU8L wrote: Yes..its very strange to see this question here this AM since just last nite I found out how bad my two CRT monitors are aon HF. My dell laptop seems fine. Since I am about to begin building up some SDR hardware, I'm looking for any solutions other than having to buy an LCD panel. Wayne W9AE replies: I doubt that you will be able to eliminate RFI without replacing the two CRT monitors. Fortunately, LCD monitors have become remarkably inexpensive. And with LCD monitors you will have a much sharper display, more desk space, and less heat in your face (lower energy consumption). I sure don't miss my CRT computer monitor. Now I no longer have to change the monitor's resolution/refresh rate to shift the monitor's harmonics off the frequency I'm listening to. It's very difficult to prevent harmonics radiating from a CRT monitor's horizontal sweep circuit. It's a 28,000 Volt triangle wave! Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA

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VHF Communications
by Gene Harlan 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

For those of you that have seen VHF Communications before, you know that it is a great technical publication. It is a quarterly publication covering VHF, UHF, and microwaves. There are many construction articles primarily for the higher frequencies. I learn something every time I read an issue. Harlan Technologies is the USA distributor, and we will be happy to take your subscriptions. Subscriptions are $44.00 per year (2008 rate). If you are not familiar with the publications, the publisher Andy Barter has sent a few sample issues to try and get the USA subscription interest up. If you think that you might be interested in subscribing but just not sure, send me your mailing address and I will be happy to send a sample to help you decide if you would like to subscribe. When they are gone, that's it. First come, first to get the samples. Gene Harlan - WB9MMM Name Tags by Gene Harlan Technologies - publisher of Amateur Television Quarterly http://www.hampubs.com atvq(a)hampubs.com 815-398-2683 - voice 815-398-2688 - fax

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NO-44 Question
by Curt Nixon 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

I've been trying ,unsucessfully, to get an APRS report thru NO-44. I can hear it faintly--well below the strength of ISS--even on high or optimum passes--like 30 degrees. (I'm using a vertical) How long does NO-44 need to be in sun before it begins to operate normally? Its probably my weak antenna set-up but its too cold out to play with that end yet! Thanks, Curt KU8L

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Re: RS-15
by Henk, PA3GUO 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Hi Ryan Could not hear it this morning, but my last documented rx was July 2007: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/rs15.html Henk, PA3GUO >What is the last know report of people being able to hear RS-15

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AO7
by k3szh＠netzero.net 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Dan AJ9K Congratulation on your 1000 plus qso's on cw and ssb on on AO7A and B. AO7 sure has been a fun ride since it return and what a foot print. 73 Joe K3SZH AMSAT 3788 _____________________________________________________________ Click to get free info on remodeling your kitchen. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/REAK6aBd6N9vwlkqcgfvmeio0u4m…

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RFI-Free PC's
by Tony 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

All, Need to replace the PC in the shack and would like to find something that's RFI-free out of the box. I've had terrible luck with desktop PC's, but the last two laptops (Toshiba) were very quiet. I'm leaning towards something in the small-PC catagory with an LCD monitor. Sound card and multiple USB ports are a must. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Tony -K2MO

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AJ9KL- AO-7, 1000
by TERRY BROMLEY 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Dan congratulations on the reaching the magic 1000. I'm glad to have been part of it. 73 Terry, G1WPR.

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Hamfest
by Nick Pugh 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Amsaters Please listen for AV5AV on 51 today at the 9:24 pass and SO 50 at 9:52 James will demo at the Lafayette, LA hamfest thanks nick

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UT1FG/mm
by Robert Turlington 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Hi All Yuri UT1FG/mm QSL cards are to be sent via the Bureau only He started off from Japan last year then through the Panama Canal but not sure where he making to, may be back home,Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Win 100’s of Virgin Experience days with BigSnapSearch.com http://www.bigsnapsearch.com

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ISS South Pacific Pass
by Jim Jerzycke 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

A group of us just watched the ISS make a spectacular pass from 5*51'N, 147*57'W on the deck of the Sea Launch Commander. It was a bit to the East of us, and we watched it come up over the horizon, and disappear into eclipse. Several of the people had worked on the ISS before they transferred here, and they really had big smiles. Big, bright, beautiful, and really moving! 73, Jim KQ6EA

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1st contact!!!!
by Stargate 21 Mar '08

21 Mar '08

Yeah!!!! I just made my 1st confirmed QSO with N2BX on AO-51!! I called CQ a couple of weeks ago and N2BX must have thought I heard him but I didn't at that time. I received a card in the mail from him about a week ago and have been trying to make a QSO with him or email message to set up a sked so I could send one back. NOW I CAN!! :-) 73's all, STOKED!! (I feel like a dancing hamster now) LOL RoD KD0XX

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