- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

AO-7 mode change time
by David 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

G'day All, Just watched and listened to a pass of AO-7 and it looked like it was illuminated all the time - the full sunlight period may have arrived. Has anyone observed when (UTC) the timer changes between modes? Looking at the AO-7 log at planetemily it would appear to be between 0100 and 0200 UTC. That's a bit late for my QTH since morning passes occur between 1830 and 0030 UTC. 73 de David VK5DG

1 0

Re: LoTW: grid squares
by Wayne Estes 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

John KD6PAG wrote: Several people have written to me about long-lat to Maidenhead conversion. I know how to do that. For example, the grid boundary near Four Corners is 109W02'0 37N00'0.00, which i represent as DM56lx/DM57la. But LoTW won't take that. Wayne W9AE replies: I don't have an answer to your LOTW grid square problem, but I want to make sure everybody knows about the excellent grid square calculator available for download from the web site of Stacey Mills W4SM (former AO40 control operator). http://www.keplerian.com/ I also like his "RF safety" and "Power Loss" calculator programs. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

2 1

Re: LoTW: grid squares
by melachri＠speakeasy.net 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

But you are quoting the rules for contests. Rules for awards are different. Specifically, the rules for VUCC say: "Stations who claim to operate from more than one grid locator simultaneously (such as from the intersection of 4 grid locators) must be physically present in more than one locator to give multiple locator credit with a single contact...Operators of such stations should be prepared to provide some evidence of meeting this test if called upon to do so. Multiple QSL cards are not required. GPS readings are acceptable." John said he's adhered to these rules. The problem is that LoTW is not built to the same set of rules. It's probably tailored more to WAS and DXCC. I think John's solution is probably to create duplicate QSOs for those cases, with each QSO replicated in each grid square. Although the VUCC rules say that multiple QSLs are not required, LoTW seems to force him to do it that way. Steve W3HF > John Mock KD6PAG wrote: > > I have a similar issue with grid squares. I've been careful to adhere to > > the VUCC rules on operating on grid square boundaries (and often taken > > photographs to provide additional documentation). However, those who have > > received my QSL cards will note that LoTW is not checked on those cards. > > > > It seems that LoTW insists that grid squares be four or six characters > > long. So, how would i denote my operations from 38N0'0.00 118W0'0.00 > > (DM07/08/17/18)? Can anyone help me out on this one? > > ARRL Rules for Contests on Bands Above 50 MHz say: > > "1.11.A station located precisely on a dividing line between grid > squares must select only one as the location for exchange purposes. > A different grid-square multiplier cannot be given without moving the > complete station (including antennas) at least 100 meters." > > So, in the case of a grid corner, you can pick any one of the 4 grids in > the corner, but you have to move the whole station to count a QSO in any > of the 3 other adjoining grids. Same thing for a grid line, only 2 > grids instead of 4 are involved. > > I seem to recall that there was an AMSAT rule that was different, > allowing a QSO at an exact grid corner to count for all 4 grids, and a > QSO at an exact grid line to count for both grids, but I can't seem to > locate that rule to see exactly when it applies... > > 73 de WØJT > AMSAT-NA LM#2292 >

1 0

Re: ISS Doppler with SATPC32ISS
by George Henry 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

Sadly, as many on the RTTY contesting list have discovered, not all USB-to-serial converters are created equal (most won't do 5-bit Baudot). But for SatPC32's purposes, they still might not support all of the handshaking signals needed. First, make sure that you have the latest drivers for your converter. If that doesn't solve the problem, you may need to try a different brand of converter. 73, George, KA3HSW ----- Original Message ----- From: <9w2qc(a)9w2qc.net> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 11:19 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS Doppler with SATPC32ISS Dear All, Greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have been trying to use SATPC32ISS with my ICOM IC-910H for ISS tracking. Antenna and doppler tracking has went on smoothly using the built in serial ports on my PC. It is also possible to track ISS's in band doppler (on 2M, TX and RX) and inhibit doppler change during TX by connecting ACC pin 3 to Serial pin 8. Everything is fine, until I attempt to connect the transceiver to my laptop. Unfortunately, my laptop does not have serial port, so I have no choice but to use a USB-Serial converter. At first, the frequency changes perfectly. However, once I key PTT, no further changes takes place. Although, SATPC32ISS still keeps the transceiver in split mode. Once, I disable and re-enable CAT function, everything becomes back to normal. I am just wondering and would be glad if anyone has found a solution to this. Thank you very much in advance, and a great weekend to all. 73, Sion Chow Q. C., 9W2QC.

1 0

LoTW: grid squares [was: ISS a Satellite or an airplane?]
by John Mock KD6PAG 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

I have a similar issue with grid squares. I've been careful to adhere to the VUCC rules on operating on grid square boundaries (and often taken photographs to provide additional documentation). However, those who have received my QSL cards will note that LoTW is not checked on those cards. It seems that LoTW insists that grid squares be four or six characters long. So, how would i denote my operations from 38N0'0.00 118W0'0.00 (DM07/08/17/18)? Can anyone help me out on this one? -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer) [Note: If i'm in your address book, please replace 'qsl.net' with 'amsat.org'.]

3 2

LoTW: grid squares [was: ISS a Satellite or an airplane?]
by John Mock KD6PAG 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

Several people have written to me about long-lat to Maidenhead conversion. I know how to do that. For example, the grid boundary near Four Corners is 109W02'0 37N00'0.00, which i represent as DM56lx/DM57la. But LoTW won't take that. Figuring out what to send to LoTW, or getting them to accept something that is more than six characters, that is the dilemma i face. Thanks! 73's and good luck! -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)

1 0

ISS a Satellite or an airplane?
by Eric Christensen 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

Can someone sanity check me, please? I'm trying to convince a guy at the ARRL that the ISS needs to be added to the LoTW as a satellite and he says it is not valid because it isn't a satellite but rather an airplane. Anyone out there help me with this? 73s, Eric W4OTN

12 17

re digital compass / hello to the group
by Rhett Duke 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

Many thanks to all who took the time to reply and bring me up to speed on the practical way to track with an Arrow Antenna......I gather that an Arrow beam has a "pattern" that could be likened to using a shotgun to shoot skeet/clay targets......The more elements on a beam.....the more gain it has.....but the tighter the pattern hence you have to be more accurate in pointing it....I'd compare that to shooting a rifle ......I also sense there is a proper time and place for using a beam with a wide pattern (beam width)....and a time something with more gain would be desirable. I'll spend some more time reading over all your information and hope to be meeting you all "on the birds" soon !!!!!!!!!!!! 73 Rhett Duke KI4OVO -- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

1 0

UT-10
by Eric H. Christensen 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

I have a Kenwood TS-790 at the house that I'm going to be using for satellites. Does anyone have a UT-10 they'd be willing to get rid of? I need to figure out something for 1.2GHz. 73s, Eric W4OTN

1 0

AO-7 Help...many thanx!
by John Marranca, Jr 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Hello all. I just wanted to publicly express my gratitude for the prompt, numerous, and courteous responses to my AO-7 question. I am grateful. I also would like to note that in almost 20 years of being a ham, I have never found a friendlier group...so willing to help and answer questions...however small. Also, no one "tore me apart" when I mentioned that my main rig for satellites, contesting, etc...is an FT-817. (Like I told Rich N2SPI)...Bitten by the satellite bug, John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

1 0

145/28MHZ conveter and Ts2000 rx antenna
by pedro cruz 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Hi to all Any one use Hamtronics 145/28mhz converter with Ts2000 rx antenna ? My question is when i connect my downcoverter to the Hamtronics and then to rx antenna to ts2000 in the FM mode on 28MHz the S-Meter goes to full . This is normal or i have to adjust the Hamtronics ? Best 73 ! Pedro Cruz CU2JX

3 2

ISS Packet/APRS
by Mineo Wakita 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

145.825 MHz, 1200 bps, simplex un APRS via ARISS time JST RS0ISS-4>CQ,SGATE [09/15/07 01:59:50] <UI R>: >ARISS - International Space Station (BBS/APRS on) JE9PEL>APRS,RS0ISS-4* [09/15/07 02:01:10] <UI R>: de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

1 0

ISS BBS usage
by Henk, PA3GUO 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Dear friends, As we are all so very excited to have ISS APRS back on, we also have seen that the BBS works fine as well. That good-old-Kenwood D700 rocks ! However, we need to be carefull using it ! Do not use C RS0ISS-4, it will block APRS. But do use C RS0ISS-11 instead. Kenneth N5VHO has written as summary some time ago: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/sarex/200504/msg00002.html I have inserted that message in the bottom of this posting. Yesterday I used the BBS, it works fine. Please note the commands are case sensitive (use W instead of w) I have a log of my results at http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo (click on ISS APRS) Have fun, be smart, don't hog the downlink, enjoy ! Henk, PA3GUO ps: do not forget to disconnect on time (so way before LOS) +++++ COPY OF THE MESSAGE OF N5VHO +++++++ **If a station connects to the ISS mailbox, the following will be received: Welcome to RS0ISS's message board System Ver 1.50 112864 Bytes free CMD(F/K/M/R/W/B/H/?)> ****Please do not send an H or ?.***** The following help menu will be sent and it takes a lot of time. Considering the delay issues over some parts of the world, this could effectively eliminate any one else from using the system during that pass. W(rite) = Type W (callsign)<cr> to begin message entering. Subject: = Header (max 30 characters) are entered after the prompt: "Subject". Ending the header with a carriage return <cr>. Message: = Message are entered after the prompt: "Message". Ending each line with <cr>. You terminate with either a <cr>/EX<cr> or <cr><ctrl-Z><cr> to the indicate end of your message. B(ye) = Type B<cr> to DISCONNECT. F(ile) = Type F<cr> to show the latest 20 messages. L(ist) = Type L<cr> to show the all messages. M(ine) = Type M<cr> to show latest 20 messages (to or from you). Subsequent F or M command will show next 20 active messages. R(ead) = Type R n<cr> to show the number n message. A(bort) = Type A<cr> to Abort. J = Type J<cr> to show connect stations. K(ill) = Type K n<cr> to delete the number n message (only to or from you). H(elp) or ? = Type H<cr> or ?<cr> to display this. **When a B is sent to disconnect, the following is received. Thank you CU AGN 73 ---------------------------------------------- Please be courteous to other operators who are just relaying info using the ARISS digi when utilizing the mailbox. Try uploading messages during low usage times and avoid using the mailbox if you have a minimal station or can't maintain a solid link to the system. Only 1 user can connect to the mailbox at a time. If a station establishes a connection but cannot maintain it, the system will be not be accessible by anyone else until the mailbox times out the user and transmits several disconnect frames.

1 0

Re: Vanity call
by Reicher, James 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Frank, It is possible to apply for a family member's callsign before the TWO-YEAR window has passed. Check out N4MC's wonderful web site http://www.vanityhq.com/ for additional help 73 de N8AU, Jim in Raymore, MO Light travels faster than sound... This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:56:49 -0600 From: Frank A Cahoy <k0blt(a)juno.com> Subject: [amsat-bb] Vanity call To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Message-ID: <20070914.055658.1788.2.K0BLT(a)juno.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Hello to all, Again I seek the advice and council of the BB group on a non satellite related matter. In January of this year a dear friend became an SK suddenly and unexpetedly by a simple fall on the ice. His XYL (also a ham) would like to get his call as a vanity. Some tell me that there is a three year wait and others say that this rule does not apply when it's an immediate relative. Has anyone out there experienced or had any close encounters with this sort of situation? Thank you in advance for any information. No need to post any answers to the BB but replies directly would be appreciated. Your choice! 73 to all. Frank, K?BLT

1 0

Re: AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site
by Eric H Christensen 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Bob, I also fixed the AO-7 link so that should be working as well. 73s, Eric W4OTN >--- Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> wrote: > >> I think he means the link on the AO-51 entry on this page: >> http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php >> >> 73, Drew KO4MA > >Right you are, Drew. I guess I wasn't clear in my post, somehow. >The "AO-7 Log and Resource Site" link on that page is also borked, >as in obsolete. > >Bob - AE6RV >_______________________________________________ >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

2 1

Re: AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site
by Eric H Christensen 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Drew Gould and Bob, I fixed it. I'm not sure how it got messed up but I found the error in the database. 73s, Eric W4OTN >I think he means the link on the AO-51 entry on this page: >http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php > >73, Drew KO4MA > >-----Original Message----- >>From: Gould Smith <gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net> >>Sent: Sep 14, 2007 9:58 AM >>To: Bob Stewart <bob(a)evoria.net>, Amsat-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site >> >>The link is working fine for me. I just tried it and did a refresh to make >>sure I wasn't viewing a cached page. >> >>http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/ControlTeam.php >> >>Try it again. >> >>Gould, WA4SXM >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Bob Stewart" <bob(a)evoria.net> >>To: "Amsat-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 9:21 AM >>Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site >> >> >>> Any idea how to get the link fixed? I've sent off a >>> report a few days ago, but no change. >>> >>> Bob - AE6RV >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >>Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >>Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

1 0

Re: AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site
by Andrew Glasbrenner 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

I think he means the link on the AO-51 entry on this page: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- >From: Gould Smith <gouldsmi(a)bellsouth.net> >Sent: Sep 14, 2007 9:58 AM >To: Bob Stewart <bob(a)evoria.net>, Amsat-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site > >The link is working fine for me. I just tried it and did a refresh to make >sure I wasn't viewing a cached page. > >http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/ControlTeam.php > >Try it again. > >Gould, WA4SXM >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Bob Stewart" <bob(a)evoria.net> >To: "Amsat-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 9:21 AM >Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site > > >> Any idea how to get the link fixed? I've sent off a >> report a few days ago, but no change. >> >> Bob - AE6RV >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

2 1

AO-51 Schedule link on Amsat Status Site
by Bob Stewart 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Any idea how to get the link fixed? I've sent off a report a few days ago, but no change. Bob - AE6RV

3 3

Vanity call
by Frank A Cahoy 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Hello to all, Again I seek the advice and council of the BB group on a non satellite related matter. In January of this year a dear friend became an SK suddenly and unexpetedly by a simple fall on the ice. His XYL (also a ham) would like to get his call as a vanity. Some tell me that there is a three year wait and others say that this rule does not apply when it's an immediate relative. Has anyone out there experienced or had any close encounters with this sort of situation? Thank you in advance for any information. No need to post any answers to the BB but replies directly would be appreciated. Your choice! 73 to all. Frank, KØBLT

1 0

digital compass / hello to the group
by Rhett Duke 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Greetings To All, I have been a ham for a little over a year and have been recently BITTEN and INFECTED by the nasty old Amateur Satellite Bug.....Nasty creature he is :) Since then I joined Amsat and have assembled the makings of a modest station.Icom IC-821, IC-910, Kenwood TH-D7A H/T, Arrow 2m/70cm beam,Comet CF-416 Duplexer,Kenpro KR-500 Elevation rotor and a Alliance HD-73-1 az rotor (needs a little repair work)......Well for those of you still reading after my ramblings about how bad the Sat Bug bit me......here goes with the real guestion........ Since the Alliance AZ rotor is awaiting repair I would like to set up the Arrow on a camera tripod and try to listen in on AO-51 with the Kenwood HT....I have read a few articles on working AO-51 with your HT....seen a couple good videos on UTUBE etc......One guy had what I call a marine compass rigged to his Arrow beam/camera tripod that worked even with the change in elevation that would cause a regular "pocket compass" to go haywire.......I am curious if anyone uses a Digital Compass? One that might display the heading in degrees...not just North....NE/ East etc.....? even with changes in elevation.....or must a digital compass be held parallel to the earth to read correctly ? 73 KI4OVO -- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

2 1

Re: FO-29 on Sept. 12th?
by Mineo Wakita 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

A planned change from JARL: We changed the use of September 12 for cancellation, 04:12-, 06:00- (UTC). Sorry. de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

1 0

RE Logging software
by Steven Raas 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Joe, I was using the AClog for Terestrial V/U contacts.. and I attempted to use it for sat contacts .. but it just dosent work well with lotw for that. Then I asked the BB and got this email: Steven, Take a look at DXKeeper, and associated programs. www.dxlabsuite.com It handles satellite QSOs well, supports LoTW, eQSL, imports and exports of AIDF files, contests, etc, etc. Very powerful, but the learning curve is surprisingly gentle. You can use as little or as much as you wish. The author, Dave, AA6YQ also has a great support forum for questions and suggested features. And the price is definitely right. Alan WA4SCA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- So I figured I woulkd try it out.. after all it is FREE. I downloaded it into my PC (VISTA).. Imported my SAT log from AClog with an adif file. And started editing QSO's so they mated with the appropriate fields for the sats and the up/down bands. After about 3 hours and 400+ contacts edited.. on the 1st try I succeeded in uploading every contact into LOTW. I gained 20 QSL's in the process too! I think I will still use AClog for my non-satellite contacts.. but I may use this one for sat qso's alone. Its complex.. but only as complex as you want it to be. ( hard to explain until you try for yourself) Give it a shot.. and post to the board what you think! 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/

1 0

Re: AO-27 (TOPR?) SCHEDULE
by Eric Fort 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Are there any pieces of software or web tools that will allow the input of qth and give pass data for ao-27 that shows transponder on passes only? I'm looking for a simple way to tell weather or not the pass (or portion thereof) is workable. Eric KG6KQT On 9/13/07, Patrick STODDARD <wd9ewk(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > Hi Eric! > > > I just reviewed the pass prodictions for ao-27 on the amsat website. I > then > > followed the link to ao27.org. now I'm a bit confused. On ao27.orgthere > > is listed a TOPR schedule with little explanation of what TOPR is. It > > appears however that this causes the satellite to turn on and off it's > > transponder at various times. If this is the case how does one > determine > > usable passes? A satellite overhead without a functional transponder > is > > about as useless as mammaries on a bull! It seems it could be a source > of > > significant frustration if trying to work a pass only to find out the > sat > > had switched itself off! > > First of all, AO-27 is an old satellite - about 14 years old. Its > batteries, although > functional, aren't what they used to be. This satellite originally > had a non-ham > use along with its use as a ham FM cross-band repeater, but now it is > pretty much > just used by the hams. To keep from ruining what's left of the > batteries, the control > operators of that satellite (most of the time, just Michael N3UC) have > found a way > to keep it functional through this summer despite its age. Especially > when > considering that summertime is generally the "eclipse season", when > the satellite > is in darkness for a significant part of each orbit, not able to get > its batteries > fully charged to support full-time operations. > > Last year, the satellite was working through the winter into > springtime. In early > May 2006, it started to operate intermittently, and then stopped > working. At > that time, it was on as an FM repeater for 6 minutes per ascending pass > (from > South to North) over the Northern Hemisphere along with telemetry > transmissions > before and after the repeater time plus an additional telemetry > transmission on > descending passes (passes going from North to South). It stayed > silent until early this > year, and - after many weeks of testing and tweaking - and now it has been > on > for 7 minutes per daytime pass over the Northern Hemisphere. > > The TOPR (previously TEPR) scheduling determines when the satellite is on > and > in what configuration - analog repeater or digital telemtry > transmission, and the > power level. Most of the time the power level is "Med" (around > 500mW). For the > past couple of years, the FM repeater would come on after 20 seconds of > data > and then there would be another minute or so of data after the repeater > switches > off. Currently, the repeater switches on for 7 minutes once the > satellite reaches > approximately 28-29 degrees North latitude on any ascending pass (moving > from South to North) where the satellite is in daylight. The schedule > is uploaded > to the satellite, but the satellite's onboard clock runs a little fast. > > Officially, you can see AO-27's schedule for the upcoming 24 hours on this > page: > > http://www.ao27.org/AO27/listing.shtml > > My observations show that the schedule listed on this page is about 5-6 > minutes later than the actual times. There is a program you can download > and run on your computer (Java-based) that will do the same thing. It can > be found at: > > http://www.cs.rit.edu/~cjh9783/programs/satsched.php > > If you don't have a program to unpack RAR archives, I can e-mail the > AO-27 program to you in a ZIP archive. > > You can tell when the schedule was made from looking on the > http://www.ao27.org/ homepage. Look for the "TOPR Epoch" near the > middle of the page. The last time the schedule was updated was in > late June, so you can determine the approximate difference between > the satellite's onboard clock and the "real" time when looking at the > schedule. > > For my location, I have two possible AO-27 passes this afternoon according > to the pass-prediction utility on the AMSAT web site: 2137-2152 UTC, and > 2317-2331 UTC. The AO-27 Satellite Schedule program shows that, for those > passes, the repeater should be on for 7 minutes starting at 21:42:51 and > 23:23:40 UTC (before accounting for the satellite's clock discrepancy - > about > 40-60 seconds before these times). > > Is it frustrating that a satellite like this is only available for > only portions of > some passes? Sure. This has been the way AO-27 has operated for > many years, and despite those limitations there are usually good crowds > working the passes that cover most of North America. In my satellite log, > I > have made almost 25% of my 2800+ satellite contacts on AO-27, despite > its limitations and the fact it had been off for several months in 2006 > and > into the start of 2007. > > Good luck and 73! > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Phoenix AZ > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ >

3 2

AO7 Info for kb2hsh
by tjjapha＠earthlink.net 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

You may have hit the nail on the head. I don't do Mode A, but that's what I found on Mode B. 5watts just didn't hack it (small antennas at even a great portable QTH) on Mode B. That was uniformly the case for me at a number of QTHs. I added a 20 watt amp. and it works great. The 817 was used in all cases. Nobody says I'm too strong with the 20 watts! Good luck, Tony, N2U

1 0

FO-29 on Sept. 12th?
by Bruce Robertson 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

I attempted to collect telemetry from FO-29 during the morning (UTC) two passes of Sept. 12th listed in the schedule. This was as it traveled over the North Atlantic. On other occasions, this has gone well, but this morning I could hear nothing, despite the fact that the bird was in full sun from Japan to my QTH. (The first of these I undertook manually; the second was recorded automatically, a process that has worked well for me in the past.) Can anyone confirm that FO-29 was activated according to the schedule yesterday morning? 73, Bruce VE9QRP

2 1

Logging software
by Steven Raas 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Hello everyone! I have been looking for a decent general purpose logging software that can handle satellite contacts AND can handle LOTW uploads. The software that I am testing out ( trial basis ) is great except for this one area. Any one out there have any input as to what is good for sat contacts that is LOTW friendly? It also must support AIDF imports from my current log as I want all my sat qso's on LOTW as well. Thanks! 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/

4 3

15:24 UTC ISS Pass
by Eric H Christensen 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

I should be up on the 15:24UTC ISS pass from SE Virginia if anyone else is around. Send messages to W4OTN-9 and I'll try to respond in kind. 73s, Eric W4OTN

1 0

Coverage of the FOTON M3 launch tomorrow
by Graham Shirville 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

The launch of the Foton M3 tomorrow by a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur will be carried live on the internet by this site: http://www.viewontv.com/esa/2007-09_foton-m3/ The ESA website has these details of this mission: +++++++++++++++++++ An unmanned Foton-M3 capsule, carrying a payload of around 40 European experiments, will launch onboard a Soyuz-U rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, at 13:00 CEST (11:00 UT) this Friday. The Foton capsule carries a 400 kg European experiment payload with experiments in a range of scientific disciplines - including fluid physics, biology, crystal growth, radiation exposure and exobiology. The capsule spends 12 days orbiting the Earth, exposing the experiments to microgravity and, in the case of a handful of experiments also exposing them to the harsh environment of open space, before re-entering the atmosphere and landing in the border zone between Russia and Kazakhstan. During the flight the European experiments and equipment are monitored by ESA’s Operations Team at the Payload Operations Centre based at Esrange near Kiruna, Sweden. They are responsible for receiving, evaluating and disseminating scientific data generated by European payloads on Foton. The team also receive support from two ground stations in Canada. Later in the mission, students from all over Europe will wait with bated breath for the moment when their Young Engineers Experiment (YES2) is deployed from the Foton capsule. On 25 September, a small re-entry capsule will be released from the end of a 30 kilometre tether to demonstrate the possibility of returning small payloads to Earth at a fraction of the cost of current methods. Some 450 students have contributed to the experiment which, if successful, will be the first proof that 'space mail' can be sent using a relatively simple and cheap mechanism. Simple and cheap enough for example to send experiments from the International Space Station down to scientists on Earth ++++++++++++++++++ For those in Europe coverage is also available direct by satellite Satellite parameters: Eutelsat W2 at 16 deg East, Transponder F6, vertical, (SCPC, 4:2:0) F=12676.83 MHz, SR = 5.632 Ms/s, FEC = 3/4 It is not clear when these transmissions actually will start but the have 30 mins of background material ready so maybe all of that will be before the launch 73 Graham G3VZV

1 0

OSCAR-11 Overdue ... Reports Requested
by Clive Wallis 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Hi, Nothing heard from OSCAR-11 recently.. Eclipses finished on 20 August, although previous observations had suggested that sustained operation could have been supported any time after 10 August. I would appreciate any reception reports of the satellite. Please post to AMSAT-BB or directly to g3cwv(a)amsat.org . If you are able to record as a WAV file, please do so, and make a note of the exact time of the start of recording in UTC. Please let me know what you have, but PLEASE DO NOT send recordings without further discussion. The frequency of the VHF beacon is 145.825 MHz, mode FM. If you require further information, or need to hear what the satellite sounds like, please visit my website - www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew 73 Clive G3CWV Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, UK.

1 0

AO-27 (TOPR?) SCHEDULE
by Eric Fort 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

I just reviewed the pass prodictions for ao-27 on the amsat website. I then followed the link to ao27.org. now I'm a bit confused. On ao27.org there is listed a TOPR schedule with little explanation of what TOPR is. It appears however that this causes the satellite to turn on and off it's transponder at various times. If this is the case how does one determine usable passes? A satellite overhead without a functional transponder is about as useless as mammaries on a bull! It seems it could be a source of significant frustration if trying to work a pass only to find out the sat had switched itself off! Eric KG6KQT

3 2

ISS over West Malaysia
by 9w2qc＠9w2qc.net 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Dear All, Greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I would like to inform that this afternoon, at 1429 hours local or 0629 hours UTC, we had a 31 degree pass of ISS over Kuala Lumpur. During this pass, we managed to copy ISS on 145.825 MHz with very strong signals from AOS to LOS. Also heard E20YJC's APRS beacon and saw him accessing the BBS (RS0ISS-11). Its nice to see ISS active again. 73, Sion Chow Q. C. and Sangat Singh, 9W2QC and 9M2SS Operating 9M2RPN. -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting

1 0

Mode L/S
by Bruce 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

BB Anyone on the BB having success in the current mode. I have not been able to copy any D/L activity on S-Band. Maybe my new Keps S/U downconverter is not working. 73 Bruce KG4YEV

4 6

Re Mode L/S
by Clare Fowler 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

I had two QSO's on AO-51 mode L/S this morning on the 1310 UTC pass. I normally use a 1.2 meter dish for the mode S downlink antenna with a DEM downconverter. On this pass I tested a 52 turn helix with an AIDC-3731 downconverter. Receiver performance was very good with consistent S7 to S9 signal strength and full quieting of the FT-736R for all of the pass except at low elevations at AOS and LOS. This performance tends to confirm my direct comparison measurements and dissagrees with statements made in ARRL publications and expressed elswhere that the gain of helix antennas flattens out above about 20 turns. Clare VE3NPC

2 1

radio equipment
by Mike Nettles 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Hello to the list. I have a chance to put a satellite station in our new state eoc. I have to get a list of equipment together so it can be sent out for bids. My question is what radio currently available can do 38.4k speed digital right out of the box or with simple mods? Also what selection of 2m, 70cm and 1.2ghz antennas and pre-amps would give us the best performance for the sats up now and the sats that are planned? Thanks Mike kb5wbh Ar State RACES Officer

2 2

Need Oscar-7 help!
by John Marranca, Jr 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Hello all. Well after a nearly 90 degree overhead pass tonight, I failed once again to make it into the Mode A translator. The signals were great on the rx side. On the tx side, I inserted the radials into my 144 Eggbeater to concentrate more signal overhead. No dice. However, I must add that my "everything" rig that I am using for...well...everything ham related is a Yaesu FT-817ND. Do I simply not have enough transmit power into the bird? Any info is appreciated. John KB2HSH --

1 0

contacts in mainland china /advice wanted
by andy thomas 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

Hi there's a strong possibility that I may be going to China (Beijing & possibly Xiamen in Fujian province) in late October/ early November. I was wondering if anyone has any info/contacts there in the amateur satellite community??? I doubt if there's time to get a licence to operate /P on the satellites but it would be cool to make contact over there anyhow. Also if anyone has any advice about duty free or market purchases of radios or Taikonaut memorabilia (sorry OT) please also contact me. I'm at andythomasmail AT yahoo.co.uk (reformat and use @ as appropriate) all help and guidance gratefully received. 73 es gud dx andy thomas G0SFJ ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

1 0

Martha out of the office
by wa6ilt＠verizon.net 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

Happy New Year, Martha. May you be inscribed in the bookof life. Dave Reinhart >From: amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org >Date: 2007/09/12 Wed PM 02:00:04 CDT >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 560 >Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org > >You can reach the person managing the list at > amsat-bb-owner(a)amsat.org > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..." > > >Today's Topics: > > 1. Out of the Office (Martha) > 2. Re Mode L/S (Clare Fowler) > 3. Hotel Reservations for Pittsburgh Symposium (Martha) > 4. Mode L/S (Angelo Glorioso) > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Message: 1 >Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:40:54 -0400 >From: Martha <martha(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Out of the Office >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: > <956751cf0709120740m7c10f8ddg1eaaf30abd1fb73f(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > >I will be out of the office tomorrow, Sept 13th. > >-- >73- Martha > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 2 >Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:52:11 -0400 >From: "Clare Fowler" <lcfowler(a)magma.ca> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re Mode L/S >To: "amsat-bb" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <000801c7f54c$80a5d620$caa4fed8@clare> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >I had two QSO's on AO-51 mode L/S this morning on >the 1310 UTC pass. I normally use a 1.2 meter dish >for the mode S downlink antenna with a DEM >downconverter. > >On this pass I tested a 52 turn helix with an AIDC-3731 >downconverter. >Receiver performance was very good with consistent >S7 to S9 signal strength and full quieting of the FT-736R >for all of the pass except at low elevations at AOS and LOS. > >This performance tends to confirm my direct comparison measurements and dissagrees with statements made in >ARRL publications and expressed elswhere that the gain >of helix antennas flattens out above about 20 turns. > >Clare >VE3NPC > >------------------------------ > >Message: 3 >Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:55:47 -0400 >From: Martha <martha(a)amsat.org> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Hotel Reservations for Pittsburgh Symposium >To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org, bod(a)amsat.org, officers(a)amsat.org >Message-ID: > <956751cf0709120755k1e82b949kdcbae8507d0181b3(a)mail.gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > >I just made my hotel reservations for the AMSAT Space Symposium. The block >has 3 rooms left for Wed, 6 for Thursday, 13 for Friday and 13 for >Saturday. Time is running out! Make your hotel reservations ASAP. Please >note that we get the group discount 3 days before and 3 days after the >block. > >-- >73- Martha > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 4 >Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:10:43 +0000 >From: Angelo Glorioso <n5uxt(a)hotmail.com> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Mode L/S >To: AMSATBBS <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Message-ID: <BAY138-W33CCD4AC9C47773800D78BEDC20(a)phx.gbl> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" > > > > > >Hello Bruce, If you are talking about AO-51 in L/S mode, it is working fine here. Only 2 of us on tongiht butit was still fun. 73 de Angelo --------------------------------------------------------- If you don't ask, you will never know!! > >> From: snyderb(a)cox.net> To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:28:05 -0400> Subject: [amsat-bb] Mode L/S> > BB> > Anyone on the BB having success in the current mode. I have not been able > to copy any D/L activity on S-Band.> Maybe my new Keps S/U downconverter is not working.> > 73 Bruce KG4YEV > > _______________________________________________> 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 > >Make your little one a shining star! Shine on! >_________________________________________________________________ >Gear up for Halo? 3 with free downloads and an exclusive offer. It?s our way of saying thanks for using Windows Live?. >http://gethalo3gear.com?ocid=SeptemberWLHalo3_WLHMTxt_2 > >------------------------------ > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via amsat-bb(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > >End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 560 >****************************************

1 0

Hotel Reservations for Pittsburgh Symposium
by Martha 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

I just made my hotel reservations for the AMSAT Space Symposium. The block has 3 rooms left for Wed, 6 for Thursday, 13 for Friday and 13 for Saturday. Time is running out! Make your hotel reservations ASAP. Please note that we get the group discount 3 days before and 3 days after the block. -- 73- Martha

1 0

Out of the Office
by Martha 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

I will be out of the office tomorrow, Sept 13th. -- 73- Martha

1 0

Home brewing El. Az. rotators
by Tony VK5ZAI 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

Hi Guys, Seems a lot of talk about rotators lately, have you thought about building up your own, I did this around 15 years ago and the system has never been switched off apart from twice when moving QTH and the occasional service, greasing etc. My present QTH is 300 yds from the Southern Ocean and we get some almighty winds in the winter but it keeps on going. It's driven by 2 windshield wiper motors and constructed of parts that can generally be scrounged from vehicle and machinery junk yards etc. You will require a small welder to put it together and access to a lathe but really there's no great precision required in it's construction. I've described it's construction on my web site listed below. hopefully it will be of interest to some of you. -- Regards Tony. VK5ZAI J.A.(Tony)Hutchison P.O.Box 470 Kingston SE South Australia 5275 National ARISS Co-ordinator and Satellite ground Station. Web Site :- http://www.electric-web.org

3 2

Ascend and Descend
by Clint Bradford 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

Can you determine the direction of travel of an amateur satellite's path merely by whether it is ascending or descending? These current amateur radio exam questions seem weird to me - I mean, our AO-51 can ascend from the North or the South... What is the direction of an ascending pass for an amateur satellite? A. From west to east B. From east to west C. From south to north D. From north to south What is the direction of a descending pass for an amateur satellite? A. From north to south B. From west to east C. From east to west D. From south to north Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

5 4

XE2VAS from DM40 this afternoon! (11 Sept)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

Hi! Uriel XE2VAS (also N2IY) is currently in Imuris, grid DM40ns, and was on SO-50 and AO-27 for passes around 2030-2100 UTC. Uriel will be on the upcoming SO-50 pass around 2215 UTC and AO-27 pass at 2239 UTC, if you need a contact with that grid. Imuris is about 70km/43 miles south of the twin cities of Nogales (Arizona and Sonora), along Mexico route 15. You can see a map of the area, including grid boundaries, at: http://www.geocities.com/wd9ewk/4a2q/pics/imuris-map.jpg Uriel asks everyone who calls him to please do the following... 1. Use the phonetic alphabet. He is not completely fluent in the English alphabet. 2. Don't speak fast English. Uriel is learning English, but has some difficulties understanding fast English. 3. For numbers, say each digit. For example, for DM43 say "Delta Mike Four Three". Or, if you speak Spanish, that would work OK also. :-) 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Phoenix AZ http://www.wd9ewk.net/

1 0

ISS is alive on APRS
by Eric H Christensen 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

W4OTN-9>3V4W8X,RS0ISS-4*,qAO,KB2CEV:'h2wl"Bk/]"3{} Very cool! 73s, Eric W4OTN

1 0

Interesting article on Russia mini- and microsats
by Andrew Glasbrenner 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Russian_Satellites_Smaller_Lighter_Cheaper… If I remember correctly the "Strela" platform has carried amateur payloads before. I'd really love to see the Russians resume including ham payloads on their satellites again. RS-10/11 and RS-12/13 were my gateway into satellites, along with DO-17 and Mir. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

FO-29 Operational
by John Marranca, Jr 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

Hello everyone. I see that according to the threads, FO-29 is sending telemetry, but is the sat available for general use? I remember JAS-2's digitalker and was really impressed by it a few years back. Thanks John KB2HSH -- _______________________________

1 0

Wired Article: Write and Vote on a Better Slogan for NASA
by Eric H Christensen 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

<http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/09/write-and-vote-.html> I read this article this morning and thought it was pretty funny. However one of the submissions was from Steve Reardon who suggested "Ex Caeli Sapientia" which I assume is Latin and means "From the heavens, wisdom". When I read that I immediately thought of Project OSCAR and AMSAT and how much information and knowledge has been gained by that first group of amateurs that gathered and crafted OSCAR-1 and how that knowledge has been passed down to others that have filled those shoes and have built, assisted in building, supported, and operated over sixty satellites over the last thirty-seven years. We will never know how much of that knowledge was used in other-than-amateur satellites that have touched each and every life at some point in time. 73s, Eric W4OTN

1 0

ao-51 first attempt
by Eric Fort 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

I'll be making the attempt to work AO-51 for the first time this afternoon beginning 11sep2007 3:23 UTC using a vx-6 ht and an arrow antenna. Hope to QSO with some of you. If successful please QSL. I'm good in the callbook. Thanks KG6KQT, Eric

4 5

Re: Rotators
by John W Lee 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

Those U-100 rotors are available around at the swap meets. And cheap, too. I have set up an AZ-EL rotor with two U-100's and it works swell. It's been up for about 10 years or more with two fairly big (14 elements on 2, 20 elements on 432) antennas. 73 John K6YK On Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:06:17 -0700 Don Fanning <don(a)00100100.net> writes: > > I'm actually experimenting with using a toy computerized telescope > right > now (Meade ETX-60). It has a computerized alt-az setup but the > onboard > electronics allows for updating keps to "observe" satellites as well > as > provides a RS-232 interface to a computer (haven't gotten around to > > building the cable yet) but the mount is plenty strong enough. I've > > raised the base of it (contains the az motors, electronics and > batteries) up while holding the tube upright and working the > handpaddle. The base along weighs 3-5 pounds and it did it without > even > a groan. > > My idea is to attach an arrow onto it and maybe a counterweight to > balance things up. It has no problem slewing or precision tracking, > > it's lightweight and portable (more portable than a G-5400 and > tackle) > and can track satellites portably without the need of a laptop. > Beats > hand tracking. :) > > de Don (KL7EET) > > David Donaldson wrote: > > Let me join the question...The Yaesu are great rotors but are > there any > > options anymore that don't cost the price of a new rig? I wish > now I had > > not sold my Allient (spelling not right) U-100 TV rotor a few > years ago now > > that I want to get back into satellites. > > > > Dave WB7DRU, MN > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org > [mailto:[email protected]] On > > Behalf Of Thomas M. Webb > > Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 8:59 PM > > To: Eric Christensen; AMSAT-BB > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Rotators > > > > The Yaesu 5X00 series (5400, 5500, 5600). They are in general use > in the > > AMSAT community so there is lots of support. > > > > Tom, WA9AFM/5 > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Eric Christensen" <eric(a)christensenplace.us> > > To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > > Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 7:57 PM > > Subject: [amsat-bb] Rotators > > > > > > > >> I know this is a general question but I'm hoping to get some > insight. > >> > >> What's the best azimuth and elevation rotator available these > days? I'm > >> hoping to get some antennas up before the end of the year and > this is > >> one of the pieces of the puzzle I don't have any idea about. > Any > >> information would be appreciated. > >> > >> 73s, > >> Eric Christensen, W4OTN > >> AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA > >> AMSAT Member 35360 > >> http://www.ericsatcom.net > >> > >> Donate to the Eagle Fund - > >> http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php?donate=eagle > >> > >> GPG Key Fingerprint: 4675 2BBE 666B 8FF7 A9A1 4D00 67F2 1E7A > B685 F578 > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > >> Subscription settings: > http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >> > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > --- http://USFamily.Net/dialup.html - $8.25/mo! -- > http://www.usfamily.net/dsl.html - $19.99/mo! --- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >

1 0

Re: Rotators
by Gary "Joe" Mayfield 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

John, I did not know the EMOTATOR was available in North America. It sounds ultra-cool and like another item I need to lust after - truly a BMW of rotators. Is there any place on the web to learn more? 73, Joe kk0sd AMSAT # 21357 - Not near as old as 439! _____ From: John Beanland [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 9:44 AM To: Gary "Joe" Mayfield Cc: 'Eric Christensen'; 'AMSAT-BB' Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Rotators ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ At 22:14 9/9/07 -0500, you wrote: >If by available you mean currently made -- Alpha Spid is probably the Lexus >of AZ/EL rotors - >http://alfaradio.ca/alfaspid-azel.html >It is the one I lust after -- but my Yaesu has done just fine. >73, >Joe kk0sd +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 10th September 2007 KK0SD de S.I., Joe, Be careful with the Alpha Spid. Check the fine print in the specification. Last time we checked it was designed as, and built as, a 12 volt motor device. Unfortunately 12 volts does not give sufficient acceleration to track high elevation angle passes when the bird is "high in the sky". Their solution is to increase the power supply voltage; they give performance figures for 18 volts and also 24 volts supply. The 24 volts supply is needed to track the very high angle passes. There is no mention of temperature rise (and reliability?) with 18 or 24 volts supply. Note: It uses DC motors so the torque and available acceleration increase with applied voltage. But do you want to apply 50% or 100% over-voltage to get your required performance? A much better choice, in the Cadillac class, is the EMOTATOR EV-800-D7X. This uses 24 volt DC motors. There is also a "gold plated" version, the EV-800-DX; this is a BRUTE. Both of these models are compatible with control systems (NOVA, Uni-Trac, SatPC32, and many more) that are "standard" in the Amateur community. The EMOTATOR control box accepts both 115v and/or 230v AC primary power. These twin axis rotators will happily swing a 6ft solid dish without any complaints. We supply them to our weather satellite system customers and also to government customers, who use a 7.5ft dish for S-band telemetry reception. Tracking performance is excellent. When driven by Uni_Trac or similar (10-bit or greater A/D) unit, the overall (both axes) system tracking hysteresis is about 1.5 degrees RMS. The EMOTATOR rotators are available from Spectrum International, Inc, Concord, Mass. 73s, de John G3BVU/W1 amsat 439 (a very old number). Yours truly, C.J.Beanland, MSEE, C.Eng., MIEE, MRAeS. Sales Manager, Spectrum International,Inc. spectrum.ma.ultranet(a)rcn.com P.O. Box 1084, Tel: (978) 263-2145 Concord, Mass. 01742. Fax: (978) 263-7008

1 0

Rotators
by Eric Christensen 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

I know this is a general question but I'm hoping to get some insight. What's the best azimuth and elevation rotator available these days? I'm hoping to get some antennas up before the end of the year and this is one of the pieces of the puzzle I don't have any idea about. Any information would be appreciated. 73s, Eric Christensen, W4OTN AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA AMSAT Member 35360 http://www.ericsatcom.net Donate to the Eagle Fund - http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php?donate=eagle GPG Key Fingerprint: 4675 2BBE 666B 8FF7 A9A1 4D00 67F2 1E7A B685 F578

6 6

Re: Rotators
by Eric H Christensen 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

Joe, It looks like the U-100 and the U-110 are only one plane and won't handle both the azimuth and the elevation control. Would you have to use two or is the picture deceiving? How would PCsat32 control such a device? 73s, Eric W4OTN >As far as the U-100 and U-110 are concerned, Norm's bought what was left and >is selling both new and refurbished at very reasonable prices. You can find >them at: > >http://www.rotorservice.com/ > >I know several Hams quite happy with Norm's work. > >They are quite common on eBay as well. > >73, >Joe kk0sd > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of David Donaldson >Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 9:56 PM >To: 'AMSAT-BB' >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Rotators > >Let me join the question...The Yaesu are great rotors but are there any >options anymore that don't cost the price of a new rig? I wish now I had >not sold my Allient (spelling not right) U-100 TV rotor a few years ago now >that I want to get back into satellites. > >Dave WB7DRU, MN > >-----Original Message----- >From: amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of Thomas M. Webb >Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 8:59 PM >To: Eric Christensen; AMSAT-BB >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Rotators > >The Yaesu 5X00 series (5400, 5500, 5600). They are in general use in the >AMSAT community so there is lots of support. > >Tom, WA9AFM/5 >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Eric Christensen" <eric(a)christensenplace.us> >To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 7:57 PM >Subject: [amsat-bb] Rotators > > >>I know this is a general question but I'm hoping to get some insight. >> >> What's the best azimuth and elevation rotator available these days? I'm >> hoping to get some antennas up before the end of the year and this is >> one of the pieces of the puzzle I don't have any idea about. Any >> information would be appreciated. >> >> 73s, >> Eric Christensen, W4OTN >> AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA >> AMSAT Member 35360 >> http://www.ericsatcom.net >> >> Donate to the Eagle Fund - >> http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php?donate=eagle >> >> GPG Key Fingerprint: 4675 2BBE 666B 8FF7 A9A1 4D00 67F2 1E7A B685 F578 >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > >--- http://USFamily.Net/dialup.html - $8.25/mo! -- >http://www.usfamily.net/dsl.html - $19.99/mo! --- > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

2 1

ao-27 radio programming.
by Eric Fort 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

How should my radio (vx-6) be programed for ao-27?

2 1

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 554
by Clint Bradford 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

A hearty CONGRATULATIONS to member Eric Fort - he passed his upgrade exam yesterday while at the Los Angeles County Fair's AMATEUR RADIO EXPO...then came over and helped me with my AMSAT booth for a while! Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

1 0

GB5OSO will be active for the 50th Anniversary of Sputnik one launch
by Robert Turlington 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Hi All John ,G7HIA, and myself will be using the special call sign GB5 OSO starting on the 4th October for one month to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the launch of the first earth orbiting satellite SPUTNIK ONE on the 4th October 1957 by the former USSR.It is anticipated that all of the available analogue satellites will be used as time permits but there will certainly be a flurry of activity starting on the 4th Oct for the first few days then at other times as and when.A special QSL card will be available after the event, so shake the dust off your satellite gear and join in the fun! Regards Robert G8ATE _________________________________________________________________ Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge http://www.backofmyhand.com

1 0

Re: FM sat frequencies?
by John Kopala 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

The frequencies given for each of the easy satellites are: AO-27 436.795 SO-50 436.795 AO-51 435.300 AMSAT gives the details for the individual satellites and their uplink and downlink frequencies. Go to the following site and then simply click on the satellite you are interested in. http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php With doppler shifts as the satellites make a pass the actual receive frequency could vary by as much as about 10 KHz plus or minus the nominal frequency. The only time you would ever receive the satellite exactly on its downlink frequency would be when the satellite heading is exactly 90 degrees from your bearing to the satellite. At that point the satellite is tangential to a circle whose center is your location and is neither moving toward or away from your location. I am using an IC-910H. For manual tuning at the beginning of a pass, I simply tune about 5 to 9 KHz higher (depending on the elevation of the pass) than the nominal frequency. With the AFC turned on, the radio will automtically lock into the signal when it becomes strong enough and track the frequency as the doppler shift changes the receiving frequency during the pass. At loss of signal, the receive frequency will be below the nominal frequency by about the same amount it was above at the start. John Kopala N7JK > Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 19:44:15 -0700 (PDT) > From: Bob Stewart <bob(a)evoria.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] FM sat frequencies? > To: Amsat-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <869490.76831.qm(a)web909.biz.mail.mud.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Does anyone know the actual downlink frequencies of the > easy sats? From messing around with my hack for gpredict, > I get the values below, but it would be nice to know the > correct values as a check against what I'm doing. > > AO-27 436.7972 > SO-50 436.7920 > AO-51 435.3008 > > Bob - AE6RV

2 1

APRS Meteor Scatter monitoring
by Robert Bruninga 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Monitoring for Meteors on APRS: If you live in a remote area with only one APRS digipeater that you can hear, then you have a good chance of hearing some APRS packets via Meteor scatter. Just point a good beam towards a high-density APRS area some 500 to 1000 miles away tuned to 144.39. (A preamp also helps)... Go to sleep and see what you have captured by the next morning. Just look on your map for any stations in that distance range. If you got any, then look at the path and be sure they were not heard via any digipeaters. If you heard them direct, or their local digipeater direct, then chances are you heard it via MS. Or TROPO. See: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/meteors.html Under the recent optimization of the APRS network under the New-N paradigm, the amount of QRM due to dupes on the national APRS channel has been significantly reduced. This means those people in remote areas that normally only hear one digipeater, will hear lots of silence between the packets. These silent periods are all great opportunities to hear distant packets via meteor bounce (from the other 10,000 signal sources in the USA for example). A beam that is low (to minimize hearing local QRM, but that can see down to 10 degrees or lower on the selected horizon, will be best. During meteor showers, we can actually configure the local digipeaters for one night to be even further reduced from out-of-area QRM making it easier to hear more silence while still supporting local APRS only. You can do this any night, or you can wait for the next Meteor Showers in Oct, Nov, Dec and Jan. WB4APR, Bob _______________________________________________ aprssig mailing list aprssig(a)lists.tapr.org https://lists.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

1 0

ARISS on APRS packet
by Robert Bruninga 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

ISS on PACKET! During the last two ISS passes (1430z and 1600z), The ARISS system was enabled for APRS digipeating on 145.825 using the path of "VIA ARISS". PCSAT-1 on PACKET! This is good news, since PCSAT-1 should enter a FULL SUN OPERATING PERIOD later this week. If so, then we may have a period of a few weeks here when we will have THREE APRS satellites flying in constellation. ISS, PCSAT-1, and ANDE. This will assure over 18 passes per day. And since they all respond to the same path "VIA ARISS" then which satellite is in view is transparent to the user. Just communicate! Of course, two-hop paths via ARISS,ARISS might also be possible.. IGATES on 145.825! In order for the global APRS internet system to capture all these packets, we do need volunteer ground stations to place an IGATE to monitor all packets on 145.825 MHz downlinks. In many cases, a simple OMNI antenna connected to APRS is all that is needed. See successes on http://www.ariss.net or http://pcsat.aprs.org P.S. We are also working on getting GO-32 enabled for APRS operation at 9600 baud. But since it uses different uplink and downlink fequencies, it cannot be used for multiple-APRS-satellite operations. Bruninga, WB4APR

1 0

ANDE Life?
by Chris Bloy 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

**Sorry Eric, sent to you instead of the group by mistake!** Hi All, I wonder if anyone knows roughly how long ANDE will stay in orbit for? I have looked on Bob's pages and cannot see a definite answer? Being a perfectly round means less drag etc, but no idea of the mission time scales as such, unless I have missed something? All the best, Chris No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.13/998 - Release Date: 10/09/2007 08:48

1 0

distributors of solid fiberglass crossbooms
by Joe Leikhim 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

The M2 fiberglass crossboom is actually two sections of fiberglass tubing with an aluminum billet slug where the elevation rotator attaches. I think solid fiberglass rod might be a bit heavy and too flexible. -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P

3 2

FM sat frequencies?
by Bob Stewart 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Does anyone know the actual downlink frequencies of the easy sats? From messing around with my hack for gpredict, I get the values below, but it would be nice to know the correct values as a check against what I'm doing. AO-27 436.7972 SO-50 436.7920 AO-51 435.3008 Bob - AE6RV

1 0

AO-51 in L/S, one orbit mode change Monday night
by Gould Smith 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

AO-51 was switched to L/S mode this evening. Due to a scheduling problem, AO-51 will return to 'normal' V/U analog & V/U digital mode Monday night for one orbit Monday night east coast, Tuesday UTC during the 0006Z pass I will activate V/U & V/U mode. AO-51 will return to L/S on the next pass at 0144Z. 73, Gould, WA4SXM AO-51 Command Station

1 0

Japanese satellite crashes, Russia suspends launches
by Trevor 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

An unfortunate incident that illustrates the hazards of the Space business and why, if it can be afforded in terms of personel and money, it could be best to build two copies of any satellite so at least the replacement can be launched fairly quickly. News item at http://www.southgatearc.org/news/september2007/japanese_satellite_crashes.h… 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 --------------- ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

1 0

distributors of solid fiberglass crossbooms / rods
by Larry 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

Good day all! I want to purchase another crossboom, but can't remember where I got my first one from. All I can remember from 3 years ago was that I bought a 6' solid 1-1/2" O.D. piece from a business and paid roughly $68.00 for it. Anyone have an idea where I can get another one from? I'm actually looking for 1-1/2"O.D. 8' to 10' long (running out of real estate up there). Thanks in advance.... Larry

4 3

Ft-847
by Don Blachura 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

This is a little off subject . Need a little help..... Have been using a FT847 in PSK31 through a Rigblaster plus. The rig Transmits in CW with the paddles and the internal keyer. Also works CW The same without the keyer. When running USB PSK31 through the Rigblaster the rig works without any problems. Taking the PSK31 cabling Off the rig and reattaching the microphone, a MH31 hand mike, I get Nothing out of the rig. I rechecked all menu settings. I rehooked the Rigblaster back up to the FT847 and hooked the MH31 mike to the Ribblaster mike port. In this configuration the radio transmits in Sideband with no problems. On the FT847 Rig will not QSY with the buttons in the MH31 when it is hooked Directly to the FT847 but will function when it is plugged into the Rigblaster. Anybody have any thoughts on this, or prior experience? I Also tested the rig with another MH31 that works well on a FT1000D. Same negative results on the FT847. I also tried using an MD-100 desk Mic that works with the same FT1000D and tried that on the FT847 with Negative results. I hate to tear into this rig without having some Ideas as to what is going on. HELP. Don...w2xb

5 4

Bias T
by Al Ozias 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

Thanks for the many replies and good information to my request for articles on a inserting power through coax. N7EQF

1 0

GO-32 reopen
by Mineo Wakita 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

Time is JST. 4XTECH-12>BBSTAT [09/09/07 08:55:29] <UI R>:Open:AB1C23: 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:55:29] <UI R>:B:2848566 4XTECH-11>PBLIST [09/09/07 08:55:43] <UI R>:PB: Empty. 4XTECH-12>BBSTAT [09/09/07 08:56:29] <UI R>:Open:AB1C23: 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:56:29] <UI R>:B:2848733 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:56:30] <UI R>: UTC: Sat Sep 08 23:56:44 2007 | Gurwin Techsat1B (V9.87) 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:56:30] <UI R>:---- 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:56:30] <UI R>: Gurwin Techsat1B's BBS is active again,(version 9.87 beta) . 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:56:30] <UI R>:u wellcome! 4XTECH-12>STATUS [09/09/07 08:56:30] <UI R>: 2 Users/8 Broadcasts , Uplink freq:145.890,145.850(AP),145.930, 1269.800, 1269.900 de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

1 0

Re: AO-07 orbit 50159
by John Hackett 08 Sep '07

08 Sep '07

Allen, A pleasure to 'meet' you and have the opportunity to thank you for confirming mode-B for AO-7's orbit 50159. Very much appreciated Allen. I'm currently discussing the relays used 31 years ago, with the chief design engineer, J King ... (which are 'latching' and which are not) ... since, as I'm sure you're aware, this, together with the illumination could also play a part in the mode on/off/on/off sequence. Last year, when I first 'tagged' the 24 hour timer the satellite was in constant illumination ... this time, it's a little more 'debatable' ... (different software packages) ... hence this year's musings re: the mode and when it changes. Last year I established it to be it on or around 08:30 drifting to 09:00. At present, it appears to be 01:45 to 02:00 ... which in itself is rather interesting. I hope you don't mind me CC'ing this mail to Joe K3SZH, Mak SV1BSX and a few other interested parties. I'll do my best to keep the log up to date Allen. Thank you again for your response. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat6.org> .................................................................................... > Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2007 09:51:23 -0500 > To: la2qaa(a)amsat.org > From: afmattis(a)hal-pc.org > Subject: AO-07 orbit 50159 > > < It would be interesting if you could confirm which mode AO-7 was in at > 01:28 on orbit 51059 Allen. > > John: > > AO-07 was in Mode B. My uplink was 70cm and downlink was 2m. I heard > myself loud and clear on 145.942 for about 7 minutes. I also heard a > little SSB up near 145.953 but didn't listen long enough to get the call > sign. I had the usual fade out when the bird moved north of me at > mid-pass. Many of us in the US with omni-directional antennas can only get > in when the bird is south of us. > > Thank you for the work you are doing to gather data to try to figure out > the mode change pattern. Also thank you for correcting my entries - I > usually check my entries and make a correction if needed but we had house > guests yesterday and I did not have time. > > Allen > > > At 01:33 PM 9/8/2007 +0200, you wrote: > >Allen, > > I have taken the liberty of correcting your AO-7 log entry on > > orbit 50159. > > > >You entered the mode as 'OFF' but at the same time commented your heard > >your own downlink ... therefore the mode must have been 'ON' in either A,B > >or C ... and since the other stations logged in mode-B before and after > >you heard your downlink I presume the satellite was in mode- B at the time > >... unless anything untoward was happening. > > > >You mentioned ... "called CQ CW 145.942 ... which in fact suggests mode-A > >between two periods of mode-B on the same orbit. It appears this also > >happened two days ago, it is quite unusual for AO-7 to switch twice on the > >same orbit. > > > >It would be interesting if you could confirm which mode AO-7 was in at > >01:28 on orbit 51059 Allen. > > > >Thank you. > > > >73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> AO-7 Resource Page Admin: > >

1 0

Skes on AO-07 mode B.
by LU2DPW Juan Cralos 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

Hi Sat Fans!! I'm very interesting sked with Central America, Caribean and South Florida stations for possible DX contact on AO-07 Mode B at night passes. Last days ago I worked station WP4CNU form Puerto Rico in good conditions. I work with minimal elements: FT-726R with 10 W input and my antennas are: a Quad Swiss for VHF and Vertical Diamond X-200 for UHF. Please contact with my e-mail address: lu2dpw(a)hotmail.com Many thanks and see you on this excelent bird!! 73 all Juan LU2DPW GF05gi --------------------------------- Los referentes más importantes en compra/venta de autos se juntaron: Demotores y Yahoo!.Ahora comprar o vender tu auto es más fácil. Visitá http://ar.autos.yahoo.com/

1 0

Baa ba little lamb.
by John Hackett 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

So much for the (convenient) 24 hours timer theory proffered in response to my previous mails regarding the timing of AO-7. This is the 3rd consequtive day the 24 hour timer is *NOT* playing ball. 05/06 Septembert 2007. TIME. ORBIT. MODE. 23:46 50133 B 23:51 50133 A 01:35 50135 A 01:36 50134 B 01:44 40135 A I have received confirmation mails from AJ9K and K3SZH that their log entries *ARE* correct. As you Gentlemen on that side of the pond are wont to say ... "go figure!". Incidentally, the mode changes spell "baa ba" ... it couldn't be that AO-t thinks we're a veritable bunch (flock) of sheep?. Just a thought. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

5 5

Oink
by John Hackett 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

To whom it may concern, Any lack of response to e-mails from LA2QAA after the 10th of September has absolutely nothing to do with impoliteness and everything to do with major surgery. It's the pig's heart again. OK Terry, (G1WPR) ... just for you, here it is again ... How does a pig feel when it loses it's voice ?. Dis 'grunt' led !!!. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

Re: tracking/prediction software for windows mobile smartphones.
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

Hi, I have used both PocketSat and PocketSat+ written by Jim Berry @ _www.bigfattail.com_ (http://www.bigfattail.com) . Jim has windows mobile version and also a version for use with a Palm operating system. The software has proved to be most useful especially when operating portable for example with an Arrow Antenna and a HT. The software is also listed on the Amsat web pages. Good luck and enjoy! Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat- UK Amsat NA

1 0

Re: Windows Mobile Software
by Clint Bradford 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

Eric - I'll show you the excellent product from Big Fat Tail dot com when we meet at the L.A. County Fair in our AMSAT booth. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666

1 0

dc to antenna preamplifier through coax
by Al Ozias 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

I have a recollection of seeing a description of a method to insert dc through the coax to a antenna preamplifier but can't locate the article. A mind is a terrible thing to lose. If you know where I can find the article please E-Mail me at alozias(a)att.net . I am considering using this method for a TV antenna preamplifier. Thanks - Al - N7EQF

3 2

Off Subject Question
by WILLIAMS MICHAEL 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

I'm getting ready to etch a two sided PCB for a satellite related homebrew project. The bottom side is the ground plane which I don't want etched. What is the easy way to protect it from the etching solution? Electrical tape? Masking Tape? Sharpie Pen? Thanks Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589

4 3

IC-821H TX problem on 70cm--solved
by Scott Townley 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

I had written the list awhile back regarding an intermittent TX problem with my IC-821H on 70cm. Someone pointed me to the eHam reviews, where PE3HMP mentions thermal problems with Q43 causing the 70cm TX to drop out. I opened the radio up, and found significant thermal browning on the sheet metal and PCB in the left-side rear corner, where several voltage regulators are. Q43 was confirmed on the schematic as controlling the 70cm TX, and is found on the underside of the MAIN board, sure enough in the area of thermal browning. Quick bench measurements confirmed that the uP triggers for TX were all present up until Q43...so it was definitely the culprit. Q43 is an internally-biased PNP switching transistor in an SOT-23 surface-mount package (Toshiba RN2425), rated at 200mW and will switch 800mA. Of course it's unobtainium nowadays. Which you could argue is a good thing, since it failed to begin with... To replace it, I searched out a P-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET. These devices can be drop-in replacements for switching PNP transistors (same polarity relationships between DGS and CBE). The device I chose was a Zetex ZXMP6A13F, rated at 625mW and will switch 1100mA. Also the switching performance was very good, with Rds(on)=0.4ohms. I was happy to find an up-rated device from the RN2425 too. They are available for USD0.63 in single quantities from Digikey. A quick solder job (which finds my SMT skills deteriorating with age) and the '821H was back on the air with reliable 70cm TX. Just a further note, that today's MOSFETs are really incredible switching devices, worthy of consideration in many applications. Scott Townley NX7U Gilbert, AZ DM43di mailto:[email protected] http://members.cox.net/nx7u

1 0

FW: : [STXARES] PR- Seeking someone that heard Sputnik
by Andrew.MacAllister＠EmersonProcess.com 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

If you have input, please respond to W5lhc01(a)gmail.com . ----- Original Message ----- From: Lee To: traviscountyares(a)yahoogroups.com ; austinhams(a)yahoogroups.com ; STXARES(a)yahoogroups.com Cc: Jwgadus(a)aol.com ; E. Ray Taylor ; Joe Fisher ; Roger Wines ; Steven Polunsky ; Stuart Rohre ; Tom Whiteside ; wb5aoh(a)arrl.net ; Joe Canfield Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 12:38 PM Subject: [STXARES] PR- Seeking someone that heard Sputnik CQ CQ, I have been contacted by a reporter that will be doing a story soon on the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 1(October 4th). He would like to try and locate any hams that may have actually successfully attempted to listen for the Sputnik. Forgive my satellite ignorance here, but since Sputnik is not a ham sat, I am assuming it still put out some telemetry or other signals that may have been capable of being received by either amateur or shortwave radios? If you, or someone you know, did this please let me know and I will hook you up with said reporter. Please feel free to forward this request to any specific reflectors or email lists that you may be part of. Thanks, Lee Cooper, W5LHC 512-658-3910 W5lhc01(a)gmail.com Lee Cooper, W5LHC Public Information Coordinator, South Texas Section

4 4

2008 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Meeting
by Martha 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Please note that the $55 registration fee ends on September 15th. In addition, we have rented a 47 passenger bus for the tour of WPXI-DT studios. In order to ensure a seat, please register as soon as possible. -- 73- Martha

2 2

tracking/prediction software for windows mobile smartphones.
by Eric Fort 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

I'm looking for some tracking/prediction software that will run on my windows mobile smartphone. What are others using, what is available, and what would those of you on this list recommend? thanks, Eric KG6KQT

1 0

Spitnik
by Dave Guimont 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Hi Lee, I "heard" Sputnik, and all I can tell you is that I heard a series of "beeps"....I was a navy pilot stationed at St. Louis NAS at the time, and just had a receiver with a simple wire antenna. I can tell you nothing more than that, and have no idea what, if any, information the "beep" carried, and do not know today what was conveyed.. If you find out let me know!! 73, Dave wb6llo(a)amsat.org Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...

3 2

Sputnik-1 information sources
by Ralph Wallio, W0RPK 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

NASA National Space Science Data Center Sputnik-1 http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/database/MasterCatalog?sc=1957-001B Sounds of Sputnik http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/sound/sputnik.wav Photo of full-scale replica at NASM http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gal100/sputnikclsup.jpg Korolev, Sputnik, and The International Geophysical Year http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/sputnik/siddiqi.html Thrills of the earliest days http://www.svengrahn.pp.se/trackind/getstart/oldcyts.htm Mr. Perry's radio work with his students was highlighted in a "NOVA" television documentary, "The Schoolboys Who Cracked The Soviet Secret", which first aired in December 1989. The group continued to operate after Mr. Perry's retirement from teaching in 1984. Perry and his associates published numerous reports in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society and in US government publications as well. I am very interested in obtaining a copy of the 1989 NOVA program (it is not available from PBS). TNX es 73 de Ralph Wallio, WØRPK W0RPK(a)netINS.net http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ Hubbert's Peak - The Mother of all Perfect Storms

1 0

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 544
by Dr. Jay Garlitz 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Sputnik story of interest to the entire group... located at http://www.gatorradio.org/archives.html Jay, AA4FL

1 0

AMSAT STORE Link?
by Doug Kuitula 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Anyone else having trouble getting to the AMSAT Store link on the Web-site? I tried it a few times and could not get in. 73 de Doug KA8QCU

2 1

Phone home ... (ET).
by John Hackett 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

An idea?. After a trip to the new electrical appliance mall in Kristiansund, that, according to their blurb ... "If it runs on electricity, we sell it" ... on asking for a Palm Pilot PDA, I was met with a blank stare and an interogatory ... "a what?". I was of course looking for something small and convenient to predict satellite passes. Of course, I have the choice of either lugging around my laptop and using the myriad of tracking software available, also online predictions or carry around sheaves of paper printouts with the pertinent information. I could also plot the passes at home and send myself an e-mail. Then I thought ... everybody and his dog! has a mobile phone and there are a *LOT* of them that use Symbian software. How convenient if someone could write a simple satellite tracking application that would run on the Symbian OS mobile phones. I did suggest this to N1DID (ex: W0EEC) a couple of years ago but Emily has been busy with her Second Life. I'm just nearing the end of my first (real) one and wonder if this is a good idea or nay ??. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

ZASAT
by Eric H. Christensen 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

I'm going through the AMSAT Satellite Database trying to correct anything I can see is wrong and came across ZASAT. ZASAT was supposed to have launch in April of this year. Does anyone have an update on this project? 73s, Eric W4OTN

3 2

Out of range?.
by John Hackett 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Well Mak, The "challenge" is the incentive. When I worked Joe I had to use knife-edge propagation to creep round the edge of a mountain. It's fairly common to use a ridge and go over the top but to creep round the side is a bit unusual. You have to use all the tricks available and the propagation has to be just right. Remember, even though it's *VERY* rare, under the right propagation conditions satellites *HAVE* been heard from the antipodes (exact opposite side of the earth to your QTH). Aldert PH7PCF and I often used to QSO on AO-7 with me firing at the mountains ... 90 degrees to the satellite ... so never say never. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

(no subject)
by John Hackett 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Hi All, Is anyone using MCW on AO-51 ... <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/2775/mcwosc1.html> I asked a member of the command team this question off list but as yet have not received a reply. Comments would be appreciated. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

Video of the AMSAT Symposium
by Eric Christensen 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

I know this was talked about in years past but I thought it was time to bring it up again. I'd like to see a DVD released showing all the presentations from the AMSAT Symposium. Being that I won't be able to make it (lack of funds) this year I hate to think I'll be missing out on all the information that will be disseminated. If it was possible to buy the proceedings with a DVD of the symposium included (for an extra price of course) I think many of us that couldn't make it would be most appreciative and would make the purchase. Just an idea. 73s, Eric Christensen, W4OTN AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA AMSAT Member 35360 http://www.ericsatcom.net Donate to the Eagle Fund - http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php?donate=eagle GPG Key Fingerprint: 4675 2BBE 666B 8FF7 A9A1 4D00 67F2 1E7A B685 F578

3 3

Delfi-3 Launch Update
by Bill Ress 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

A launch update for Delfi-3 has been posted on..... http://www.delfic3.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86 Regards...Bill - N6GHz

1 0

Linux Gpredict, Doppler, and the FM satellites
by Bob Stewart 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

One of the problems I've encountered on my FT-726R without preamps is finding the satellite signal when it's really weak. I had been just switching to USB and hunting around till it got strong enough to hear on FM, but that was rather aggravating. I use Linux and "gpredict" tracking software, so I finally changed the program's doppler readout for the FM sats to just show the khz and 100hz values. IOW, the doppler readout now shows 8032 to tell me that the sat is now on or about 436.8032. If anyone wants a copy of the source mods, let me know. Bob - AE6RV

2 1

Re: Polarity Switcher Relay - repost
by Bob Stewart 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

--- Bruce Robertson <broberts(a)mta.ca> wrote: > In your previous letter, you describe the antennas as "turnstile on 2m and > a turnstiled moxon on 70cm"; are these fixed, like the moxon Cebik > recommends, or are they rotating beams? Actually, the 70cm is just like Cebik published in QST. But, for some reason, I don't get as good performance on the 2m version, so I switched that to a regular turnstile 3/8 wavelength above a layer of Reynold's Wrap. I've also managed to work a number of 2M SSB stations on that antenna. I don't have any rotators; they're just pointed straight up. > As you probably know, depending on the roofing material, you are suffering > a not inconsiderable loss on 70cm from the signal passing through the roof. > Last time I looked into it, I figured on about 2dB for my shingled wood roof. I didn't know how to figure this, but I figured it would be 1 or 2 db. Winter snow is going to be unworkable, of course, so the plan is to move them outside. One of the biggest negative impacts I've had is when I added the 70cM brick. It has about a 6db loss on receive and it took me awhile to figure that out. > If you are certain you don't want to try mode B, you could even get a > receive-only 70cm preamp, Actually, I have made a handful of mode B contacts on both AO-7 and VO-52. I've just gotten kinda sidetracked with this 70cm polarization thing and I figured anything I did that improved reception (other than using a preamp of course) would improve my mode B uplink. I've listened to a few contacts on AO-7 mode A recently, but for some reason, neither of my 2M antennas has enough oomph to get me an SSB signal that I can hear - even with the 80 watt brick turned on. I'll get that worked out, eventually. I really want to have some mode A QSOs using my KWM-2A on downlink. >On 70cm CW you can also try > LO-19, which has a booming signal. I find it easier to use these to assess > the effectiveness of an antenna than to use the FM birds.) I'll give that a try. One of the problems I have is that I don't have anything to use as a baseline. I recently found a very strong digital repeater on 433.7xx and I used the signal from that every 20 seconds to discover the amount of loss in my 70cm brick on receive. Normally, for alignments, I use the IF bleedthrough from my VX-5R in WFM mode. > Yep. I just worry that you're not getting enough out of the antennas you've > already built. Quite honestly, I'd rather spend an evening doodling on the > birds with my indoor 1/4w whip and a preamp on 70cm than with my outdoor > beam and no preamp! I'll squeeze everything out of the antenna I can and then I'll add preamps. But, I really want to build them myself if I can get over the engineering/ parts list issues. > However you proceed, *please* keep reporting your results to the list. I > think the best thing we can do as a group is support each other in > antenna-building and -experimentation. If you can demonstrate a reliable > station with attic antennas, I think you'll be breaking some ground for all > of us. Will do. I've made a lot of contacts on the FM birds with my setup. Of course that's just a callsign and a grid-square. But, the thing about doing this is that I've had to optimize everything, including squeezing the last bit of S/N out of this old FT-726R that I could tune for. For that, I resorted to the IF bleedthrough mentioned above and tuned for lowest noise. But, I have to admit that the difference from that to max signal might have been only wishful thinking. ;) Bob - AE6RV

1 0

GO-32 only beacon
by Mineo Wakita 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

[2007/09/05 10:57:57z] ...TechRam1V9.87... [2007/09/05 10:58:27z] ...TechRam1V9.87... [2007/09/05 10:58:57z] ...TechRam1V9.87... de JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita

2 2

Re: Polarity Switcher Relay - repost
by Bob Stewart 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

--- Bruce Robertson <broberts(a)mta.ca> wrote: > Bob: > > An important factor you don't mention is the coax to your antennas. If you > are not using preamps, the losses of the cables decrease the noise figure > of your reception by the same ratio, and this can add up very quickly to an > unworkable situation. Hi Bruce, Sorry, about that. I'm using wireman's #106 which is a low-loss foam RG-8 type with both braid and foil shielding. Also, there's only about 35 feet of it, so the loss should be be very low. > I think most of us also believe from experience that mast-mounted, low > noise preamps (from ARR or SSB USA) do far more for a station than polarity > switching. These are not inexpensive additions, but, especially on 70cm, > they are indispensable. Here's what's happening. From about 20 degrees up to about 30 or so, reception is iffy. After that, I sometimes have full quieting and sometimes nothing. I suppose I need to do a real study of it on one satellite, but it just seems that it should be a polarization issue. I do have a spare coax going up there, so I guess I could just make a LHCP version to be sure. Getting it out on the roof means that I have to make a much more robust version. I was hoping to put that off until I was completely sure that I've got a configuration that works properly. It's much easier for me to just move the antennas to the back yard when mowing season is over (I'm disabled). Fortunately, I have a semi-finished attic with easy access. Another thing I've been thinking of is that once I'm comfortable with messing around with relays etc on 70cm I might be able to use a DEM preamp with my own switcher. Thus my question on the relay. Bob - AE6RV

1 0

Ao-7's mood (mode) changes.
by John Hackett 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Aj9K has confirmed that AO-7 was !!! in mode B at 02:00 on the 4th of September on orbit 50109. This is extreemly interesting since K3SZH worked the satellite just prior to 02:00 on the same orbit (50109) in mode-A while myself and SV1BSX confirm it was in mode-A again on orbit 50111. The satellite does appear to change mode on or around 02:00 in this particular period but this is the first time ... (to my knowledge and assuming the reports *ARE* correct) ... that it has changed mode twice on the same orbit. Suffice to say, it *IS* being monitored. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org>

1 0

ARISS Nanjing News Links
by Trevor 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

There's a selection of news links generated by the recent Najing School contact at http://www.southgatearc.org/news/september2007/ariss_nanjing_links.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 --------------- ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

1 0

More On Ao-27 web site
by Bill Ress 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

I just noticed after Eric's earlier message that the main page for the AO-27 web site is at: www.umbrasi.com/AO27/index.shtml but when you click to get the TOPR schedule page, it indicates it's on the www.ao27.org web site which doesn't come up. Anyone know what's happening?? Regards...Bill - N6GHz

1 0

Polarity Switcher Relay - repost
by Bob Stewart 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Hello Amsat list, Sorry for the repost. I see a copy in the archive, but I didn't get anything by email. I'm a new list member. My call is AE6RV. My radio is an FT-726R with a couple of Mirage bricks. My antennas are: a turnstile on 2m and a turnstiled moxon on 70cm; both in the attic. I don't have any preamps yet. I've been working just the FM sats lately. I have a question about polarization switchers. Right now I don't have any and suffer pretty bad fades. I seem to be frozen by "analysis paralysis". I'm thinking of using the Omron G5V-2 relay in a simple switcher with the contacts paralleled. As I'm running less than 100 watts at the antenna this looks like a good choice - I think, or should I be looking at something else? My budget is limited, so expensive relay setups are out of the question. If anyone has a link to a good homebrew switcher for 70cm I'd appreciate seeing it. Maybe I'm making it too complicated. Bob - AE6RV

1 0

The USA 7, Europe 0.
by John Hackett 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Gentlemen, I see I'm not the only one who noticed ... (well done SV1BSX) ... AO-7, on the 4th of September ... of the 4 European stations ... (myself included) ... calling, NOBODY managed to raise anyone, while all 6 American stations ... (and 1 Japanese) ... all managed QSO's in mode-A. Bone idle? ... too easy? ... forgotten how to switch on an HF receiver? ... OK, it's not a competition but there must be a reason for the continental difference ... 'theories' may be written on the back of a $100 ... (or Euro) .... note and sent to La2qaa. NB. I am *NOT* soliciting, the last sentence was 'tongue-in-cheek' ... if you absolutely must !!! get rid of some cash ... donate it to Amsat. 73 John. <la2qaa(a)amsat.org> 100What's the explanation?. stations >From: "SV1BSX" <sv1bsx(a)yahoo.gr> >Reply-To: eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com >To: <eu-amsat(a)yahoogroups.com> >Subject: [eu-amsat] AO-7/Mode-A >Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2007 21:25:48 +0300 > > Hello all, > >just I wondering why the Europeans are not active in Mode-A. > >Mode-A at my opinion is easier than Mode-B, you need just a VHF and >your HF gear. The downlink is also easier as the Doppler-shift is minimal >and the downlink signal stronger enough, even if the fading its a bit >harder. > > Try the Mode-A, PLEASE. Most times the "Grand Old Lady" is lonely over >Europe. > >That is no good. So, a "rendezvous" with "Old Lady"/A is waiting ! > >Always we must be Gentlemans with "Old Ladies" ! > > >73, Mak SV1BSX

2 1

GO-32 L-Band Uplink Active?
by Eric Christensen 04 Sep '07

04 Sep '07

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Can anyone confirm if the GO-32 L-Band uplink is functional? Has anyone tried it lately? 73s, Eric Christensen, W4OTN AMSAT Area Coordinator - Southeastern Virginia USA AMSAT Member 35360 http://www.ericsatcom.net Donate to the Eagle Fund - http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php?donate=eagle GPG Key Fingerprint: 4675 2BBE 666B 8FF7 A9A1 4D00 67F2 1E7A B685 F578 -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with Fedora - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iQIVAwUBRt3U7FPETzpAxiDcAQJqFw//dMLFh+t1UNHeraRoWmH6dfI5LB52D1gs ZA6d6P8fXX+1INH7QMHbpSAKgfZDGve54JHDlE0Jx443qG+rT2zadMwAAF0VFjJ5 UJKRJoR78eYQda8CZP9Fsl9zMyhIUDF469j9zStKUZEZJ+RKM2mXkqduCQXg0xu4 tnLqV7f3Or1lBbOw4fRlbdXmTNzqEaHoIqlEYUQuFAd5Qwi/0KiwXplIe8S/GlHU 7TcbOyb0AXyEMm4xGI4iSAR72RsWQsvwUC+5DVeTYb5wFkIG1uIuHhxF1OrpgUJK gkawrJz3L4eAvShrkKOoTalTFpi/R/YRQIhn5aD5MIoybfzsOfSToCphzmkGchQv r4Dzl05l9oaZTx5jHkj999dx1NEKr40EUTgEon/Va8A/uN+BAnmAokoYTe+uxtF8 U9CGy/BhMfbo0VxzTFqWYGrFVeyRiy7PiRPYT4+GwWGC3BI1AkfYC8rJyOu3N334 sV7vdiQo2aCtQl4Zwk8vWes16FvlQAc/2CGLXniMRsfbnYqXlBlTDM5fCYPMCN1i w9XU+hFWbZrV+7vVGU4eFdsQsbJ3k7CBc95WdKOCGQZgBDSvqwtCmb/Ell6VNesa VCbI1LLDRvQ2paq0RQKT5pDnbpbECllp/LZaAioU4nvDIzAvyw/kZWo6ftCeSb1s qYCz5EYWFR8= =YCE5 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

AO-7 (A)
by TERRY BROMLEY 04 Sep '07

04 Sep '07

Hi Sat Fans, just back from my weekend villa. Reading the BB about 7 being in mode A, does this mean i have to find a decent ant for 10mtrs. My little HF G5RV doesn't work to well on 10mtrs. I will check the next pass at 10:03 local time (Sunday) i will keep you informed about the ant, my wife Kathy say's no more bird perches Hi. 73 all Terry G1WPR.

2 1

Polarity Switcher
by Bob Stewart 04 Sep '07

04 Sep '07

Hello Amsat list, I'm a new list member. My call is AE6RV. My radio is an FT-726R with a couple of Mirage bricks. My antennas are: a turnstile on 2m and a turnstiled moxon on 70cm; both in the attic. I don't have any preamps yet. I've been working just the FM sats lately. I have a question about polarization switchers. Right now I don't have any and suffer pretty bad fades. I seem to be frozen by "analysis paralysis". I'm thinking of using the Omron G5V-2 relay in a simple switcher with the contacts paralleled. As I'm running less than 100 watts at the antenna this looks like a good choice. Should I be looking at something else? My budget is limited, so expensive relay setups are out of the question. Bob - AE6RV

1 0