Hi Pete,
We can actually get all of the really important files up in an optimum pass, but since all of that is stored in volatile memory, when it comes around again it's gone. AO-51 requires the software to be running to do much of anything, as all the audio and control is run through the IHU. Even if we could upload everything in one pass, there is nothing to keep it from resetting right away during the next eclipse. We've not given up, but it's looking really grim right now.
Let me point out that AMSAT-NA has been learning from our past (and present) experiences. The current design for Fox, seen as a replacement for AO-51 by many, includes what the team has been referring to as "zombiesat" mode. In this mode, Fox will operate without the IHU, and maybe even without the batteries while illuminated. We would still retain the ability to command the transmitter off if need be. As I understand it, the design also includes non-volatile memory for some systems, which would really be useful right now on 51.
73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations
-----Original Message-----
From: "P.H." pholmes102@gmail.com Sent: May 6, 2011 12:46 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 troubles
Hi Drew & all,
I'm not 100% sure how the software uploads take place, however I have a suggestion.
Would there be any benefit having one uplink station on the west coast and another on the East coast, purely to allow the complete upload to take place before an eclipse?
Perhaps the users of AO-51 would donate to a road-trip fund to send one of the command stations /portable to a location of benefit to assist ?
Just trying to think outside the box :-)
good luck with the uploads,
73
Pete
2i0VAX
Ok, all is a little clearer right now!
I wasn't aware that the sat relied on volatile memory to store the main software. Was there a particular reason why this was chosen over non-volatile or was it just an oversight that this issue would eventually happen when the batteries became exhausted?
Just curious!
Think now is a good time to remind everyone that an extra few dollars into the Amsat Fox fund wouldn't do any harm :-)
73
Pete 2i0VAX
On Fri, May 6, 2011 at 6:18 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbrenner@mindspring.com wrote:
Hi Pete,
We can actually get all of the really important files up in an optimum pass, but since all of that is stored in volatile memory, when it comes around again it's gone. AO-51 requires the software to be running to do much of anything, as all the audio and control is run through the IHU. Even if we could upload everything in one pass, there is nothing to keep it from resetting right away during the next eclipse. We've not given up, but it's looking really grim right now.
Let me point out that AMSAT-NA has been learning from our past (and present) experiences. The current design for Fox, seen as a replacement for AO-51 by many, includes what the team has been referring to as "zombiesat" mode. In this mode, Fox will operate without the IHU, and maybe even without the batteries while illuminated. We would still retain the ability to command the transmitter off if need be. As I understand it, the design also includes non-volatile memory for some systems, which would really be useful right now on 51.
73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations
-----Original Message-----
From: "P.H." pholmes102@gmail.com Sent: May 6, 2011 12:46 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 troubles
Hi Drew & all,
I'm not 100% sure how the software uploads take place, however I have a suggestion.
Would there be any benefit having one uplink station on the west coast and another on the East coast, purely to allow the complete upload to take place before an eclipse?
Perhaps the users of AO-51 would donate to a road-trip fund to send one of the command stations /portable to a location of benefit to assist ?
Just trying to think outside the box :-)
good luck with the uploads,
73
Pete
2i0VAX
participants (2)
-
Andrew Glasbrenner -
P.H.