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Re: [amsat-bb] Repeater interference on AO-92
by Eric Williams 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

I ran the experiments for 2 passes. 28Apr 1608 UTC and 29Apr 0245 UTC. The first pass was just a few minutes before it switched to the video mode. The second pass was high elevation and 11 minutes. It was mentioned that the interference might be from a 145.110 MHz repeater due to the 3rd harmonic. Also mentioned were towns heard in the conversation and that there was a courtesy beep. A repeater in our area that fits all those items in the N1CON repeater in Concord MA. For both passes I heard the bird fine and there were ongoing QSOs. During the passes I transmitted periodically on the repeater announcing my call and 'testing' to cause some audio on the repeater. Also had another station transmitting on the repeater. Throughout the test I did not hear any interference on the downlink. So also, I did not listen to the uplink frequency since there did not seem to be any interference at that time. I am using different radios for TX and RX, and antennas that are far apart for the tests. I'll check from time to time listening to the downlink. If I hear the interference, I can both check the uplink frequency and also listen to the local repeaters. There are many in this area. 73, Eric KV1J FN42 (West of Boston MA) -----Original Message----- From: Eric Williams [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 11:14 AM To: 'amsat-bb(a)amsat.org' <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: RE: Repeater interference on AO-92 Yes, I am also listening to the uplink freq. Next pass is in about 1 hour. 73 Eric KV1J (I use digest mode for this list so pardon the not including the string of messages) -----Original Message----- From: Eric Williams [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 10:51 AM To: 'amsat-bb(a)amsat.org' <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: RE: Repeater interference on AO-92 I am in the area of a suspected repeater. Also in the area of the towns mentioned to could be that machine. I'll watch for the next AO-92 pass and announce my call of the repeater a few times and listen to AO-92. So if you hear "KV1J" it is me testing for the interference. I have not looked at the pass schedule yet but I can try a couple passes. 73, Eric KV1J FN42

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AO-92 Images
by Tom Matthews 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

Thinking of AO-82 - Be sure to check out these fantastic images from today: https://www.amsat.org/tlm/showImages.php?id=4 -- Tom K5SAF

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ARISS News Release (ANR) No. 20-03
by David Jordan 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

ARISSNews Release No. 20-03 DaveJordan, AA4KN ARISSPR aa4kn(a)amsat.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Duringthe COVID-19 Pandemic, ARISS to Begin Experimental Demonstrations ofSchool Contacts using a Multipoint Telebridge Amateur Radio Approach April28, 2020—AmateurRadio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is pleased toannounce the first use of a concept called MultipointTelebridge Contact via Amateur Radio,allowing school contacts for Stay-At-Home students and simultaneousreception by families, school faculty and the public. Duringthe last several weeks, efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19virus have resulted in massive school closures worldwide. Inaddition, the Stay-At-Home policies invoked by authorities, initiallyshut down opportunities for ARISS school contacts for the nearfuture. Tocircumvent these challenges and keep students and the public safe,ARISS is introducing the MultipointTelebridge Contact via Amateur Radio concept.First operation of this experimental system will occur during acontact scheduled with a group of Northern Virginia Studentslocated in Woodbridge, VA on Thursday, April 30 at 13:35 UTC (9:35EDT). During this event, an ARISS telebridge radio ground stationwill link to the astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS)ham radio station and each Stay-At-Home student and their teacherwill be individually linked to the telebridge station. Under theteacher’s direction, each student, from their home, takes a turnasking their question of the astronaut. QuotingARISS Chair Frank Bauer, “Thisapproach is a huge pivot for ARISS, but we feel it is a greatstrategic move for ARISS. In these times of isolation due to thevirus, these ARISS connections provide a fantastic psychologicalboost to students, families, educators and the public. And theycontinue our long-standing efforts to inspire, engage and educatestudent in STEAM subjects and encourage them to pursue STEAMcareers.” ARISSis inviting the public to view a live stream of the upcoming contactat its new ARISS YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/Cu8I9ose4Vo. Duringthe contact, participants will ask as many of the following questionsas time allows: 1.What does the sun look like from outer space? 2.How comfortable is it to sleep in space? 3.What is one thing you want to eat when you get back to earth? 4.I've heard that stars are red, yellow and blue. Can you see thosecolors in space when you look at the stars? 5.Besides your family, what do you miss most while being in space? 6.What are your thoughts on our Covid-19 situation right now? Does theEarth look differently over the last 3 months now that many peopleare inside and not creating pollution? 7.How often do you get to go out of the ISS? Have you been on any spacewalks? 8.Who makes the rocket that takes you to the ISS? 9.What does it feel like to float all the time? 10.Do you use flashlights on space walks? 11.How do you exercise in space? 12.How do you get out for space walks safely without the air from theISS coming out into space? How does it feel to walk in space? 13.What do you wear in the space station? 14.How did it feel when you first got to space? 15.How is space different from Earth? 16.What do you study in school to become an astronaut? 17.What do you like the most about being in space? 18.Were you nervous when you launched into space? 19.How do you communicate with loved ones while you are in space? AboutARISS: AmateurRadio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperativeventure of international amateur radio societies and the spaceagencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In theUnited States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation(AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Laband National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primarygoal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) topics by organizing scheduledcontacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS andstudents in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radiocontacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn aboutspace, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information,see www.ariss.org MediaContact: DaveJordan, AA4KN ARISSPR

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AMSAT
by Ronaldo Martins 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

OLÁ 73 de PY2RMY

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LoTW and PO-101
by Bob Meyers 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

I am using N3FJP's logging program to upload contacts to LoTW. It has been working very good on all satellites. However when I try and upload PO-101 it gets rejected by LoTW. Does anybody know what LoTW wants for this satellites name? I get a message back that says "invalid satellite name on line 41". Bob WA8FXQ

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QUETZAL-1
by Pedro Converso 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

Passes & freqs http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=quetzal Congrats Guatemala for your 1st Satellite. 73, lu7abf, Pedro

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First signals from Quetzal-1
by Roland Zurmely 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

Please see here: < https://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/quetzal.htm > 73s de Roland PY4ZBZ

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NASA NEWS - Lunar Flashlight mission - CUBESAT TECH
by christy hunter 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

FYI - NASA CUBESAT NEWS https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7647&utm_source=iContact&utm… 73 Christy KB6LTY

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Re: [amsat-bb] Repeater interference on AO-92
by Eric Williams 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

Yes, I am also listening to the uplink freq. Next pass is in about 1 hour. 73 Eric KV1J (I use digest mode for this list so pardon the not including the string of messages) -----Original Message----- From: Eric Williams [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 10:51 AM To: 'amsat-bb(a)amsat.org' <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: RE: Repeater interference on AO-92 I am in the area of a suspected repeater. Also in the area of the towns mentioned to could be that machine. I'll watch for the next AO-92 pass and announce my call of the repeater a few times and listen to AO-92. So if you hear "KV1J" it is me testing for the interference. I have not looked at the pass schedule yet but I can try a couple passes. 73, Eric KV1J FN42

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Repeater interference on AO-92
by Roy Dean 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

> > Yes, I am also listening to the uplink freq. Next pass is in about 1 hour. > 73 Eric KV1J Keep in mind that somebody may be commanding it into picture mode. --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] Repeater interference on AO-92
by Eric Williams 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

I am in the area of a suspected repeater. Also in the area of the towns mentioned to could be that machine. I'll watch for the next AO-92 pass and announce my call of the repeater a few times and listen to AO-92. So if you hear "KV1J" it is me testing for the interference. I have not looked at the pass schedule yet but I can try a couple passes. 73, Eric KV1J FN42

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Re: [amsat-bb] Repeater interference on AO-92
by Burns Fisher 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

>Maybe someone here can better explain how the Fox tone squelch >works, for example how long it stays on after hearing a tone. The Fox FM satellites (now AO-91 and AO-92) have their receivers on all the time and listen for the 67Hz tone. If they do not hear it they turn on the Tx every 2 minutes for about 10 seconds for a couple frames of telemetry and a voice ID (without the repeater enabled). If they do hear a tone, they turn on the repeater for 1 minute (extended each time they hear the tone). The tone detector is not too sharp so it might trigger on 69.3 or 71.9 Hz as well. It does require that the tone be heard for a bit of time (I don't remember exactly how long--in the hundreds of ms, I think), so it is not too likely to be triggered by random noise that has some components in that frequency range. Of course it is not impossible. Unlike many terrestrial repeaters, the Fox repeaters do not transmit a tone squelch on the downlink. Those frequencies are right where we stick the telemetry. I hope that is helpful... Burns WB1FJ AMSAT Fox Flight Software > >

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Re: [amsat-bb] Repeater interference on AO-92
by tjschuessler＠verizon.net 27 Apr '20

27 Apr '20

Do be aware that the repeater that might be causing the interference may actually not be running 67Hz tone. The Fox satellites do need to hear 67 Hz to wake the transponder, but after that it is a bent pipe. Thus, as long as it got woke up, it would pass whatever FM it hears. Like the apparent DMR interference we dealt with several months ago, it's folks who think that it is "Clear air" down there and do their own thing. Hopefully someone with a scanner can locate and politely pass along some education. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms _______ Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2020 08:55:51 -0400 From: Stephen DeVience <sjdevience(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]> > To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [amsat-bb] Repeater interference on AO-92 Message-ID: <CAMPfQQD4qBy7HOEC29rqjwVsWf7f=yoPfQY4gjibqqHtmPsajQ(a)mail.gmail.com <mailto:CAMPfQQD4qBy7HOEC29rqjwVsWf7f=yoPfQY4gjibqqHtmPsajQ@mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Following up on the previous discussion, I too heard a ragchew on AO-92 during the 4/26 15:20 pass, and others heard it on the 4/27 02:00 pass. I checked for repeaters in New England with a 67 Hz CTCSS tone, and W1RJC in New Bedford comes up. Its output at 145.110 MHz also uses a 67 Hz tone and would have a third harmonic at 435.330 MHz, just about right for AO-92 considering doppler. It is also consistent with hearing a NH callsign and discussions about sea vessels :) -Stephen, N8URE

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Repeater interference on AO-92
by Stephen DeVience 27 Apr '20

27 Apr '20

Following up on the previous discussion, I too heard a ragchew on AO-92 during the 4/26 15:20 pass, and others heard it on the 4/27 02:00 pass. I checked for repeaters in New England with a 67 Hz CTCSS tone, and W1RJC in New Bedford comes up. Its output at 145.110 MHz also uses a 67 Hz tone and would have a third harmonic at 435.330 MHz, just about right for AO-92 considering doppler. It is also consistent with hearing a NH callsign and discussions about sea vessels :) -Stephen, N8URE

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Upcoming ARISS contact for Northern Virginia Schools Group - Woodbridge, VA
by David Jordan 27 Apr '20

27 Apr '20

AnInternational Space Station school contact has been planned withparticipants at NorthernVirginia Schools Group, Woodbridge VA on30 April. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 13:35 UTC.It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutesbefore this time. The duration of the contact is approximately 9minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a Multi-Point Telebridgebetween NA1SS and AB1OC. Amulti-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on thetelebridge from their own home. Thecontact should be audible over the state of New Hampshire andadjacent areas. U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in onthe 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted inEnglish. Watchfor live stream at: https://youtu.be/Cu8I9ose4Vo Story: Weare students from Northern Virginia. We are ages 5-10 years old andwe are in K-5th grade, in Woodbridge VA, just outside of DC. Ourschool year was ended on March 13th and we have been home learningmany things using distance learning methods. We have been learninghow to get along in small spaces with little contact with the rest ofour community. We are learning quickly how it must feel to be on theISS! Participantswill ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1.What does the sun look like from outer space? 2.How comfortable is it to sleep in space? 3.What is one thing you want to eat when you get back to earth? 4.I've heard that stars are red, yellow and blue. Can you see thosecolors in space when you look at the stars? 5.Besides your family, what do you miss most while being in space? 6.What are your thoughts on our Covid-19 situation right now? Does theEarth look differently over the last 3 monthsnow that many people are inside and not creating pollution? 7.How often do you get to go out of the ISS? Have you been on anyspace walks? 8.Who makes the rocket that takes you to the ISS? 9.What does it feel like to float all the time? 10.Do you use flashlights on space walks? 11.How do you exercise in space? 12.How do you get out for space walks safely without the air from theISS coming out into space? How does it feelto walk in space? 13.What do you wear in the space station? 14.How did it feel when you first got to space? 15.How is space different from Earth? 16.What do you study in school to become an astronaut? 17.What do you like the most about being in space? 18.Were you nervous when you launched into space? 19.How do you communicate with loved ones while you are in space? PLEASECHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: VisitARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on theInternational Space Station (ARISS). Toreceive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Nextplanned event(s): TBD AboutARISS AmateurRadio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperativeventure of international amateur radio societies and the spaceagencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In theUnited States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation(AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Laband National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primarygoal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduledcontacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS andstudents in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radiocontacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn aboutspace, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information,see www.ariss.org. Thankyou & 73, David – AA4KN

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AO-92 QRM
by Steve Kristoff 27 Apr '20

27 Apr '20

I heard a couple of folks call me and I tried to answer but the deliberate QRM on AO-92 may have prevented you from hearing me. We'll just keep trying until the annoying person gets tired and moves on. I did get W4DTA in the log. Steve AI9IN Em79ji Oldenburg IN

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K4KDR featured on new Scott Manley Video
by Roy Dean 27 Apr '20

27 Apr '20

Scott (Chapman) is featured in Scott Manley's new video about the Iranian Noor satellite. https://youtu.be/SPTz7Ig9RQE Nice work, K4KDR! --Roy K3RLD

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-27 16:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 27 Apr '20

27 Apr '20

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-27 16:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Northern Virginia Schools Group, Woodbridge VA, Multi-point telebridge via AB1OC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact is go for: Thu 2020-04-30 13:35:00 UTC 62 deg Watch for live stream at: https://youtu.be/Cu8I9ose4Vo (***) A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio? Check out these links: >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolati… Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw. Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World. Check out: https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home. Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ************************************************* ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general. As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts. As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates. The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19: Postponed: No additional schools (***) Cancelled: No additional schools (***) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2020-04-27 16:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-03-21 00:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. Message to US Educators ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education(a)gmail.com. About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts. Applications should be addressed by email to: school.selection.manager(a)ariss-eu.org ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application. Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. For the application, go to: https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd(a)gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss(a)iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz. ******************************************************************************* All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting. Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts. If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net The HamTV webpage: https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Francesco IKØWGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed, and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1387. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1320. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correcti… Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 62 now on orbit Welcome aboard! Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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FUNcube Warehouse Status
by David Johnson 26 Apr '20

26 Apr '20

Hi, End of day and we have a working server in a closed environment. All UI elements are working but we have to test upload. Will do that in the morning and if all goes well we should be collecting data again by midday UTC As you can imagine we have moved quite a lot of data but it went smoothly. Once again thank you for you patience. 73 Dave, G4DPZ

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LVB tracker and Sat32PC
by Chris Busch 26 Apr '20

26 Apr '20

Gentlemen, just getting back into Satellite work - used to work AO-13 regularly with a pair of KLM twists, GASFET preamps, Yeasu 726R and Mirage amps plus a KCT tracker. Now trying to get my newly built LVB tracker to work with SAT32PC I’ve read the post and response in the archives from 2018 concerning interfacing the LVB tracker to Sat32PC which was a big help (thank you!), but my issue is that while Sat32PC can now control the azimuth via GS-232 commands over a serial port, the tracker is ignoring elevation commands. I have calibrated the (90 degree) elevation rotor multiple times and stored to EPROM, but no joy to any of the GS-232 elevation commands, even when I issue them directly from a Putty ap via the com port. I can read back the calibration offset values and the rotor position, but none of the commands to the rotor to change elevation work. I know the elevation rotor interface is working because I can move the rotor with the LVB push buttons. Although I just built this interface (from an AMSAT UK kit), the design is >15 years old and emails to the designer have gone unanswered. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I’m out of ideas. Thanks and 73 Chris K4CKB

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observer not centered sat 32
by James Brown 26 Apr '20

26 Apr '20

Running ver 8d sat 32. Can not get observer (my qth)to center on map. Think this happened after a windows update.Any ideas? Jim KI6WJ

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PSAT-2 SSTV
by PY5LF 26 Apr '20

26 Apr '20

Images of PSAT-2 in a one minute video. https://youtu.be/goaTrVtWH3o -- *PY5LF * *Luciano Fabricio* *www.falautomation.com.br <http://www.falautomation.com.br>*

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Quetzal-1 deploy from ISS 28th Apr
by Masahiro Arai 25 Apr '20

25 Apr '20

JAXA announced Guatemalan 1st satellite Quetzal-1 deploy from ISS 1520z 28th April. The live will be on YouTube JAXA channel at 1445-1540z. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M39SjJJsEc Quetzal-1 is 1U CubeSat. She operates on amateur band. http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=653 This is J-SSOD#13 mission. G-Satellite is also J-SSOD#13 mission. There is no her deployment info. G-Satellite is 3U CubeSat. She does not operate amateur band, but very interesting satellite. G-Satellite deploys miniature figures of Mobile Suite GUNDAM and Char ZAKU in orbit and sends messages from space about the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. It might be postponed until the Games. https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/g-satellite-completed https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/tokyo-2020-g-satellite-carried-to-the-interna… Masa JN1GKZ Tokyo Japan

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ANS-117 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by KI7UNJ Tucker 25 Apr '20

25 Apr '20

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-117 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and commun- icating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans In this edition: * March/April 2020 Edition of Apogee View Posted * Long-Lost U.S. Military Satellite Found By Amateur Radio Operator * Let's Take Some Pictures * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution * The W4AMI Award and How to Obtain One * New OSCAR T-Shirt Available from AMSAT Zazzle Store * Upcoming Satellite Operations * ARISS News * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-117.01 ANS-117 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 117.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE 2020 April 26 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-117.01 March/April 2020 Edition of Apogee View Posted The March/April 2020 edition of Apogee View, a comprehensive update on AMSAT's activities from AMSAT President Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, has been posted to the AMSAT website. https://www.amsat.org/apogeeview/ [ANS thanks AMSAT the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Lost U.S. Military Satellite Found By Amateur Radio Operator Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, has made the news once again for tracking down yet another "zombie" satellite. Scott was the subject of a report broadcast on National Public Radio on Friday, April 24. This time, he managed to identify signals from LES-5, an experimental military UHF communications satellite built by the Massachusetts Insti- tute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory and launched in 1967. Even though the satellite was supposed to shut down in 1972, it's still go- ing. As long as the solar panels are in the sun, the satellite's radio continues to operate. In 2018, Tilly found a signal from a NASA probe called IMAGE that the space agency had lost track of in 2005. With Tilley's help, NASA was able to reestablish contact. He has rediscovered several other long- forgotten birds, including Transit 5B-5, a nuclear-powered U.S. Navy navigation satellite launched in 1965. Scott announced his findings on LES-5 through his Twitter account, @coastal8049, on March 24. The full NPR story may be found at: https://n.pr/2x64aAZ. [ANS thanks NPR.org for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMSAT office is closed until further notice. For details, please visit https://www.amsat.org/amsat-office-closed-until-further-notice/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Let's Take Some Pictures The command team has had a few requests for camera mode on AO-92 over the last few weeks, and it’s been a while, so let’s take some pictures next week. Next Tuesday morning, April 28th, we’ll attempt to command the camera on at approximately 1440Z and 1612Z. We’ll also try the 1750Z pass. If we can’t command on the 1750Z pass, we’ll find a suitable pass later in the week for the west coast. Take a look at https://www.amsat.org/foxtelem-software-for-windows-mac-linux/ for a guide on how to set up FoxTelem, and https://www.amsat.org/tlm/showImages.php?id=4 for near-live images as we go. Remember, the more stations submitting telemetry during the event, the better the chance of complete images! [ANS thanks Andrew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Purchase AMSAT Gear on our Zazzle storefront. 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution Last week's AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletin (ANS-110.01) contained a news item entitled "Receiving SMOG-P and ATL-1 Nano Satellites With an RTL-SDR" from Zoltan Doczi, HA7DCD. Please note that on December 19, 2019 AMSAT designated SMOG-P as Magyar-OSCAR 105 (MO-105) and ATL-1 as Magyar-OSCAR 106 (MO-106). In the AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution, the TLEs for these two Hungarian satellites are shown as follows: MO-105 is NORAD Cat ID 44832 (SMOG-P) MO-106 is NORAD Cat ID 44830 (ATL-1) [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- The W4AMI Award and How to Obtain One Just a little history, Robert W. Barbee Jr., W4AMI, was a very prolific operator and in his honor this certificate was created and the first certificate was issued to him on June 27, 1994. He has since become an SK and his local club has taken over his call sign. The award was originally the W4AMI Satellite Operator Achievement Award. The local club asked me not to use their call sign for the award. I changed the award to The Robert W. Barbee, Jr. W4AMI Satellite Operator Achievement Award. And here we are today, finally having issued over 100 certificates and over 30 of the 5,000 certificates. This award is for making 1,000 contacts with any station any time. You can say hello to your friend on every satellite on every pass every day and count those contacts. That being said, any contact you log counts. The award has endorsements for making 1,000 more contacts up to 4,000. Another 1,000 contacts will earn a special W4AMI 5,000 certificate. To submit for the award, please email me an extract from your log either in Microsoft Excel XLS(X) format or ADI(F) format. Either will work just fine. Then wait for me to get back to you notifying you to go online and make your payment. I need nothing from LoTW, confirmed contacts are not an issue, this award is for simply making a contact. https://www.amsat.org/amsat-robert-w-barbee-jr-w4ami-award/ [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ New OSCAR T-Shirt Available from AMSAT Zazzle Store Thanks to an post on Twitter from Michael Styne, K2MTS, AMSAT is pleased to offer a new t-shirt on the AMSAT Zazzle Store. This t- shirt design is available in variants suitable for printing on either dark or lightly colored shirts. The shirt features a representation of AMSAT-OSCAR 7 in orbit with the tagline "OSCAR - Adventure and Excitement in Space Age Communication" This image was used in advertisements for the 1978 ARRL book "Getting to Know OSCAR." The ARRL has granted AMSAT permission to republish this classic image as a t-shirt. Get yours today! 25% of the purchase price goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://www.zazzle.com/oscar_t_shirt_dark-235643945481104970 https://www.zazzle.com/oscar_t_shirt_light-235449229998854129 [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive VP, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations ZW8, BRAZIL (Special Event). Operators Freddy/PY3YD, Joselito/PS8BR, Fernando/PS8CW, Raimundo/PS8DX, Jose/PS8ET, Milton/PS8HF, Nelson/PS8NF, Pirajah/PS8RF, Dalton/PS8TV and Andre/PT9AL are using the special event callsign ZW8THANKS as a tribute to health care professionals fighting COVID-19. Activity will be on all bands and modes including the satel- lites. QSL via direct, eQSL or LoTW. (ANS thanks the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1461 for the above information) Due to COVID-19, there are no other announced satellite operations at this moment. Any roving activity of which AMSAT becomes aware will be posted at: https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/ Until then, stay safe and keep making contacts from home. Please submit any additions or corrections to ke4al (at) amsat.org [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT VP-User Services for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS News ARISS lets students worldwide experience the excitement of talking directly with crew members of the International Space Station, inspir- ing them to pursue interests in careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and engaging them with radio science technology through amateur radio. Northern Virginia Schools Group, Woodbridge VA, Multi-point telebridge contact via AB1OC is scheduled for Thursday, April 30. The ISS call- sign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS, and the scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR. The contact is go for 13:35:00 UTC at a max- imum elevation of 62 degrees. Stations in the eastern U.S. should be able to listen in on this contact on 145.80 MHz FM. A multi-point tele- bridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. The ARISS team continues to test and firm up a plan to transform ARISS contacts and how ARISS interacts with youth and education institutions. ARISS will provide distance learning with every student and staff mem- ber in their own homes (even quarantined). [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events Want to see AMSAT in action or learn more about amateur radio in space? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meet- ings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. Due to COVID-19, many hamfest and events around the United States have been canceled or postponed. While we make every effort to ensure the information contained below is correct, there may be some that we missed. We wish all of you safekeeping and hope to be at a hamfest near you soon. Current schedule: June 12-13, 2020, Ham-Com, Plano, TX September 26, 2020 Arrowhead Radio Amateurs Club Hamfest, Superior, WI The following events scheduled to have an AMSAT presence have been CANCELED: May 2, 2020, Cochise Amateur Radio Association Hamfest, Sierra Vista, AZ May 8-9, 2020 Prescott Hamfest, Prescott, AZ May 15-17, Hamvention, Xenia, OH A copy of the AMSAT hamfest brochure is available for download from: https://bit.ly/2ygVFmV This color brochure is designed to be printed double-sided and folded into a tri-fold handout. To include your upcoming AMSAT presentation and/or demonstration, please send an email to ambassadors (at) amsat (dot) org. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT VP-User Services for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Diwata-2 (PO-101) has been active daily to provide emergency access during Covid-19 pandemic. Check https://twitter.com/Diwata2PH For Daily activation schedule (ANS thanks DIWATA-2 Ground Team for the above information) + On this 50th anniversary of the flight of Apollo 13, the BBC has pro- duced a documentary video series, "13 Minutes to the Moon," along with associated web resources and podcasts. The documentary can be accessed worldwide at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w13xttx2 (ANS thanks Peter Green, G0ABI, for the above information) + Happy 30th anniversary, Hubble! The Hubble Space Telescope was laun- ched into LEO on April 24th, 1990 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery STS-31 launch video). Featuring a 2.4 m mirror and optics that are smooth to 10 nanometers (but were in the wrong shape until corrected by the first of five servicing missions in 1993), Hubble takes images of the Universe with never-before-seen quality. The telescope may work into the 2040s, hopefully being joined by its more-advanced sib- ling, the JWST, next year. Take a moment to browse some of Hubble’s most stunning snapshots of the Universe at: https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + Astronauts onboard the International Space Station have gotten a first good look at the controversial Starlink satellites. On April 13th, they photographed a train of 16 Starlinks cutting through Southern Lights over the Antarctic. Learn more about their unique photo + corresponding ground-based sightings on Spaceweather.com (ANS thanks Southgate ARC for the above information) + SpaceX launched 60 more spacecraft Wednesday to join the Starlink fleet. The successful launch Wednesday marked the 84th flight of a Falcon 9 rocket since June 2010. That makes SpaceX’s Falcon 9 the most-flown orbital-class U.S. launcher currently in operation, ex- ceeding the 83 missions performed by the Atlas 5 rocket built by rival United Launch Alliance. With Wednesday’s launch, SpaceX has delivered 422 Starlink satellites to space. The company is seeking regulatory approval to fly 4,400 of the satellites in the project's first phase. SpaceX’s next Starlink launch after Wednesday could happen as soon as early May on another Falcon 9 rocket mission. That will be followed by SpaceX’s first launch with astronauts on-board — scheduled for May 27 — to begin a test flight of the company’s Crew Dragon spaceship to the International Space Station. (ANS thanks spaceflightnow.com for the above information) + A series of unusually severe spring storms parading across the south- eastern USA had residents taking shelter this week from hail and tor- nadoes. High above the maelstrom, sprites were dancing. Sprites are a form of electricity in powerful storm clouds. While regular light- ning lances down, sprites leap up. They can reach all the way to the edge of space 90 km or more above Earth’s surface. (ANS thanks Southgate ARC and spaceweatherarchive.com for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73 and Remember to help keep amateur radio in space, This week's ANS Editor, Casey Tucker, KI7UNJ ki7unj at amsat dot org

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Re: [amsat-bb] Uplink Calibration in SatPC32
by tjschuessler＠verizon.net 25 Apr '20

25 Apr '20

The clock is important to be as accurate as possible. Also make sure that you are using as accurate a latitude and longitude setting in Observer setup. Even just using two decimal places after the Lat/Lon value may not be adequate especially on high passes even if the clock is accurate. These two settings will make all the difference. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms ______________________ ------------------------------ Message: 10 Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:13:44 -0500 From: "Alan" <wa4sca(a)gmail.com> To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Uplink Calibration in SatPC32 Message-ID: <000201d61a4a$f318f710$d94ae530$(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Have you checked your system clock? Try https://time.is which is very accurate. Some computer clocks can drift badly, and this can cause the need for constant tweaking, even with very stable satellites. 73, Alan WA4SCA

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VHF/UHF Transverter?
by Ham Radio Essentials 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

Hello, I've been doing FM satellites for quite some time, and I am wondering if there is a cheap way to get into linear satellites. Could I use a transverter for VHF and UHF? I have an IC-7300 for HF. Could I just hook that up to a transverter and it would put out RF on VHF and UHF? 73 de W0AAE

5 7

Let's take some pictures.
by Andrew Glasbrenner 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

The command team has had a few requests for camera mode on AO-92 over the last few weeks, and it's been a while, so let's take some pictures next week. Next Tuesday morning, April 28th, we'll attempt to command the camera on at approximately 1440Z and 1612Z. We'll also try the 1750Z pass. If we can't command on the 1750Z pass, we'll find a suitable pass later in the week for the west coast. Take a look at https://www.amsat.org/foxtelem-software-for-windows-mac-linux/ for a guide on how to set up FoxTelem, and https://www.amsat.org/tlm/showImages.php?id=4 for near-live images as we go. Remember, the more stations submitting telemetry during the event, the better the chance of complete images! 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations

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Long-Lost U.S. Military Satellite Found By Amateur Radio Operator
by Bob Hammond 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/24/843493304/long-lost-u-s-military-satellite-f…

5 4

Uplink Calibration in SatPC32
by VA3ASE 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

I've been learning to operate my station using SatPC32. I'm finding I need to constantly adjust my uplink calibration in the CAT Tuning menu or I start to lose myself. On the most recent pass of XW-2A it required adjustment of about 150 Hz over the duration. This seems like a lot to me - I know its normal to make fine adjustments at the beginning of a pass but thought I could then leave it. Is this normal or is something amiss? If anything I suspect it is related to keps - I update these manually by going to Satellites and clicking Update Keps. Then selecting the nasa.all file and Download. Have I missed something? Station details: Icom IC-9700 transceiver (firmware 1.21), SatPC32 version 12.8d, Windows 10. Crossed yagis on a G-5500 rotator, K3NG based interface. Thanks in advance and 73, Alex VA3ASE

4 3

Another Effect of Covid 19
by Brad Smith 23 Apr '20

23 Apr '20

< With everybody at home these days every day is like a weekend on the FM satellites. Good luck if you've got an HT and an Arrow. > It has been difficult, but I keep trying and sometimes succeeding. The discouraging thing is the open mics on 91 and 92, which I am beginning to think is a deliberate act by some disgruntled ham that can't get into the bird. What doesn't make sense is that if the station is powerful enough to disrupt, it would be powerful enough to get in. Brad KC9UQR

2 1

AO-92 L band
by Ronald Parsons 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

Everything conspired against L-Band for me today (UTC). Family, other commitments, bedtime, . A belated 73 to all the regulars. Ron W5RKN

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AO-92 L band
by 73 Bob W7LRD 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

I had AO92 all to myself. I sounded pretty good hihi 73 Bob W7LRD

2 1

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-22 17:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-22 17:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Northern Virginia Schools Group, Woodbridge VA, Multi-point telebridge via AB1OC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact is go for: Thu 2020-04-30 13:35:00 UTC 62 deg A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio? Check out these links: >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolati… Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw. Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World. Check out: https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home. Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ************************************************* ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general. As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts. As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates. The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19: Postponed: Salem-South Lyon District Library, South Lyon, MI, telebridge via TBD (***) Cancelled: YOTA Region 2 Camp, Voice of America (VOA) Museum, West Chester, OH, telebridge via TBD or direct via W8Y (***) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2020-04-22 17:30 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-03-21 00:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. Message to US Educators ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education(a)gmail.com. About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts. Applications should be addressed by email to: school.selection.manager(a)ariss-eu.org ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application. Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. For the application, go to: https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd(a)gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss(a)iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz. ******************************************************************************* All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting. Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts. If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net The HamTV webpage: https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Francesco IKØWGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed, and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1387. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1320. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correcti… Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 62 now on orbit Welcome aboard! Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

1 0

Amsat Journal, Digital-only?
by Ronald Parsons 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

I was very pleased when ARRL made electronic copies of QST available along with downloadable copies of past issues. I could finally dispose of those magazine boxes stores on the top closet shelf. Doing something similar for The AMSAT Journal would be great. It even would allow color to be used in the articles. I seldom need hard copies of many articles, so printing has not been a problem. PDF would be my format preference. We would get the Journal earlier and wouldn't have to store the old issues. I assume AMSAT would make available an online availability of past issues. Ron W5RKN

5 4

Re: [amsat-bb] Another effect of COVID-19
by Roy Dean 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

> > With everybody at home these days every day is like a weekend on the FM > satellites. Good luck if you've got an HT and an Arrow. > Steve AI9IN I've been having surprisingly good luck on SO-50 during the day. --Roy K3RLD

2 1

Another effect of COVID-19
by Steve Kristoff 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

With everybody at home these days every day is like a weekend on the FM satellites. Good luck if you've got an HT and an Arrow. Steve AI9IN

1 0

Tt
by PY5LF 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

Tem -- *PY5LF * *Luciano Fabricio* *www.falautomation.com.br <http://www.falautomation.com.br>*

1 0

Missing AMSAT Journal
by Kent R Frazier 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

I seem to be missing my AMSAT Journal Volume 24, Number 6 (November/December 2019). I checked the web site and I didn't any back issues. If not a copyright violation, would anyone be willing to scan the article "For Beginners Amateur Radio Satellite Primer II" and email it to me? Thanks, Kent -- Kent R Frazier Amateur Radio License K5KNT AMSAT Life Member #2380, ARRL Member Alt. email: k5knt(a)amsat.org or k5knt(a)arrl.net

1 0

Tuning M2 LEO pack antennas
by Carl A Estey 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

Recently I bought through AMSAT the LEO pack and assembled and installed it this weekend. The SWR on the 2-meter antenna is 1.4:1 from 144.1 to 146.1 with resistance of 58 ohms and 2.5:1 at 148 MHz. The 70-cm antenna has the best SWR (3.0:1 and resistance of 25 ohms) at 442.6 MHZ. Obviously neither is great. How should I tune the antennas? It appears that the only tuning possible is to adjust the shorting straps for distance from the inside edge of the shorting bar to there boom. ShouldI I be able to achieve 1.1:1 on both antennas? How should the coax be routed from the junction block? I have the LMR-400 feedline zip tied along the boom to the cross bar and then around the rotors. What suggestions do you have? The instructions particularly concerning the location of the 1/4-wave phasing line and the 1/2 wave balun were not very clear. Does anyone have any pictures or illustrations that show placement of the tasing line and balun? 73 Carl WA0CQG

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-20 22:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-20 22:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Northern Virginia Schools Group, Woodbridge VA, Multi-point telebridge via AB1OC (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact is go for: Thu 2020-04-30 13:35:00 UTC 62 deg A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. (***) Exp. 60 back on earth (***) Drew Morgan KI5AAA Exp. 61 back on earth (***) Oleg Skripochka Jessica Meir ARISS thanks all 3 for a job well done! (***) ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio? Check out these links: >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolati… Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw. Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World. Check out: https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home. Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ************************************************* ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general. As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts. As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates. The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19: Postponed: No new schools Cancelled: No new schools The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2020-04-20 22:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-03-21 00:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. Message to US Educators ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education(a)gmail.com. About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts. Applications should be addressed by email to: school.selection.manager(a)ariss-eu.org ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application. Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. For the application, go to: https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd(a)gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss(a)iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz. ******************************************************************************* All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting. Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts. If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net The HamTV webpage: https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Francesco IKØWGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed, and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1387. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1320. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correcti… Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 60 back on earth (***) Drew Morgan KI5AAA Exp. 61 back on earth (***) Oleg Skripochka Jessica Meir Exp. 62 now on orbit Welcome aboard! Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Re: [amsat-bb] 23cm antenna
by Nick KE8AKW 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

Definitely recommend a directional antenna of some kind. Dont get hung up on polarity (Horizontal, Circular) too much. I use a Directive Systems 45 Element Loop Yagi that works nicely. The two best brands if antennas for 23cm base station sat work that are popular today are Directive Systems which makes loop yagis and Wimo which makes 23cm Helix antennas. Both work very well. The most important factor I have found with this band is to keep your horizon as clear as possible. Tree leafs or hills will heavily attenuate your signal on this band more so then 70cm, so elevate your antenna if possible that will help alot. You can get into the bird with as little as 1w if your horizon is completely clear, but if you have big obstructions like massive pine trees like I do, 10w or a bit more may be needed. It's a very fun mode to operate and tinker on. 73 Nick KE8AKW

1 0

QRZ.com
by Bob Keating 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

Has anybody found a way to upload satellite contacts to a QRZ log and have them easily be confirmed? The glitch seems to be that QRZ.com wants the transmit and receive frequencies to be the same, it does not seem able to accept QSOs that were made duplex. Thanks! Bob N6REK

3 2

23cm antenna
by ke4kol 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

Horizontal or Vertical for Satellite work? Thanks for any replies. Jim, Ke4kol

2 1

W4AMI Award
by Bruce 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

I have had a few questions and a bunch of submissions lately. I thought I would clear up some of the questions about this award. I have also updated the web page for the award with submission information. Just a little history, Robert W. Barbee Jr., W4AMI, was a very prolific operator and in his honor this certificate was created and the first certificate was issued to him on June 27, 1994. He has since become an SK and his local club has taken over his call sign. The award was originally the W4AMI Satellite Operator Achievement Award. The local club asked me not to use their call sign for the award. I changed the award to The Robert W. Barbee, Jr. W4AMI Satellite Operator Achievement Award. And here we are today, finally having issued over 100 certificates and over 30 of the 5,000 certificate. This award is for making 1,000 contacts with any station any time. You can say hello to your friend on every satellite on every pass every day and count those contacts. That being said, any contact you log counts. The award has endorsements for making 1,000 more contacts up to 4,000. Another 1,000 contacts will earn a special W4AMI 5,000 certificate. To submit for the award, please email me an extract from your log either in Microsoft Excel XLS(X) format or ADI(F) format. Either will work just fine. Then wait for me to get back to you notifying you to go online and make your payment. I need nothing from LoTW, confirmed contacts are not an issue, this award is for simply making a contact. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat

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Re: [amsat-bb] Amsat Journal, Digital-only
by Mike Hoblinski 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

The Amsat-UK membership offers a membership that has both mail and digital opticion for their journal version. I live in the USA and am an Amsat-NA member but I enjoy reading other satellite news and stories. I receive their digital copy as soon as its put out. I can download it and save it for future reading and reference. They do put a water mark or reference on the first page to identify the person and source of the download. Having the Amsat Journal downloadable might be of interest to other people around the world that would like to see some of the fine articles in it. Maybe charge a fee per issue. Another plus for members could be online storage of back issues. I enjoy going back thru my stack of paper copies on a rainy day and always seem to find something I have missed or now want to try. Some members could opt for a digital only Journal maybe saving some costs and paper. Just my thoughts Mike Hoblinski N6IMF

1 0

Re: [amsat-bb] Looking for CAS-4B Pass recording 20:57 UTC pass
by Jeff Johns 18 Apr '20

18 Apr '20

WH6E was on and he is in FL not HI. The first time I worked him the call surprised me as well. Jeff WE4B > On Apr 18, 2020, at 4:36 PM, Adrian Engele via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: >

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Looking for CAS-4B Pass recording 20:57 UTC pass
by Adrian Engele 18 Apr '20

18 Apr '20

I just worked the AO-7 pass (recording was OK) and the following CAS-4B pass but I forgot to turn on the recorder on the CAS-4B pass I copied a N9??P, W? and a WH6E?? Can someone please send a recording if they have it. Thank you! 73, Adrian AA5UK EN61

1 0

AO-91 and CW
by Russ Kinner 18 Apr '20

18 Apr '20

Thanks guys, more curious than anything. I scanned thru the list and didn't see Max with 145.96 telemetry. Rusty

1 0

VE8RAC on for WARD 12z-24z
by Ron VE8RT 18 Apr '20

18 Apr '20

with some breaks for meals and shopping I hope to be active on satellites for World Amateur Radio Day using the call sign VE8RAC. This will be on U/v satellites, linear and FM (making an effort to use best practices to reduce QRM), but not AO7 which is too fragile. QSLing will be through the Radio Amateurs of Canada www.rac.ca as this is there call sign not my own. A note about QSLing, for my own call sign, please keep in mind that US stamps on a SASE will not work here. If sending me a QSL through the mail a self addressed envelope is appreciated, and unless the demand gets too high I don't mind covering return postage. Otherwise unless I forget I'll return the SASE when I mail out my QSL card so that it may be used within the US. 73 Ron VE8RT, and for a few hours today only VE8RAC -- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt(a)yknwt.ca>

1 0

Interesting news about on-orbit geostationary satellite maintenance
by Zach Metzinger 18 Apr '20

18 Apr '20

"For the first time ever, a robotic spacecraft caught an old satellite and extended its life" https://tinyurl.com/y7ta8qzr --- Zach N0ZGO

1 0

Re: [amsat-bb] PO-101 did not seem to hear me
by Roy Dean 17 Apr '20

17 Apr '20

> > I just tried to make some QSOs on the PO-101 pass starting around 22:04Z > just a little bit ago. However, even though I could clearly hear the > satellite for nearly it's entire pass, I could not seem to make it in. I'm > not sure what wasn't configured right. This is my very first attempt with > this satellite PO-101 is very stubborn when it comes to uplink power. I've never tried below 10 watts, and even when I'm using 20 watts (which is now my standard with it), it sometimes "cuts out" in the middle of a qso. It may be even more difficult with just an HT and an Elk, which isn't all that great on 70cm to start with. YMMV. --Roy K3RLD

3 2

PO-101 did not seem to hear me
by Loren M. Lang 17 Apr '20

17 Apr '20

I just tried to make some QSOs on the PO-101 pass starting around 22:04Z just a little bit ago. However, even though I could clearly hear the satellite for nearly it's entire pass, I could not seem to make it in. I'm not sure what wasn't configured right. This is my very first attempt with this satellite. I am using a Yaesu FT-3DR with an Elk Antenna. I had very clear audio for much of the pass which is usually the more difficult part from experience. On that pass, I heard: DN17 N6AJ DM05 KA7FVV K8YSE/7 DM43 WJ7WJ CN85 I'm not looking for LoTW confirmations, just if any of them heard me at all. I have five presets, all receive on 145.900 and transmit on 437.490, 437.495, 437.500, 437.505, and 437.510 MHz in that order. When pressing PTT, my radio showed the corresponding TX frequency and also TN 141.3 along with FM in the corner so I can't figure out what I was doing wrong especially during the peak when it should be close to being on frequency. I've been very successful with my set up on AO-91, AO-92, and SO-50 so it leaves me completely befuddled what I did wrong. Confused, Loren K7IW

1 0

Telemetry on 145.96 MHz
by wizardofzid 16 Apr '20

16 Apr '20

I've heard a CW telemetry signal on 145.96 (AO-91 downlink frequency) 5-10 min. before the FM pass. It's a bit hard to copy CW on a FM receiver but I've heard it 3 times in the last 2 days. Seems to fade out prior to the AO-91 pass. I expect it is an analog bird but so far I haven't figured out which. Any guesses?Rusty, WA8ZIDSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

1 0

Wanted: Icom AG25 preamp
by Kyle Y 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Hello all, Anybody have an Icom AG25 preamp that they'd like to sell? Please contact me directly if so. Thanks. 73 Kyle K0KN k0kn(a)amsat.org

1 0

SATpc32 -- Limit satellites to active ones?
by Thomas Schaefer 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

A related question…Is there some reason we need to carry old, no longer in-use, satellites in these files? This is not about the DOPPLER.SQL file but more about the lists in general as the elements files are full of objects one can never use for communications. For example, when I open the Satellite dialog, I see 200 available satellites. I have my filters setup but there is a big list of essentially no communication use—unless it comes back from the dead and the AMSAT News will tell me that I have no doubt. I was asking if one could filter the “Available” list but that looks to be just a representation of the files underneath (amateur.txt, cubesat.txt, etc). Just as we have editors for Doppler.SQL, I think one answer might be to create a new file with the active satellites in it (derived from the AMSAT satellites page). I can then use that my “Active sats” Keps file as my input. I can programmatically build the active sats file from the downloaded elements files. That seems like an easy Perl script I can put on a website. As far as a feature request (and this is purely for usability), I would summarize it thusly, add a feature where one can list the name of the satellites one wants to see in the Available file. This would be an Active filter. You can enable that with a checkbox to see active sats or all for historical reference. Then even though the program downloads the latest elements, it would only show the satellites in the active file or all if Active is not checked. Thanks, Tom Schaefer, NY4I Blog: www.ny4i.com Madeira Beach, FL (Grid: EL87ot)

1 0

Cheap 10W solar panels
by GEO Badger 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

The link is to ML Solar, local to me in Cali. https://tinyurl.com/txyw2bj --- Ciao baby, catch you on the flip side. GEO http://www.w3ab.org You can say "over", you can say "out", you just can't say "over and out".

2 4

SATpc32 -- doppler.sqf Editor
by Michael Walker 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

Hi All For the new operators, you may like this nice piece of code by W9KE Doppler.SQF Edit http://www.tomdoyle.org/dopplersqfeditor/DopplerSqfEditor.html Mike va3mw

4 5

Good Contact???
by Brad Smith 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

<2 - A station calls me with My Call and Their Call.3 - I respond to them with Their Call & My Call/Grid> Since I am always operating handheld or portable, whether at my QTH, or roving, I cannot write the call down as it is being said, as both of my hands happen to be employed at the moment. Since a rover usually gives his grid, at least every few calls, I may say "Grid CM94, My Call" for example and the rover usually comes back at me and I appreciate that and I will then give my call and grid. Sometimes that is the best that can be done. I get his call when he comes back to me. I also record every pass on my iPhone. My memory isn't geed enough to remember 5 calls (or more, if I am roving) that I just worked, along with the activities of pointing an antenna and manually adjusting Doppler, so I rely on my recording. I know it is difficult to understand, but working portable is a lot different than sitting in front of an SDR computer screen in one's shack, with a 9700 with a speaker system and elevating and rotating, computer controlled yagi antennas. Some of us are doing this under not-so-ideal conditions. I have worked with my Arrow in the rain and in a snowstorm, several times without gloves, with noisy trucks going by and people asking me what I am doing,while trying to work. I have been asked if I am tracking animals and once as I was setting up, someone threatened to call the police. (I offered to let him use my phone, and I have Amateur Radio plates on my vehicles.) So, please cut some of us a little slack, if we are not operating exactly by "the book." Also, getting stepped on by the rude, big guns will eradicate part of the call. (Big guns are certainly more important than little portables.) If it is his/her call that gets stepped on, I can pick it up as he/she makes more contacts. If it is my call, I will email him/her to verify what my call is and make sure the contact is correct. Many times the person will thank me because he was missing one letter. Brad KC9UQR

2 1

what is a good contact?
by Ron VE8RT 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

maybe this has been brought up before, an alternative subject line might be "home far should you go" It seems that recording contacts and translating them into the log is acceptable. What about using post recording enhancements to pull call signs and grid squares out of the noise? A younger person with uncompromised hearing would do a better job at picking out contact information, the arguement might be made that even high end hearing aids do some audio processing. I just used Audacity to pull KJ7ATK's call out as Diawata-2 was low to my horizon, and his FM deviation was almost not there even though he had full quieting. I'll pass someone the recording if they'd like to hear it. Grid squares are required, is there an alternative other than RST? Ron VE8RT -- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt(a)yknwt.ca>

12 17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-13 17:00 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-04-13 17:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: TBD Exp. 62 now on orbit (***) Welcome aboard! Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio? Check out these links: (***) >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolati… Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw. Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World. Check out: https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home. Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ************************************************* ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general. As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts. As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates. The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19: Postponed: No new schools (***) Cancelled: No new schools (***) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2020-04-13 17:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-03-21 00:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. Message to US Educators ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education(a)gmail.com. About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts. Applications should be addressed by email to: school.selection.manager(a)ariss-eu.org ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application. Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. For the application, go to: https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd(a)gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss(a)iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz. ******************************************************************************* All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting. Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts. If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net The HamTV webpage: https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Francesco IKØWGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed, and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1387. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1320. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correcti… Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 60 on orbit Drew Morgan KI5AAA Exp. 61 on orbit Oleg Skripochka Jessica Meir Exp. 62 now on orbit (***) Welcome aboard! Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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4/11 14:30z AO-92
by Roy Dean 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

https://network.satnogs.org/observations/2028147/ There is a little bit of the discussion that can be heard in this recording from today's 15:20z pass. --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] 4/11 14:30z AO-92
by Roy Dean 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

Yep, definitely more repeater stuff on the 15:20 pass this morning (early in the pass... it's cleared up now). No call signs heard this morning, but they were gabbing about corona virus on sea vessels. --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] What is a good contact?
by z man 12 Apr '20

12 Apr '20

>From now on I'm just going to put my call out there on the satellite and ANY station that also puts their call out, will be considered a contact... (Tongue in cheek) I live in RI. If I try to work a station in AK or HI, I have to make sure I get their call AND grid correct, otherwise its a busted contact and a struggle to work them again. Using a recorder is good for logbook updates, but if I were to realize I got their call wrong, you bet I'm emailing them to set up a sked for a redo! It's the same thing for HF contacts... Im not here to argue, just answer a question. You're going to do what you're comfortable with. It's just a hobby - some people forget that. You didn't hear the call or grid right the first time? Work 'em again - it's moe funner that way! Larry N1MIW

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Contacts with N6DNM from CM99/98 and DM08/09 grids on Apr 9, 10, 11
by Dmitry Mizin 12 Apr '20

12 Apr '20

Hi there, As I am stuck here in Tahoe region, I did a few mini roves to those grids making 131 contacts overall. All uploaded to LOTW where 81 were confirmed. I know I've worked many ops for the first time (and this sometimes true even for those who worked me before) and often other operator will make mistake with my call. So, if you do need confirmation for those grids - make sure you have my call correctly - N6DNM. If confirmations are still missing for you, email me directly with details and I will verify it on my side. Thank you all for contacts and looking forward to catching you later! Dmitry N6DNM

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Past Satellite Ham
by Brad Smith 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

<I talked to Julia on the phone about 2 months ago. She is well. Just busyand has not been on the birds.I told her about DMR and the AMSAT TG.Hopefully we will be able to "work" her there.> Thank you, Rick. Great to know that she is well. We have worked on SO-50 many times. I , too would love to get into the AMSAT net, if they could do it on a repeater that also does D-Star. Brad KC9UQR

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Efficient Contacts
by Brad Smith 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

< Cannot this be done more efficiently in only 4 transmissions instead of 5? > Most people do it in 3 transmissions. My call, your call, with my grid.Reply, with grid.QSL and your call. With the crowding on the FM birds, one has to get as inventive as one can. Lots of times, the QSL gets stepped on by a more powerful station. It happens all the time to me, as a portable. Lots of hams will still call it a contact. If I get stepped on , I try to come back to the station again. But sometimes-------------. Brad KC9UQR

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4/11 14:30z AO-92
by Roy Dean 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

To those in the northeast, it appears that somebody might be setting up a repeater on the 70cm uplink frequency of AO-92 (at least that's what it sounded like). I got one call sign (from NH), but there is no email address shown on QRZ to inquire about it. Might want to keep this in mind when operating the early passes on AO-92. --Roy K3RLD

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Gagarin Cup International DX Contest
by Brennan Price 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

There are several ways in which the Yuri Gagarin International DX Contest (CW only) is unique. One of them is that satellite QSOs count. While radiosport on satellites may seem concerning, the level of activity (at least in North America) is usually no more consuming than AMSAT CW Activity Day every New Year's Day, and certainly less consuming than Field Day (or a typical weekend FM pass). I feel it can conducted responsibly, and I am going to try this year. I invite you to join me. I plan to be QRV as time permits in this year's contest, which runs from 2100 UTC Saturday to 2100 UTC Sunday. Recommended CQ format is CQ GC de [call]. Exchange is RST (don't complicate things--599 means no more and no less than "I hear you" in the radiosport context, so send 599) and ITU Zone (8 for me). I will operate via the functional XW-2x satellites, the CAS-4x satellites, and EO-88. I will not try AO-7, as CW is more prone to cause a mode change, all other things being equal. I'll be toward the lower end of the passband when the satellite passes westish or northish from my back deck in FM18iv. I hope to work some of you. I commit to keeping my EIRP low and enjoying the passes with other users. 73 de Brennan N4QX

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Re: [amsat-bb] what is a good contact?
by Ev Tupis 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

This issue comes up with regularity. The answer is simple. If you want a direct answer...scroll to the last paragraph of this email. ----- Background ----- Let's play out a scenario from the point of a 3rd party listening to two sides of a valid QSO from the "old days" of voice-based meteor scatter communications: Man's Voice: CQ W2AAA CQ W2AAA CQ W2AAA Break Woman's Voice: W2AAA K0ZZ W2AAA K0ZZ W2AAA K0ZZBreak Man's Voice: K0ZZ W2AAA K0ZZ W2AAA K0ZZ W2AAA Break Woman's Voice: W2AAA S5 W2AAA S5 W2AAA S5 Break Man's Voice: Roger S5 S4 Roger S5 S4 Roger S5 S4 Break Woman's Voice: Roger S4 73 Roger S4 73 Roger S4 73 Break Man's Voice: Roger Roger Roger Break Woman's Voice: Roger Roger Roger Break Man's Voice: Roger Roger Roger Break Woman's Voice: Roger Roger Roger Break Man's Voice: Roger Roger Roger Break Woman's Voice: Roger Roger Roger Break (silence) Unless you were part of the QSO or had engaged in this particular agreed upon protocol before, you would have no way to decipher what just happened. I could explain everything that happened (including the fact that the Man's side of the QSO didn't copy enough to agree that a QSO had occurred during the last exchange and required three repeats until their QSO Protocol was satisfied)... but ultimately, the point is: A QSO is "valid" when two parties agree to a protocol (or follow an events' established protocol) and follow it to their satisfaction. Doing so honorably is part of the hobby. Regards, Ev, W2EV Chairman, Rochester VHF Group The Rochester VHF Group

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AMSAT Freq Guide April 2019
by W0JW John 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

I came into this posting late so if this has already been shared sorry for the band width. But if not this site will give you a lot of information. 73 John W0JW EN31be http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.htm

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AMSAT Freq Guide April 2019
by Ron VE8RT 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

I rely a lot on the AMSAT frequency guide, to at least double check the software (GPredict). There are several satillites listed on the April 2019 (latest guide I have) that I have no data for, TLE's or transponder. Maybe if I'd been following this list more closely I'd be up to date. They are no longer in service, or would I find them identified as something else? My 475 CAT control worked very well on the latest pass of XW-2B, too bad I couldn't hear anyone else on the west coast. Ron VE8RT -- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt(a)yknwt.ca>

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Re: [amsat-bb] what is a good contact?
by Roy Dean 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

> > I believe > most people use grids because then you are also elligible for all the > awards that go with grid collection. Of course, now that I think about it, if you use LotW or QSL cards, you pretty much get the grid for free no matter what - so honestly maybe grid exchange is popular just because it's quick and straight forward, and works best for people that are listening to ongoing QSOs and need specific grids? --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] what is a good contact?
by Roy Dean 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

> > Grid squares are required, is there an alternative other than RST? > Ron VE8RT I think all you need to do is exchange ANY type of information (other than your callsign, of course - which IS mandatory). So, grid, first name, occupation, what you had for dinner, etc. I believe most people use grids because then you are also elligible for all the awards that go with grid collection. I also believe that using a recording (that you actually made yourself on the pass) is totally legit. Using a recording from a satnogs station 500 miles away - not so much. I'm not a grid-chaser, per se - so I'm sure somebody else will give you the official position on both questions. --Roy K3RLD

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Satellite station for sale
by Glenn Miller - AA5PK 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

Posting for a friend. Contact Jerry directly if interested: n5rv (at) outlook.com The station consists of the following: Yaesu FT-847 (manual, mic., box, various cables) Yaesu FC-20 Tuner Yaesu SP-8 Speaker (Not in very good condition, may have been in smoking environment, I cleaned it up the best I could) Yaesu FP-1030a 30A power supply 2x Tigertronics SignaLink USB M2 SatPack1 VHF/UHF (egg beater) antennas with cross boom SatPC32 software package with key I would like $1300 for all, but will entertain cash+trades, offers. Willing to drive halfway within a reasonable distance. .

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Past Satellite Ham
by Brad Smith 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

Are there any "old timers" on the board (from around 2013), who remember Julia Gatti N2PPL? She used to be on SO-50 almost every day, with her Arrow and HT. I have not heard her for years. Just wondering. Brad KC9UQR

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Re: [amsat-bb] suggested audio recorder?
by Russ Kinner 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

I use an Olympus IEC JIS LR03 Which is also used to record classroom sessions. Its about the size of a small candy bar and holds about 22 hrs. in mp3 format. It has a built-in USB connector to get the files into a PC and a MIC micro phone jack along built in microphone. Any electronic recorder should work fine with these minimum features. I use Audacity to edit and change formats to get a file that can be emailed or placed on a file service such a Google or dropbox (there are several others if you record daily and need the space.) WD9EWK among several others record most passes on FM birds that are in range. He is only 25 miles away from me so hears the same passes as I do. Look for someone near you if you want to check what other stations hear. With receiver de-sense, you may not hear exactly what others do. There are resources to help on line if you do a little searching. There is no one place to check but Amsat is a good starting point as is this message service. I'm only 2+ months on the FM birds and I have a ways to go to have a good signal/operating practice but I'm much farther along due to on line info. Keep asking questions when you need help. Rusty. WA8ZID

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suggested audio recorder?
by Ron VE8RT 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

I should make a practice of recording my QSOs for logging. Any suggested recorders? Ron VE8RT DP22 -- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt(a)yknwt.ca>

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Re: [amsat-bb] suggested audio recorder?
by Nick KE8AKW 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

The best Audio Recorder is your ears, and a pen and a piece of paper :) But if you dont have one hand free you might be better off with some type of a inline audio recorder for sure! 73 Nick KE8AKW

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Re: [amsat-bb] Voice Recorder
by Clint Bradford 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

How about the simple Voice Record app on your SmartPhone - in your shirt pocket? Clint Bradford K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com <http://www.work-sat.com/>

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Voice Recorder
by Brad Smith 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

<I should make a practice of recording my QSOs for logging. Anysuggested recorders?> I just use my iPhone. That way I don't have to haul and charge another item. Brad KC9UQR

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OA4 on AO7
by The Romagni's 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

Hello all, I have spend my stay-at-home time hunting... OA4/XQ3SA has been very active on AO7... after 4 days yesterday finally got him, we have a very small window between EM55 and FH17; The old but trusted AO7 came thru for me. Looking at my records that is the longest qso so far I have done via the birds, around 3385 miles. He seem to have some local QRN, but he is there on almost every afternoon pass. 73 Steve W4DTA

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Re: [amsat-bb] AO-7 and Move-11 - Move-11b
by gw1fky＠aol.com 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

Hi,I noted the comments and reports regarding sources of signals being received whilst monitoring AO-7.I am located in Wales ( UK ) and use a simple "ELK " antenna and "Funcube" dongle for monitoringmany of the satellites.I can confirm that recently whilst monitoring I noted strong signals in the band with the software forFox satellites and others during pass times in the morning and late evening.I checked out both MOVE -11 ( Operates 145.950 Mhz ) and MOVE- 11b ( Operates 145.840 Mhz ). The signals were very strong and the Fox Telemetry software in auto late yesterday evening(8th April ) Move-11b on 145.840 and quite wide - It prevented the software from locking onto the Foxsatellite that I was tracking at times.Ken EatonGW1FKY

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Rocket Lab Rocket Recovery test
by Wendy and Terry Osborne 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

Before New Zealand went into COVID-19 lockdown, the folks at Rocket Lab did a test to recover a first stage Electron rocket. You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3CWGDhkmbs There are some other videos of the view from the rocket and inside the helicopter. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC

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M2 LEOpack tuning
by Mark D. Johns 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

I’ve had my LEOpack antennas about 8 years, but over the winter my station became almost totally deaf on 2 meters. I took the 2 meter beam down and cleaned up a bunch of corrosion around the coax connector, and that seems to have helped the situation, but... I checked the antenna with my MFJ Antenna Analyzer (which I did not have back when I first assembled these antennas) and find that the 2 meter beam is resonant at about 143.95 MHz — just below the 2 meter ham band. Up at 145.9, where I would LIKE it to be resonant, my SWR is about 2.5:1. Pretty high. Messing with the tuning sliders only made things worse (these adjust impedance and not necessarily resonance), so I’m wondering, has anyone else found it necessary to trim the elements on these? My calculations are that about 1/8” off each end of the DEs would bring it up the 2 MHz needed. Opinions? -- ***Sent from Gmail on iPhone*** Mark D. Johns, Ph.D. K0JM Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa USA Now residing in Minneapolis, Minn. ------------------------------------------------ "Get the facts first. You can distort them later." ---Mark Twain

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sun/moon
by 73 Bob W7LRD 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

where is the sun/moon tracker in satpc32? Can't find it. 73 Bob W7LRD

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odd phenomena AO7 ?
by Ron VE8RT 07 Apr '20

07 Apr '20

back in the late 80's and early 90's I'd heard this on the HF sats that downlinked on 10M, but not on 2M. While looking at future satellite plots I had the receiver tuned to the mid band of the AO7 downlink and I'm hearing CW (145.948 MHz). There are no amateur satellites above my horizon, anywhere. It was very clear, sounded like someone listening for their output, long dashes, bursts of CW, pauses, more of the same. I thought that I'd recorded it, but I didn't press the record button long enough and have nothing to show for it. GPredict, at about 21:12 UTC had the azimuth of AO7 at 327 deg with an elevation of -54. It lasted a few minutes and the followed the Doppler correction as shown on GPredict. When I pointed my antenna to the GPredict azimuth for AO7 the signal strength noticeably increased. Does this also happen on 2M? Ron VE8RT -- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt(a)yknwt.ca>

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IC-475H CI-V questions
by Ron VE8RT 07 Apr '20

07 Apr '20

I've recently came into an IC-475H that I'd like to use as the uplink on linear sats. But I'm having some trouble getting the CAT control to work. I'm using grig instead of going in/out of Gpredict just to test the CI-V link. I thought that this should work in grig: grig -m 307 -r /dev/ttyUSB1 -s 1200 -c 14 but it doesn't seem to connect. I have visually verified in the 475 the switch settings for the address and speed, they're set to default $14 1200 baud. With nothing connected the DC voltage on the remote output is about 2.0VDC which agrees with the schematic. I'm hoping that there is something I've overlooked. The interface with grig works with my IC-R7000 grig -m 340 -r /dev/ttyUSB1 -s 1200 -c 08 Ron VE8RT -- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt(a)yknwt.ca>

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A Critique on Operations of the FM Birds
by Brad Smith 07 Apr '20

07 Apr '20

My 2 cents worth of opinion, given free. I own both the Alinco DJ-G7 and Kenwood D72. There is no comparison between the two radios. The Alinco has desense problems, so one still has to use two radios to work full duplex. Where the Alinco shines, is that it can do L/v on AO-92, but still with another radio for down link to hear it best. Save your money for a D710, unless you are looking for L/v! 50 watts?? I think that if you check the specs of the new 9700 radio, it puts out more than 50 watts. Couple that to a 30 db gain yagi antenna any one can "rule the airwaves." Yes, please give us portable and handheld hams a break. But the offenders probably are not on this message board. As portables, we try to do the best we can. I do throw my call out once during most passes that I work, because I know that hams need some of the grids that i work from when I rove. I learned that by Gridmaster. I am happy to give someone a grid by appointment. I began working the FM and linear birds in 2013. It has always been a "good old boys club" on the birds. Guys saying "Hi" to their friends and it isn't going to change. I remember Uncle Frank being the center of attention on each pass and there was a "Breakfast Club." It was fun back then. Yes, the birds were much less busy, but not much has or will change other than the amount of people trying to get into a bird. PO-101 seems to be that way now. Why does one permanent shack station, with high power have to dominate a pass? Especially when a rover is on. Make one contact and let people get the rover. Just because you may not collect grids, a lot of others do. I, personally am unhappy with what I am hearing on the FM birds and it is not the guys saying "Hi" to their friends. There is a lot more going on our there. There are some very poor operators out there and I believe, some jammers with open mics, etc. That part is sad and has gotten worse, lately. Again,just my opinion and thank you for letting me voice it. Brad Smith KC9UQR

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Re: [amsat-bb] FT-736R TAP Board Install
by Mike Lucas 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

Good day & hope everyone is doing well. Has anyone done a TAP board installation on their Ft-736R & used it with an SDR as a PAN adapter? If so can you share your experience with it and maybe point me to some installation tips, pix, etc.? It looks like a worthwhile project for not a lot of expense. Regards, Mike N7ASZ

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May QST
by Ray Soifer 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

The digital edition of May QST is now available to ARRL members. See pp. 52-53. 73 Ray W2RS

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SatPC32 with the FT-818nd
by Loren M. Lang 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

I recently tried using SatPC32 for CAT control of my Yaesu FT-818nd rig for automatic tuning during a pass of the XW-2B linear transponder satellite. The radio appears to be just a minor hardware refresh of the FT-817 and FT-817nd so I have it configured to use Yaesu FT-817 in the radio control settings. My CAT control interface is using a U5 Link which connects to the accessory port on the back of the radio. Inside the box, it is just an FTDI chip. It is set to the baud rate 38400. I have successfully been using this box with both Ham Radio Deluxe and N1MM for various other controls. However, I had an issue with SatPC32 not making all of the correct adjustments. >From what I can tell, it is dropping commands. The radio was only partly configured correctly such as setting the USB/LSB modes on VFOs A/B. It was not adjusting the frequency. I had the CAT delay set to the original value of 70 ms and tried increasing it. At 180 ms, it was still having issues, but I finally bumped it up to 300 ms and the radio started responding correctly. I then saw it tuning both the TX and RX VFOs as needed throughout the pass. However, at this delay, it spends a noticeable amount of time in the TX VFO before it updates the frequency and, if I'm not watching carefully, will press the PTT on only to have it jump to the RX VFO to transmit. It also means more time where I won't be hearing the incoming signal if someone else is talking. Are there any recommendations for improving this situation or could I possibly have a bad (cheap Chinese clone?) FTDI chip that is limiting the rate that commands can be sent? I have not had any issues with HRD or N1MM, but I expect they are sending commands at a lower rate since it's not a constant Doppler shift. Anyone else have a solid FT-817/818 setup? - Loren K7IW

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Re: [amsat-bb] How to Drive SATpc32
by Michael Walker 05 Apr '20

05 Apr '20

I'm sure that someone might be able to share that with you from this list. I'm still hacking away at them and I am amazed that I made so many errors in 3 or 4 entries. Someone might be able to share theirs with you. Mike va3mw On Sun, Apr 5, 2020 at 6:54 PM Ted Krempa <k7trkradio(a)charter.net> wrote: > Nice video, Mike. > > I wish there were something like this to cover the importing/updating/setup > of the sql files. That is where my problems have always been and what > prevents me from using the program. > > 73, Ted > K7TRK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael > Walker via AMSAT-BB > Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2020 11:56 AM > To: AMSAT > Subject: [amsat-bb] How to Drive SATpc32 > > Hi All > > I did this video to help experienced hams but new satellite operators to > navigate SATpc32. > > https://youtu.be/JLdROrcY7fY > > For me, the first weeks week terribly frustrating to get over the hump. > > This assumes your radio and rotator are already connected to SATpc32 but > you have yet to get a quality first QSO. > > Feel free to add useful comments in the video chat. > > Mike va3mw > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >

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How to Drive SATpc32
by Michael Walker 05 Apr '20

05 Apr '20

Hi All I did this video to help experienced hams but new satellite operators to navigate SATpc32. https://youtu.be/JLdROrcY7fY For me, the first weeks week terribly frustrating to get over the hump. This assumes your radio and rotator are already connected to SATpc32 but you have yet to get a quality first QSO. Feel free to add useful comments in the video chat. Mike va3mw

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A Critique on Operations of the FM Birds
by Chris Hoffman 05 Apr '20

05 Apr '20

We all want and need more good operators on the FM Birds, and each pass is a severely-limited resource. Unfortunately, I am constantly bearing witness to operating practices which run counter to these facts. To promote more operators using the birds we have, so that they can give up new grid squares, and perhaps become more active down the road, and in order to build the AMSAT membership I offer the following: FOR *ALL* FM SATELLITE OPERATORS: Please update your personal/favored Best Practices Guide with your reflection upon the following suggestions... 1) *Record your audio for each pass* - If you are running portable: I'm in love with my little Sony voice recorder that has simultaneous audio in and out on 3.5mm jacks. - If you can run 50w, and/or high gain, you have zero excuses not to do so. 1b) When you are recording your passes, please *don't ask for callsign repeats*. - Just be sure the entire callsign was clear for the recording. - That repeat takes up an entire window for a new contact. 2) Keep your contact to *pass*ing *no more than the exchange (e.g. callsign and grid square)* - Even one extra transmission soaks valuable bird time needed for the next contact to start, ad provides no added benefit to the community. - e.g. There is no need to let the distant operator know you sent them a package. 3) *Don't repeat contacts*, even just to say 'hello.' - It soaks an entire contact window for someone else, and that person usually is not on the bird for every pass. - I have seen this, first-hand: hearing a conversation on a satellite crushes new operators (literally and figuratively). They were waiting for a window to make a contact on the only pass of the day, and hearing this provided an excellent excuse for the new operators give up, and abandon sat work entirely because they realize they may never be able to get to the 'level' of someone having that conversation, depriving the rest of us of future new contacts. 4) *Don't use 50w †* - I continually hear big-gun stations wind up crushing less-powerful operators trying to get into the bird -- many of whom are usually equipped with just a handheld and a handheld beam... and many of those are just trying to make their first contact via our 'smart space debris'. - This practice alsso keeps 'honest' 5-watt'ers from being able to score needed Grid Squares as the neelessly-stronger stations carelessly override our signals... [aherm] especially when acting contrary to Suggestion '3'. 5) *Use Full Duplex* - Out of consideration for others, please do not try to make a contact via the bird without a full-duplex radio and the ability to hear others on the satellite. - Good-quailty Full-duplex FM radios are cheap and available online for as little as $100, or new for $250 (DJ-G7). - By hearing your signal on the bird, you will begin to hear and understand that your signal may be stepping on other operators also trying to get in. - As soon as you hear yourself on top someone else, consult Suggestion 4, and make a decision about how needed your contact is. In Summary: *YOU DO NOT OWN THE BIRD* * - *If it's a blank passband... THAT'S A GOOD THING! Every blank second is an opportunity for a new station to make a call, which is what we want. - ASSUME that there is ALWAYS someone new on, usually with just an arrow/elk and their handheld, trying to make their first contact. VUCC wasn't earned in a day, but it shouldn't take 3 passes for one operator to make a single contact. I believe I may be re-sending some variation of this [message] each time I encounter more of the operating practices I've recently observed on AO-91/92 and SO-50 which sparked this Email*. † 47 CFR § 97.313 <https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/97.313> - '...minimum transmitter power necessary' * Flagrancy may earn an edited copy of these suggestions sent directly to you. Repeated Flagrancy may earn a shame-mail to the group. /ch KG6O atsin arrl dot net

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More ancient technology Sat Tracker board and software
by Stephan Greene 05 Apr '20

05 Apr '20

More cleaning shack. Sat Tracker board and software. Looks like parallel printer interface to PC and 8 pin DIN to a G5400/5500 rotator control box. Includes frequency tracker add-on software on 3.5 floppy disk and Instant-Track (DOS) on 5.25 floppy and CD. No capability to check if floppies are readable. InstantTrack will run on a Win10 system using DOSBOX. Email me direct if you want it. All sent as-is. 73 Steve KS1G <callsign> at amsat.org

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Anyone want a Kansas City Tracker manual?
by Stephan Greene 05 Apr '20

05 Apr '20

Found while cleaning out shack. LL Grace KCT v 2.43A instructions, June 2000. Excellent condition. Email me direct your mailing address if you want it. No I can't scan and email it. 73 Steve KS1G

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Kudos: WB4SON and the AMSAT Ambassador Program
by Ev Tupis 04 Apr '20

04 Apr '20

I can't thank AMSAT enough for providing the AMSAT Ambassador program. This morning, the Rochester VHF Group convened it's first "Spring Session" of 2020 ... online! AMSAT Ambassador Bob Beatty, WB4SON kept everyone both interested and engaged. He is an extremely personable, knowledgeable and fluent speaker; an excellent AMSAT resource. His professionalism was evident as he ran two "test flights" with us prior to the live, online meeting. Everything was assured to run smoothly. I strongly endorse the AMSAT Ambassador program and recommend clubs big-and-small take pause to look into it more deeply: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/ While I'm certain that all AMSAT Ambassadors are well qualified, I can say for certainty that if you are lucky enough to get Bob's schedule to align with your clubs' then you are certain to have a successful event. Yours in the hobby, Ev Tupis, W2EV Chairman, Rochester VHF Group http://www.RVHFG.org Celebrating 71 years as the longest continuously active VHF oriented club in the known universe

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AMSAT Awards during Stay Home orders
by Bruce 04 Apr '20

04 Apr '20

So, you are sitting at home waiting to go back to work. You are working some of the passes of a satellite. Logging as you go. What are you going to do with all those contacts in your log? Easy… You apply for an AMSAT or ARRL award. The ARRL has Worked All States, DXCC and VUCC all with satellite endorsements. AMSAT has the Satellite Communicator Club for working your very first contact on a satellite. The easiest award to apply for. Go directly to the AMSAT Online store and purchase the award. In the comments enter the time/date, satellite and station worked. That’s it. No waiting for QSL cards, no waiting for LoTW confirmation. Then send me an email that you have paid for the award so I know there is one waiting to be processed. AMSAT has a few other awards. The AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement Award for working 20 different contacts in different US States, VE Call Areas and DXCC entities. Adding 40 more, you earn the AMSAT Sexagesimal Award and adding another 40 earns the AMSAT Century Award. Have you been keeping your log for a long time? You might already qualify for the AMSAT Robert W. Barbee Jr., W4AMI Satellite Operator Achievement Award. This award is for 1,000 contacts with anyone over a satellite. Endorsements for each 1,000 up to 4,000 and a special certificate at 5,000. There is also the South Africa AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement award. This award is for 25 contacts through a LEO satellite. As we have no HEO satellites at this time and only one GEO satellite you are pretty much good on almost any satellite you work. And the final one, the AMSAT Rover award. A bit much to explain here. You can get information on all the AMSAT Awards at http://www.amsat.org click on Services and click on the word Awards. You can also click on each of the individual awards to get information on each. Submission is easy for the AMSAT awards. Scan your QSL cards or screen shot your LoTW for each contact. Place them in a ZIP file, Word Document, PDF document and email them to kk5do at amsat dot org. I will then take a look at your submission, complete my documentation and email you to go pay for the award/s at the AMSAT online store. Remember, all satellites are COVID-19 free and you should have no hesitation making a contact through one. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat

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PSAT-2/NO-104 status
by Tomáš Urbanec 03 Apr '20

03 Apr '20

Hi all, NO-104/PSAT2 status The 2m/APRS side of the sat is still non operating for the unknown reasons. Any change or any packet heard would be welcomed. The 435MHz side of the sat is still going strong. The PSK31 transponder is operating flawlessly with occasional activity seen over the US. If you are operating through transponder, you are asked to stay within 400-1000Hz of downlink frequency. Lower you can interfere with the tlm beacons and higher you will be wiped off by the SSTV signal. The orbit is elliptical with apogee position period approximately 34 days. The 435.350MHz downlink frequency is temperature dependent a bit so best reception with any kind of SDR, where in waterfall you can see actual downlink freq. The greatest offset is seen after eclipse when sat is coldest. The downlink is operating in Sun only, it switches off entering the eclipse and switches on coming from eclipse or after 30minute timer. The tlm beacons transmit every 4 minutes. The spectrum of the signal is narrow, so in SDR you can use just 2kHz bandwidth gaining SNR. Two minutes after tlm, the SSTV picture is transmitted in 4 minutes intervals also. For reception best bandwidth observed is around 9500Hz. Transmitted pictures are alternating prestored ones and pictures from camera memory stored on orbit. Reception is possible on high passes with good omni antenna using the LNA in the quiet environment. But for the passes till horizon, directional antenna and LNA is needed. We are still looking for any stations capable of regular downlink receptions with position between 40deg South and 40deg North. If you can make the receptions available in IQ format it would be greatly welcomed. Station capable of uplink in 29MHz to sat can be selected as commanding station and then can acquire pictures in real time or store them in sequence. So you can get pictures of your side of the globe, just contact us. Further info and contacts can be found at https://github.com/alpov/PSAT-2/blob/master/README.md Best regards Tomas OK2PNQ

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ISS Operating Schedule
by John Lutz 02 Apr '20

02 Apr '20

Does anyone know where information regarding the operating schedule for the ISS crew can be found? Regards, John, N9JL Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

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