Falconsat-3 and APRS HT's?
I was confused. I thought FALCONSAT-3 was a PACSAT protocol store and forward system because I thought I saw people trying to get the old PB and BG code, But the AMSAT web page says it is 9600 baud GMSK up and down.
https://www.amsat.org/falconsat-3/
435.103 MHz down and 145.840 up DIGI call of PFS3-1. While of course setting 5 memores to chase the Doppler the full 20 KHz during the pass.
So I am surrprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively..
Im under Kitchen arrest until 1st grandkid arrives soon and cannot play. If I missed something, ignore me. Ill go back under my domestic rock...
Bob, WB4APR
Hi Bob,
So I am surprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively.
There doesn't seem to be much discussion on the amsat-bb but the Satellite Forum on QRZ.com has a lot of examples of setup and QSOs ... with photos and screenshots (which we couldn't see the graphics on the good 'ol -bb anyways)
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/falconsat.582133/ and on the AMSAT-NA group on Facebook
-- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm@amsat.org
Bob, All, FalconSat has been fun so far, I have made several QSO's with K0FFY and NB3T via FalconSat-3, with an Arrow and D72. Here are some setup instructions that several people helped me put together: https://andrewbnortham.com/falconsat-3/
On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 11:20 AM, Robert Bruninga bruninga@usna.edu wrote:
I was confused. I thought FALCONSAT-3 was a PACSAT protocol store and forward system because I thought I saw people trying to get the old PB and BG code, But the AMSAT web page says it is 9600 baud GMSK up and down.
https://www.amsat.org/falconsat-3/
435.103 MHz down and 145.840 up DIGI call of PFS3-1. While of course setting 5 memores to chase the Doppler the full 20 KHz during the pass.
So I am surrprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively..
Im under Kitchen arrest until 1st grandkid arrives soon and cannot play. If I missed something, ignore me. Ill go back under my domestic rock...
Bob, WB4APR _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Hi Bob!
There are more than a few of us who have tried FalconSat-3 with the HTs capable of 9600bps APRS. The TH-D7 and TH-D72 are probably the best HTs for this, as they are capable of full-duplex operation. I have used my TH-D72 to make a few QSOs last weekend, and I have also used other combinations of radios to get on these passes...
1. TX: TH-D74, RX: another TH-D74 2. TX: TH-D74, RX: TH-D74 and SDRplay with HDSDR & UZ7HO's HS-SoundModem 3. TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay with HDSDR & HS-SoundModem 4. TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay w/HDSDR, HS-SoundModem, UISS
With all of these radios and combinations of radios, I have been using my Elk Antennas handheld 2m/70cm log periodic, going through a 2m/70cm diplexer whenever I'm using more than just the TH-D72.
For a few of these passes where I used the SDR receive setup, I have made RF recordings. Using the UZ7HO or UISS programs, I am also making logs from each program. For just the HT, pictures of the HT's screen showing the messages exchanged with other stations and other information like position packets. I have posted files in my Dropbox space at http://dropbox.wd9ewk.net/ (look for folders with "FalconSat3" in the folder names).
I just tried the 4th setup listed above for the first time on the 1756 UTC pass this morning. As I've seen before, I am receiving more data with the SDR setup than with the HTs. I saw my own packets passing through the digipeater - my position/comment packet, as well as a couple of messages sent to ALL. I haven't tried using the software directly to a radio, but I have a SignaLink USB here, and may work on that. The SDRplay, along with HDSDR's AFC function, works very well on the downlink. I normally don't have to make any adjustments to the downlink frequency during passes, as long as I am reasonably accurate in pointing my antenna skyward. UISS makes it easier to keep track of call signs, rather than just looking at the HS-SoundModem window - especially when a burst of packets show up on the screen, and I might miss something as it scrolls off the window.
I have two more really nice passes this afternoon - 1935 and 2115 UTC. I am going to use the same setup on those two passes, and hope to see other stations using the digipeater like me. Maybe I will add to my short list of FalconSat-3 QSOs (currently at 3)...
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Robert Bruninga bruninga@usna.edu wrote:
I was confused. I thought FALCONSAT-3 was a PACSAT protocol store and forward system because I thought I saw people trying to get the old PB and BG code, But the AMSAT web page says it is 9600 baud GMSK up and down.
https://www.amsat.org/falconsat-3/
435.103 MHz down and 145.840 up DIGI call of PFS3-1. While of course setting 5 memores to chase the Doppler the full 20 KHz during the pass.
So I am surrprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively..
Im under Kitchen arrest until 1st grandkid arrives soon and cannot play. If I missed something, ignore me. Ill go back under my domestic rock...
Bob, WB4APR
Has anyone managed to post a message to the BBS on FalcanSat-3 yet?
73 Jeff kb2m
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) Sent: Sunday, October 1, 2017 2:30 PM To: Robert Bruninga; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Falconsat-3 and APRS HT's?
Hi Bob!
There are more than a few of us who have tried FalconSat-3 with the HTs capable of 9600bps APRS. The TH-D7 and TH-D72 are probably the best HTs for this, as they are capable of full-duplex operation. I have used my TH-D72 to make a few QSOs last weekend, and I have also used other combinations of radios to get on these passes...
1. TX: TH-D74, RX: another TH-D74 2. TX: TH-D74, RX: TH-D74 and SDRplay with HDSDR & UZ7HO's HS-SoundModem 3. TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay with HDSDR & HS-SoundModem 4. TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay w/HDSDR, HS-SoundModem, UISS
With all of these radios and combinations of radios, I have been using my Elk Antennas handheld 2m/70cm log periodic, going through a 2m/70cm diplexer whenever I'm using more than just the TH-D72.
For a few of these passes where I used the SDR receive setup, I have made RF recordings. Using the UZ7HO or UISS programs, I am also making logs from each program. For just the HT, pictures of the HT's screen showing the messages exchanged with other stations and other information like position packets. I have posted files in my Dropbox space at http://dropbox.wd9ewk.net/ (look for folders with "FalconSat3" in the folder names).
I just tried the 4th setup listed above for the first time on the 1756 UTC pass this morning. As I've seen before, I am receiving more data with the SDR setup than with the HTs. I saw my own packets passing through the digipeater - my position/comment packet, as well as a couple of messages sent to ALL. I haven't tried using the software directly to a radio, but I have a SignaLink USB here, and may work on that. The SDRplay, along with HDSDR's AFC function, works very well on the downlink. I normally don't have to make any adjustments to the downlink frequency during passes, as long as I am reasonably accurate in pointing my antenna skyward. UISS makes it easier to keep track of call signs, rather than just looking at the HS-SoundModem window - especially when a burst of packets show up on the screen, and I might miss something as it scrolls off the window.
I have two more really nice passes this afternoon - 1935 and 2115 UTC. I am going to use the same setup on those two passes, and hope to see other stations using the digipeater like me. Maybe I will add to my short list of FalconSat-3 QSOs (currently at 3)...
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Robert Bruninga bruninga@usna.edu wrote:
I was confused. I thought FALCONSAT-3 was a PACSAT protocol store and forward system because I thought I saw people trying to get the old PB and BG code, But the AMSAT web page says it is 9600 baud GMSK up and
down.
https://www.amsat.org/falconsat-3/
435.103 MHz down and 145.840 up DIGI call of PFS3-1. While of course setting 5 memores to chase the Doppler the full 20 KHz during the pass.
So I am surrprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively..
Im under Kitchen arrest until 1st grandkid arrives soon and cannot play. If I missed something, ignore me. Ill go back under my domestic rock...
Bob, WB4APR
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
I saw messages from myself, N8MH, DK3WN, and KB0VBZ this evening.
73, Drew KO4MA
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of jeff griffin Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2017 7:40 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Falconsat-3 and APRS HT's?
Has anyone managed to post a message to the BBS on FalcanSat-3 yet?
73 Jeff kb2m
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) Sent: Sunday, October 1, 2017 2:30 PM To: Robert Bruninga; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Falconsat-3 and APRS HT's?
Hi Bob!
There are more than a few of us who have tried FalconSat-3 with the HTs capable of 9600bps APRS. The TH-D7 and TH-D72 are probably the best HTs for this, as they are capable of full-duplex operation. I have used my TH-D72 to make a few QSOs last weekend, and I have also used other combinations of radios to get on these passes...
1. TX: TH-D74, RX: another TH-D74 2. TX: TH-D74, RX: TH-D74 and SDRplay with HDSDR & UZ7HO's HS-SoundModem 3. TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay with HDSDR & HS-SoundModem 4. TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay w/HDSDR, HS-SoundModem, UISS
With all of these radios and combinations of radios, I have been using my Elk Antennas handheld 2m/70cm log periodic, going through a 2m/70cm diplexer whenever I'm using more than just the TH-D72.
For a few of these passes where I used the SDR receive setup, I have made RF recordings. Using the UZ7HO or UISS programs, I am also making logs from each program. For just the HT, pictures of the HT's screen showing the messages exchanged with other stations and other information like position packets. I have posted files in my Dropbox space at http://dropbox.wd9ewk.net/ (look for folders with "FalconSat3" in the folder names).
I just tried the 4th setup listed above for the first time on the 1756 UTC pass this morning. As I've seen before, I am receiving more data with the SDR setup than with the HTs. I saw my own packets passing through the digipeater - my position/comment packet, as well as a couple of messages sent to ALL. I haven't tried using the software directly to a radio, but I have a SignaLink USB here, and may work on that. The SDRplay, along with HDSDR's AFC function, works very well on the downlink. I normally don't have to make any adjustments to the downlink frequency during passes, as long as I am reasonably accurate in pointing my antenna skyward. UISS makes it easier to keep track of call signs, rather than just looking at the HS-SoundModem window - especially when a burst of packets show up on the screen, and I might miss something as it scrolls off the window.
I have two more really nice passes this afternoon - 1935 and 2115 UTC. I am going to use the same setup on those two passes, and hope to see other stations using the digipeater like me. Maybe I will add to my short list of FalconSat-3 QSOs (currently at 3)...
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Robert Bruninga bruninga@usna.edu wrote:
I was confused. I thought FALCONSAT-3 was a PACSAT protocol store and forward system because I thought I saw people trying to get the old PB and BG code, But the AMSAT web page says it is 9600 baud GMSK up and
down.
https://www.amsat.org/falconsat-3/
435.103 MHz down and 145.840 up DIGI call of PFS3-1. While of course setting 5 memores to chase the Doppler the full 20 KHz during the pass.
So I am surrprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively..
Im under Kitchen arrest until 1st grandkid arrives soon and cannot play. If I missed something, ignore me. Ill go back under my domestic rock...
Bob, WB4APR
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Ok, so I must be doing something wrong. I have an RTL-SDR dongle hooked to a deep-fringe TV antenna in the attic which is my all-purpose scanner setup. I can barely make out the 9600 baud downlink from FalconSat-3 in the GQRX Waterfall, seeing a good bit of fading during the pass. At best it's a faint bar; mostly not there at all. My D74 hand-held, with a Diamond RH-77B whip antenna decodes nothing, assuming there was something to decode. Tried this on 3 passes this afternoon. Nada. APRS traffic on 145.39, by comparison, shows up really well.
I thought I read that the satellite had a nice strong downlink. 435.103, plus or minus. I've not done much of anything with 9600 baud packet, so don't have much experience to draw from. What's wrong? Equipment, operating, or expectations?
Greg KO6TH
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote:
Hi Bob!
There are more than a few of us who have tried FalconSat-3 with the HTs capable of 9600bps APRS. The TH-D7 and TH-D72 are probably the best HTs for this, as they are capable of full-duplex operation. I have used my TH-D72 to make a few QSOs last weekend, and I have also used other combinations of radios to get on these passes...
- TX: TH-D74, RX: another TH-D74
- TX: TH-D74, RX: TH-D74 and SDRplay with HDSDR & UZ7HO's HS-SoundModem
- TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay with HDSDR & HS-SoundModem
- TX: TH-D74, RX: SDRplay w/HDSDR, HS-SoundModem, UISS
With all of these radios and combinations of radios, I have been using my Elk Antennas handheld 2m/70cm log periodic, going through a 2m/70cm diplexer whenever I'm using more than just the TH-D72.
For a few of these passes where I used the SDR receive setup, I have made RF recordings. Using the UZ7HO or UISS programs, I am also making logs from each program. For just the HT, pictures of the HT's screen showing the messages exchanged with other stations and other information like position packets. I have posted files in my Dropbox space at http://dropbox.wd9ewk.net/ (look for folders with "FalconSat3" in the folder names).
I just tried the 4th setup listed above for the first time on the 1756 UTC pass this morning. As I've seen before, I am receiving more data with the SDR setup than with the HTs. I saw my own packets passing through the digipeater - my position/comment packet, as well as a couple of messages sent to ALL. I haven't tried using the software directly to a radio, but I have a SignaLink USB here, and may work on that. The SDRplay, along with HDSDR's AFC function, works very well on the downlink. I normally don't have to make any adjustments to the downlink frequency during passes, as long as I am reasonably accurate in pointing my antenna skyward. UISS makes it easier to keep track of call signs, rather than just looking at the HS-SoundModem window - especially when a burst of packets show up on the screen, and I might miss something as it scrolls off the window.
I have two more really nice passes this afternoon - 1935 and 2115 UTC. I am going to use the same setup on those two passes, and hope to see other stations using the digipeater like me. Maybe I will add to my short list of FalconSat-3 QSOs (currently at 3)...
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Robert Bruninga bruninga@usna.edu wrote:
I was confused. I thought FALCONSAT-3 was a PACSAT protocol store and forward system because I thought I saw people trying to get the old PB and BG code, But the AMSAT web page says it is 9600 baud GMSK up and down.
https://www.amsat.org/falconsat-3/
435.103 MHz down and 145.840 up DIGI call of PFS3-1. While of course setting 5 memores to chase the Doppler the full 20 KHz during the pass.
So I am surrprised that I havent heard of anyone making contacts with any ole' APRS HT or Mobile... All of these radios can do 9600 baud and APRS natively..
Im under Kitchen arrest until 1st grandkid arrives soon and cannot play. If I missed something, ignore me. Ill go back under my domestic rock...
Bob, WB4APR
Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (7)
-
Andrew Glasbrenner -
Andrew Northam -
Greg D -
jeff griffin -
JoAnne K9JKM -
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) -
Robert Bruninga