- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by N2OEQ＠aceweb.com 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

Mr Davies- I enjoy seeing posts from luc. I dont always agree with him but support to right to free expression, something many people died for to preserve. He may be wrong at times but if you are expressive, you will get it right sometimes. I'm an american citizen who is disappointed that Americans drafted Werner Von Braun of Nazi fame to design the atlas 5 rocket for the appollo missions back in the 60's so luc isnt too far off. Take your blinders off. I have no problem with patriotism but in the extreme it led to the rise of the nazis in the 30's. Take the middle road and be open minded and maybe you wont repeat the mistakes of the past. As an observation, people are getting too personal on this BB. Simply delete the mail if you dont like it. No flames please, but you have the right! pat ------- Original Message ------- >From : Robert Davies[mailto:[email protected]] Sent : 2/15/2007 6:06:05 PM To : amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Cc : Subject : RE: [amsat-bb] Petition to block Luc from the -bb I propose that all who are tired of this individual poisoning what is otherwise a peaceful and productive environment with his abusive and slanderous posts against an organization that I for one am proud to be part of and will continue to support. Sign this petition or make it be known in some fashion that you are tired of this kind of behavior and that Luc Leblanc VE2DWE be blocked from the AMSAT and all affiliated -bb systems. To compare the US Air Force Academy and AMSAT to the NAZI V-1 and V-2 rockets is ludicrous. 1.Robert Davies -- KI4HXT EL97af Robert Davies AMSAT Area Coordinator AMSAT Member#35649 AMSAT President's Club Bronze Sustaining Donor IFC#2880 _______________________________________________ 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

Can orbit be raised by magnetorque ?
by lu7abf 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

Thinking on a future LEO Sun-synchronous satellite project, this question was made. What happens if when satellite in the north we apply a north magnetic field on z plane, will satellite raise orbit ?. Same but opposite on south. Due limited energy available could this raise be significant if applied on all orbits ?. Thanks for any answer or comment. lu7abf, Pedro Converso lu7abf(a)amsat.org.ar www.amsat.org.ar

1 0

Value of Kenwood TS790
by John Geiger 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

I have a TS790 I am looking to put up for sale or trade soon-to upgrade the station. It is in good condition with a few scratches on the top, but works ok. Doesn't have the 1.2g module in it. Does anyone have an idea about what this rig would be worth? 73s John W5TD ____________________________________________________________________________________ Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now.

1 0

Batman est vivant
by Luc Leblanc 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

Cliquer sur : http://jet-man.com/actuel_eng.html# "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

8 10

R: Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by f.grappi＠tin.it 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

Hi, Please stop .... thank you 73" Frank IW4DVZ ----Messaggio originale---- Da: k4shf(a)k4shf.com Data: 18-feb-2007 4.52 PM A: <gmemory(a)compuserve.com>, <ki4hxt(a)amsat.org>, <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Ogg: [amsat-bb] Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb Pretty easy day, if you don't like what Luc posts, send his posts directly to the deleted folder... 73 de Tim, K4SHF -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb- bounces(a)amsat.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of gmemory(a)compuserve.com Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2007 4:46 AM To: ki4hxt(a)amsat.org; amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb As much as I too feel his comments are sometimes ill timed junque.....I also perceive a difference of language and other cultural differences. I cannot tell you have many times I've wanted to tell this entire AMSAT group to get lost. You mention Luc as one example.....there are many others out there on this list who feel nothing of putting a person down form making a well intended comment, or who feel their knowlege is so superior that the person needing help is put down into the dirt. It is not entirely unusual to read an idiotic posting from someone in the "management" chain of AMSAT. How about years ago when the great master James told someone to leave AMSAT or that we would be better of without him. Finally, if freedom of expresson is not valid here, please let me know. Gary Memory, N7BRJ Original Message: ----------------- From: Robert Davies ki4hxt@amsat. org Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:06:05 -0500 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Petition to block Luc from the -bb I propose that all who are tired of this individual poisoning what is otherwise a peaceful and productive environment with his abusive and slanderous posts against an organization that I for one am proud to be part of and will continue to support. Sign this petition or make it be known in some fashion that you are tired of this kind of behavior and that Luc Leblanc VE2DWE be blocked from the AMSAT and all affiliated -bb systems. To compare the US Air Force Academy and AMSAT to the NAZI V- 1 and V-2 rockets is ludicrous. 1.Robert Davies -- KI4HXT EL97af Robert Davies AMSAT Area Coordinator AMSAT Member#35649 AMSAT President's Club Bronze Sustaining Donor IFC#2880 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium MicrosoftR WindowsR and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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@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

Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by Robert Davies 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

I propose that all who are tired of this individual poisoning what is otherwise a peaceful and productive environment with his abusive and slanderous posts against an organization that I for one am proud to be part of and will continue to support. Sign this petition or make it be known in some fashion that you are tired of this kind of behavior and that Luc Leblanc VE2DWE be blocked from the AMSAT and all affiliated -bb systems. To compare the US Air Force Academy and AMSAT to the NAZI V-1 and V-2 rockets is ludicrous. 1.Robert Davies -- KI4HXT EL97af Robert Davies AMSAT Area Coordinator AMSAT Member#35649 AMSAT President's Club Bronze Sustaining Donor IFC#2880

15 18

Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by David Barber 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

It's time to call for a halt to all this "CRAP" to use the description of many of those posting. I may not agree with all that Luc and others post but they have every right to express their opinions with the proviso that what they post does descend into open personal abuse. I thought the ideals of America and other civilised countries were to support freedom of mind, expression and opinion and the ideals of our hobby to communicate peacefully with each other? Legitimate points and questions posted frequently go without reply yet this episode proves that you are all out there, so let's get some dignity back on this -bb please. David G8OQW

1 0

Need helpers at SEA PAC hamfest, June 2-3
by Wayne Estes 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

It's a bit early to put out the request, but I want to get some satellite-related traffic on the bb. I plan to run an AMSAT booth at the SEA PAC hamfest in Seaside, Oregon on June 2-3. I've run AMSAT booths before, usually with little or no help. But AMSAT can be represented more effectively if I can get helpers. Even better, I'm hoping somebody could volunteer to make some demonstration satellite contacts using a handheld radio and Arrow antenna. Please let me know if you would be willing to help me run the AMSAT booth or if you could arrange to make demo satellite contacts. Thanks! Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik

1 0

Could we raise orbit thru magnetorque?
by lu7abf 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

In thinking on a future satellite project, this question was made. Argument is: if when satellite is in the north, a north magnetic field is applied on z plane, will satellite raise orbit ? Same but opposite on south. Considering limited energy available could this raise be significant if applied on all orbits ?. Tks for any answer or argument. lu7abf, Pedro Converso lu7abf(a)amsat.org.ar www.amsat.org.ar

1 0

Wrestling with pigs
by Ed Long 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

Arguing with our friends that are non-lovers of the military on this BB is like wrestling with pigs: All that happens is you get dirty - and the pig likes it. I think the political commentary and links to Web sites with questionable political motives should be taken elsewhere. My opinion - not AMSAT's. 73, Ed Long WA4SWJ

3 2

Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by Joseph Trombino Jr 19 Feb '07

19 Feb '07

I didn't think I would have to use my blocking function on the Amsat-BB but I guess I will have to....it works great BTW. 73, Joe W2KJ Pulling for P3E and Eagle

1 0

US military operations
by john heath 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

Hi Folks, Don't forget all the wonderfull Russian satellites that we all enjoyed, now sadly missed. Sometimes I guess you just down to who has the launch capability. 73 John G7HIA

1 0

Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by Dave Guimont 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

>Finally, if freedom of expression is not valid here, please let me know. > >Gary Memory, N7BRJ Very good, Gary, but I doubt that those making those untoward statements have the common sense to understand what you are talking about... I NEVER heard that kind of stuff uttered when we were communicating strictly by satellite, since Oscar 7 for me, and it took quite a long time for them to come out of the woodwork....and they all eventually crawl back, right where they belong... I HOPE WE ALL CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS OUR OPINIONS HERE, and do just that ....Keep 'em coming Luc, I may disagree with you, but you'll get any negative messages in private... Then the three wars, in which I got shot at , will not be in vain.... Now here's your chance to get a shot at me....my shoulders are broad... 73, Dave wb6llo(a)amsat.org Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E... -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.2/692 - Release Date: 2/18/2007

1 0

Phase 3 E delay
by N2OEQ＠aceweb.com 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

Greetings from pat Could someone please explain IF P3E was delayed for another 2 years OR is it just due to actual construction issues. I was Pleased to see the germans were smart enough to use existing proven designs and william Liejaniers transponder ( his on HAMSAT is fantastic). I just bought a radio for P3E before I heard about the delay. I can, however, still use it for others. It was very generous of other amsats to donate the money to amsat-dl but there has to be a conclusion sometime. Keep It Simple Silly! I'm not ungrateful, I appreciate all AMSAT has done for the hobby! On another note, a million thanks to the folks working on the new operating software for ECHO. I think its pretty cool that it can be done. Gotta love the geeks! take care, pat

1 0

... US military operations [slightly OT]
by John Mock KD6PAG 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

As i understand it, AMSAT is NOT a political organization. While i am deeply concerned by the actions of the US military, i do know who are the 'Commander and Chief' is; and i also recognize that the US military is, by necessity, a very diverse organization. I would not like to think of where amateur satellites would be without cooperation with the US and Russian military. For a very recent example, i'm not sure we'd have international APRS. The military is capable of good science and, alas in the 'States, outside of universities nd colleges, one of the few places where good science is still being actively funded. In my town, we have demonstrations on the main street every Friday (with representatatives from both sides). I think that is an appropriate forum for discussion of actions of the US Military. So is the US Congress, as well as the newspapers, streets and public assemblies inplaces throughout the world. In my opinion, the AMSAT-BB is not. Respectivefully submitted, -- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer) P.S. I will be in CM99 this long weekend on available J-FM satellites if anyone needs it.

5 6

Re: NO MILITARY COOPERATION ON AO-51
by KA2AEV＠aol.com 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

In a message dated 2/18/2007 3:36:40 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca writes: The link: _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_torture_and_prisoner_abuse_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_torture_and_prisoner_abuse) Can someone truely and simply explain to me what this crap has to do with Satellite communication by Radio Amateurs? Someone stepped over the line Mike KA2AEV FDNY All Gave Some 9-11-01 Some Gave All

1 0

POSAT Status?
by Keith Baker KB1SF/VA3KSF 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

Greetings All! A year or so ago, I had an exchange with one of the senior AMSAT-UK folks about the eventual turnover of POSAT to full Amateur use. At the time, I believe they were having some (legal) difficulties in getting that to happen. The latest satellite status bulletin here on AMSAT.ORG lists POSAT as "currently not open for amateur use" but that it "should return to amateur operation in the future." Does anyone have the latest status on this issue? I'm not complaining, just asking. 73, Keith Baker KB1SF / VA3KSF

3 2

AO-51 update 2/18/2007
by Andrew Glasbrenner 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

The satellite is almost reloaded, and the repeater is back on. There may be instances where the repeater is shut off on a pass over the command station for the next few days, to allow a higher downlink power on the digital side. This will allow the command stations to finish the uploads more quickly. After a few more pieces of software are loaded, we will begin testing everything. Things may be chaotic for a bit so please bear with us as we make these improvements. Some of the upgrades to be tested include: 1) An automatic mode changing scheduler that will allow for unattended mode switches at a predetermined time and date. This will be a big relief for the command team, as they will not have to be at the controls for every single mode change on the schedule. 2) A upgraded PL system that works like this: The repeater downlink transmitter will normally be off to conserve power. When a signal with a valid PL tone is heard on the uplink, the repeater will power up, and switch to no PL required for x amount of minutes. x has yet to be determined. After x minutes, the transmitter will shut down and return to a standby state for a valid PL. This will allow us to use the PL to conserve power and not have the 'logjam' effect that came with the past PL scheme. We will also be able to identify intruders to our satellite band while over areas with active users. 3) Automatic power control that will increase the downlink power when the batteries are charged and there is power to spare. Exact values will be determined during upcoming testing. There were also at least twice as many changes made that related to internal housekeeping, telemetry, and command and control. Some of these will be made public, and some will not for obvious reasons (command and control). I'm very proud of the great job the entire AO-51 team has done on this set of upgrades over the past 4 months, and wish to personally thank Mike KE4AZN, Jim WD0E, and Gould WA4SXM for their hard work. Just a little while longer and we'll be back to normal operations. 73, Drew Glasbrenner KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations

1 0

Re: Petition to block Luc from the -bb
by gmemory＠compuserve.com 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

As much as I too feel his comments are sometimes ill timed junque.....I also perceive a difference of language and other cultural differences. I cannot tell you have many times I've wanted to tell this entire AMSAT group to get lost. You mention Luc as one example.....there are many others out there on this list who feel nothing of putting a person down form making a well intended comment, or who feel their knowlege is so superior that the person needing help is put down into the dirt. It is not entirely unusual to read an idiotic posting from someone in the "management" chain of AMSAT. How about years ago when the great master James told someone to leave AMSAT or that we would be better of without him. Finally, if freedom of expresson is not valid here, please let me know. Gary Memory, N7BRJ Original Message: ----------------- From: Robert Davies ki4hxt(a)amsat.org Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:06:05 -0500 To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Petition to block Luc from the -bb I propose that all who are tired of this individual poisoning what is otherwise a peaceful and productive environment with his abusive and slanderous posts against an organization that I for one am proud to be part of and will continue to support. Sign this petition or make it be known in some fashion that you are tired of this kind of behavior and that Luc Leblanc VE2DWE be blocked from the AMSAT and all affiliated -bb systems. To compare the US Air Force Academy and AMSAT to the NAZI V-1 and V-2 rockets is ludicrous. 1.Robert Davies -- KI4HXT EL97af Robert Davies AMSAT Area Coordinator AMSAT Member#35649 AMSAT President's Club Bronze Sustaining Donor IFC#2880 _______________________________________________ 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting

6 7

My first Posit via PCSAT for a long time
by Robert Bruninga 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

Yes, PCSAT-1 is working great. I was driving through Tennessee on Friday, and saw a PCSAT-11 packet on the normal North Americal 144.39 frequency and so I quickly QSY'ed to 145.825 and in my mobile with a magmount, my D700 radio captured 12 stations via PCSAT-1 and 10 messages/bulletins to the radio front panel. PCSAT-1 has a 1 minute beacon on 144.39 over North America so that people in low-QRM areas might see when PCSAT is in view for just this purpose. There is no 144.39 uplink, of course, since all the satellite would hear is 10,000 jammed packets in space. Later, I just left my radio on overnight on 145.825 and captured similarly a dozen stations. (Be sure to set your RANGE limit back to 0, or the D700 will ignore all packets coming from too far away...)... De WB4APR, Bob > On Behalf Of Ian Mills > Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 8:26 PM > > Well, I was pleasantly surprised this afternoon as I managed > quite easily to have my position received via PCSAT. > I drive two hours to and from work and I have been monitoring > PCSAT... so I fired off my position via a THD-7 into a 30w > amp attached to a 1/4 wave rod antenna on my car. > ...the following from findu confirms I got through: > > VK2HIM-7>S4T3W2,PCSAT-1*,WIDE2-2,qAo,VK3JTM-5:`NM_!6>/>"3w} > VK2HIM-7>S4T4V8,PCSAT-1,VK7HSE-1,VK7RAD,WIDE2*,qAo,VK7HDM-12:` > NM @5>/>"4.}On UHF repeater > VK2HIM-7>S4T4X1,PCSAT-1,VK7HSE-1,VK7RAD,WIDE2*,qAo,VK7HDM-12:` > NMKnf~>/>"4:} > > The last time I tried was over a year ago and I didn't have > any trouble then either, and this was using the 5W THd7 > without a 30w amp!! > > Cheers > Ian > vk2him > AWA Limited > _______________________________________________ > Ozaprs mailing list > Ozaprs(a)aprs.net.au > http://aprs.net.au/mailman/listinfo/ozaprs >

3 3

Two more FCAL packets
by mcguire＠stensat.org 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

I've installed a 10dB amp at the antenna. Hopefully that will help with the feedline losses. When the artic tundra thaws, I'll see about installing a less-temporary feedline. Jim3 KB3MPL 2007feb16 23:31 EST 1:Fm KD4HBO To TELEM Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=57 >[xx:xx:xx] Analog 000400F600F900DA00A800FD00DE0012 N 0000001E 2007feb17 23:47 EST 1:Fm KD4HBO To TELEM Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=57 >[xx:xx:xx] Analog 000F00F700EB00DB00AC00FF00DC000A N 0000001E

1 0

Sporadic XMIT Issues with SO-50
by sraas＠optonline.net 18 Feb '07

18 Feb '07

Has any one been experiencing very odd behaviours from SO-50? It seems that the Downlink is acting rather funny.. a FQ downlink turns to nothing.. dead for anywhere from 4-15 seconds.. and back again.. I have only noticed this when the sat was eclipsed.. I havent been on it in sunlight. Its not doppler either.. the Downlink like I said before just POOF .. gone. -Steve Raas N2JDQ FN20vg

1 0

antenna construction
by john heath 17 Feb '07

17 Feb '07

Hi Juast wanted to post a Thank you to Martin oz1tmm for the http://dk7zb.fox28.de site.Well worth keping in your favourites folder. The home brew 2m & 70cm yagi's look very good, and use easily available materials. 73 John g7hia

1 0

Hamfest
by Robert Davies 17 Feb '07

17 Feb '07

Another great hamfets, The Highlands County Florida Hamfest! not so good for fm passes. I need to get an ft-817. Anyone have one they may want to part with? Thanks for the help Drew. 73 Rob -- KI4HXT EL97af Robert Davies AMSAT Area Coordinator AMSAT Member#35649 AMSAT President's Club Bronze Sustaining Donor IFC#2880

1 0

Re: Using ANDE / RAFT With AGWPE & AGWTERM
by Bob Bruninga 17 Feb '07

17 Feb '07

> Is anyone using these programs to connect to ande/raft? You ar not supposed to CONNECT to either satellite. They are simple digipeaters and so you transmit unproto UI packets (APRS), and they relay them. > I am 100% sure I have connected to both sats... You should never connect to ANDE. There is nothing to "connect to". RAFT however has the voice system enabled and someone DOES have to send a CONNECT RAFT packet to turn the voice on for each pass. But the TX packet CONNECT RAFT is all that is required. YOu do not need an ACK and you do not need to remain connected. Please see the operating commands on the RAFT OPS web page (google for RAFT OPS) >, however, I cannot decode the connect return packet. See above, you do not need to. Nothing gained. > usually. After a min or so, I see that I am connected. You do not need a complete connection. RAFT only has to decode a single CONNECT RAFT packet to turn on the voice. As soon as you hear the voice, you are done. > Then when sending the talk command ( im not even sure im > doing it right ) I get no responce from ths sats. Please see the RAFT OPS web page. You do -not- send anything in connected mode. the TALK packets have to be sent in standard APRS or UI packets. Then it will speak them. > Basically I need some beginer help with these digi sats. Welcome to ANDE and RAFT! SO far, I have operated VOICE on every pass (that is agbove 20 deg from my location) but have only seen one other person on so far! Just remember, that only the CONNECT RAFT packet is required to activate voice for 5 minutes, then ANYONE (except you) can send a UI APRS message to TALK and it will be spoken. If you also want to send UI packets, you have to DISCONECT (but without RAFT hearing you disconnect) and then you also can send UI talk messages. If RAFT hears you disconnect, then it will shut off the VOICE too. Best way to disconnect is to quickly QSY 20 KHz, then ^C to your commmand prompt (cmd:) then hit D <ENTER> twice. This will force a disconnect without having to wait for the other end. Then QSY back to the channel and now you can send TALK messages like everyone else. Hope that helps. Bob, Wb4APR -Steve Raas

1 0

AO-51 Not heard
by Chris Maness 17 Feb '07

17 Feb '07

I live in DM14, and was expecting a pass at 03:07GMT. I didn't hear anything. This seems strange as I have always heard traffic on the bird this time at night. Is it still in mode J FM now? 145.920 PL 67.0 435.300 Thanks, Chris Maness KQ6UP

1 0

Using ANDE / RAFT With AGWPE & AGWTERM
by sraas＠optonline.net 17 Feb '07

17 Feb '07

Good Evening, Is anyone using these programs to connect to ande/raft? I am 100% sure I have connected to both sats, however, I cannot decode the connect return packet usually. After a min or so, I see that I am connected. Then when sending the talk command ( im not even sure im doing it right ) I get no responce from ths sats. Basically I need some beginer help with these digi sats. -Steve Raas N2JDQ

1 0

Teamspeak session for HPSDR
by Scott Cowling 16 Feb '07

16 Feb '07

Reminder! Earlier this week, TAPR announced production of Ozy and Janus Boards for the High Performance Software Defined Radio (HPSDR) project. We wanted to remind you to show your interest before the cutoff date of February 20 at 0200 UTC. We are doing a single high-volume build, and it is uncertain when the next one will be, or if there will even be a next one. This is a very exciting project, and we don't want anyone to be left out. You are invited to join us in a Teamspeak session on Saturday, Feb 17 at 1800 UTC for an HPSDR Town Meeting. Teamspeak is a voice chat session; all you need to participate is a PC sound card with speakers and a microphone. (You can just listen without the microphone.) Directions for downloading the software and setting it up are here: <http://hpsdr.org/teamspeak.html>http://hpsdr.org/teamspeak.html Here is the information necessary for you to sign up for Ozy and Janus boards: Go to: <http://www.hamsdr.com/>HTTP://www.hamsdr.com Login and go to Projects > TAPR-HPSDR and follow instructions provided on that page. Here are some useful links: What is HPSDR? <http://hpsdr.org/>http://hpsdr.org What is an Ozy? <http://hpsdr.org/ozy.html>http://hpsdr.org/ozy.html What is a Janus? <http://hpsdr.org/janus.html>http://hpsdr.org/janus.html There are many other HPSDR projects in design and testing; most will require the Janus and Ozy boards. Hope to hear you on Saturday!

1 0

AO-51 sat VS US military operations
by Luc Leblanc 16 Feb '07

16 Feb '07

On 14 Feb 2007 at 0:00, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > Luc, > > Your research is faulty. This information below is not the same Falconsat as the USAFA satellite I mentioned: Here is a link where the falconsats are depicted: http://space.skyrocket.de/index_frame.htm?http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sda… consat-3.htm I respecfully submit to your attention theses sats are Military satellite made by, launch by, and controlled by military (even cadets). Here is the mission and payloads of the Falconsats Falcon gold Falcon Gold was an US Air Force Academy experiment to demonstrate use of GPS navigation in orbits above the Navstar constellation. The instrument package was bolted to the Centaur-2A stage of an Atlas-2A, which launched the DSCS-3 B13 satellite. All systems operated nominally during the successful mission until primary battery power on the spacecraft was depleted. Cadets participated in all phases of the mission including systems design, fabrication, launch vehicle integration, qualification testing, launch site operations, and mission operations. FalconSat 1 The first free-flying Academy satellite, FalconSat-1 carried the CHAWS (Charging Hazards and Wake Studies) experiment developed by the Physics Department at the Academy. The launch was successful and the satellite was deployed into its orbit without problems. However, the following weeks, cadets working in the Academy ground station struggled to bring the satellite totally on-line. Initial communication contacts with the satellite went well, but during subsequent it became apparent that the spacecraft's power system was not functioning correctly to properly charge the batteries during daylight. Unfortunately, after about 1 month, the mission was satellite the mission was terminated. While FalconSAT-1 was a technical failure, it was a resounding academic success. Cadets participated in all phases of the mission from conceptual design though assembly, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit operations. FalconSat 2 The mission of the FalconSat-2 will be to measure space plasma phenomena that are known to adversely affect space-based communication, such as the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), and other civil and military communications. Originally planned to be deployed from a Shuttle mission, it has been moved to a dedicated launch on the maiden flight of the Falcon-1 rocket. FalconSat 3 FalconSAT-3, is a 50 kg microsatellite being developed by faculty and cadets, and is the Air Force Academy´s first attempt at achieving three axis attitude determination and control (ADCS). FalconSAT-3 will carry three payloads to conduct DoD research. The attitude requirements for FalconSAT-3 include pointing the satellite within +/- five degrees of ram direction, as well as attitude knowledge to within one degree. FalconSAT-3 will provide sophisticated characterization of plasma turbulence in the F region ionosphere. Significant advances in technology have enabled miniaturization of instruments that enable comprehensive measurements of both ambient and spacecraft-specific turbulence. The three primary experiments include * the Flat Plasma Spectrometer (FLAPS), a planar electrostatic analyzer used to measure ion spectra differential in energy with a DE/E ~ 4%; * the Plasma Local Anomalous Noise Environment (PLANE) experiment, a bifurcated retarding potential analyzer capable of distinguishing between ambient and spacecraft-induced turbulence; and * the Micro-Propulsion Attitude Control System (MPACS), consisting of a set of Teflon-fueled pulsed plasma thrusters used to stabilize satellite attitude. The FalconSAT-3 satellite bus is custom fabricated at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and is manifested for launch into a 35° inclination, 560 km circular orbit in late 2006. Satellite operations will be managed from the USAFA ground station. Complementary ground-based observations of the ionosphere will be taken both at USAFA and at remote locations at low magnetic latitudes, where equatorial ionospheric processes are particularly effective at stimulating plasma turbulence. You are right about the FALCONSAT NSSDC ID: 2000-004D Other Names* 26064 As you not quote FalconSat 3 you confirm that FalonSat 3 is a military satellite. There is some military spy satellite and some "science" military satellite, My point is why AMSAT-NA is helping the US air force with an amateur radio satellite? If you read carefully i wrote "Did AMSAT-NA will condemned military endeavour or support it?" I never say it was an AMSAT-NA project "hopefully" . You wrote " please be patient as we cooperate with our friends at the USAFA" Placing AO-51 an AMSAT-NA amateur satellite in a configuration to help "our friends at the USAFA" just make me ask again "Did AMSAT-NA will condemned military endeavour or support it?". I never speak about any conspiracy but as you raised the subject could be an AMSAT-NA official can also do his homework and tell us how they let an amateur radio satellite involved in a military conducted business? If you feel pointed out it's probably because the shoe fits! Otherwise you will never come up with you hollow post where you don't even give us a glimpse of an answer about my questions. Set aside the good old volunteer saga and their time spent that we all know and that we admire and just focus your attention on this part of you post "badgering by the likes of you may deprive hams from the use of a fine satellite." Reads if you don't let us do what we want and you don't shut your /x%6 mouth you will don't get this satellite! That's what i wrote "driven by any floating interest who probably blackmailed them "AGAIN" note the "AGAIN" and change the "them" for "us". Just an historical note. There was a bunch of rocket scientist in Peenemünde who from 1936 to 1943 where making also scientific rocket search and test and you probably know also their final product! the V-1 and V-2 rocket. AMSAT-NA should not be involved with any military testing or actions nor letting an IARU/ITU OSCAR satellite be used to help an armed forces wing. I suggest a former letter of protest should be sent to the IARU condemning this military satellite use. P.S. If my home work is not correct this time don't hesitate to correct me! "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

4 3

Amsat Awards
by Carles 16 Feb '07

16 Feb '07

I want to congratulate to Bruce Paige KK5DO , Director of Contests and Awards , by its effectiveness and great work. EB3SA ex: eb3fym -- Carles Roy eb3fym(a)radioaficionats.cat www.radioaficionats.cat/eb3fym

1 0

Office Closed
by MARTHA SARAGOVITZ 16 Feb '07

16 Feb '07

This is a reminder that the AMSAT Office will be closed on Monday, February 19th in observance of Presidents' Day. Martha AMSAT Manager

1 0

Invitation to Big-Dish EME Project
by Mikio_Mouri 16 Feb '07

16 Feb '07

Dear Satellite friends, You may be interested in having EME QSO with your antenna and rigs! A Japanese EME group is, with many organizations (including us), setting up 32m-Dish EME station in Ibaragi, Japan. Target is to QRV 144MHz, 432MHz, 1296MHz and 5.6GHz from 23 Feb to 24 March at possible windows. Please check his home page and you will find its progress: http://8n1eme.jp/modules/news/ Thank you for your interest and support. Best regards, JA3GEP, Mikio Mouri, JAMSAT

1 0

How to de-ice your antennas and rotors by K1XT
by Kyle Yoksh 16 Feb '07

16 Feb '07

Hi everyone, I found this the other day while surfing the web. Hope you get a good laugh like I did: Many years ago on a cold winter morning I was at the house of good ham friend of mine during a contest. A small ice storm had passed through during the night and the antennas had refused to turn. "Jim. The Yagi is frozen," I said. "We'll get it turning," he said calmly. "Come on." I followed him to the door and before stepping out, he grabbed a 410 shotgun that had been standing by the door. We walked out into the back yard, and I watched him as he proceeded to fire several rounds of bird shot at the yagi and rotor. It was humorous to say the least as I watched the ice explode from the elements at each shot. In short, that took care of it. And when up working on the antennas that spring, I never noticed any damage to them. "Over the years I have perfected the load," he told me one day. "I load about dozen shells in the fall in anticipation." Funny to see, but it sure worked. Bill K1XT 73, Kyle Yoksh K0KN Olathe, Kansas Amsat# 35249

5 4

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 102
by Robert Roy 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

Scott: none of the 4 URL's worked here...."page cannot be found"...Rob Roy W4pza ,Robroyy(a)comcast.net ----- Original Message ----- From: <amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org> To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 2:00 PM Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 102 > 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. ANDE Voice Repeater (PA3GUO) > 2. RAFT VOICE Contest: waiting for the first mp3 from outside > Europe (PA3GUO) > 3. Re: AO-51 this week (Luc Leblanc) > 4. FCAL telemetry received (PA3GUO) > 5. Looking for some new tracking hardware? (Jack KZ4USA) > 6. HPSDR Janus and Ozy Board Production Announcement (Scott Cowling) > 7. KF4OTN -> W4OTN (Eric Christensen) > 8. RAFT 'Voice' QSO made (PA3GUO) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:27:13 +0100 > From: "PA3GUO" <pa3guo(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] ANDE Voice Repeater > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <004e01c75001$2d8dde10$9d02a8c0@waalre> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > Just as an FYI to ANDE users: > > Although ANDE is much stronger in downlink signal compared > to RAFT, you need to be aware that its spoken messages are > transmitted at a lower output power. > > So do not tune up the squelch too much when you work > ANDE, as you will hear the APRS transmissions, but may > miss the audio/voice transmissions. > > Good luck ! > > Henk, PA3GUO > > ps: > ANDE VOICE needs to be enabled by a commandstation > each pass, so it will not always be ON. Monitor the traffic. > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:35:43 +0100 > From: "PA3GUO" <pa3guo(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] RAFT VOICE Contest: waiting for the first mp3 from > outside Europe > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <005201c75002$5c5d3f00$9d02a8c0@waalre> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > These evenings RAFT is very strong over Europe. If you > can work the APRS digipeater, try to get RAFT speaking ! > > Voice Contest rules: > 1 point for each APRS message you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE > 2 points for each message to another HAM you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE > > Examples: > "DK3WN says Hello Europe" will give 1 point > "PE1ITR says DK3WN 59" will give 2 points > > Enrollment is simple: > - email the mp3 recording to pa3guo @ amsat.org (max 200kb, edit yourself > !) > - attach a picture of yourself/shack/station (optional, pls keep filesize > small) > - include the digipeated packet & timestamp (to identify RAFT or ANDE) > > VOICE Contest website with mp3's of current submissions: > http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/voice.html > > Waiting for the first mp3 from outside Europe ! > > Henk, PA3GUO > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2007 04:39:56 -0500 > From: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(a)videotron.ca> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 this week > To: amsat-bb(a)AMSAT.Org > Message-ID: <45D2929C.643.44DD0C2(a)lucleblanc6.videotron.ca> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > On 11 Feb 2007 at 23:33, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > >> There are several new pieces of software that need to be uploaded and >> tested >> this week on AO-51. Additionally the S band transmitter will be on for an >> as >> of yet undetermined number of daylight passes over the Air Force Academy >> ground station in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These passes will be used >> for >> the ground station checkout on S band prior to the launch of Falconsat-3 >> satellite, now scheduled in late February. FS-3 carries an amateur >> payload >> along with its primary science mission. > >>From WIKIPEDIA > > FalconSAT-3 - contains 5 experiments, including a gravity gradient boom, > launch adapter shock ring, and several DARPA sponsored payloads, including > MPACS (Micro Propulsion Attitude Control System), FLAPS (Flat Plasma > Spectrometer), > and PLANE (Plasma Local Anomalous Noise Experiment). As of summer 2005, > the project has completed qualification phase and construction of the > flight > model > is in progress. The launch, aboard an Atlas V 401 from LC-41 at Cape > Canaveral, > was scheduled to occur on December 8, 2006, however as this was on the > same > day as the scheduled launch of STS-116, and a 48-hour turnaround was > required, > it was delayed. Launch is now scheduled for 22 February 2007. When the > scientific > mission of the program is completed, the satellite will be placed into > amateur > repeater > mode and opened to use by amateur radio operators. > > > > > FalconSat 3 [USAF] > > FalconSAT-3, is a 50 kg microsatellite being developed by faculty and > cadets, > and is the Air Force Academy?s first attempt at achieving three axis > attitude > determination and control (ADCS). FalconSAT-3 will carry three payloads to > conduct > DoD research. The attitude requirements for FalconSAT-3 include pointing > the > satellite > within +/- five degrees of ram direction, as well as attitude knowledge to > within one degree. > FalconSAT-3 will provide sophisticated characterization of plasma > turbulence in > the F region > ionosphere. Significant advances in technology have enabled > miniaturization of > instruments > that enable comprehensive measurements of both ambient and > spacecraft-specific > turbulence. > > The three primary experiments include > > * the Flat Plasma Spectrometer (FLAPS), a planar electrostatic analyzer > used to measure > ion spectra differential in energy with a DE/E ~ 4%; > > * the Plasma Local Anomalous Noise Environment (PLANE) experiment, a > bifurcated retarding > potential analyzer capable of distinguishing between ambient and > Spacecraft-induced turbulence > > * the Micro-Propulsion Attitude Control System (MPACS), consisting of a > set > of Teflon-fueled > pulsed plasma thrusters used to stabilize satellite attitude. > > The FalconSAT-3 satellite bus is custom fabricated at the United States > Air > Force Academy (USAFA) > and is manifested for launch into a 35? inclination, 560 km circular orbit > in > late 2006. Satellite operations > will be managed from the USAFA ground station. Complementary ground-based > observations of the > ionosphere will be taken both at USAFA and at remote locations at low > magnetic > latitudes, where > equatorial ionospheric processes are particularly effective at stimulating > plasma turbulence. > > >>From a NASA agency NSSDC Master Catalog Display: Spacecraft > > FALCONSAT > > NSSDC ID: 2000-004D > Other Names > > * 26064 > > Launch Date: 2000-01-27 > Description > > FALCONSAT is an American military microsatellite that was released from > JAWSAT. > > It is reported to be a technology testing mission. > Discipline of surveillance and other Military uses. (edited) > > Sponsoring Agency/Country > > Unknown/United States > > > If you read this past post on AMSAT-NA BB > > On 10 Feb 2007 at 9:02, Jeff Davis wrote: > >> Just looking at some interesting images and stats from the CenterForSpace >> Web site. The quick stats are 3,100 spacecraft orbiting earth with >> two-thirds of those no longer active. Nearly 7000 pieces of man-made >> debris >> large enough to be tracked. And the satellite recently destroyed by China >> created more than 900 pieces of large debris. >> >> Take a good look at the various images depicting the debris. >> >> http://www.centerforspace.com/asat/ >> >> 73, >> -- >> Jeff, KE9V > > > Did AMSAT-NA will condemned military endeavour or support it? Or it is the > end > result who make's amateur radio supporting a military program acceptable > eg: > producing debris or not? or helping in producing military technology as > stated > by NASA "It is reported to be a technology testing mission. > Discipline of surveillance and other Military uses. (edited)". > > > I know i wrote in the past that AMSAT'S should be "innovative" but not to > a > point to prostitute with any military action or operation. > > Probably another inconsiderate and unplanned move by AMSAT-NA where the > BOD is > again out of control driven by any floating interest who probably > blackmailed > them "AGAIN" If AMSAT-NA wants to be a military puppet, here is a song > lyrics > from James blunt probably the BOD inspiration source. > > Out of my mind > > Judging by the look on the organ-grinder, > He'll judge me by the fact that my face don't fit. > It's touching that the monkey sits on my shoulder. > He's waiting for the day when he gets me, > But I don't need no alibi - I'm a puppet on a string. > I just need this stage to be seen. > We all need a pantomime to remind us what is real. > Hold my eye and know what it means. > > I'm out of my mind. > > Judging by the look on the organ-grinder, > He'll judge me by the fact that my face don't fit. > It's touching that the monkey sits on my shoulder. > He's waiting for the day when he gets me, > But I won't be your concubine - I'm a puppet not a whore. > I just need this stage to be seen. > Won't you be a friend of mine to remind me what is real? > Hold my heart and see that it bleeds. > > I'm out of my mind. > > > ??????? > > > > "-" > "It is not the class of license the amateur holds, but the class of the > amateur > that holds the license." > > Luc Leblanc VE2DWE > Skype VE2DWE > www.qsl.net/ve2dwe > WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:09:25 +0100 > From: "PA3GUO" <pa3guo(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] FCAL telemetry received > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <004701c74fff$4b937c00$9d02a8c0@waalre> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > FCAL Telemetry of Feb 13, Time is UTC: > > !S 20:08:53 !KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM <UI C>:Analog > 000A000300F200DB00AA000700DE0009 N 0000001E > !S 20:09:38 !KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM <UI C>:Analog > 0009000200F000D900A9000B00DC0009 N 0000001E > > HW: > - 7 elements beam > - no pre-amp > - 71 degrees elevation pass > SW: > - Alogger > > Henk, PA3GUO, The Netherlands > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:49:38 -0500 > From: "Jack KZ4USA" <videorov(a)hughes.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Looking for some new tracking hardware? > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <000601c74f00$7cd1b160$0100a8c0@internet> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Im going to be using a TS-2000 and TRX-manager with the G-5400 rotors. Who > is making some hardware trackers nowadays. > > > Jack > KZ4USA > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:12:26 -0700 > From: Scott Cowling <scotty(a)tonks.com> > Subject: [amsat-bb] HPSDR Janus and Ozy Board Production Announcement > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org > Message-ID: <6.1.2.0.2.20070212231221.05d896a8(a)mail.tonks.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed > > > *** TAPR ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF HPSDR JANUS OZY BOARDS *** > High Performance Software Defined Radio Project (HPSDR) > > *IMPORTANT* > > TAPR and HPSDR need your input! > > Please help us by visiting Dale's (WA8SRA) HAMSDR website (see below) and > let us know if you are interested in purchasing Janus and/or Ozy bare or > assembled boards for delivery by May. > > THIS IS NOT PLACING AN ORDER; IT IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SO THAT WE > CAN MORE ACCURATELY DETERMINE HOW MANY BOARDS TO ORDER AND ASSEMBLIES TO > MAKE! > > This opportunity will end on Tuesday, February 20th at 0200 UTC. > > To register your interest you need to go to the Dale's (WA8SRA) HAMSDR > website, in the projects section. > > If you are a member and have previously expressed interest in these > projects, log in and re-enter your quantities of each board. > > NOTE: Previous quantities have been reset to zero so you WILL HAVE TO > RE-ENTER QUANTITIES. > > If you are new to HPSDR and Dale's Website, please join for instant access > by providing the information requested. > > Go to: <http://www.hamsdr.com/>HTTP://www.hamsdr.com > > Login and go to Projects > TAPR-HPSDR and click on <Indicate Your > Interest> > button to create a new record for entering your quantities. > > What is HPSDR? <http://hpsdr.org/>http://hpsdr.org > What is an Ozy? > <http://hpsdr.org/ozy.html>http://hpsdr.org/ozy.html > What is a > Janus? <http://hpsdr.org/janus.html>http://hpsdr.org/janus.html > > There are many other HPSDR projects in design and testing; most will > require the Janus and Ozy boards. > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2007 21:53:33 -0500 > From: Eric Christensen <kf4otn(a)ericsatcom.net> > Subject: [amsat-bb] KF4OTN -> W4OTN > To: undisclosed-recipients:; > Message-ID: <45D279AD.9030906(a)ericsatcom.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > After ten years of using KF4OTN I thought I'd give a new call sign a > spin. The FCC issued me W4OTN today. > > I'll be slowly changing over my e-mail address and such but I'll keep > all the old addresses forwarding properly for a while. > > 73s, > Eric W4OTN (ex KF4OTN) > www.ericsatcom.net > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > Version: GnuPG v1.4.5 (MingW32) > Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org > > iQIVAwUBRdJ5qlPETzpAxiDcAQIQfxAAk4/QmoNCujlxh0Se1F6Zd2neNF2DS1ER > zUYAQ4joJfQLwqyMSECU9Ux00HBzASY0viXFos+USCR4LoDVJ0QB7EFwh4xCNvfi > ZTdbOeLbv6IB8u2N2DKD3jHPz7EKafahiC5tDXjVEoyWGBYquM8KaFENUeYCjAva > pCrdM5ZLH72DMcJ47EpM5kN7X/gWIWZGbtCq9ScNyFbjeZAuaWuyqmYvXorTIoSo > 61Nl/c10SKtwYmz0aahKkg12Wgc+amTfocCddwlxNp6ZhaQkmnMvdCuyWGV6AaV2 > QRt/LJly6EoFk7w7IhhDZKyq2KdEt/byqPOriGcu/AabsWNIO11Bj+R1zbWgtIkv > znWeyjmSKgv5GOEbE8W0nZFnVXe1SY4+F4NxHIE5XPzOCYar+jWfHst3bRzs1rC1 > X0YiXwg0hc48rMeDG0w0Lg6FKtFKzQwXVsA0E5lS7xrXiGbqaB3HVT6M7u3cqj9F > 5/UkfKUPKnBcKbbo4Xyy7/vxzsSbDzJ4PXrwEi/HHmV/CDVZ9k828pchqQ9LGWAZ > eVu8ybPnz8xcePscar8d8a89pqhsNtc5vPxnEf1r4ct1iOBsN9PEs+cRCHDvJysC > Y+tsFVIkkhmO45s3R6OymFlAaLahcL42Q7AJbNfVWZoywJSPFsfJbZasA1sAT/g8 > UUC8KlinN4I= > =LNc5 > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:15:11 +0100 > From: "PA3GUO" <pa3guo(a)amsat.org> > Subject: [amsat-bb] RAFT 'Voice' QSO made > To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Message-ID: <004a01c74fff$800bf2f0$9d02a8c0@waalre> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > > Dear all, > > These days RAFT is very strong during its evening > passess over Europe. After a simple C RAFT and > then on the terminal typing > :TALK :Hello who wants to talk? > you can made a real QSO, without much delay. > > http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/voice10_raft_13022007_2116_p… > > DK3WN says "Hello Henk PA3GUO 59 from Mike". > PA3GUO says "Hi Mike 59 here also". > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > 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 102 > **************************************** >

1 0

big wheel on sats
by pcalvi＠bluewin.ch 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

Hello everybody. Has anybody had a practical, hands on experience with big wheel antennas with LEOs? I know the radiation pattern does not favor higher elevations, but I don't know ho actually low the radiation angle is, and looking for somebody with experience. Thanks, Piero HB9DSU

1 0

Info needed.
by Stargate 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

Hi all, Well, It's time to start considering antennas for my satellite station. (tax refund:-) I am trying to pack as many modes into my station as I can. I have the following so far.... Yaesu FT-847 AOR 8600 MK2 receiver (dc-3ghz) Icom IC-706MK2G Mirage 2530 (300 watt 2 meter amplifier) Astron RS-70M power supply G-5500 rotor LVB tracking board SAT688 tracking board Orbitron tracking software Andrew CF2P coax (2.7db loss 100' @ 450mhz) I will be running the coax in about 50-70' runs from the shack to the antennas. I would like to have mode S receive as well but the loss gets rather high with this coax so hardline or a mast mounted downconverter may be the way I go. I'm pretty sure I want circular polarized antennas unless someone talks me out of it. Switchable for LHCP or RHCP?? Whatever VHF and UHF antennas I choose will also be used for terrestrial work as well. Unfortunately, my terrestrial work is somewhat limited due to the topography of where my house is. I will also be adding mast mounted preamps sometime in the future. I'm confusing myself with all the modes and options so what do you recommend? All comments appreciated very much. RoD KD0XX A good friend will come and bail you out of jail, A TRUE friend will be sitting next to you saying..... "DAMN THAT WAS FUN"

2 1

OSCAR-11 Report
by Clive Wallis 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

OSCAR-11 REPORT 15 February 2007 TELEMETRY & NEWS ARCHIVES I have now uploaded an archive of the telemetry for 2006 to my website. The zip package contains 86 individual telemetry files. The names of the files are date coded, and there are accurate date/time stamps within the data. I have also uploaded an archive of all these reports for 2006, as a single file. www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/ TELEMETRY AND REPORTS WANTED! To investigate the on-board clock's hour problem, mentioned below, I would welcome some telemetry from differents parts of the world, at times when the orbits do not pass over the UK. These times are approximately from 10:00 to 16:00 and from 19:00 to 04:00 UTC. If you don't have a decoder, I can now accept short WAV files of good audio, duration up to 30 seconds. I would also like reports of reception around the times of expected beacon switch ON and OFF. No telemetry wanted, just when you listen, and whether you heard, or didn't hear the bird. Please e-mail to the address below. -------------------- During the period 23 January to 14 February 2007, the satellite was heard from 28 January to 08 February. Good steady signals have beeen heard on most passes, and good copy of the telemetry obtained. The on-board clock has maintained accurate time. Over the reporting period, no change could be detected! However the hour counter sometimes shows an error of of 10 hours, ie. in its most significent digit. The 'day of the week' counter operates reliably, zero representing Thursday. The date counter appears to be incrementing correctly, but the day of the month is not reset to one, at the end of each month. On 07 February it reset to 41, showing that the unused bit representing 40 permanently is stuck at a one. This means that the clock error is now 37.21453 days slow. If the satellite's watchdog timer continues to operate normally, the beacon should switch ON around 18/19 February 2007. The satellite is in full sunlight at the present time, and will remain in this state until mid-April 2007, when eclipses start again. I am indebted to David G8OQW, Mark KU7Z, Jay KD4QoV, Etienne ZS6Y, Jeff KB2M and Geoff ZL6GA for their reports. Many thanks. The current status of the satellite, is that all the analogue telemetry channels, 0 to 59 are zero, ie they have failed. The status channels 60 to 67 are still working. The spacecraft computer and active attitude control system have switched OFF, ie. the satellite' attitude is controlled only by the passive gravity boom gradient, and the satellite is free to spin at any speed. When telemetry was last received it showed that one of the solar arrays had failed, and there was a large unexplained current drain on the main 14 volt bus. After 22 years in orbit the battery has undergone around 100,000 partial charge/discharge cycles, and observations suggest that it cannot power the satellite during eclipses, or sometimes during periods of poor solar attitude. The watchdog timer now operates on a 20 day cycle. The ON/OFF times have tended to be very consistent. The average of many observations show this to be 20.7 days, ie. 10.3 days ON followed by 10.4 days OFF. However, poor solar attitude may result may result in a low 14 volt line supply, which may cause the beacon to switch OFF prematurely, and reset the watchdog timer cycle. When this occurs, the beacon is OFF for 20.7 days. The Beacon frequencies are - VHF 145.826 MHz. AFSK FM ASCII Telemetry UHF 435.025 MHz. OFF S-band 2401.5 MHz. OFF Listeners to OSCAR-11 may be interested in visiting my website. If you need to know what OSCAR-11 should sound like, there is a short audio clip for you to hear. The website contains an archive of news & telemetry data. It also contains details about using a soundcard or hardware demodulators for data capture. There is software for capturing data, and decoding ASCII telemetry. The URL is www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/ If you place this bulletin on a terrestrial packet network, please use the bulletin identifier $BID:U2RPT130.CWV, to prevent duplication. 73 Clive G3CWV xxxxx(a)amsat.org (please replace xxxxx by g3cwv)

1 0

AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

Awards this week are: We would like to welcome the following to the satellite community. They have made their first satellite contact and are now members of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club. Bob Huson, WA7HYD Paulo Pinto, CT1ETE Fernando Martins, CT2ISG AMSAT Sexagesimal Award Carlos Roy i Garcia, EB3FYM, #143 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on W0KIE Intelsat Americas, T1, 6.8Mhz Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com

1 0

DE-xpedition Announcement
by melachri＠speakeasy.net 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

I am planning a short trip to Delaware (a DE-xpedition, so to speak) to operate the FM satellites, and give others a chance to work this state. The trip is tentatively planned for 24 February 2007, during the local afternoon and early evening. My location is going to be close to 39.82N-75.55W, in the northwest corner of FM29. This is where I was for a previous DE-xpedition on PSK31. Equipment will be a Yaesu VX5R with a handheld Arrow dual-yagi and an MP3 recorder. Thanks to Patrick WD9EWK, I have some predictions of satellite passes from this location, and have selected the following: AO-27 2003z-2019z AO-27 2145z-2157z (dinner break) SO-50 2318z-2329z AO-51 2333z-2346z SO-50 0057z-0110z (UTC 25 Feb) AO-51 0111z-0125z (UTC 25 Feb) This schedule is subject to change, based on weather or other logistical issues. I hope this trip will be of interest to the satellite community. I do have two requests: 1. Since I will be operating half-duplex (due to radio limitations), I would appreciate it if anyone who is able to record these passes would email the recordings to me afterwards. 2. I'd also like to gauge interest in this trip, so if you are specifically interested in working me (for either the state or the grid), please let me know via direct email. Thanks. 73, Steve Melachrinos W3HF (@arrl.net)

1 0

antenna construction
by randy 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

I have been wanting to put up long boom oscar antennas for 2 meter and 435 bands but the prices are very high. Are there any websites out there with plans that show how to build a cross polorized antenna for these two bands. I'm sure one could be built for half the price of the M2 satellite antennas. Also i have search the internet for plans that show how to build the circular polorization switch for LHCP/RHCP but have yet to find one. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

3 2

Re: AO-51 this week
by Andrew Glasbrenner 15 Feb '07

15 Feb '07

Luc, Your research is faulty. This information below is not the same Falconsat as the USAFA satellite I mentioned: >>From a NASA agency NSSDC Master Catalog Display: Spacecraft > >FALCONSAT > >NSSDC ID: 2000-004D >Other Names > > * 26064 > >Launch Date: 2000-01-27 >Description > >FALCONSAT is an American military microsatellite that was released from JAWSAT. > >It is reported to be a technology testing mission. >Discipline of surveillance and other Military uses. (edited) > >Sponsoring Agency/Country > > Unknown/United States > Furthermore Falconsat-3 is not a AMSAT-NA project. There has been no AMSAT-NA funding for Falconsat-3. There has been no allocation of personnel or money by the BOD or the Officers for Falconsat-3. The USAFA is a university, building a scientific and amateur satellite, no different in kind from Sunsat, PCsat, most of the cubesats, many of the RS series, or any of the University of Surrey satellites. The builders and control ops of these satellites can do as they please with their own time and money, and badgering by the likes of you may deprive hams from the use of a fine satellite. Do yourself a favor and quit looking for a conspiracy under every rock and stone, and do your homework before you point a finger at the people who volunteer their time and money in an altruistic fashion. > >Did AMSAT-NA will condemned military endeavour or support it? Or it is the end >result who make's amateur radio supporting a military program acceptable eg: >producing debris or not? or helping in producing military technology as stated >by NASA "It is reported to be a technology testing mission. >Discipline of surveillance and other Military uses. (edited)". > > >I know i wrote in the past that AMSAT'S should be "innovative" but not to a >point to prostitute with any military action or operation. > >Probably another inconsiderate and unplanned move by AMSAT-NA where the BOD is >again out of control driven by any floating interest who probably blackmailed >them "AGAIN" If AMSAT-NA wants to be a military puppet, here is a song lyrics >from James blunt probably the BOD inspiration source. > Sincerely, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA

1 0

FCal Telemetry 2200UTC
by Mike Rupprecht 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048E99FFFF068FFFE0388FFFE04A0FFFE0480FFFE02E8FFFE05B8 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 0008000000EE00DC00A8000C00DD0008 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048E986FF0238FFFE0390FFFE0448FFFE0468FFFE02D8FFFE0598 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 000800FB00FB00DD00A6000A00DF0008 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048E9B3FFFE023FFFE0370FFFE0408FFFE0448FFFE02D0FFFF0540 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 000800F400FB00DB00A900F900DD0004 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048E9E0FFFF020FFFE0350FFFE03D8FFFE0428FFFE02C0FFFE0520 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 000400F000F400DB00AB000400DE0004 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EADFFF0200FFFE0348FFFE0398FFFE0420FFFE0290FFFE04D0 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 0004000300EC00DA00A9000400DE0009 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EAAFFF01D8FFFE0330FFFE0358FFFE03F0FFFE0268FFFF04D0 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 000900F700EB00DB00AB000200DC0005 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EA67FFFE1B0FFFE0328FFFE0320FFFE03E8FFFE0258FFFE0480 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 0005000100F400DA00AA000E00DE000F N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EA94FFF01B8FFFE0318FFFE0308FFFE03B8FFFE0248FFFE0470 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 000F00FB00F900D900AB000A00DE0009 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EAC1FFE0168FFFE0308FFFE02D0FFFE0390FFFE0228FFFE0450 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 0009000300F100DB00A7000A00DF0009 N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EAEEFFF0150FFFF02E0FFFE02C0FFFE0388FFFE0218FFFE0420 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 0009000100EE00DA00A3000A00DF000B N 0000001E fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 0048EB1BFFFE0120FFFE02D8FFFE0288FFFE0350FFFE01F0FFFE03E0 fm KD4HBO to TELEM via TELEM ctl UI^ pid F0 Analog 000B00F700F800DB00AC000900DE0015 N 0000001E ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- 0048EAEEFFF00150FFFF02E0FFFE02C0FFFE0388FFFE0218FFFE0420 [55 byte] TimeStamp : 55d 07:25:34 Sun Sensor 1 (+Z) : -16 Sun Sensor 2 (+X) : -1 Sun Sensor 3 (+Y) : -2 Sun Sensor 4 (-X) : -2 Sun Sensor 5 (-Y) : -2 Sun Sensor 6 (-Z) : -2 Temp Sensor 1 : 1,313 °C Temp Sensor 2 : 2,875 °C Temp Sensor 3 : 2,75 °C Temp Sensor 4 : 3,531 °C Temp Sensor 5 : 2,094 °C Temp Sensor 6 : 4,125 °C Analog 0009000100EE00DA00A3000A00DF000B N 0000001E Reg Power 5V : 4,994 V Unreg Power 5V : 4,896 V Battery Input : 7,79 V Deployer Neg Volt : 7,546 V Deployer Pos Volt : 6,874 V Sensor Neg Volt : 5,006 V Sensor Pos Volt : 7,607 V Current : 5,018 mA Telemetry Intervall : 30 See also here: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/raw.cgi?call=kd4hbo <http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/raw.cgi?call=kd4hbo&start=120&length=120&t ime=1> &start=120&length=120&time=1 73, Mike

1 0

FCAL packet recovery
by mcguire＠stensat.org 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

I've managed to recover a few more FCAL packets from the audio that SatScape is automagically recording for me. I have a number of good candidate audio files that AGWPE doesn't decode, in spite of the audio being pretty strong. I don't see a "pass all" setting on AGWPE, so I presume there are bit errors causing the packets to be discarded. Any suggestions for post-processing the audio with the intent of pulling AX.25 packets out of the muck? Jim3 KB3MPL 2007feb08 03:31 EST 1:Fm KD4HBO To TELEM Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=57 >[xx:xx:xx] Analog 00040004000000DB00A5000C00DE000B N 0000001E 2007feb09 03:47 EST 1:Fm KD4HBO To TELEM Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=55 >[xx:xx:xx] 004194EFFE0128FFFE0210FFFE01D8FFFE0278FFFE01D0FFFE01B0 2007feb10 02:27 EST 1:Fm KD4HBO To TELEM Via TELEM <UI pid=F0 Len=56 >[xx:xx:xx] Analog 001200FA00FE00DB00A600FC00DD0010 N 0000001E

2 1

RAFT Voice contest: waiting for the first mp3's from outside Europe
by PA3GUO 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

These evenings RAFT is very strong over Europe. If you can work the APRS digipeater, try to get RAFT speaking ! Voice Contest rules: 1 point for each APRS message you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE 2 points for each message to another HAM you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE Examples: "DK3WN says Hello Europe" will give 1 point "PE1ITR says DK3WN 59" will give 2 points Enrollment is simple: - email the mp3 recording to pa3guo @ amsat.org (max 200kb, edit yourself !) - attach a picture of yourself/shack/station (optional, pls keep filesize small) - include the digipeated packet & timestamp (to identify RAFT or ANDE) VOICE Contest website with mp3's of current submissions: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/voice.html Waiting for the first mp3 from outside Europe ! Henk, PA3GUO

1 0

FCAL telemetry
by PA3GUO 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

FCAL Telemetry of Feb 13, Time is UTC: !S 20:08:53 !KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM <UI C>:Analog 000A000300F200DB00AA000700DE0009 N 0000001E !S 20:09:38 !KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM <UI C>:Analog 0009000200F000D900A9000B00DC0009 N 0000001E HW: - 7 elements beam - no pre-amp - 71 degrees elevation pass SW: - Alogger Henk, PA3GUO, The Netherlands

1 0

AO-51 this week
by Andrew Glasbrenner 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

There are several new pieces of software that need to be uploaded and tested this week on AO-51. Additionally the S band transmitter will be on for an as of yet undetermined number of daylight passes over the Air Force Academy ground station in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These passes will be used for the ground station checkout on S band prior to the launch of Falconsat-3 satellite, now scheduled in late February. FS-3 carries an amateur payload along with its primary science mission. If you find the 435.300 repeater to be inactive, please be patient as we cooperate with our friends at the USAFA as they prepare their station for the launch of a new satellite including an amateur payload, and as the command team continues to upload and test new AO-51 software. More details on the upgrades and Falconsat-3 will be made available soon. 73, Drew KO4MA

2 1

RAFT VOICE Contest: waiting for the first mp3 from outside Europe
by PA3GUO 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

These evenings RAFT is very strong over Europe. If you can work the APRS digipeater, try to get RAFT speaking ! Voice Contest rules: 1 point for each APRS message you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE 2 points for each message to another HAM you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE Examples: "DK3WN says Hello Europe" will give 1 point "PE1ITR says DK3WN 59" will give 2 points Enrollment is simple: - email the mp3 recording to pa3guo @ amsat.org (max 200kb, edit yourself !) - attach a picture of yourself/shack/station (optional, pls keep filesize small) - include the digipeated packet & timestamp (to identify RAFT or ANDE) VOICE Contest website with mp3's of current submissions: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/voice.html Waiting for the first mp3 from outside Europe ! Henk, PA3GUO

1 0

ANDE Voice Repeater
by PA3GUO 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

Just as an FYI to ANDE users: Although ANDE is much stronger in downlink signal compared to RAFT, you need to be aware that its spoken messages are transmitted at a lower output power. So do not tune up the squelch too much when you work ANDE, as you will hear the APRS transmissions, but may miss the audio/voice transmissions. Good luck ! Henk, PA3GUO ps: ANDE VOICE needs to be enabled by a commandstation each pass, so it will not always be ON. Monitor the traffic.

1 0

RAFT 'Voice' QSO made
by PA3GUO 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

Dear all, These days RAFT is very strong during its evening passess over Europe. After a simple C RAFT and then on the terminal typing :TALK :Hello who wants to talk? you can made a real QSO, without much delay. http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/voice10_raft_13022007_2116_p… DK3WN says "Hello Henk PA3GUO 59 from Mike". PA3GUO says "Hi Mike 59 here also".

1 0

FCAL telemetry received
by PA3GUO 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

FCAL Telemetry of Feb 13, Time is UTC: !S 20:08:53 !KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM <UI C>:Analog 000A000300F200DB00AA000700DE0009 N 0000001E !S 20:09:38 !KD4HBO>TELEM,TELEM <UI C>:Analog 0009000200F000D900A9000B00DC0009 N 0000001E HW: - 7 elements beam - no pre-amp - 71 degrees elevation pass SW: - Alogger Henk, PA3GUO, The Netherlands

1 0

QSL Bureau in the works???
by sraas＠optonline.net 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

A few weeks ago I posted a request for volunteers to see if we could restart the AMSAT QSL Bureau. I've had a few responses to my request, and a number of us have been discussing this since then. Our discussions so far have been focused on trying to develop an operations concept that we could present to AMSAT for their approval, and we've made a lot of progress. If anyone else would like to participate, and "get in on the ground level", so to speak, please contact me @ sraas(a)optonline.net or here on the BB. -Steve Raas N2JDQ FN20vg

1 0

KF4OTN -> W4OTN
by Eric Christensen 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 After ten years of using KF4OTN I thought I'd give a new call sign a spin. The FCC issued me W4OTN today. I'll be slowly changing over my e-mail address and such but I'll keep all the old addresses forwarding properly for a while. 73s, Eric W4OTN (ex KF4OTN) www.ericsatcom.net -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.5 (MingW32) Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iQIVAwUBRdJ5qlPETzpAxiDcAQIQfxAAk4/QmoNCujlxh0Se1F6Zd2neNF2DS1ER zUYAQ4joJfQLwqyMSECU9Ux00HBzASY0viXFos+USCR4LoDVJ0QB7EFwh4xCNvfi ZTdbOeLbv6IB8u2N2DKD3jHPz7EKafahiC5tDXjVEoyWGBYquM8KaFENUeYCjAva pCrdM5ZLH72DMcJ47EpM5kN7X/gWIWZGbtCq9ScNyFbjeZAuaWuyqmYvXorTIoSo 61Nl/c10SKtwYmz0aahKkg12Wgc+amTfocCddwlxNp6ZhaQkmnMvdCuyWGV6AaV2 QRt/LJly6EoFk7w7IhhDZKyq2KdEt/byqPOriGcu/AabsWNIO11Bj+R1zbWgtIkv znWeyjmSKgv5GOEbE8W0nZFnVXe1SY4+F4NxHIE5XPzOCYar+jWfHst3bRzs1rC1 X0YiXwg0hc48rMeDG0w0Lg6FKtFKzQwXVsA0E5lS7xrXiGbqaB3HVT6M7u3cqj9F 5/UkfKUPKnBcKbbo4Xyy7/vxzsSbDzJ4PXrwEi/HHmV/CDVZ9k828pchqQ9LGWAZ eVu8ybPnz8xcePscar8d8a89pqhsNtc5vPxnEf1r4ct1iOBsN9PEs+cRCHDvJysC Y+tsFVIkkhmO45s3R6OymFlAaLahcL42Q7AJbNfVWZoywJSPFsfJbZasA1sAT/g8 UUC8KlinN4I= =LNc5 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

AO-51 software crash tonight
by Andrew Glasbrenner 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

The command team has reported that the satellite software crashed tonight (~0100Z, 13FEB07) after uploading a new housekeeping program. It will take a few days at minimum to reload and get the repeater back on the air. Mike, Gould and Jim have made leaps and bounds of progress on improving the satellite software. When finished and loaded we will release descriptions of the improvements made and how they will work. Please excuse the absence of AO-51 for a few days while they get everything back up and running. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP of Operations LM 2332

1 0

AO-51 PASS @ 0150Z Thisevening
by sraas＠optonline.net 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

I have some pretty interesting WX today.. very ovrcst, sleet and snow. No ice on antennas (yet). I did not hear AO-51 on this last pass at all. I was wondering if it was being worked on.. or is it possible that the WX completly blocked the Downlink. I typically have a very very srtong sig from AO-51 not that s-units are accurate.. but between s6-s8 is typical for me. -Steve Raas N2JDQ FN20vg

1 0

[Fwd: [tapr-announce] HPSDR Janus and Ozy Board Production Announcement]
by Robert McGwier 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

-- AMSAT Director and VP Engineering. Member: ARRL, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR WG Chair "Taking fun as simply fun and earnestness in earnest shows how thoroughly thou none of the two discernest." - Piet Hine

1 0

ANDE-1 telemetry analysis
by Mineo Wakita 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

12 Feb 2007 !S 08:59:57 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#001,107,126,127,126,128,10101110,260 !S 09:00:48 !ANDE-1>BEACON:T#002,002,015,013,008,007,01000000,916 Temp Batt A 16.16763 C Temp Batt B 0 C Temp Laser 0 C Temp Solar X 22.42376 C Temp Solar Y 22.75703 C Temp Solar Z 22.42376 C Temp Retro 23.09112 C A1 Current 21.5 mA A2 Current 18.1 mA B1 Current 9.6 mA B2 Current 7.9 mA http://www.dk3wn.info/sat/afu/sat_maa.shtml --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj Date: Feb 13, 2007 ---------------------------------------------

1 0

Satgate connection
by Paulo Pinto 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

Hi, I am having problems connecting to satgate with Alogger (both 2.4 and 3.0 versions). I've tried satgate.aprsca.net and socal.aprs2.net. I wonder if the problem is at my side or anyone is having the same problem. I didn't see any news about server problems. 73 CT1ETE, Paulo

1 0

HPSDR Janus and Ozy Board Production Announcement
by Scott Cowling 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

*** TAPR ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF HPSDR JANUS OZY BOARDS *** High Performance Software Defined Radio Project (HPSDR) *IMPORTANT* TAPR and HPSDR need your input! Please help us by visiting Dale's (WA8SRA) HAMSDR website (see below) and let us know if you are interested in purchasing Janus and/or Ozy bare or assembled boards for delivery by May. THIS IS NOT PLACING AN ORDER; IT IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SO THAT WE CAN MORE ACCURATELY DETERMINE HOW MANY BOARDS TO ORDER AND ASSEMBLIES TO MAKE! This opportunity will end on Tuesday, February 20th at 0200 UTC. To register your interest you need to go to the Dale's (WA8SRA) HAMSDR website, in the projects section. If you are a member and have previously expressed interest in these projects, log in and re-enter your quantities of each board. NOTE: Previous quantities have been reset to zero so you WILL HAVE TO RE-ENTER QUANTITIES. If you are new to HPSDR and Dale's Website, please join for instant access by providing the information requested. Go to: <http://www.hamsdr.com/>HTTP://www.hamsdr.com Login and go to Projects > TAPR-HPSDR and click on <Indicate Your Interest> button to create a new record for entering your quantities. What is HPSDR? <http://hpsdr.org/>http://hpsdr.org What is an Ozy? <http://hpsdr.org/ozy.html>http://hpsdr.org/ozy.html What is a Janus? <http://hpsdr.org/janus.html>http://hpsdr.org/janus.html There are many other HPSDR projects in design and testing; most will require the Janus and Ozy boards.

1 0

astronaut-safety & irony
by Nate Duehr 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

Bob, You won't be needing all those redundant power switches for your next ISS-attached satellite... they'll turn the power off for you at random intervals! (GRIN). http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html "Early Sunday morning the International Space Station experienced a power outage. By Monday morning all systems were back in operation. No systems were permanently affected and there was no impact to crew safety or station science. A communications system that was temporarily down was restored shortly afterwards. One gyroscope that helps control the station's orientation went offline for awhile but eventually came back up. Several heaters used for thermal balance of external station components were affected but have since resumed normal operations." Comms down... Gryos offline... Thermal problems with external systems ... not a crew safety issue. 2W transmitter outside in a box... better put four safety-rated power switches on that puppy! LOL! Go spin Doctors, go! Nate WY0X

1 0

AO-51 passes over Colorado tomorrow
by Andrew Glasbrenner 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

Tomorrow morning the command team will enable the 2.4 gHz and switch the 435.300 MHz transmitters on AO-51 to run 38.4k digital simultaneously for just the portions of the 1st and possibly 2nd passes over the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. This is in further support of the AFA as they prepare for the launch of Falconsat-3, which has a significant amateur payload onboard. If all goes well this should be the last change in schedule for this week. 73, Drew KO4MA

1 0

Looking for some new tracking hardware?
by Jack KZ4USA 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Im going to be using a TS-2000 and TRX-manager with the G-5400 rotors. Who is making some hardware trackers nowadays. Jack KZ4USA

1 0

RAFT and ANDE speech callsigns
by Robert Bruninga 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Now that ANDE and RAFT are both speaking, here are the packet-to-voice synthesizer rules: 1) it turns the packet header into "XXXXXX says" 2) it then speaks normal english and normal spellings.. 3) It tries to spell CAPS, but we found that to force it to speak a callsign correctly independent of starting character if you make the second character a "!" then it will always speak properly. Such as W!B4APR will be spoken as wb4apr as expected. Here are DK3WN and PE1ITR in packet-to-voice QSO: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande/ande_11022007_2238.mp3 WB4APR, Bob ----original message----------------------------------------- RAFT is weaker, but speaks... * if ANYONE has CONNECTED RAFT * Then any APRS MSG to TALK will be spoken ANDE is stronger, but is lazy and sleeps unless woken up. * ANDE must be awakened by 145.825 activity * ANDE voice must be activated by command station each pass * Then any APRS MSG to TALK will be spoken ANDE has better link performance for users, but needs command stations, but you get more workable passses due to its better links. For more info, see the ANDE-RAFT-OPS web page. http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-raft-ops.html Enjoy! Bob Bruninga, WB4APR US Naval Academy Satellite Lab

1 0

TAPR EasyTrak?
by Joe Leikhim 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Is anyone using the TAPR EasyTrak controller? I have one of these I picked up a while back. I have not tried it out as the documentation I found was limited. Can someone help me out? -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P

1 1

Making QSOs from the Gulf of Mexico
by Andrew.MacAllister＠EmersonProcess.com 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Several good QSOs so far from EL34 and EL44 - headed for Progresso, Cozumel and Belize. When I am not in port, I will be looking for more good contacts. I will be active through February 16th... 73 de Andy C6A/W5ACM/MM Many worked including N5AFV, WA5TWT, N5UXT, XE2YV & others...

1 0

Alogger updated to Ver3.0.0
by Mineo Wakita 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

http://www.billdiaz.dynip.com/ http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/alogger3.htm --------------------------------------------- Name: Mineo Wakita / JE9PEL, JAMSAT member Mail: ei7m-wkt(a)asahi-net.or.jp URL : http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/ QTH : Yokohama Japan, GL:pm95tj Date: Feb 12, 2007 ---------------------------------------------

1 0

RAFT Voice
by Paulo Pinto 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Hi, I was trying for the second time RAFT voice with my recorder ready to register any feedback from the satellite. I was repeated 2 or 3 times.it was wonderful. The problem is that I realized after that my recorder was in PAUSE mode. Does anyone has a recording of my TALK message ? UTC was around 00:12. Thanks CT1ETE, Paulo

1 0

Looking For Coaxial Relay - Check your parts drawer
by sraas＠optonline.net 11 Feb '07

11 Feb '07

Hello, I am looking for 2 Used SPDT 4 port type N Coaxial Relays such as the Teledyne CS-29N1S1 or similar. Break - before - Make is a must. Minimum isolation of 60dB @ 432 Mhz, and Capable of 1KW Keydown. Coil voltage 28vdc or 12 vdc. I am not concerned with appearance, as long as its not damaged, and operates flawlessly. If you only have one let me know anyways. Thanks -Steve Raas N2JDQ FN20vg

1 0

ANDE1 and RAFT TLM 11 Feb 07
by Andythomas 11 Feb '07

11 Feb '07

received with UISS (excellent programme!) and TMD700E, 9 ele XYagi fixed in az and el (predicted maxel). Fm ANDE-1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 Len=39 >[20:58:26] T#002,005,009,008,004,004,01000000,000 Fm RAFT To BEACON Via SGATE <UI pid=F0 Len=39 >[22:29:22] T#952,082,002,036,035,122,10000000,999 Fm RAFT To BEACON Via SGATE <UI pid=F0 Len=39 >[22:29:33] T#953,082,002,037,035,122,10000000,999 Fm RAFT To BEACON Via SGATE <UI pid=F0 Len=39 >[22:29:43] T#954,082,002,036,035,122,10000000,999 Fm ANDE-1 To BEACON <UI pid=F0 Len=39 >[22:34:06] T#001,106,119,112,119,116,10000000,000

1 0

Re: CW and Doppler Corretcion / other stuff
by Wayne Estes 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

I use a SatPC32 tuning increment of 50 Hz for SSB and 600 Hz for FM. A smaller SSB increment would give more natural sounding audio, but require extremely frequent tuning changes during the middle of a high elevation pass. This could be a problem if you control the radio at 4800 or 9600 baud. I control my FT-847 at 57,600 baud. At the beginning of a satellite pass I use the FT-847's Sub-Tune knob to fine tune my uplink. I never use the SatPC32 uplink and downlink calibration click buttons. If the other station drifts across the passband during a QSO, I tune them with the radio's main tuning knob (which tunes both downlink and uplink). That way my next transmission will come down on the same frequency as their last transmission. In summary, I tune the radio normally and let SatPC32 handle the Doppler correction when I'm not manually tuning. That is the whole concept of "transparent" Doppler tuning. Wayne Estes W9AE Oakland, Oregon, USA, Cn83ik

1 0

Satellite chat-room
by SV1BSX 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

Hello all, a new chat-room working now for Satellite-fans : http://sv1bsx.50webs.com/satchat.html Enjoy it! 73, Mak SV1BSX PS: please LOGIN with your call & name (ie SV1BSX Mak). NO password required. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

1 0

CW and Doppler Corretcion / other stuff
by sraas＠optonline.net 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

Just a quick question , Im running SatPC32... and just got my bencher hooked up to the rig. Worked a few stations and its loads of fun, however.. I'de like to know a few things...I have my program set up for 10 hz resolution, so every 10 hz it changes ( trying to keep it steady). What do most of you have it set for? Also is there a 'portion' of the birds ( any bird ) downlink that should be used for CW .. ie.. keep CW low.. and keep ssb high? I'm sure there is a nice learning curve to working cw on the sats.. pen in one hand... finger on downlink calibrator button for the pc, while sending code. The antennas here are broad enough that i can lead the bird.. and make a cq and be ok with a good downlink...so thats really not becomming an issue... yet. Thanks! -Steve Raas N2JDQ FN20vg

1 0

Re: Icom PCR-1000 PC controlled receiver
by Joe Leikhim 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

Bob; Why would that baud rate be a limitation? Could you get a couple RS232 to Fiber Optic modems or at least some copper RS232 line extenders (Try Black Box) and make it work? Message: 2 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 17:05:45 -0500 From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> Subject: [amsat-bb] Icom PCR-1000 PC controlled receiver To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Message-ID: <03fc01c74c96$72bb9590$42577a83@SGSbb> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Does anyone have a PCR-1000 ICOM remote controlled receiver? How long can the serial port cable be? I heard it was operating at something like 112,000 baud and could not be run the 200 feet to our roof. This makes it a deal breaker. Is there a better all mode all band remote controlled system for roof mount to avoid long cable runs for satellite receiption across all bands..? Bob -- 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

RAFT & ANDE VOICE Competition Started !
by PA3GUO, Henk 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

*** ANNOUNCEMENT *** We will have a little VOICE competition for the coming weeks: 1 point for each APRS message you get spoken by RAFT or ANDE 2 points for each message to another HAM you get spoken by RAFT & ANDE Examples: "W3ADO says talk to me" will give 1 point "DK3WN says Hello Europe" will give 1 point "PE1ITR says DK3WN 59" will give 2 points Enrollment: - email the mp3 recording to pa3guo @ amsat.org (max 200kb, edit yourself !) - attach a picture of yourself/shack/station (optional, pls keep filesize small) - include the digipeated packet & timestamp (to identify RAFT or ANDE) example for a packet spoken by ANDE: 20070210005858 : W3ADO-15]APRS,ANDE-1*,qAO,W3ADO::TALK :talk to me I will post all results on the VOICE Competition URL: http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/hamoen/pa3guo/voice.html As this is only for fun we will have an initial end date of March 1st, but let's see ! Please note that ANDE needs to be enabled first by a command station in your footprint each pass, so monitor: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi RAFT does not need that and is continuesly in VOICE mode these days. On the VOICE Competition URL (see above) you find details on how to operate the voice mode. Good luck - looking forward to the first VOICE reports ! Henk, PA3GUO

1 0

Pile-up in space ! (RAFT & ANDE both active)
by PA3GUO, Henk 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

This will be really new ! With ANDE & RAFT flying so close together, and both regular VOICE activited, you may see 2 satellites responding to 1 radio amateur call ! (both will voice-reply to messages send to TALK) Will be very busy in space (=at 145.825 MHz) Gonna be a lot of fun ! Henk, PA3GUO http://www.qsl.net/pa3guo

1 0

Orbital Debris
by Jeff Davis 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

Just looking at some interesting images and stats from the CenterForSpace Web site. The quick stats are 3,100 spacecraft orbiting earth with two-thirds of those no longer active. Nearly 7000 pieces of man-made debris large enough to be tracked. And the satellite recently destroyed by China created more than 900 pieces of large debris. Take a good look at the various images depicting the debris. http://www.centerforspace.com/asat/ 73, -- Jeff, KE9V

1 0

CI-V USB interface
by Jim Von Striver 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

I am looking for a company that makes a CI-V USB interface that will work with SatPC32 and an Icom IC-910H. Jim W6ASL

4 3

Icom PCR-1000 PC controlled receiver
by Robert Bruninga 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

Does anyone have a PCR-1000 ICOM remote controlled receiver? How long can the serial port cable be? I heard it was operating at something like 112,000 baud and could not be run the 200 feet to our roof. This makes it a deal breaker. Is there a better all mode all band remote controlled system for roof mount to avoid long cable runs for satellite receiption across all bands..? Bob

5 4

RAFT and ANDE speak
by Robert Bruninga 10 Feb '07

10 Feb '07

ANDE now speaks! The same laryngitis bug affecting RAFT was also found in ANDE. So tonight we fixed that too, and now both ANDE and RAFT will speak any APRS packet message addressed to TALK. Here is a summary: RAFT is weak signal and hard to hit, but speaks * if ANYONE has CONNECTED RAFT * Pse do not CONNECT if you cannot hear RAFT 10s beacons! * Then any APRS MSG to TALK will be spoken ANDE is stronger, but is lazy and sleeps unless woken up. * ANDE must be awakened by 145.825 activity * ANDE voice must be activated by command station each pass * Then any APRS MSG to TALK will be spoken ANDE has better link performance for users, but needs command stations, but you get more workable passses due to its better links. We would like to hear a recording of the first two-way packet-voice-packet-voice QSO... For more info, see the ANDE-RAFT-OPS web page. http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-raft-ops.html Enjoy! WB4APR, Bob

1 0

AMSAT-DC Seminar Coming Soon
by Pat Kilroy 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

Are you near Washington, D.C. or know someone who is? Then ... YOU ARE HEREBY INVITED to the next AMSAT-DC Meeting and Space Seminar. The day long event will be held on Saturday, March 24, in the same hall as last year, near BWI airport. Get the meeting announcement at http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/fieldops/eventDetail.php?eID=259 and share it with others. Today. Tomorrow too. In building our agenda, we are lining up one or two presentations from local folks who are building a CubeSat of all things! Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubesat before coming. We'll take a close look at the brand new AMSAT lab on our eastern shore. Get news on a new S-Band beacon. Lots more will be offered too. OUR NUMBER ONE NEED for success: Publicity ... Please forward the event announcement to one who might like to know about it. Take it to a club meeting. Announce it on a net. Gosh, tell a high school or college student -- and an instructor too. All are invited. See you then! Sincerely, Pat Kilroy N8PK AMSAT-DC Co-host ================================================================= Patrick L. Kilroy WK Integration & Test (I&T) 301-286-1984 Voice NASA Goddard Space Flight Center 301-286-1673 Fax Building 5, Mail Code 568 Patrick.L.Kilroy(a)nasa.gov Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 http://lro.gsfc.nasa.gov/ ================================================================= "Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

1 0

Re: Ham Radio Astronaut procedures.
by tosca005 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

On 9 Feb 2007, Robert Bruninga wrote: > A 2W TX on shuttle or ISS is considered a catastrophic safety > hazard due to potential for loss of life due to interference or > reset of the space suit, or shuttle ISS control systems or > anything else. Hmmm.... I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I take my 200 watt 2 meter brick amplifier with me when I go out roving for a VHF contest. My vehicle has a lot of computerized control systems in it. (Okay, I don't transmit while traveling at 17,000 MPH through a near perfect vacuum...) :) 73 de W0JT

2 1

Ten Tec 2510 additional frequencies?
by James Hickox 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

Hello. I am looking for a way to add additional frequencies to a Ten Tec 2510. The manual indicates that additional crystal oscillators would be made available to extend transmit range up to 437.0 Mhz when available, but I havn't been able to find out anything on this. Is there anyone on the list that has done this modification or has a circuit board diagram or templete? Thanks and 73, James, AA5AO

1 0

Ham Radio Astronaut procedures.
by Robert Bruninga 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

> What made the man-safety issues of PCSAT2 costly? > Didn't you just agree to power PCSAT2 off for long > periods of time whenever the need arose? I'll answer this on the AMSAT-BB to share the pain. This should be a real eye-opener as to what the space business is like from the inside out... A 2W TX on shuttle or ISS is considered a catastrophic safety hazard due to potential for loss of life due to interference or reset of the space suit, or shuttle ISS control systems or anything else. Not only must we then design a system with FOUR independent ground commandable OFF switches in series (or three that have positive feedback) they all must be proven to be man safe to NASA man safe criteria. This means, not a $2 on/off switch, but a $5,000 on/off switch that has been built from raw materials that have a paper work history all the way back to the manufacturer certifying the materials, assembly procedures, and all testing, and all handling of -each- such switch. Now that is just a switch. You have to have this for every component involved in the on/off of a man-safe circuit or that an astronaut touches. Then you have to present this material and plans 4 times to the 30 or so engineers on the NASA Safety Review board. Each meeting involves flying people from all over the country to participate. Meetings usually take 2 days to review every detail of the design. At $200 per man day plus travel, that is $6000 times 4 or $24,000 just for the meetings, not counting the days of preps and reviews of everyone leading up to it. Then the documentation, and reviews, and presentations... And testing, and travel to observe testing, and paper work over 3 years, all because a 2W TX is considered to be a catastrophic hazard. Then you fly. Now you say, we "simply agree to turn it off". But this involves a week of planning for each "turn off". NASA must have a plan at least a week in advance, not only showing when we are going to turn it off, but what backup systems we have in place to assure that it will be off. And the exact time is planned, but is not known for sure, It changes up to the day of the EVA or whatever evolution. Hence we are constantly revising this plan all week long... We have to coordinate the schedules of all our ground stations, find who can be awake at the right time, and still have 2 more chances to turn it off after that. Each change of 5 minutes to the evolution completely changes the ground station we need and all our planning. Mean time, NASA has to man the consoles, and DOD has to provide a 24 hour operator at their console to talk to NASA to talk to me. Then we send the commands, and have to report it to all concerned. Meanwhile NASA has to plan contingencies in case we fail to get the switch turned off from the ground. They have to include the plan in their Astronauts procedures to take time out of their EVA preparations (getting their suits ready) to include then going over to the HAM radio and going through 74 steps in a 5 page procedure to send the OFF command themselves. Yes, 74 steps... Just to send the DTMF code 123456, because you have to have a procedure for the crew to turn on the radio, set the channels, tune the radio, set the controls, verify operation, etc, etc... This requires 15 minutes or more and has to be done before they get into their space suits. Which takes 3 hours. So, this means we had to have exhausted all three of our ground opportunities prior to that 3 hours, so, we have to attempt to send the command 6 hours prior to EVA. Many times that is in the middle of the night over the ground station of choice, and since we had to do this for every EVA, every Docking, and Every use of the robot arm, you can see why no-one is going to let us do that again. It wore everyone out. DOD had at least 6 people probably 1/4 time on this project over 3 years, that is about $500,000. And that had nothing to do with actually building the hardware. That is just "oversight and management" overhead. Presumably if we didn't have all the man-safety issues due to the 2W TX, this effort would have been much less involved. But it all makes sense. NASA must assure the safety of the Shuttle ISS system, and these procedures all make sure that the material, plans, procedures and operations are thoroughly reviewed and are as safe as possible. Hope that helps. Bob, WB4APR

3 2

Re: Ham Radio Astronaut procedures.
by Mike and Paula Herr 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

I would like to second what Bob said. Having worked with NASA for the past 20 years, (mostly Shuttle escape system) The safety review can be extremely laborious and difficult to reason out. In fact, I've often seen in safety reviews where minor concerns get elevated way out of their importance and important ones ignored. At best it is frustrating. Here we are, 20 years into use and 3 years before end of flight and we are still reviewing the escape system safety documentation. Make's one's head spin. ...Mike WA6ARA > From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga(a)usna.edu> > >Subject: [amsat-bb] Ham Radio Astronaut procedures. > >To: <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > >Message-ID: <035401c74c56$ff9e95b0$42577a83@SGSbb> > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >> > What made the man-safety issues of PCSAT2 costly? >> > Didn't you just agree to power PCSAT2 off for long >> > periods of time whenever the need arose? > > I'll answer this on the AMSAT-BB to share the pain. > > This should be a real eye-opener as to what the space business > is like from the inside out... > > A 2W TX on shuttle or ISS is considered a catastrophic safety > hazard due to potential for loss of life due to interference or > reset of the space suit, or shuttle ISS control systems or > anything else.

1 0

Re: Florida Newspaper Story
by Thomas Webb 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

Yup....weird isn't it? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Trevor" <m5aka(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 12:08 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Florida Newspaper Story I am correct in thinking the astronaut mentioned in this story is KC5ZTB ? http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/orl-bk-nasaastronaut050… 73 Trevor M5AKA ___________________________________________________________ All New Yahoo! Mail - Tired of unwanted email come-ons? Let our SpamGuard protect you. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html _______________________________________________ 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

3 2

Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 2, Issue 93
by Geoff Clark 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

At 00:26 09/02/07, Bob wrote: >And we still need good ANDE data from the Southern Hemisphere so >we can detect the spin rate. Right now, ANDE is in the dark in >the Northern Hemisphere. We need data from the Southern >Hemisphere. ANDE only wakes 2 seconds every 16 seconds to >listen for activity. IF it hears any packets, then it will stay >awake for the next minute. While it is awake, it can be used >just like PCSAT-1 as an APRS digipeater by all users. And while >it is awake, we will also be able to hear telemetry which is >what we need. Hi Bob, What are the minimum station antenna requirements to trigger/access ANDE? 73, Geoff ZL3GA -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.17.31/676 - Release Date: 08/02/07 15:04

2 1

fasincating stuff
by Nate Duehr 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

Sorry it's a bit off-topic, but I bet a number of folks here will find this article and the mysteries -- fascinating. http://space.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18524911.600 Nate WY0X

2 1

Grid conversion for PALM OS
by Paulo Pinto 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

Hello all, I am trying to find a software to use with my PALM M515 and to find Grid Locator with Lat/Long coordinates. So far I didn't find it. Does anyone knows where to find it, if exists. 73 CT1ETE Paulo Pinto AMSAT #36408

7 6

New Satellite Downlink
by Robert Bruninga 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

AMSAT RF designers Note: We may get another opportunity for a PCSAT3 on ISS, (with ARISS approval of course) but DOD has told us it must be lower power than PCSAT2 to avoid all the very costly man-safety issues we had on PCSAT-2. But on VHF and UHF this lower power would be nearly impossible to hear without really big beams. So I wonder about using a 10 meter SSB downlink. We must be below 4 volts per meter (4 V/m). I wonder how hearable that would be on a 10 meter SSB receiver with a vertical omni antenna at 1000 km? Bob

1 0

Realtime satellite pointing angles on the WEB
by Stan,WA1ECF 09 Feb '07

09 Feb '07

Hello The Net: Can anyone point me to a website that will give me az and el to a specific satellite from a specific location ? Thanks, a local satellite event was looking for info. Stan, W1LE Cape Cod FN41sr ZZZZZ

1 0

RAFT in Packet-Voice mode
by Robert Bruninga 08 Feb '07

08 Feb '07

DK3WN and PA3GUO, report that they have successfully -enabled- RAFT VOICE Mode and tested it over Europe. Enabled, this means that any station may TURN ON voice mode over his country with a single CONNECT RAFT packet. The voice synthesizer will remain on for 2.5 minutes. Only the CONNECT packet is required of that station. After his connect packet brings up RAFT, then he can force a disconnect so he can try an APRS MESSAGE to TALK. But he must force the disconnect without RAFT hearing it, or it will disable the voice and no one will know. Once the VOICE synthesizer is ON, then anyone can send a UI APRS formatted MESSAGE to the callsign of "TALK" and RAFT will speak it (if it decodes it)... For those without APRS, a message can be typed into the CONVERSE mode of a TNC as follows ":TALK.....:Speak this if you get it..." and RAFT will speak the part after the second colon. Note that the 5 dots shown, are actually 5 required SPACES. RAFT is very weak and hard to hear except on HIGH overhead passes, even with beams. Please do NOT attempt to turn on RAFT or to send TALK messages if you cannot hear it. You may be QRMing other stations. Thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR US Naval Academy Satellite Lab

1 0

PocketSat+ for Palm
by Jerry Clement 08 Feb '07

08 Feb '07

Hi All I have used PocketSat+ for a number of years in several Palms and consider it a great little tracking program. I could use my laptop when mobile, however it is a pain to have in my mobile. Also I carry my Palm Tungsten E with me and the alarms for the various satellite passes alert me as to when to head out to my mobile to work the pass. I download the keps required off of Amsat's website via a wireless card in the cardslot on my Palm at any hotspot that I run into if not at work or at home. I have a lot of photos on my website. Jerry VE6AB www.ve6ab.blogspot.com www.stormchaser.cjb.net

1 0

AO-07 Downlink Antenna
by sraas＠optonline.net 08 Feb '07

08 Feb '07

Im having really poor luck with my inverted V antenna.. its not very high up but only on a very high pass will it hear the beacon on 29.502. What is every one else using? -Steve Raas N2JDQ FN20vg AMSAT 36396

5 5

RAFT radar Detection and Southern Ground Stations
by Robert Bruninga 08 Feb '07

08 Feb '07

The RAFT Radar Transponder has been detected. See plot: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/craft/XP217-PE1ITR4feb07.JPG Although the 4 milliwatt RAFT Radar Fence oscillator was designed to be heard by the collosal 2 mile long 30 dB gain receive antenna of the Radar Fence across the southern USA, PE1ITR was able to detect the oscillator on his own ground station. We are still welcoming GOOD OSCAR class AMSAT stations near the RADAR fence across the southern USA (Arizona through Texas to Georgia) who have good 2 meter beams, to command on the RAFT Radar fence transponder so that we can make our first Radar Fence detection. RAFT requires a good 2m beam station to operate it. The primary objective is for RAFT's radar xponder to HEAR the radar fence as it flies through it. Since this is not detectible here at USNA due to our latitude, we are dependent on volunteer ground stations in the southern USA to activate the RAFT transponder at precisely the correct time to make this detection. There is only one good pass per station in the evening hours and so it is slow going. But the detection above, gives great confidence in the primary objective.. For more on RAFT's radar Fence Transponder which is a model for future small satellites to be able to detect their own passage through the fence, see the main RAFT web page about half way down the page: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/raft.html To see the overall ANDE-RAFT and MARScom operations page see: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/ande-raft-ops.html And we still need good ANDE data from the Southern Hemisphere so we can detect the spin rate. Right now, ANDE is in the dark in the Northern Hemisphere. We need data from the Southern Hemisphere. ANDE only wakes 2 seconds every 16 seconds to listen for activity. IF it hears any packets, then it will stay awake for the next minute. While it is awake, it can be used just like PCSAT-1 as an APRS digipeater by all users. And while it is awake, we will also be able to hear telemetry which is what we need. Hopefully all the 145.825 Igates are listening. Bob, WB4APR USNA Satellite Lab

1 0

Old Topic
by Norman W Osborne VE3CJE 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

Where do I find a replacement for the Yaesu 5500 rotor plug in connector? Norman

1 0

RAFT in GF15AC
by Carlos Guillermo Vahnovan 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 07/02/07 Loc: GF15AC Frec: 145.825khz Equipment: IC-271A, KPC9612 TNC, half wave cross-dipoles turnstile with ground plane at 15 meters over the ground Orbit 774 19:43:51R RAFT>BEACON,SGATE Port=1 <UI Len=39>: T#931,088,100,040,052,095,00000000,999 19:44:21R RAFT>BEACON,SGATE Port=1 <UI Len=39>: T#934,087,103,040,055,096,00000000,999 19:44:22R RAFT>BEACON,SGATE Port=1 <UI Len=38>: >RAFT is on 145.825 US Naval Academy 73's - -- Carlos Guillermo Vahnovan LW1EXU http://www.lw1exu.com.ar http://gacw.no-ip.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.5 (MingW32) Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFFyjEDIjwYD/uz16kRAjS8AJ90ABOQDlnFCmsg5+8a8lVSog/qcACgzxem 0wINKjWq6w9xTglfClZXt74= =WTJX -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

Re: RX only satellite?
by G0MRF＠aol.com 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

Weird idea number 2. You mention "no transmitters" But thinking out of the box a little....If you carried forward your idea of the Laser beacons from your earlier project, then it may be possible to "transmit" something after all. - How about one of the new Hi power LEDs? 5 Watts to 20W are available now. Just run it at whatever power suits the power budget. Have the onbard RX activate the LED for a limited period on receipt of a command. Two simple methods of data transfer come to mind. 1) Switch the LED on and off at an audio rate with a 1:1 square wave. Then turn that signal on and off with a CW generated message. Simple but effective. We know that works over 150 miles from recent reports from Australia. Receive using software from weaksignals.com 2) Much nicer. - Switch the LED on / off at some spot frequency between 12 - 20kHz. But arrange for the waveform to be pulse width modulated. Easy ! One comparator and a rectangular wave at 20kHz. - Audio on the other input. You can send anything generated at audio including PSK31 speech, JT65, Domino, etc. I imagine the sat will be attached to the ISS. Tracking is easy too. Pick a night or early morning when a visible pass will occur. Track the ISS while it is in sunlight then when it reaches the terminator, activate the LED transmitter. Your tracking should be spot on and the signal can be received with very modest equipment. The receiver on the ground is a magnifying glass lens about 4 - 6inches across. - Or a small telescope. A BPW34 Pin photodiode followed by a low pass filter to remove the 20kHz. What comes out is audio. - That can be fed to a computer soundcard. 73 David

1 0

RX only satellite?
by Robert Bruninga 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

There may be a Satellite opportunity for a ham radio RX only payload. No TX allowed. Any ideas? It will be recoverd one year later. All I can come up with is a satellite band moniitor that scans the satellte bands and makes a one year survey of QRM and stores it in flash. That is, recording frequency and signal strength and position for a year. Problem is, I cannot figure out how we could use the data to tell the good guys from the bad guys so it wouldn't tell us much I don't think? Any other ideas for a RX only space application? Of educational interest? Anyone interesetd in developing the band monitor payload? Bob, WB4APR

8 7

AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2007 - Call for Papers
by David Johnson 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

This is the first call for speakers for the 22nd Amsat-UK Colloquium which will be held at Surrey University, Guildford, Surrey, U.K., from Friday 20 July to Sunday 22 July 2007. Amsat-UK invite speakers, about amateur radio space and associated activities, for this event. They are also invited to submit papers for the "Proceedings" document which will be published at the same time but printed papers are not mandatory. We normally prefer authors to present talks themselves rather than having someone else give them in the authors' absence. We also welcome "unpresented" papers for the Proceedings document. Offers of talks should be submitted as soon as possible; the final date for full documents to be received is mid-June 2007 in order that the "Proceedings" document be available to participants. Submissions should be sent *ONLY* to G4DPZ, via the following routes: e-mail: dave at g4dpz.me.uk Terrestrial mail: QTHR www.qrz.com AMSAT-UK also invite anyone with requests for Program Topics to submit them as soon as possible to G4DPZ. Invitations for any papers on specific subjects will be included in the future call. Likewise if anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other information to G4DPZ. Additionally, Amsat-UK will be running sessions specifically for beginners to amateur satellite operating on the Friday and Saturday afternoons. Details of the colloquium can be found at: http://www.uk.amsat.org 73 Dave, G4DPZ

1 0

AMSAT Groups Make Donation to Facilitate Completion of P3E
by Trevor 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/ 73 Trevor M5AKA ___________________________________________________________ The all-new Yahoo! Mail goes wherever you go - free your email address from your Internet provider. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

3 2

RX only satellite?
by James Duffey 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

It would be interesting to look at the NCDXCC HF beacons from space to get an idea of ionospheric absorption. These have predictable times and variable predictable power levels, so path losses can be easily calculated. Monitoring the 10M frequency at 28.200 might provide useful information for future Mode A applications. With beacons all around the world, broadcasting every 3 minutes at known power levels, a 28.2 MHz receiver could provide a wealth of information. The beacons ID themselves, so data analysis should be easy; all that would be required is some sort of time tagging. I suspect that the satellite would never be out of range of a beacon. How much data storage is available? I need to calculate how much data you would need to obtain. It would be interesting to launch these satellites at various points in the solar cycle. - Duffey KK6MC/5

1 0