- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: Six Amateur Radio Satellites to Launch in March
by Robert Turlington 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

I follow with interest the future launch of so called Amateur Radio Satellites where in fact Delfi-C3 is probably the only one to carry a true Amateur radio payload the others , so far as I am concerned, just happen to use frequencies in the Amateur bands. It looks good on paper when we can say look at all these satellites on Amateur frequencies but this begs the question what is the true definition of an AMATEUR RADIO SATELLITE??? Regards Robert G8ATE > Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:15:54 +0000> From: m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Six Amateur Radio Satellites to Launch in March> > It looks like they'll be six Amateur Radio satellites launching in March> including Delfi-C3, see > > http://www.uk.amsat.org/ > > 73 Trevor M5AKA> > > > __________________________________________________________> Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com> > _______________________________________________> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _________________________________________________________________ Free games, great prizes - get gaming at Gamesbox. http://www.searchgamesbox.com

4 3

Re: Six Amateur Radio Satellites to Launch in March
by Bruce Robertson 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bruce Robertson <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> Date: Jan 16, 2008 2:07 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Six Amateur Radio Satellites to Launch in March To: David - M0ZLB <m0zlb(a)btinternet.com> David (and JoAnne): Cubesats seem regularly to elicit a kind of nostalgic sadness amount some of us, of which I consider your letter a representation. Like you, I take great pleasure in working other amateurs on voice or CW using satellites equipped for such operations; like you, I'm a bit in mourning for FO-29. However, I respectfully suggest that there might be a more hopeful, and ultimately more enjoyable, response to the current situation in LEO. I hope you don't mind me engaging these issues on the list in the hopes of fostering understanding in our corner of the hobby. I think this sadness is based in three ideas commonly held about cubesats which I would like to dispell. The first is a sense that we have declining prospects for linear communications in LEO if the number of prospective digital or one-way birds far exceeds the number of linear ones. Now, with the growing popularity of cubesat projects, it is clearly the case that a whole whack of digital and one-way digital birds are going up. But given that our bands are not being congested by them, this does nothing to reduce the number of linear project. In fact, we have a healthy roster of up-coming linear projects: KiwiSat, and the Chinese CAS-1 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/october2007/chinese_amateur_radio_satellit… for example.The Indians are talking about a second Hamsat. There should be much fun to be had in this area in the future. I'm not sure if any of these have prospects for a higher orbit like FO-29, but under the conditions as JoAnne outlined them, this has nothing to do with if or if not the cubesats fly. The second misconception is that a typical cubesat's mission is somehow tangential to the real purpose of the amateur satellite service. However much I would like each and every one of this cubes to carry a linear transponder -- because I like chatting with other hams through orbiting satellites -- I can't help but conclude that the Cubesats are doing very important work. Imagine telling the builders of OSCAR-1 that they're bird is not in the Amateur Service! Imagine telling them that in 50 years' time not only would there be a clutch of communications satellites for hams, but also university students around the world would collaborate with hams to operate birds that download pictures from orbit and conduct other experiments. Would they be disappointed? Or would they see these missions as wonderously fulfilling the promise of OSCAR-1? A third misconception is that digital operations (in which almost all cubesats participate) are difficult to undertake and also tangential to the amateur sat. service. Using radio to remotely control and communicate with a device that is orbiting the earth every 90 minutes from 100 miles up is a brilliant use of the radio service! Furthermore, it's pretty darn easy: 1200 bps AFSK can be read with a soundcard and a $99 HT; in fact, if you have a all-mode all-band radio, as cheap as the FT-817, the easiest bird to hear of all is LO-19, whose CW dialect booms in on my indoor quarter-wave whip. I can imagine that folks might think this is not exciting to do. I have found that regular telemetry collection can be very interesting and engaging, perhaps more like amateur astronomy than linear operations on the birds. If you want exciting, join the chat line in the days after a cubesat launch: teams of sleep-starved 20-somethings desperate for news of their Darlings in Space. Imagine the chance to be the first to report healthy telemetry from a new orbiting object. It really is a great time to participate, and it takes quite a bit of technical skill: I've come to admire Mineo's JE9PEL setup and that of Mike DK3WN as they routinely hear things first off the blocks. As for the current launch manifest, in fact, it can be argued that Delfi-C3 represents a remarkable benefit to linear operators that comes from the cubesat world. Rather than a disappointing singular example of a linear bird among the upcoming cubesats, it should, I believe, be taken as an example of what we have to gain from this new age of LEO building and launching. When before has the amateur service been effectively *given* a bird which will eventually be in linear service, with no appeal for launch or building costs? How can we ensure that others will do the same? We should shower the Delfi team with gratitude by giving them as much high-quality data as possible. After all, their research has direct bearing on our future work, too. But Delfi-C3's transponder is ground-breaking in another way: it pushes linear LEO satellites quite far down the cost/power curve. If this provides reliable comms. to those of us with modest az/el yagi setups, I think you will find other regional amateur teams jumping on the cubesat format for linear comms. at a very reasonable launch price (what, launch at $40,000 per cube?) Even more exciting is the prospect that university groups will team with AMSAT subgroups to make something like Delfi-C3: say, we hams will provide the comms for your digital mission, and then in a year we get a linear transponder. Based on the mission success of Delfi-C3, you can be assured that you'll get tons of data. Then there are amazingly clever ideas like Sat on a PCBoard and Dragonfly. Both of these ask the question, "how little power can we get away with in orbit, given the improving base stations?" Obviously this has gone far beyond a reply to David's letter. I hope it will be taken in the spirit it was written: as an encouragement toward excitement. Heraclitus said, a man never walks through the same river twice; similarly, we never will launch the same birds under the same circumstances. But with the right attitude the river is always beautiful and exciting, and so will be our hobby. 73, Bruce VE9QRP On Jan 16, 2008 8:23 AM, David - M0ZLB <m0zlb(a)btinternet.com> wrote: > Thanks for the links Bruce, I too couldn't find any frequency info after > Trevor's initial posting! > > Sadly I see that with the exception of Delfi, everything else is digital. > Surely it is imperative that we get more easy sats up there for the newbies > to cut their teeth on and then progress! With the loss of FO-29 to virtually > everyone out of the JA footprint, its becoming a specialised hobby - there > is a need to get back to basics here I would have thought! > > David > KG4ZLB > AMSAT UK > > > Bruce Robertson <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I think what seems to be rubbish to you is directed at different > audiences: the local media, colleagues in the university and funding > organizations, for example, none of whom are interested in > frequencies. > > Happily, we hams have the summarizing website of Ralf Wallio, W0RPK, > http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/CubeSat.htm > > Frequency information is also available from IARU: > http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/ > > 73, Bruce > VE9QRP > > On Jan 16, 2008 6:54 AM, Andrew Rich wrote: > > I wish some of these sat launchers would put as much effort into their > > webpages as their satellites. > > > > Most don't list frequencies and seem to me to be a completer afterthought. > > > > I get frustrated searching page after page of just rubbish to turn up > > nothing. > > > > Enlighten me > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Andrew Rich VK4TEC > > vk4tec(a)people.net.au > > http://www.tech-software.net > > > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]]On > > Behalf Of Trevor > > Sent: Wednesday, 16 January 2008 6:16 AM > > To: AMSAT BB > > Subject: [SPAM] [amsat-bb] Six Amateur Radio Satellites to Launch in > > March > > Importance: Low > > > > > > It looks like they'll be six Amateur Radio satellites launching in March > > including Delfi-C3, see > > > > http://www.uk.amsat.org/ > > > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ > > Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >

1 0

unsubscribe
by R.Haighton 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

unsubscribe

1 0

Observations From Norway.
by John Hackett 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

Hello folks, Linear satellites are getting a bit thin on the ground lately arn't they - and what with the (hopefully) temporary demise of AO-51 (a software reload) there's not much a satellite operator can do other than to make an appearance on AO-7 or VO-52. Therefore, I wrote the following 'missive' as a suggestion, so, instead of whinging, you can can get off your bum and chuck together a small interface for your FM handheld and try some QRP operating - you just might surprise yourself. While predominantly aimed at European operators I added this to the amsat-bb because there are a *LOT* of potential 'linear' folks among the FM operators "over there". Do please take the time to learn a little about power budgets and aerial gain etc. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> .................................................................................................. OBSERVATIONS FROM NORWAY LA2QAA 14 January 2008 An experiment, As many of us are aware, the average age of Hams is creeping up and satellite operators are no exception - we're heading faster toward 'extinction' as opposed to distinction. The much debated 'no code' exam - (to encourage more younger amateurs) - has, IMHO - had the complete opposite effect. With MSN and SMS why bother with Amateur Radio? ... the answer would be ... to do something you *CAN'T* do on your pet computer. So what can be done to turn around the negative trend of this sad state of affairs?. I don't pretend to have all the answers ... however ... One possible solution is to attract more of the 'FM only' amateurs onto linear satellites, to explore other means of communication so that they're not 'stuck' with the boring 'single user' solution. The usual fly in the ointment excuse, here is ... "but I haven't got any gear capable of for example CW" ... which is of course an excuse that is as weak as 'hiss' with a capital P. It is perfectly feasible to modulate an FM signal by switching on and off the carrier ... some people have used the PTT button to achieve this but a more elegant solution is to feed a controlled CW signal directly into the microphone input of an FM ... A.K.A. MCW modulation. Ahh! ... anti-social behaviour you say, sending 'FM' on a linear satellite - due to the power budget, since FM is a 100% duty cycle mode ... BUT !!! ... if one were to QRP by 25% as well as increase the aerial efficiency by 25% - (or any permutation giving the same results) - one would *NOT* be 'hogging' any more of the available transponder power than one normally would on a linear satellite. Remember, the difference between a satellite signal at the horizon and at TCA ( time of closest approach) - is quite dramatic ... (not that many people bother to regulate their power for ... "enough to do the job" ... or, as Bill used to say ... "Tis' vain to do with more, that which can be done with less". ("Bill" = William of Occam 1347). Regular users of AO-7 will be aware that while activity has increased this last 12 months in the afternoon and evening passes, the morning passes are still for all intents and purposes devoid of any signal at all. The increased use of AO-7 is most likely due to a lack of other 'linear' satellites, VO-52's apparent lack of activity is most probably due to the low orbit which results in an increased Doppler rate and smaller footprint. AO-7 does provide for 6500km footprints on a daily basis. Due to above "waffling" ... I intend to conduct a few QRP FM experiments on the mode-B morning passes. If you happen to hear an AO-7 'woodpecker' you might like to try switching to FM for a moment to see if you can hear some CW. As long as you keep your power low ... (LIMA - OSCAR - WHISKEY folks) ... QRP PLEASE ... you signal won't be any more detrimental than a CW or SSB one. Of course, you *WILL* have to take the bananas out of your ears and use them as they were intended ... to listen !!!!!. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

3 4

WD9EWK from DM32/DM42 via AO-51, 16 January
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

Hi! For this evening, I was originally planning a quick drive south of Phoenix to a location on the DM42/DM43 boundary for the 0235-0250 UTC AO-51 pass: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=33+n+11… I did this once recently, and knew there might be some interest in DM42. This pass was going to be a very nice pass for Arizona, where the satellite would have a maximum elevation of 89 degrees for that location on the DM42/DM43 boundary. Once I made it to that spot and saw I had a lot of time to spare, I quickly looked at my GPS receiver's map and decided to go to a different location for the pass. I ended up going a bit to the west, and parked on the DM32/DM42 boundary: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=32+52.7… This location is along Arizona route 84 west of Stanfield AZ in Pinal County, between Phoenix and Tucson near two freeways (west of I-10, north of I-8). Specifically, in grids DM32xv and DM42av, or 32.8793 N 112.0 W per my GPS receiver. Once I got to the spot and assembled my portable station, (IC-2720H and Arrow Antennas handheld Yagi - the same setup I just used on 12 January for a hamfest demonstration), I waited for the satellite to appear. I could hear it within 30 seconds, and it was strong! One problem appeared quickly... I could not hear myself through the satellite. After a couple of minutes of trying unsuccessfully, I changed radios. I went to my trusty IC-W32A handheld, and tried again. Still, nothing! I could not hear myself, and nobody else could hear me. At this point, 6 minutes into the 15-minute pass, I am getting frustrated in the middle of the desert. I make another change, to a Maldol AH-510R telescoping whip on the IC-W32A. I could hear the satellite just fine, as at this point it is almost directly overhead at the middle of the pass... and I was finally heard through the satellite! >From this point on, I was able to make 11 quick contacts in the next 8 minutes. I worked a couple of Mexican stations, one guy who saw my hamfest demo last weekend (he was in Tempe AZ, about 45 miles north of my location), and others sprinkled across the USA. It was really nice to hear AO-51 on after its recent problem, and it was very strong! I still need to take a close look at my Yagi. I am hoping the problems with the VHF elements are only related to improper assembly in the dark. I tested the IC-2720H on local 2m repeaters around Phoenix on my return to the city, and it worked fine. I had my Elk Antennas 2m/70cm log periodic in the back of my car, but to assemble that during a pass already in progress would have killed the remaining time I had. At least I was able to get on the air and operate from the 7th different Arizona grid via satellite since I caught this "bug" in late 2005 (DM32, DM33, DM34, DM42, DM43, DM44, DM45). 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - back home in Phoenix AZ http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

AO-51
by k3szh＠netzero.net 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

Just info worked David G1OCN at 21:48 utc.He was solid as a rock and yes we had a short qso no other stations heard, my elevation was only 1 deg. 73 Joe K3SZH AMSAT 3788 _____________________________________________________________ Click now to save big on brand name luggage. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tn9YYew10wCmJLyJQBCpE…

1 0

Re: More Eclipse Questions
by Gould Smith 16 Jan '08

16 Jan '08

Hello John, You are correct that heating is our main concern during no eclipse. We discussed different strageties last fall like TX off to not generate heat, and TX on as high as possible to use the sunlight that is converted to electricity. What isn't used is converted to heat. We decided that the best approach was to use as much energy as possible. When the satellite software crashed Sunday we were able to see the effect of no TX. Battery 1 temperature got 41/42 degreees C, not a good situation. Battery 1 is the only battery we have a temperature sensor on. We kept high TX power (2.28W) on TXA as soon as we recovered command and by the end of one orbit the temperature of Batt 1 had come down to 36 deg C. It is now running 33-34 deg C. Over the last year it has oscillated between 18 - 24 deg most of the time (there were exceptions). We had a number of people doing thermal modeling (like Dick Jansson) and his 30 degree C predictions are on the mark. I did a paper for the 2007 Symposium on the AO-51 power system and talked about these issues. The main chassis is hanging around 30 deg C when we have the TX running enough to keep the low battery voltage above 1.2V. The batteries don't work as well at 30 deg C, so we want to keep their low voltage above a minimum. Everything is looking well so far and we are getting consistent data, for a fixed total transmitter current setting. I will be uploading the 2008 telemetry data to an ftp site later tonight. There will be raw data, csv (comma separated variable) format after the conversion equations and some Excel data with graphs. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/telemetry/ao51/ Hope this helps. 73, Gould, WA4SXM ----- Original Message ----- From: John Henderson To: gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 7:11 PM Subject: More Eclipse Questions Gould, I have been following the threads on the AO-51 issues and I still do not quite understand the problem of " no eclipse". It seems to me the other side of the coin would be the problem from a power stand point. The " No eclipse" would be an overheating problem and I assume the systems are in place to avoid overcharging the batteries. I am confused on this issue. If you have the time, maybe you could clear this up for me. Best regards, John John Henderson N4NAB AMSAT Area Coordinator NC 212 Bayside Drive Cape Carteret, NC 28584 252-725-2744 n4nab(a)amsat.org http://www.amsat.org/

1 0

LVB tracker display problem
by Fer IW1DTU 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

Hello Wondering if someone can help. I just finish to build an LVB tracker for a friend of mine. All works fine with NOVA but during a satellite pass the display stuck as in the picture: http://it.geocities.com/supertrackmoon/lvb_display.jpg All other functions are OK and the tracker is still tracking the satellite. A quick restart (power off / power on) and display works again but after some minutes it is again stuck. It seems just only a display problem. Same behavior with other satellites passes. I built a couple of LVB units and I have been using an LVB tracker with NOVA for years without problems. Any ideas ? Fer IW1DTU

4 6

A question about two radio operation and doppler correction
by Michael A. Tondee 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

I'm in the market for a new or used satellite radio so I can get back into the swing of things and Ive explored several avenues including all the popular sat only or sat/HF combination rigs. I have nothing now really now so i'd like Hf capability as well. The money I was expecting for my new radio venture hasn't appeared as quickly as I would have liked so I've been researching a lot of ways to "skin the proverbial cat" so to speak. One of the first approaches I thought of was a two radio setup to allow full duplex operation with SatPc32. My plan was to accquire a couple of Yaesu FT-857's or 897's for this purpose.Unfortunately I've been told by several people and Erich also confirmed for me, on his FT-817 at least, that the radio will not allow frequency changes while transmitting. I know that these rigs are not true sat radio's per se but this seems odd to me. At any rate, in my mind, this would seriously affect the systems ability to carry out true doppler correction. Am I correct in this assumption or would it be sufficient for the tracking program to only update the TX in between transmissions? The only reason I've considered this approach is that it might be easier for me to buy one rig now and another a few months from now. I have a 2m FM which would allow me full duplex operation on the FM birds but later down the line after purchase of a second rig I would be able to go to the linear sats. I'm looking at true sat radios but this issue has been somewhat gnawing at me and I'd like to rule out the dual radio approach before continuing further in my deliberations. Thanks and 73, Michael, W4HIJ AMSAT # 36017

1 0

CATV 1/4 inch Loss at 430 MZ
by Mike Miller 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

I have about 150 ft.of CATV cable..(for home cable TV). think it is 1/4 inch. Does anyone know what loss figures at 430 MZ are for this cable...? Mike Miller KA5SMA

1 0

Sun or not
by Chris Bloy 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

Hi All, Ok, so moving on from other questions, how can you predict when the satellite will or won’t be in eclipse? I have seen reports saying that UO-11 will be out of sun light for this amount of time, how does one create these charts? Sorry for all the questions.. I am one of the young ones that John (LA2QAA) says we cant get more off J Thanks Chris No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.2/1224 - Release Date: 14/01/2008 17:39

2 2

Satellite Tracking for Mac OS 9?
by John Marranca, Jr 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

OK...with many thanks to everyone for helping me with my Linux questions...is there any software still available to track the satellites with OS 9? Is there any APRS software as well? Thanks again! John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

2 1

1.2ghz antenna location
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

Hello I will be mounting my 22 el 1.2Ghz yagi "inside" my HF 20,15, &10 meter quad. Has anyone tried something like this or even similar? If I mount it up near the top of the mast is might be faily close to my 10M driven loop. I also am considering mounting it 90 degrees to the quad boom and just figure that in whe aiming the short yagi. So what would be the closest I want the yagi to be to any of the HF wires? Part of the space inside the quad is taken up by a 3 foot primestar dish for 2.4 Ghz. So the antenna placement "up there " is getting a bit crowded. I want to try not to degrade 1.2 or my HF suff. The height will be about 50 feet. As Always- Thanks -- 73 Bob W7LRD "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" Carl Sagan

2 1

AO-51 is ON in mode U/V
by Luc Leblanc 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

On the 15:30 pass AO-51 was operational in mode U/V i make a QSO with N5UXB signal where very strong on both downlink data and audio. "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

1 0

Orbital humor
by Joe Fitzgerald 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

http://xkcd.com/21/ -Joe

1 0

APRS and Tracking Software for Linux?
by John Marranca, Jr 15 Jan '08

15 Jan '08

Hopefully someone can help me here. I am experimenting with Ubuntu Linux 6.06 LTS here...and I'm so far impressed with the speed and ease of use. It's certainly no Windows XP, but it's not bad. So...what are other Linux users using for APRS duty? Soundcard packet/APRS? Tracking? No hurry...since I'm not swtiching my 333 MHz Celeron. I'm just in the "learning curve". John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

7 6

Kenwood TH78a
by Arlon Nelson 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

I was wondering if anyone is using TH78a handheld to work AO-5, AO-27, and SO-51? If so wonder what downlink and upload frequencies you got programmed in? I got mine so it will take 436.800 but can't get 436.805 programmed. When I had a Icom IC-32 the downlink frequencies I had were as follows. 436.805 436.800 436.795 436.790 436.785 435.310 435.305 435.300 435.295 435.290 Just can't get it to take anything ending in 5. Any help sure would be appreciated. 73, Nels, WØTUP Minot, North Dakota anelson(a)min.midco.net - w0tup(a)arrl.net http://min.midco.net/ws

4 3

Simple Newbie Q? SGATE?
by Curt Nixon 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Good Day All: I am a newcomer to Sat Comm and began with APRS activity through ISS. I was successful with my mediocre set-up of J-pole old rg58 TM-241 and UISS w/soundcard and Orbitron. I pretty much understand the digi and gate topology and use of the new paradigm WIDEn-N but have a question. It is very confusing on proper paths and other issues because al ot of information is still online that is quite old and has no date attached. On the APRS through ARISS site it is suggested that success into the database will be improved by using a path of "via ARISS,SGATE,WIDE" I have found other info that says: NEVER NEVER NEVER use GATE in aVHF path--- If GATE is used to gate across from VHF to HF then what exactly is SGATE? I cannot seem to find a description of WHAT it means. I see that ISS uses SGATE on its own announcement messages but I see very few uplink messages using it. Also, if I am only wanting to utilize messages into my current sat footprint, is RFONLY a good path statement? Is there a current listing of all these somewhere? I was successful on several occasions now using via RS0ISS-4,SGATE,WIDE so it works but I don't want to be hogging up resources. Thanks for your patience, KU8L EN82hi

2 1

WGS72 & WGS66 Gravity Model Coefficients
by Willmott, Paul 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Back in 1998 in response to a request posted to this BB, someone sent me two files containing the WGS72 and WGS66 Gravity Model coefficients. Unfortunately due to a hard drive crash I have lost these files. If the original sender is still monitoring this BB, please could they send me the files once again. It would be greatly appreciated. 73 Paul Willmott, VP9MU AMSAT-BDA ********************************************************************************* This message and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be privileged and/or subject to the provisions of privacy legislation. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed and review by anyone else is unauthorized. Any use, disclosure, reproduction, modification or distribution of the contents of this e-mail, or any part thereof, other than by the intended recipient, is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this message in error, please notify the sender of this e-mail immediately by return e-mail and destroy the message and all copies in your possession. Oil Management Services Ltd *********************************************************************************

1 0

Re: [PNWVHFS] 1.2ghz antenna location
by Edward Cole 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Writing this late at night....I wrote it backwards. Obviously the 1.2G yagi will be inside the aperture of the HF quad, so try to keep the 1.2G yagi away from the quad and dish by the stacking distance of the 1.2G yagi to least impact its performance. The quad probably will not mind the presence of the yagi much. The 3-foot dish is a bigger item. sorry, Ed - KL7UW At 11:28 PM 1/13/2008, Edward Cole wrote: >When stacking antennas within the aperture of another then one >should try to keep the lower frequency antenna out of the aperture >of the higher frequency antenna. Use the stacking dimension of the >1.2 G antenna as minimum spacing. If you do not know what that is >then use half the boom length as min spacing. I would use that also >to keep the dish from affecting the pattern of the 1.2G antenna. > >Another goal is to try not to place booms parallel to a member of >the lower freq. antenna as this may cause coupling and distortion or >detuning of the lower freq. antenna. This would indicate that you >should mount the 1.2G yagi pointing in the same direction as that >places the boom perpendicular to the quad loops. > >I think there is some info on stacking VHF antennas on the Directive >Systems website. >73 Ed - KL7UW > >At 10:51 PM 1/13/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: >>Hello >>I will be mounting my 22 el 1.2Ghz yagi "inside" my HF 20,15, &10 >>meter quad. Has anyone tried something like this or even >>similar? If I mount it up near the top of the mast is might be >>faily close to my 10M driven loop. I also am considering mounting >>it 90 degrees to the quad boom and just figure that in whe aiming >>the short yagi. So what would be the closest I want the yagi to be >>to any of the HF wires? Part of the space inside the quad is taken >>up by a 3 foot primestar dish for 2.4 Ghz. So the antenna >>placement "up there " is getting a bit crowded. I want to try not >>to degrade 1.2 or my HF suff. The height will be about 50 feet. >>As Always- Thanks >> >>-- >>73 Bob W7LRD >>"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" >>Carl Sagan >> >>--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ >>~The Voice of the Pacific NorthWest VHF Society~ >>You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>Groups "PNWVHFS" group. >>To post to this group, send email to PNWVHFS(a)googlegroups.com >>To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>PNWVHFS-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com >>For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/PNWVHFS >>-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- > >73, >Ed - KL7UW >====================================== > BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com >144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w >DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com >====================================== 73, Ed - KL7UW ====================================== BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com 144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ======================================

1 0

Re: [PNWVHFS] 1.2ghz antenna location
by Edward Cole 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

When stacking antennas within the aperture of another then one should try to keep the lower frequency antenna out of the aperture of the higher frequency antenna. Use the stacking dimension of the 1.2 G antenna as minimum spacing. If you do not know what that is then use half the boom length as min spacing. I would use that also to keep the dish from affecting the pattern of the 1.2G antenna. Another goal is to try not to place booms parallel to a member of the lower freq. antenna as this may cause coupling and distortion or detuning of the lower freq. antenna. This would indicate that you should mount the 1.2G yagi pointing in the same direction as that places the boom perpendicular to the quad loops. I think there is some info on stacking VHF antennas on the Directive Systems website. 73 Ed - KL7UW At 10:51 PM 1/13/2008, w7lrd(a)comcast.net wrote: >Hello >I will be mounting my 22 el 1.2Ghz yagi "inside" my HF 20,15, &10 >meter quad. Has anyone tried something like this or even >similar? If I mount it up near the top of the mast is might be >faily close to my 10M driven loop. I also am considering mounting >it 90 degrees to the quad boom and just figure that in whe aiming >the short yagi. So what would be the closest I want the yagi to be >to any of the HF wires? Part of the space inside the quad is taken >up by a 3 foot primestar dish for 2.4 Ghz. So the antenna placement >"up there " is getting a bit crowded. I want to try not to degrade >1.2 or my HF suff. The height will be about 50 feet. >As Always- Thanks > >-- >73 Bob W7LRD >"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" >Carl Sagan > >--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ >~The Voice of the Pacific NorthWest VHF Society~ >You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >Groups "PNWVHFS" group. >To post to this group, send email to PNWVHFS(a)googlegroups.com >To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >PNWVHFS-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com >For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/PNWVHFS >-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- 73, Ed - KL7UW ====================================== BP40IQ 50-MHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com 144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xpol-20, 185w DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa(a)hotmail.com ======================================

1 0

High of Satellite to be in sunlight
by Chris Bloy 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Hi all, Strange question, I guess partly related to wanting to work AO-7 later this year. How do you know, or calculate whether a satellite is in sunlight even if the prediction programs shows it to be out of sunlight on the map?. I.e. will the satellite be illuminated even though the earth in the coverage area is not? I hope that makes sense?! Also, I have been trying to look in the archive and work out exactly when AO-7 will be in what mode during the passes over my QTH.. I try and use the Planet Emily site and Oscar.dcarr.org, but it appears to be mainly in mode A more then B? Finally, has anyone heard the beacon from her recently? Many thanks, Chris M0DQO IO90KU - UK No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.2/1221 - Release Date: 12/01/2008 14:04

4 5

Mak SV1BSX
by k3szh＠netzero.net 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Hello Mak Congratulation on your 1000 contact/qso's on AO7.This old satellite sure keeps our enthusiasm and spirits up.Well done Mak. PS. I sure miss the AO7 chat room 73 and best regards from a old friend JOe K3SZH Amsat 3788 since 1976 _____________________________________________________________ Click here to save cash and find low rates on auto loans. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4uZMY5onKmxKHQWSTmPXiZ…

1 0

AO-7 1000. SV1BSK.
by TERRY BROMLEY 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

Hi Mak, congratulation's in reaching the 1000 in the log. 73, Terry G1WPR.

1 0

Sat Panel version 2
by Andrew Rich 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

I have for some time wanted to make an indicator panel style of display to tell me what the status of several satellites was. I have now completed this task. A perl script watches over the world wide satellite data and sets some flags in mysql. A cgi web page then displays the status. Enjoy http://vk4tec.no-ip.org/cgi-bin/sat_panel_v2.cgi Andrew Rich VK4TEC

1 1

ANS-013 New Feature -ANS Bulletins Via AMSAT-BB
by JoAnne Maenpaa 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

As of the first of the year the weekly AMSAT News Service Bulletins will also be sent via the amsat-bb list to ensure maximum news coverage. (-editor) AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-013 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * AO-51 Report * Florida AMSAT Net Will Host W2GPS This Thursday * SW Conference * AMSAT Engineering Team Meets * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status - 07 January 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.01 AO-51 Report AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.01 The period of no eclipse for AO-51 is about a week old. The no eclipse period has proven to exhibit many short periods when the bad sun angle has caused the solar cells not to supply sufficient power, this has been supplemented by the batteries. We have increased the power output significantly over the last week, TXA (L/U digital BB) is now running 630 mW and TXB (analog V/U repeater) is running 820 mW. We plan on experimenting with the S-Band trans- mitter and a U-Band transmitter during the next couple of weeks. We do not have a published schedule as we are adapting the outputs to optimize the satellite operation and decrease the temperatures. Updated Note:1/13/2007-- AO-51 stopped transmitting and is going to be re-booted ASAP. Keep an "ear" on it. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM and the AO-51 Command team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.02 Florida AMSAT Net Will Host W2GPS This Thursday AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.02 AMSAT President, Rick Hambly, W2GPS will join the Florida AMSAT Net, Thursday Jan 17, 2008 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm EST to give a short status report and field questions. This net links repeaters all over Florida and via EchoLink so there is ample opportunity for those that want to listen or ask questions. The EchoLink nodes to connect through are: KG4YZY-R or N4HHA-R. Please try to connect to KG4YZY-R first via Echolink. If you are connecting via another repeater, please make certain that none of your repeater's IDs, squelch tails, etc are sent over the link, otherwise it gets real messy. The net's purpose is to provide a platform for hams with amateur satellite interest to meet and discuss topics of interest. All amateurs are invited to check in. Expect other AMSAT Officers and Board members to participate over the next few months. /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.03 SW Conference AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.03 A conference on global shortwave coordination will be held February in Kuala Lumpur. This, to try to resolve potential interference problems likely to affect shortwave transmissions. According to the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the February meeting will be hosted by VT Communications on behalf of the High Frequency Coordination Conference, the Arab States Broadcasting Union and the Asian Broadcasting Union. Using mutual coordination, delegates will try to resolve many of the potential interference problems that are likely to affect shortwave transmissions in the 2008 joint global broadcasting schedule. At present, a single global seasonal database of seasonal frequency requirements, compiled by the High Frequency Coordination Conference secretariat, assists in the coordination process. A new database of frequency requirements for the shortwave radio broadcasting season from March 30th to October 26th will be on the agenda of the conference. Hams will want to keep an eye on the outcome of this gathering because whatever is decided could impact on Amateur Radio operations in spectrum that shared with international shortwave. (Southgate) [ANS thanks ARNS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.04 AMSAT Engineering Team Meets AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.04 With the holiday season behind and everyone settling back into winter in the northern hemisphere, the AMSAT Engineering Team kicked off the new year with the first meeting of 2008 on Tuesday, January 8. Thirty-two radio amateurs met via a VoIP teleconference call to get down to work on AMSAT's main missions which include the Eagle Satellite, the geosynchronous Phase IV Lite rideshare opportunity with Intelsat, and educational support for university projects. Engineering project manager Barry Baines, WD4ASW moderated the meeting along with AMSAT's Vice President of Engineering, Bob McGwier, N4HY. AMSAT's volunteer engineers provided status and planning information for the projects listed below. Barry, Bob and engineering team members will provide members with detailed project information in future columns of the AMSAT Journal. Rick Hambly, W2GPS, AMSAT President, reported that negotiations are continuing with Intelsat and are now going to focus on size, weight, and cost of the geosynchronous rideshare arrangement. Rick reminded everyone that our mission must excite potential grant funding sources via our unique emergency communication and educational capabilities. Watch the Journal for future details! Matt Ettus, N2MJI has taken on the design of the Advanced Communication Payload. The first steps toward specification of the high speed digital channels, power requirements, uplink and downlink protocols, and class of stations supported have begun. Watch the Journal for future details! Howard Long, G6LVB continues work on the linear transponders based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology. Development and testing are underway. High altitude balloon, SuitSat2 and SSETI missions are planning to utilize this transponder technology to provide early experience prior to P3E and Eagle utilization. Watch the Journal for future details! Marc Franco, N2UO has started work on the VHF amplifier driver stage using the silicon carbide technology enabling the 86% efficiency of the main PA. Space rated components are under study. The 2 meter band HELAPS amplifier will be the initial design and possible scaling upward to the 70cm band is under consideration. Watch the Journal for future details! Lou McFadin, W5DID leads the team developing SuitSat-2. The internal housekeeping unit (IHU) and AMSAT's software defined transponder technology are the main items under development. Solar cells have been donated by NASA. A new antenna system on top of the helmet has been completed. Watch the Journal for future details! Bob Davis, KF4KSS, AMSAT Lab Manager reported on several good projects that have arisen out of the cooperative efforts of AMSAT and the HAWK Institute of Space Sciences at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Construction of the AMSAT lab in the 8500 square foot facility continues. The clean room and machine shop will be coming on line to begin the development of the Eagle satellite space frame. University students will utilize the facilities to develop and launch a high altitude balloon project and a university cubesat both carrying research-related and AMSAT-related payloads. Watch the Journal for future details! If you want to help with the AMSAT Engineering Team, send an e-mail to Bob N4HY via n4hy(a)amsat.org. [ANS thanks, Bob, N4HY, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.05 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.05 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.05 + Clint Bradford, K6LCS reports success from his Wednesday, January 9 AO-51 club demonstration. "AO-51 performed tremendously! We worked Mexico and a couple California stations", said Clint. + Ed Long, WA4SWJ, Editor, The AMSAT Journal reminds authors that the dead-line is approaching for article submissions for the Jan/Feb 08 Journal. If you have an article to submit Ed would love to have it as soon as possible. + AMSAT Store Manager, Bruce, KK5DO suggests you check out the new 2GB USB Flash Drive in an aluminum finish with the AMSAT logo in the store. Bruce says, "This has to be one of the best items we have carried. Something that all of us can use." + The current launch date for the PSLV-C9, carrying the NLS-4 set of nanosatellites (CanX-2, Delfi-C3, AAUSat-II, COMPASS-1,Cute-1.7+APDII, SEEDS) is February 14. + Reserve your seat! For his next big plan for the private space industry, Richard Branson is thinking up new ways to excite affluent space tourists: flying them into the biggest lightshow on Earth, the Aurora Borealis. Although the New Mexico Virgin Galactic Spaceport isn't scheduled for completion until 2010, the British entrepreneur is already planning his next project intended for cruises into the spectacular space phenomenon from an Arctic launchpad. (Universe Today) + Amateur radio to the moon? Possible rideshare arrangements to the moon via ESA and NASA student projects are discussed in the November/ December 2007 AMSAT Journal. Not a member? Didn't get the Journal? Sign up for membership today at http://www.amsat.org! [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.05 ARISS Status - 07 January 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.06 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.06 1. ARISS School Contacts Status Due to ISS crew schedules, no Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts are planned at this time. The ARISS team expects contacts to resume once STS-122 launches in late January. 2. Astronaut Training Status Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI, is scheduled for a training session in basic radio operations and school contacts on Tuesday, January 8. Creamer is a backup crew member for the Expedition 18 mission. 3. ARISS Annual Report The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) FY2007 annual report has been written and is being finalized. It will soon be posted on the ARISS section of the AMSAT Web site. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

1 0

Rich Hambly to talk with AMSAT members on FL AMSAT net
by Gould Smith 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

AMSAT President, Rick Hambly, W2GPS will join the Florida AMSAT Net, Thursday Jan 17, 2008 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm EST to give a short status report and field questions. This net links repeaters all over Florida and via EchoLink so there is ample opportunity for those that want to listen or ask questions. The EchoLink nodes to connect through are: KG4YZY-R or N4HHA-R. The net's purpose is to provide a platform for hams with amateur satellite interest to meet and discuss topics of interest. All amateurs are invited to check in. Expect other AMSAT Officers and Board members to participate over the next few months. 73, Gould, WA4SXM

1 0

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 20
by Kevin Forbes 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

Hello folks, there is a new website online. Mainly amateur radio, some free software is also available. Again, mostly related to amateur radio. Calculators and spacecraft imaging software. http://www.vk3ukf.com/ All the best, Kevin, VK3UKF. _________________________________________________________________ Your Future Starts Here. Dream it? Then be it! Find it at www.seek.com.au http://a.ninemsn.com.au/b.aspx?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fninemsn%2Eseek%2Ecom%2Eau%2…

1 0

Florida AMSAT Net Will Host W2GPS This Thursday
by JoAnne Maenpaa 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

AMSAT President, Rick Hambly, W2GPS will join the Florida AMSAT Net, Thursday Jan 17, 2008 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm EST to give a short status report and field questions. This net links repeaters all over Florida and via EchoLink so there is ample opportunity for those that want to listen or ask questions. The EchoLink nodes to connect through are: KG4YZY-R or N4HHA-R. The net's purpose is to provide a platform for hams with amateur satellite interest to meet and discuss topics of interest. All amateurs are invited to check in. Expect other AMSAT Officers and Board members to participate over the next few months. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

2 1

[ans] ANS-013 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Dee 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-013 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * AO-51 Report * SW Conference * AMSAT Engineering Team Meets * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status - 07 January 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.01 AO-51 Report AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.01 Correction to the previously sent news item. AO-51 update The period of no eclipse for AO-51 is about a week old. The no eclipse period has proven to exhibit many short periods when the bad sun angle has caused the solar cells not to supply sufficient power, this has been supplemented by the batteries. We have increased the power output significantly over the last week, TXA (L/U digital BB) is now running 630 mW and TXB (analog V/U repeater) is running 820 mW. We plan on experimenting with the S-Band trans- mitter and a U-Band transmitter during the next couple of weeks. We do not have a published schedule as we are adapting the outputs to optimize the satellite operation and decrease the temperatures. Updated Note:1/13/2007-- AO-51 stopped transmitting and is going to be re-booted ASAP. Keep an "ear" on it. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM and the AO-51 Command team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.02 SW Conference AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.02 A conference on global shortwave coordination will be held February in Kuala Lumpur. This, to try to resolve potential interference problems likely to affect shortwave transmissions. According to the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the February meeting will be hosted by VT Communications on behalf of the High Frequency Coordination Conference, the Arab States Broadcasting Union and the Asian Broadcasting Union. Using mutual coordination, delegates will try to resolve many of the potential interference problems that are likely to affect shortwave transmissions in the 2008 joint global broadcasting schedule. At present, a single global seasonal database of seasonal frequency requirements, compiled by the High Frequency Coordination Conference secretariat, assists in the coordination process. A new database of frequency requirements for the shortwave radio broadcasting season from March 30th to October 26th will be on the agenda of the conference. Hams will want to keep an eye on the outcome of this gathering because whatever is decided could impact on Amateur Radio operations in spectrum that shared with international shortwave. (Southgate) [ANS thanks ARNS for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.03 AMSAT Engineering Team Meets AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.03 With the holiday season behind and everyone settling back into winter in the northern hemisphere, the AMSAT Engineering Team kicked off the new year with the first meeting of 2008 on Tuesday, January 8. Thirty-two radio amateurs met via a VoIP teleconference call to get down to work on AMSAT's main missions which include the Eagle Satellite, the geosynchronous Phase IV Lite rideshare opportunity with Intelsat, and educational support for university projects. Engineering project manager Barry Baines, WD4ASW moderated the meeting along with AMSAT's Vice President of Engineering, Bob McGwier, N4HY. AMSAT's volunteer engineers provided status and planning information for the projects listed below. Barry, Bob and engineering team members will provide members with detailed project information in future columns of the AMSAT Journal. Rick Hambly, W2GPS, AMSAT President, reported that negotiations are continuing with Intelsat and are now going to focus on size, weight, and cost of the geosynchronous rideshare arrangement. Rick reminded everyone that our mission must excite potential grant funding sources via our unique emergency communication and educational capabilities. Watch the Journal for future details! Matt Ettus, N2MJI has taken on the design of the Advanced Communication Payload. The first steps toward specification of the high speed digital channels, power requirements, uplink and downlink protocols, and class of stations supported have begun. Watch the Journal for future details! Howard Long, G6LVB continues work on the linear transponders based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology. Development and testing are underway. High altitude balloon, SuitSat2 and SSETI missions are planning to utilize this transponder technology to provide early experience prior to P3E and Eagle utilization. Watch the Journal for future details! Marc Franco, N2UO has started work on the VHF amplifier driver stage using the silicon carbide technology enabling the 86% efficiency of the main PA. Space rated components are under study. The 2 meter band HELAPS amplifier will be the initial design and possible scaling upward to the 70cm band is under consideration. Watch the Journal for future details! Lou McFadin, W5DID leads the team developing SuitSat-2. The internal housekeeping unit (IHU) and AMSAT's software defined transponder technology are the main items under development. Solar cells have been donated by NASA. A new antenna system on top of the helmet has been completed. Watch the Journal for future details! Bob Davis, KF4KSS, AMSAT Lab Manager reported on several good projects that have arisen out of the cooperative efforts of AMSAT and the HAWK Institute of Space Sciences at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Construction of the AMSAT lab in the 8500 square foot facility continues. The clean room and machine shop will be coming on line to begin the development of the Eagle satellite space frame. University students will utilize the facilities to develop and launch a high altitude balloon project and a university cubesat both carrying research-related and AMSAT-related payloads. Watch the Journal for future details! If you want to help with the AMSAT Engineering Team, send an e-mail to Bob N4HY via n4hy(a)amsat.org. [ANS thanks, Bob, N4HY, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.04 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.04 Satellite Shorts From All Over + Clint Bradford, K6LCS reports success from his Wednesday, January 9 AO-51 club demonstration. "AO-51 performed tremendously! We worked Mexico and a couple California stations", said Clint. + Drew, KO4MA, AMSAT-NA VP Operations, says, "The satellite is now in full sun, with no eclipses, for the next several months. The downlink power has been increased substantially, to 630mw on the data side, and 820mw on the repeater side. Temperatures aboard the satellite have increased, but are within expectations". + Ed Long, WA4SWJ, Editor, The AMSAT Journal reminds authors that the dead-line is approaching for article submissions for the Jan/Feb 08 Journal. If you have an article to submit Ed would love to have it as soon as possible. + AMSAT Store Manager, Bruce, KK5DO suggests you check out the new 2GB USB Flash Drive in an aluminum finish with the AMSAT logo in the store. Bruce says, "This has to be one of the best items we have carried. Something that all of us can use." + The current launch date for the PSLV-C9, carrying the NLS-4 set of nanosatellites (CanX-2, Delfi-C3, AAUSat-II, COMPASS-1, Cute-1.7+APDII, SEEDS) is February 14. + Reserve your seat! For his next big plan for the private space industry, Richard Branson is thinking up new ways to excite affluent space tourists: flying them into the biggest lightshow on Earth, the Aurora Borealis. Although the New Mexico Virgin Galactic Spaceport isn't scheduled for com-pletion until 2010, the British entrepreneur is already planning his next project intended for cruises into the spectacular space phenomenon from an Arctic launchpad. (Universe Today) + Amateur radio to the moon? Possible rideshare arrangements to the moon via ESA and NASA student projects are discussed in the November/ December 2007 AMSAT Journal. Not a member? Didn't get the Journal? Sign up for membership today at http://www.amsat.org! [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-013.05 ARISS Status - 07 January 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 013.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 13, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-013.05 ARISS STATUS 07 January 2008 1. ARISS School Contacts Status Due to ISS crew schedules, no Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts are planned at this time. The ARISS team expects contacts to resume once STS-122 launches in late January. 2. Astronaut Training Status Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI, is scheduled for a training session in basic radio operations and school contacts on Tuesday, January 8. Creamer is a backup crew member for the Expedition 18 mission. 3. ARISS Annual Report The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) FY2007 annual report has been written and is being finalized. It will soon be posted on the ARISS section of the AMSAT Web site. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org

1 0

geloso 3-pin jack
by Scott Smith 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

hi, maybe some of the older chaps might remember this kind of jack. I would like to know where i could buy one and if someone could send me a diagram how to make a cord to go from the geloso (3pin out-put plug) to a 1/4 mono jack. Hope all had a very good new year. 73 de ve6itv Scott

2 1

AO-51 operation off
by Gould Smith 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

AO-51 stopped transmitting and went into Boot Loader mode. The command team has reset the satellite and have the digital downlink up and running. We will reload the satellite as quickly as possible. 73, Gould, WA4SXM AO-51 Command Team

1 0

Moonbounce/Early Spy Satellites
by Trevor 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

The use of moonbounce and Early Spy Satellites get a mention in this 56 minute Google Tech Talk presentation which deals with the largely unrecognised work of Fred Terman whose favourite hobby as a boy was Amateur Radio. See YouTube - The Secret History of Silicon Valley http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2008/silicon_valley.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 - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

1 0

OH8MBN
by k3szh＠netzero.net 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

Hi Mika Time flies CONGRATULATION on your 1000 plus qso's on AO7,Your signal is always great on this side of the pond. 73 Joe K3SZH Amsat 3788 _____________________________________________________________ Click now to save big on brand name luggage. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tn9Y1A6Hjc8dfwSSqODXN…

1 0

FW: [psk31] New Film With Amateur Radio Theme......
by John R. Klim II 13 Jan '08

13 Jan '08

Nice trailer, if you have time watch it. 73 ES CUL =========================================== Mr. John R. Klim II N3KHK ARRL LM-0008416263, AMSAT LM-2187, QRPARCI #10392, FISTS # 5015, MQFD #115, 10-X Life Member # 68135, Springbok Chapter # 1874, Chesapeake Bay Chapter # 549 -----Original Message----- From: psk31(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tom Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 8:34 PM To: psk31(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: [psk31] New Film With Amateur Radio Theme...... I though this might be of interest to some of you..... link to YouTube trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L81DqSpkz7M Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psk31/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psk31/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: psk31-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

1 0

Re: Trasatlantic QSO on AO-51
by Luc Leblanc 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

The grid JO station has been indentified it is Ib OZ1MY from Denmark missed the QSO be half a degree it is a very near edge horizon scraping last second type of contact... > Transatlantic QSO is actually possible on AO-51 from my grid FN36 i copy a > station in grid JO and make a QSO with EA8CEI Alberto on Canary Island when the > satellite was at 3 degrees of elevation (4 deg max on that early morning > pass). Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

1 0

Coax cable
by John Wright 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

I have some 15mtr long off-cuts of coaxial cable, I'm having trouble identifying. It is marked " WESTERN WIRE 9119 WTV 01105 SUPER 3 SHIELDED CATV LV" Anyone any ideas? can't seen to find any data on it. I assume it is 75 ohm, being CATV cable

2 1

wisp help
by Andrew Rich 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Hello Wondering if someone can help I am trying to get WISP to track the ISS. I have updated the keps and wisp says "ISS - added to database" But any attempt to get it to track says "ISS is not in the database" Ideas ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

4 8

AMSAT Web Update
by JoAnne Maenpaa 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Hello everyone, The http://www.amsat.org web page has been updated with an executive summary of the EAGLE engineering team meeting which was held on Tuesday, January 8. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

1 0

Trasatlantic QSO on AO-51
by Luc Leblanc 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Transatlantic QSO is actually possible on AO-51 from my grid FN36 i copy a station in grid JO and make a QSO with EA8CEI Alberto on Canary Island when the satellite was at 3 degrees of elevation (4 deg max on that early morning pass). Feel quite alone on this over the Atlantic pass no one show up in North America? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Nice video http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3wrzo_fabrication-dune-lampe-triode_tech WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

1 0

1 watt pa
by Nick Pugh 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Hi All The cubesat team at UL is looking for a power amp design 144 and 435 MHz 1 watt amplifier that has about 30 db gain and works on 3 volts with > 70% efficiency. Any ideas. thanks nick

1 0

RS-22 telemetry Jan 12, 2008
by Mike Rupprecht 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Date: Jan 12, 2008 0918 UTC UBS 139 IBS 20 USUN 147 ISUN 65 ITXA 0 ITXB 0 TTXA 110 TTXB 108 TNAP 108 TCTR 109 TSBA 108 TSBB 105 MODB 129 MODC 6 MTX 35 MRX 32 OnBoard Voltage: 13,9 V OnBoard Current: 0,2 mA Charge Voltage from Solar Batterie: 14,7 V Charge current from solar battery 0,65 mA D.C. current of the 435 MHz TX: 0 mA D.C. current of the 145 MHz TX: 0 mA Temperature of the 435 MHz TX: 10 °C Temperature of the 145 MHz TX: 8 °C Temperature of the Navigation Unit: 8 °C Temperature of the Controller: 9 °C Temperature of the inner case: 8 °C Temperature of the outer case: 5 °C Housekeeping info: 129 Housekeeping info: 6 Housekeeping info: 35 Housekeeping info: 32 73, Mike DK3WN

1 0

Re: [eu-amsat] "Top" of AO-7's LOG
by John Hackett 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Note also JH3XCU/1 still climbing up the list ... with no QSO's whatsoever. 10th most active operator on AO-7 ??? ... err, I don't think so. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com From: sv1bsx(a)yahoo.gr Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:03:56 +0200 Subject: [eu-amsat] "Top" of AO-7's LOG Congrat's to Mika, OH8MBN ! He is the 5th European station above 1000 points in to Emily's OnLine LogBook for AO-7 . Good one Mika ! I wish you good luck for the next step, at... 2000 points ! 73, Mak SV1BSX Email: sv1bsx "AT" yahoo .gr URL : http://sv1bsx.50webs.com avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 080110-0, 01/10/2008 Tested on: 1/11/2008 19:20:13 avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2008 ALWIL Software. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar MARKETPLACE Earn your degree in as few as 2 years - Advance your career with an AS, BS, MS degree - College-Finder.net. Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 2 New Members 1 New Files Visit Your Group Moderator Central Yahoo! Groups Join and receive produce updates. Sell Online Start selling with our award-winning e-commerce tools. Cat Groups on Yahoo! Groups discuss everything related to cats. . __,_._,___

1 0

Demos at Fort Worth Hamfest 11-12 Jan 2008
by Pughkeithd＠cs.com 12 Jan '08

12 Jan '08

Satellite Operators, It looks like a busy weekend for Hamfest Demos. We also plan to be on the Birds from the Fort Worth Hamfest. We will try for the following passes (UTC): 01/11/08 2357 AO-07 01/12/08 0017 AO-51 0154 AO-51 1406 AO-51 1546 AO-51 1554 VO-52 1730 VO-52 2003 SO-50 2100 AO-27 2144 SO-50 We plan to use the Lockheed Martin Amateur Radio Club call - W5SJZ; however, the individuals staffing the operation may elect to use their own calls: W5IU, WA5QGD, KA2UPW, and WA0D. The SSB/CW Birds are a little "iffy" at the moment, but we should be on the FM Birds for sure. See you then! 73 - Keith, W5IU

2 1

Recollections of OSCAR-9 & Salyut Decay Competitions
by Clive Wallis 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Hi, Here is some information about the OSCAR-9 & Salyut-7 decay competitions. I've compiled this from OSCAR News (the magazine of AMSAT-UK), and from my own records and memory. I would be most interested in any additional information about these activities, which may have been remembered or published. The decay competition was first suggested by Craig Underwood, G1WTW of the University of Surrey (UoS), in February 1989. In a text bulletin broadcast on OSCAR-11, he anounced the rules of the competition which was to predict the day on which UoSat-1 will decay completely. the entry to be sent at least one month before the prediction. The prize for the winning entry was a UoSAT sweatshirt. Craig also posted a table of satellite height and mean motion, showing the orbital decay between mid 1988 and end of January 1989. The task of running the competition was then passed to AMSAT-UK, who added additional prizes, any item of AMSAT software and two AMSAT-UK T shirts. Five entries were allowed per person, to be precicted one month before the event. OSCAR-9 decayed at 07:51:49 UTC on Friday 13 October 1989. The results of the competition were anounced by Ron G3AAJ on the AMSAT-UK eighty metre net the following Sunday. The winner was Geoff Roberts G3ENY (15 October). My entry was second or second equals (October 11), Unfortunately I can't remember the other runners up. In his monthly news bulletin, broadcast at the end of October, Richard G3RWL reported - "Max White at the Royal Greenwich Observatory reports that UoSAT-OSCAR-9 (UoSAT-1) decayed on Friday 13th October at 0751.49 GMT on Rev 44761. Two possible locations for the final decay are given by different agencies: 49.2S 220.9E and 46.4S 220.0E These locations are over the South Pacific and were probably out of range of any receiving stations. The last report of telemetry we have so far is from K9CIS at the Richmond Community College in the USA. They heard the satellite between 03:43 and 03:49 on 13th October, and reported good signal strength and nominal telemetry. Any telemetry or reports from the last 6 hours of UO-9's life would be appreciated by the UoS." The following announcement appeared in the news bulletin on OSCAR-11 - "UoSAT-1 decayed on 131089 at 0751.49 GMT on Rev 44761 around 49.2S 220.9E and 46.4S 220.0E. Any telemetry or reports from the last 6 hours of UO-9's life would be appreciated by UoS - thanks to all those who have already submitted reports." The winner of the competition was also mentioned in the next OSCAR News, December 1989, but no mention of the runners up! I never received a prize, (I didn't like to ask!). Interestingly, there was also an item in the same issue of Oscar News from 'The Westlink Report' saying that UO-9 was last heard on 435.025 MHz. by ZS6CCD at 12:00 UTC. I last heard OSCAR-9 on 12 October at 20:31 UTC (TCA) transmitting telemetry & WOD. Here is one of the last frames I received - UOSAT-1 8910120203424 COMPUTER GENERATED TELEMETRY 00100101020302645503000304000405591806275607397A08450909557E 10100011010112000313000214024315832D163545176303184508195418 20150621020122615223000124009F25412026425727334128450B295608 30000331020032666733244234011735306336354737392C38457D39541A 40110441080D42743643000744140545001046003147447448463D494898 50110551080C52272053156454463055361456444757447558461E59471E Examination of this telemetry, shows that the 435 MHz. beacon is OFF. There had been some interest in the decay of OSCAT-9's orbit well before the competition was suggested. At the 1987 AMSAT-UK Colloquium, Peter Cleal G8AFN presented a paper describing factors affecting the decay of the satellite. He queried why the satellite was still in orbit when the expected orbital life was five years from 1981, and why the orbital calendars for UO-9 were often incorrect. Peter precicted that the satellite would decay in March 1990, plus or minus three months. Excellent for such a long term prediction. This paper was published in OSCAR News April 1988. There were no Colloquium proceedings in those days. At the 1989 AMSAT-UK Data Space Collloquium, Peter presented another paper detailing how he related the decay of the satellite to variations in solar activity and other factors. Geoff G3ENY was a worthy winner of the competition, as his entry dated 30 June was published in August's OSCAR News. It showed graph of height against time. His predictions (all guesses he said) varied from 06 August to 10 November, with the winning entry 15 October nicely in the middle of the range. Geoff also wrote two articles in OSCAR News about solar activity, and mentioned that a burst of solar activity in March had doubled the rate of UO-9's decay. Regarding my own predictions, after some initial unsuccessful attempts at curve fitting, I decided a scientific approach was needed. The density of the exosphere appeared to be the most likely factor determining the rate of decay, which could be integrated to give change in height. The density is a function of height and exospheric temperature, and was determined by using a simple look-up table. The temperature was determined by solar radiation, and some periodic time related factors. The method I used was to statistically analyse the historic data. This produced results which were then used with solar predictions, to do a day by day calculation of decay rate & height until the critical re-entry height was reached. I used a floppy disk based BBC-B Micro computer programmed in BASIC, for all the calculations. My source of the daily 10.7GHz. solar information was the weekly printed bulletins from the U.S Solar Observation Centre at Boulder, Colorado. The values of 3-monthly flux were obtained from tables published in the Wireless Engineer magazine. Those were the days before the Internet! The method only yielded partial success, and I tended to get different results every time the software was run. My five predictions dated between 27 August and 10 September, were October 11, 17, 20. 24 & 31 One problem in 1989 was getting Keplerian elements. AMSAT-UK usually downloaded them from a bulletin board in North America via an expensive transalantic telephone call. These were then read out on the AMSAT-UK 80 metre net. Often there was a burst of interference just as the vital mean motion was being read out! Keplers were also available on the packet radio system and on OSCAR-11. Peter G8AFN and I often used to meet at Stevenage railway station, where we changed trains on our way to work, in the mornings. We exchanged the latest Keplers, and details of our observations. To obtain updated values of mean motion I developed a method of using the observed values of the time of closest approach (TCA), ie zero Doppler. The error between actual TCA and predicted TCA could then be used to correct the mean motion. Thus daily values of mean motion and decay rate were calculated. One interesting outcome of this study was that I found that the measured decay rate was usually twice the 'Drag' value in the Keplerian elements. The units of drag are often wrongly described as revs/day/day. They should be double-revs/day/day. This may have accounted for errors in the orbital calandar for OSCAR-9. The Salyut-7 decay competition was organised by Pat Gowen G3IOR and AMSAT-UK. Details were published in OSCAR News December 1990. The time and date of re-entry was required, which had to be received at least one week before the event. Three entries were allowed. The prize was a handsome set of commemorative Soviet space stamps. Salyut-7 crashed to earth in Chile at 03:44 UTC on 07 February 1991. Details were published on the amateur packet/satellite network and in OSCAR News April 1991. There were over 100 entries, from all over the world. The winner of the competition was Mike Billow N1BEE, who predicted 03:30, just 17 minutes early. Second was Hazel, XYL of G3FMQ at 04:19. I came third at 08:24. Other close contenders included LA4XC, G4ODC, G4BDW, W3/G3ZCZ, G3LDI, G3FMQ, G4CUO, G4FKC, PA0DLO, G0BAF, G4ULS, VE3EFX and WB6LLO, who all came up with predictions superior to the estimates produced by the professional agencies. I received a magnificient certificate, designed and hand painted by Norma, G3IOR's XYL. Duplicates of the space stamps were also included. A similar method was used for the calculations, which used files of mean motion, solar flux, and historic three month solar flux data. Trust this is of interest, and looking forward to any comments. 73 Clive G3CWV Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, UK.

2 1

moonbounce on 40 meters
by Daniel Schultz 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Scientists Detect Lowest Frequency Radar Echo From The Moon Washington DC (SPX) Jan 09, 2008 A team of scientists from the Naval Research Laboratory, the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL's) Research Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and the University of New Mexico (UNM) has detected the lowest frequency radar echo from the moon ever seen with earth-based receivers. In the lunar echo experiment (more properly called a lunar bistatic radar experiment), the Air Force/Navy High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) high power transmitter, located near Gakona, Alaska, launched high power radio waves toward the moon. The reflected signal, weakened because of the long distance to the moon and back, was detected by receiving antennas in New Mexico. NRL consultant scientist Dr. Paul Rodriguez, of NRL's Information Technology Division, who conceived and proposed the experiment explains, "Analysis of the echo gives information on the properties of the lunar sub-surface topography, because the low frequency radar waves propagate to varying depths below the visible surface of the moon. It is somewhat like sonar, except that we are using electromagnetic waves rather than sound waves. The experiment also allows us to study the interaction of the echo signal with the earth's ionosphere along its return path, because the ionosphere is only partially transparent at low frequencies." During the experiment, which was carried out on Oct. 28 and 29, 2007, the radar signals from HAARP were at 7.4075 MHz and 9.4075 MHz. Both the transmitted signal and the echo from the moon were detected by NRL Remote Sensing Division scientist, Dr. Kenneth Stewart, and NRL engineer Brian Hicks with antennas built for the Long Wavelength Array (LWA). LWA is a radio interferometer being built in the desert west of Socorro, N.M., by UNM, NRL, the Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Texas at Austin, Virginia Tech, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, for studies of space physics and astrophysics. The LWA is intended to work below the 88 MHz edge of the FM band, but to get down to the HAARP signal frequencies, the antennas were equipped with digital receivers and specially designed matching networks developed by Stewart, Hicks, and engineer Nagini Paravastu at NRL. "Detecting the very weak radio signals after their round trip to the moon and back was challenging and required careful modification of the LWA antennas to improve their performance at these frequencies," says Stewart. NRL LWA Project Scientist Dr. Namir Kassim notes, "One of the successful goals of this experiment was to demonstrate that the LWA can work with instruments like HAARP at lower frequencies than its nominal design." The HAARP radar antenna array was "phased" to point about 45 degrees away from the zenith, in order to track and directly illuminate the moon. Its full total power capability, about 3.6 MW, was used to transmit pulses two seconds in length every five seconds over a period of two hours each day, one hour at each frequency. Using such a pulse pattern makes the echo, which arrives back from the moon 2.4 seconds later, immediately recognizable, allowing the scientists to distinguish the moon's echo signal from the HAARP signal. The HAARP signal reached the receiving antennas in New Mexico by reflecting off the underside of the ionosphere, the region of the Earth's atmosphere from 50 to 400 km in altitude that is partially ionized by solar radiation. The lunar echo measurements at 7.4075 MHZ are believed to be the lowest frequency (longest wavelength) at which bistatic radar measurements have been conducted. "Even though lunar echoes have been detected before at higher frequencies, it was really exciting to see them arrive in real time out under the full moon in the New Mexico desert," says NRL's Hicks. http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Scientists_Detect_Lowest_Frequency_Radar_E…

2 1

MacWorld San Francisco
by Clint Bradford 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Who else will be attending MacWorld next week in San Francisco? May I suggest 442.050+ CTCSS 127.3 as a local repeater, and, say, 146.550 as local simplex for monitoring??? Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

3 2

1000, congatulations ao-7 contact's.
by TERRY BROMLEY 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

mika OH8MBN well done Mika. I'm glad to be in your 1000 contacts. 73 Terry G1WPR.

1 0

Sat station coverage map
by Andrew Rich 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

I had an idea 1. When ISS is heard direct 2. Ask predict for the lat and lon and alt of ISS 3. Ask the radio for signal strength 4. Place the data into a mysql table 5. Plot on google earth positions where ISS is heard 6. Draw lines from my qth to where ISS was heard in 3D 3D coverage maps ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

1 0

SatPC32 and Yeasu G5500 Interface
by Rm2642＠aol.com 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

I have two satellite tracking programs operating at the same time. SatPC32 and Nova. SatPC for Doppler compensation duty (FT 736R CAT) and Nova for satellite tracking duty. Nova drives a Yeasu G5500 rotor controller box. I would be very happy if SatPC32 would interface with my G5500 Controller but I cannot find a setup using a parallel interface cable compatible with SatPC32. The interface cable I use now is from Nova called a SASI Sat Tracker interface. I don't think SatPC32 recognizes the SASI. Any tips on this subject greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ron n6paa **************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

3 2

Re: Ofcom publish Radio Amateur response to 24 GHz radar Consultation
by Trevor 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2008/24ghz_responses.htm __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

1 0

Ofcom publish Radio Amateur response to 24 GHz radar Consultation
by Trevor 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Ofcom have published on their website the joint response by RSGB, UKuG and AMSAT-UK to the latest Automotive Short Range Radar 24 GHz consultation 73 Trevor M5AKA --------------- Daily Amateur Radio RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email your news items to: editor at southgatearc.org News On Your Website: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/index.htm News On Your PC: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/newsreader.htm Upload Your News: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm --------------- __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

1 0

IC-1271A
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Hello Does anyone have any experience of running a sequencer with an IC-1271A? Contact off list. -- 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT member 28498 Seattle

1 0

AO-51 demo Saturday morning (12 January)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Hi! I will be part of the AMSAT table at the ThunderBird Amateur Radio Club's "Westfest" in Glendale, Arizona, Saturday morning. As part of the AMSAT table, I will do on-air demonstrations using AO-51 during the 1407 and 1545 UTC passes. For the demonstrations, I will use my call WD9EWK. The hamfest is indoors, in the Activity Center at the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management in Glendale - a west-side suburb of the Arizona capital, Phoenix, in grid DM33vo. Demonstrations will be done outside the building, similar to how AMSAT's demonstrations are done at Dayton. The hamfest hours are 7am-12 noon (1400-1900 UTC). More information about the hamfest can be found at: http://www.w7tbc.org/Westfest.html I hope to work some of you during these two passes. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

AO-51 Status
by Clint Bradford 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

The AO-51 Control Team wasn't overly optimistic regarding my demo of AO-51 in DM14 last night at 7:14pm PST... But AO-51 performed tremendously! We worked Mexico and a couple California stations...and actually went back inside the meeting room only about half way through the pass for my presentation. Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

3 3

Mapping contacts
by Ed Tump 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

Folks, Are there ways to have an image like a map of the US and update it with each satellite contact? Where the map would show my home QTH and then show a dot, icon, etc, where the contacts grid is? This would be something I could keep as an image or print when needed. Thanks, Ed

4 3

ICOM 910
by Andrew Rich 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

Need some advice. Can I do this with the ICOM 910 ? 1. Run ISS independantly on VFOA with a 1200 baud TNC. (and TX) 2. Run GO-32 / AO-51 on the sub band (RX only) 9k6 - WITH an AG-35 preamp in line ? >From what I am reading, the AG-35 or AG-25 for that matter, are powered up the coax ?? I have a KPC9612 TNC with seperate 1200 9k6 ports. That should work out nicely ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

3 7

Re: Mapping contacts
by Keith N4ZQ 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

Take a look at VQLog by EA6VQ. It handles grid squares very well with a nice map presentation. http://www.vhfdx.net/vqlog.html Keith N4ZQ -- "Ed Tump" <ed(a)squaretfarm.com> wrote: Folks, Are there ways to have an image like a map of the US and update it with each satellite contact? Where the map would show my home QTH and then show a dot, icon, etc, where the contacts grid is? This would be something I could keep as an image or print when needed. Thanks, Ed _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Live the good life! Click now for great retirement planning assistance! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tGVVj4Lc3l5Uz6AUBsE0a…

1 0

Plotting QSOs on a map
by PDC 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

Ed Tump said: *Are there ways to have an image like a map of the US and update it with each satellite contact? Where the map would show my home QTH and then show a dot, icon, etc, where the contacts grid is? This would be something I could keep as an image or print when needed.* Personally, I use Google Earth (http://earth.google.com) for my QSO plotting needs. Although you'll have to enter the QSOs by hand. The Google Earth software is free for the downloading, and once you have the software you can see plots of my QSOs for last year and this year at http://www.squidzone.ca/ve3oij Another ham was working on a better presentation within Google Earth, but at the most basic level, you can enter your QSOs and show them as icons on the globe. You can convert grids to lat/long at http://www.amsat.org/amsat/toys/ for plotting them on Google Earth Darin Cowan VE3OIJ

1 0

Re: ICOM 910
by George Henry 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

-----Original Message----- >From: Andrew Rich <vk4tec(a)people.net.au> >Sent: Jan 10, 2008 4:14 AM >To: Dave Aitch <dave(a)g1ocn.com> >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ICOM 910 > >IC-910 Arrived today > >Man - nice radio > >Sorry to my old ft-736, but a new car is in the garage. > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Andrew Rich VK4TEC >vk4tec(a)people.net.au <mailto:[email protected]> >http://www.tech-software.net Congratulations on the new rig! I borrowed a 910H for Field Day 2001, and loved it so much I ran out and bought my own. Never looked at anything else, and have never looked back. 73, George, KA3HSW

2 1

Cable question
by Ollie Eisman 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

Hi everyone, I would like to use a G-5500 rotor on top of a 20' telescopic mast with 2m and 70cm sat antennas. Assuming this isn't a bad idea to begin with, my next goal is to find RF cables that will work best with this type of tower given it will be raised and lowered frequently, thus causing a lot of extra cable flex. (I am not even sure of the best way to run cables up the to rotors when the mast is telescopic - ideas?) I am looking at 20+' for the tower plus another 50' or so back to the shack. An suggestions? Love those covenants... :) 73, Ollie, AJ1O

5 4

Use of AmSat logo
by Ed Tump 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

Folks, I noticed some folks use the logo on their web sites. Is this allowed freely or must one obtain written permission from AmSat? 73, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

2 1

Re: GPredict for Windoze
by Keith N4ZQ 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

Thanks everyone for your help. Google keep pointing me to http://groundstation.sourceforge.net/gpredict/index.php but as was pointed out, it was under the the older 0.8.0 version and not the newest 0.9.0. Duh !! Keith N4ZQ -- "Keith N4ZQ" <n4zq(a)netzero.net> wrote: Anyone know where I can find the file gpredict-x.y.z-win32.zip ? Google not helping much.. Keith N4ZQ _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ 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 _____________________________________________________________ Click here to save cash and find low rates on auto loans. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4uZMZGzTLCmDfZ0gBtUlJp…

1 0

LVB tracker questions
by Andrew Rich 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

1. Some other designs use a variable supply to calibrate the rotator position - what does the LVB do ? 2. Does the LVB tracker get a command, move the antenna around, and shut out any other commands, untill it gets the first command sorted ? 3. What does the LVB tracker show on the screen ? 4. What protocols does the LVB tracker work with ? 5. I heard mention that the LVB does a few samples of the A/D to make sure it has a valid result from the pot's 6. The cct diagram shows two diodes, connected to each az and el a/d input, what do they do ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

4 3

What has happened to AMSAT Australia ?
by Andrew Rich 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

What has happened to amsat australia ? Has it died a natural death ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

6 5

GPredict for Windoze
by Keith N4ZQ 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

Anyone know where I can find the file gpredict-x.y.z-win32.zip ? Google not helping much.. Keith N4ZQ _____________________________________________________________ Click now to save big on brand name luggage. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tn9Ym6EWxaQnG3hmycdok…

5 5

OLPC positions and MESH-ing
by Bob Bruninga 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

> In the DC area, I think we have several > Hams with XO's. Maybe we should schedule > a meeting and show-and-tell so that everyone > can benefit from the fruits of our efforts? Actually, I would like to build a map of all HAMS with OLPC's to help us play and possibly MESH together.. The map will include both your home and work locations which are two places where you might have your OLPC laptop for meshing. If you are retired, then include any other place you may frequent. Just email me your CALL, and LAT/LONGs for both of your locations. If you have other daily locations you may add them too. ALso indicate how many OLPC's you have. Here is the preferred format: WB4APR:3909.12N/07629.34Wl Home, with access to 3 OLPC's The LAT/LONG is in DEG and decimal minutes. The two spaces after the decimal points are for hundredths of minutes. If you replace them with two spaces, then your position can remain ambiguous to the nearest mile, if you like. The "l" (lower case L) after the W is the laptop symbol. Everything after that is free text to describe your OLPC. Those that are into APRS can go ahead and just change your normal APRS station to the LAPTOP symbol for the next week or so, and I can capture your posit that way electronically. > TO make it easy to compute the centroid > of local OLPC's, everyone could beacon > their position on APRS using the LAPTOP > symbol with a note about their OLPC. > Then we can pick the centroid to plan a meeting... Thanks! Bob, WB4APR

4 4

ISS Track
by Andrew Rich 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

I have changed the way the map is handled on my ISS tracking page. Does this load faster ? http://vk4tec.no-ip.org/cgi-bin/iss_track3.cgi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

5 4

Journal Articles
by Ed Long 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

Hi Everyone, We're coming up on the time when I need article submissions for the Jan/Feb 08 Journal. If you have an article to submit I would love to have it as soon as possible. The last couple of issues have been late going out due to lack of content and slow submissions. I would appreciate your help in getting something to me quickly if you have an article. Thanks and Happy New Year! 73, Ed Long, WA4SWJ Editor, The AMSAT Journal

1 0

Icom IC-820H For Sale
by John Henderson 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

I have a very clean IC-820H for sale. It is cosmetically and electronically like new, very clean. Has the HM-36 hand mike and the original manual. Have been using it for ISS and digital modes and have switched over to my 821H. $490 plus shipping. John John Henderson N4NAB 212 Bayside Drive Cape Carteret, NC 28584 252-725-2744 <mailto:[email protected]> n4nab(a)amsat.org <http://www.amsat.org/> http://www.amsat.org/

1 0

San Antonio Radio Fiesta - Jan 12
by Bruce 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

Mahana, W5BTS, and I will be at the San Antonio Radio Club 2008 Amateur Radio Fiesta (their hamfest) on Saturday, January 12, 2008. I will be on UHF/VHF satellites giving demos from 8am-1pm. We will also have an AMSAT table setup. Look forward to working everyone from Schertz, Texas 78154 Grid EL09 Look for us on AO-51, SO-50 and AO-27. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on W0KIE new satellite soon. Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

1 0

AO-27 web site down, update on Java Schedule Lister
by George Henry 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

www.ao27.org appears to be down again... Inasmuch as my son has graduated from college and will soon be losing the school web space where the Java AO-27 Schedule Lister has been hosted, I have proposed that it be hosted at the AMSAT web site. Until it is, those interested in downloading it may do so at http://home.earthlink.net/~ka3hsw/ao27 . It is available as either a platform-independent Java applet (Java runtime environment v1.4 or higher required) or as a Windows .EXE (Java runtime environment also required). I will upload the most recent TOPR.TXT and SCHEDULE.TXT files to my Earthlink page as well since the AO-27 site is down, making updating of those files impossible for now, otherwise (just copy them into the folder where you put the .JAR or .EXE) I have also asked my son if he can make the Schedule tab update in real time, instead of being a one-shot like it is now. (you can refresh it by just toggling over to the List tab and back). I will make the updated version available as soon as he gets it to me. 73, George, KA3HSW

1 0

A query.
by John Hackett 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Hi all, Does anyone have any current information on the whereabouts/state of the SUMBANDILA (lit: 'pathfinder') satellite that was built by Stellenbosch universdity. South Africa. The last I heard - (a year ago) - it had gone for "testing". This satellite with a 2m/70cm transponder was to be launched at the end of 2006 ... then May 2007 ... it is now January 2008 and I can't recall seeing any pertinent info: on any of the bulletin boards. If anyone has any 'recent' information I'd appreciate a hands-up. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

4 5

Re: A query.
by George Henry 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

-----Original Message----- >From: Chris Bloy <chris(a)photofuture.co.uk> >Sent: Jan 8, 2008 6:53 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: A query. > >[snip} >Sorry to rant, and please dont flame me, but I joined AMSAT to get more >information and get involved! This doesnt make me want to donate to >something I cannot see or know about.. > >Thats my pennies worth.... > >Chris > Look at it this way, Chris: the more people who join/donate, the more resources there are available to build & launch satellites, and to keep the web sites up to date! You say you joined to get involved: if you see a need, how about stepping up to fill it? AMSAT needs people just as much as it needs money... Do you have the skills to volunteer to be part of the Web site team? 73, George, KA3HSW

2 1

sorry - KC8GKF only ;-)
by Mike Rupprecht 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Hi Jeffrey, SORRY ! I don't know another way - but all emails to you came back. There is an spam blocker and I can not answer to you. Could you send me another e-mail contact, please? ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors ----- < <mailto:[email protected]> radiooperator(a)comcast.net> (reason: 554 host mx2.comcast.net [76.96.30.116] said: 554 IMTA04.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net comcast 81.169.146.189 Comcast BL004 Blocked for spam. 73, Mike DK3WN ____________ Virus checked by G DATA AntiVirusKit Version: AVK 18.2326 from 07.01.2008 Virus news: www.antiviruslab.com

1 0

status of satellites in orbit
by john heath 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Hi chaps, Slightly off topic as it relates to "in orbit" rather than under construction but useful none the less. David Carrs Live Oscar Status Page at http://oscar.dcarr.org You can upload you own reports, ideal to check what people are hearing/working. If you are monitoring the bb David then thanks very much, and could you add the other cubesats? 73 John G7HIA

3 2

email id for IW4AA
by Prathap Kumar 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Hi all Can anyone help me with email id of IW4AA P Felletti Thank you Best 73 Pop VU2POP

1 0

Re: Digital Recorder for Sats
by Wayne N5WD 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

On Sun, 6 Jan 2008 19:31:46 -0000, Chris Bloy wrote: >...> I have a small problem when recording my satellite passes, I don’t > have the hands to be able to write the Grids and Callsign’s so i > use a little digital voice recorder that I found on Ebay..I use my TH-D7 > and split the output between the recorder and my earphones.. BUT the output to > the recorder is a little too hot for it and doesn’t have a mic > control.. I tried something similar when I went down to Belize and operated on the late-great UO-14 as V31WD, but when you plug something in to the microphone input you disconnect the internal mike. If all you're recording, then, is the output of the HT, you miss the chance to hear what YOU thought you were working (and any verbal notes you may have made to yourself while you were setting up, etc.). What I finally settled on was an external mike going to the digital recorder, taped to the headset of the boom mike I was using for the HT, with that mike close enough to the earpiece that it heard enough audio from the earphones to let me hear what was being received on the HT, but still would record my voice at the same time. The only other way I can think of to do it is to either (a) find a two-channel recorder (preferably one with a line input instead of just a mike-level audio input) or (b) rig up some sort of mixing pad that would let me vary the inputs. If anyone has a pointer to a two-channel digital recorder like that, please share! 73 Wayne N5WD

2 1

IC-910H question
by Bob Herrell 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

Hi all. I am new to this and have an IC-910H and running SatPC32. I have noticed that if I manually tune the radio, the downlink and uplink frequencies do not correspond with what is shown in SatPC32. I am not running the automatic mode until I can find my CT17. Is there anyone out there using this combination that I can talk to? Thanks es 73 Bob AJ5C Harrison, AR EM36 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

1 0

Re: [aprssig] Re: OLPC positions and MESH-ing
by Robert Bruninga 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

>> How much future is there in this?... the window >> for "civilians" in the US to buy these machines >> domestically has closed. My hope was that that window was just a marketing window for that particular deal. As production ramps up, a new deal will be forthcoming? > On top of that, Intel just pulled their funding > and technical support from the project... My understanding was that was "good riddance" on the part of the OLPC team. INTEL only wanted to maximize profit and performance. Could care less about the original objective of optimum educational objective in a villiage environment. > How many hams have them now and more importantly, > will there be any more in the future? Good question, and that was why I suggested building a database of hams with them, including position so we can see the big picture... >> I would like to build a map of all HAMS with >> OLPC's to help us... possibly MESH together.. >> The map will include both your home and work >> locations... where you might have your OLPC >> >> Just email me your CALL, and LAT/LONGs for >> both of your locations.... >> >> WB4APR:3909.12N/07629.34Wl Home, with access to 3 OLPC's >> >> The LAT/LONG is in DEG and decimal minutes. >> The two spaces after the decimal points are >> for hundredths of minutes. If you replace >> them with two spaces, then your position can >> remain ambiguous to the nearest mile, if you like. >> >> The "l" (lower case L) after the W is the >> laptop symbol. Everything after that is >> free text to describe your OLPC. >> >> Those that are into APRS can go ahead and just >> change your normal APRS station to the LAPTOP >> symbol for the next week or so, and I can >> capture your posit that way electronically. >> >> >> Thanks! >> Bob, WB4APR

1 0

Re: Digital Recorder
by clintbrad4d＠earthlink.net 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

How about just using the recorder's internal mic while recording in your shirt pocket?

5 4

New items at the AMSAT online store
by Bruce 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

This has to be one of the best items we have carried. Something that all of us can use. A 2GB USB Flash Drive, Aluminum finish with the AMSAT logo. Only $30 + S&H add neck rope/lanyard for $1 Also, I have updated the LVB Tracker board only to include a picture of the board. Visit the AMSAT online store at http://www.amsat.org 73...bruce AMSAT Online Store Manager -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on W0KIE new satellite soon. Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

1 0

Receiver sensitivity
by Jeff Mock 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

I have an Icom R8500. I've had this receiver quite a long time and I really like it. For me it's more like a piece of test equipment than a radio. I've been using it to listen to satellites with so-so results. With high overhead passes I get good results, but not so good lower than say 30-degree elevation with an Arrow-II antenna. Maybe I'm getting some desensing by being in a big city, any number of things. My question is about sensitivity of the receiver. I'm looking at the specs, and it quotes 0.5 uV for FM at 70cm. This is quite a bit worse than other 70cm radios and HTs that quote 0.17 uV sensitivity. Is this difference for real? Does it make a big difference? It looks like even the big expensive receivers like the R9500 have the same 0.5 uV sensitivity as the R8500. thanks, jeff

2 2

Spectrum Analyzer
by gi pi 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Hello everybody , i'm serching (desperately... ) service manual for Spectrum Analyzer SYSTRON DONNER Tuning Unit Model 809-1 I've some trouble but without electrical sketch or Service Man i can't resolve the problem.. Any informations are welcome! 73 from Giulio IZ4FVW Amsat-NA Member 36417 ___________________________________ L'email della prossima generazione? Puoi averla con la nuova Yahoo! Mail: http://it.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

1 0

educational inquiry re: astrophysics
by Scott Townley 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

My oldest daughter has expressed an interest in majoring in astrophysics...and it occurred to me that perhaps there are some on the list either actively or peripherally involved in this field who might be able to provide some insight on, well, what exactly that is, career-wise. So if anyone on the list would be willing to provide some input to an aspiring astrophysicist (off-list) that would be most appreciated. Scott Townley NX7U Gilbert, AZ DM43di mailto:[email protected] http://members.cox.net/nx7u

3 2

Digital Recorder
by Chris Bloy 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Hi All, I have a small problem when recording my satellite passes, I don’t have the hands to be able to write the Grids and Callsign’s so i use a little digital voice recorder that I found on Ebay.. Now, the problem I have is this.. I use my TH-D7 and split the output between the recorder and my earphones.. BUT the output to the recorder is a little too hot for it and doesn’t have a mic control.. So my options :- Do i, Find a way to turn the volume down on the recorder output, i have tried working the sat with low low volume, but then i cannot hear the downlink very well. Or, can anyone suggest a digital voice recorded that has a mic volume control? I was thinking of perhaps a variable capacitor in-line would attenuate the volume, but there has to be a recorder that has mic controls? This is for portable work, so a laptop is out of the question! Thanks, Chris No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1210 - Release Date: 05/01/2008 11:46

2 1

Re: AG-35 info
by Joe Leikhim 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Yes it does Message: 7 Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2008 18:59:46 +1000 From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec(a)people.net.au> Subject: [amsat-bb] AG-35 info To: "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <LGEKIKIAKJPNFGILGJBBCEHEECAA.vk4tec(a)people.net.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Does anyone have any detailed info on a AG-35 ? When you de-power the preamp, does it goto bypass ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net -- 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

1 1

Delphi-C3 launch info?
by Mark L. Hammond 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Hello all, Does anyone on the list have any up to date info on the launch of Delphi-C3? The most recent news was a few weeks ago, and it said the window was 7 Jan to 10 Jan. http://www.delfic3.nl Thanks, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

2 1

AG-35 info
by Andrew Rich 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Does anyone have any detailed info on a AG-35 ? When you de-power the preamp, does it goto bypass ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

2 1

Antenna advice
by Jeff Mock 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

I'm new to satellite stuff. I got an Arrow-II antenna to get started. It works pretty well. I live in San Francisco and I can go on the deck or hang out the window and hear the easy satellites. I would like to graduate to sitting in a chair, inside, with two free hands, while working a satellite. What is a good choice for the next step up for an antenna that I can install on a flat roof for mode-J operation? Do I need an az-el rotator for the next step up or is there some cheaper/simpler solution? It will be about a 75-foot cable run from a roof antenna to my radio, will I need a mast-head type preamp for the receiver? thanks, jeff

7 9

ANS-006 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
by Lee McLamb 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-006 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * AO-51 Entering Eclipse Free Period * Best Fist Nominations Due * South Africa AMSAT Space Symposium Call for Papers * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status - 31 December 2007 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-006.01 AO-51 Entering Eclipse Free Period AMSAT News Service Bulletin 006.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-006.01 AO-51 is about to enter a three month period of no eclipse. The command team will be determining the best operating modes and power levels during the first two weeks of January 2008. There will be no published schedule. The current modes of V/U FM repeater and L/U digital bulletin board may be common, but unpublished mode changes can occur at anytime. Please check the AMSAT BB or the Control Team News area of the web site for the latest information: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php . [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM and the AO-51 Command team for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-006.02 Best Fist Nominations Due AMSAT News Service Bulletin 006.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-006.02 Many thanks to all who participated in Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2008. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to nominate someone you worked for Best Fist. Your nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, but only of those you worked. Please send your nomination to w2rs(a)amsat.org. A list of those nominated will be published in an ANS bulletin in early February, and in The AMSAT Journal. [ANS thanks Ray, W2RS, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-006.03 South Africa AMSAT Space Symposium Call for Papers AMSAT News Service Bulletin 006.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-006.03 The South Africa AMSAT Space Symposium will be held in Durban on April 19th. Papers for presentation are now being solicited with a closing date for a synopsis on February 15th. Those selected will be advised that their presentation is one that's been selected and that completed copy must be submitted in Microsoft Word format before March 31st. Submit all submissions electronically to saamsat(a)intekom.co.za. [ANS Newsline for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-006.04 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 006.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-006.04 + A Powerpoint Presentation (in PDF format), "Satellites for Beginners" can be downloaded from: http://www.amsatsa.org.za/Satellites%20for%20Beginners.pdf + Jay, AA4FL made an AO7 Mode B contact with PY4AJ in grid GH70un. He is on the fringes of the footprint with a few other stations in the south of Brasil/Northern Argentina and will be looking for more contact opportunities. Jay invites e-mail at: drjay(a)gatordental.com to set up schedules. + Jim G3WGM, Hon Sec AMSAT-UK announced the dates for the next AMSAT-UK Colloquium are 25/26/27 July 2008. Location and general arrangements will be similar to last year's event. More details later. Please note the date in your diaries now. + Gould, WA4SXM says the parts list and other documentation for the LVB Tracker are now available at http://www.LVBTracker.com. This website will carry the latest information available for this project. [ANS thanks JoAnne, K9JKM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-006.05 ARISS Status - 31 December 2007 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 006.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. January 6, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-006.05 1. ARISS Contact to be Rescheduled Due to technical difficulties, the December 27 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact scheduled with the 15 Korolev City School in Korolev, Russia was not successful. The contact will be rescheduled during January 2008. 2. ARISS Mentioned in QST The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) referred to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) in its January 2008 QST. Under "This Just In" there was a section that read, "Astronauts aboard the ISS completed 74 contacts with schools during 2007, an ARISS record." [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

1 0

ANDE de-Orbit AWARD status
by Henk, PA3GUO 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

ANDE de-Orbit AWARD status Jan 06 --------------------------------- Today we have up to 39 requests for the AWARD. On http://www.ande-deorbit.com there is: - last telemetry, which came from JA0CAW (20071224222743) via email - all (!) telemetry received (from Satgates, but also via email) - the entire set of kepplers since launch back in Dec 2006 - sample of the AWARD - details on how to request the AWARD - status of processing of the various the requests - comments of participants in the event - and more ! We will soon start the printing, so please sign up if you still want to request an AWARD. The minimum data to qualify would be just any telemetry sample from the period December 15-24 2007. Mike & Henk http://www.ande-deorbit.com ps: award cost are kept low, and any surplus will be donated to an AMSAT satellite project.

1 0

Decoding Telemetry from Amateur Satellites.
by John Henderson 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Does anyone have a copy of the AMSAT book "Decoding Telemetry from Amateur Satellites. by Gould Smith WA4SXM" they are willing to part with?? It's the predecessor of the current digital book but I would like a copy of the older one as well. Thanks John John Henderson N4NAB 212 Bayside Drive Cape Carteret, NC 28584 252-725-2744 <mailto:[email protected]> n4nab(a)amsat.org <http://www.amsat.org/> http://www.amsat.org/

1 0

Re: EL rotors
by Bob Bruninga 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

> I started out in Satellite with just azimuth ... > I used them for a couple years and bought a > 5400B and CP antennas and switchers. > This helped me make a lot more contacts... Good point! Although I recommend the AZ only TV rotator and small beams (ARROW class size) for all newcomers and most casual operations with all current satellites, the above post reminds me to make the following additional comment. That is, if you DO happen to buy the big high gain OSCAR class beams then you do probably need to invest in a full AZ/EL system and controllers, because with that added gain (which is NOT needed for any of the current satellites) the beamwidth is so narrow, that you have to be very precise with your tracking and pointing. This then also requires you to have more precise tracking elements and more frequent updates and precise setting of your PCs time etc... Its kinda like going for a hike in the woods. You can just put your tennies on and go for a walk in the woods, or you can go to Appalachian outfitters, spend about $3000 and go for the same walk in the woods... It all depends on whether your objective is to walk in the woods, or collect the best equipment money can buy. There is joy and satisfaction in both approaches. Bob, WB4APR

1 0

GO-32 BBS Access
by Chris Bloy 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

Hi All, Can anyone tell me what software is used to access GO-32 and how to set it up? I have a TMD700 and can access the APRS service without problems, but unsure as to what and how to access the BBS? Many thanks, Chris No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1209 - Release Date: 04/01/2008 12:05

1 0

Re: OLPC Troubles
by Alan 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

I don't think that those who purchased a XO on the B1G1 initiative or who are developing in the XO environment on hardware or on a virtual machine should be concerned. On the link below, after getting thru the writer's comments about Intel, his comments on the Intel Classmate are interesting but I do not know first hand if his hardware comments are accurate. http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/01/04/intel-quits-olpc-huff An article about OLPC's response to the Intel resignation. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2243814,00.asp The OLPC CTO also resigned as it appears the XO hardware development is now etched in stone and as we already know RTP. http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/01/02/olpc-cto-flies-coop And, as we also know, Linux, once stable, is all about drivers and open source apps, so the sky's the limit. Just a couple of untimely hits to OLPC that I think will have no more effect than the Nigerian 419 cons trying to sue OLPC for patent infringement before the XO was released... duh? http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/01/02/nigerian-court-stops- olpc More likely future news, IMHO, will be some philanthropic type stepping up to the plate and funding a few hundred thousand units. Move along now; nothing more to see here; get back to your code whacking. 73, Alan VE4YZ -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Keith N4ZQ Sent: January 4, 2008 5:28 PM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Cc: amsat-florida(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] OLPC Troubles AMSAT OLPC owners might find this interesting... >From BBC News . One laptop project dealt big blow Intel has pulled out of a project to put cheap laptops in the hands of children in the developing world. Citing "philosophical" differences, Intel has withdrawn its funding and technical help from the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project. OLPC aimed to boost learning in poorer nations via a custom-built laptop intended to cost no more than $100. Intel's withdrawal is a blow to OLPC which has found few nations willing to buy large numbers of laptops. Intel joined the OLPC in July 2007 and was widely expected to work on a version of the projects laptop that used an Intel chip. Many expected this machine to be unveiled at the CES technology fair which opens in Las Vegas on 5 January. The first versions of the OLPC or XO laptop were powered by a chip made by Intel's arch-rival AMD. The green and white XO machine was designed specifically for children, was ruggedised to cope with conditions in developing nations and could be kept powered using a hand crank. Intel spokesman Chuck Molly said it had taken the decision to resign from the OLPC board and end its involvement because the organization had asked it to stop backing rival low-cost laptops. The chip maker has been promoting its own cheap laptop, the Classmate, in many of the same places as the OLPC. "OLPC had asked Intel to end our support for non-OLPC platforms, including the Classmate PC, and to focus on the OLPC platform exclusively, " said Mr Mulloy . "At the end of the day, we decided we couldn't accommodate that request." He added that the use of AMD chips in the first XO laptops had not influenced its decision. Cost breakdown of OLPC laptop So far the OLPC has yet to comment on the split. Prior to Intel's involvement, OLPC founder Nicholas Negroponte criticized the chip firm for what he called its attempts to undermine the project's work. He said Intel was selling its Classmate at a loss to make the XO laptop less attractive. While Dr Negroponte's initial aim was for a laptop costing only $100 the final versions that have been trialled in Nigeria and Uruguay cost $188 (#95). Costs were supposed to be kept low by governments ordering the XO laptop in shipments of one million but large orders for the XO laptop have, so far, not materialized. In a bid to boost the numbers of laptops available OLPC ran a "Give One, Get One" program in the US from 12 November to 31 December. This allowed members of the public to buy two XO machines - one for themselves and one for a OLPC project elsewhere. OLPC said the success of this had helped it to launch programmes in Haiti, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Afghanistan. _____________________________________________________________ Time Shares at affordable prices. Click Here. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4uHgxl1Iqa7HLOdJzcRiUQR JXzH5NQqtS3bJSBedox01J5W1/

2 1

VE/OSC on SO-50
by Luc Leblanc 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

Could be someone can give me an e-mail address to reach VE3OSC station manager in Toronto i hear them calling CQ the whole pass on SO-50 January 5 1322 EDT but they seems to barely hear me when i was receiving the downlink solid Q5 20 db over S9. I got only the web master e-mail address Thank's for your help "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

1 0

Child's view about the OLPC, was Re:OLPC Troubles
by Peter Guelzow 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

Hi, this one is also from BBC News and gives a child's view about the OLPC... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7140443.stm 73s Peter DB2OS

1 0

Re: AO-16
by Mark L. Hammond 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

Hi John, Currently AO-16 remains in the Microsat Boot Loader (MBL) and is transmitting some basic telemetry at a random rate. You can decode the telemetry with Mike's (DK3WN) excellent decoder, located here: http://www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml Thus far, efforts to recover AO-16 from its current MBL state have been unsuccessful. Analysis of the results obtained to date continue (nearly 2 months of recovery efforts at this point). I hope to do a bit more testing over the next several days. It is apparent that the "easy fix" of reloading the code hasn't been working. Our observations suggest that the old bird has some issues affecting its memory; this isn't good news. So, AO-16 is either functional/semi-functional/non-functional depending on your definitions and expectations :) 73, >Hello everybody... > >Does anyone know the current status of AO-16? Is it just sending telemetry. >or is it functional/semi-functional? > >Curious. > >John KB2HSH > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

1 0

LunarX project
by truckwiz 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

Hi, We are trying to figure out what the best source is for rad hard radio's for our moon rover. Any suggestions would be appreciated . Thanks' Brian

1 0