- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

Rocket Lab Launch update
by Wendy and Terry Osborne 03 May '19

03 May '19

Hi Folks, The next Rocket Lab Launch looks promising for this evening (NZST). The web stream should be starting at about 05:45 UTC (17:45 NZST). See: https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1124494283203940353 See here for the live streaming: https://www.rocketlabusa.com 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC

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Re: [amsat-bb] ARRL Antenna book, eggbeater antenna designs (not)
by Robert Bruninga 03 May '19

03 May '19

Eggbeaters are ideal antennas for omnidirectional coverage with dual polarization for strong signals with minimum fades.... But like any antenna, to get gain somewhere, you have to give up gain elsewhere. Here are all the issues and my opinions. 1) Satellites on the horizon are 10 dB farther away than ones above 22 degrees (2000 miles vs 700 miles). 2) Splitting gain into circular polarization (Eggbeaters) loses 3 dB compared to incoming linear polarization 3) Small sats usually have linear antennas or, if they have cross polarization then even if they are RHCP when approaching, they may be LHCP going away, thus you still have a 50/50 chance of having a polarization mismatch, though having both polarizations will minimize most fades. 4) Most small Amateur sateliltes have less than 1W transmitters and simply cannot be heard on the horizon without several dB gain. My Conslusions are: 1) An Egg beater is ideal for STRONG satellites (Think ISS with 10 Watts). It will minimize fades horizon to horizon. 2) But there are NO, NONE, NADA current amateur satellites (not even the ISS right now) at that power level. 4) Hence an eggbeater even with a dB or so gain on the horizon simply is not going to hear anything until the satellite gets above about 20 degrees (when it is 10 dB closer) 5) So, why even bother with an eggbeater. 6) Use a simple 19.5" quarter wave vertical over a ground plane (for 2m). It will have 5 dBi gain above about 15 degrees (several dB better than an eggbeater). 7) and it will ALSO WORK even better as a 7 dBi gain UHF antenna (3/4 wave vertical) above about 25 degrees up to 70 degrees (6 dB better than an Eggbeater)... AND it is DUAL band as well! (on the same coax!) BUT, what about the donut hole overhead for these vertical antennas? Forgetaboutit.!.... The satellite is only above 70 degrees about 1% of the total pass times per day! And then for less than about 30 seconds! To visualize the orbit actual geometry see the scale plot on: http://aprs.org/LEO-tracking.html So, in my humble opinion, a 19.5" vertical whip antenna in the middle of a car roof (neat ground plane) will give pretty good satellite coverage. It will have some fades due to only one polarization, but the strong part of the cycle will be 3 dB stronger than it would be on a dual polarizatiaon antenna. And you don't have to be parked on a mountain. Since again, no omni antenna can hear these weak satellites on the horizon anyway, so as long as the trees are far enough away to give you sky above about 20 degrees, you will have about the best coverage you can get for about a 20" of copper wire and a nice ground plane.. In my opinion anyway. AND*** If you want to hear them all the way horizon to horizon, buy a $65 TV rotator and attach a small 5 to 6 element beam tilted up at about 15 degrees and hear them all! See above web page... Bob, Wb4APR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces(a)amsat.org> On Behalf Of Devin L. Ganger via AMSAT-BB Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 4:19 PM To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] ARRL Antenna book, eggbeater antenna designs Greetings, programs! I'm looking to work with my son (who will be studying to get his Technician license later this month) on building a UHF/VHF pair of eggbeater antennas. I've found a few papers online, but does anyone have a good reference to a detailed design? Does the ARRL Antenna book latest edition have any significant coverage of eggbeaters at all? I have an older version that has nothing. Also, most of the designs I see are for a single band. If you're deploying a pair for satellite operations, do you simply attach them through a duplexer? I have a Diamond MX-72N that I picked up a while ago for using with dual Baofengs, but it's been sitting in my drawer since I picked up my TH-D72A. It has a 1.6~150MHz lead and a 350~460MHz lead. Thanks in advance for any pointers you might have. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email: devin(a)thecabal.org<mailto:[email protected]> web: Devin on Earth<http://www.devinonearth.com/> cell: +1 425.239.2575 _______________________________________________ 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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Unacceptable Content on AMSAT-BB
by Robert Bankston 03 May '19

03 May '19

The recent spat of AMSAT-BB posts have been disheartening, resulting in members not involved in the conversations to either unsubscribe or inquire of ways to activate filters. In order to preserve a constructive environment, messages posted to the AMSATBB must contain appropriate content and be respectful of all members and readers of the list. Please take a moment to refamiliarize yourself with Acceptable Use Policy for the AMSAT Public Mailing Lists, located at https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AMSAT-AUP.pdf. Further violators of this policy will be subjected to manual moderation or have their ability to post messages suspended. 73, Robert Bankston, KE4ALAMSAT-NA VP of User Services

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AMSAT supporting W6RO satellite activity during Memorial Day weekend (27-29 May 2019)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 03 May '19

03 May '19

Hi! After the successful "AMSAT on the Queen Mary" event last December, satellite operating will make a return to the RMS Queen Mary during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (25-27 May 2019), as part of the "Memorial Day Salute to Service" by the Queen Mary. W6RO will be on the satellites, as well as the HF bands, during these 3 days. The Queen Mary will be honoring those who have served in the armed forces, and in particular the Queen Mary's use as a troopship during World War II. The Queen Mary, along with other cruise ships, were pressed into service to ferry Allied soldiers around the world. Along with the other activities planned on the ship, some of which are already listed on the Queen Mary's web site at: https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/memorial-day/home/ The W6RO station, part of the Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach, will participate in these celebrations. W6RO will be on HF with stations located on the Sports Deck, near the ship's bow outside the W6RO Wireless Room. Even though satellites were still considered science fiction by many in the 1940s, W6RO will also work satellites during this event, with the support of AMSAT. The satellite operating will take place in the same area on the ship, around the Sports Deck. Satellite operations are planned for FM, SSB, and possibly the orbiting packet digipeaters. W6RO is located in the Port of Long Beach, in California's Los Angeles County. Long Beach is in grid DM03. QSLs for contacts with W6RO will be handled according to the instructions at: http://www.qrz.com/db/W6RO HF operators will provide a serial number with each HF contact, and this serial number needs to be included with a QSL request for those contacts. Serial numbers will *not* be required when requesting a W6RO QSL card for satellite contacts. W6RO does not participate in Logbook of the World. Thanks to David Akins N6HHR, the manager of the W6RO Wireless Room for the Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach, for organizing the radio-related activities for the Memorial Day weekend (including the satellite operations). Thanks also to the management of the Queen Mary, for allowing the radio activities outside the W6RO Wireless Room during this event. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK

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Re: [amsat-bb] ARRL Antenna book, eggbeater antenna designs
by Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL 03 May '19

03 May '19

At 03:39 PM 5/3/2019 -0500, you wrote: >Instead of building eggbeaters, pick up a few of these: > >http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-261 > >You'll also need a pair of these: ROFL!

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Re: [amsat-bb] ARRL Antenna book, eggbeater antenna designs
by David Swanson 03 May '19

03 May '19

Instead of building eggbeaters, pick up a few of these: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-261 You'll also need a pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Cable-Female-SO239-PL259/dp/B00KQHH7VC Hook those into your baofengs and you'll be just as effective on the Satellites as you would with some homemade 'beaters. Good luck! 73! -Dave, KG5CCI On Fri, May 3, 2019 at 3:38 PM David Swanson <dave(a)druidnetworks.com> wrote: > Instead of building eggbeaters, pick up a few of these: > > http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-261 > > You'll also need a pair of these: > > https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Cable-Female-SO239-PL259/dp/B00KQHH7VC > > Hook those into your baofengs and you'll be just as effective on the > Satellites as you would with some homemade 'beaters. > > Good luck! 73! > > -Dave, KG5CCI > > On Fri, May 3, 2019 at 3:19 PM Devin L. Ganger via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > >> Greetings, programs! >> >> I'm looking to work with my son (who will be studying to get his >> Technician license later this month) on building a UHF/VHF pair of >> eggbeater antennas. I've found a few papers online, but does anyone have a >> good reference to a detailed design? >> >> Does the ARRL Antenna book latest edition have any significant coverage >> of eggbeaters at all? I have an older version that has nothing. >> >> Also, most of the designs I see are for a single band. If you're >> deploying a pair for satellite operations, do you simply attach them >> through a duplexer? I have a Diamond MX-72N that I picked up a while ago >> for using with dual Baofengs, but it's been sitting in my drawer since I >> picked up my TH-D72A. It has a 1.6~150MHz lead and a 350~460MHz lead. >> >> Thanks in advance for any pointers you might have. >> >> >> -- >> Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) >> email: devin(a)thecabal.org<mailto:[email protected]> >> web: Devin on Earth<http://www.devinonearth.com/> >> cell: +1 425.239.2575 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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AO-92 2020z today
by Ted Krempa 03 May '19

03 May '19

(What a mess was that pass) !! FYI, it's kind of hard to figure out how to log a contact that was giving a location as "67-68 line". I understand the concept of brevity, but not everyone is a mind reader Can someone fill in the grid letters from N7AGF's location, pls ? 73, Ted K7TRK

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AISAT-1 and LOTW
by alex weimer 03 May '19

03 May '19

Is there any time frame for adding AISAT-1 to LOTW ? I know they are waiting to see if there will be a request to for an Oscar number however we would like to log our contacts made through the Digipeater of AISAT-1 ! Thanks 73 JACK KC7MG

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Test
by Egon Backe 03 May '19

03 May '19

Testing.

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Re: [amsat-bb] Karl Janskey call sign
by Edward R Cole 03 May '19

03 May '19

https://www.astroleague.org/content/grote-reber-radio-astronomer As you can see W9GFZ was the callsign of another great RA pioneer, Grote Reber. Jansky's work came earlier as a engineer attempting to find the source of radio noise and stumbled onto the source as celestial. https://www.nrao.edu/whatisra/hist_jansky.shtml I see no reference to being a ham. Both antenna are on exhibit at entrance to GB (been there several times with SARA). Also visited VLA in spring of 1974 when it was under construction and may have been the first visiting engineer to get a tour (unofficial). I was working at Goldstone (NASA). In 1997 I was with the last tour to see the "Big Ear" telescope of Dr. John Kraus http://www.bigear.org/ 73, Ed - KL7UW Date: Thu, 2 May 2019 10:48:59 -0400 From: Jim JIpping <jhjipping(a)gmail.com> To: Kevin M <n4ufo(a)yahoo.com>, amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Karl Janskey call sign Message-ID: <33f4b650-cfed-f0b8-d522-289534d70a63(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Thanks, Kevin!?? You absolutely correct,? W9GFZ is the call and the club is in Socorro, NM.? When I was at Green Bank for the dedication of the GBT, I was on the understanding the group at GB had the call. BUT the NRAO is more than just GB.? I had a very nice personal guided tour of Socorro by one of the hams on staff there.? It was arranged by a good friend, Dr. Paul Vanden Bout, the then director of the NRAO. Paul and I both graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. I remember well the whole day I spent on site at the VLA. I was allowed to take several high school student to GB to use the 40 ft instructional telescope and learn about radio astronomy. We stayed in the dorm and had three activity filled days at the facility. I did this three years running.? What an experience! That was REAL science! As a physics teacher, I have to say that my experience at Green Bank and several? tours of observatories across the US I was privileged to take completely changed my perception of science and the scientific method. Any way, thanks for the correction.? I noticed the typo and was preparing to correct it? and, then, saw your post Jim Jipping, W8MRR, AMSAT 5512 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubususa(a)gmail.com

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-05-03 12:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 03 May '19

03 May '19

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-05-03 12:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC 59 deg Watch for live stream at: https://youtu.be/ZRVQdYdwbOE (***) Stream should start about 17:30 UTC (***) Moriah Central School, Port Henry, NY, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Tue 2019-05-07 13:15:35 UTC 55 deg The ARISS webpage is at http://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 http://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program’s education proposal window is open April 1 - May 15, 2019 March 24, 2019: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals beginning April 1, 2019, from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with learning opportunities about space technologies, communications, and much more through the exploration of Amateur Radio and space. The ARISS program connects students to astronauts on the ISS through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, other Amateur Radio global organizations and the worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in Amateur Radio. Educators report regularly that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers. One educator wrote, “Many of the middle school students who took part in and attended the ARISS contact have selected science courses in high school as a result of that contact.” Educators are setting up ham radio clubs in schools and learning centers because of students’ interest. ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and other STEM subjects. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal window opens April 1, 2019 and the proposal deadline is May 15, 2019. For proposal guidelines and forms and more details, go to: http://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answered will be offered April 11, 2019 at 7 pm Eastern Time and April 16, 2019 at 9 pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 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: http://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) http://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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 135 Francesco IKØWGF with 132 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 114 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2019-05-03 12:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1305. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1248. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://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: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2019-04-30 02:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 58 on orbit Oleg Konenenko David St-Jacques KG5FYI Anne McClain Exp. 59 on orbit Christina Koch Aleksey Ovchinin Nick Hague KG5TMV **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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Re: [amsat-bb] Sunday May 5th rove to FN11/FN21 Line and possibly FN12 - Postponed two weeks.
by Steve Nordahl 03 May '19

03 May '19

Due to heavy rain forecast for Sunday, my run to the FN11/FN21 line & (possible FN12) is postponed for two weeks. Now scheduled for May 19thSteve NS3L

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Re: [amsat-bb] AO91 In Trouble?
by Brad Smith 03 May '19

03 May '19

Umesh, I don't necessarily think that the people who step on us are necessarily simplex guys. Simplex people can hear when you are speaking. It is sad, but I believe it is very rude hams who believe they are more important. More like contesters who will step on anybody to get their contact. 73Brad KC9UQR In a message dated 5/1/2019 11:06:16 PM Central Standard Time, amsat-bb-request(a)amsat.org writes: It was one of the busiest passes I have encountered and it isn't even Saturday yet !! Heard many new calls and tried calling back but got stepped on, probably from guys operating simplex, finally got N7AGF when the bird was almost LOS.? No worries, it was a fun learning experience. ?73! Umesh

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Yaesu FT-757GX Mark I
by Brian Clark 02 May '19

02 May '19

Hello Everyone, I have a Yaesu FT-757GX Mark I that I would like to interface with some control software. I have a brand new USB to 3 Pin control plug. I found DXLab software, but it is a bit overwhelming. Is there another software package that someone can recommend since Ham Radio Deluxe does not support this model? 73's KF6FES Brian

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Re: [amsat-bb] AO-92 2020z today
by Zach Metzinger 02 May '19

02 May '19

On 05/02/19 17:56, W3AB/GEO via AMSAT-BB wrote: > No time to sort thru the twitter QRM. If I miss it, it was to be. Ditto. --- Zach N0ZGO

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Re: [amsat-bb] Karl Janskey call sign
by Kevin M 02 May '19

02 May '19

Hi Jim, If you will forgive the correction, Reber's callsign was W9GFZ. And while it may be the same club in both places, the call is assigned to the club's address at the observatory in Socorro NM, not WV. (And that's PO Box 'O'... not PO Box 'zero' for anyone wondering like I did.) I screwed up the link in my previous message, but here it is again, hopefully it will work correctly this time: https://www.nrao.edu/whatisra/hist_ham.shtml -------------------------------------------------- Both Janski's and Reber's radio telescopes are on display at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, WV, the home of the world's largest steerable radio telescope. If you ever get near the area, a stop at the facility with its many telescopes and excellent visitor's center is a MUST.The observatory's radio club has been granted Reber's call, W9GVZ, They use it to commemorate radio astronomy in special events. I spent several summers as a physics teacher studying radio astronomy at Green Bank and was able to help operate W9GVZ during a special event at the dedication of the Robert Byrd Telescope in August, 2000. I have to tell you that Green Bank is quite a place. I get back there as often as I can!

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 02 May '19

02 May '19

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada on 03 May. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:32 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and LU8YY. The contact should be audible over Argentina and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Mildred Hall, a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 School, is located in the heart of downtown Yellowknife with Frame Lake and its beautiful trail almost sitting in its backyard. It houses 271 students from the ages of 4 to 14 with very diverse backgrounds and cultures. Almost 80% of the students are Indigenous, so it boasts programming that is relevant to hands-on learning, science inquiry, outdoor experiential opportunities and the instruction of English, French and Dogrib. Our basic beliefs revolve around the acronym SOAR- Share what you have (S), Ownership (O), Achieve your very best (A) and Respect everyone and everything around you. (R). Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Why is space travel so important to astronauts and other humans? 2. I saw a picture you took of the northern lights and we have a lot of them over here in Yellowknife. Are you able to fly through the northern lights? 3. How do you see the sun from where you are? Is there a sunrise or sunset? Is it different to how we see it on earth? 4. How long are you there and how long can a person stay in space? Does it affect your body in anyway, causing irreversible consequences? 5. Do you constantly work up there? Do you do anything for fun? If so,what? 6. What is your favorite thing about being in space? 7. What is the most challenging thing about being in space? 8. Does your hair and nails grow at the same rate in space? Is there anything different about the way they grow? 9. If there is an emergency on the space station and you have to escape, is there an emergency pod? If not what happens? 10. What is gravitational time dilation? 11. How do you keep time in space? Are you in a time zone? 12. Do you think humans will ever live on another planet? 13. What were you thinking when you blasted off? 14. What is the strangest thing you have ever seen or experienced in space? 15. Is it as silent as movies show? Why? 16. What do you miss the most while you are there? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Walter Murray Collegiate Institute, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada via LU8YY. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Mon 2019-05-06 17:35:50 UTC 2. Moriah Central School, Port Henry, NY, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Tue 2019-05-07 13:15:35 UTC 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 Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Diwata-2, PO-101 times clarification.
by Nicholas Mahr KE8AKW 02 May '19

02 May '19

Hi Tom, They are in UTC+8. However next week when they release the new schedule it should just be in plain regular UTC time to make it less confusing. In the mean time use this calculator to convert it https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html?iso=20190423T040000&p… . As of right now its only on late at night here in NA during east coast passes roughly past 1:00 AM in the morning. - Nick KE8AKW

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Diwata-2, PO-101 times clarification.
by tjschuessler＠verizon.net 02 May '19

02 May '19

Looking at the schedule for FM repeater use on Diwata-2 available at https://twitter.com/Diwata2PH, I assume the times listed there are local but denoting they are UTC+8. Looking at Diwata-2 passes over the US, I think this means that these times are mot in sync with North America availability? I may well be miscalculating though so please correct if wrong. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms

1 0

Formatting HRD Passes File
by k6vug＠sbcglobal.net 02 May '19

02 May '19

I have been using HRD for a long time, it produces a very useful text file, called "passes.txt", listing the pass predictions for your grid square. If you use HRD Satellite and know how to create the passes text file, you'll know what I'm referring to. I have created a simple utility that formats the text file for better readability. The utility can be downloaded at the link below. I use it all the time and am passing it along if anyone may find it useful. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YPzTaLsp7deFUd8CyoHADbyH9G5vR-z0 In this public folder look for the file called "HRDPassesFormatter.exe". There nothing to install just download it to a convenient folder and double-click to run it. All you have to do is to select the HRD passes file. 73! Umesh k6vug

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Satellite/AMSAT presentation & demo in Mesa AZ on 21 May 2019
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 May '19

01 May '19

Hi! I will give a presentation on how to work amateur satellites and AMSAT, along with a demonstration of satellite operating, during the Superstition Amateur Radio Club's monthly meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2019. The meeting will be at the City of Mesa's Charles K. Luster Building, located at 640 N. Mesa Drive. in Mesa, Arizona. This is on the west side of Mesa Drive, and north of University Drive. The meeting starts at 7pm (0200 UTC on 22 May). More information about the club is available at: http://superstitionarc.org There appears to be an AO-92 pass coming by after the meeting wraps up, around 9.15pm (0415 UTC on 22 May). This pass should cover much of the continental USA. I plan on using this AO-92 pass for a demonstration of satellite operating. If you hear WD9EWK on that pass, please call and be a part of the demonstration. The meeting site is in Arizona's Maricopa County, grid DM43. QSOs made during the demonstration will be uploaded to Logbook of the World. QSL cards are available on request (please e-mail me with QSO details). Thanks, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK

2 1

Re: [amsat-bb] Fox -1B / AO-91 in trouble?
by Alan 01 May '19

01 May '19

Hans, Looks like if it IDs, the signal is normal and you get the usual 2 telemetry frames. If the transponder has been brought up, you get the odd signal, with a brief switch to DUV at the end, but no telemetry. The command staff have been notified. 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- <From: Hans BX2ABT [mailto:[email protected]] <Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 01:14 AM <To: APBIDDLE(a)MAILAPS.ORG <Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Fox -1B / AO-91 in trouble? < <Hello Alan, < <Then you were luckier than I was. I couldn't get anything. Let's just <wait and see. < <73 de Hans < <BX2ABT < < <On 04/30/2019 01:34 PM, Alan wrote: <> Hans, <> <> Saw your post, and was able to catch part of a pass here. As you described. <> <> <> There were two periods where the audio switched to the normal DUV <rumble, <> and I got 2 frames each time. <> <> 73, <> <> Alan <> WA4SCA <> <> <> <-----Original Message----- <> <From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of <Hans <> <BX2ABT via AMSAT-BB <> <Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 00:05 AM <> <To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <> <Subject: [amsat-bb] Fox -1B / AO-91 in trouble? <> < <> <Just had a good pass from Fox-1B, but it seems the bird is in trouble. <> <No telemetry and no voices heard, just weird noises. I put a screen shot <> <on my website: BX2ABT.com. Let's just hope a reset will cure this bird. <> <73 de Hans (BX2ABT) <> < <> <_______________________________________________ <> <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 <> <> <> <>

9 13

Satellite Demo at Messilla Valley Radio Club Swap Meet
by Dan Eggert 01 May '19

01 May '19

This Saturday, May 4th., I will be doing satellite demonstrations at the Mesilla Valley Radio Clubs annual bean feed and swap meet in Las Cruces New Mexico. The grid is DM62. I will be working the passes on the FM voice satellites AO-91, AO-92 and SO-50. Dan Eggert - AC9E Sent from my iPad

3 2

AMSAT @ Prescott (Arizona) hamfest, 31 May & 1 June 2019
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 May '19

01 May '19

Hi! I will have an AMSAT booth at the Prescott Hamfest, a two-day hamfest at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, on 31 May and 1 June 2019. This is the Friday and Saturday following the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The hamfest is jointly sponsored by Prescott's Yavapai Amateur Radio Club and the Eagle Amateur Radio Club at ERAU. More information about the hamfest is available at: http://hamfest.w7yrc.org Along with the AMSAT booth, I will have demonstrations of satellite operating from the hamfest, located in Arizona's Yavapai County, grid DM34. If you hear WD9EWK on the satellites during these days, please call and be a part of the demonstrations. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, and QSL cards are available on request (please e-mail me directly with the QSO details). Updates during the hamfest will be available on my @WD9EWK Twitter account. If you do not use Twitter, you can see these updates in a web browser at: http://twitter.com/WD9EWK 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK

1 0

Voice Recorders
by Robert Hynd 01 May '19

01 May '19

What voice recorders, currently available, are members using for their portable ops? Bob N5URL Sent from my iPhone

5 5

WD9EWK @ DM52/53 on Friday (3 May), maybe DM51/52 on Saturday (4 May) afternoon
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 01 May '19

01 May '19

Hi! I previously mentioned my plans to visit the DM52/DM53 grid boundary in Graham County AZ on Friday, 3 May 2019: https://amsat.org/pipermail/amsat-bb/2019-April/072954.html I still plan on working the AO-91 and AO-92 passes around the middle of the day out there. After those passes and a lunch break down the road in Safford, I plan on returning to the DM52/DM53 line to work some SSB passes. I may even try a FalconSat-3 pass out there, too. I'm not sure if I will be able to work the 2118 UTC AO-7 pass from there, and not sure if AO-7 would be in mode B at that time. I do plan on trying the 2250 UTC FO-29 pass from DM52/DM53, and some of the XW-2 passes after that. I still need to make it to DM41 for the evening, so I definitely won't stay out at DM52/DM53 after dark. My travels should be visible as WD9EWK-9 on APRS: http://aprs.fi/WD9EWK-9 and updates during the day will be posted on my @WD9EWK Twitter feed, which is also visible at: http://twitter.com/WD9EWK For Saturday in the late afternoon, I may make a quick stop on the DM51/DM52 grid boundary in Cochise County AZ. I was just at this spot in late March, but some have asked if I could make a return trip and put that grid boundary on the air. There aren't any late afternoon FM satellite passes at that location, meaning it would only be on the SSB transponders, and maybe FalconSat-3 for those who work packet. Please check my @WD9EWK Twitter feed on Saturday for updates, to see if I am heading out there, as well as my APRS track. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, and QSL cards will be available on request (please e-mail me directly with QSO details - no need to first send me a card or SASE). Thanks, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK

1 0

W5PFG May planned roves
by Clayton Coleman W5PFG 01 May '19

01 May '19

May 11 EL18/28 (TX) FM only, AO-91 & AO-92 between 16:30-18:40 UTC. May 18 DN91 (NE) May 19-23 DN83 (SD) May 23-24 DN74 (WY) May 24-26 DN71 (WY) May 26-27 DM77 (CO) May 27-28 DM95/DM85 (TX) FM/SSB satellites, holiday-style. Open to schedules with EU. Twitter @w5pfg 73, Clayton W5PFG

1 0

Fw: VUCC Awards-Endorsements for April 2019
by Ronald G. Parsons 01 May '19

01 May '19

Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period April 1, 2019 through May 1, 2019. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! Lots of activity at the high end and low end of the list this month. Great! CALL APRIL MAY KO4MA 1656 1673 WA4NVM 1522 1536 N8HM 1068 1102 N8RO 1065 1068 K6FW 743 794 WD9EWK 537 550 K7TAB 430 531 N3GS 409 454 NS3L 400 426 AE5B 368 384 KE8FZT 301 325 AB5SS 102 306 G0ABI 252 304 K5IX 250 300 K9UO 265 300 NR0T 200 274 KE8AKW New 258 AD0HJ 200 225 AJ4A New 225 AD0DX 167 219 K2MTS 100 201 AB1OC 150 177 KJ4EU 101 151 WD9EWK (DM41) 107 127 LW2DAF 120 125 W0NBC New 106 KL2DN New 100 N7EGY New 100 VE3CWU New 100 WD9EWK (DM42) New 100 If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at <mycall>@<mycall>.com and I'll revise the announcement. This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for The two months. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing most of the work! Ron W5RKN

1 0

Karl Janskey call sign
by Nick Pugh 01 May '19

01 May '19

Hello All Karl Jaskey is the father of radio astronomy . Was Karl Janskey a license amateur if so what was his call sign? Tnx nick de k5qxj

3 3

Linear Transponder Up and Down link frequency calculator
by Wendy and Terry Osborne 01 May '19

01 May '19

Hi Folks, With the number of Linear Transponder Satellites that are operational or in the pipeline, I thought a simple program to convert uplink to downlink frequencies was worth writing. I’ve written one for Windows. You can find it here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4o375h6bygjxkzr/AABi9Ck9Wc6ODrhXwIVHxI-_a?dl=0 I’ve put the exe file and the same file in zip format. I have put all the current birds plus the ones that have launches pending. Just select the satellite of interest from the “Satellite” drop down menu, put your frequency into the text box and hit the Up or Dn calculate button. Let me know if you think this is useful. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC

6 10

iOS app Maidenhead
by Douglas Tabor 30 Apr '19

30 Apr '19

How much trust does one have WRT state boundaries and what Maidenhead displays? The borders are often not straight nor do they always align with Lat/Lon ... looking at Wyoming, we seem to have 8 more grids than our rectangular shape would have one believe (some from Colorado and others from Montana). Anyone else see this or similar? Thanks and 73, Douglas Tabor, N6UA - Sent from my iPad

4 3

Fox -1B / AO-91 in trouble?
by Hans BX2ABT 30 Apr '19

30 Apr '19

Just had a good pass from Fox-1B, but it seems the bird is in trouble. No telemetry and no voices heard, just weird noises. I put a screen shot on my website: BX2ABT.com. Let's just hope a reset will cure this bird. 73 de Hans (BX2ABT)

5 4

My first sat QSO
by Hans BX2ABT 30 Apr '19

30 Apr '19

It's been over a year since I decided to get busy with amateur satellites, and only now I've made my first sat QSO. For the last couple of weeks I have been trying to see which satellites I could reach with my home brew 2/70 cross yagis fixed at 20 degrees elevation. AO-91/92 were possible, but my IC-820H on loan has very low audio on FM, so I didn't dare to try. For some reason or another I can't get much signal from SO-50, but FO-29 was fine with CW and SSB. I tried Falconsat-3, but connecting the PC to the IC-820H is problematic, so I gave up for now. So Sunday night I was checking out a pass from CAS-4A and heard BD5EUA calling CQ in CW. At the spur of the moment I decided to answer him, just to see if I could. Well, I could get through the bird, but I was too late in answering him and the Doppler compensation didn't work, because BD5EUA was drifting up instead of down! Then an hour later, or so, a pass from CAS-4B and there he was again, still drifting up. So I switched off my Doppler correction and tried to get on his frequency. I put out my call and he came back to me with a 599, which I returned to him as well. So, yay! My first satellite QSO was in CW, not SSB, FM or digital. It wasn't a beauty of a QSO, but it counts. I made a screen recording of the whole ordeal and you can find it on my website: BX2ABT.com or here: https://youtu.be/Z7zRI_ALbpQ. I'm not proud of my keying, but I found I got fazed by the delay between my keying and the audio that came back from the bird. My first try to do CW over a satellite I did so with paddles, which was even worse, so this time I used a straight key (Chinese army made, kind of approriate), which I am more familiar with. Still, the delay wreaked havoc in my brain. Is the solution to turn of the side tone of my rig? Or maybe wearing headphones? Anyway, it was fun and we'll do it again. Heck, I might even become good at this!

1 0

Yaesu GS-232B Rotor Interface to computer RS-232C Port Help!
by cbs045＠charter.net 30 Apr '19

30 Apr '19

Hello list members, I have a new Yaesu GS-232B I'm having connection issues and could use some help. My system is a Dell XPS running Windows 7 Pro. Terminal emulator is PuTTY.exeThis computer uses a real RS-232C port set to the only choice of COM1. No COM2 port, parallel or printer ports are used with this machine. Port settings are 9600 baud, 8 bit, no parity, hardware control set to none. I'm sure my computer, RS-232C port and strait RS-232C cables are good because I have no trouble connecting to another device. (Juniper CTP-1002 router)I tried all combinations of hardware control options, port speeds and always get a blank screen with only a cursor when connected to the Yaesu GS-232B. Anybody have any suggestions what I might be overlooking? Thank You, N8OCX Brook Smith

1 0

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-04-30 02:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 29 Apr '19

29 Apr '19

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-04-30 02:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM), Costitx (Mallorca-Islas Baleares-España), Spain, telebridge via W6SRJ Participating schools: Colegio San José Obrero, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain and Colegio Luis Vives, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact was successful: Mon 2019-04-29 11:48:40 UTC 36 deg (***) Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/user/LuisVivesTV/live Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC 59 deg Walter Murray Collegiate Institute, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada via LU8YY (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS (***) The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Mon 2019-05-06 17:35:50 UTC 40 deg (***) Moriah Central School, Port Henry, NY, telebridge via K6DUE (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Tue 2019-05-07 13:15:35 UTC 55 deg (***) The ARISS webpage is at http://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 http://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program’s education proposal window is open April 1 - May 15, 2019 March 24, 2019: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals beginning April 1, 2019, from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with learning opportunities about space technologies, communications, and much more through the exploration of Amateur Radio and space. The ARISS program connects students to astronauts on the ISS through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, other Amateur Radio global organizations and the worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in Amateur Radio. Educators report regularly that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers. One educator wrote, “Many of the middle school students who took part in and attended the ARISS contact have selected science courses in high school as a result of that contact.” Educators are setting up ham radio clubs in schools and learning centers because of students’ interest. ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and other STEM subjects. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal window opens April 1, 2019 and the proposal deadline is May 15, 2019. For proposal guidelines and forms and more details, go to: http://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answered will be offered April 11, 2019 at 7 pm Eastern Time and April 16, 2019 at 9 pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 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: http://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) http://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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 135 Francesco IKØWGF with 132 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 114 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2019-04-30 02:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1305. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1248. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://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: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2019-04-30 02:30 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 58 on orbit Oleg Konenenko David St-Jacques KG5FYI Anne McClain Exp. 59 on orbit Christina Koch Aleksey Ovchinin Nick Hague KG5TMV **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

1 0

DSP-12 TNC?
by Robert Bruninga 29 Apr '19

29 Apr '19

Is there any market for an old DSP-12 TNC from LL-grace? Bob, WB4APR

1 0

Hot Rod Power Tour ++ Rove. June 2-27
by Robert Bragg 29 Apr '19

29 Apr '19

Myself and the Elco will be running the Hot Rod Power Tour again this year from June 8th – 14th. The ++ part of the rove will be the roving before the Power Tour and the roving following the Power Tour. https://www.hotrod.com/articles/hot-rod-power-tour-2019-dates-locations-jun… For the before, I plan to head south and start my roving on the DM77/78 gridline and head east from there on June 2nd – 5th, covering the line from DM77/78 all the way to EM87/88. Then with a stop in EM86 for a few days. If you are located anywhere near one of the Power Tour cities, please come out and see the events. It is a very impressive show. I will be working passes in each of the cities that we go to. For the after, I will be heading to New York for 10 days, and I plan to light up some of the FN field. Including FN01/11 gridline at some point. And then the trip back to Wyoming as well. Please watch for me on Twitter and look at my QRZ page for details. Each grid that I activate will be on FM, and when I have time, I will try to get some linear action in as well. And all contacts will be uploaded to LOTW as soon as travel schedule allows. Hope to work you from somewhere good. Cheers! R.J. WY7AA

1 0

Re: [amsat-bb] Good price on Kenwood TS2000X
by John Brier 29 Apr '19

29 Apr '19

No same one. Sorry I didn't know it had a pig tail for 1.2 GHz. I just saw the serial plate said 1200 MHz and assumed the N-connector was for 1.2 GHz. Thanks for the correction. 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Mon, Apr 29, 2019 at 3:00 PM Paul Andrews <w2hro.fn20(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > John, > > Maybe we are looking at different radios. > > > https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kenwood-TS-2000-HF-VHF-UHF-All-Mode-Ham-Transceive… > > This radio does not have the 1296 pigtail. > > 73 - Paul > > > > > > > On Mon, Apr 29, 2019 at 2:58 PM John Brier <johnbrier(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> The pics of the back of the radio seem to suggest it has 1.2 GHz. >> >> 73, John Brier KG4AKV >> >> On Mon, Apr 29, 2019 at 2:56 PM Paul Andrews via AMSAT-BB < >> amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: >> >>> John, >>> >>> The TS-2000 is great for satellites but this unit does not have the 1296 >>> MHz module. >>> >>> You can expect to pay $1200 for a good TS-2000X with the 1296 module >>> installed. >>> >>> 73 - Paul - W2HRO >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Mon, Apr 29, 2019 at 2:41 PM John Geiger via AMSAT-BB < >>> amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>> > Saw this when I was on ebay, this will get you on all of the >>> satellites, >>> > including AO92 when it goes into L/V mode. >>> > >>> > https://www.ebay.com/itm/283464552283?ul_noapp=true >>> > _______________________________________________ >>> > 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 >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >>

3 3

Good price on Kenwood TS2000X
by John Geiger 29 Apr '19

29 Apr '19

Saw this when I was on ebay, this will get you on all of the satellites, including AO92 when it goes into L/V mode. https://www.ebay.com/itm/283464552283?ul_noapp=true

3 2

AISAT-1-decode solution
by D. Craig Fox 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

So with the patience of Christy, KB6LTY, I finally had my first contact over AISAT today. I guess for the reasons talked about by others here, it is difficult (or impossible) to decode packets from this sat, at least on my TS2Kx running UZ7HO soundmodem and UISS. However, I did figure out that by putting the rx into NBFM mode, and fine tuning the sat downlink, I can now decode. Im not sure if the sat can digipeat a NBFM signal it receives, so I have been toggling the tx from NBFM to WBFM. SATPC's default for tx is NBFM if I put the rx in that mode. Next step is to modify the Doppler file to see if it will handle entry of NBFM for the rx mode only. Otherwise it's all manual. I welcome any other suggestions for decoding this sat's downlink. 73s Craig N6RSX

1 0

First 3B8 Ham satellite MIR-SAT1
by Jean Marc Momple 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

Dear All, I wish to inform you all that the first 3B8 satellite project, MIR-SAT1 is moving in the right direction as follows: 1) A WEB site is now available (in spite in its infancy): https://spacemauritius.com <https://spacemauritius.com/>, it has a HAM page (to be populated). 2) 3B8 Radio Amateurs are deeply involved with the project and this has already created a new generation of potential HAMs, some 7 (+/-) more candidates taking the exams in beginning May with at least 5 only due to the “bird”. In spite the figure may seems low, there are only about 20 active OM’s in 3B8, thus actually a relative huge progress in terms of potential HAM population. 3) The first secondary school (college) has built a receiving ground station last week and already received their first LEO's signals. This is a pilot project which will be extended to many schools in the coming months and surely create motivation for hundreds of students to become HAMs, hopefully we will see the HAM population grow exponentially in the coming months (this is my personal goal). 4) This project has the full support of the Mauritius Government and fully financed by the Mauritius Research Council which is a non-profit organization for the development of science and technological innovation. 5) The satellite will be launch by JAXA end this year from the ISS. 6) The final design is being finalized and details will be in shared to all on above mentioned WEB site. 7) IARU coordination will be applied for shortly, as soon as the final design completed. I would eventually request the HAM community to help us to collect Telemetry when the “bird” launched by end of this year, will keep you informed. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

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FalconSat3 with TH-D72a - not transmitting, like DCD on
by Chuck Swiger 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

No big issue, just curious if anyone has experienced this. Now that FalconSat3 is back in Eastern US in late evening before 10PM EDT, 36 minutes earlier every day as Bob pointed out, I'm trying to work aprs digipeater. Before, following these excellent guides https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FalconSAT-Stodda… and http://andrewbnortham.com/ke8fzt/falconsat/ I had success. Then something happened and my TH-D72a just sits there after pressing "BCON" with "STA" on the screen waiting - I have ensured, doubled checked, both A&B if that matters, downloaded with MCP and "Ignore DCD" is the setting, but it sure acts like it is ON! Having lots of luck decoding with direwolf, but my handset just won't transmit when signal is good :\

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Re: [amsat-bb] Karl Janskey call sign
by Kevin M 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

This article was written by a ham and is about hams contribution to radio astronomy. https://www.nrao.edu/whatisra/hist_ham.shtmlI think if he was a ham operator, it would have definitely been mentioned in the article. Side note... daughter and I got to visit the VLA in New Mexico back in 2016. (The Karl G Jansky Very Large Array - named for him) The size and scale of the place is just amazing, pictures don't do it justice. But I do have a couple pictures posted on my rover profile page that were taken while there. One of me 'wishing' I could hook up an HT to a dish and one standing at the foot of a dish. It dwarfs me completely... those dishes are two school bus lengths across! https://www.qrz.com/db/N4UFO/P ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello AllKarl Jaskey is the father of radio astronomy . Was Karl Janskey a licenseamateur if so what was his call sign?Tnx nick de k5qxj

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Satellite Demo planned at "Radio In The Park" event on May 4th
by k6vug＠sbcglobal.net 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

Each year South Bay Amateur Radio Association (SBARA) hosts a "Radio In The Park" event, at Fremont Central Park. The event attracts both hams and public alike and runs generally from 10am to 4pm. Several portable stations are setup and operated, like a tailgate party. I plan to setup a portable satellite station with a tripod and plan to work the FM birds at that time. We will be encouraging and helping hams in making their first satellite contact. I'm sure the passes will be quite busy on Saturday, but please look out for operators from CM97. Thanks in advance. 73! Umesh, K6VUG Fremont, CA [CM97] http://www.sbara.org

3 2

test
by Egon Backe 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

Testing.. Egon VE6EGN/SA3EGN

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IC-820H and CTCSS persistency
by Hans BX2ABT 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

I have an IC-820H on loan till I can afford my own rig. On it you engage the CTCSS tone with a button, but as soon as you turn the tuning knob it disengages the tone. This makes it impossible to use Gpredict to control the doppler shift. Anyone who knows how to make the tone continuously turned on? 73 from Taiwan. Hans BX2ABT

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test
by Nick Pugh 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

test nick Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn

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Re: [amsat-bb] Linear Transponder Up and Down link frequency calculator
by Wendy and Terry Osborne 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

Hi Martin, Thanks for that. Just added QO-100 to the list. (same link). 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC -----Original Message----- From: Martin Cooper Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2019 1:57 PM To: Wendy and Terry Osborne Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Linear Transponder Up and Down link frequency calculator Just FYI, it runs under Wine on Mac OS X. :-) Martin. KD6YAM On Sat, Apr 27, 2019 at 6:41 PM Wendy and Terry Osborne via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > Hi Folks, > > With the number of Linear Transponder Satellites that are operational or > in the pipeline, > I thought a simple program to convert uplink to downlink frequencies was > worth writing. > I’ve written one for Windows. > You can find it here: > https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4o375h6bygjxkzr/AABi9Ck9Wc6ODrhXwIVHxI-_a?dl=0 > I’ve put the exe file and the same file in zip format. > I have put all the current birds plus the ones that have launches pending. > Just select the satellite of interest from the “Satellite” drop down menu, > put your frequency into the text box and hit the Up or Dn calculate > button. > > Let me know if you think this is useful. > > 73, > Terry Osborne ZL2BAC > _______________________________________________ > 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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Upcoming ARISS contact with Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM) in Costitx, Spain
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 28 Apr '19

28 Apr '19

The ARISS contact with Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM) in Costitx, Spain scheduled for April 29, 2019 at 11:48 UTC is planned to be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/LuisVivesTV/live (***) --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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ANS-118 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 27 Apr '19

27 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-118 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, 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 communicating 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. In this edition: * AMSAT 50th Anniversary Issue of AMSAT Journal Available For All * PHL-Microsat Issues Diwata-2 Amateur Radio Unit Service Announcement * Coronation Station HS10KING/mm On Geostationary Satellite * SatNOGS Satellite Ground Station Article in HackSpace Magazine * AMSAT South Africa Developing AfriCUBE SDR-based CubeSat * Interview with Peter Gülzow, AMSAT-DL President * PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America * Upcoming Satellite Operations * ARISS News * Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.01 ANS-118 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 118.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. April 28, 2019 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-118.01 AMSAT 50th Anniversary Issue of AMSAT Journal Available For All We have made our special 50th Anniversary Edition of The AMSAT Journal available to all. If you enjoy this issue, please consider joining AMSAT today! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-118-Journal [ANS thanks AMSAT-NA Office for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PHL-Microsat Issues Diwata-2 Amateur Radio Unit Service Announcement On April 26 Philippines PHL-Microsat announced that Diwata-2's ARU or ham radio is now ready for service. While Diwata-2 is classified as an Earth-observing microsatellite - with 4 optical payloads or cameras tasked to gather data from space in the form of satellite images - it also carries an Amateur Radio Unit (ARU). The ARU introduced in Diwata-2 is a spaceborne module designed and manufactured in the Philippines. It is targeted for amateur radio communication, emergency and disaster response, and wireless experi- mentation and training. Operating modes will include: + FM voice repeater Uplink: 437.500 MHz FM (CTCSS 141.3) Downlink: 145.900 MHz FM + APRS message digipeater Uplink: 437.500 MHz 1K2 AFSK Downlink: 145.900 MHz 1K2 AFSK Callsign: DW4TA-1 By default, the ARU will operate as an APRS digipeater once a week on Sunday and can be changed as necessary via command link. + Morse-based beacon Downlink: 145.900 MHz + APRS-based beacon Downlink: 145.900 MHz 1K2 AFSK The ARU will send different beacon formats according to its scheduled/ announced operation. Morse-coded CW beacons are sent when ARU operates as FM voice repeater. Morse-coded CW beacons will be transmitted on a 2 minute cycle with 1 minute of transmission followed by a 1 minute pause. APRS beacons are sent when it operates as APRS digipeater. APRS beacon packets will be transmitted every 30 seconds, with a packet duration of 1-2 seconds. For schedule updates, follow @Diwata2PH on Twitter or via the publicly accessible web page at: https://twitter.com/Diwata2PH On April 11, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) desig- nated Diwata-2 as Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101). For more info on Diwata-2 ARU usage and schedules, follow us on Twitter: @Diwata2PH -or- follow their blog on-line at: https://blog.phl-microsat.upd.edu.ph/tagged/amateur-radio http://phl-microsat.upd.edu.ph/diwata2 [ANS thanks PHL-Microsat and the Diwata-2 Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Coronation Station HS10KING/mm On Geostationary Satellite To mark the Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X) from May 4-6, 2019 the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King will be operating a special event station The station will be operated from the Royal Thai Navy aircraft carrier, the Chakri Narubet, in the Gulf of Thailand from May 3-6 using the callsign HS10KING/mm. This station will be making QSOs in the 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre HF bands, on 2 metres VHF and also using amateur radio satellites, including the Es’hail-2 / QO-100 satellite. Consequently, the May meeting of RAST will be postponed to the second Sunday of the month, and will take place on Sunday May 12 at Sena Place Hotel when applications to take the upcoming Intermediate Class examination will be available As usual all RAST members are welcome to attend this meeting and hopefully they will be able to have a QSO with HS10KING/mm. [ANS thanks Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX via AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SatNOGS Satellite Ground Station Article in HackSpace Magazine The May edition of HackSpace magazine, issue 18, featuring articles by radio amateur Jo Hinchliffe MW6CYK is available as a free PDF. On pages 34-47 is his special feature on Space, which explains how you can build a SatNOGS satellite ground station to receive amateur radio satellites. Jo’s article Make a Slim Jim Antenna appears on pages 110-111. Also in the magazine, on pages 96-99, Ben Everard explains how to build an ISS count-down timer. You can download the free HackSpace magazine PDF from https://hackspace.raspberrypi.org/issues/18 Direct link to the PDF https://tinyurl.com/ANS-118-HackSpace [ANS thanks Jo Hinchliffe MW6CYK via AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT South Africa Developing AfriCUBE SDR-based CubeSat AMSAT SA has announced that parallel to its analogue Kletskous Cube- Sat, the group is working on a digital project featuring a Software defined transponder. Called AfriCUBE, the CubeSat will use the same space frame as KLETSKOUS. Anton Janovsky is current building a proto- type transponder. AMSATSA is inviting persons interested in becoming part of the development team to send their details to: admin(a)amsatsa.org.za. Meanwhile the development and final construction of the AMSAT SA KLETSKOUS is plagued by electronic component obsolescence. This forces unwanted design changes to be made to ensure that when the time comes to construct the final launch unit, the main components are still available. The KLETSKOUS team decided to freeze the design of KLETSKOUS and pur- chase a quantity of devices to proactively mitigate future obsolesce. This decision will also speed up the process of putting a final satel- lite on the table. "Every time we change designs to mitigate for the discontinued components, it is like starting the design a fresh, often creating new problems that have to be solved", Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP said. "By freezing the design, in other words making a final decision on the main specialised devices to be used, we will be able to speed up the process of putting a flight ready unit on the table." KLETSKOUS is not a textbook design. Most of the sub-components that will make up KLETSKOUS are designed and being built by the volunteer team. "We do not have the finances to go out and purchase sub-units and simply wire them up.", Coetzee said. Access the original posting, with photo, at: http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ [ANS thanks AMSAT South Africa for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Peter Gülzow, AMSAT-DL President On the occasion of the 4th Radio Day in Kassel, which is organized by DARC for the fourth time, an interview was conducted by the video portal Fascination Amateur Radio with Peter Gülzow, DB2OS, President of AMSAT Deutschland e.V., on the topic of QO-100/Es´hail-2. The video which is in German can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/ANS118-ON4WF AMSAT-UK suggests doing the following to support Closed Caption of this German Piece: "Select Closed Caption (CC) then in Settings Auto-Translate->English " [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America In a recent email via the AMSAT-BB Bob Bruninga wrote: PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America. See the coverage map for the APRS satellites on 145.825. There is a hole in Central America where the telemetry from these satellites can go for almost three full orbits and not be captured. All the rest of the world is covered. Coverage Map: http://aprs.org/psat2.html We'd like to fill that hole! Contact wb4apr (at) amsat.org [ANS Thanks Bob, WB4APR for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations Isles of Scilly (IN69) – April 20-27, 2019 A team consisting G4EDG, G4ELZ and G4GSA will be active from St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly EU-011 as GB5SM during April 20-27, 2019. QRV on HF bands, CW/SSB/Digi. Possible satellite activity too. QSL via LZ1JZ. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW & Club Log Vera Cruze State, Mexico (EK19) – April 25-28, 2019 Ismael, XE1AY, will activate Veracruz State, grid EK19wc, from 25 to 28 April. This will be a portable FM-only activation. Central and Northern Maine (FN53, FN54, FN55, FN56, FN57, FN65, FN66, FN67) – POSTPONED Join Matt, W1PY and Sean, KX9X as they team up for a weekend of ham radio through the Pine Tree State! Follow them as they activate the Potato Field grids of central and northern Maine for the satellite community, and hit some state parks on HF for the Parks on the Air and WWFF communities. There will also be spontaneous activations of curious roadside attractions as they roll through. Grids to be activated on satellite: FN53 – 54 – 55 – 56 – 57 – 65 - 66 – 67. A special effort will be made to activate the grid intersection of FN56-57-66-67 in the potato field north of Caribou. Detailed satellite operations schedule to be announced ASAP. For more information, check out https://t.co/2irvAUBvAu and keep an eye on Sean’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/SeanKutzko. EM61 – April 26 or 27, 2019 Jeff (WE4B), Marissa (W4AQT) and “Little Sister” will make a quick run to EM61 sometime during the weekend of April 26th/27th for anyone who needs the grid. Watch for specific date/pass announcements on Jeff’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/WE4Bravo Parque Estadual Canions do Rio Poty (Grid GI94) – April, 26 to 28, 2019 DXPedition ZV8FF will be active April 26th to 28th. Operators PS8RV, PS8ACM, PS8NF, and PS8BR announce HF bands in SSB, CW, FT8. In addition there is the possibility of Satellites FM, SSB and CW, so stay tuned. California (DM15) – April 27, 2019 Dave, AD7DB, will be in DM15 in the high desert town of North Edwards CA, just outside Edwards AFB. Planned passes are AO-91, AO- 92 and SO-50. More exact details on Twitter https://twitter.com/ad7db as the time approaches. Northern MI+ (EN84, EN92, EN93 – April 27-28, 2019 AA8CH and WW8W will be activating EN84 for the afternoon/evening of Saturday April 27th tentatively starting 1800UTC, then EN92/EN93 Sunday April 28th morning/early afternoon (AO7 looking for EU at 1700UTC). FM an linears. Watch Twitter feed for further updates https://twitter.com/charliehotel10. Waco, TX (EM11) – April 28, 2019 Brian, KG5GJT, will be visiting Waco, TX on Sunday, April 28th, and possibly Saturday night. No planned passes at this time, but keep an eye on Brian’s Twitter feed for further announcements https://twitter.com/KG5GJT. Northern Border Security Check (Minnesota to Washington) – April 29 to May 4 or 5th, 2019 Alex, N7AGF, is all set for his semiannual rover trip to activate rare and somewhat rare grids, from April 29th to May 4th or 5th (or longer depending on how things go). Alex will fly into Minneapolis and drive back to his home grid CN88, activating as many ENx8,ENx7,DNx8,and DNx7 grids as possible along the route. The hope is to hit many corners and lines. Alex will be on both linear and FM birds. As always, activations and route details will be posted to his Twitter @N7AGF at https://twitter.com/N7AGF . Alex will also be on APRS at https://aprs.fi/N7AGF-10 . In areas of limited cell service, he’ll be using inReach. Email or hit Alex on twitter with grid requests, route suggestions, or hot tourist attractions in Minot. Northeast North Dakota (EN06/EN07/EN08/EN16/EN17/EN18) – May 2-5, 2019 Mitch, AD0HJ, is heading out to the Grand Forks, ND Hamfest on May 4th, but also just goofing off for a few days in the general area. Mitch will be limited to working the FM Satellites only (SO-50, AO- 91, AO-92). Plans are to work EN17/18 on May 2, EN07/08 on May 3, EN17/18 again on May 4 (day of hamfest), and then EN06/16 on May 5. A full pass schedule will be viewable on the Twitter announcement https://twitter.com/KE4ALabama/status/1116524856781230080, and up-to- date pass info on Mitch’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/AD0HJ. Upstate NY (FN14, FN24) – May 3, 2019 Robert, KE2QI, activating the FN14/24 gridline Friday evening, May 3rd. Watch for updates on Rober’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/skyguydx Pennsylvania (FN11,FN21) – May 5, 2019 Steve, NS3L, will activate the FN11/FN21 gridline mid-morning to early afternoon of May 5th. In addition, he might go to FN12 afterward. FM & SSB Linear birds. Note, fair weather trip only. If heavy rain is forecast, he might postpone & reschedule. During the trip, Steve will be beaconing on APRS NS3L-9. See Steve’s Twitter feed for further updates https://twitter.com/NS3L FN13/FN14 Gridline – May 11-12, 2019 Michael, K2MTS will be in FN13/14 May 11-12, 2019, operating holiday style. Keep an eye on Michael’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/k2mts for specific pass announcements. Pennsylvania (FN00) – May 13-15, 2019 Tanner, W9TWJ, will be back in FN00 May 13th-15th, if anyone still needs it. Possible he will also do the 15th in EN90 again. FM evening passes. Will look into FN01 to see if it’s possible. Watch Tanner’s Twitter feed for pass details https://twitter.com/twjones85. Southwest South Dakota (DN83++) – May 19-23, 2019 Clayton, W5PFG, will be operating from DN83 on all FM/SSB satellites holiday-style , May 19-23. Open to schedules with EU. In the days proceeding he’ll be on from DN91 and in the days following from DN74, DN71, potentially DN70, and lastly DM99. Twitter @w5pfg Texas (EM13, EM22, EM23) – May 19-21, 2019 Ryan, AI6DO, has an upcoming business trip for fried pies and a satellite rove: Planning EM13 5/20 & 5/21, EM22/23 grid line 0000- 0300 5/20 & 5/22 UTC (5/19 & 5/21 local). Probably FM & APRS only. Updates via Twitter https://twitter.com/AI6DO Point Pelee National Park, Canada (EN81, EN82) – May 25, 2019 KM4LAO, Ruth, will head north of the border to activate Point Pelee National Park in Ontario EN81, Saturday, May 25th. Ruth may also do a pass or two from EN82 as time allows. Plan is for FM and linear satellite passes, as well at QRP HF. Call sign for this activation and subsequent LoTW upload will be KM4LAO/VE3. This will also be a CNPOTA activation, so please upload your log to the CNPOTA website https://cnpota.ca/. Further announcements will be posted on Ruth’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/KM4Ruth as we get closer to the activation date. Pacific Northwest (CN85, CN83/CN84, CN76/CN86) – May 31 to June 2, 2019 Casey, KI7UNJ, will be on in CN83/84 Friday, May 31st, CN85 Saturday, June 1st, and CN76/86 Sunday, June 2nd. Pass list to come in next few weeks. Iceland (HP95 IP15 IP25 IP03 HP03) – July 13-19, 2019 Adam, K0FFY, is taking his family (and his radios) to Iceland. Tentative schedule is HP95 July 13, IP13 and IP15 July 14-15, IP25 July 16, IP03 or HP93 July 17-18, and HP94 July 19. There’s a lot to see, so passes will be best effort and announced on Twitter shortly prior. https://twitter.com/K0FFY_Radio Please submit any additions or corrections to ke4al (at) amsat.org Updated April 26, 2019 See https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/ [ANS thanks Robert KE4AL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Recent successful ARISS Contacts + 2019-04-24 17:46 UTC between David St-Jacques KG5FYI, using ISS callsign NA1SS and Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN, USA Contact was direct via N9CHA. ARISS Mentor was Ryan W4NTR. + 2019-04-18 18:04 UTC between David St-Jacques KG5FYI using ISS callsign NA1SS and École internationale de Saint-Sacrement, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Contact was direct via VE2GHO. ARISS Mentor was Steve VE3TBD. Editor's Note: Hidden Oaks Middle School ARISS contact with David Saint-Jacques aboard the International Space Station, April 24, 2019. This video highlights the conversation and efforts of the teachers and ham radio operators who shared the excitement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEf7yURjZg8&feature=player_embedded [ANS thanks Greg N9CHA for the above information.] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Quick list of scheduled contacts and events as of 2019-04-26 20:30 UTC: Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM), Costitx (Mallorca-Islas Baleares-España), Spain, telebridge via W6SRJ Participating schools: Colegio San José Obrero, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain and Colegio Luis Vives, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Mon 2019-04-29 11:48:40 UTC Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/user/LuisVivesTV/live Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Shorts From All Over + F5UII documents receiving the 10 GHz downlink from Qatar Oscar 100 with SDR Console: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-118-F5UII [ANS thanks F5UII via Twitter for the above information) + What Are CubeSats? Space Daily present a look at the brief history of Cube Sats. Access here: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/What_Are_CubeSats_999.html [ANS thanks Space Daily 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, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, AA8EM aa8em at amsat dot org

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WD9EWK @ DM52/DM53 on Friday (3 May 2019)
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 27 Apr '19

27 Apr '19

Hi! Next Friday (3 May 2019), I will make a stop on the DM52/DM53 grid line in Graham County, Arizona, for a few hours. These grids are rarely heard on the satellites, and I was last on from this area in late December 2018. I hope to work the AO-91 and AO-92 passes, along with maybe some SSB passes from this area. If I get out to this spot early enough, I may also be able to work an SO-50 pass from here. I can't spend all day out here, as I need to head toward Sierra Vista in southeastern Arizona for a hamfest on the next day (Saturday, 4 May 2019). My travel should be visible on APRS as WD9EWK-9: http://aprs.fi/WD9EWK-9 Updates on Friday will be available on my @WD9EWK Twitter feed. If you do not use Twitter, please use the link at the bottom of this e-mail to view my tweets in a web browser. QSOs made from DM52/DM53 will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, and QSL cards are available on request (please e-mail me directly with QSO details - no need to first send me a card or SASE). 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK (sent to AMSAT-BB on Saturday @ 1717 UTC)

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Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, vol 14, Issue 167 “Re: Voice Recorders”
by Robin Burke 27 Apr '19

27 Apr '19

There is an excellent video on YouTube by Jerry KG6HQD (https://youtu.be/8n-ANTQTmUU) explaining how to set up a relatively inexpensive (88€ here in France on-line) Zoom H1n for use as a voice recorder with his SOTA portable rig. As he points out, one needs to take care to test the levels with your rig. This wasn’t specifically targeted at satellite use but should work great with an HT for sat passes. A mobile phone works just fine but if you use it for pass tracking (as I do) it becomes a hassle. Plus, by taking the audio from the HT directly and using headphones with the recorder (as I do with my TH-d72a) it makes for much better audio. Rob Burke (W2RSB / F4WCM) robinsburke(a)aol.com Rob Burke 137 bd de la République 92420 Vaucresson FRANCE Mobile: +33 (0)6 30 33 18 48 eMail: robinsburke(a)aol.com

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca, Costitx, Spain
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 27 Apr '19

27 Apr '19

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca, Costitx, Spain with participating schools Colegio San José Obrero, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain and Colegio Luis Vives, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain. on 29 Apr. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 11:48 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Story: Sant Josep Obrer School was founded 64 years ago, and has more than 3000 students, ages ranging from 2 to 21. Luis Vives School was founded 59 years ago, and has more than 1300 students, ages ranging from 2 to 21. Both centers are from Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The school forms part of the 120 best Spanish schools. 180 pupils of 15 years old have participated in the whole project. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. When did you decide you wanted to be an astronaut and why? 2. Is it uncomfortable to sleep at zero gravity? 3. How did you feel the first time you arrived in space? 4. We have read that the ISS uses gyroscopes. What are they used for? 5. Why is it that from Earth we can see a blue sky and from the ISS you aren't able to? 6. What do you feel when you wake up every morning and see the world so far away with all its colours and its oceans.? 7. Why do you have to modify the ISS orbit on a regular basis? 8. How do you maintain the facilities on board the ISS? 9. How do you recycle water? 10. What type of food do you eat on the ISS? 11. What's an astronaut's daily routine on board the ISS? 12. What impresses you the most about this whole experience? 13. What exercises do you do to maintain a good physical condition? 14. When you are sick, what do you do? 15. What would you like to do that nobody has ever done in space? 16. In your space menu, do you have a favorite dish? 17. What was the most difficult test you had to pass to become an astronaut? 18. Is it hard to adapt to the conditions in outer space? 19. What type of activities can you carry out\do during your free time in space? 20. Does a watch onboard the ISS keep the same time as if it were on Earth? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC 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 Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America
by Robert Bruninga 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America. See the coverage map for the APRS satellites on 145.825. There is a hole in Central America where the telemetry from these satellites can go for almost three full orbits and not be captured. All the rest of the world is covered. Coverage Map: http://aprs.org/psat2.html We'd like to fill that hole! Contact wb4apr(a)amsat.org Thanks Bob, WB4aPR

3 2

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-04-26 20:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-04-26 20:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM), Costitx (Mallorca-Islas Baleares-España), Spain, telebridge via W6SRJ Participating schools: Colegio San José Obrero, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain and Colegio Luis Vives, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Mon 2019-04-29 11:48:40 UTC 36 deg Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/user/LuisVivesTV/live (***) Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC 59 deg The ARISS webpage is at http://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 http://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program’s education proposal window is open April 1 - May 15, 2019 March 24, 2019: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals beginning April 1, 2019, from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with learning opportunities about space technologies, communications, and much more through the exploration of Amateur Radio and space. The ARISS program connects students to astronauts on the ISS through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, other Amateur Radio global organizations and the worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in Amateur Radio. Educators report regularly that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers. One educator wrote, “Many of the middle school students who took part in and attended the ARISS contact have selected science courses in high school as a result of that contact.” Educators are setting up ham radio clubs in schools and learning centers because of students’ interest. ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and other STEM subjects. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal window opens April 1, 2019 and the proposal deadline is May 15, 2019. For proposal guidelines and forms and more details, go to: http://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answered will be offered April 11, 2019 at 7 pm Eastern Time and April 16, 2019 at 9 pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 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: http://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) http://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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 135 Francesco IKØWGF with 132 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 114 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2019-04-26 20:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1304. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1247. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://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: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2019-04-24 20:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 58 on orbit Oleg Konenenko David St-Jacques KG5FYI Anne McClain Exp. 59 on orbit Christina Koch Aleksey Ovchinin Nick Hague KG5TMV **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

1 0

Rove to EM57/56
by Michael Whitman 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

Heading out to EM57/67 on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Will post satellite passes the week prior but I plan to be on the 15z-21z passes of AO-9x and SO-50, FM only. 73, Michael, N4DCW -- Michael Whitman (904) 557-8243 images(a)michaelwhitman.net <mailto:[email protected]> Louisville, KY, USA

1 0

Owen Garriot -W5LFL
by Francis Geraci 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

It was one of the "larger" thrills hearing Owen call "CQ North America" from STS-9. I still have the "prized" QSL card. It was dumb luck that I heard Him. I was on my way home from work, listening to my VHF Micor, when He called CQ. I almost drive off the road. Anybody remember the frequency ?? Most likely 146.52. My "converted" Micor only did FM, of course. And, 1983 were the day's of the "hand tracked" RS series of Sats. Much fun. RIP, Owen W1FXX Fla. Keys

1 0

Sunday May 5th rove to FN11/FN21 Line and possibly FN12 to follow.
by Steve Nordahl 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

On Sunday May 5th Mid Morning to early afternoon, I'll be making a run to FN11/FN21 line. I'll also possibly make a run up to FN12 after the FN11/FN21 operation. It will be what ever passes come during that time FM & SSB Linear birds. Note this will be a fair weather trip only. I weather calls for heavy rain I may need to postpone and reschedule. During the trip, I'll be beaconing on APRS (NS3L-9). Steve NS3L

1 0

KX9X-W1PY Maine Rove POSTPONED
by Sean K. 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

Friday - April 26 1000 UTC: We are sorry to announce that we have had to postpone our rove to Maine this weekend. Matt, W1PY, is very ill and is not able to travel. We held out hope that he would get well enough to make the trip, but we have made the decision to cancel Friday morning. Once Matt is well, we will look to reschedule this rove as soon as possible. We feed bad and are very sorry we are not able to give you new grids this weekend. Stay tuned for updates in the next few days. Sean Kutzko Amateur Radio KX9X

2 1

EN84/EN92/EN93
by aa8ch 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

Hi! Ops AA8CH and WW8W are planning to activate EN84 Saturday afternoon April 27 and EN92/EN93 Sunday morning/afternoon April 28. QSL to LOTW! Hope to hear anyone who needs these grids. 73Chris AA8CH

2 1

Next Rocket Lab launch
by Wendy and Terry Osborne 26 Apr '19

26 Apr '19

Hi Folks, The next Rocket Lab launch window is scheduled to start on May 4th NZST at 18:00 to 22:00 (06:00 to 10:00). So that will be in the dark. See: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/next-mission/launch-complex-1/ They should be streaming it from their web site. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC

1 0

Tripod for Arrow
by Chris Pohlad-Thomas 25 Apr '19

25 Apr '19

Can anyone please provide a recommendation on a tripod to use with an Arrow II? I want to make sure I find something that can handle the weight and do a 90 degree turn. Chris KC1E -- Chris Pohlad-Thomas

9 9

HS1ØKING/mm.
by Tanan Rangseeprom 25 Apr '19

25 Apr '19

Dear AMSAT member To mark the Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X) from May 4 to May 6, 2019 the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King (RAST) will be operating a special event station from the Royal Thai Navy aircraft carrier, the Chakri Narubet, in the Gulf of Thailand from May 3 to May 6 using the callsign HS1ØKING/mm. This station will be making QSOs in the 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre HF bands, on 2 metres VHF and also using amateur radio satellites, including the Es'hail 2 / QO-100 satellite. Consequently, the May meeting of RAST will be postponed to the second Sunday of the month, and will take place on Sunday May 12 at Sena Place Hotel when applications to take the upcoming Intermediate Class examination will be available As usual all RAST members are welcome to attend this meeting and hopefully they will be able to have a QSO with HS1ØKING/mm. Sincere 73, Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX RAST Vice-President RAST English-language website: https://www.qsl.net/rast/

1 0

A Modern Oscar Locator
by Chris Thompson 25 Apr '19

25 Apr '19

I wanted a simple program that showed when target spacecraft would be above the horizon. I remembered a picture of an old program that Rob Bruninga posted on AMSAT-BB some time ago. I could not find that picture, but I built something similar and it looks like this: http://www.g0kla.com/klatrack/klatrack_dark.png It's a simple program that plots the elevation of upcoming satellite passes as a horizontal display and then updates it in real time. It does a one time calculation to fill its buffer of positions, then its pretty efficient because it just calculates the next position it needs in the future. The details and the download are here: http://www.g0kla.com/klatrack/index.php Thanks again to Dave Johnson (G4DPZ) for his port to Java of John Maglicane's (KB2BD) predict library. The is made available under the Gnu GPL and I will upload the code to github when I get a chance. 73 Chris -- Chris E. Thompson chrisethompson(a)gmail.com g0kla(a)arrl.net

7 10

Using an Arrow Antenna With Only Two Hands
by Corlissbs 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

I do not use a tripod with my Arrow antenna. But I do want to record the pass for logging ease. I do not want the outside sounds to be picked up by my recording device, which is my iPhone. So, I hard wire from the radio and my Heil, boom headset directly into my iPhone. I did have to put a mini guitar amp in line, between the radio and the phone It is called an “Appoge Jam 96K.” It works perfectly and draws it’s power from the iPhone. A perfect recording that I can use for logging. Brad Smith KC9UQR

1 0

KlaTrack [ Problem Saving Settings ]
by Les Rayburn 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

Thanks (as always) for the great advice received on this forum. The problem with KalTrack turned out to be Windows 10 resizing the “settings” window so that “SAVE” and “CANCEL” buttons were not visible. Simply grabbing the lower right corner of the window and stretching it did the trick. Everything working great now. I had a couple of points of confusion along the way: Whenever the author recommends downloading Java Runtime Environment, that really just means “Java.” Download and install the latest version of Java—and uninstall any older versions. As many pointed out, “Run as Administrator” works best. This is a great piece of software to help quickly visualize what passes are coming up. Just what I needed. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member

3 2

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-04-24 20:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2019-04-24 20:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN, direct via N9CHA The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact was successful: Wed 2019-04-24 17:46:31 UTC 52 deg (***) Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM), Costitx (Mallorca-Islas Baleares-España), Spain, telebridge via W6SRJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Mon 2019-04-29 11:48:40 UTC 36 deg Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC 59 deg The ARISS webpage is at http://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 http://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ARISS Contact Applications (United States) The ARISS webpage is at http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program’s education proposal window is open April 1 - May 15, 2019 March 24, 2019: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals beginning April 1, 2019, from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with learning opportunities about space technologies, communications, and much more through the exploration of Amateur Radio and space. The ARISS program connects students to astronauts on the ISS through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, other Amateur Radio global organizations and the worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in Amateur Radio. Educators report regularly that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers. One educator wrote, “Many of the middle school students who took part in and attended the ARISS contact have selected science courses in high school as a result of that contact.” Educators are setting up ham radio clubs in schools and learning centers because of students’ interest. ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and other STEM subjects. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal window opens April 1, 2019 and the proposal deadline is May 15, 2019. For proposal guidelines and forms and more details, go to: http://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answered will be offered April 11, 2019 at 7 pm Eastern Time and April 16, 2019 at 9 pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 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: http://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) http://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 http://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? 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 **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 135 Francesco IKØWGF with 132 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 114 **************************************************************************** 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. 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 2019-04-24 20:30 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. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1304. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1247. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://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: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2019-04-24 20:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 58 on orbit Oleg Konenenko David St-Jacques KG5FYI Anne McClain Exp. 59 on orbit Christina Koch Aleksey Ovchinin Nick Hague KG5TMV **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

1 0

Re: [amsat-bb] Tripod for Arrow
by Ryan Noguchi 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

There have already been a lot of good comments on the list on why handheld antennas work a lot better if you can manage it, and I'm definitely in that camp. My experience with my home station (an Elk on a tripod in the attic with an azimuth-only TV rotator and a fixed elevation of about 18 degrees) also corroborates this, as I find that mismatched elevation makes very little difference, but mismatched polarization makes a huge difference. When I was confined to a fixed location, one trick that I've found helped is to suspend the tip of the antenna to bear part of its weight. In my back yard, I have strung up some horizontal (non-conductive) lines that are at about the right height for me to hold the Arrow horizontal with my arm extended and the tip of the antenna resting on the line, with line "hooked" on the forward-most element. This saves a lot of fatigue on those long portions of the pass when the elevation angle is low, provides added height to reduce the workable elevation angle, and enables almost complete freedom of rotation for polarization. I've used this approach with both the Elk and the Arrow to good effect. It does require a little more practice and attention with the Arrow due to the crossed geometry, but it was certainly very workable. I have the lines strung out in three directions optimized for different pass geometries, which was more useful for the Arrow than the Elk. I don't use them much any more since I got over my fear of being "outed" and started operating in full view of the public. Operating completely pedestrian-portable is also very handy if you have to move during the pass to clear obstructions or distance yourself from (audio) noise sources. Operating writing-hand-free can be very doable, even without VOX. I hold the antenna with one hand, and leave the other hand free for tuning, logging in real time, pressing the earpiece PTT switch, and occasionally holding an umbrella. 73, Ryan AI6DO

2 1

KlaTrack [ Problem Saving Settings ]
by Greg Winterflood 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

Gday Les and Joe, I wonder if you have installed the Java 1.8 runtime environment which is required? You can download it from java.com. The file which keeps all your saved preferences can be found in your "Home" directory here: C:\Users\winte\KLATrack where "winte" is the first part of my surname. Of course you will have a different identified. 73s from PG66wh Greg *Greg Winterflood VK8KMD* *5 Burke Street, Alice Springs* *EAST SIDE* *Northern Territory * *Australia 0870*

1 0

AMSAT on HF
by skristof＠etczone.com 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

I had a power outage a couple of days ago and I lost part of my "AMSAT on HF" log. (You don't need to ask if I was keeping a backup.) If you have had a 50th anniversary "AMSAT on HF" QSO with me, could you please send me the info? It was most likely in the first half of April. Thank you! Steve AI9IN

1 0

[amsat-bb} Tripod for Arrow
by Bob Liddy (K8BL) 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

Chris, I use a TRIKON Tripod and it has worked very well for me for 6 years of roving in 3 Countries and 119 Grids. You can see it on my QRZ Page. https://www.qrz.com/db/K8BL Notice that I installed a counterweight to balance the Arrow. I built a "foot" for the Arrow that simulates a camera and quickly attaches to the tripod. The tripod gives me the capability to swivel the antenna 360 degress and elevate 0-90 degrees and change polarity 0-90 degrees. The tripod has collapsible legs and is very lightweight. Everything easily comes apart and fits in a normal suitcase. Since I operate from the tail end of my vehicle, the tripod allows me to aim the antenna at AOS and sit and wait for the action. Some folks like a handheld arrangement and some folks like a tripod and each have their good reasons. My reasons are that my old arms get tired too quickly waving the antenna around. And, it's too cumbersome to tune the radio and hold the mic and fiddle with the recorder and deal with the antenna and watch the pass info on the cellphone simultaneously. Besides, the SAT doesn't change so quickly that the antenna needs to be adjusted constantly. GL/73, Bob K8BL (AMSAT #6593) -------------------------------------------- On Wed, 4/24/19, Chris Pohlad-Thomas via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: Subject: [amsat-bb] Tripod for Arrow To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 9:26 AM Can anyone please provide a recommendation on a tripod to use with an Arrow II? I want to make sure I find something that can handle the weight and do a 90 degree turn. Chris KC1E -- Chris Pohlad-Thomas

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Re: [amsat-bb] Tripod for Arrow
by John Kludt 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

Chris, I just use a standard Walmart camera tripod. There is a drilled and tapped hole under the rubber handle for the camera mounting screw on a camera tripod. John Sent from my Verizon Motorola Smartphone On Apr 24, 2019 06:26, Chris Pohlad-Thomas via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > Can anyone please provide a recommendation on a tripod to use with an Arrow > II? I want to make sure I find something that can handle the weight and do > a 90 degree turn. > > Chris > KC1E > > -- > Chris Pohlad-Thomas > _______________________________________________ > 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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DM48 QSOs
by Bob Keating 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

To everyone who contacted me while I was roving in Capital Reef NP last Thursday, 4/18... I seem to have fouled up my upload to LoTW, all the entries are listed in grid DM58 instead of DM48. I tried to correct and upload to LoTW again, but it seems that most of our contacts have already been confirmed on LoTW. I will be happy to send any and all of you a QSL card confirming our contact, unless someone can tell me how to correct my mistake so you all can get a QSL out of LoTW. Bob N6REK

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DM48 QSOs
by Kevin M 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

Bob, what did you correct? If you upload the EXACT SAME LOG, just sign it with a different location set within TQSL, then it should correct the details of all those already confirmed contacts. I remember making a 'location error' on a grid trip once (might have been county, not grid) and fixed it just as described. The only QSLs that might require some other type of 'fix' beyond that is if the person has already turned in the QSL for VUCC credit (as the incorrect grid) on an application. If you correct things quickly, the likelihood of that is low. To everyone who contacted me while I was roving in Capital Reef NP last Thursday, 4/18... I seem to have fouled up my upload to LoTW, all the entries are listed in grid DM58 instead of DM48. I tried to correct and upload to LoTW again, but it seems that most of our contacts have already been confirmed on LoTW. I will be happy to send any and all of you a QSL card confirming our contact, unless someone can tell me how to correct my mistake so you all can get a QSL out of LoTW. Bob N6REK

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Upcoming Satellite Passes--Best Tool Question
by Les Rayburn 24 Apr '19

24 Apr '19

I need some advice, and I promise to be grateful. Trying to work a sked tonight with Jeff W4EB on EO-88 and yours truly made a series of newbie mistakes. Since becoming involved in satellites, I’ve always relied on the “Countdown” program within SatPC32 to let me know what passes were coming up at my location. Tonight I learned that I’ve been missing God knows how many passes per day! The Countdown software will only display one (1) upcoming pass for a given satellite at your location until that satellite has disappeared from view. In the case of EO-88, I actually had two passes overhead about an hour apart, but only knew about the first one. Strictly Windows 10 PC in the shack. What’s the best tool to use to help me visualize ALL the upcoming passes for the next twelve hours or so at my location. I love the Countdown format, just want to be able to see multiple passes from the same birds. P.S. The other newbie mistake was forgetting to switch my antenna back to the IC-910H after doing an APRS pass earlier on the D-710. DUH! I really need to invest in an IC-9700. Thanks Jeff for your patience. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member

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EM61
by Jeff Johns 23 Apr '19

23 Apr '19

I have had many people contact me needing EM61. If the weather agrees, myself and my daughter, W4AQT, will make the 20-30 drive and activate it this weekend. As we get closer to the weekend, I’ll start looking at passes. Most likely, it will be done on one of the linear birds since it will be the weekend and I try to avoid the FM drama on weekends. I’ll send out another post later this week with details. 73! Jeff WE4B Marissa W4AQT

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sat android
by 73 Bob W7LRD 23 Apr '19

23 Apr '19

The "best" sat tracker for android phone is---- 73 Bob W7LRD

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EN01 operation
by Randy Shirbroun 23 Apr '19

23 Apr '19

On Thursday, 25 April, I plan to operate from EN01 on the mid-day passes of AO-92 and AO-91 (AOS 1721 Z and 1733 Z respectively). This is just a quick detour on a business trip, but hopefully I can help out a few folks that need the grid. Note: I will not use a portable designator while operating or uploading to LotW – just ND0C. 73, Randy, ND0C

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5 Band VUCC Award
by Les Rayburn 23 Apr '19

23 Apr '19

Lady & Gentlemen, Not certain if my earlier message was received. No reply from anyone on the distribution list. Here it is again, in case the first one was lost in cyberspace. In an effort to stimulate activity on VHF/UHF bands beyond 70 CM, I’d like to suggest the creation of a Five Band VUCC (5B VUCC) award that would closely mirror the 5 Band DXCC Award. Successful applicants would need to achieve VUCC status on five or more of the VHF/UHF bands to be eligible for the larger award. A special certificate and pin could be created to honor recipients. My feeling is that this award would encourage greater activity on the VHF/UHF bands, especially on bands that have less use like 222, 1296, and higher microwave bands. This increased activity encourages the sale of more gear, helps protect our spectrum from commercial interests, and advances the state of the radio art. Please let me know if you think this idea has any merit, or what I could do to help support the creation of the new award. As always, grateful for your service to the hobby. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member

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Re: [amsat-bb] Upcoming Satellite Passes--Best Tool Question
by Roy Dean 23 Apr '19

23 Apr '19

http://www.amsat.org.ar/pass Enter your 6 digit grid, and then select "FM Voice Sats" or "SSB + FM" sats. Just click on the pass you want to target and it will pop up a infographic in the top right, with countdown to AOS. It will run on any system, in a browser window. I zoom into the top right and place my phone at my feet during a pass, and it will show you the direction and elevation of the pass, as well as estimated doppler adjustments. But I'm biased, I was born in Argentina.... No connection to the website other than that, though. :) --Roy K3RLD

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Re: [amsat-bb] 5 Band VUCC Award
by Les Rayburn 23 Apr '19

23 Apr '19

Bruce, Correct. For those of us “Back East”, 6 Meter VUCC and Satellite VUCC are probably the easiest to earn. 2 Meters is certainly achievable especially using WSJT meteor scatter and EME. Those in most parts of the West have an advantage on microwave—since high spots with five grids within range are most plentiful. 222 and 432 are within each of most—especially if we have increased activity on these bands. Microwave about 2.3 GHz is tougher but if you’re willing to travel the five (5) grids required could be worked by yourself and a partner in a weekend. For the record, I just achieved my second VUCC. This one on 2 Meters—a feat that took over a decade to complete. I’m limited to an indoor antenna due to HOA. Closing in on Satellite VUCC which would give me three of the awards. Completing 432 would be possible—but likely would require a single Yagi EME effort from the driveway at night. My HOA will allow portable operations—but everything has to be back inside when the sun comes up. That would give me four bands—anything else will require microwave and travel. A considerable expense. But one that I’d be willing to make if the reward was not only 10 GHz VUCC but also the new Five Band VUCC Award. I really hope the ARRL will seriously consider the proposal. If you’re supportive of it, please contact your Section Manager and let them know. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > On Apr 22, 2019, at 7:52 AM, Bruce <kk5do(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > So, I could do my 100 on satellite, 100 on 6m, then 100 on 2m and 50 on 70cm and be done. > > The higher frequencies are impossible from the Houston area as we have no mountains. Those in mountainous regions have a distinct advantage in the higher frequencies. That is why you see a large group of high frequency use in Europe, East Coast and West Coast. I am not saying it does not present a challenge everywhere > > 73...bruce > > On 4/22/2019 1:20 AM, Les Rayburn wrote: >> Bruce, >> >> Thank you for your input. Current VUCC rules would apply: >> >> 6 Meters, 2 Meters, and Satellite require 100 grids confirmed. >> 222 and 432 require 50 grids >> 902 and 1296 require 25 grids >> 2304 requires 10 grids >> All higher bands including 5 GHz, 10Ghz, and laser require only five. >> >> >> >> 73, >> >> Les Rayburn, N1LF >> Maylene, AL >> EM63nf >> AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member >> >> >> >> >>> On Apr 21, 2019, at 10:07 PM, Bruce <kk5do(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>> 100 grids terrestrial on 1296 or 2400. that is a bit rough. what 5 bands would it be? 222, 2m, 70cm, 1296 and ??? 2400? >>> >>> 73...bruce >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>> On Apr 21, 2019, at 9:50 PM, Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>> Lady & Gentlemen, >>> >>> Not certain if my earlier message was received. No reply from anyone on the distribution list. Here it is again, in case the first one was lost in cyberspace. >>> >>> In an effort to stimulate activity on VHF/UHF bands beyond 70 CM, I’d like to suggest the creation of a Five Band VUCC (5B VUCC) award that would closely mirror the 5 Band DXCC Award. >>> >>> Successful applicants would need to achieve VUCC status on five or more of the VHF/UHF bands to be eligible for the larger award. A special certificate and pin could be created to honor recipients. >>> >>> My feeling is that this award would encourage greater activity on the VHF/UHF bands, especially on bands that have less use like 222, 1296, and higher microwave bands. This increased activity encourages the sale of more gear, helps protect our spectrum from commercial interests, and advances the state of the radio art. >>> >>> Please let me know if you think this idea has any merit, or what I could do to help support the creation of the new award. As always, grateful for your service to the hobby. >>> >>> >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Les Rayburn, N1LF >>> 121 Mayfair Park >>> Maylene, AL 35114 >>> EM63nf >>> AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]>. 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 <https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb> >>> >> > > > -- > > 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 <http://www.amsatnet.com/> > Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml <http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml> or iTunes > > Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News > http://www.arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org/> > > AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat <http://www.twitter.com/amsat>

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Five Band VUCC (5BVUCC) Award Proposal
by Les Rayburn 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

I completely misspoke, and apologize. The Southeast Division of the ARRL is represented on the league’s Boar of Directors by Greg Sarratt, W4OZK who is active on weak signal VHF/UHF. We’ve been informed that the creation of new awards falls to the Board of Directors. If you’re supportive of the proposal to create a new Five Band VUCC Award (5BVUCC) please contact your director. Currently, these are: Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, Atlantic Division Kermit Carlson, W9XA, Central Division Matt Holden, KØBBC, Dakota Division David Norris, K5UZ, Delta Division Dale Williams, WA8EFK, Great Lakes Division Ria Jairam, N2RJ, Hudson Division Rod Blocksome, KØDAS, Midwest Division Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, New England Division Mike Ritz, W7VO, Northwestern Division Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, Pacific Division George “Bud” Hippisley, W2RU, Roanoke Division Jeff Ryan, KØRM, Rocky Mountain Division Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, Southeastern Division Dick Norton, N6AA, Southwestern Division David Woolweaver, K5RAV, West Gulf Division Director The proposal is for the league to create a new Five Band VUCC Award that would be earned by achieving five individual band VUCC Awards. This would be similar to the Five Band DXCC Award which has proven to be very popular. This award would be relatively easy to implement within Logbook of the World, and require no significant changes to existing VUCC Rules. Six Meter VUCC and Satellite VUCC are probably the easiest to achieve regardless of geography. Those of us in the East will find 2 Meters, 222, and 432 easier to earn, though WSJT Meteor Scatter and EME open these up to large parts of the country as well. Those in the Western states have easier access to high peaks within range of the five grids required to earn the award on Microwaves. With effort, this award should be achievable to almost any amateur willing to make the necessary commitment. So far, the idea has received a lot of support within the VHF/UHF Community. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member

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CORRECTION for Upcoming ARISS contact with Dum detí a mládeze Olomouc (House of Children and Youth Olomouc), Olomouc, Czech Republic
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS POSTING OF THIS CONTACT EARLIER TODAY. Please note that the contact start time is 09:15 UTC instead of 19:15 UTC. An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Dum detí a mládeze Olomouc (House of Children and Youth Olomouc), Olomouc, Czech Republic on 23 Apr. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 09:15 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between OR4ISS and OK2KMX. The contact should be audible over the Czech Republic and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Story: Dùm dìtí a mládeze Olomouc (eng.: House of Children and Youth, abbr. DDM Olomouc) - a leisure time center which operates in 5 buildings, whereas four are situated in Olomouc. Since April 2001 the DDM is constituted by Olomouc Regional Authority. For the whole public DDM offered both regular clubs and interest groups as well as occasional and stay events. Over 150 interest groups started to work every year, regularly - once, twice or three times a week - attended by 2602 children and youth at the age from 3 to 25 years only during the last school year (2017/2018). These activities were provided by 150 employees, external and voluntary workers. During the summer holidays, DDM Olomouc organized more than 30 summer camps for almost 800 children. In summer furthermore, as during the whole year, DDM Olomouc offers cheap accommodation both right in Olomouc and in Ochoz u Konice both locations are up to 30 km away from Olomouc. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. How many solar panels are powering the entire station and do you have any other power sources? 2. What voltage are your instruments using aboard the ISS? 3. What would you tell the people who believe that the Earth is flat? 4. How often do you check the social networks and have you any time to watch Youtube? 5. Did the ASTROBEE's already arrive and do you use them already? 6. How far from the station can you go and can you move outside untethered? 7. How long does it take to get from Earth to the ISS? 8. What does being in a spacesuit feel like and what is outside temperature? 9. How long do the spacesuit's energy and oxygen supplies last? 10. Do you feel any changes to your muscular system during your mission, or is it a bit of a shock after your return back to Earth? 11. Do you need to strap in when you sleep and how do you enjoy sleeping in zero gravity? 12. How often do you eat and do you enjoy the taste of the food? 13. Have you experienced any accidents while on the station, for example, a device failure? 14. How do you fight a fire if it breaks out onboard the ISS? 15. How much waste is generated on the ISS and what are you doing with it? 16. Can you play any computer games and how much free time do you have? 17. What does it feel like to fly a rocket up into space? 18. How much time do you spend exercising each day? 19. How would you deal with a serious injury, for example, hand fracture? 20. How and how often do you communicate with your family? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN, direct via N9CHA The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Wed 2019-04-24 17:46:31 UTC 52 deg 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 Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN on 24 Apr. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 17:46 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and N9CHA. The contact should be audible over the state of Minnesota and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Story: Hidden Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake, MN has been selected to participate in a program that will have students speaking directly, in real-time to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station using Amateur Radio. ARISS, an acronym for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station is a program created by a consortium of amateur radio organizations and space agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ARISS works to connect students worldwide with crewmembers aboard the International Space Station with the hopes of inspiring students to pursue interests in STEM related fields. As an ESTEM school, this is a tremendous opportunity for the students at Hidden Oaks Middle School. Spearheaded by 8th grade science teachers and space enthusiasts, Laura Kuechenmeister and Becky Stark, the project will encompass all 1000 students at Hidden Oaks in a variety of ways. Hidden Oaks has teamed up with Amateur Radio operator Greg Braun (N9CHA) and a team of technicians that he has assembled to draft an equipment plan. HOMS has worked with Greg and his team in the past on projects including high altitude balloon tracking and an ARISS contact in 2014 and have great confidence in his ability to have a successful ARISS contact. In February, Greg's team plans to conduct a proof of performance test on all radio communications equipment that will be used for the contact. Additional setup and testing will be done the week prior to the contact at the contact site--Hidden Oaks Middle School. Additionally, students at Hidden Oaks have been having fun learning about the ISS and amateur radio prior to the contact. Students have been monitoring the station through an ISS Live module that is on display in the entryway of the school. They have been using it to watch the live feed of the Earth from the station and to stay up to date with the crew on the station. Students have also been watching NASA's weekly broadcast about the station called "Space to Ground." They have enjoyed learning about how the astronauts work and live in space. A mission patch (sticker) has been designed and created to celebrate the mission. Science teachers throughout all 3 grade levels (6, 7, 8) have been working to incorporate space-based curriculum including Space Fact Friday, rocket designing and building, participating in the Sally Ride EarthKAM program and researching a variety of space missions. 8th grade students are also looking forward to a space-themed ESTEM day later in the year where much of the focus will be on the International Space Station. More than 1,000 students will attend the ARISS contact event at Hidden Oaks Middle School. The event will be livestreamed to make it available to school audiences beyond our school. Students are learning about the current astronauts and missions and submitting questions to ask online. To date more than 300 questions have been submitted with more than a week remaining for students to make their submissions. 10-15 will be selected to be asked during the contact. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Why did you want to become an astronaut? 2. What kind of training did you have to do to be ready for your mission? 3. What was the hardest part for you about becoming and being an astronaut? 4. What is it like riding in the rocket to and from the space station? 5. What was your first day on the space station like? 6. What things have you had to do on the station to help conserve resources like water? 7. What is a typical day like for you as an astronaut on the space station? 8. What is your favorite food to eat on the space station? How do you prepare it? 9. What do you do in your spare time on the station? 10. What was the most difficult thing for you to get used to on the space station? 11. What kind of experiments are you currently working on on the space station? 12. How has living in micro-gravity affected your body? 13. What do you miss most about living on Earth? 14. What are some things you will have to do in order to go back to "normal" life when you get back to Earth? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): TBD 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 Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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5BVUCC Nets Support of
by Les Rayburn 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

Just heard back from Mike Ritz, W7VO who is the Director of the Northwestern Division. He’s fully supportive of the proposal to create the new award. Reach out to your ARRL Director today, and let’s see if we can keep the momentum going! 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member

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Re: [amsat-bb] [VHFcontesting] 5 Band VUCC Award
by Alan Larson 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

Les and folks, some thoughts on the 5BVUCC idea: >In an effort to stimulate activity on VHF/UHF bands beyond 70 CM, I?d >like to suggest the creation of a Five Band VUCC (5B VUCC) award that >would closely mirror the 5 Band DXCC Award. It seems a worthwhile award for folks to go for, it would provide a further step for folks who have already gotten VUCC. The extra bands would remain easy for operators in the east, and difficult for those in the west. Unfortunately, I don't think it would really provide lasting activity on the bands - nowdays folks would get on with FT8, exchange encoded callsigns and a couple more bits of information, and call it a contact. Then they wourl move on to the next grid or band. Continuing activity, ragchewing, even short "It is good to hear from you again", sort of contacts that don't add additional grids, but do add activity, would not be encouraged, as competitors would be letting their computers search out FT8 signals (random or arranged). Perhaps I am missing something - isn't it possible to get VUCC on several bands as separate VUCC, so one could have it on 6 meters, 2 meters, and so on? If it isn't, it seems that it should be. Then 5BVUCC would just be 5 of these single-band VUCC awards. I would love to see an approach that left operator skill as more important than computer processing power -- the only thing I can think of is mode specific awards. If by operating SSB or CW I were not competing against computers exchanging minimal traces of information, it would not be so disillusioning. Alan

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Cushcraft 416-TB Oscar Satellite Boomer Antenna System
by David Mossor 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

Hello All, I picked up a OSCAR antenna system that I have brought back to life. It consist of a 416-TB 70cm antenna, A144-20T 2 meter twist yagi - 144-148 mhz,, 4' boom assembly, Two U-100 alliance rotors for azimuth and elev. control. Everything is to factory specs. and the rotors work smooth. Not sure if I am going to have time for SAT work at this time since I have two tower projects to get done. Can anyone tell me if this is still a viable antenna system and what would something like that be worth today? Planning on taking it to an Upcoming Hamfest to see if anyone is interested. Can send pictures via email. I am good on QRZ. Any information would be greatly appreciated. -- KE8CAD DAVID B. MOSSOR 908 W. MAIN ST. HARRISVILLE, WV 26362

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Dum detí a mládeze Olomouc (House of Children and Youth Olomouc), Olomouc, Czech Republic
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Dum detí a mládeze Olomouc (House of Children and Youth Olomouc), Olomouc, Czech Republic on 23 Apr. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 19:15 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between OR4ISS and OK2KMX. The contact should be audible over the Czech Republic and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Story: Dùm dìtí a mládeze Olomouc (eng.: House of Children and Youth, abbr. DDM Olomouc) - a leisure time center which operates in 5 buildings, whereas four are situated in Olomouc. Since April 2001 the DDM is constituted by Olomouc Regional Authority. For the whole public DDM offered both regular clubs and interest groups as well as occasional and stay events. Over 150 interest groups started to work every year, regularly - once, twice or three times a week - attended by 2602 children and youth at the age from 3 to 25 years only during the last school year (2017/2018). These activities were provided by 150 employees, external and voluntary workers. During the summer holidays, DDM Olomouc organized more than 30 summer camps for almost 800 children. In summer furthermore, as during the whole year, DDM Olomouc offers cheap accommodation both right in Olomouc and in Ochoz u Konice both locations are up to 30 km away from Olomouc. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. How many solar panels are powering the entire station and do you have any other power sources? 2. What voltage are your instruments using aboard the ISS? 3. What would you tell the people who believe that the Earth is flat? 4. How often do you check the social networks and have you any time to watch Youtube? 5. Did the ASTROBEE's already arrive and do you use them already? 6. How far from the station can you go and can you move outside untethered? 7. How long does it take to get from Earth to the ISS? 8. What does being in a spacesuit feel like and what is outside temperature? 9. How long do the spacesuit's energy and oxygen supplies last? 10. Do you feel any changes to your muscular system during your mission, or is it a bit of a shock after your return back to Earth? 11. Do you need to strap in when you sleep and how do you enjoy sleeping in zero gravity? 12. How often do you eat and do you enjoy the taste of the food? 13. Have you experienced any accidents while on the station, for example, a device failure? 14. How do you fight a fire if it breaks out onboard the ISS? 15. How much waste is generated on the ISS and what are you doing with it? 16. Can you play any computer games and how much free time do you have? 17. What does it feel like to fly a rocket up into space? 18. How much time do you spend exercising each day? 19. How would you deal with a serious injury, for example, hand fracture? 20. How and how often do you communicate with your family? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN, direct via N9CHA The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Wed 2019-04-24 17:46:31 UTC 52 deg 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 Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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[Video] My best satellite demo ever - 18 QSOs
by John Brier 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

https://youtu.be/QWtdyT4PYMw A few days before my satellite demo at the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society hamfest (RARSfest), I put the word out to satellite operators on mailing lists, Facebooks, Twitters, and even good old fashioned web forums, and boy did they come calling! Without a doubt, I have never made so many QSOs (contacts) on one satellite pass. What a great demo. Thanks to all the hams that contacted me: 01- HP2VX - Virgilo- Panama 02 - 9Y4D - Christopher - Trinidad and Tobago 03 - N3JNX - Joseph - Pennsylvania 04- W5PFG - Clayton - Texas 05 - WH6ETF - Brandon - Florida 06 - NA1SA - Loon - Pennsylvania 07 - N4DCW - Michael - Kentucky 08 - W5RRR - Johnson Space Center - operated by John AB5SS 09 - W5CBF - Hector - Louisiana 10 - NS3L - Steve - Pennsylvania 11 - KJ4EU - Jerald - Kentucky 12 - K3RRR - Robert - Maryland 13 - K9KFX - Dru - Indiana 14 - AB1OC - Fred - New Hampshire 15 - VE2OTA - Donald - Quebec Canada 16 - N9LQ - Joel - Illonois 17 - K3RLD - Roy - Pennsylvania 18 - KE2QI - Robert - New York This was on the 2019-04-20 - 1719 UTC - AO-91 pass. Equipment: Alaskan Arrow antenna with two of three boom sections assembled. Kenwood TM-V71A Bioenno 12V 9aH LiFePO4 You can see my FM mobile radio body support system here: https://spacecomms.wordpress.com/mobile-radio-body-support/ RARSfest: https://www.rarsfest.org/ Sponsored by Nordic PC, M2 Antenna Systems, Arrow Antenna, and Dog Park Software. https://nordicpc.com https://m2inc.com https://dogparksoftware.com http://arrowantennas.com Vertical video ;-) courtesy Jelmer Tiete @jelmt, also the thumbnail is from him. Thanks Jelmer! 73, John Brier KG4AKV

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AISAT Downlink Issues -- Expected Behavior
by KE6BLR Robert 22 Apr '19

22 Apr '19

As a followup to the earlier thread, I wrote a simple Python script that provides the actual behavior side-by-side the expected behavior. Notice this contains only 22 bytes in the Digipath compared to 29 bytes in the actual Digipath. This is due to removing the extra blank field at the end of the actual Digipath. 1: byteAsInt: 0, byteAsChar: , byteAsBits: 0b0, byteAsIntFixed: 0, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b0 2: byteAsInt: 134, byteAsChar: C, byteAsBits: 0b10000110, byteAsIntFixed: 134, byteAsCharFixed: C, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10000110 3: byteAsInt: 162, byteAsChar: Q, byteAsBits: 0b10100010, byteAsIntFixed: 162, byteAsCharFixed: Q, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10100010 4: byteAsInt: 64, byteAsChar: , byteAsBits: 0b1000000, byteAsIntFixed: 64, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1000000 5: byteAsInt: 64, byteAsChar: , byteAsBits: 0b1000000, byteAsIntFixed: 64, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1000000 6: byteAsInt: 64, byteAsChar: , byteAsBits: 0b1000000, byteAsIntFixed: 64, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1000000 7: byteAsInt: 64, byteAsChar: , byteAsBits: 0b1000000, byteAsIntFixed: 64, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1000000 8: byteAsInt: 96, byteAsChar: 0, byteAsBits: 0b1100000, byteAsIntFixed: 0, byteAsCharFixed: 0, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b0 9: byteAsInt: 150, byteAsChar: K, byteAsBits: 0b10010110, byteAsIntFixed: 150, byteAsCharFixed: K, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10010110 10: byteAsInt: 104, byteAsChar: 4, byteAsBits: 0b1101000, byteAsIntFixed: 104, byteAsCharFixed: 4, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1101000 11: byteAsInt: 150, byteAsChar: K, byteAsBits: 0b10010110, byteAsIntFixed: 150, byteAsCharFixed: K, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10010110 12: byteAsInt: 136, byteAsChar: D, byteAsBits: 0b10001000, byteAsIntFixed: 136, byteAsCharFixed: D, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10001000 13: byteAsInt: 164, byteAsChar: R, byteAsBits: 0b10100100, byteAsIntFixed: 164, byteAsCharFixed: R, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10100100 14: byteAsInt: 64, byteAsChar: , byteAsBits: 0b1000000, byteAsIntFixed: 64, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1000000 15: byteAsInt: 108, byteAsChar: 6, byteAsBits: 0b1101100, byteAsIntFixed: 12, byteAsCharFixed: 6, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1100 16: byteAsInt: 130, byteAsChar: A, byteAsBits: 0b10000010, byteAsIntFixed: 130, byteAsCharFixed: A, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10000010 17: byteAsInt: 146, byteAsChar: I, byteAsBits: 0b10010010, byteAsIntFixed: 146, byteAsCharFixed: I, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10010010 18: byteAsInt: 166, byteAsChar: S, byteAsBits: 0b10100110, byteAsIntFixed: 166, byteAsCharFixed: S, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10100110 19: byteAsInt: 130, byteAsChar: A, byteAsBits: 0b10000010, byteAsIntFixed: 130, byteAsCharFixed: A, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10000010 20: byteAsInt: 168, byteAsChar: T, byteAsBits: 0b10101000, byteAsIntFixed: 168, byteAsCharFixed: T, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10101000 21: byteAsInt: 84, byteAsChar: *, byteAsBits: 0b1010100, byteAsIntFixed: 64, byteAsCharFixed: , byteAsBitsFixed: 0b1000000 22: byteAsInt: 96, byteAsChar: 0, byteAsBits: 0b1100000, byteAsIntFixed: 129, byteAsCharFixed: 0, byteAsBitsFixed: 0b10000001 robertmachale@Roberts-MacBook-Pro-484 ~/Documents/SCC/AISAT-EXPLAIN $ Notice bytes 8, 15, and 22 should be treated as SubFields where the SSID occupies 4 bits rather than a fill ASCII single digit number. Notice byte 21 should be a space because byte 22 in bit position 7 contains the Digipeated "H" bit. Byte 22 in bit position 0 should contain the "Dnd of Digipath" bit. Let me know your feedback and how I can help. 73s Robert

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Hawaii APRS Satellite Operations?
by Matt Hornsby 21 Apr '19

21 Apr '19

Hi Bob, I’m on Oahu this week and will see if I can get any aprs packets to one of the birds. Anecdotally I don’t see much terrestrial APRS activity in the times I’ve visited this island, so I’m skeptical that there will be many igates listening on 145.825. 73, Matt KS9O

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AISAT Downlink Issues -- Defined
by KE6BLR Robert 21 Apr '19

21 Apr '19

Hello Satellite APRS Operators, I am new to this SIG. And, this is my first post. So, I hope it arrives as intended. As you know, AISAT became available recently for Satellite APRS. One of the nice things about having an APRS Digipeater mounted to the Stage 4 Rocket platform is this equipment inherits solar panels, batteries, and antennas. Unfortunately, the design team was given only 6 days to build and deliver the satellite. Apparently, end to end testing of the Digipeater was not possible. So, I believe they deserve a lot of slack. Now, there are many (4ish) quirks in the downlink. NOTE: the AISAT uplink appears nominal. To explain the downlink issue we need to examine a sample packet. For this we can thank K4KDR for transmitting the packet and KG4PID for receiving the packet. If I remember this correctly, KG4PID is running PI-TNC and APRX while K4KDR is running Direwolf and UISS. The main thing to note here is that displaying packets may require more flexible software. Sample packet from the APRX error log via KG4PID: 2019-04-11 02:06:38.961 ax25_to_tnc2(KG4PID-14,len=112) rejected the message: 00 86 a2 40 40 40 40 60|96 68 96 88 a4 40 6c 82|92 a6 82 a8 54 60 40 40|40 40 40 40 61 03 f0 3a|43 51 2d 30 20 20 20 20|20 3a 3d 33 37 34 37 2e|36 36 4e 2f 30 37 37 33|36 2e 36 37 57 60 64 65|20 4b 34 4b 44 52 20 73|63 6f 74 74 32 33 31 39|32 40 67 6d 61 69 6c 2e|63 6f 6d 20 56 69 72 67|69 6e 69 61 20 20 46 4d|31 37 65 73 7b 31 39 35| = .CQ 0|K4KDR 6A|ISAT*0 | a..:|CQ-0 | :=3747.|66N/0773|6.67W`de| K4KDR s|cott2319|2(a)gmail.|com Virg|inia FM|17es{195| This same packet after byte by byte parsing with a simple Python script on my Mac laptop: @@@ robertmachale@ucrwpa-2-1-10-25-34-138 ~/Documents/SCC/AISAT-EXPLAIN $ python explainAisat.py Space Communcator Club Las Flores, California 92688 http://www.spaceCommunicator.club/igates/ 1: byteAsHex: 00, byteAsText: 0, byteAsAScii: 0, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 1: SSID: 0, Digipeated: 0 2: byteAsHex: 86, byteAsText: 134, byteAsAScii: 67, byteAsChar: C, endOfDigipath: 0 3: byteAsHex: a2, byteAsText: 162, byteAsAScii: 81, byteAsChar: Q, endOfDigipath: 0 4: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 5: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 6: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 7: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 8: byteAsHex: 60, byteAsText: 96, byteAsAScii: 48, byteAsChar: 0, endOfDigipath: 0 8: SSID: 0, Digipeated: 0 9: byteAsHex: 96, byteAsText: 150, byteAsAScii: 75, byteAsChar: K, endOfDigipath: 0 10: byteAsHex: 68, byteAsText: 104, byteAsAScii: 52, byteAsChar: 4, endOfDigipath: 0 11: byteAsHex: 96, byteAsText: 150, byteAsAScii: 75, byteAsChar: K, endOfDigipath: 0 12: byteAsHex: 88, byteAsText: 136, byteAsAScii: 68, byteAsChar: D, endOfDigipath: 0 13: byteAsHex: a4, byteAsText: 164, byteAsAScii: 82, byteAsChar: R, endOfDigipath: 0 14: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 15: byteAsHex: 6c, byteAsText: 108, byteAsAScii: 54, byteAsChar: 6, endOfDigipath: 0 15: SSID: 12, Digipeated: 0 16: byteAsHex: 82, byteAsText: 130, byteAsAScii: 65, byteAsChar: A, endOfDigipath: 0 17: byteAsHex: 92, byteAsText: 146, byteAsAScii: 73, byteAsChar: I, endOfDigipath: 0 18: byteAsHex: a6, byteAsText: 166, byteAsAScii: 83, byteAsChar: S, endOfDigipath: 0 19: byteAsHex: 82, byteAsText: 130, byteAsAScii: 65, byteAsChar: A, endOfDigipath: 0 20: byteAsHex: a8, byteAsText: 168, byteAsAScii: 84, byteAsChar: T, endOfDigipath: 0 21: byteAsHex: 54, byteAsText: 84, byteAsAScii: 42, byteAsChar: *, endOfDigipath: 0 22: byteAsHex: 60, byteAsText: 96, byteAsAScii: 48, byteAsChar: 0, endOfDigipath: 0 22: SSID: 0, Digipeated: 0 23: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 24: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 25: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 26: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 27: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 28: byteAsHex: 40, byteAsText: 64, byteAsAScii: 32, byteAsChar: , endOfDigipath: 0 29: byteAsHex: 61, byteAsText: 97, byteAsAScii: 48, byteAsChar: 0, endOfDigipath: 1 29: SSID: 0, Digipeated: 0 robertmachale@ucrwpa-2-1-10-25-34-138 ~/Documents/SCC/AISAT-EXPLAIN $ @@@ Notice 3 issues with the Digipath: 1) SSIDs arrive as ASCII rather than 4 bits in the AX.25 subfield 2) The Digipeated flag arrives as * rather than 1 bit in the AX.25 subfield 3) One extra (blank) callsign field exists at the end of the Digipath Although the Kenwood will pickup the packet we may need to tap into the TNC raw output to decipher the packet manually. I can only imagine the Kenwood display will reject the packets as malformed. So, this leaves us with APRSDroid, UISS, and custom APRS software for displaying packets received. Feel free to follow APRS packets from AISAT on our iGate report: http://www.spaceCommunicator.club/igates/ Also, you will find a note on this AISAT issue including helpful screen shots here: http://www.spaceCommunicator.club Let me know your feedback and how I can help. Happy Easter + Passover + Holiday! 73s Robert MacHale KE6BLR (949) 371-6319 robert.machale(a)yahoo.com

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Re: [amsat-bb] AISAT-1 no showing on PCSAT.FINDU.COM
by Roy Dean 21 Apr '19

21 Apr '19

Has anybody that has successfully decoded a packet from Aisat been using a Kenwood aprs-ready transceiver with a built in TNC (such as a D700, D710, D7, D72, or D74)? I just attempted to work a 20 degree pass, and the packets were very strong (full "s meter" - D710 doesn't actually have an S meter), full quieting - however the radio couldn't decode any of the packets. Even using the "packet monitor" function yielded nothing. I know people have had success using pc software based systems, but haven't heard any first hand accounts of using a Kenwood TNC. --Roy K3RLD

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OrigamiSat-1 5.84 GHz tests
by Mike Seguin 21 Apr '19

21 Apr '19

OrigamiSat-1's 5.84 GHz downlink will be tested over Japan over the next month according to their schedule posted on Twitter. I wish them success and look forward to trying to detect the 5.84 GHz downlink over the eastern US in the future. Twitter @OrigamiSat1 -- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet"

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DM58/48 rove
by Bob Keating 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

Thanks to all that responded to my calls this past week. I am sorry that I didn’t make the passes yesterday that I posted on the BB. At least I did have 2 good western passes on AO-91 and SO-50 a little later. All qsos from our trip will be posted to LoTW as N6REK/7 by Monday. 73, Bob N6REK Sent from my iPhone

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Satellite Demo in Deming, NM
by Dan Eggert 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

I will be doing satellite demo at a ham fest in Deming, NM on Saturday in grid DM62. I will work the AO-91, AO-92 and SO-50 passes. Dan - AC9E Sent from my iPad

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Lunar Oscarbox J
by David Fine 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

I'm looking for information (possibly a schematic) for a Lunar Electronics Oscarbox J that I picked up from an estate sale. I'm not sure exactly what it is and haven't been able to find any information on it. Looks like it might be a 432-436 mHz converter? Any help please? Dave, W0DF

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Hawaii APRS Satellite Operations?
by Robert Bruninga 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

Are there any APRS satellite operators in Hawaii? I never see anything from them on the downlinks. http://ariss.net and http://pcsat.findu.com Curious. Bob WB4AAPR

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KX9X & W1PY From FN56-57-66-67 Grid Intersection April 27
by Sean K. 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

Hi gang- On Saturday April 27, W1PY and I will be on satellite from the intersection of grids FN 56-57-66-67 from 1200z - 0200z April 28. We will be on as many FM and SSB passes as we can during that time period. We'll be looking for Europe and the US West coast at these times: Europe: AO7: 1605z, 1753z FO29: 1928z USA West Coast: AO7: 1946z, 2144z FO29: 2259z FO29 Transmit freq: 145.970AO7 Transmit freq: 432.160 The last anticipated pass from the intersection will be AO92 0144z April 28.Will also be on sats Friday 4/26 and Sunday, 4/28 from FN 43/53/54/55/65 as we travel to and from Caribou, ME. We have no set schedule for specific grids on Friday and Sunday. If you need one of these grids, please contact me and let me know; we will do our best to get you in the log. We will also transmit on HF from state parks in Maine, any roadside attractions we find interesting, as well as HF mobile. We have no set schedule for HF. Complete info on our shenanegans is on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/805477656486634 Follow me on Twitter at @seankutzko or Matt at @Whiskey1PY for real-time info during our trip. We will tweet any activity plans there. Thanks to Clayton W5PFG for pass info and support. Sean Kutzko Amateur Radio KX9X

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Mystery sat --> sat lists
by Hans BX2ABT 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

Was testing my new LNA today and saw digital signals for a few minutes on 437.492 MHz (http://bx2abt.com/main/data/_uploaded/image/20190418_1344-mystery.png). I usually use amsat.ar page to see what's floating above me, otherwise check sat info on DK3WN's site. At 5:44 UTC there was nothing in my sky that was using a frequency around 437.492. On DK3WN's site I also couldn't find anything. So my question: what other sources of sat info or frequency lists are you using that could be helpful in my case? Also, are there other sites that show what spacecrafts are located above you, right now, but can also show you that for a date/time in the past? Cheers, Hans BX2ABT

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