I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test. In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with theArticles of Incorporation. 73 Ray W2RS
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
The Bylaw revisions adopted by the Board were necessary for saving money, primarily by allowing electronic communications. For example, under the current bylaws, we were required to spend a few thousand dollars to notify the membership of these bylaw changes by mail rather than simply emailing the membership. That will no longer be necessary when they go into effect. The adopted amendments are a culmination of a year-long process of reviewing the existing bylaws by a committee appointed for that purpose. The amendments included a few other changes and clarifications to remove some ambiguities that had arisen over the past several years. I'm not quite sure why a few have latched on to a simple provision designed to protect the organization and all of its members in the rare circumstance that someone applies for membership that would be unsuitable as a member. Hopefully it will never have to be used.
As far as satellite development, perhaps you missed the lead story in last week's ANS (reproduced below). Our engineering team is doing a lot of exciting work.
73,
Paul, N8HM
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat Manifested for Launch on ELaNa-46
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat has been manifested for launch on NASA’s ELaNa-46 mission.
GOLF-TEE is the first satellite in AMSAT’s “Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint” or GOLF program. The goal of the GOLF program is to work by steps through a series of increasingly capable spacecraft to learn to develop systems and skills needed to achieve successful high orbit missions. Among these are active attitude control and the ability to command attitude changes, deployable/steerable solar panels, radiation tolerance for commercial off the shelf (COTS) components in higher orbits, and propulsion. The eventual goal of the GOLF program is a satellite in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) similar to AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40, but at a currently affordable cost combined with significantly enhanced capabilities, which in turn will allow the use of much less complex ground stations.
The -TEE designation in GOLF-TEE stands for “Technology Exploration Environment” reflecting GOLF-TEE’s mission testing two primary systems needed for higher orbits. First, an Attitude Determination and Control (ADAC) system will be tested to allow active pointing of the satellites antennas, which will have significant gain. The other primary goal of GOLF-TEE is to gain initial orbit and space radiation exposure for radiation event-induced fault tolerant systems designed using COTS components. GOLF-TEE will carry an Integrated Housekeeping Unit (IHU) / command transceiver designed using the Hercules line of ARM architecture-based microcontrollers.
GOLF-TEE will also evaluate a low-cost, deployable, fixed attitude, solar panel array design as part of AMSAT Engineering’s exploration of fixed panel arrays that allow for outfitting a variable number of “wings” in order to best match the power requirements of various CubeSat missions.
Additionally, GOLF-TEE will carry a modified commercial software-defined radio (SDR), the Ettus E310, as an experimental package to test high speed data downlink in the 10 GHz band.
GOLF-TEE will also be a fully-functional LEO VHF/UHF amateur satellite carrying conventional backup systems, including a linear transponder, similar to those flown on AO-109.
A significant amount of funding is necessary to complete the development and construction of the GOLF series of CubeSats. Please consider a donation today. Donations designated for the AMSAT GOLF program may be made at https://www.amsat.org/donations/amsat-golf-program-donations/
[ANS thanks AMSAT Engineering for the above information]
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Paul,
One big problem with the way this was rolled out is that the membership is being asked to accept it as a fait accompli which they may only oppose only by mailing, and even then it goes *directly* to an election.
It would have been much better if the members were included in the process. There is nothing in the bylaws that would have prevented an online consultation with the membership before the final version was submitted to them to rubber-stamp.
The fact that the board usually acts without this sort of consultation with the membership very clearly reduces trust of the board.
Thanks
Bruce
Can the leadership share with us who was part of the Amendments Committee that came up with these proposals?
Fernando, KF7R
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021, 11:54 AM Bruce Perens via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
Paul,
One big problem with the way this was rolled out is that the membership is being asked to accept it as a fait accompli which they may only oppose only by mailing, and even then it goes *directly* to an election.
It would have been much better if the members were included in the process. There is nothing in the bylaws that would have prevented an online consultation with the membership before the final version was submitted to them to rubber-stamp.
The fact that the board usually acts without this sort of consultation with the membership very clearly reduces trust of the board.
Thanks Bruce
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Fernando,
The "Report of the Bylaws Committee.pdf" released earlier to members gives full details of the Committee membership.
73,
Alan WA4SCA
<-----Original Message----- <From: Fernando Ramirez [mailto:framirezferrer@gmail.com] <Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 13:58 <To: Bruce Perens bruce@perens.com <Cc: Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net; AMSAT -BB amsat-bb@amsat.org <Subject: [AMSAT-BB] Re: Lack of a member consultation before the final decision < <Can the leadership share with us who was part of the Amendments Committee that came up <with these proposals? < <Fernando, KF7R <
I received a copy of the amended bylaws and the report of the committee for bylaws changes.
Thanks Bob
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 8:27 PM Alan wa4sca@gmail.com wrote:
Fernando,
The "Report of the Bylaws Committee.pdf" released earlier to members gives full details of the Committee membership.
73,
Alan WA4SCA
<-----Original Message----- <From: Fernando Ramirez [mailto:framirezferrer@gmail.com] <Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 13:58 <To: Bruce Perens bruce@perens.com <Cc: Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net; AMSAT -BB amsat-bb@amsat.org <Subject: [AMSAT-BB] Re: Lack of a member consultation before the final decision < <Can the leadership share with us who was part of the Amendments Committee that came up <with these proposals? < <Fernando, KF7R <
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Minute 3 of the Minutes of the March 17, 2020 Teleconference:
"3. Mr. Coleman presented his report, stressing his goals of modernizing the corporation, reducing of operating expenses, and promoting self-service, reliance on teams, and the eventual closure of the physical office. He described Mr. Kutzko’s new role as Volunteer Coordinator, focused on identifying, engaging, and assigning volunteer resources. Mr. Coleman discussed the potential impact of the public health situation on planned events, including Hamvention and Symposium, and possible alternative events to replace the outreach and development activities associated with these events. Finally, Mr. Coleman suggested that it was timely to review the bylaws, last modified in 1989, to ensure continued relevance.
On motion of Ms. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Clark, it was voted to form a bylaws committee to review the bylaws and make suggestions for changes with all seven directors voting aye."
The Committee's report was sent to members in this morning's email.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 3:54 PM Steve Rish steverish@inbox.com wrote:
Paul, could you supply minutes of the meeting that appointed the, thus far, nameless committee to review the by-laws. I would assume the minutes will reference the board's discussion of the need as well as names of those who were "appointed". Hard to imagine the Board engaged in such discussion considering the lack of board meetings and minutes in the last 12-18 months
Steve
-----Original Message----- From: n8hm@arrl.net Sent: Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:01:54 -0400 To: va3mw@portcredit.net Subject: [AMSAT-BB] Re: By-Laws
The Bylaw revisions adopted by the Board were necessary for saving money, primarily by allowing electronic communications. For example, under the current bylaws, we were required to spend a few thousand dollars to notify the membership of these bylaw changes by mail rather than simply emailing the membership. That will no longer be necessary when they go into effect. The adopted amendments are a culmination of a year-long process of reviewing the existing bylaws by a committee appointed for that purpose. The amendments included a few other changes and clarifications to remove some ambiguities that had arisen over the past several years. I'm not quite sure why a few have latched on to a simple provision designed to protect the organization and all of its members in the rare circumstance that someone applies for membership that would be unsuitable as a member. Hopefully it will never have to be used.
As far as satellite development, perhaps you missed the lead story in last week's ANS (reproduced below). Our engineering team is doing a lot of exciting work.
73,
Paul, N8HM
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat Manifested for Launch on ELaNa-46
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat has been manifested for launch on NASA’s ELaNa-46 mission.
GOLF-TEE is the first satellite in AMSAT’s “Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint” or GOLF program. The goal of the GOLF program is to work by steps through a series of increasingly capable spacecraft to learn to develop systems and skills needed to achieve successful high orbit missions. Among these are active attitude control and the ability to command attitude changes, deployable/steerable solar panels, radiation tolerance for commercial off the shelf (COTS) components in higher orbits, and propulsion. The eventual goal of the GOLF program is a satellite in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) similar to AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40, but at a currently affordable cost combined with significantly enhanced capabilities, which in turn will allow the use of much less complex ground stations.
The -TEE designation in GOLF-TEE stands for “Technology Exploration Environment” reflecting GOLF-TEE’s mission testing two primary systems needed for higher orbits. First, an Attitude Determination and Control (ADAC) system will be tested to allow active pointing of the satellites antennas, which will have significant gain. The other primary goal of GOLF-TEE is to gain initial orbit and space radiation exposure for radiation event-induced fault tolerant systems designed using COTS components. GOLF-TEE will carry an Integrated Housekeeping Unit (IHU) / command transceiver designed using the Hercules line of ARM architecture-based microcontrollers.
GOLF-TEE will also evaluate a low-cost, deployable, fixed attitude, solar panel array design as part of AMSAT Engineering’s exploration of fixed panel arrays that allow for outfitting a variable number of “wings” in order to best match the power requirements of various CubeSat missions.
Additionally, GOLF-TEE will carry a modified commercial software-defined radio (SDR), the Ettus E310, as an experimental package to test high speed data downlink in the 10 GHz band.
GOLF-TEE will also be a fully-functional LEO VHF/UHF amateur satellite carrying conventional backup systems, including a linear transponder, similar to those flown on AO-109.
A significant amount of funding is necessary to complete the development and construction of the GOLF series of CubeSats. Please consider a donation today. Donations designated for the AMSAT GOLF program may be made at https://www.amsat.org/donations/amsat-golf-program-donations/
[ANS thanks AMSAT Engineering for the above information]
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
Link to minutes here: https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AMSAT_BOD_Minutes...
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 4:01 PM Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Minute 3 of the Minutes of the March 17, 2020 Teleconference:
"3. Mr. Coleman presented his report, stressing his goals of modernizing the corporation, reducing of operating expenses, and promoting self-service, reliance on teams, and the eventual closure of the physical office. He described Mr. Kutzko’s new role as Volunteer Coordinator, focused on identifying, engaging, and assigning volunteer resources. Mr. Coleman discussed the potential impact of the public health situation on planned events, including Hamvention and Symposium, and possible alternative events to replace the outreach and development activities associated with these events. Finally, Mr. Coleman suggested that it was timely to review the bylaws, last modified in 1989, to ensure continued relevance.
On motion of Ms. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Clark, it was voted to form a bylaws committee to review the bylaws and make suggestions for changes with all seven directors voting aye."
The Committee's report was sent to members in this morning's email.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 3:54 PM Steve Rish steverish@inbox.com wrote:
Paul, could you supply minutes of the meeting that appointed the, thus far, nameless committee to review the by-laws. I would assume the minutes will reference the board's discussion of the need as well as names of those who were "appointed". Hard to imagine the Board engaged in such discussion considering the lack of board meetings and minutes in the last 12-18 months
Steve
-----Original Message----- From: n8hm@arrl.net Sent: Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:01:54 -0400 To: va3mw@portcredit.net Subject: [AMSAT-BB] Re: By-Laws
The Bylaw revisions adopted by the Board were necessary for saving money, primarily by allowing electronic communications. For example, under the current bylaws, we were required to spend a few thousand dollars to notify the membership of these bylaw changes by mail rather than simply emailing the membership. That will no longer be necessary when they go into effect. The adopted amendments are a culmination of a year-long process of reviewing the existing bylaws by a committee appointed for that purpose. The amendments included a few other changes and clarifications to remove some ambiguities that had arisen over the past several years. I'm not quite sure why a few have latched on to a simple provision designed to protect the organization and all of its members in the rare circumstance that someone applies for membership that would be unsuitable as a member. Hopefully it will never have to be used.
As far as satellite development, perhaps you missed the lead story in last week's ANS (reproduced below). Our engineering team is doing a lot of exciting work.
73,
Paul, N8HM
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat Manifested for Launch on ELaNa-46
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat has been manifested for launch on NASA’s ELaNa-46 mission.
GOLF-TEE is the first satellite in AMSAT’s “Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint” or GOLF program. The goal of the GOLF program is to work by steps through a series of increasingly capable spacecraft to learn to develop systems and skills needed to achieve successful high orbit missions. Among these are active attitude control and the ability to command attitude changes, deployable/steerable solar panels, radiation tolerance for commercial off the shelf (COTS) components in higher orbits, and propulsion. The eventual goal of the GOLF program is a satellite in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) similar to AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40, but at a currently affordable cost combined with significantly enhanced capabilities, which in turn will allow the use of much less complex ground stations.
The -TEE designation in GOLF-TEE stands for “Technology Exploration Environment” reflecting GOLF-TEE’s mission testing two primary systems needed for higher orbits. First, an Attitude Determination and Control (ADAC) system will be tested to allow active pointing of the satellites antennas, which will have significant gain. The other primary goal of GOLF-TEE is to gain initial orbit and space radiation exposure for radiation event-induced fault tolerant systems designed using COTS components. GOLF-TEE will carry an Integrated Housekeeping Unit (IHU) / command transceiver designed using the Hercules line of ARM architecture-based microcontrollers.
GOLF-TEE will also evaluate a low-cost, deployable, fixed attitude, solar panel array design as part of AMSAT Engineering’s exploration of fixed panel arrays that allow for outfitting a variable number of “wings” in order to best match the power requirements of various CubeSat missions.
Additionally, GOLF-TEE will carry a modified commercial software-defined radio (SDR), the Ettus E310, as an experimental package to test high speed data downlink in the 10 GHz band.
GOLF-TEE will also be a fully-functional LEO VHF/UHF amateur satellite carrying conventional backup systems, including a linear transponder, similar to those flown on AO-109.
A significant amount of funding is necessary to complete the development and construction of the GOLF series of CubeSats. Please consider a donation today. Donations designated for the AMSAT GOLF program may be made at https://www.amsat.org/donations/amsat-golf-program-donations/
[ANS thanks AMSAT Engineering for the above information]
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org
The revised by-laws, to the extent that they relate to membership, are in conflict with Article Fourth of the Articles of Incorporation and are therefore null and void. However, other provisions of the revised by-laws are probably OK. I strongly suggest a clean-up to get rid of the conflicting provisions. Otherwise, if the organization is not operating in accordance with the Articles, its 501(c)(3) status may be questionable, 73 Ray W
geFrom: Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net To: Steve Rish steverish@inbox.comto get ridCc: Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net; Ray Soifer rsoifer1@aol.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2021 1:02 pm Subject: Re: [AMSAT-BB] Re: By-Laws
Link to minutes here:gge https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AMSAT_BOD_Minutes...
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 4:01 PM Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Minute 3 of the Minutes of the March 17, 2020 Teleconference:
"3. Mr. Coleman presented his report, stressing his goals of modernizing the corporation, reducing of operating expenses, and promoting self-service, reliance on teams, and the eventual closure of the physical office. He described Mr. Kutzko’s new role as Volunteer Coordinator, focused on identifying, engaging, and assigning volunteer resources. Mr. Coleman discussed the potential impact of the public health situation on planned events, including Hamvention and Symposium, and possible alternative events to replace the outreach and development activities associated with these events. Finally, Mr. Coleman suggested that it was timely to review the bylaws, last modified in 1989, to ensure continued relevance.
On motion of Ms. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Clark, it was voted to form a bylaws committee to review the bylaws and make suggestions for changes with all seven directors voting aye."
The Committee's report was sent to members in this morning's email.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 3:54 PM Steve Rish steverish@inbox.com wrote:
Paul, could you supply minutes of the meeting that appointed the, thus far, nameless committee to review the by-laws. I would assume the minutes will reference the board's discussion of the need as well as names of those who were "appointed". Hard to imagine the Board engaged in such discussion considering the lack of board meetings and minutes in the last 12-18 months
Steve
-----Original Message----- From: n8hm@arrl.net Sent: Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:01:54 -0400 To: va3mw@portcredit.net Subject: [AMSAT-BB] Re: By-Laws
The Bylaw revisions adopted by the Board were necessary for saving money, primarily by allowing electronic communications. For example, under the current bylaws, we were required to spend a few thousand dollars to notify the membership of these bylaw changes by mail rather than simply emailing the membership. That will no longer be necessary when they go into effect. The adopted amendments are a culmination of a year-long process of reviewing the existing bylaws by a committee appointed for that purpose. The amendments included a few other changes and clarifications to remove some ambiguities that had arisen over the past several years. I'm not quite sure why a few have latched on to a simple provision designed to protect the organization and all of its members in the rare circumstance that someone applies for membership that would be unsuitable as a member. Hopefully it will never have to be used.
As far as satellite development, perhaps you missed the lead story in last week's ANS (reproduced below). Our engineering team is doing a lot of exciting work.
73,
Paul, N8HM
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat Manifested for Launch on ELaNa-46
AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE CubeSat has been manifested for launch on NASA’s ELaNa-46 mission.
GOLF-TEE is the first satellite in AMSAT’s “Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint” or GOLF program. The goal of the GOLF program is to work by steps through a series of increasingly capable spacecraft to learn to develop systems and skills needed to achieve successful high orbit missions. Among these are active attitude control and the ability to command attitude changes, deployable/steerable solar panels, radiation tolerance for commercial off the shelf (COTS) components in higher orbits, and propulsion. The eventual goal of the GOLF program is a satellite in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) similar to AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40, but at a currently affordable cost combined with significantly enhanced capabilities, which in turn will allow the use of much less complex ground stations.
The -TEE designation in GOLF-TEE stands for “Technology Exploration Environment” reflecting GOLF-TEE’s mission testing two primary systems needed for higher orbits. First, an Attitude Determination and Control (ADAC) system will be tested to allow active pointing of the satellites antennas, which will have significant gain. The other primary goal of GOLF-TEE is to gain initial orbit and space radiation exposure for radiation event-induced fault tolerant systems designed using COTS components. GOLF-TEE will carry an Integrated Housekeeping Unit (IHU) / command transceiver designed using the Hercules line of ARM architecture-based microcontrollers.
GOLF-TEE will also evaluate a low-cost, deployable, fixed attitude, solar panel array design as part of AMSAT Engineering’s exploration of fixed panel arrays that allow for outfitting a variable number of “wings” in order to best match the power requirements of various CubeSat missions.
Additionally, GOLF-TEE will carry a modified commercial software-defined radio (SDR), the Ettus E310, as an experimental package to test high speed data downlink in the 10 GHz band.
GOLF-TEE will also be a fully-functional LEO VHF/UHF amateur satellite carrying conventional backup systems, including a linear transponder, similar to those flown on AO-109.
A significant amount of funding is necessary to complete the development and construction of the GOLF series of CubeSats. Please consider a donation today. Donations designated for the AMSAT GOLF program may be made at https://www.amsat.org/donations/amsat-golf-program-donations/
[ANS thanks AMSAT Engineering for the above information]
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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Ray,
The Fourth Article of the Articles of Incorporation of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), as amended, states, "The Corporation is to have members." There is nothing in the amended Bylaws that turns AMSAT into a non-member organization. Therefore your statement, "The revised by-laws, to the extent that they relate to membership, are in conflict with Article Fourth of the Articles of Incorporation and are therefore null and void," is not correct. If by chance you misspoke and meant the next Article, which addresses Members and Member Societies, the Fifth Article requires those Members and Member Societies to submit "an application in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors as provided in the Bylaws." Again, there is absolutely no conflict here. AMSAT Bylaws are in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation and is operating accordance with its 501(c)(3) status.
73, Robert Bankston, KE4AL President Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT)
On Saturday, April 24, 2021, 10:09:22 AM CDT, Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
The revised by-laws, to the extent that they relate to membership, are in conflict with Article Fourth of the Articles of Incorporation and are therefore null and void. However, other provisions of the revised by-laws are probably OK. I strongly suggest a clean-up to get rid of the conflicting provisions. Otherwise, if the organization is not operating in accordance with the Articles, its 501(c)(3) status may be questionable,
73 Ray W
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Mike,
I am reasonably certain the GOLF is under development. ref: https://www.amsat.org/project-status-overview/
Joseph Armbruster
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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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. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
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Reasonably sure?
To be honest, all I see in email communication over the past year is, well, crap. This has allowed me to draw this conclusion.
If you were to poll the paid membership and ask if they are pleased with AMSAT today and how our funds are being utilized, I might be surprised at the answer.
I don't have time to stay on top of AMSAT. My very simple expectation is that new exciting things happen and that I can then use them for making contacts.
All I have read about is politics and how the Amsat name was pulled from the largest virtual hamfest of the year.
If money needs to be spent, it needs to be spent on marketing. All I keep seeing is the parents of the family in a big argument.
(I'm done, I made my point. Last time I will mention it)
73, Mike va3mw
This is the Mission:
Mission AMSAT’s goal is to foster Amateur Radio’s participation in space research and communication. The Organization was founded to continue the efforts, begun in 1961, by Project OSCAR, a west coast USA-based group which built and launched the very first Amateur Radio satellite, OSCAR, on December 12, 1961, barely four years after the launch of Russia’s first Sputnik.
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 1:03 PM Joseph Armbruster < josepharmbruster@gmail.com> wrote:
Mike,
I am reasonably certain the GOLF is under development. ref: https://www.amsat.org/project-status-overview/
Joseph Armbruster
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM Michael Walker va3mw@portcredit.net wrote:
It would be nice if AMSAT stopped wasting my money playing internal
politics and used it for something truly productive for actually making QSO's in the Sky.
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:17 PM Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB <
amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize
that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the
Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
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.
Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at
https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at
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.
Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at
https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/
View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at
After the deadline for comments, perhaps the Secretary could inform the membership of the number of letters of objection that were received at headquarters. Steve AI9IN ----- Original Message ----- From: Ray Soifer via AMSAT-BB (amsat-bb@amsat.org) Date: 04/22/21 12:17 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [AMSAT-BB] By-Laws
I agree with Bob McGwier. It fails the smell test.
In addition, as a co-author of the 1989 By-laws, I need to emphasize that the proposed amendment would not be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.
73 Ray W2RS
participants (11)
-
Alan -
Bruce Perens -
Fernando Ramirez -
Joseph Armbruster -
Michael Walker -
Paul Stoetzer -
Ray Soifer -
Robert Bankston -
Robert McGwier -
Steve Kristoff -
Steve Rish