- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Phase 5
by John Marranca, Jr 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

This is strictly opinion, but I think the Phase 5/Mars concept is foolish. -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Fw: AO-7 2000 QSO.
by TERRY BROMLEY 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

----- Original Message ----- From: TERRY BROMLEY To: AMSAT Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:18 PM Subject: AO-7 2000 QSO. UA9CS CONGRATULATIONS IN YOUR 2000 QSO'S ON THE OLD BIRD. WELL DONE IGOR MY FRIEND. 73 TERRY G1WPR.

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Phase 4 versus Eagle
by Patrick McGrane 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Merry Christmas to all my fellow space enthusiasts Nice to see some informative Big Picture discussion here. For all its worth; I believe a cooperative effort with an established satellite builder incorporating an auxilliary payload makes more sense than an independant effort with more complexity and cost. Who really would'nt want a geosynchronise transponder? Utility costs less than pride! I'm extremely impressed with what amsat can do but a cooperative effort would be more practical with a greater chance for success. I would put my meager resources towards a professional venture more than a risky one. On another note; great to see amsat working on a new power system with the super-caps. Happy holidays to all, pat

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The Road Ahead
by Jeff Davis, KE9V 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Folks, First, I'd like to apologize for having kicked off a thread that ended up being derisive on the BB yesterday -- that was not my intent. Having the facts, as disappointing as they may be for those of us who have been waiting over a decade for an HEO replacement, at least affords us an opportunity to reconnoiter. It's no one's "fault" that the business of launching a satellite has become so costly to an organization like ours. But facts are facts and if we complete Eagle and carry it to the front door of some launch company and are presented with an invoice for $6 million dollars, then it's safe to say that new satellite will never leave the ground. In an ideal world we would build several satellites and have them "ready" to go just in case some launch company calls to say they have room for an "extra 200kg at discount rates" but as we have painfully learned in the past, you never know what that launch configuration might be capable of supporting so how can designers "guess" in 2007 at what a configuration for launch in 2011 might look like? President Hambly has pointed out that any ideas about P4 are just that -- ideas and plans and negotiations. But I can see a significant advantage in that we wouldn't have to "guess" at what a launch adapter might look like years in advance -- all we would have to assemble is a communications payload and let a 3rd party handle the physical integration. It would really be nice if we would step back for a few days and allow all this to marinate in the brain before folks start tossing around threats to withhold donations, etc. I suspect that this turn of events has much deeper implications than just the disappointment of HEO enthusiasts (of which I am one). Consider for a moment how this will impact those among us whose primary interest was in designing spacecraft hardware -- or those seasoned veterans who may not live to see another high orbit bird in our fleet come to fruition. I can see a future where AMSAT will pursue opportunities wherever possible but we might have to learn to do other things too -- perhaps one day AMSAT will take on high altitude balloon projects, partnerships with SETI, more interesting payloads for University sponsored LEO sats, etc. It's also pretty obvious that this is a challenging time for AMSAT leaders who have volunteered to lead us through these perilous waters. Let's give them a hand by supporting them and some of the tough decisions that no doubt will need to be made to keep things moving forward. Honestly, I had decided not to renew my Presidents Club support next year but that was before all this came up. While I'm disappointed, I'm also impressed with the candor that has been shown in giving us these facts. I'm going to renew my support because this looks like an enormous challenge and frankly, that's what makes life interesting. I have no interest in doing easy things -- I much prefer to battle the odds and see how much we can accomplish with the cards that have been dealt to us. Agreed? 73 de Jeff, KE9V AMSAT-NA AMSAT-DL

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Re: Satellite user "comminities"
by Bato, Andras 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Dear Bob AE6RV, There are a thirrd "sect" the one I belong to. We prefer to use cw and also prefer to meet telegraphers instead of members of "today's crowd". I have just been calling on AO7 from AOS to LOS on SSB to help those who does not understand Morse-code. I have got one only one taker G1WPR. (Just take a look at AO7 log at planetemily.com) It's a shame! Are there active stations in Canada and NE USA? Formery I have met K3SZH only. Then I swithched to VO52. You can hear devil of noise on that sat. Many deaf operators tuning up and down and calling without being able to pick up a callsign,etc. It is almost the same experience I felt when we got permission to 6 m. There I met first operators who did not understand to keep a QSO short during an Es opening, started sending station details and the like. I should say there must be a "communinty" of educated radio operators who understands to keep their QSO short -but can also find out when to have a "chat" during the often short DX openings -and first of all on satellites! gl de ha6nn Andras

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Correcting the AO-7 log.
by john hackett 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Hello Joe, Apparently, Emily appears to have abandoned the "real" world and chooses to stay in the "virtual" world in SECOND LIFE. (Her perogative!). Consequently, She doesn't answer her mail so I didn't get the key I requested - which is a pity because the AO-7 log is already in quite a state of disarray - (which I warned about). You'd think Emily would be interested in keeping the log "tidy" because a lot of people have mentioned what a useful resource it is. However Joe, all is not completely lost ... each station can edit their OWN !!! entries ... (but no-one else's). I put a message on both reflectors about this but as you can see from the log, several people just ignored it completely. It rather amazing that the next time they log on they don't see and correct their own mistakes - whether it's laziness or just being half asleep is anybody's guess. To edit your own entry - just click on the hourglass at the left and a new window pops up ... edit it then delete the original "wrong" entry. You can delete YOUR OWN entries - but nobody else's. I *WISH* Emily would reply so that I can start cleaning up the errors. Too many accumulative errors will soon have the data being "off" by a mile ... it's in everybody's interest to be dilligent when entering data in the log - and correcting any mistakes made ... they are after all quite obvious !!! with blank lines etc. I just can't be bothered to e-mail all those that make mistakes and don't bother to correct them. I used to but I've given stopped handing out daipers. I agree absolutely with your FM comments - you know my thoughts on that subject Joe. I batted this to both reflectorsd on the offchance that those who have made mistakes might correct their own entries. (Aye! ... and pigs might fly.....LA2QAA) Have a nice day Joe mate. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> .............................................................................................. > From: k3szh(a)netzero.net > Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:31:57 +0000 > To: la2qaa(a)hotmail.com > Subject: AO7 Lo > > Hello John > Would you be kind enough to correct my mistake above my >posting. I hope you are doing well. > 73 > Joe _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

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144 Mhz contact made using ISS as passive reflector
by Bob Stewart 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2007/bouncing_signals_off_iss.htm Congrats to the DF2ZC and DH7FB on making a CW contact using the ISS as a passive reflector! It's interesting that in the article Bernd discusses the problems with using PSK due to doppler, as well as manually having to set az and el. It seems to me that a couple of well equipped computer-controlled earth stations should be able to do this using One True Frequency principles with PSK. Wish I had the equipment to give it a try. Bob - AE6RV

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AO-51 Telemetry
by Andrew Rich 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Does AO-51 send telem on 435.150 ? I have been listening and heard voice on 435.300 but no obvious data. Maybe it is weaker ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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Re: Putting The Cart Before The Horse
by R.Haighton 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Rick, I don't want any one individual to "engage the membership on the BB"; Just to get the Executive (yes all of them) involved in getting the "message out". At Pittsburgh this year we were introduced to the new member of the executive whose duties included publicity .... maybe I am missing something but I have not seen any action. AMSAT needs the support of it's members and that includes the Financial support in order to purchase parts, build satellites, pay bills, pay rent etc etc, Being just a member and paying annual dues does not anyway near pay for satellites or launches 73 Robin Immediate Past President AMSAT -----Original Message----- From: Rick Hambly (W2GPS) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: December 11, 2007 5:43 PM To: 'R.Haighton' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Putting The Cart Before The Horse Robin, I understand that you have always wanted me to engage the membership on the BB but I just don't have time. I do it through the Journal, e-mails and meetings. It's the best I can do for now. What really upsets me is how much the messages on the BB seem to be about what these people (often not members) want for themselves. They are seldom willing to do anything to make their dreams happen. Somehow it should be up to "us." This is not the same attitude I get from people at meetings, Hamfests and the Symposium. There the people are much more engaged and supportive. Rick W2GPS AMSAT LM2232 -----Original Message----- From: R.Haighton [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 5:13 PM To: 'Rick Hambly (W2GPS)'; 'Fred A Parker' Cc: 'amsat-bb'; 'Lou MC Fadin' Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Putting The Cart Before The Horse -----Original Message----- Rick Hambly Wrote...... With all due respect, I suggest that you may not be adequately informed. Did you attend the Annual Symposium to find out what is really going on? Have you visited the AMSAT Lab yet? Have you attended an AMSAT Board meeting or written to the Board members to get more information? Do you read the project reports in the Journal? If you think things are headed down the wrong path then I recommend that you get informed and get personally involved. I think you will find that some of your perceptions are correct (very little is done yet) and some are not (the cart [is] before the horse). Rick W2GPS AMSAT President Rick one of the duties of the executive is to keep the membership informed, not everyone can attend the Board Meetings or the Annual meeting and Symposium or visit the Lab, Yes Fred May not be adequately informed but I believe that is a function of the Executive " to ensure that all members have the up-to-date information presented to them on a regular Basis. How else can we expect the membership to contribute towards the AMSAT projects. 73 Robin Haighton VE3FRH Immediate Past President AMSAT _____ From: Fred A Parker [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 12:56 AM To: amsat-bb; w2gps(a)amsat.org; Lou MC Fadin Subject: Putting Thr Cart Befor The Horse After receiving a mailing today from Amsat written by Richard Hambly. I find it imposable to keep quite any longer. Has anyone heard of the saying, putting the cart before the horse. Amsat needs to finish at least one of there present projects before moving on to what in the end may well turn out to be a bunch of pipe dreams. I am speaking of the Mars mission and Geostationary packages. One year ago I was told that Cubesat II would be launched in the fall of 2007. As far as I know very little is done yet. Especially in the electronics end. Don't get me wrong all these ideas are great but lets get back to the basics and finish what we have started befor taking on anything new or nothing will get done. Fred KF0AK _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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AO-51 BBS L/U mode
by Mineo Wakita 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

WiSP, up 1268.700 MHz, down 435.150 MHZ, 9600 bps, KISS http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/71212a51.jpg --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj Date: Dec 12, 2007 ---------------------------------------------

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QUAGI vs HELIX vs QUAD
by Andrew Rich 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Today I built and compared two 70 cm antennae against various satellites. The first antenna was a RHCP helix with 9 turns The second antenna, a 8 element quagi. (vertically) The clear winner was the helix. Anyone had similar experiences ? I remember way back about 10 years ago, i built a quad with a metal boom, and it picked up better side on. (not good) I have kept to an 8 element quad on 2meters, it is really good. I can key up a repeater some 150 km's away and i am in a ditch. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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Original email about "First(?) 144-MHz-QSO via Reflexion on ISS"
by w8iss＠wideopenwest.com 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Here's the original email I received off the Moon-net EME reflector Sunday for those of you who are not subscribed to it. James W8ISS ======= ---------- Forwarded Message ----------- From: "DF2ZC" To: "'Moon-Net'" <moon-net(a)list-serv.davidv.net> Sent: Sun, 9 Dec 2007 17:58:19 +0100 Subject: [Moon-net] First(?) 144-MHz-QSO via Reflexion on ISS Hello All, Triggered by Peter SM2CEW's tries to complete a QSO by using the ISS as a reflector Frank DH7FB and I decided to try that as well. From Peter's experience (and also Frank's when SWLing Peter's tries) we believed it would be worthwile considering BPSK63 as this would enable us to exchange all information within few seconds only (using the EME report and QSO rules). However with the first tries on 8 December we quickly had to realise the amazingly quickly changing large doppler makes use of this mode impossible and we returned back to good old CW since this is also copyable at such a situation when you are not 100% tuned on the signal. The second try today Sunday 9 December at ISS orbit 51845 starting with a common window at 1626Z we copied signals at elevations of > 20 degrees and within a minute exchanged all data. Signal reports were about S3...S5 (DF2ZC running only 300 watts out). It was a tough task to follow the quick doppler changes and also adjust elevation and azimuth rotators. Two hands is at least one too few... That was a thrill! And now we are celebrating... And we will try more QSOs the coming days. btw http://www.n2yo.com/ gives a nice live google earth graphics display of ISS and other satellites. vy 73 Bernd DF2ZC (JO30RN) www.df2zc.de ____________________________________________ 144 MHz EME NewsLetter: www.df2zc.de/newsletter 144 MHz DXCC #21 144 MHz WAC Kenwood TS 2000 2 x GU74b by LZ2US 4 x 2M18XXX 21 dBd full elevation _______________________________________________ Moon-Net posting and subscription instructions are at http://www.nlsa.com/nets/moon-net-help.html ------- End of Forwarded Message -------

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Re: Phase 5
by John Marranca, Jr 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Drew: Point taken. I have seen it on the AMSAT-DL website. One can only wonder why. As a VP of AMSAT-NA, what are your feelings about it? I'm not trying to be a trouble-maker. I'm sure any of these projects has valuable technical merit. It just seems as though a satellite organization would place an emphasis on building satellites to communicate. If I offended you, I apologize whole-heartedly. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Re: Phase 5
by Andrew Glasbrenner 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

No worries here John. You'll have to do much better to offend me ;-). My earlier message was terse only because I was on the way out the door headed to work. As far as Phase 5 goes, personally, I think it is a project with lofty goals, but one that lies outside of the stated mission of AMSAT-NA. Phase 3E is however within our mission statement, which is why AMSAT-NA has supported them monetarily two years in a row (along with AMSAT-UK). For those AMSAT-NA members (or non-members) who support P3E first, have you contributed your P3E earmarked donation yet? You can contribute either directly to AMSAT-DL (with no tax benefit), or to AMSAT-NA with the tax-benefit. You can also donate funds for Eagle, ARISS, Phase 4, or Education at the AMSAT-NA site. Just go here: http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php or http://www.amsat-dl.org//index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=125 In order for any of these projects to fly, we all have to support them as individuals by donating our time and money. Everyone has to help bring in new members (including joining themselves!), spread the word on our projects and goals, and in general promote AMSAT whenever you can. 73, Drew KO4MA > >Drew: > >Point taken. I have seen it on the AMSAT-DL website. One can only wonder >why. > >As a VP of AMSAT-NA, what are your feelings about it? I'm not trying to be >a trouble-maker. I'm sure any of these projects has valuable technical >merit. It just seems as though a satellite organization would place an >emphasis on building satellites to communicate. > >If I offended you, I apologize whole-heartedly. > >John KB2HSH > >-- >_______________________________ > > >John Marranca, Jr >PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 >BN Systems, Inc >Orchard Park, NY >(716)972-2006 >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Helix
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Commercial: www.wimo.com Wimo antennas can be purchased through http://www.ssbusa.com Homebrew: Very good sites: http://ve2zaz.net/ also http://members.aol.com/k5oe/index.htm select Home Brew Hardware Picture Alblum at lower left of page. If I can assist in any way, please email. Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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Re: Putting Thr Cart Befor The Horse
by Keith N4ZQ 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

I concur. And from what I've seen at the AMSAT Symposium and Forums at hamfests, there aren't many of us that will be around to use these future dreams. Lets get real and help get P3E built and launched ASAP... Keith N4ZQ -- "Fred A Parker" <fparker(a)paulbunyan.net> wrote: After receiving a mailing today from Amsat written by Richard Hambly. I find it imposable to keep quite any longer. Has anyone heard of the saying, putting the cart before the horse. Amsat needs to finish at least one of there present projects before moving on to what in the end may well turn out to be a bunch of pipe dreams. I am speaking of the Mars mission and Geostationary packages. One year ago I was told that Cubesat II would be launched in the fall of 2007. As far as I know very little is done yet. Especially in the electronics end. Don't get me wrong all these ideas are great but lets get back to the basics and finish what we have started befor taking on anything new or nothing will get done. Fred KF0AK _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Boost your business with a small business loan. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4ukVv0fva6MdaRDTsBi08d…

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Helix and pre-amp
by Andrew Rich 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

I am keen to hear from others that may have added a pre-amp to a helix. Does it help ? I have made a 9 turn on 70cm - thinking of going to 16 turns. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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Re: RS14/Oscar 21
by John Marranca, Jr 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Thanks for the input, Drew. You are correct in suggesting that new satellites be built. In taking a count this morning, it seems that the number of "normally and regularly operating" satellites is dwindling. I count 3 FM satellites, 2 linear transponders, and 4 APRS/PacSats...with one that will be re-entering, one that will be hibernating, one that isn't consistent, and one that is still a bloody mystery to me (GO-32)...hihi. If I missed any, then I will stand as corrected...but it seems as though there there used to be many more birds to choose from. Another super-satellite such as what AO-40 should have been would be nice, but let's face it: they are really expensive and perhaps a bit too complicated. Instead of one monster satellite, why not build many smaller ones? Less sophisticated ones? Perhaps 2 FM sats(with 2 simultaneous channels rather than one), 2 linear sats, and 2 APRS or PacSats...and build into them modes that are commonly used...such as Mode B or Mode J. Sure, Mode L and S sound fun, but how many satellite operators even HAVE the gear for these more exotic modes? It is my opinion, and I respect all opinions and points of view pertaining to this, that the "super-satellite" be saved for the Phase 4/Geo-sync bird. In the interim, I think we need simple satellites that work. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Question re Henry 3004A Amplifier
by Farrell Winder 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

Would be pleased to have a reply from anyone using a Henry 3004A amp with an 8877 tube operating at 439.25MHz for ATV. Am particularily interted in stability when used well within the power limits of this amp. If any comments pse reply to me direct. Thanks, Farrell Winder, W8ZCF.

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UISS and UI-View32
by Mineo Wakita 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

We built how to use UISS (None-TNC) for APRS satellite. UISS setting for APRS Satellite http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/uissagwp.htm UISS and UI-View32 http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/uissui32.htm de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

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downconverters
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

Hello I'm "almost" giving away a couple of downconverters. One is a California Amp, the other is unknown. Neither one has been converted to amateur 'S' band. I'm cleaning a "path" through the shack. Contact off list. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle

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Re: Ande-1 and RS0ISS-4 Frequencies ?
by Henk, PA3GUO 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Hi Jeff, Both ISS and ANDE work fine using HBAUD 1200 U APRS VIA ARISS - Do not Connect, just go in CONVERSE mode and type for example ":Hello World" - ISS has sometimes delayed transmission - ISS may see a lot of uplinks in parallel, do you have a beam ? - ANDE-1 needs to be 'woken up', send a few packets and then it will reply - I use small doppler compensation A u 145.823 / d 145.827 B u 145.825 / d 145.825 C u 145.827 / d 145.823 (U = TX, D = RX) - 50W is more than enough for ISS, but also sufficient for ANDE - Antenna: I use a 2x6 elements beam (DK7ZB, see my website) Success & let us know ! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo >Been trying to send a beacon on 145.825 MHz APRS to these satellites with no >response ( 50 watts and vertical ) for several weeks now. >Have these satellites been reprogrammed for another protocol or another >frequency other than 145.825 ??

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Ande-1 and RS0ISS-4 Frequencies ?
by K7XQ 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Been trying to send a beacon on 145.825 MHz APRS to these satellites with no response ( 50 watts and vertical ) for several weeks now. Have these satellites been reprogrammed for another protocol or another frequency other than 145.825 ?? K7XQ Jeff Atwater, CA. Grid: CM97qi EME, Satellites, Meteor Scatter CW, JT-65 , SSB 50 MHz: 2 X M2 6M7 1000 watts 2 X 3-500 144 MHz: 4 X XPOL M2 2MPX28 XPOL 1500 Watts Single GS35b 222 MHz: 1 X M2 5 W.L. 350 watts Single 8930 432 MHz: 4 X M2 9 W.L. Modified for XPOL 1500 Watts single GS35b 1296 MHz: 3.0 meter dish VE4MA circular feed 350 Watts single GS15 water-cooled 2304 MHz/2320 MHz/2424 MHz: 3.0 meter dish VE4MA circular feed 200 watts Spectrian SSPA 10 GHz: early 2008 K7XQ Webpage: http://www.elite.net/~k7xq/k7xq.html

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Re: Ande-1 and RS0ISS-4 Frequencies ?
by John Marranca, Jr 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

...25 watts to an omni? 50 watts to a vertical? I have hit the ISS with 500 mW to an Eggbeater. But, G1OCN is right. When the ISS APRS transponder is on, there is ALWAYS traffic. It receives very well, and transmits a very decent amount of power. Jeff, when you say "vertical"...just what type of antenna are we talking about? John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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GB0OO active on the 12th Dec 'OSCAR DAY'
by Robert Turlington 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

A reminder that GB0OO will be active on the 12 Dec 07 for an unofficial OSCAR DAY ,activity will continue up to the 16th on and off on all of the analogue birds.Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Celeb spotting – Play CelebMashup and win cool prizes https://www.celebmashup.com

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1/2 wave bypass for 432 amp?
by Bob Stewart 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

My 432 brick has about a 5 DB loss on the receive side. I think it's the relay, but getting to that thing would be a nightmare and I'm not even sure that they're still available. I ran across K3PGP's 1/2 wave filter, and I see that it is an adaptation of the pair of 1/4 wave lines in the old Heath HA-201 amp that they used for T/R switching. K3PGP's filter: http://www.k3pgp.org/432filter.htm HA-201 circuit at bottom of djvu file: http://bama.edebris.com/download/heath/ha201/ha201.djvu So to my question: would I likely encounter any problems using a pair of 1/4 wave coax lines with the diodes in the center to bypass the amp on receive? Has anyone done this sort of thing? I was thinking of putting it inside the case. Domenico, perhaps you? I see your call on K3PGP's page. :) Bob - AE6RV

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GeneSat and Orbitron
by John Marranca, Jr 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Hello all. Well...typical of me, I wrote a help request without looking through Orbitron completely. GeneSat is in the "Cubesat" section. Thanks to Jari and Mike for helping me out with the manual cut and paste. John KB2HSH John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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GeneSat
by John Marranca, Jr 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Orbitron doesn't include this satellite. Which tracking program might I use to be able to find passes?? TNX all. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Items FS
by Steven Raas 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

I still have the following Items for sale: Mirage B1016G (Brown Face) 150+ watt VHF amp w/preamp (10-15 in) Price $160.00 Shipping included to the lower 48 Yaesu G-5500 Az/El Rotor w/control box and 2x50' Control wire GREAT SHAPE (Pick up only in zip 07728) Price $525.00 Bird Slug 500E 500w 400-1000 mhz unused/factory sealed - $70.00 Shipping Incl to lower 48 Bird Slug 100C 100w 100-250 mhz - $50.00 Shipping Incl to lower 48 Bird Slug 250C 250w 100-250 mhz - $60.00 Shipping Incl to lower 48 Bird Slug 50E 50w 400-1000 mhz $50.00 Shipping incl to lower 48 Email to sraas(a)optonline.net for questions Thank you & 73 Steven J.Raas QRV From FN20vg on 2/432 Terestrial-Sats-Digital-EME Member of - ARRL & AMSAT Supporter of N3FJP Software <http://www.n3fjp.com/> http://www.n3fjp.com Page - <http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/> http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/

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ANDE de-orbit day guesstimate ?
by Henk, PA3GUO 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Based on the ANDE de-orbit / height graph of USNA (http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html) I inserted the heights for Dec 5 and Dec 9: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/ande_predict_09dec2007.jpg Based on the current keppler sets & NOVA calculations ANDE is today at 226 km. >From 225km to de-orbit the graph shows ~15 days, so de-orbit today + ~15 days = ~24 Dec ? Please note this is NOT a formal estimate from Bob nor USNA, it is just my personal guesstimate based on the graphs. Is there anyone that has taken a more scientific approach ? Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo

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Genesat output power ?
by Andrew Rich 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Does anyone know what the output power of GENESAT-1 is ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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USPS stamps for satellite enthusiasts
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

Just an FYI: US SMSAT members may want to pick up three sheets of 41c stamps for your mailing needs. One sheet has two stamps in a total quantity of 20 with a graphics of the aurora australis and aurora borealis (their spelling); another sheet is Yoda of Star Wars fame; and a third sheet is of all many of the Star Wars characters in an attractive collectable display. They also make nice holiday gifts for the hams you appreciate the most! Jay, AA4FL

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Re: RS14/Oscar 21
by Andrew Glasbrenner 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

RS-14/AO-21 was not a satellite per say, but a package on a larger Russian satellite known as Informator 1. As I understand it, when the Russians were done with the satellite, they shut it down, which killed the amateur packages. Basically, it was beyond the amateur package owner's control, which was -not- AMSAT-NA by the way. I agree though, it'd be nice if it was still around, along with every other satellite we have lost. RIP AO-10, AO-13, AO-40, SO-35, RS10/11 and 12/13 especially! It just goes to show that satellites are of a finite lifespan, and we must continue to build and launch to stay in the satellite business. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: "John Marranca, Jr" <KB2HSH(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Dec 8, 2007 9:53 AM >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: [amsat-bb] RS14/Oscar 21 > >According to the AMSAT Satellite Status page, RS-14/Oscar 21 was "switched >off". > >Several things perplex me about that particular statement. > >Firstly...I understand the economic idea of not being able to afford >something. When it is swtiched off, is it a FOREVER one way switch...or is >it similar to when a FAX machine sleeps...and wakes upon hearing a CNG tone? > >If it can be revived, why hasn't it? If it could, is it a situation that >could be lobbied for...? AMSAT cites that it was too expensive to >maintain. Fine. How about tranferring ground control to another entity. > > >The only reason I'm curious about it is because I fondly remember how WELL >RS14/Oscar 21 worked on simple equipment. I had an Alinco DJ-120 and a >Radio Shack scanner in college that worked pretty well with this bird the >few times I got to play with it while it wa "ON". > >John KB2HSH > >-- >_______________________________ > > >John Marranca, Jr >PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 >BN Systems, Inc >Orchard Park, NY >(716)972-2006 >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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70 cm Turnstile
by GARY ELLIOT 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

Morning Group Does anyone know if N4QH is still in business and making the 2m and 70cm Turnstile antennas ? I do not find any reference on Google or in QST. Gary

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Re: Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

This has probably already been mentioned due to the many replies that have been on the BB about this subject. Cable Experts @ www.cablexperts.com offers lengths of cable with the connectors installed. I ordered four 1ft. lengths of 9913 with N connectors installed for a power divider and was very pleased with the results. 73, Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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RS14/Oscar 21
by John Marranca, Jr 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

According to the AMSAT Satellite Status page, RS-14/Oscar 21 was "switched off". Several things perplex me about that particular statement. Firstly...I understand the economic idea of not being able to afford something. When it is swtiched off, is it a FOREVER one way switch...or is it similar to when a FAX machine sleeps...and wakes upon hearing a CNG tone? If it can be revived, why hasn't it? If it could, is it a situation that could be lobbied for...? AMSAT cites that it was too expensive to maintain. Fine. How about tranferring ground control to another entity. The only reason I'm curious about it is because I fondly remember how WELL RS14/Oscar 21 worked on simple equipment. I had an Alinco DJ-120 and a Radio Shack scanner in college that worked pretty well with this bird the few times I got to play with it while it wa "ON". John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Forming wire loops
by Andrew Rich 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

I am looking for ideas to help form wire loops from wire that is already of larger diamater. I was thinking of making up a base board with some pulley wheels and feed the wire in. As it goes over the pulleys, a gentle pressure is applied and helps bend the wire into a smaller coil. I tried a bucket and failed misserably. Ideas ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by Rick Mann 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

I'd like Belden 9913 with PL-259 connectors pre-attached, 50'. Ham Radio Outlet (every store) is out of this, and so they sold me 50' bulk cable and connectors. I have been trying VERY unsuccessfully to solder these, but I am unable to do it. I can sold 0603 SMT resistors and 0.5 mm pitch TQFPs, but not this. I have tried multiple techniques. I am no longer interested in trying to solder this. Google has been less than helpful in finding online stores. Can someone point me to a reputable online retailer who can ship this to me immediately? Thank you! -- Rick

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AO-16 and warbler
by Mike Rupprecht 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

All, just decoded AO-16 MBL telemetry with Warbler (center frequency 1600 Hz). Good job, Wouter J [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] fm PACSAT-0 to MBLCTL-0 ctl UI pid f0 54 7A 65 00 FCS: OK [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 00 00 [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 01 84 [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 02 77 [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 03 7F [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 04 A1 [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 05 DC [Fri Dec 07 20:06:21 CET 2007] *** Short Frame: 06 DA . and analyzed the KISS file with ao16mbl.exe PACSAT MBL Telemetry Decoder (c) Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN ======================================================== (average values) +10V Battery Bus : 0,81 mA Battery Charge Reg : 0,81 mA Base Temp : 29,16 mA PSK RF Out : 1,82mA +5V RX Bus : 4,90 mA +8.5V RX Bus : 8,51 mA +10V RX Bus : 10,89 mA 73, Mike DK3WN

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Re: QUAGI vs HELIX vs QUAD
by John Mock KD6PAG 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

In some ways, it depends on which satellites one is talking about for this comparison to be that meaningful in terms of types of antennae. If i've figured things properly, comparing an RHCP helix against a linearly polarized Quagi is likely to get you a 3dB difference if the satellite is RHCP. Even if the satellite is linearly polarized, on an AZ-EL mount, RHCP may still be the winner, as my experience on an Arrow- equivalent antenna is that linear polarization tends to change from the beginning of a pass through the end (especially on AO-27). I figure about half of time on the average, the linearly polarized antenna is going have mismatched polarization. A better comparison would be a RHCP Helix against an RHCP Quagi. I have misplaced my copy of the article, but i think the article that inspired the antenna system that i built was based on the QST January 1990 article "Circularly Polarized Quagi Antennas for Space Communications". The drive loop is fed on two adjacent corners to obtain circular polarization. I modeled and then built a phased pair of quagi. The phasing harness had lots of coax in it, but the rest was fairly straightforward. http://www.qsl.net/kd6pag/nec/q436-5cp1q.html The modeled gain was 17dBc, and whether i believe that or not, what i do know is that i was able to work AO-40 QRP near apogee.with that antenna, not long before AO-40 went silent. I had also built a long helix out of copper tubing, but didn't really test it adequately. It was a bit heavy and rather unwieldy by comparison. -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

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Re: Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by Wayne Estes 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

Nate WY0X wrote: I've seen N connectors lately that look like PL-259's and have to be soldered on similarly to RG-8 sized coax. I tried one. Pulled on the connector after soldering it together and it had zero strain-relief for the cable being pulled on, and it ripped apart. (Well, the center conductor held on as long as it could). I wouldn't use those for anything. Wayne W9AE replies: I've soldered dozens of "two piece" N connectors in the last 10 years. I've NEVER had a connector pull off, but I also haven't tried pulling on the connector with all my strength. The connectors have survived years in the elements, including cables hanging vertically from my mast-mounted preamps, supported only by the connector. I mostly use flexible 9913 or LMR400UF, and just clip a few strands of the center conductor to get it to fit in the connector. Has anybody measured what kind of degradation that would cause at 450 MHz or 1.2 GHz? Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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Re: Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by Edward Cole 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

This advice is only for the FT-847 (now out of production): I installed flange-mount sma connectors to break out both 2m & 70cm receiver antenna inputs separate from the Tx. No more blown preamps! Ed - KL7UW At 03:48 PM 12/6/2007, Dave Guimont wrote: > >I use a male VHF to female N adapter. Do not remember where I got it, but > >it was one of the mail order houses. If you really do not want to use a VHF > >connector for 144, I would prefer the adapter over changing the socket on my > >910. I prefer to stick with the different connectors as a guard against Mr. > >Murphy, but sometimes that is impossible. > >Gene, > >The adapter is of no use to avoid the impedance "bump". It would be >the same thing as using a 259 to begin with, and forget the adapter. > >I'll say it again, Changing to an "N" on the radio is "gilding the >lily", but for max performance saving every fraction of a db is >heading in the right direction... > > > > 73, Dave, WB6LLO > dguimon1(a)san.rr.com > > Disagree: I learn.... > > Pulling for P3E... > >_______________________________________________ >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 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 ======================================

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cable assemblies
by Patrick McGrane 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

go to: http://www.radio-ware.com/ 73, pat

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Wanted: 70 cm helix design
by Andrew Rich 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Rich VK4TEC vk4tec(a)people.net.au http://www.tech-software.net

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vx-3r, vr-120d
by Kevin Chudy 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

After working APRS on the satellites, I'd like to work the fm voice sats, AO-27 and AO-51. I'll be constructing an arrow style or eggbeater antenna. I have 2m ht's, but my th-79a does not go down far enough to receive these satellites. I am thinking about using two rigs, does anybody have any satellite experience with either the Yaesu VX-3R or VR-120D? Thank you, Kevin N2JPE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Re: Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by John Mock KD6PAG 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

> I would've like to use N connectors, but the equipment has PL-259, and > I don't want the losses from an adapter. Because of the reputation of PL-259 connectors above 2 meters, i doubt you will find commercially made feedline with high quality coax and PL-259 connectors. But unless you can completely keep water out of your fancy coax (or even 9913), after a modest number of years, it may end up having worse loss than RG-8... And the popular wisdom is that even N-connectors are hard enough to make water tight. Here's a compromise: Use N-connectors outside, where you NEED things to be weather-resistant, and use whatever-matches-your-radio inside. The only problem with that is you'll probably have to make this feedline yourself, or maybe find someone locally who can do it for you. By the way, a satellite radio having PL-259 for 2 meters and N-connector for 70 cm may not be such a bad thing; it makes it harder to plug in the wrong antennas. Nonetheless, you might also think about which is likely to have greater losses at 70cm and above, a homemade PL-259 plug or an adapter to an N-connector. 73's and good luck! -- KD6PAG P.S. N-connectors and PL-259's share this characteristic: Some people swear by them and other people swear at them...

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San Antonio Radio Fiesta
by Bruce 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

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-2pm. We will also have an AMSAT table setup. Look forward to working everyone from Schertz, Texas 78154 Grid EN31 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

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AO-7 log *NOT* correct.
by John Hackett 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

Please be aware that the N1DID AO-7 log will now no longer show the correct results. An example ... 4th December orbit 51254 JH3XCU/1 claimed 32 points ... from 915 contacts (no QSO's) to 947 contacts (no QSO's) for a single pass. One station logged a QSO, claimed the points but logged the transponder as being OFF ... (which it couldn't have been if he made a QSO through it). Such entries make a mockery of the object of the log. Also - LA2QAA no longer edits the entries. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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[Moon-net] [amsat -bb] Request for online sources of antenna modeling stuff
by Glenda F. Andre 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

"Does your wife's prof know you are doing the leg work for her homework for her? :^)= - Dr. MEgacycle KK6MC/5" Yes, he does. STeve is the client, I am the consultant. The object of the assignment is the actual modeling and the paper that results from it, not were the data or even the formulas came from. It is how I apply them. He has sent me a couple of links, himself. (And he is also a Ham, which helps.) :-) I want to extend my thanks to all that have responded. I was having real problems coming up with anything other than links on how to optimize NEC-2 or EZNEC. -- glenda http://www.n8kpl.net ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/

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ISS passes just above Vega
by Greg Beat 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

It seems all the great astronomy in the Midwest (USA) is sometimes the coldest days of the year -- single digits (F) tonight. :-) Tonight (Wednesday evening, Dec. 5) at 6:10 PM CST, the International Space Station (ISS) made a visible pass (Chicago area) and as it arced across the sky -- it passed just above the star Vega -- and then went into eclipse a couple of minutes later ! The Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to join it tomorrow evening for "the chase" ! Greg w9gb

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ANDE - ISS dual hop?
by Robert Bruninga 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

ANDE is catching up to ISS. Now at about 0100z on the 5th, ANDE's footprint is just touching ISS's. And ISS is on packet on 145.825 just like ANDE. Over the next several hours, ANDE will get closer to ISS and then move out in front. I suspect that ISS has no chance at hearing the weak ande, and ANDE might not hear ISS, but the best chance will be monitoring ANDE's downlink for any double hop packets via ISS. Since both spacecraft respond VIA ARISS, then a double hop packet might try the path UNPROTO APRS VIA ARISS,ARISS. A slightly more efficient path (shorter packet) might be APRS VIA WIDE2-2. See the ANDE-OPS web page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html Good luck! Bob, WB4APR

4 7

New items at the AMSAT Online Store
by Bruce 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

I have just added two new items to the AMSAT online store. LVB Tracker Box enclosure and LVB Tracker Bare Board with CD-ROM instructions and parts list They are located under hardware. Sorry the picture doesn't look so good. Will try to hook a larger image of it to the page. 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

2 1

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 762
by Clint Bradford 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

HRO Colorado has three 50' lengths of CableExperts 9913 w/PL-259 connectors as of 8:45am Pacific time. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 762
by Clint Bradford 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

Didn't the original poster say that HRO didn't have this in stock? It shows 50' 9913 w/PL-259 as in stocl now - Wednesday. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Columbus and the ARISS-EU antennas
by Gaston BERTELS 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

ARISS L/S-band patch antennas are fixed on MDPs (Meteorite Debris Panels) located on the nadir of Columbus, i.e. underneath the module. Most of the time, the vertical axis of Columbus is oriented to the center of the Earth and the ARISS antennas will be facing the Earth. Gaston Bertels, ON4WF

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STS122 with Columbus and the ARISS-EU antennas launch tomorrow
by Graham Shirville 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

Hi All, The ARISS-Europe L/S band antennas are now mounted on the outside of Columbus which is safely located in the cargo bay of Shuttle Atlantis prior to its scheduled launch tomorrow. The flight will be covered by NASA-TV as usual and their 150kb video stream is also available over the internet. For this flight ESA are also relaying the program(me) over the Atlantic Bird 1 satellite for viewers in Europe who have a FTA satellite system. Details from ESA are given below. As the antennas are on the "bottom" of Atlantis they will not become visible until it has been completely removed from the cargo bay prior to mating it with the Harmony module of the ISS during the first EVA on flight day 4. Exciting times! 73 Graham G3VZV The next Shuttle mission to the ISS, STS-122 with European astronauts > Leopold Eyharts and Hans Schlegel on board, has now been confirmed for > launch at 21.31 GMT on 6 December from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. It > will carry the European Columbus laboratory into orbit, establishing > Europe as a full partner in the operation and utilisation of man's > permanent science outpost in space. > > ESA TV will provide re-broadcast of NASA TV for the following key events: > > Wednesday 5 Dec 2007, 17:50 - 19:00 GMT (Sat coordinates below): Briefing > from KSC with ESA and NASA mission managers on Columbus mission and 1st > ATV mission. > > Thursday 6 Dec 2007, 16:25 - 22:00 GMT (Sat coordinates below): Full relay > of NASA TV coverage of pre-launch events and launch (scheduled at 21:31 > GMT). > > Monday 10 Dec 2007: Columbus module 1st ingress (scheduled at 22:06 GMT). > > Wednesday 12 Dec 2007: Mission inflight call (scheduled at 14:51 GMT) with > German Chancellor Angela Merkel and ESA DG Jean Jacques Dordain (Eyharts > and Schlegel plus mission commanders participating) > > Friday 14 Dec 2007: Joint Crew News Conference (scheduled at 16:31 GMT). > > Monday 17 Dec 2007: Landing (scheduled at 17:29 GMT). > > Also, daily mission highlights will be re-broadcast from NASA (starting > Fri 7 Dec at 06:00 GMT). > > Further announcements/timings will follow with full detail of launch day > coverage and all further events. > > > > All NASA TV programming is subject to last-minute changes. We will do our > best to deliver late advisory/updates in the event of changing schedules. > > The line-up time for all these SCPC feeds will be 5 minutes > > > More background information can be found on: > http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ > > Satellite coordinates for Weds 5 Dec and Thurs 6 Dec: > > Eutelsat Atlantic Bird 1 (AB1) at 12.5degW, Transponder F5, Channel C, F = > 12642.75MHz, Pol = horizontal,SR = 6.1113 Ms/s, FEC = 3/4, signal MPEG2 > 4:2:0 in the clear > > For events after launch - please see further announcements. > > For the latest transmission schedule, go to http://television.esa.int.

5 4

More: -Young Graduate Trainee opportunites
by Graham Shirville 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

I have just spotted a plethora of job opportunities at ESA for Young Graduate Trainees. These are open to students from most European countries and Canada. They include a number with a strong relationship with communications/radio systems ...... http://www.esa.int/hr/ygt.htm They maybe of interest to some of our young BB subscribers:) 73 Graham G3VZV

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Re: Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by Rick Mann 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

On Dec 4, 2007, at 10:30 PM, kj6ko wrote: > I don't blame you. I quit trying to solder connectors with an iron > long ago. I use a small culniary torch. Quick and I bought a butane torch (a small one, like the culinary one you mentioned). I can't seem to make it work any better than the electric iron I was trying to use. Sigh. > clean! I'm sure someone mentioned Pasternack or RF Parts. They > sell assembled coax. I'll look up those guys, too. Thanks! -- Rick

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Re: Where can I buy pre-made feedline?
by Rick Mann 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

On Dec 4, 2007, at 10:04 PM, Edward Cole wrote: > Next time chose LMR-400 instead. If you assemble N-connectors the > braid is clamped and only requires soldering the center pin which is > gold-plated on most N-connectors. If you equipment has UHF > connectors just use a short piece of RG-213 or RG-58 with a PL-259 > on one end and an N on the other (or use a N/UHF adaptor). Why LMR-400? I would've like to use N connectors, but the equipment has PL-259, and I don't want the losses from an adapter. -- Rick

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LVB Enclosures In
by Gould Smith 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

LVB Tracker Enclosures The custom enclosures for the LVB Tracker are in. These silk screened, black, powder coated, 0.062" aluminum boxes are produced by Ten-Tec for us. The enclosures have PEMs (embedded standoffs) to support the front panel LCD and for the main circuit board. Simply use (8) 4x40 screws to attach the boards to the PEMs. There are cut outs for the LCD, the four pushbutton switches, USB connector, DB-9 connector and rotor cable. The box comes in two parts with feet and screws to hold the box together. We are working on completing the orders on file and will be shipping them soon. If you would like to order an enclosure or a complete unit, contact Martha at the AMSAT office. If you have any questions about the enclosures contact Gould, wa4sxm(a)amsat.org.

2 2

ft-726 options help, radio soon FS
by Eric Fort 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

I have a yaesu ft-726 that I'm presently trying to determine what options it has installed. I know it has the 2M/430/21-28mhz modules and ctcss tone board installed but how do I tell if it has the sat module or what other options it may have? Help in determining this is much appreciated. Thanks, Eric AF6EP

3 2

Basic Packet How-To for ARISS and PCSAT
by JoAnne Maenpaa 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi everyone, I put together a very basic overview of how to get started with packet via ARISS and PCSAT-1: http://home.comcast.net/~k9jkm/ARISS_Packet_How_To/ Please take a look and let me know what needs to be fixed or added? I've been 'elmer-ing' a few hams about ARISS packet and my web content is pretty much based on what I've been asked about. Its not intended to be a comprehensive AX.25 packet or APRS guide. Most hams I've worked with had basic packet knowledge from back in the 1990's but now wanted to know what else they had to do to get on 145.825 MHz space packet. There will always be plenty for you to learn ... hopefully my quick-start guide will get you up and running for your first QSO. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm(a)amsat.org

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Portable LEO Satellite Antenna
by Fred A Parker 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Portable satellite antenna on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/Northlander-log-periodic-2-meter-440-dual-band-antenna_… Fred KF0AK

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Re: Agree ... and HELP !!!.
by George Henry 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

There's a Cookies folder under c:\Documents and Settings\{your user profile name}... you must have the folder option to Show Hidden and System Files turned on to see it, though. Just drop the cookie in there, and you're set (if the cookie itself hasn't expired) 73, George, KA3HSW -----Original Message----- >From: John Hackett <archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com> >Sent: Dec 4, 2007 11:57 AM >To: w7lrd(a)comcast.net >Cc: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, "Eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com" <eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Agree ... and HELP !!!. > > >Hey Bob, > That's a great !!! idea ... I wish !!!! I knew how to do it. > >Emily, who wrote the program "disappeared" into the "Second Life" virtual world over a year ago and has not been heard of since!. > >She used to send me a cookie every December to reactivate the annual editing privilages I had from my computer. > >I have a copy of the cookie but have no idea ! where it should go to activate the program again. Last December I just messed around with it and somehow managed to get it into the right place by a fluke! ... sheer luck ... this December, after messing about all day I can't find out where it should go. > >Needless to say, I am most definately *NOT* an IT guru. > >I'll bat this mail to both reflectors Bob just in case somebody recognises the problem and can advise me how to correct it. > >73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> > >

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Agree ... and HELP !!!.
by John Hackett 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hey Bob, That's a great !!! idea ... I wish !!!! I knew how to do it. Emily, who wrote the program "disappeared" into the "Second Life" virtual world over a year ago and has not been heard of since!. She used to send me a cookie every December to reactivate the annual editing privilages I had from my computer. I have a copy of the cookie but have no idea ! where it should go to activate the program again. Last December I just messed around with it and somehow managed to get it into the right place by a fluke! ... sheer luck ... this December, after messing about all day I can't find out where it should go. Needless to say, I am most definately *NOT* an IT guru. I'll bat this mail to both reflectors Bob just in case somebody recognises the problem and can advise me how to correct it. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> From: w7lrd(a)comcast.net To: la2qaa(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-7 ... N1DID & K9CIS note. Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 17:12:35 +0000 I think this web site is invalueable I use it all the time. The only change I would recomend is, if there is a comment for a particular contact it would help it the little eye glass would change color or somthing to indicate that there is infact a message there. Yes I totally agree it is not a contest log but to be honest it is fun to see who is where. 73 Bob W7LRD -------------- Original message -------------- From: John Hackett <archie.hackett(a)hotmail.com> > > Hi All, > It's December again ... (ho -ho-ho) ... and consequently my > administrative privilages for The AO-7 Resource Page log have expired. > > (This means I can no longer edit the mistakes) > > Emily N1DID hasn't responded to my mails so the log will probably very soon get > out of hand again. > > Frank (K9CIS) on orbit 51248 at 23:27 you've logged K3SZH twice for the same > QSO. > > Each station can still edit their own entry (but nobody else's) by clicking on > the hourglass at the left of your entry. A new screen will pop up and you can > just correct any mistakes. > > PLEASE !!! be careful to enter the correct data because if you don't notice your & gt; error it will soon throw the log statistics out of whack and defeat the entire > object of the log ... which is an ACTIVITY log *NOT* a contest log. > > I have administered the log for three years but am now concentrating on a > different long term activity regarding AO-7 which, hopefully, will benefit the > entire amateur satellite community - commencing in the spring of 2008. > > A request to the ANS editor regarding careful entries in the log and how to edit > it would be very much appreciated. > > 73 John. > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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About CAPE telemetry / Acerca de la telemetría de CAPE.
by HEYLER YESID LEDEZMA LEUDO 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi. I am Heiler Ledezma, researcher from satellite 'Libertad 1', I want to know if somebody could to send to me the telemetry received about the cubesat CAPE. This information is very important for somethings researchings. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buenas tardes. Soy Heiler Ledezma, investigador del satélite 'Libertad 1 ', quisiera saber si alguien podría enviarme la telemetría recibida de el cubesat CAPE. Esta información es muy importante. Gracias. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo. Estudiante de Tecnología Electrónica -U. Distrital. --------------------------------- ¡Capacidad ilimitada de almacenamiento en tu correo! No te preocupes más por el espacio de tu cuenta con Correo Yahoo!: http://correo.yahoo.com.mx/

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About CAPE telemetry / Acerca de la telemetría de CAPE.
by HEYLER YESID LEDEZMA LEUDO 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi. I am Heiler Ledezma, researcher from satellite 'Libertad 1', I want to know if somebody could to send to me the telemetry received about the cubesat CAPE. This information is very important for somethings researchings. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buenas tardes. Soy Heiler Ledezma, investigador del satélite 'Libertad 1 ', quisiera saber si alguien podría enviarme la telemetría recibida de el cubesat CAPE. Esta información es muy importante. Gracias. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo. Estudiante de Tecnología Electrónica -U. Distrital. --------------------------------- Comparte video en la ventana de tus mensajes (y también tus fotos de Flickr). Usa el nuevo Yahoo! Messenger versión Beta. Visita http://mx.beta.messenger.yahoo.com/

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About CAPE telemetry / Acerca de la telemetría de CAPE.
by HEYLER YESID LEDEZMA LEUDO 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi. I am Heiler Ledezma, researcher from satellite 'Libertad 1', I want to know if somebody could to send to me the telemetry received about the cubesat CAPE. This information is very important for somethings researchings. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buenas tardes. Soy Heiler Ledezma, investigador del satélite 'Libertad 1 ', quisiera saber si alguien podría enviarme la telemetría recibida de el cubesat CAPE. Esta información es muy importante. Gracias. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo. Estudiante de Tecnología Electrónica -U. Distrital. --------------------------------- ¡Capacidad ilimitada de almacenamiento en tu correo! No te preocupes más por el espacio de tu cuenta con Correo Yahoo!: http://correo.yahoo.com.mx/

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UK 10 GHz - Out of Band Emissions increase
by Trevor 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2007/out_of_band_emissions.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! - the World's favourite mail http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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AO-7 ... N1DID & K9CIS note.
by John Hackett 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi All, It's December again ... (ho -ho-ho) ... and consequently my administrative privilages for The AO-7 Resource Page log have expired. (This means I can no longer edit the mistakes) Emily N1DID hasn't responded to my mails so the log will probably very soon get out of hand again. Frank (K9CIS) on orbit 51248 at 23:27 you've logged K3SZH twice for the same QSO. Each station can still edit their own entry (but nobody else's) by clicking on the hourglass at the left of your entry. A new screen will pop up and you can just correct any mistakes. PLEASE !!! be careful to enter the correct data because if you don't notice your error it will soon throw the log statistics out of whack and defeat the entire object of the log ... which is an ACTIVITY log *NOT* a contest log. I have administered the log for three years but am now concentrating on a different long term activity regarding AO-7 which, hopefully, will benefit the entire amateur satellite community - commencing in the spring of 2008. A request to the ANS editor regarding careful entries in the log and how to edit it would be very much appreciated. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Request for online sources of antenna modeling stuff
by STeve Andre' 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hello All, My wife (n8kpl) is taking a mathmatical modeling class, and she is looking for sites that talk about modeling of antennas. Since this is a math class, finding programs that do it isn't quite enough, since she has to do the work. I'm not finding what much stuff online. Thus I am asking on these two lists for help in finding stuff. An online course in antenna modeling would be great, finding formulas and practical experience would be great too. I'm thinking of yagi antennas as a good choice. We're looking at books as well so if you have favorites, that would be good to know. I have an interest in this myself, so this isn't just trying to get data for a school project. ;-) Thanks all, --STeve Andre' wb8wsf en82

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FS: Arrow Antenna
by Jeff Davis 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

I've got a spare Arrow Antenna -- the Arrow II Model 146/437-10WBP satellite antenna (split boom with the 10W duplexer @ cable) -- for sale. It has never been used other than to be assembled once and then disassembled. In the original bag with original instructions. New price is $139 + $10 shipping. I'll ship it to your door CONUS for $110. Paypal, money order, personal check, or grand prize winning Powerball lottery ticket accepted. No trades. Contact me off the list for more details. Thanks and 73, Jeff, KE9V

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AO7
by k3szh＠netzero.net 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Congratulation Frank K9CIS for passing the 1000 mark contact on AO7.You are the only 2ND station in the whole USA to do it,plus you did it by your great CW skill. Again well done,I am holding my glass high. 73 Joe K3SZH Amsat 3788

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Re: How to make phasing cable for 440 MHz Arrow II
by Wayne Estes 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Click the links below to see how KB2M modified the 7+7 Arrow 70cm yagi to be circular polarized. Hand-written diagram from W0OQC: http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff239/Wayne_Estes/Ham%20Radio/W0OQCHarne… Calculations to determine length of the two 70 Ohm matching cables and the 93 Ohm phasing cable: http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff239/Wayne_Estes/Ham%20Radio/W0OQCcalcu… Photo of KB2M's finished wiring harness: http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff239/Wayne_Estes/Ham%20Radio/KB2MArrowm… Photo of KB2M's RHCP 7x7 Arrow yagi on the mast: http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff239/Wayne_Estes/Ham%20Radio/KB2MArrowo… Note that this was done as a portable uplink antenna for AO40. I can't think of any currently functioning ham satellites that would really need a RHCP 70cm antenna. The impedance matching cables are 3/4 wavelength long. That makes the dimensional tolerances 1/3 as critical compared to making 1/4 wavelength cables. The phasing cable is 1/4 wavelength long for obvious reasons. Also note that the dimensions should be measured from the center of the Tee to the end of the pin on the BNC connectors (connector and Tee contribute to the electrical length). Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

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About CAPE telemetry / Acerca de la telemetría de CAPE.
by HEYLER YESID LEDEZMA LEUDO 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Hi. I am Heiler Ledezma, researcher from satellite 'Libertad 1', I want to know if somebody could to send to me the telemetry received about the cubesat CAPE. This information is very important for somethings researchings. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buenas tardes. Soy Heiler Ledezma, investigador del satélite 'Libertad 1 ', quisiera saber si alguien podría enviarme la telemetría recibida de el cubesat CAPE. Esta información es muy importante. Gracias. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo. Estudiante de Tecnología Electrónica -U. Distrital. --------------------------------- Comparte video en la ventana de tus mensajes (y también tus fotos de Flickr). Usa el nuevo Yahoo! Messenger versión Beta. Visita http://mx.beta.messenger.yahoo.com/

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About CAPE telemetry / Acerca de la telemetría de CAPE.
by HEYLER YESID LEDEZMA LEUDO 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Hi. I am Heiler Ledezma, researcher from satellite 'Libertad 1', I want to know if somebody could to send to me the telemetry received about the cubesat CAPE. This information is very important for somethings researchings. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buenas tardes. Soy Heiler Ledezma, investigador del satélite 'Libertad 1 ', quisiera saber si alguien podría enviarme la telemetría recibida de el cubesat CAPE. Esta información es muy importante. Gracias. Heiler Yesid Ledezma Leudo. Estudiante de Tecnología Electrónica -U. Distrital. --------------------------------- ¡Capacidad ilimitada de almacenamiento en tu correo! No te preocupes más por el espacio de tu cuenta con Correo Yahoo!: http://correo.yahoo.com.mx/

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Evening SO-50 NA passes tonight
by Jonny 290 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

If anybody is like me and likes to burn the midnight oil, I'll be working the two overnight SO-50 passes, the first from 0638-0652Z and the second from 0820-0831Z. I know that traffic is very low on the birds at night, but I just thought I'd throw it out there. My station is now in the 'tune and tweak' mode and I am attempting to work as many passes as possible so I can plot my antenna/receiver response vs. the pass altitude and bearing to get an idea of my environment here; unfortunately it's tough as I am at work from 2100-0500Z. also if anybody wants to chat about some sort of overnight sked, that'd be awesome - I'm sure there's at least one or two NA ops that keep the same hours that I do. :P Up to four contacts on the birds, enjoying every pass as it's exciting as heck! my YL figured out that every time a certain alarm goes off on my cell phone I scamper back into the shack for 15 minutes and the U-110 starts thump thump thumping :) Matt KC4YLV em26

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Re: AO-16 update--for AMSAT NEWS Release
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Hi all, great to see AO-16 come back to live, It's always good to hear its steady buzzing sound:) Based on a suggestion by Mike, DK3WN, I have now also included decoding of the 7 short 2-byte MBL telemetry frames from AO-16 in the latest release ( v1.0.3 Beta) of Warbler (an AO-16 soundcard demodulator program I wrote). These frames are included in the .kss file which Warbler creates, and can therefore be viewed with DK3WN's MBL telemetry decoder. You can download the latest release from my website at http://home.casema.nl/b.ubbels/Warbler.htm 73 Wouter Jan Ubbels PE4WJ

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FS: Kenwood TH77 dualband HT
by John Geiger 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

I have for sale a Kenwood TH77 dualband (2m/70cm) HT in good condition. It does dual receive which would work perfectly for the FM sats like AO51 and AO27. It comes with the antenna, and 1 PB-6 battery that holds a charge, but I can't guarantee for how long. The HT can run directly off of 12 volts from a jack in the top-for 5 watts out. It does not have the tone board installed, but they should still be available somewhere. It also has the original box and manual. I will include one extra long life battery that is dead and needs rebuilding. There is no charger for the PB-6 included, but you can charge it with a drop in or universal charger. I am asking $65 plus shipping for this package. I can take paypal, check, or MO. 73s John AA5JG ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

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FS Bird Model 43 & Slugs
by Steven Raas 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Bird Model 43 Watt meter S/N 165665 Great condx 'N' conectors Price $160.00 Shipping included to lower 48 states Bird Slug 500E 500w 400-1000 mhz unused/factory sealed - $70.00 Shipping Incl to lower 48 Bird Slug 100C 100w 100-250 mhz - $50.00 Shipping Incl to lower 48 Bird Slug 250C 250w 100-250 mhz - $60.00 Shipping Incl to lower 48 Bird Slug 50E 50w 400-1000 mhz $50.00 Shipping incl to lower 48 Inquiries or questions to sraas(a)optonline.net 73 Steven J.Raas QRV From FN20vg on 2/432 Terestrial-Sats-Digital-EME Member of - ARRL & AMSAT Supporter of N3FJP Software <http://www.n3fjp.com/> http://www.n3fjp.com Page - <http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/> http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/

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For Sale AZ/EL Rotor
by Steven Raas 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

For Sale Yaesu G-5500 rotor and control box. VG Condx Pick up ONLY in Freehold, NJ - Price $500.00 2x50' shielded control cables can be included for an additional $40.00 Also Pick up only. Steven J.Raas QRV From FN20vg on 2/432 Terestrial-Sats-Digital-EME Member of - ARRL & AMSAT Supporter of N3FJP Software <http://www.n3fjp.com/> http://www.n3fjp.com Page - <http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/> http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/

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fs ic-820
by Steven Raas 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Radio is now spoken for.. Thank you. Steven J.Raas QRV From FN20vg on 2/432 Terestrial-Sats-Digital-EME Member of - ARRL & AMSAT Supporter of N3FJP Software <http://www.n3fjp.com/> http://www.n3fjp.com Page - <http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/> http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/

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Re: Wanted: 70 cm helix design
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Commercial: www.wimo.com Homebrew: http://members.aol.com/k5oe Select homebrew hardware picture alblum at lower left of page. also http://ve2zaz.net (great site) If I can help in any way, please email me. 73 Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

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UHF Power divider/combiner (?) Identification help - Please.
by Dave Aitch 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Single input, two outputs, all N type. 19.5 cms long. Looks like it is made from brass underneath the black paint The (silver foil ) description label is very worn. I see the following information on it. A small (male?) figure outlined, with a Yagi in it's right hand. The address: 132 Blvd Dauphine FRANCE Who was this made by please ? I need to gather the correct data before I put it on the market. Many thanks, Dave. AMSAT 5766

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Icom Sat Rig All Mode FS
by Steven Raas 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

For Sale: Icom IC-820H 2m/432 all mode great condition 100% functional. Includes MIC, Power Cable, Manual & AG-25 (2m Preamp) & Rig Blaster Plug N Play USB interface for PC control w/control cables. ( great for Auto Doppler tuning ! ) Photos can be seen on my web page listed below. Price is $560 + actual Shipping ( lower 48 will be probabaly around 12-15 $ ) Inquires & Questions are welcome please e-mail: sraas(a)optonline.net Steven J.Raas QRV From FN20vg on 2/432 Terestrial-Sats-Digital-EME Member of - ARRL & AMSAT Supporter of N3FJP Software <http://www.n3fjp.com/> http://www.n3fjp.com Page - <http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/> http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/

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Re: Performance of IC-471?
by Richard Limebear 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

KC4YLV wrote: > The reason I'm drawn to the 471 are its single band construction with robust filtering, I already have a mint 271a and think the 471 would match well. Can anybody comment as to the suitability and/or performance of the ol' 471 on satellite? Excellent satellite rig; I still use one. One mod I did was to replace the front-end device. The rig comes with a 3SK48 but I replaced this with a BF981; its a straight drop-in replacement and needs no re-alignment. Its Q10 on the RF-YGR board. Ticklish to make sure you have the replacement device the right way round though; email me direct if you want deeper instructions. Claimed to give a 10dB gain improvement with a noise figure reduction of about 2.5dB overall. Only thing is I'm not sure if this device is still available (I did the mod in 1993). -- 73 Richard W L Limebear G3RWL g3rwl(a)amsat.org FOC # 1188 So many beautiful girls ... (sob) so little time

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APRS and space station
by Ed Tump 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Folks, If anyone here has had good success with sending an APRS location and digi-peating it through the ISS, please send me some tips or online links. I have a simple HT connected to the Arrow sat antenna. The laptop is running UISS. I can hear the data traffic very clearly. I also see them pop up on my UISS screen. But the times I have sent a TX to the ISS it does not seem to show up on this web page: http://www.ariss.net/ Anyone with success please let me know. 73, Ed KC9GWK Grid EN52 AmSat Member

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Re: Performance of IC-471? (bought a 475!)
by Jonny 290 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Just to keep people updated, the radio gods have smiled on me today. I was unable to win the auction for the 471H that I was eyeing up, but by some strange luck I happened to catch a 475A on eBay for an unexpectedly low price with only a couple minor non-performance issues. I'm so excited to have the (arguably more important) half of my dream setup fall into my lap! It'll be very nice to be able to have the RX side computer-controlled - I've already built a CI-V interface for programming my mobile so I'm ready to go. Matt KC4YLV em26 On Nov 30, 2007 8:34 PM, jonny 290 <jonny290(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I'm currently shopping for a competent 70cm all-mode, as I believe my > Icom 208H and PCR100s > are just not sensitive or selective enough to do the job. > > >

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AO-16 update--for AMSAT NEWS Release
by Andrew Glasbrenner 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

FYI, Drew KO4MA AO-16 PACSAT Update December 3, 2007 After several months of silence, Amsat Oscar 16 (PACSAT) was commanded back ON on November 8, 2007. The satellite is transmitting on TX A at 437.024 MHz (+/- Doppler). Please note this transmitter is LHCP (left hand circular polarity). Recent attempts to reload the AO-16 satellite operating system and housekeeping tasks have thus far been unsuccessful. Harold Price, NK6K, Jim White, WD0E, Bruce Rahn, WB9ANQ, and Mark Hammond, N8MH are analyzing dumps of the spacecraft memory. This analysis and additional testing will continue for the next week or two before additional attempts to reload the spacecraft are attempted. AO-16 is, however, very alive and sending MBL telemetry! Thanks to all who have submitted MBL telemetry data. Please continue to send your AO-16 MBL telemetry files in KISS format to: telemetry AT quagliana DOT com. Thanks to Douglas Quagliana, KA2UPW for serving as telemetry coordinator. The AO-16 Command Team is especially interested in telemetry collected while AO-16 transitions into and out of eclipse. Announcement: Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, has just released the AO-16 PACSAT MBL telemetry decoder! This very fine decoder may be downloaded from: www.dk3wn.info/files/ao16mbl.zip The program is intuitive, and the output of the KISS telemetry files in graphic format is excellent. Now, AO-16 "telemetry hunters" can view the MBL telemetry files. Thank you, Mike, DK3WN, for the speedy development and release of this useful telemetry tool. Further announcements and updates from the AO-16 Command Team can be expected in the coming weeks. Submitted by Mark Hammond, N8MH (on behalf of the AO-16 Command Team).

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AO-51 You Tube Videos
by Doug Kuitula 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

Hi all, I ran across some very interesting You Tube videos by Randy K7AGE on the AMSAT-UK website. He demonstrates working AO-51 using an Arrow antenna and a handheld. I was especially interested in the bracket he made for holding the HT to the antenna. I'll have to make one of my own. His tripod set up for the antenna is quite nice as well. You can check it out at the following: www.uk.amsat.org/content/view/556/68 Well done Randy! 73 de Doug KA8QCU

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ANDE is now cruising at 235km height
by Henk, PA3GUO 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

ANDE is now cruising at 235 km, and keeps on coming down. In case you have never had time to try listening, maybe now is the moment, as there will not be many days left ! Why not collect some telemetry packets and join the special de-orbit event ? The more packets you captures during the last 10 days of ANDE in space, the more points you earn. On the ANDE de-Orbit AWARD your score will be listed. http://www.ande-deorbit.com has all the details. Let us know if you will participate ! Henk, PA3GUO ps: if you go to http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-ops.html you can try to predict yourself when the last day in space will be, based on the graph given there.

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How to make phasing cable for 440 MHz Arrow II cross Yagi?
by Rick Mann 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

Hi. I have an Arrow II cross Yagi handheld antenna, but it doesn't come with a phasing cable to make it circularly polarized. I have some of the required components, but I can't find the guide I was using before. Can someone tell me how to make such a cable (or point me to a resource online)? Thanks! -- Rick

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Satellite portable.
by John Hackett 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

Satellite portable ... or ... satellite tracking on your mobile phone. Avid readers of the bulletin boards may be aware that a couple of years ago I mentioned that it might be a good idea if someone wrote a tracking program for mobile phones that ran the popular Symbian operating system. At that time, nobody resonded. There have been programs for certain PDA's and Win-doze mobile but until recently, nothing for the Symbian OS.. A portable satellite station can be as small as a dual-band handheld, a 3/4 wave whip (albiet minimalistic) and your mobile phone. Of course, one can print out orbit predictions as well as lugging around a laptop for fancy graphics - but the really 'smart' people could just use a 'smartphone'. Therefore ... since nobody responded first time around - ( I can't even write my name properly) - I repeated my request for someone to write a tracking program for Symbian phones ... which resulted in K0SM Andy making me aware of his excellent tracking program for mobile phones called 'SATme'. Users of Java programs on mobile phones are usually aware that many strange things can and usually do happen with the installation of certain programs. The reason I mention this is to illustrate the 'service' Andy provided - which was nothing less than spectacular! ... in fact, he customised his program - (on a Saturday night !, while we were in "QSO" on the internet) - to specifically fit my N70 phone, giving me the parameters I wanted in a tracking program for portable operations. Tailor-made tracking programs? ...this is most certainly in the true spirit of amateur radio. A DEMO of Andy's program may be downloaded from this location ... <http://www.k0sm.com/> I'm also using my phone as a QSO recorder ... as well as transmitting CW WAV files ... to compliment the maniature homebrew keyer I have strapped to my thigh, made from 2 x microswitches 'thieved' from a computer mouse. I have the phones clock set up for various satellite 'periods' - (AOS audio warnings, to you!) while the phone's 'notepad' shows the uplink/downlink frequencies. A mobile phone can be a very useful addition to your portable satellite station if you don't want to lug your laptop around. The 'Mprs' program not only shows up on Findu.com - it sends your GPS position and if you wish, even a text message from your phone. Google maps is self explaitory. Did I mention that in extreme cicumstances my Nokia N74 could even be used as a telephone ??. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

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Re: How to make phasing cable for 440 MHz Arrow II cross Ya gi?
by w4mvb＠juno.com 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

My experiments over the last several years indicates that the value of circular polarization for LEO satellites is somewhat over rated. The key to success is switchable polarization. My current antennas consists of a often modified M2 2M 14 element (7+7) crossed yagi and a pair of K1FO style yagi's for 435 - one mounted vertically and one horizontally. Both are circularly polarized (or nearly so) and I can switch the polarization on both. I built a number of antennas before I arrived at this configuration and during the process I used linear fixed polarization, circular fixed polarization and switchable polarization both fixed and circular. No matter what polarization I used the key was always the ability to switch. When FO-20 and 29 were active you could get "locked out" for a considerable part of an orbit if you could not switch polarization. Switching between vertical and horizontal polarization worked as well as switching between RHCP and LHCP. I once decided that if you mount one antenna at 45 degrees the problem would be solved. As those of you who use handheld arrow style antennas know even that had to be reversed at some point to get a reasonable signal. Circular polarization can provide a 3 db advantage over linear polarization but that is only true if both transmit and receive antenna are the same polarization and both are aimed directly at each other. Although this works well on the HEO stabilized birds it almost never happens on the lower orbit satellites. It's doubtful if the 3 db advantage could be detected on the low orbit birds even if it did happen given the other variables in the transmit/receive path. Although I'm sure there are those who would disagree I think it is just as effective (and much less complex) to simply switch between vertical and horizontal elements where both are available. My 2 cents worth. 73 de Jess - W4MVB

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Successful contact at last
by Jonny 290 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

Finally nailed my first satellite QSO today on the evening pass of AO-51 with NK0Z. Quite tickled; i've found that I can copy fine from about 5-30 degrees elevation; above that I'm losing some. I am thinking of building an eggbeater and switching to it on high elevations as I think the 6 element beams I have might have too narrow beamwidth to get away without either that or an elevation rotor, which isn't really an option right now. Hope to land some more QSO's this weekend! Matt KC4YLV em26

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Re: How to make phasing cable for 440 MHz Arrow II cross Yagi?
by Rick Mann 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

On Dec 1, 2007, at 9:42 PM, Jim Jerzycke wrote: > That's because it's not meant to be circularly > polarized. You basically have two single-band antennas > on a common boom. If yours has separate feedlines for > each antenna you can either run two separate radios, > or connect them both to a duplexer, and use the > resulting single feedline to feed a single radio. > 73, Jim KQ6EA Are you referring to the 70cm/2m Arrow II antenna? I wasn't clear, but I'm talking about the dual 70cm: http://www.arrowantennas.com/437x14ii.html -- Rick

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Re: How to make phasing cable for 440 MHz Arrow II cross Yagi?
by Rick Mann 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

On Dec 1, 2007, at 9:31 PM, Bruce wrote: > you can't make it circular because you would need either 2m elements > or 70cm elements on both planes. the arrow is designed as a 2m yagi > on one plane and a 70 cm yagi on the other. you rotate your hand > left and right to change polarity as you listen to the bird. Thanks Bruce, but I actually have two 70 cm antennas at 90 deg to each other: http://www.arrowantennas.com/437x14ii.html As I understand things, I should be able to use a phasing cable to circularly polarize it. -- Rick

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Woohoo! Guatemala on AO-27!!!
by Bob Stewart 01 Dec '07

01 Dec '07

I turned the rig on at the last minute to record the AO-27 pass at about 2058Z and there's Allen (N5AFV) working TG9GJG. Quick! Hit all the buttons and grab the mike! Thanks for the QSO, Julio! Bob - AE6RV

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So close to success! (SO-50 pass)
by Jonny 290 01 Dec '07

01 Dec '07

Satellite station is about 90% done as far as hardware goes - about all I need to do is to get a quality 70cm rig and perhaps set up elevation control for the beams (6 elements for each band). I have only received faint signals so far and nothing really good quality. So, this evening I fired up the Orbitron as usual to see if I could try to RX any passes. Turns out there was a nice SO-50 pass, about 41 degrees peak, and decided to give it a shot. One thing I tried was tearing my shack-mount, terribly-constructed preamp out of line. I have to say that I slacked on it - I used 3" pieces of RG-174 as patches in the (unshielded) box, and attempted to have a bypass relay setup - but with a cheap little DIP relay. Crappy, I know, but it's old. So, I just hooked the Icom 208 straight up to the antenna feedline, and said "what the hey." It's a better receiver than the PCR100 but still has a wideband RX front end so I was fearing knocking the RX out when TXing (both antennas are vertical polarization and I have no filtering yet) Sure enough as soon as the bird hit about 7-8 degrees (I'm at 15 foot antenna elevation in a mildly urban area) I was able to activate it, and I got a full quieting carrier when I called CQ. I was able to CQ for about 75% of the pass, I lost it above 35 degrees or so. Quickly regained it on the descent. Right as I was losing it I heard a station with a Spanish accent come back to my CQ but it was too late - lost the bird. Anyways I am terribly excited and hope that I can get some passes in when there is actual activity. Hope to talk to you all on the birds very soon! (like tomorrow) Very surprised at the audio and transmission quality. For some reason I imagined that the signal would have much more flutter and fading. It was remarkably consistent. good job amsat! :) As an aside, I intend to catch as many overnight passes of -50 and -51 as possible. If anybody in NA wants to try to set up a sked some time, do send me an email. 73 de Matt KC4YLV em26

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Re: [Mw] Japanese Lunar Orbiter received
by Michael Fletcher 01 Dec '07

01 Dec '07

Hi all, added a couple of video clips, photos and spectrograms (last 11 lines of this "update task list" page): http://www.kolumbus.fi/michael.fletcher/latest.htm Receiving the lunar orbiter carrier with a W-LAN patch antenna is pretty cool. I was copying Kaguya with my portable setup off and on last week whilst on a business trip - the equipment and battery fit into a small attache case... 73's Michael, OH2AUE -- "Life is too short for Sudoku"

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