- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: Mir SSTV 10yr anniversary
by Dave Guimont 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

> >hi dave >thanks for the images of the qsl >i forgot about the sstv from ISS. The qsl cards are long before MIR. They were from STS50 on 3jul92, and I claim the first SSTV to/from space at that date. >i could not find your iss images on your web page. >can you please forward them to me. >thanks, Now you have me confused??? ISS came along long after, and had so much SSTV from space previously. I thought you are talking about MIR??? If I can locate my pictures from STS50 I'll send them along. MIR had so many transmitted, that I had no real interest. But I did locate one of MIR all my other junk, and it is attached... 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Re: AMSAT Journal
by George Henry 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

Well, I don't know what I did, but now it's working... All I did was open the passthru.c file in Notepad on a different computer, checked it & closed it without making any changes, compiled it again, and the .exe ran. Weird. On to stage 2! (since the code is part of a Journal article, I wouldn't feel comfortable posting it without permission) -----Original Message----- >From: Stephan F Andre <andres(a)msu.edu> >Sent: Mar 12, 2008 11:29 AM >To: George Henry <ka3hsw(a)earthlink.net> >Cc: andres(a)msu.edu >Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Journal "DSP for Beginners" Part 4 > > [snip] > >I'm not familiar with this (though it sounds interesting!), >but if you typed stuff in, some subtle error could have >crawled in. Unless these are gigantic programs, why not >post them here and let other eyes stare at it? > > --STeve Andre' >wb8wsf en82 > >

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First Attempt
by Kent R. Frazier 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

I made my first attempt at working AO51 tonight during the 2008-03-12 02:11UTC pass. My actual attempt was at approximately 02:16UTC. I heard myself on the downlink, but very faintly. I was also having problems hearing anyone during this pass. At least I know I was able to hit the sat. <grin> I am going to try again, hopefully, on the following passes on Friday 2008-03-14: 1307-1311 1443-1453 Wish me luck. Kent -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

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AMSAT Journal "DSP for Beginners" Part 4
by George Henry 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

Is anyone else doing the exercises in this series? Everything has worked fine for me in parts 1-3, but the latest installment isn't working... passthru.c for Stage 1 compiles with no errors, but when I try to execute the resulting passthru.exe, nothing happens. No dialog box appears. I've double-checked my make4.bat, passthru.rc, and passthru.c files, and even had my wife check them as well. Everything is entered correctly. Anyone else having a problem? George, KA3HSW

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9600 bps modem wanted
by Gould Smith 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

I am looking to buy a reliable 9600 bps modem. My first choice would be a Paccomm Spirit-2 with 9k6 and 38k4 filters. My MFJ backup satellite modem has quit working and I am in need of a working one. I was unable to contact Paccomm via phone. Please reply directly to wa4sxm(a)amsat.org Thanks, Gould, WA4SXM

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Road trip: Oregon/Northern California
by John Mock KD6PAG 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

I plan to leave tomorrow (Thursday), tentatively going up the California- Oregon coast most of the way to Portland (Friday eve), and returning Monday, hopefully through the middle of Oregon and northern California (weather and road conditions permitting). Likely grid squares include CN70,71,72,73,74,75, CM89,CN80,81,82,83,84,85, and possible squares include CM99, CN90,91,92,93,94. I will try for at least one grid square corner on the return trip, but i don't have any good ideas about accessibility. I will be operating on AO-27, AO-51 and SO-50, usually running 1W into a homebrew antenna. As with the Southwest trip before, i'll send out QSL cards without your card (or SA[S]E), as it's much easier for me that trying to keep track of who has me cards. But ask you to work me near home (CM88) as well if i have not worked you before, as roving contacts do not count for VUCC. Weather conditions look rainy for the trip north, so i may bail early and/or skip seemingly unproductive passes (especially over the Pacific). Especially given the weather, i would greatly appreciate 'regulars' not call other 'regulars' until i've worked all those wanting my grid square. Please remind those who don't read AMSAT-BB. I do this for other people, as contacts away from home don't for VUCC (or WAS). 73's and good luck! -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

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First Contact OSCAR 27
by Gary Schuchardt 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

Hi, I made my first contact on Tuesday, March 12, 2008 at 2.15, with Paul N2BX, in New Jersey, on Oscar 27. Fortunately, there were not too many others on the band at that time. Nice signal, thanks Paul. Gary N0EZH Chesapeake VA

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Re: Mir SSTV 10yr anniversary
by Dave Guimont 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

I don't know if this of any interest to the site, but I made the first satellite SSTV contact with Dick Richards on 3jul92. I have the one he sent to me, but cannot locate it. The pics attached are of the qsl's from him,(front and back) and also on my site: http://home.san.rr.com/doguimont/uploads as STS50SSTV1.JPG and STS50SSTV2.JPG I have never seen what he received from me, and they are probably so deep in the archives they will never be seen again!! The equipment I used was long before computer digital stuff was available, a ROBOT 1200, with all the mods, and I still have the equipment.. >ISS Amateur Radio Status: March 11, 2008 >By Miles Mann WF1F, >Slow Scan TV from Space Station Mir, 10 years later. >On December 12, 1998 the crew members of the Russian >Space station Mir activated the Marex SSTV system. >Over the next two years the system broadcasted over >20,000 SSTV images back to earth via Amateur Radio. >te the 10 year anniversary of the successful >imaging project, the Marx team is planning on >upgrading our web page system to accommodate the many >images that were transmitted during the projects 2 >year run. In 1998 we just did not have the resources >in place to handle the hundreds of images coming in >every day. As a result only a small select on of the >images were ever posted for public enjoyment. > >73 Miles WF1F MAREX-MG > >Until we meet again > > > > > > 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1(a)san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

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Reminder
by Martha 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

I will be on holiday from March12th - March 24th. Hope to be back in the office on the 25th. -- 73- Martha

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AB2KT and the opera
by Bob McGwier 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

On Saturday evening, Frank Brickle (AB2KT), will have his opera performed by the Cygnus ensemble in the Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall in NYC. For those nearby, there are tickets available, but they are going fast. http://cygnusensemble.com/cms/2007-2008-season/index.php 73's Bob N4HY -- AMSAT Director and VP Engineering. Member: ARRL, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR WG Chair "Debugging is twice as hard as writing the code in the first place. Therefore, if you write the code as cleverly as possible, you are, by definition, not smart enough to debug it." - Brian W. Kernighan

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Website Store
by kim 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

Is there anyway to renew dues via paypal? The AMSAT store appears to be offline until further notice? Kim - AC7YY

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Some amateur satellite articles...
by Pedro A. Perez 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

Hi everybody from Pedro EB4DKA. I forward to the BB the following message from Juan Antonio EA4CYQ: ---------- Hi all, I have published several articles in relation to ham satellites in AMSAT and other magazines such as URE, CQ-DL, Megahertz Magazine and several Webs. But most of them were in Spanish. I have translated them into English, you can find the following issues: - The CJU antenna. It was designed by EB4DKA and EA4CYQ to improve the UHF reception with your HT, it is thought to uplink with your VHF mobile station. You will receive the UHF downlink in the same way a fix satellite station. - The IOio antenna. It was designed by EA4CYQ to work V/U and U/V amateur satellites with an HT. It has an amazing performance, it is even better than the Arrow antenna in some features. - A dual band portable yagui antenna. This is a very well known antenna into the amateur satellites world. Here you can find how to build it with normal stuff and an impressive performance. - The EGGBEATER II and TPM II antennas. They were designed by Jerry K5OE. In this article I tell my experience at the beginning in the amateur satellites world and all the vicissitudes to work amateur satellites from my shack with the minimal equipment. Here you will find all the details to build these fantastic antennas. - The 2.4GHz DISH ANTENNA. Taking advantage of my AO-40 experience I could go more deeply into the microwaves world. Here you can find all the details to build two different 2.4GHz dish feed systems, which you will be able to use in wireless terrestrial communications. - The LINEAR TRANSPONDERS. A lot of amateur satellites use this system. This article will help you to understand how they work. - HF or SATELLITES?. I try to demonstrate with this article that a satellite fix station is at least as good as an HF station. You will get the same performance with small antennas and low power out. - The DATA CONNECTOR. This connector has much more possibilities than to be hooked to a TNC. In this article I study its features and I propose to use it with a PC soundcard, to receive meteorological satellites and I even propose to build a cross band repeater. You will be surprised about its possibilities. - CIRCULAR POLARIZATION. If you want to know more about this kind of polarization and you want to see a comparative of VHF and UHF circular polarized commercial antennas, you should read this article. - TRANSCEIVERS TO WORK SATELLITES. If you are thinking about setting up a fix satellite station, here you can find all the transceivers in the market and combinations between them to be successful. - THE EA4CYQ SHACK. Here I describe my shack, perhaps it could be useful as a reference if you are thinking about setting up one. - THE EA4CYQ LOG. If you have contacted with my station between June 1.996 and March 2.008, here you can find it. It is in call sign alphabetical order. We will upload it in the near future. You can find them at the following Webs due to the generosity of Pedro EB4DKA and Rodolfo EA4CAX: http://eb4dka.laserenadigital.com (also www.eb4dka.tk ). This Web is devoted to ham satellites and Pedro has an impressive collection of photos, videos and interesting articles. He is an authority working in portable conditions. http://personales.ya.com/ea4cax/ Rodolfo is specialized in LEO and Geostationary meteorological satellites. O hope you enjoy this articles devoted to promote the amateur satellites. Juan Antonio EA4CYQ(a)amsat.org 73s ---------- Best 73 from Spain Pedro EB4DKA eb4dka(a)amsat.org http://eb4dka.laserenadigital.com

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keps3 Jules Verne
by Udo Schneider 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

ISS (ZARYA) 1 25544U 98067A 08071.36697444 .00026865 00000-0 17085-3 0 902 2 25544 051.6387 160.6387 0002052 220.5225 222.9055 15.76254185533099 OBJECT A 1 32686U 08008A 08071.23432194 .00091566 15163-4 13931-3 0 106 2 32686 051.6413 162.0966 0014020 263.6519 139.3580 16.04167161 323 OBJECT B 1 32687U 08008B 08069.69664560 -.04773439 77562-2 -81171-2 0 31 2 32687 051.6396 170.3503 0008051 199.5483 317.9464 16.01301421 70

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STS-123 NORAD id 32699 ?
by jean-claude.aveni 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

Spacetrack id 32699, perhaps Endeavour STS-123 ? 73 TK5GH -- *Jean-Claude Aveni* Tel portable : *06 80 92 38 79* Courriel prime : jean-claude.aveni(a)wanadoo.fr '' alternate : aveni(a)lma.cnrs-mrs.fr Site web à l'URL : http://astro-notes.org Call radio amateur : TK5GH

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Re: Jules Verne Keps
by Clint Bradford 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

Isn't this project so "maneuverable" that any keps posted today are almost immediately out of date? Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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Nice view of STS-123 ascent from Boston.
by Joe Fitzgerald 11 Mar '08

11 Mar '08

I hiked out into the cold clear night at about 07:30 UTC tonight and was rewarded with a nice view of Endeavor as she climbed uphill following her launch at 07:28 UTC. She was a lot brighter than I expected - easy to see under the bright skies within Boston city limits. She gradually increased in brightness as she passed from southwest to southeast, and then I saw rapid flashing - I am guessing main engine cut off, external tank separation followed by separation maneuvering. T.S. Kelso of celestrak.com made a very nice "scenario" describing the launch using the viewer software from his company AGI. I used it to help plan my observation - check it out at http://celestrak.com/events/sts-123-launch.asp. It is worth the gigantic (100MB) download. I encourage all who live on the US East Coast to go out during the next night Shuttle launch and look. Great fun! -Joe KM1P

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IT-1.50 _vs_ new TZ rules
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

I guess I wasn't tracking as much last year when they re-arranged the Daylight Saving TZ rules... It appears that InstantTrack is confused. The clock time is ok, but it thinks it is still Standard Time which throws the UTC offset... Only thing that comes to mind is to force it in the file "it.ini" with a line "timezone = CDT5" ... Unless there is a better workaround that I missed, thought I'd offer this solution for anyone else that may still enjoy InstantTrack. This has been one of my favorite programs for almost 20 years now. Thanks again Franklin and Paul !!! 73 Bravo-Zulu -- <- WB5RMG is Alan Sieg * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net ->

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Re: Swan Island DXpedition update
by John W Lee 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Please try the WESTERN passes on the birds. Thanks, John, K6YK CM97 Calif. On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:55:38 -0700 (PDT) Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> writes: > It looks like a go for the HQ6A expedition this > weekend. The 6m and 2m gear has arrived safely in > Honduras, so let's hope for favorable propogation. I > arrive in San Pedro Sula, EK65, on Thursday afternoon. > At the very least, I hope to make some satellite > contacts from there on Thursday evening and Friday > morning. On Friday, we go by land to Trujillo, EK75, > then 23 hours by boat, leaving Saturday morning, > through grid EK76, and arriving at our destination, > Big Swan Island, EK87, on Sunday morning. Satellite > contacts should be possible from any of these > locations, and I know a major HF operation is planned > from the boat, but since the amps and big antennas are > packed up it seems doubtful any serious EME or meteor > work can be done before we get to the island, maybe if > lucky some 6m E skip with a small antenna. > > We will have internet and will post news on reflectors > and DX clusters. Log and other info on our website at > http://www.hondurasdx.com/. > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > > > _________________________________________________________________________ ___________ > Looking for last minute shopping deals? > Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. > http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping > _______________________________________________ > 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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Swan Island DXpedition update
by Bill Dzurilla 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

It looks like a go for the HQ6A expedition this weekend. The 6m and 2m gear has arrived safely in Honduras, so let's hope for favorable propogation. I arrive in San Pedro Sula, EK65, on Thursday afternoon. At the very least, I hope to make some satellite contacts from there on Thursday evening and Friday morning. On Friday, we go by land to Trujillo, EK75, then 23 hours by boat, leaving Saturday morning, through grid EK76, and arriving at our destination, Big Swan Island, EK87, on Sunday morning. Satellite contacts should be possible from any of these locations, and I know a major HF operation is planned from the boat, but since the amps and big antennas are packed up it seems doubtful any serious EME or meteor work can be done before we get to the island, maybe if lucky some 6m E skip with a small antenna. We will have internet and will post news on reflectors and DX clusters. Log and other info on our website at http://www.hondurasdx.com/. 73, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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Second-time lucky for ARISS space station contact
by Trevor 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Good to see that todays ISS - School Amateur Radio contact worked out okay on a subsequent pass, see http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2008/ariss_result_10mar.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA --------------- Daily Amateur Radio RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email your news items to: editor at southgatearc.org News On Your Website: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/index.htm News On Your PC: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/newsreader.htm Upload Your News: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm --------------- __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. The World's Favourite Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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VO-52
by Mike McConnell 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

I have not actually made a contact on VO-52 but I tried last pass. The person I tried to contact indicated that it sounded like someone (I assume me) was possibly on the wrong sideband. Should I be transmitting and receiving in upper sideband? I can sort of hear myself come back, but I sound off frequency. I am using TRX-Manager and Nova help with the Doppler Effect. Any comments are appreciated as I am new at satellites. I am going to try again next pass. Mike McConnell W0PD W0pd(a)mchsi.com

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AO-51 mode changes
by Jeff Mock 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

When AO-51 changes modes, what time is the change generally done? For example, the schedule says that AO-51 will start broadcasting 9600 baud telemetry on 3/10 (today). Is this done in the morning on the east coast, is it preprogrammed to happen at some specific UTC time, or what? When are these changes actually made? It would be nice if the schedule announcement had some additional precision, something like: on orbit-xyz during the pass over the abc groundstation, the mode switch is planned. thanks, jeff AD6EO

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Re: IT-1.50 _vs_ new TZ rules
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

> ... Of course it took me 30 minutes trying to remember > how to edit a file in DOS. > 73 again KA8QCU I run IT under WinDoze... I created a shortcut to start it with. Used to be it required all sorts of memory adjustments, etc - but it runs in a small window until I go into real-time map mode - and it takes the full screen. When I quit out of the map, I just do an <ALT>enter, and it goes back into a small window. Most often I'll use the "position table" showing time, direction, doppler for the upcoming pass(s) - or run the real-time 'text' display. Having it in Windows file system makes it very convenient for editing .ini file and creating kep.txt files for updating it.orb.... I know there are lots of new fancy whiz-bang tracking programs, but I just love watching all the numbers twitch - remembering how much faster they updated when I added a math co-processor to my 16MHz 80386 PC (back in the day). This ol DOS program must really enjoy the luxury of today's number crunchers. I know I do... 73 /;^) -- <- WB5RMG is Alan Sieg * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net ->

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ao51-modes email list
by Andrew Glasbrenner 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Just a little reminder that the -modes list is open to everyone _for submissions only_. Anyone is welcome to submit a request by sending an email to ao51-modes(a)amsat.org. However, the email will be held for review by a moderator just to filter the spam, and you may get an indication of this in a return email. Rest assured we do not filter anything other than spam, and there are usually 20+ of those per day. Recently several people have tried to subscribe to the list and have been upset when that request was not honored. Please understand that subscribing to the list is only for command stations and the AO-51 Operations Committee. Believe me you are not missing anything. Please continue to check the webpage (http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php), -bb, and ANS for the monthly schedule, and let us know what modes you'd like to see on AO-51. 73, Drew KO4MA

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Fwd: Save Jodrell Bank
by John Heaton 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Please read either the AMSAT-UK website or The Times Online for background information. Begin forwarded message: > Please sign this petition to save Jodrell Bank. > > http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/jodrellfunding/ Bye for now, John AMSAT-UK: http://www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/637/68/ Times-Online article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/ science/article3492504.ece -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.3 (Darwin) iD8DBQFH1U5lDwhbGQHPUt0RAgXcAJ9gFI1r1FhRXmUjhx2PMUtgQNcapwCfYPJh 0NB+lMaUGd4Rbe++FeFyIVU= =aUZc -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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keps2 ATV
by Udo Schneider 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

ARIANE 5 R/B 1 32687U 08008B 08069.69664560 -.04773439 77562-2 -81171-2 0 31 2 32687 051.6396 170.3503 0008051 199.5483 317.9464 16.01301421 70 ATV-1 1 32686U 08008A 08070.62791619 .00094917 15425-4 14518-3 0 81 2 32686 051.6411 165.3511 0014028 260.4414 238.2866 16.04058354 228 Udo, DL7OL

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Sats transmitting on 145.825
by Fred (VE3FAL) 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

My old AMSAT laminated chart needs some tweaking and updating, but how can I find out what sats that are active are transmitting on 145.825? This morning I had the volume up on my radio and heard packet, looked at Nova and no sats on my sat list were overhead, not was I getting any decode, maybe signal was not strong enough. I will search the AMSAT site and see what I can find. Fred VE3FAL --- avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 080309-0, 09/03/2008 Tested on: 10/03/2008 10:05:43 AM avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2008 ALWIL Software. http://www.avast.com

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keps ARIANE 5/ATV
by Udo Schneider 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

ARIANE 5 R/B 1 32687U 08008B 08069.69664560 -.04773439 77562-2 -81171-2 0 31 2 32687 051.6396 170.3503 0008051 199.5483 317.9464 16.01301421 70 ATV-1 1 32686U 08008A 08070.11692042 .00123128 18079-4 18776-3 0 68 2 32686 051.6410 168.0957 0013578 256.8168 169.1734 16.03983478 145

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Keps for Jules Vernes
by f6htj＠aol.com 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Object-A 1 32686U 08008A 08069.36553096 .00055616 12842-4 88782-4 0 27 2 32686 051.6407 172.1290 0014065 255.9612 148.4972 16.03772829 20 Info from TK5GH. 73 de Michel F6HTJ Amsat-F #10

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Need a PSK1T
by Andrew Glasbrenner 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

I'm in need of a Paccomm PSK1T if anyone has one available. Please email me if you do! 73, Drew KO4MA

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Keps for Jules Verne?
by Rick Mann 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

I tried a few obvious names in the Space-Track lookup, but couldn't find orbital parameters for the Jules Verne ATV. What is it called? TIA, -- Rick

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[UTARC Balloon] Pre-Launch Notice for Spirit of Knoxville IV Balloon
by jkelly 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

FYI, Jeff KT2K > Hello, > This message is sent to you because you have signed up for > email notices from the Spirit of Knoxville trans-atlantic balloon > team. Spirit of Knoxville IV (SNOX IV) launch date has been set. > This flight is designed to stay aloft for more than 24 hours, > inserted into the current jet stream at normal flight altitudes of > 30,000 to 40,000 ft. This will take the balloon into Europe over > the UK and France if all goes well around 40 hours into the flight. > > Launch Time: 0200 UTC March 11 (10 PM EDT March 10) > Track the mission live at: http://www.spiritofknoxville.com (the > Live status page will only become active at launch) > Keep an eye on the latest progress from the launch team on the front > page of spiritofknoxville.com or by using twitter to follow twitter > user "spiritofknox". > > > Radio listeners: Flight radio details will be available on the DTRC > status page which opens when you run the current version of DTRC. > Download DTRC from http://dtrc.utarc.org > > Thanks, > Spirit of Knoxville Crew > _______________________________________________ > UTARC Balloon Announcements List > http://www.utarc.org/mailman/listinfo/announcements

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Very much appreciated.
by John Hackett 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

Drew, Thanks for your prompt answer to my queries. That's precisely why I asked ... so as not get get up anyone's nose. Actually, I can't work PSCAT or GO-32. As I mentioned, I'm totally blocked by mountains for the ISS (so that rules out PCSAT too) at 1200bps and the IC-E91 would be impossible !! to modify for 9600bps operation, even though MixW would generate it. I believe one needs to "go in" somewhere near the varactor nodulator for 9600bps and for an IC-E91 that would entail micro-surgery ... when ICOM say "low speed digital communications" I believe they mean about 25 bps a day! into the data connector. I find I can't get into AO-51 (portable) with low power and an Arrow aerial due to the alligators - people calling a station that is actually still speaking ... (on FM !!) ... is typical of the AO-51 operating I've been monitoring ... in other words, sending all the wrong signals to the potential newcomer. There have been "reams" written on this subject but the age-old technique of an inadequate receive system ensures the punter turns up the wick to compensate - and cocks it up for everybody ... seems to be the order of the day on AO-51. Thanks anyway Drew - guess I'll just have to take up stamp collecting instead. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Re: (no subject)
by Bob Bruninga 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

Its a poor question. Both B and C are correct if you make some assumptions that they are talking about a linear satellite. B is what causes C... > E2A08 What is the primary reason for satellite > users to limit their transmit ERP? > A. For RF exposure safety > B. Because the satellite transmitter output power > is limited > C. To avoid limiting the signal of the other users > D. To avoid interfering with terrestrial QSOs Bob, WB4APR

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Grateful thanks.
by John Hackett 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

My grateful thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply to my queries about AO-16. Of course !! ... I'd forgotten for a moment that AO-16 is now an FM single-user satellite and therefore pretty useless for low power operation due to the alligators ... so I would have been totally wiped out anyway if I 'd have tried to use APRS or CW. I'm still very grateful for the feedback though ... thank you all. I was trying to find a "satellite" use for an IC-E91 D-Star handheld where there are no D-Star repeaters and I'm totally blocked for the ISS (1200bps packet and APRS) and when ICOM say "low speed data" on the E-91 they probably mean something like about 200 bps a day !!... (???) ...into the 'data' socket. I SERIOUSLY !!!! doubt it's 9600bps capable ???. I am in range of GO-32 but don't have a 9600bps capable radio. I have MixW to generate 9600 but I believe one needs to "go in" at the varactor modulator on the transmitter and that would require micro-surgery on an IC-E91 ... even if a circuit diagram was available - which it isn't ... ... but ... there's always stamp collecting !!. Thanks again, one and all. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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2 for the group.
by John Hackett 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

Hi All, I am *NOT* a digital Ham - in fact, those that know me are aware that I'm THICKER than the two proverbial short planks so I hope someone with a bit more brain capacity than I have will help me. I have two questions for the group. Question 1. Is there ant reason why I can't transmit a modulated carrier (FM) on the 145.900Mhz uplink of AO-16 and receive CW on the SSB/CW? downlink of 437.026Mhz ??. Question 2. I am 'TOTALLY' blocked by mountains re: the ISS and PCSAT and do *NOT* have 9600bps gear for AO-51 ... however, I can receive AO-16. Can I use the UPW - (PSK modulation) - program to transmit APRS data on the uplink and will that be received on the USB downlink ?? ... and be forwarded to the internet via an APRS station ??. I have attached the UPW file for perusal by anybody who has a few more braincells than LA2QAA and is able to advise. (There are currently no "normal" 1200bps sats - I am trying to find a 'satellite' use for an IC-E91 D-Star transceiver ... no D-Star repeaters in Norway ... as mentioned, I'm totally blocked by mountains re: the ISS). I would be very grateful for any advice and/or (sensible) suggestions please. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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SatPc32 and ISS with FT-847
by David Julian 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

I'm having trouble using SatPc32 for ISS contacts with an Ft-847. When attempting to transmit I receive an Error message on the FT-847. Apparently it does not like being in SAT mode with both VFO's on the same band. Is there a set-up in SatPC that will allow the rig to track doppler without setting the radio in the SAT mode? Thanks//Dave WB9YIG --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Re: LIVE! - ESA Ariane: Jules Verne ATV Launch
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

Hi all, Glad to see the success of the launch and the first phase of this project. - Trust that all goes well over the next few weeks with the trail and docking testing and evaluation. Thought that you might like to know that " Amateur Radio" did have a role to play during the marketing and a public exhibition about the project. With my colleagues from the "Barry Amateur Radio Society " together with ESA and the city of Cardiff in South Wales -UK . We put on a special event station a couple of years ago under the title " The World of Tugs" It included a scale model of the "Space Tug" shipped over from ESA and a visit of the key European Astronaut involved in the project. Thought you might like to know, anyone that made contact with our event will have pleasure in knowing the QSL card is now part of history. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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AO-7
by Fred (VE3FAL) 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

Is AO-7 active? If so are the modes still the same as before? I have listened for this bird and have not heard anything at all. Fred VE3FAL --- avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 080307-0, 07/03/2008 Tested on: 07/03/2008 9:37:25 PM avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2008 ALWIL Software. http://www.avast.com

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LIVE! - ESA Ariane: Jules Verne ATV Launch
by Stefan Wagener 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

Will be launched within the next two hours! Hopefully. See it live at: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/SEM35OK26DF_0.html Coverage test signal is already running 73, Stefan VE4NSA

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SSTV on AO-51
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

Tonight someone fired up SSTV in the middle of a nice roundtable on the 145.88/435.15 repeater on AO-51. While the schedule does state that the only special restriction is regarding the University Nights, the repeater is for voice only unless otherwise scheduled. If we get requests for a SSTV night on the repeater to ao51-modes(a)amsat.org, we'll schedule it on at least a trial basis. This is an idea I've kicked around for a while, but it needs to be a scheduled activity please. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP-Operations PS AO-51 users should keep an ear out for G7MAR/mm off the Pacific coast of Colombia. He was on tonight from FJ05.

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Re: AO-7
by Bill Dzurilla 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

Fred, If you heard nothing, perhaps you were listening on Mode A when the sat was in Mode B, or vice versa. The best way to tell which mode it is in is to check the log at the site John sent. It is working well on both modes at the moment. For some reason, most activity is on CW, although I'm usually there on SSB. 73, Bill NZ5N >>> AO-7 is indeed active when it's illuminated by the sun. It currently switches between Mode A and Mode B on a 24hr timer.The mode change has been occurring at around 0148z . To check the activity of this Grand Old Bird visit the log at http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php Hope to see you on Oscar 7. John Meeks KC8ZFN Fred (VE3FAL) wrote: > Is AO-7 active? > If so are the modes still the same as before? > I have listened for this bird and have not heard anything at all. > > Fred > VE3FAL > ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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How ham radio satellites communicate
by ryan woods 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

hello all this is Ryan kd8atf my sister is doing a history project on how ham radio satellites communicate and my dad n3aas and I have both look and really cant find any thing so I was wondering if their was some one who could help us. also i was looking a the Delfi-C3 amsat page and up at the top of the page it says decay date 31 December, 1969 whats up with that. also whats the lates news on ao-40 73 for now kd8atf ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Yaesu 5400 interface and software question
by w8iss＠wideopenwest.com 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

I have a Yaesu 5400 AZ/EL and am wanting to control it from a weather Satellite program called Wxtoimg. I have a list of controllers that Wxtoimg will use: CX6DD, DL7AOT, EASYCOMM, GS-232A, LVBTracker, RC2800, ROT2Prog, SAEBRTrack, SatDrive, and SATTracker JR. Which one would be closest to a FodTrack controller if any? James W8ISS

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Re: AO16 report
by John W Lee 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

Well Robert, You don't know how lucky you have it! Around here you get: USA-VE-XE and if you're lucky somebody will be out on a boat or something for a new grid! 73, John K6YK On Sat, 8 Mar 2008 13:59:20 +0000 Robert Turlington <rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.com> writes: > > Just a quick report on AO16 from the UK, plenty of activity but with > increasing levels of QRM and transponder hogging etc. > However have managed to work the following countries in the last > month or so > F6,HB9,OZ1,CU2,VE3,IZ8,EA3,OT2,G3,HA6,OE3,DK3,RW3,SP1,UR5,PH7,KA1,EA8,MM0 ,MW3,GJ6, > SV6,SM5,OY4 & UA9 that 25 countries in 4 continents i.e. > Europe,NA,Africa & Asia > Mostly I run 5-10w into a 6 el Quad but at times have to go up to > 20w to cut through the QRM.Regards Robert G8ATE

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AO16 report
by Robert Turlington 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

Just a quick report on AO16 from the UK, plenty of activity but with increasing levels of QRM and transponder hogging etc. However have managed to work the following countries in the last month or so F6,HB9,OZ1,CU2,VE3,IZ8,EA3,OT2,G3,HA6,OE3,DK3,RW3,SP1,UR5,PH7,KA1,EA8,MM0,MW3,GJ6, SV6,SM5,OY4 & UA9 that 25 countries in 4 continents i.e. Europe,NA,Africa & Asia Mostly I run 5-10w into a 6 el Quad but at times have to go up to 20w to cut through the QRM.Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463! http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

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Re: Pass Prediction Software
by John Marranca, Jr 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

Orbitron, indeed! Not only is it easy to set up, but it runs on everything from slow Pentium MMXs and Windows 98 to Linux Boxes with the WINE emulator. 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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Pass Prediction Software
by Kent R. Frazier 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

I'm still trying to get use to converting UTC to local time and with the upcoming change to Daylight Saving Time it is only going to get worse. Is there a prediction program that prints pass predictions with both local and UTC time? I guess I could download a few and try them out, but I thought I would ask here first. 73, Kent K5KNT -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

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Re: OT?? Model Rocketry
by RFI-EMI-GUY 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

As it was explained to me, the altimeter is the _primary_ way he will deploy the chutes. He wants back up control for the chutes as well as some sort of contingency steering or chute release in the event the wind carries the rocket out of range. He has had one hang up on high power lines already so I suppose a cable release for the chute might be a good application. Bottom line is that he is looking for a data control platform that will accommodate receiving ground originated control messages. Any ideas?? Message: 7 Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 17:36:30 -0600 From: Wayne N5WD <n5wd(a)charter.net> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: OT?? Model Rocketry To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <200836173630.364012@HPPAV2> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" On Wed, 5 Mar 2008 20:05:10 -0500, Ivan Galysh wrote: <snip> > >?Now for doing an uplink to deploy parachutes, maybe as a backup. > >?For safety reasons, he should use an altimeter....I would not rely > > on a comm link to deploy a parachute. I > >?would do it as a back up in case the altimeter doesn't do its job. > <snip> Not to mention that it would be darned near impossible to be able to ascertain when apogee occurs with even a medium sized rocket at one mile high - and I know that I wouldn't want to deploy my mains after my rocket has had a thousand or more feet of altitude loss from apogee - instant shred! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- R. Wayne Day N5WD n5wd(a)charter.net IRLP Node 3997 -> Lake Worth, Texas Fort Worth, Texas USA -- 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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FYI: More background noise?
by Arthur Feller 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

Wi-Fi Cloud Hovers over Salt Lake City See: http://spectrum.ieee.org/feb08/6025 Life is short. Be swift to love! Make haste to be kind! - Henri Frederic Amiel, philosopher and writer (1821-1881)

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FW: OL30SPACE satellite activities
by Robert Turlington 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

Regards Robert G8ATE From: ok1tir(a)volny.czTo: rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.comSubject: Re: OL30SPACE satellite activitiesDate: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 10:51:11 +0100 Hi Robert Station OL30SPACE will be active march 09 on the satelits VU52 and AO51. 73 Karel OK1TIR ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Turlington To: OK1TIR Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 10:31 AM Subject: RE: OL30SPACE satellite activities Thats a shameRegards Robert G8ATE From: ok1tir(a)volny.czTo: rob_g8ate(a)hotmail.comSubject: OL30SPACE satellite activitiesDate: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 07:36:24 +0100 HI Robert Station OL30SPACE will be not active via amateur radio satellites. 73 Karel OK1TIR ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Turlington To: ok1tir(a)volny.cz Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:18 AM Subject: OL30SPACE satellite activities Hi OMI understand that OL30SPACE will be active during March 08,will you be active on any of the Amateur Radio Satellites?Regards Robert G8ATE (op of special event Satellite station GB5OSO & GB1OO Messenger on the move. Text MSN to 63463 now! She said what? About who? Shameful celebrity quotes on Search Star! _________________________________________________________________ Who's friends with who and co-starred in what? http://www.searchgamesbox.com/celebrityseparation.shtml

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FW: Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log.
by John Hackett 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

From: archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com To: w7lrd(a)comcast.net Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log. Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 09:38:59 +0100 Bob, Normally ... to edit your own entries you just click on the hourglass where you entered the info ... (left hand edge) ... and a new screen pops up where you can delete, edi6t, change to correct things. However ... some people have been reporting that this faqcility is not working as it should. A work-around is to make sure !!!! the *REMEMBER ME* box at the bottom of the log entry page is checked. <http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/logentry.php> (I've been asking people to correct their own incorrect entries - but quite a few don't bother). Normally, Emily sent me a cookie every December so I could administer the log, which I did for some years - but then the cookies failed to materialise and Emily disappeared. RGR re: her mailbox ... as I mentioned earlier, she's disappeared down the rabbit warren of SECOND LIFE into the 'virtual' world ... and that's the reason I keep batting these mails to the Amsat-bb ... in the hope that one day one of them might filter down the burrow and into SECOND LIFE where it might be noticed by N1DID (ex: W0EEC). I have no intention of going down there myself, I have enough to contend with in the "real" world without faffing around in a pretend world. Let me know how it goes Bob. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> .................................................................................... From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net To: la2qaa(a)amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log. Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 02:07:26 +0000 Mr John-I accidently entered VA7MG instead of my call. Then I tried to edit it out as to get the egg off my face. I got a full message saying Emily's mailbox is full and something about cookies. I believe if we were to be able to edit out our own screw ups it would make this better. Case in point this latest ooops of mine. John, is there a way we can do that? Sorry (again) 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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Kenwood TS-790A with L-band module
by Stacey E. Mills 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

I've listed my backup tri-band Kenwood TS-790A on Ebay, #330217737959. This includes the L-band 1.2 GHz module, modifications for 9600 bps FSK and the noise blanking modification to allow external tuner control of frequency without data loss. The unit is in like new condition. I used this unit to command AO-40 in the field and gather telemetry from sites remote to my QTH. (Yes, I still have equipment for AO-40 command capability and do try every couple of months to re-awaken AO-40. When I hear something, you will as well.) Thanks for looking. -Stacey -- _______________________________________________________________________ Stacey E. Mills, W4SM WWW: http://www.keplerian.com Charlottesville, VA PGP key: http://www.keplerian.com/key _______________________________________________________________________

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OT?? Model Rocketry
by RFI-EMI-GUY 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

This may be off topic? I am helping a neighbor who is just getting into high power model rocketry (Tripoli) He is interested in _two way_ telemetry with his rocket and wants the downlink for the usual sensors like altitude, GPS, XYZ-attitude etc. There are _one way_ products that provide the downlink but he also wants to be able to uplink to fire parachutes or thrusters (during descent). I am leaning toward an 900 MHz ISM solution for the RF but am stumped as to what digital platform would be most flexible (and light weight) for the communications needs. Are there any standards or better yett off the shelf products? I am open to suggestions. -- 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: Scottsdale AZ hamfest demo
by Clint Bradford 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

>>...I added a reference to the Elk Antennas log periodic... I was disappointed with my Elk dual-band log periodic on the FM birds - in comparison to the Arrow. And I remember giving it a fairly honest try...but was immediately struck by how "sloppy" it was in finding the satellite. Should I try it again??? Clint -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Second Galileo Satellite to be Launched Late April
by Trevor 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

BBC News report http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7278616.stm ---- ___________________________________________________________ Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Re: Scottsdale AZ hamfest demo
by Clint Bradford 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

>As part of the AMSAT table, I am planning for 3 demonstrations via >AO-51's normal 145.920/435.300 MHz FM voice repeater during the >morning using my call WD9EWK: > >1342-1352 UTC (low, 8-degree pass to the east of the hamfest) >1519-1533 UTC (virtually overhead, 72-degree pass to the west) >1700-1708 UTC (very low, 5-degree pass to the west) I'll try to contact you!!! Clint Bradford, K6LCS P.S. - Patrick - I've updated my 4-page tutorial AO-51 with some additional references, and added Icom's grid square map to my site - http:\\www.clintbradford.com -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: Current ARISS Status/Usage?
by Bill Dzurilla 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Rick, Check out http://issfanclub.com/ . It has all the details. The repeater was last active on February 5, and it was loud and easy to work, lots of activity, I made several contacts. It seems that the packet has been active more recently. 73, Bill NZ5N >>>I finally got my TNC hooked up, and was able to decode APRS packets. I wanted to try during a rather low ISS pass, see what I could get off of ISS, but got nothing. I tried both 145.825 and 145.8, hearing neither voice nor data. In fact, I've never heard anything on ISS (except for the one scheduled contact I made with it :-D). Is it currently operational for voice and/or packet? How often is someone likely to be using it (what are my chances of hearing something on any given pass)? TIA, -- Rick ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Scottsdale AZ hamfest demo, Saturday morning (8 March)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Hi! I will be part of the AMSAT table at the Scottsdale Amateur Radio Club's "Springfest" hamfest at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona this Saturday, 8 March 2008. The hamfest will be in the east parking lots of the college, located just east of the AZ-101 freeway on Chaparral Road (exit 46) in grid DM43bm: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=33.5108+n+111.8806+w&ie=UT… The hamfest opens at 0600 local (1300 UTC), and will go until around midday or whenever the crowds leave. As part of the AMSAT table, I am planning for 3 demonstrations via AO-51's normal 145.920/435.300 MHz FM voice repeater during the morning using my call WD9EWK: 1342-1352 UTC (low, 8-degree pass to the east of the hamfest) 1519-1533 UTC (virtually overhead, 72-degree pass to the west) 1700-1708 UTC (very low, 5-degree pass to the west) Despite the low elevation on the 1700-1708 UTC pass, AO-51's increased power output should make it workable for a couple of minutes. If anyone in Hawaii happens to be awake at 7am Hawaii time Saturday morning, please give a call on that pass. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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Anyone using GO-32 BBS?
by Jeff Mock 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Is anyone actively using the BBS on GO-32? I've been trying to work it with little success for the last week or two. Watching the packets, I can get a connection, but the connection is disconnected by GO-32 after a few seconds. I'm using pb/pg on Linux, but I've tried connecting a few other ways with the same poor result, so I'm curious if anyone else is successfully using the BBS on GO-32 (4XTECH-12). Any advice, packet dumps, etc, appreciated. thanks, jeff AD6EO

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WorkedGrids Ham Log Grid Square Mapping Software
by Bert, VE2ZAZ 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Hi Everyone, Version 5 of the WorkedGrids software is now available for download on my website. It contains several enhancements, such as printing, copying to clipboard and centering on a specific grid square. 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 ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

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TX5C ???
by Alvaro de Leon Romo 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Who know if TX5C will work satellite ??? Many thanks Al XE2AT _________________________________________________________________ Participa en nanometrajes y gana grandes premios http://cine.prodigymsn.com/nanometraje

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college nights March 4th
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

College night was a success on AO-51. College stations heard at UF during the two evening passes (March 5 UTC) were the University of Arkansas and a student from the University of Kentucky. The SEC was well represented! Contacts were made at UF by two students, KI4LDJ (Dante) and N6WPV (Seth), and myself, and included contacts with: N0YK, N3UNM (Frostburg, MD, home of Frostburg state U), KI4VNV (UK student), KB2HSH, KU4OS (mobile in Cocoa, FL), WD9EWK (portable in city park Phoenix), W5YM (U ARK), N5AFV. Thanks to all that participated. Look for us again on the next college night on AO51, March 27th. Make sure to spread the word to college hams/club stations you may know. 73, Jay, AA4FL, UF

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Current ARISS Status/Usage?
by Rick Mann 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

I finally got my TNC hooked up, and was able to decode APRS packets. I wanted to try during a rather low ISS pass, see what I could get off of ISS, but got nothing. I tried both 145.825 and 145.8, hearing neither voice nor data. In fact, I've never heard anything on ISS (except for the one scheduled contact I made with it :-D). Is it currently operational for voice and/or packet? How often is someone likely to be using it (what are my chances of hearing something on any given pass)? TIA, -- Rick

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Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log.
by John Hackett 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Hey Bob, Not nitpicking at all, it's an *excellent* idea and duly noted for reference for eventual changes. As you may have picked up - Emily, holder of the copyright for the AO-7 Resource Page, disappeared down the rabbit warren of SECOND LIFE and while I'm the "official" keeper of the keys I can't impliment changes without her permission. THIS IS WHY I KEEP BATTING ALL THESE BORING MAILS TO THE AMSAT-BB ... (there *IS* a method to the madness) ... in the hope that she might pop her head out and realise the wonderful resource the site is BUT THAT SHE NEEDS TO CONTACT LA2QAA. I do have a couple of balls in the air with people from EU Amsat but I would much prefer to use the original. Lets hope Emily pops up for air Bob. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net To: la2qaa(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log. Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 01:27:03 +0000 Hello John An idea I thought of for the AO7 log is you know that little magnifying glass you click on to see if there is a comment. You don't know if there is a comment unless you click it. That can mean a lot of clicking. If however say the magnifying glass looks different signifying that there is something there. I know this is nit picking, but it's just an idea. I don't envy you monitoring the comings and goings of the log. I have been on the wrong end of the stick a couple of times! I really do find it useful and a fantastic resource. I can tell who and when they have been on. From that I can at times predict who will be on the next pass. There are several regulars I enjoy chatting with. So hang in there and don't get your blood pressure up too much. Your efforts are appreciated. 73 Bob W7LRD -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it"

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Logging Software and LOTW
by Bruce 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

I am going to write an article to place on amsat.org. I use PDA's Logic 7 (Logic 8 is out now). I am familiar with it and using it to track all of my satellite QSO's and exporting in ADIF and pushing to LOTW. I also use it for contesting, WAS and DXCC tracking (HF and Satellite). I am looking for those that are using other logging programs. I would like to compile what some of our members are using, how they like the feel and ease of use of their chosen software, what they like and do not like about the software, etc. ****REPLY DIRECTLY TO ME, NOT TO THE LIST**** Thanks...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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AMSAT Field Day 2008 Rules
by Bruce 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

I have just uploaded the rules for AMSAT Field Day 2008 to my website. It will appear in the next issue of the AMSAT Journal and will also be at amsat.org soon. Depending on your flavor, the MSWord Doc and Adobe PDF files are located at: http://www.amsatnet.com/2008fd.doc http://www.amsatnet.com/2008fd.pdf With AO-16 in operation, this should make field day a bit more interesting. Although we did lose access to FO-29. 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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Thick as 2 short planks.
by John Hackett 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Hello Al, You said ... >I already have the equations for LO19 in front >of me... simple ennuf for a five year old! Aye, well, then you can appreciate the work LA2QAA had doing is' sums "longhand". Remember, my last remaining active dozen or so braincells have been 'out to lunch' for the past 5 years. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log.
by John Hackett 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Igor, You're right of course, the actual "data" is public domain, only the site is 'copyright'. I don't know if you're computer competent - I'm not - but Mak SV1BSX is ... though whether he has time to create a dedicated site ... or whether you want to do it ... I don't know ... so I'll throw the ball up into the air and see if anyone else is interested in creating a site where the data is "controllable" - and therefore valid and correct. The great advantage of the current AO-7 site is the eclipse charts and the seasonal statistics - though these are now becoming misleading due to the accumulative errors. Anybody want to stick their hand up?. BTW ... I've been in direct contact with Alex of Amsat.ru for quite some time now so I'm indebted to you for the introduction. In fact, GM1SXX and myself have proposed a common project. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com From: rw3xl(a)yandex.ru Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 17:30:27 +0000 Subject: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log. John, copyright about what?? Records which were made by me, they mine? And records which has made LA2QAA, they whose? :) I think, that with copyright problems cannot be basically. I'm try to import log data from ao7 site and for a less then hour have 2006-2008 years in CSV-format. It is not complex. But I had a second question. It is necessary for whom else, except for LA2QAA and RW3XL :) --- In eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com, John Hackett <archie.hackett@...> wrote: > > > Igor, > A good idea but I'm not sure about eventual copyright issues. > > I am the 'official' administrator of the AO-7 Resource Page Log but the problem is - I cannot do anything without N1DID's - > (ex: W0EEC) - permission since she (exclusively) holds the original copyright. > > The whole problem stems from the fact that N1DID "disappeared" into SECOND LIFE and doesn't answer her mail. > > My editing privilages which were normally renewed every 1st January with a cookie - have been suspended due to the lack of contact with N1DID so there's nothing I can do to edit the mistakes like I used to. > > A pity, but such is the situation. > > 73 John. <la2qaa@...> > > To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com > From: rw3xl@... > Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 10:36:19 +0000 > Subject: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log. > > Hello! > I have such offer. > Can be copy all data in new base and place it on other site? > Probably, that any part of data will be gone. But I think, that not > so much. > A question in the one who will write the program for work with this > base? > I could find a place with a suitable name (for example oscar7.net, > oscar7.org) and which support MYSQL and PHP4/5 :) > In this case becomes possible: > To find the new Administrator who will have full access to a site. > Count QSO/Points or any other position in the log, like we need (As > we shall explain to the Administrator), e.t.c. > It is necessary to do it on a noncommercial basis. I, for example, > can find a hosting. > --- In eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com, John Hackett <archie.hackett@> > wrote: > > Alan, > > > A timely and intelligent mail - nice! one. > > > I played at super dooper pooper scooper - (log cop) - for a couple > > of years but it was as you correctly percieved taking up too much of > > my time. > > I wused to be Emily's page administrator but since she disappeared > > into the burrow of 2nd Life and despite "millions" of 'carrots' - > > (read: e-mails) - I've lost contact with her. > > I do wish she'd pop her head out with a quick - "What's up Doc?". > > I'm now involved in other aspects of the Grand Old Lady ... AO-7, > not N1DID. > > > 73 John. <la2qaa@> > > > > From: ve4yz@ > > > > To: la2qaa@; sv1bsx@ > > > > CC: amsat-bb@; eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com > > > > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] More AO-7 log. > > > > Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 09:01:17 -0600 > > > > > > > > Regrettably, there seems to be only a few ways of "Ham - > > Proofing " the > > > > logging system. > > > > > > > > One would be to add some logic to the code for the form entry to > > prevent > > > > submitting unless at least one of the QSO entries are completed. > > This may > > > > require diving into the rabbit hole to rescue Emily from her > > Second Life and > > > > nicely asking her to tweak the code. However, it would not > > prevent entrants > > > > from adding dummy info just to get a count. > > > > > > > > Another would be having a super user act as "log-cop" and zap bad > > entries. > > > > That may be perceived as badly as a "grammar cop" or "spelling > > cop" on this > > > > BB, and, who would want to waste that amount of time each day > > cleaning up > > > > other's messes. But it could be mitigated if a warning line was > > added to the > > > > top of the table. "Invalid entries and empty QSOs will be > > deleted" > > > > > > > > Another that comes to mind would probably involve Emily and may > > actually be > > > > the easiest. The entire database could be conditioned > > occasionally. Again > > > > a super user could execute a single line SQL statement that > > purges all > > > > entries where the QSO is blank or includes text such as "CQ". > > DELETE FROM > > > > table_name WHERE column_name = some_value. I'm ignorant of the db > > used here > > > > but hesitantly *assume* in might me MySQL or something similar. > > > > > > > > The SQL statement could even be automated in a chron process and > > executed > > > > automatically each day. > > > > > > > > Or, folks could just use common sense and read the second > > sentence at the > > > > top of the log - "IF YOU HAVE A CONTACT TO REPORT...." Oh, we > > already > > > > tried that and it didn't work... > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > From: amsat-bb-bounces@ [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@] On > > > > Behalf Of John Hackett > > > > Sent: March 4, 2008 2:17 AM > > > > To: sv1bsx@ > > > > Cc: amsat-bb@; Eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com > > > > Subject: [amsat-bb] More AO-7 log. > > > Mak, > > > > Despite our repeated requests ... yesterday ... > > > > > > > > W7AIT 15:49 > > > > W7AIT 15:50 ... (seperate QSO's) > > > > PY4AJ CQ > > > > VK4ZQ CQ > > > > > > > > Like I mentioned ... don't these people 'look' at what they > > write? ... or > > > > note how those that fill in the log correctly do it? ... or even > > read the > > > > Amsat mail?. > > > > > > > > What can one do?. > > > > > > > > Statistics are no use to man nor beast if they're incorrect - and > > over the > > > > first 3 months of this year there are enough errors to ensure > > that the > > > > statistics *ARE* wrong ... agreed, they're only small mistakes > > and agreed > > > > that - "it's only a hobby" - but what is the point in filling in > > the log in > > > > the first place if you're not going to do it correctly?. > > > > > > > > Having pointed out the errors once, twice and three times on both > > bulletin > > > > boards in the last 14 days I assumed that ought to be enough - > > obviously it > > > > wasn't ... so I don't know about you but I'm not going to bother > > anymore. > > > > > > > > Since the main "contenders" are English speaking one cannot blame > > the > > > > language. The panes are clear enough and cannot be misconscrued. > > The hour > > > > glass is self explanitory - you yourself have explained more than > > once how > > > > to fix things if they do occasionally go amok - (data is "data") - > > I'm > > > > referring to the - 'remember me' - checkbox issue. > > > > > > > > It's a pity such a useful resource is allowed to become a mess. > > > > > > > > EOR ... (End of rant). > > > > > > > > 73 John. <la2qaa@> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB@ 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 > > > > __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (4) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! 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1 0

Telemetry.
by John Hackett 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Today I was asked how I came by the results of the TLM I posted re: LO-19. There are two ways to translate the TLM. 1) Use Mike Rupprecht's (DK3WN) excellent software at <http://www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml> mirrored at the LA2QAA/GM1SXX site at ... <http://www.observations.biz/> Or ... to make it more interesting you can do it "longhand" like this ... (see the attached pic) ... though some would say it's about as interesting as watching paint dry. You can learn a *LOT* by monitoring 17 year old birds. (Don't be "naughty".....GM1SXX) Taking some of today's TLM. 0503081016Z ... (which translates to 03-March-08 at 1016 UTC) ... we get 1 control and 8 TLM channels. LUSAT HI HI AO AVA AB4 TDA ANV TB6 ADN AVE AE6 The channels equate to ... 0 = T 1 = A 2 = U 3 = V 4 = 4 5 = E 6 = 6 7 = B 8 = D 9 = N ...and the equations are ... Ram (version) 0 = no errors E " error CH 1 = 636 divided by 131 = 4.85 volts. nominal +5v CH 2 = 0.064 times 174 = 11.1 volts. nominal +10 battery voltage CH 3 = 0.354 times 081 = 28.6 degrees C nominal CW transmitter temp CH 4 = 10.9 + 180 squared divided by 40.1 = 21.36 mW nominal tx output power CH 5 = 0.356 times 136 minus 76 = 21.36 degrees C nominal box temperature CH 6 = 0.7 x 189 = 132.3 mA nominal +10 v current CH 7 = 0.15 x 135 = 20.25 volts nominal +Z voltage panel CH 8 = 0.056 times 156 = 8.3 volts nominal +8.5 voltage Now ... if "ya'll" all have a squint at the attached pic from a "professional" TLM program you'll see that today's telemetry is correct. (Copied "manually" by LA2QAA with the characters written three times above eachother - to stay 'awake' with 12wpm CW) DEDEEZY! - and GM1SXX is right - (he usually is.....LA2QAA) - when he says it will be interesting to watch the TLM regarding the battery status after 17 years in space. As usual, I agree with him. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

Re: Success: AO-51 Heard This Morning!
by Bill Dzurilla 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

You can make a dual band ground plane as simply as this: http://www.eham.net/articles/7005 If you prefer to buy, something like would work nicely: http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZMF-1754 Or just put your Comet or other dual band vertical somewhere on your roof. Many people with flat roofs even use a mag mount over a large cookie pan or other sheet of metal. In my (limited) experience, all vertical and omni directional antennas work about the same, including the expensive Eggbeaters. They work fine as long as the satellite is more than about 25 degrees elevation above the horizon, which for most people is good enough. If you get serious about the sats and want to work the lower elevations, an Arrow or other dual band yagi will be needed, and you will have to rotate it, either by hand or with a small rotator. When you are ready to make a contact, remember that AO-51 is busy and you need to talk quickly and clearly, or else someone else will step all over you. You might want to start on a late night weekday pass when it's not so busy, weekend afternoons are the worst. 73, Bill ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

1 0

Earlier Message
by Martha 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

To clarify my earlier message, the block of rooms I mentioned was for Dayton. In addition, we have rooms blocked for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. -- 73- Martha

1 0

Re: Success: AO-51 Heard This Morning!
by Bill Dzurilla 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Congrats, Kent, now hope to work you soon. What was the problem? If best reception was at .310, your receiver is probably a few khz off, which may have been a factor. If it turns out that the driveway location was bad, a simple ground plane on the roof will get you going strong. 73, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

2 1

Tongue-in-cheek.
by John Hackett 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Oyez!, I'd forgotten why it was I tended to avoid FM satellites like the bubonic plague ... hey!, back off - I did have a QSO on AO-51 once and two !!! on AO-27, 10 years ago. Anyway, this morning I decided to see if things had changed so I fired up my trusty (and otherwise totally useless) IC-E91 and 'arra' aerial ... OK !!!!, antenna. Stepping out into the 33.9cm of 'manna from heavan' (snow, to you!) I aimed my pointed stick at the sky like any intellegent person would do (!) and tried the age old tricks of ... portable ... JP33WB ... Frei Island ... (not all at once of course). After only a few minutes I 'remebered' ... it isn't the FM satellites that are are fault ... though they are not the 'smartest' things for amateur radio communications ... it's those operators who call without actually listening who muck it all up. What *is* the point of calling somebody while they're actually speaking to somebody else ??? ... I'm so THICK I can't figure out how this works ... (on FM) ... maybe somebody with a few more braincells would like to enlighten me as to the theory behind this technique. I'm quite familiar with 'tailending' while QRP operating but calling somebody while they're speaking ... (on FM) ... I havn't figured out yet. However ... "each to his own" ... and that's how it should be - but I'll stick to LINEAR satellites thank you very much. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

3 2

Here It Is
by Martha 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

To answer many a query - Yes, we have a block of rooms. You can email or call me with the following info: name, daytime phone number, dates room needed, credit card number and expiration date. We have 15 rooms Wednesday, 30 on Friday and 30 on Saturday. Remember "if you snooze, you lose"! -- 73- Martha

1 0

Success: AO-51 Heard This Morning!
by Kent R. Frazier 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

I missed the pass last night that I was planning on listening for due to family commitments. At approximately 14:02 UTC (08:02 CST this morning) I heard traffic on 435.310 MHz! Hooray, hooray, hooray! <grin> I was en route to work, so I wasn't able to write anything down and I don't yet have a recording device. As soon as I reached the parking lot at work the buildings blocked the signal. At least now I know I'm not going crazy. I was about ready to give up, but this has renewed my determination. I have downloaded quite a lot of the resources that have been suggested and I'll read them as time permits. Thanks to all who have been helpful and replied both on and off this board. If I haven't responded personally I still appreciate all of the help and suggestions. 73, Kent, K5KNT -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

1 0

Re: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log.
by John Hackett 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Igor, A good idea but I'm not sure about eventual copyright issues. I am the 'official' administrator of the AO-7 Resource Page Log but the problem is - I cannot do anything without N1DID's - (ex: W0EEC) - permission since she (exclusively) holds the original copyright. The whole problem stems from the fact that N1DID "disappeared" into SECOND LIFE and doesn't answer her mail. My editing privilages which were normally renewed every 1st January with a cookie - have been suspended due to the lack of contact with N1DID so there's nothing I can do to edit the mistakes like I used to. A pity, but such is the situation. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com From: rw3xl(a)yandex.ru Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 10:36:19 +0000 Subject: [eu-amsat] Re: Good ideas for the AO-7 log. Hello! I have such offer. Can be copy all data in new base and place it on other site? Probably, that any part of data will be gone. But I think, that not so much. A question in the one who will write the program for work with this base? I could find a place with a suitable name (for example oscar7.net, oscar7.org) and which support MYSQL and PHP4/5 :) In this case becomes possible: To find the new Administrator who will have full access to a site. Count QSO/Points or any other position in the log, like we need (As we shall explain to the Administrator), e.t.c. It is necessary to do it on a noncommercial basis. I, for example, can find a hosting. --- In eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com, John Hackett <archie.hackett@...> wrote: > > > Alan, > A timely and intelligent mail - nice! one. > > I played at super dooper pooper scooper - (log cop) - for a couple of years but it was as you correctly percieved taking up too much of my time. > > I wused to be Emily's page administrator but since she disappeared into the burrow of 2nd Life and despite "millions" of 'carrots' - (read: e-mails) - I've lost contact with her. > > I do wish she'd pop her head out with a quick - "What's up Doc?". > > I'm now involved in other aspects of the Grand Old Lady ... AO-7, not N1DID. > > 73 John. <la2qaa@...> > .................................................................... ......................... > > > From: ve4yz@... > > To: la2qaa@...; sv1bsx@... > > CC: amsat-bb@...; eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com > > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] More AO-7 log. > > Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 09:01:17 -0600 > > > > Regrettably, there seems to be only a few ways of "Ham - Proofing " the > > logging system. > > > > One would be to add some logic to the code for the form entry to prevent > > submitting unless at least one of the QSO entries are completed. This may > > require diving into the rabbit hole to rescue Emily from her Second Life and > > nicely asking her to tweak the code. However, it would not prevent entrants > > from adding dummy info just to get a count. > > > > Another would be having a super user act as "log-cop" and zap bad entries. > > That may be perceived as badly as a "grammar cop" or "spelling cop" on this > > BB, and, who would want to waste that amount of time each day cleaning up > > other's messes. But it could be mitigated if a warning line was added to the > > top of the table. "Invalid entries and empty QSOs will be deleted" > > > > Another that comes to mind would probably involve Emily and may actually be > > the easiest. The entire database could be conditioned occasionally. Again > > a super user could execute a single line SQL statement that purges all > > entries where the QSO is blank or includes text such as "CQ". DELETE FROM > > table_name WHERE column_name = some_value. I'm ignorant of the db used here > > but hesitantly *assume* in might me MySQL or something similar. > > > > The SQL statement could even be automated in a chron process and executed > > automatically each day. > > > > Or, folks could just use common sense and read the second sentence at the > > top of the log - "IF YOU HAVE A CONTACT TO REPORT...." Oh, we already > > tried that and it didn't work... > > > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces@... [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@...] On > > Behalf Of John Hackett > > Sent: March 4, 2008 2:17 AM > > To: sv1bsx@... > > Cc: amsat-bb@...; Eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com > > Subject: [amsat-bb] More AO-7 log. > > > > > > Mak, > > Despite our repeated requests ... yesterday ... > > > > W7AIT 15:49 > > W7AIT 15:50 ... (seperate QSO's) > > PY4AJ CQ > > VK4ZQ CQ > > > > Like I mentioned ... don't these people 'look' at what they write? ... or > > note how those that fill in the log correctly do it? ... or even read the > > Amsat mail?. > > > > What can one do?. > > > > Statistics are no use to man nor beast if they're incorrect - and over the > > first 3 months of this year there are enough errors to ensure that the > > statistics *ARE* wrong ... agreed, they're only small mistakes and agreed > > that - "it's only a hobby" - but what is the point in filling in the log in > > the first place if you're not going to do it correctly?. > > > > Having pointed out the errors once, twice and three times on both bulletin > > boards in the last 14 days I assumed that ought to be enough - obviously it > > wasn't ... so I don't know about you but I'm not going to bother anymore. > > > > Since the main "contenders" are English speaking one cannot blame the > > language. The panes are clear enough and cannot be misconscrued. The hour > > glass is self explanitory - you yourself have explained more than once how > > to fix things if they do occasionally go amok - (data is "data") - I'm > > referring to the - 'remember me' - checkbox issue. > > > > It's a pity such a useful resource is allowed to become a mess. > > > > EOR ... (End of rant). > > > > 73 John. <la2qaa@...> > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB@... 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 > __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (2) 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 Visit Your Group Sitebuilder Build a web site quickly & easily with Sitebuilder. Moderator Central Get answers to your questions about running Y! Groups. 10 Day Club on Yahoo! Groups Share the benefits of a high fiber diet. . __,_._,___

1 0

Out of Office
by Martha 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

I will be out of the AMSAT office from Wednesday, March 12th until Tuesday, March 25th. -- 73- Martha

2 2

More AO-7 log.
by John Hackett 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Mak, Despite our repeated requests ... yesterday ... W7AIT 15:49 W7AIT 15:50 ... (seperate QSO's) PY4AJ CQ VK4ZQ CQ Like I mentioned ... don't these people 'look' at what they write? ... or note how those that fill in the log correctly do it? ... or even read the Amsat mail?. What can one do?. Statistics are no use to man nor beast if they're incorrect - and over the first 3 months of this year there are enough errors to ensure that the statistics *ARE* wrong ... agreed, they're only small mistakes and agreed that - "it's only a hobby" - but what is the point in filling in the log in the first place if you're not going to do it correctly?. Having pointed out the errors once, twice and three times on both bulletin boards in the last 14 days I assumed that ought to be enough - obviously it wasn't ... so I don't know about you but I'm not going to bother anymore. Since the main "contenders" are English speaking one cannot blame the language. The panes are clear enough and cannot be misconscrued. The hour glass is self explanitory - you yourself have explained more than once how to fix things if they do occasionally go amok - (data is "data") - I'm referring to the - 'remember me' - checkbox issue. It's a pity such a useful resource is allowed to become a mess. EOR ... (End of rant). 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

6 8

fo-29
by CE3SOC Raul Romero 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

FO-29 is Working ??

1 0

SPACE RETRANSMISSIONS/SHUTTLE
by Mr Jeffrey L Ross 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

on your local repeater. hello all, anyone who has any info or happen to be net controllers for this kind of net, please contact me off list. I would like information on how your net runs and some do,s and don'ts. I am now in the process of gaining permission from the repeater/club owners, and want to supply them with a wrtten net before I go on the air for the March launch. p.s this is only for a launch. time maybe 15 mins. These are some of the questions I will need answered. 1. should I use a repeater? 2. should I use simplex? 3. how often (if used on repeater do i break for emergency traffic? ideas 4. say shuttle launch: from 3 mins to liftoff, till when? ideas thank you much in advance please advise if you can, kc8gkf West Michigan USA

1 0

Re: More AO-7 log.
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Alan, >>Or, folks could just use common sense and read the second sentence at the top of the log - "IF YOU HAVE A CONTACT TO REPORT...." Oh, we already tried that and it didn't work... Are we talking about the log at http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/logentry.php ? I do not see the "If you have a contact to report" sentence. On my screen, it says, "Use this form to report contact with and information about AO-7. It will be stored in our database and provided to the control operators of AO-7. This information will not be used for any other purpose other than to provide information about AO-7." The "information about" line implies that more than just QSO info is welcome. For the benefit of those not subscribed to this list, I suggest adding the correct instructions directly on the Log Entry page, something like "Do not enter CQ or anything else in the QSOs box unless you have actually completed a two-way QSO." Or are you saying not to make an entry at all unless a contact is completed? I have been entering any time I could hear my downlink, even if no one answered my CQ, based on the "even if it was to yourself" statement on the web page. I had been entering CQ until I saw this thread, so your posts were not totally in vain. 73, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

2 1

Dual Band (2m-70cm) Mobile Antenna Recommendations
by Kent R. Frazier 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

I have been unsuccessfully trying to hear AO51 over the last week with my mobile rig (Icom IC2720 with a Comet C767 dual band antenna mounted to the rear hatchback with a Comet CP-5M mount). Since I am able to transmit and receive on our local repeaters, I'm guessing that the issue is with my antenna. I've been using the online AMSAT satellite pass predictions to predict passes I try to listen to. Can anyone recommend an antenna I could use with the above mount to improve my satellite reception? I'll settle for reception at the moment. I have a 2m handheld (Icom T-22A) that I've been thinking of using for transmit. I'm thinking of adding a Arrow antenna for this. I'm not that knowledgeable with regard to antennas currently, so specific models would be helpful. Thanks, Kent -- Kent R. Frazier, K5KNT

2 1

Re: Dual Band (2m-70cm) Mobile Antenna Recommendations
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Hi Kent, Sorry to hear you are still having trouble. >>Since I am able to transmit and receive on our local >>repeaters, I'm guessing >>that the issue is with my antenna. If you are hearing repeaters good and strong but are hearing absolutely nothing from AO-51, I'm guessing that the problem is not the antenna or the radio. Although not nearly as strong as a nearby repeater, the downlink signal from AO-51 is quite loud, and high elevation passes (35 degrees or more) can easily be copied on an HT with just a rubber duck antenna. I have made many contacts with just a 6 1/2" ground plane on the downlink. So my guess is that you are listening at the wrong time or on the wrong frequency, or there's some other problem. That being said, a better antenna is always nice. The Arrow is very popular and effective, if you don't mind holding it in your hand for 15 minutes during a pass. It can be mounted on a camera tripod if you don't want to hold it. Good luck, Bill NZ5N ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

4 5

Re: Dual Band (2m-70cm) Mobile Antenna Recommendations
by Bob Bruninga 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

> Can anyone recommend an antenna...to improve > my [mobile] satellite reception? By definition, a good antenna for repeaters is bad for satellites. Repeaters are on the horizon, satellites are usually higher when they are strong enough to hear. Please see the OMNI antenna discussion at the bottom of the ASTARS web page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/astars.html Use a 19" 2m whip in the center of your roof. It has almost 5 dB gain above the horizon on 2 meters and over 7 dB on UHF. Bob, WB4APR

2 1

Re: Dual Band (2m-70cm) Mobile Antenna Recommendations
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Kent, VO-52 has a strong beacon at 145.936. This is quite a mystery, if I lived closer I'd visit your shack and try to help further. In your driveway, your antenna is not so close to the house that it blocks the path, is it? If your house (or a neigbor's house or a big tree) blocks the path between the antenna and the sat, then you would not hear the bird. Have you tried from an open area? I was on AO-51 last night around 0100 UTC, 7pm Central Time. Lots of activity from Canada to Venezuela. Is that when you were listening? For tonight (Tuesday), I'm seeing a nice high pass for you from 0148 to 0201, highest at 0154. If you are in the clear and don't hear anything on 435.3 at that time (start at 435.305 near the beginning of pass, 435.3 in the middle, 435.295 near the end), something's wrong. 73, Bill ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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AO-16 status report
by Mark L. Hammond 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Hello all, Ronald, I'll take your message as a prompt to provide an AO-16 update! AO-16 is certainly not dead. It is doing quite well in its current mode. Below is the current operational configuration for AO-16: (available from: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/satInfo.php?satID=11&retURL=/sate… ) Mode FM Voice Repeater (Downlink is double sideband.): Operational Uplink: 145.9200 MHz FM Downlink 437.0260 MHz DSB (LSB and USB) The plan is to continue this mode of voice operations "until further notice. " AO-16 has been in full sunlight (no eclipse periods at all) for several months. That is about to change later this month! Short eclipse periods will begin at the end of March and will increase steadily until early July--at which point the eclipse periods will increase to about 26 minutes each orbit. We'll have to watch this old bird and its batteries as the eclipse periods increase. It is possible that the long eclipse periods may necessitate the reduction of the 70 cm transmitter output; this is a manual process for AO-16, since the spacecraft isn't running any housekeeping software to do it "automagically." AO-16 is pretty loud at its current power setting, so some reduction should have little if any user impact. Observations and user reports will be especially helpful during April/May/June/July this year. In order to collect telemetry, we'll need to change the satellite into its digital mode from time to time. But this doesn't take long and therefore shouldn't interfere much with its operations as a voice satellite. The S-band beacon is not operational at this time. The exact status of the S-band transmitter remains unknown; however, its last known status might be described as "suspect" or "semi-operational" at best...(as I recall--and this might not be accurate--there are issues with the power budget, no way to adjust the power output of the S-band transmitter, and so on.) Given the age of the satellite (over 18 years!), my opinion is that this falls into the "maybe we should leave well enough alone for now" category. (And yes, LUSAT/LO-19 is still transmitting CW telemetry on 437.125+/- ----if that's what you mean below?) On behalf of the AO-16 Command Team, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ Date: Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:17:02 -0800 From: "Ronald A. Stunden" <ve7yc-(a)shaw.ca> Subject: [amsat-bb] AO 16 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <0JX600L2JM8F6K50@l-daemon> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Is the beacon on 2401.143 in operation.? Or is the bird dead. Also heard LU Sat on 435.110 ? Thanks YC

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Re: More AO-7 log.
by Bill Dzurilla 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Sorry, I found the "If you have a contact" line, it's on the Log page but not on the Log Entry page. --- Bill Dzurilla <billdz.geo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Alan, > > >>Or, folks could just use common sense and read the > second sentence at the > top of the log - "IF YOU HAVE A CONTACT TO > REPORT...." > Oh, we already > tried that and it didn't work... > > Are we talking about the log at > http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/logentry.php ? I do > not see the "If you have a contact to report" > sentence. On my screen, it says, "Use this form to > report contact with and information about AO-7. It > will be stored in our database and provided to the > control operators of AO-7. This information will not > be used for any other purpose other than to provide > information about AO-7." The "information about" > line > implies that more than just QSO info is welcome. > > For the benefit of those not subscribed to this > list, > I suggest adding the correct instructions directly > on > the Log Entry page, something like "Do not enter CQ > or > anything else in the QSOs box unless you have > actually > completed a two-way QSO." > > Or are you saying not to make an entry at all unless > a > contact is completed? I have been entering any time > I > could hear my downlink, even if no one answered my > CQ, > based on the "even if it was to yourself" statement > on > the web page. > > I had been entering CQ until I saw this thread, so > your posts were not totally in vain. > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Looking for last minute shopping deals? > Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. > http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping > ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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FT-847 serial Comm - serial # ???
by Rod Adkins 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Early FT-847 had a bug which prevented serial comms (I understand) I am in the market for one to be used for satellite access, & I wish to use PC control of tuning to avoid/minimise doppler Anyone know the serial # after which all is well???? Rod Adkins WI6M nr San Diego 17917 Lyons Valley Road Jamul, CA 91935

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Re: Efficient Planning of the FT-847 Memory Registers
by Gary Schuchardt 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Kevin, Thank you very much. As a newbee, my question ignored the fact that I already had the SatPC32, Nova and CAT that I purchased. I was complicating the whole process by trying to use the rig's memory registers. The programs already have the capability to track the operational satellite frequencies. Basically, they are scanning a group of frequencies. I have identified what I understand to be the most active (operational) satellites to track using Nova instead of the rig's memory registers. Oscar 59, 56, 52, 51, 50, 32, 27 16, 7, ARISS and Radio-Sputnik 15 are on my list and programmed into NOVA. I am checking to insure that the uplink / downlink frequencies for the different modes are correctly configured into the program. As I understand, these satellites have either operational or semi-operational communication capabilities. Thank you very much for the response and information. Gary N0EZH -------Original Message------- From: Kevin J. Smith Date: 3/2/2008 7:18:04 PM To: 'Gary Schuchardt' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Efficient Planning of the FT-847 Memory Registers Gary, I have a station that is very similar to yours except that I use a different rotor controller and SatPC32. I used to program the satellite memory registers but after using SatPC32 I found little use for them. I think you will find the same thing with using Nova. The program stores all the pertinent information for each satellite and when you choose a particular satellite on the computer, your radio is automatically set up by the computer for that satellite. The program does not need your satellite memory registers or care that you have them programmed. Also I found little need to scan my satellite memory registers because the satellite program tells you what satellites are coming and when. SatPC32 and I am sure Nova will also, alert you when a satellite is coming into view. You may have other ideas about programming your memories that I am not aware of. Good luck and I hope to have a QSO with you soon. Kevin/N3HKQ -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gary Schuchardt Sent: Sunday, March 02, 2008 4:32 PM To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Efficient Planning of the FT-847 Memory Registers Hi I am new at satellite communications. I have the Yaesu FT-847 rig, the G-5500 EL/AZ rotator and the EA4TX RCI-SE rotator controller interface and NOVA tracking program. I am using the MixW logging program. My antennas are mostly M2 for satellite communications, including the 436CP30 and 2MCP14 beams, and eggbeaters. The G-5500 EL/AZ has been arranged to also turn the MQ-36SR HF six band beam in the same direction as the M2 beams. It works great. I am sure that there are several AMSAT members that have similar equipment and especially using the FT-847 rig. The rig has 78 general purpose memory channels and 12 satellite memory registers. Am I correct in stating that the rig's general purpose channels are not really good for satellite purposes and that I am limited to the 12 satellite memory registers? Scanning could be very helpful too. I am looking for the best way to program satellite frequencies into the rig for efficient and effective use of it's capabilities. If you have a listing showing how you arranged the frequencies, I would appreciate your sharing this information with me. There must be some time saving involved in preplanning the satellites into the rig. Thank you. Gary N0EZH Chesapeake VA USA _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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FS: Kenwood TS-2000X
by Mike Murphree 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Due to homeowners restrictions and heavy work load conspiring to keep me off the air, I am selling a mint condition TS-2000X. I have all of the original manuals, boxes, etc. Transceiver has only been used a few times since purchased new in 2001. Non-smoking home, no known radio faults (no driver issues), etc I am asking $1600 and shipping (not to exceed $35) in the continental US. Will include the Kenwood ARCP software. Please reply direct. Thanks, Mike W4LNA EM64PS

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Efficient Planning of the FT-847 Memory Registers
by Gary Schuchardt 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Hi I am new at satellite communications. I have the Yaesu FT-847 rig, the G-5500 EL/AZ rotator and the EA4TX RCI-SE rotator controller interface and NOVA tracking program. I am using the MixW logging program. My antennas are mostly M2 for satellite communications, including the 436CP30 and 2MCP14 beams, and eggbeaters. The G-5500 EL/AZ has been arranged to also turn the MQ-36SR HF six band beam in the same direction as the M2 beams. It works great. I am sure that there are several AMSAT members that have similar equipment and especially using the FT-847 rig. The rig has 78 general purpose memory channels and 12 satellite memory registers. Am I correct in stating that the rig's general purpose channels are not really good for satellite purposes and that I am limited to the 12 satellite memory registers? Scanning could be very helpful too. I am looking for the best way to program satellite frequencies into the rig for efficient and effective use of it's capabilities. If you have a listing showing how you arranged the frequencies, I would appreciate your sharing this information with me. There must be some time saving involved in preplanning the satellites into the rig. Thank you. Gary N0EZH Chesapeake VA USA

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satellite award question
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

I remember hearing about a non-AMSAT satellite award that was for working five stations on five satellites. I am looking for more information.please contact me off list at drjay(a)gatordental.com 73, Jay, AA4FL

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AO 16
by Ronald A. Stunden 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Is the beacon on 2401.143 in operation.? Or is the bird dead. Also heard LU Sat on 435.110? Thanks YC

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AO51 college nights march 4th and March 27th
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Per the AO51 schedule for March a second V/U repeater (Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM, NO PL Tone Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM) will be active at various times during the month. College Club and personal student stations have planned college nights from 23:30 UTC to 04:00 UTC and will be active on this AO51 repeater March 4th and March 27th. Make sure to spread the word to any college students or club members that you might know. We hope all AO51 users will come on to the repeater and work the college stations. If you are a college alumnus please add your school and year to your report/exchange (i.e. University of Florida, 1978 in my case). The repeater will be less busy than unusual and there should be ample time to exchange this extra information. The Entry line needed to append your SatPC32 doppler.sqf file is: AO-51,435150,145880,FM,FM,Nor,0,0,Voice V/U Also look for college stations to be on SO50, AO7, VO52, and GO32 on those same evenings. I look forward to seeing you on the birds meeting the students. Your involvement and mentorship is appreciated. Yours in assisting the next generation of leaders in Amateur Radio and AMSAT 73, Dr. Jay Garlitz, AA4FL Faculty Advisor, Gator Amateur Radio Club at UF, club station W4DFU www.gatorradio.org <http://www.gatorradio.org/> jgarlitz(a)ufl.edu

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Cochise Amateur Radio Association Demonstration
by K7WIN - Jeff 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

The Cochise Amateur Radio Association (CARA http://www.k7rdg.org/) Sierra Vista, AZ, will be conducting a satellite demonstration this evening (MAR 04, 2008) during the 02:27 to 02:41 UTC pass of AO-51. Stations operating will be K7WJS and K7WIN and will be QRV on both active AO-51 repeaters. On the 145.880/435.150 repeater we will yield to the university stations and will attempt contacting other stations if repeater is not too congested. 73 to all, Jeff - K7WIN

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To Order
by Martha 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Just a reminder that if you want to place an order, you can send me an email (martha(a)amsat.org) with a daytime phone number. I will return your call and take your order. That is called customer service! -- 73- Martha, AMSAT Manager

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Very few passes
by Fred (VE3FAL) 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Guess we have to wait for the batteries to charge on the birds. Only weak signals from PCSat and nothing from ISS. Fred VE3FAL --- avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 080301-0, 01/03/2008 Tested on: 01/03/2008 6:50:46 PM avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2008 ALWIL Software. http://www.avast.com

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Re: recent AO-40 efforts?
by "John Becker, WØJAB" 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Got to tell you this one. I listen for the middle beacon from time to time. The other evening while cleaning and oiling the ol 28 RTTY machine the wife's cat got in here and onto the desk. Must have hit just the right keys while walking across the keyboard and started a WAV file of the MB. My heart missed more then one beat. John, W0JAB if there is a fork in the road - take it ! At 03:10 PM 3/2/2008, you wrote: >Just dreaming-It's the year 2035 and 90 year old W7LRD, heard AO-40 for the first time in over thirty years. Using very antique equipment, that was not controled by mental telepathy. >73 Bob

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Re: recent AO-40 efforts?
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Just dreaming-It's the year 2035 and 90 year old W7LRD, heard AO-40 for the first time in over thirty years. Using very antique equipment, that was not controled by mental telepathy. 73 Bob -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Don Ferguson" <kd6ire(a)sbcglobal.net> > Auke de Jong, > > I believe AO-40 was designed by AMSAT to not allow both sets of batteries to > be disconnected. We should have learned with AO-7 that every satellite > should be able to work on solar power alone as eventually all batteries will > fail. It is my understanding that the only chance we have is if the > batteries burn open some day in the future. > > Someone else my be able to correct my understanding if I have misunderstood > the AO-40 design. Hopefully those who designed the power system have moved > on and we now have some better insight. > > Don > -----Original Message----- > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Auke de Jong, VE6PWN > Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 7:53 PM > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] recent AO-40 efforts? > > I noticed that during the last period of documented efforts to recover AO-40 > 4 years ago, there were promising results about hearing faint signals. By > my interpretation of those old reports, they basically confirmed that the > command receiver was working but could not get much else done with it. Now > that it has been officially silent for several years, has anyone tried to > send commands to it in order to disconnect the (shorted) battery banks via > the relays onboard? Given the changing sun-angles on the arrays and the > passage of time, as well as possible heating of certain onboard components > due to the constant supply of solar power to the shorted batteries, could > there be any possibility of (energizing) the battery-disconnect relays? I > presum e that they are in a fail-close arrangement, because if they were > fail-open, they should have already done-so due to the shunted power system. > Also, could the solar panels have fuses that have opened? could such fuses > be re-settable? > > I would be interested to hear what knowledge there exists about the present > status of AO-40, especially what "google" couldn't fetch. > > Auke de Jong > VE6PWN > DO33go > Edmonton, AB > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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