Getting back into FM LEO sats
Well, Im back. I got frustrated sometime back with the lack of progress and bleak looking future for HEO's as well as sniping on this list about HEO's vs. LEO's so I left the list and left AMSAT. Leaving AMSAT was more of an economics issue, I couldn't afford dues. Anyway, times are hard around here and I've had to sell my HF radio so it appears if I'm going to have any radio fun at all, it's going to be with FM LEO's , ARISS and maybe listening for and tracking cubesats. Here's what I've got and what my proposed budget is... I have an older Alinco DJF1T 2 meter HT capable of 5 watts out. I still have my Orbit OR360 TV rotators with homebrew Saebrtrack basic stamp based tracking box plus SatPC32 software I also have some homebrew "cheap yagis", 4 elements on 2 meters and 11 elements on 70cm Some LMR 400 and some RG8U Also have Pacific Monolithics 2.4GHZ downconverter that I'm unsure whether it works. Also have a 12V power supply. I've got a fixed budget capped right around $200.00 I'm thinking I can pick up a new or used 70cm HT and get back on the FM LEO's and I'm talking a "base" setup not portable even though I'd be using HT's. Sound doable or am I missing something? I don't have a preamp for 70cm but maybe if I keep the cable run short I can get by. And please guys, I haven't been here in awhile and I don't know how the bb is getting on but don't turn this into some kind of merits of FM LEO's debate. I can't afford to do anything else right now and this is the only way I can see to remain in the hobby right now and have a little fun if indeed my plan is even feasible in the first place. I'm open to suggestions and advice though. And BTW, what did ever happen to P3E? Is it rotting away somewhere in storage now? Tnx and 73, Michael W4HIJ
Well, Im back. if I'm going to have any radio fun at all, it's going to be with FM LEO's...
In addition to the FM sats, don't forget the APRS downlink on 145.825 from the Space Station (ISS) and sometimes PCSAT. You may not have a TNC, but these days, you can just download APRS software that uses the soundcard.
To see how it all works, look at the LIVE up-to-the-minute downlink captured by APRS ground stations around the world, all feeding the www.ariss.net site. Any packets you send up on 145.825 that get digipeated will show up there.
The site also gives you an idea as to whether the ISS transponder is on or not. Or you can just put your rig on 144.825 and monitor all day to see when the passes are (and if it is working). THe downlink is so strong, you can hear it on an HT with a rubber duck, or your basestation or your mobile omni.... (IF IT IS ON..) sometimes it is off for days or weeks depending on astronaut activity.
BOb, WB4APR
Hi,
Sorry for the offtopic, can somebody help me with getting MixW2 working with a microHam USB Interface III?
No problems with HRD, DM-780, WSJT but in combination with MixW it is a pain in the but :)
The main reason for wanting to use MixW is the support for packet.
Maybe a reply offlist
Thanks in advance,
73's PE0SAT
participants (3)
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Bob Bruninga
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Michael Tondee
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PE0SAT