ANS-300 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

27 Oct 2013


      AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-300
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:
* FUNCube Data Warehouse Ready for Demo
* Satellite contact between Cuba and UK
* New Satellite Segment in IARU Region 2 Bandplan
* Astronaut Rick Mastracchio KC5ZTE to Geocache the ISS
* FUNCube SDR Radio Telescope
* NASA CubeSat Space Missions
* ARISS Team Recognized by NW Indiana Society of Innovators
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* All Things Symposium, a Chronology
* AMSAT BoD Meet in Houston October 31 and November 1
* 2013 AMSAT Symposium Presentations
* Symposium Banquet - 30 Years of Amateur Radio In Human Space Flight
* AMSAT Symposium Sunday Battleship Texas Tour
* AMSAT Symposium Monday NASA JSC Tour Monday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm CST
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-300.01
ANS-300 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 300.01
...
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
DATE October 27, 2013
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-300.01
FUNCube Data Warehouse Ready for Demo
AMSAT-UK & AMSAT-NL are pleased to announce a new version of the
FUNcube Data Warehouse which will collect, collate, deduplicate and
display data from FUNcube Dashboards running on user PCs (see section
at end).
The URL is: https://warehouse.funcube.org.uk
The intention of the warehouse is to allow access to all the data
received for the duration of the mission rather than from just one or
a series of passes. This will enable educators and others to download
mission telemetry for off-line analysis as part of our STEM outreach
goal.
The warehouse will store information for the following
satellites/devices:
- FUNcube Flight Model
- UKube-1 - FUNcube module
- FUNcube Engineering Model (which will be used for some
  demonstrations)
- FUNcube Software Test Stack (which is still be used for
  development but may become another demonstration model later)
Please note, that we are still adding functionality and that some
features may not be enabled but it will give a flavour of what will
be there.
The warehouse DOES allow registration for upload of data from the
FUNcube Dashboard (see below) and we would like feedback on the
process. You can register now as a user of the Warehouse and then,
later, apply the settings, that you will be emailed to you, to the
Dashboard software when it is available.
There is a new forum at: http://forum.funcube.org.uk, whose purpose
is to provide support for FUNcube satellite users. Registration on
this forum is separate from the warehouse registration.
FUNcube Dashboard
A Windows PC application has been developed which will allow FUNcube
Dongle (either model) users and those with other, SSB compatible, 2
metre radios to receive and display satellite telemetry in real time
and upload the data to the  FUNcube Data Warehouse. If using the
FUNcube Dongle, the software will perform  doppler tracking on the
received signal.
As well as real-time processing, the software can replay binary, IQ
and sound files captured on earlier passes.
The Dashboard software is undergoing final testing and will be made
available in about two weeks time.
We are looking forward to a late November launch. News updates can
be found here:
http://funcube.org.uk/
[ANS thanks Dave Johnson, G4DPZ on behalf of AMSAT-UK / AMSAT-NL for
the above information]
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Satellite contact between Cuba and UK
Hector, CO6CBF, reported on the AMSAT-BB October 20, "I am pleased
to report that yesterday I had my first contact on satellites with UK.
"Peter, G4DOL (IO80so) and I (EL92sd) completed a contact
successfully on FO-29. It is the result of a long history which began
six months ago.
"We tried several times but Peter never could hear below a degree
toward my location. I have the same problem in my home station and I
usually go to specific spots to try these kinds of contacts. So, I
suggested him assemble a portable station to operate from a better
spot. He did so and his first smoke test was on October 15th, we
almost completed a contact but Peter could not hear my report; I
couldn't reach a good spot due to the rain. Yesterday, I went to a
very tall building, I got access to the building `s top and operated
from there. Actually, it is a very good spot, it allowed me a great
horizon visibility toward Europe; I was able to work FO-29 until -1.5
degrees.
"We had a very narrow window but there was enough time to exchange
reports, grids and greetings. Our maximum elevation was 1.1 degrees.
I believe it is the first contact between UK and Cuba on FO-29! It is
a 7286 km contact, a new grid and new country for us!
"Please, note that our success was on the 2301z pass, it was very
late in the night for Peter. He had to load his car with antennas,
radio, a battery and drive five miles from his home looking for a
good spot in the windy and dark coast. He was running 50W into a 10
elements yagi and was using 19 elements yagi for the downlink; He
mounted both antennas on a big tripod and had to manage with a "heavy
weigh". Needless to say that Peter did the difficult part and a very
good job!
"I was running a FT-817nd, a 50W homebrew power amplifier and ELK
antenna. Everything was supplied by a 12V 7A Gel battery. I was
operating Half-Duplex but we ran the frequency calculations based on
the great feature implemented on SatPC32 V12.8b. So, it was very easy
to find each other in the pass band. It was my 8th transatlantic
contact with Europe on FO-29!
"Right Now, FO-29 has a big footprint. Please, if you are into the
footprint and want to try a long distance contact, just drop me an
email. I will try until complete a contact with you. Unfortunately,
Cubans cannot operate on AO-7B; FO-29 is our only chance for DX
contacts.
"Thanks very much to Peter for this exciting contact!"
[ANS thanks Hector, CO6CBF for the above information]
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New Satellite Segment in IARU Region 2 Bandplan
Following the IARU Region 2 (the Americas) meeting in September at
Cancun, Mexico, the new Region 2 bandplans for all allocations from
137 kHz to 250 GHz have now been published.
There is a new allocation for the Amateur-Satellite Service from
144.000-144.025 MHz
There is also a reference to NSS – Near Space Stations in the
definitions section. This is believed to be the first mention of High
Altitude Balloons in any amateur radio band plan document. It says
NSS – Near Space Stations:
Equipment located in temporary Near Space Stations (such as those
carried by High Altitude Balloons) can transmit carefully on any
frequency; exceptions are the segments with “exclusive” usage where
“NSS” are not applied. NSS must follow the BW and mode restrictions
of the segment and observe carefully the usual occupation of the band
on the related region to avoid harmful interference. For longer
missions and NSS crossing international and regional boundaries,
extra care must be observed in harmonization of different allocations.
See the new IARU Region 2 bandplans at
http://tinyurl.com/ANS300-IARU-Region-2-bandplans
Read the IARU Region 1 paper Increased Amateur Satellite Service 144
MHz Usage
http://tinyurl.com/ANS300-IARU-Region-1-paper
[ANS thanks Trevor M5AKA and AMSAT-UK for the above information]
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Astronaut Rick Mastracchio KC5ZTE to Geocache the ISS
It’s the Travel Bug® that’s taking the global Geocaching community
on a rocket ride to space.  Whether you’re in Mexico or France,
Australia or Korea you’re primed to join the geocaching community in
celebrating the spirit of exploration. There are more than 800
Geocaching in Space events scheduled around the world. Those who
attend Event Caches on either November 6 or November 7 earn the
Geocaching in Space souvenir.
Join the adventure and watch the launch live as Astronaut Rick
Mastracchio packs the Travel Bug along on his 6 month mission aboard
the International Space Station. He’ll use the Travel Bug as a tool
to teach students back on earth about geography and science.
Geocaching HQ is offering a limited edition Geocaching in Space
Mission Patch. Geocaching will donate proceeds from the patch to
Donorschoose.org for use in funding projects that use geocaching as
an educational tool.
Geocaching in Space Event Owners: Be on the lookout for an email
from Geocaching HQ later this week. We’ll serve up details on how to
watch the launch live, how to connect with the 800+ events around the
world and how to celebrate afterwards (hint: geocaching).
For more information on this event visit http://tinyurl.com/ANS300-
GeocacheSapceEvent
While aboard the ISS Mastracchio is expected to recover a travel bug
hidden by Richard Garriott W5KWQ on 10/14/2008.
Visit http://tinyurl.com/ANS300-Geocach for more information on this
geocache.
[ANS thanks Geocaching.com for the above information]
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FUNCube SDR Radio Telescope
Dr David Morgan has released a new paper 'Further Developments of an
SDR Radio Telescope' using the FunCube Dongle Pro+ and SpectrumLab
"Further Developments of an SDR Radio Telescope" details the
equipment configuration and software involved in setting to work a
small 3m diameter amateur radio telescope using the FunCube Dongle
Pro+ software defined radio receiver.
It demonstrates how Spectrum Lab can provide digital filtering to
observe up to 20 individual sub-bands to help overcome interference
issues.  David also provides details of gain and noise stability
measurements for the FUNcube Dongle and observations of emissions
from the quiet Sun and the Cygnus arm of the Milky Way.
This paper adds to the work that David has undertaken in the past
and is interesting reading for anyone wanting to experiment with SDR
solutions for amateur radio astronomy.
Paul Hyde G4CSD
BAA RAG Coordinator
Download the paper from
http://tinyurl.com/ANS300-SDRTelescope
BAA RAG website
http://www.britastro.org/radio/
Join the BAA RAG Yahoo Group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baa-rag
FUNcube Pro Plus Yahoo Group
http://amsat-uk.org/funcube/funcube-dongle-sdr/
[ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information]
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NASA CubeSat Space Missions
NASA is now accepting proposals for the CubeSat Launch Initiative.
Proposals must be submitted electronically by 4:30 p.m. EST Nov. 26,
2013.
...
From the submissions, NASA will select the best proposals by Feb. 7,
2014. Developers whose proposals are selected may have the opportunity
to see their creations launched as an auxiliary payload on a mission
between 2014 and 2017. NASA will not provide funding for the
development of the small satellites and selection does not guarantee a
launch opportunity.
CubeSats are a class of cube-shaped research spacecraft called
nanosatellites. They are approximately 4 inches long, have a volume of
about 1 quart and weigh less than 3 pounds.
CubeSat investigations should be consistent with NASA's strategic plan
and educational vision and goals. The research should address specific
aspects of science, exploration, technology development, education or
operations.
...
From the first four rounds of the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative, 89
payloads from 25 U.S. states made the short list for launch
opportunities in 2011 through 2016. Of the selected CubeSats, 12
satellites have already launched. Twenty-one Cubesats are scheduled
for launch later this year.
For additional information on NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative
program, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/CubeSats_initiative.html.
[ANS thanks NASA for the above information]
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ARISS Team Recognized by NW Indiana Society of Innovators
The ARISS team who supported and conducted the May 8, 2013
International Space Station school contact with participants at The
Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc, Gary, Indiana have been recognized by
the Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators with induction into their
2013-14 Class of Fellows. This recognition describes these
trailblazers as among the most innovative "thinkers and doers" in
Northwest Indiana.
The Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc. serves as the primary literacy
collaborative in the City of Gary and neighboring communities. GLC
supports, promotes, enhances, and coordinates the accessibility of
literacy opportunities, thus making Gary "A Reading City."
GLC has maintained a close partnership with the Gary Community School
Corporation (GCSC). The GLC/GCSC partnership allows the operation of
the "Learning Partner" Mentoring Project. This mentoring initiative is
a motivational endeavor offering an arm of support to 4th, 5th and 6th
grade students enrolled in the GCSC gender academies; Dr. Bernard C.
Watson Academy for Boys and Frankie Woods-McCullough Academy for
Girls.
The GCSC is an urban public school district challenged to expand and
enhance educational experiences for the approximately 10,000 students
that it serves. A large percentage of these students reside in
single-parent homes and/or low-income families. A collaboration of
students from Lew Wallace STEM Academy, Bernard C. Watson Academy for
Boys, Frankie Woods McCullough Academy for Girls and NU-Tech Academy
will be program participants. These students ranged in grade levels 4
through 12.
A photo of the citation is posted at:
http://tinyurl.com/facebook-ARISS-Award (facebook.com)
The Northwest Indiana Times newspaper article can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/NWTimes-ARISS (nwitimes.com)
[ANS thanks ARRL Illinois Section Manager Tom Ciciora, KA9QPN; ARISS,
and the Northwest Indiana Times for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS News
+ A Successful contact was made between Comprensivo Camaiore 3
Camaiore and Astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP using callsign IRØISS.
The contact began 2013-10-19 15:54 UTC and lasted about nine and a
half minutes. Contact was direct and telebridged via IQ5VR. ARISS
Mentor was IKØWGF.
+ A Successful contact was made between Istituto Comprensivo
Marzocchino Di Seravezza, Italy and Astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP
using callsign IRØISS. The contact began 2013-10-19 15:54 UTC and
lasted about nine and a half minutes. direct and telebridged via
IQ5VR. ARISS Mentor was IKØWGF.
+ A Successful contact was made between IPSSEOA, Castellana Grotte
and Liceo Classico e Linguistico  C. Sylos, Bitonto, Italy and
Astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP using callsign IRØISS. The contact
began Wed 2013-10-23 12:43:08 UTC and lasted about nine and a half
minutes. Contact was direct via IZ7RTN. ARISS Mentor was IKØWGF.
+ A Successful contact was made between Liceo Classico e Linguistico
C. Sylos, Bitonto Bari, Italy and Astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP
using callsign IRØISS. The contact began Wed. 2013-10-23 12:43 and
lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via IZ7RTN
ARISS Mentor was IKØWGF.
Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center  (KOSC), Vestal, NY, direct
via K2ZRO Contact is a go for: Wed 2013-10-30 16:32:51 UTC
Wallingford STEM Academy/Town of Wallingford, Wallingford, CT,
direct via K1SEZ Contact is a go for: Thu 2013-10-31 15:45:11 UTC
[ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ VE's requested for Symposium Testing
At this year's AMSAT symposium, one of our foreign visitors will be
taking his FCC amateur radio license exams.  If you are an ARRL or
W5YI VE and would like to support this effort of international
goodwill, please contact W5PFG at arrl dot net.  Clayton will be
coordinating the session to be held either Friday morning before the
Symposium kick-off or Saturday morning before breakfast.
Source, Clayton W5PFG
+ See Bdale Garbee's KB0G talking about AMSAT's Fox-1 CubeSat at
last year's ARRL and TAPR DCC. It was recorded by HamRadioNow on
September 21, 2012, but somehow was overlooked it when they produced
the rest of the talks. It was produce October 23, 2013 as Episode
105 AMSAT Fox-1 CubeSat (The Missing Episode from the 2012 DCC)
http://arvideonews.com/hrn/HRN_Episode_0105.html
Source HamRadioNow
+ View an animated assembly of the International Space Station
http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htm
Source Kenneth N5VHO
+ SSTV Handbook
Martin Bruchanov, OK2MNM, has written a Free e-book for ham radio
operators and radio listeners interested in special communication
modes for image transmission – SSTV, radio facsimile (WEFAX) and
digital SSTV (HamDRM).
You can download the entire book or view on line...
http://www.sstv-handbook.com/
Source Southgate ARN
+ FUNcube-1 is presently at Yasny and is being prepared for launch.
All the latest news can be seen at www.funcube.org.uk and the latest
post includes a link to the launch blog from our launch service
providers.
Source Graham G3VZV
+ The tiny PocketQube satellite WREN, just 5x5x5 cm and weighing 250
grams, aims to transmit amateur radio Slow Scan TV (SSTV) pictures
using the Martin-1 format.
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/10/24/wren-a-ham-radio-sstv-pocketqube/
Source Trevor M5AKA and AMSAT-UK
[ANS thanks the Sources listed for the above information]
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All Things Symposium, a Chronology
+ Please visit http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1555 for the most
current information.
Please visit http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1555 for the most
current information.
Thursday 31 October.
08:00-12:00 AMSAT BOD Meeting (Pasadena).
12:00-13:00 AMSAT BOD Lunch Break (Spirits Private Dining Room)
13:00-18:45 AMSAT BOD Meeting (Pasadena).
18:45-19:45 AMSAT BOD Dinner Break (Spirits Private Dining Room)
19:45-21:00 AMSAT BOD Meeting (Pasadena).
19:00-21:00 Symposium Registration (Outside Corpus Christi/South
Padre)
Friday 1 November
Ongoing VUCC/WAS Card Checking, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director
Contests and Awards, will be at the symposium Friday, Saturday and
Sunday (Sunday is the trip to the USS Texas so not much time) and
available to check cards for VUCC satellite or WAS satellite.
Morning
08:00-17:15 Symposium Registration (Outside Corpus Christi/South
Padre)
08:00-12:00 AMSAT BOD Meeting (Pasadena).
09:00-12:00 Display Area Open (Port Lavaca)
Afternoon
13:00 13:15 Symposium Opening Remarks and Introductions, President's
Welcome (Corpus Christi/SouthPadre)
13:10-17:20 Presentation of papers (Corpus Christi/SouthPadre)
13:10-17:30 Display Area Open (Port Lavaca)
Evening
17:20-19:30 Informal Dinner on your own
19:30-21:00 AMSAT Reception (Bluez) Cash Bar Available
Saturday November 2, 2013
Ongoing VUCC/WAS Card Checking,
Morning
07:30-12:00 Symposium Registration
08:00-12:00 Display Area Open (Port Lavaca)
08:00 08:10 Opening remarks (Corpus Christi/SouthPadre)
08:00-11:50 More Symposium papers (Corpus Christi/SouthPadre)
Afternoon
11:50-13:00 Lunch break
13:00-15:30 More presentations (Corpus Christi/SouthPadre)
13:00-15:45 Display Area (Port Lavaca)
15:30-15:45 Break/Setup for Annual Meeting
15:45-17:15 AMSAT Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony (Corpus
Christi/SouthPadre)
Echolink Simulcast
Connect to the *AMSAT* conference server, node number 101377
Note the * before and after AMSAT are part of the Node name and are
important.
Saturday Evening
18:00-19:00 Attitude Adjustment (Pasadena)
18:00-22:00 Cash Bar
19:00 -21:00 Banquet and Keynote Presentation (Pasadena)
Presentation:  "30th Anniversary of Amateur Radio and Human Space
Flight" Multi-Media Presentation plus Panel Moderated by AMSAT VP-
Space Flight Frank Bauer, KA3HDO (Including Owen Garriott, W5LFL)
21:00-22:00 Door prize drawing (Pasadena)
Sunday November 3, 2013 (Note: Change from CDT to CST-"Fall back 1
hour")
Ongoing VUCC/WAS Card Checking, Do it before the tour.
Morning
07:30-09:00 Area Coordinators Meeting and breakfast. (Pt. Aransas)
(Breakfast only for those with reservations/All interested are
invited to join the discussion)
08:45-09:45 IARU Satellite Advisor Forum (Port Lavaca)
09:45 Gather for transportation to Special Sunday tour
10:00 Leave for special tour of the Battleship Texas (BB-35)
10:30 Arrive USS Texas
11:00 Begin Tour
Afternoon
14:00 End Battleship Tour/ Group 1 departs for Restaurant/Group 2
for hotel/airport (Group 2 arrive hotel at 1430 after airport drop-off)
14:15 Group 1 arrives restaurant
15:45 Group 1 departs restaurant/split group for airport or hotel
16:00 Group 1 returns to Hotel from tour or arrives at airport
19:00 Informal gather for dinner (Those who are staying for the
      Monday JSC tour) TBD place.
Monday November 4, 2013
Morning
07:45 Gather for the Special JSC Tour
08:00 Special tour of JSC & Lunch (Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Building 30
Mission Control, Building 9 ISS Mockup, JSC Amateur Radio Club
Station W5RRR)
Afternoon
12:00 Lunch at Space Center, Houston
14:15 Dropoff at Airport
14:30 Bus returns to hotel
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]
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AMSAT Board of Directors Meet in Houston October 31 and November 1
The AMSAT Board of Directors will meet October 31 and November 1
prior to the AMSAT Symposium in Houston, Texas. The meeting will be
held at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport.
The meetings will begin Thursday October 31, 8am through about 9pm,
and then resume Friday Novemeber 1, 8am through 12 noon. The meeting
will be open to the general membership to the maximum extent possible.
The Board will meet in the Pasadena Room
Current Agenda
Thursday, October 30th (All times are CDT)
Opening Issues
08:00  Welcome and Facilities        Barry Baines, WD4ASW
08:05  Agenda review                 Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Election of Officers                 Barry Baines, WD4ASW
08:10  President, Executive Vice President, Vice-President
Operations, Vice-President Engineering, VP of User Services,
Secretary, Treasurer, and Manager
08:20  President's Report for 2013   Barry Baines, WD4ASW
08:40  Secretary:                    Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
      -Approval of prior minutes
      -Report for 2013
08:50  Treasurer's Report for 2013   Keith Baker, KB1SF
-Accept the 2012 Review
-Appoint a review firm for 2014
-Report on Overall Finances
09:30  Regulatory Issues              Barry Baines, WD4ASW
-ITAR
10:00 "15 minute" coffee break
10:15  Manager's Report for 2013     Martha Saragovitz
10:30  Operations Team Report        Drew Glasbrenner KO4MA
-IARU Region 1 Proposal
10:50  AMSAT Lab Update/Storage      Lou McFadin, W5DID
11:05  User Services Team Report
      -AMSAT Journal                 Joanne Maenpaa, K9JKM
      -AMSAT News Service            Joanne Maenpaa for Lee, KU4OS
      -Weekly Satellite Report       Barry Baines, WD4ASW
      -Field Operations              Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK
      -Dayton Hamvention             Alan Biddle, WA4SCA for Steve
                                     Belter, N9IP
12:00  Lunch Break (1 hour)          Martha Saragovitz
Tactical - Executive Team Reports (Continued)
13:00  Education Outreach                 E.Mike McCardel, KC8YLD
13:20  ARRL 2014 Centennial Convention    Barry Baines, WD4ASW
13:35  ARISS-US                           Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
14:15  ARISS International Report         David Taylor, W8AAS
14:30  HamTV on ISS                       Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, Lou
                                          McFadin, W5DID
15:00  "15 minute" coffee break
15:15  AMSAT Symposium Planning           Barry Baines, WD4ASW
15:30  AMSAT Logo                         Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
15:40  AMSAT Store                        Alan Biddle, WA4SCA, Joe
                                          Fitzgerald, KM1P
16:00  AMSAT's Website                    Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
       & Electronic Services              Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P
16:45  "15 minute" coffee break
AMSAT Engineering and Discussion Topics
17:00  Project Fox Engineering            Tony Monteiro, AA2TX
18:45  Break for Dinner-Room TBD          Martha Saragovitz
Finance and Budget
(CLOSED SESSION)
19:45  AMSAT's Financial Trends           Keith Baker, KB1SF
-Performance Review
Open Session
20:15   Initial 2014 Budget (First Cut)   Keith Baker, KB1SF
21:00   Adjourn for the day
Friday, November 1st
CLOSED SESSIONS
BOD Members and Invited Guests ONLY -
08:00  Employee Evaluation/Compensation Review Barry Baines, WD4ASW
09:15  Future Launch Opportunities             Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
OPEN SESSIONS
09:45  IARU Satellite Coordination  Hans Van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV
10:50  "10 minute" coffee break
Additional Items
11:00  Finalize Budget               Keith Baker, KB1SF
11:45  Atta-boys and Girls           Tom Clark, K3IO
12:00  Adjourn-Lunch for Board Members and Senior Officers
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]
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2013 AMSAT Symposium Presentations (Corpus Christi/SouthPadre rooms)
Friday, 1 November 2013 (All times are CDT)
1:00 PM Introduction and Welcome
1:10-1:35 PM "AMSAT Education and You" E. Michael McCardel, KC8YLD
1:35-2:05 PM "Upcoming Amateur Radio Cubesats: The Flood has
              Arrived" Bryan Klofas, KF6ZEO
2:05-2:25 PM "W5PFG/P: Observations from a Roving Operator" Clayton
             Coleman, W5PFG
2:25-2:45 PM  "Operating on Satellites from Cruise Ships-Lessons
              Learned" Allen Mattis, N5AFV
2:45-3:05 PM  "If JFK Was A Ham" Nick Pugh, K5QXJ
3:05-3:20 PM Break
3:20-3:40 PM "The Montgomery College Satellite Radio Rotator
               Project" David Bern, W2LNX
3:40-4:05 PM "AMSAT's Internet Presence" Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P
4:05-4:30 PM "Overcrowding of the Two Metre Satellite Band" Hans van
              de Groenendall, ZS6AKV
4:30-4:55 PM "Using Amateur Radio Satellites in Education" Rafael
              Haag, PY23FF
4:55-5:20 PM "WRAPS Portable Satellite Antenna Rotor" Mark Spencer,
              WA8SME
Saturday, 2 November 2013
8:00 AM Introduction and Welcome
8:15-8:40 AM   "Cubesats in HEO-A Challenging Mission for AMSAT"
                Daniel Schultz, N8FGV
8:40-9:30 AM  "Fox Satellite Program Overview" Tony Monteiro, AA2TX
9:30-10:00 AM "Coding and Modulation Design for AMSAT Fox-1", Phil
               Karn, KA9Q
10:00-10:15 AM  Break
10:15-10:35 AM "Virginia Tech Cubesat Camera for Fox-1" Zach Leffke,
                KJ4QLP
10:35-10:55 AM "The Fox-1 IHU and Telemetry Simulator or Making Good
                Use of Cheap Evaluation Boards" Burns Fisher, W2BFJ
10:55-11:20 AM "Fox Experiments: Attitude Determination" Mark
                Spencer, WA8SME
11:20-11:50 AM "Distributed Ground Station Network Receive Node
                Design" Zach Leffke, KJ4QLP
11:50-1:00 PM  Lunch
1:00-1:20 PM "SA AMSAT Turns to Innovation for its Cubesat" Hans van
              de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV
1:20-1:45 PM "FUNcube Dongle and SDR-Radio Console for Schools
              Support" Hector L. Martinez, CO6CBF
1:45-2:05 PM "Fox Experiments-Exploring the Fox-2 Maximum Power
              Point Tracking System" Mark Spencer, WA8SME
2:05-2:25 PM "A Brief Overview of the ARISS Program" Dave Jordan,
              AA4KN
2:25-2:45 PM "Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS)-Interesting Times"
              Dave Taylor, W8AAS
2:45-3:30 PM "Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight Missions-30 Years"
              Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
3:30-3:45 Break
3:45-5:15 PM AMSAT Annual Meeting broadcast over Echolink AMSAT
             Server and AMSAT Recognition.
To hear the Echolink transmission, connect to the *AMSAT* conference
server, node number 101377.
Note that the * before and after AMSAT are important.
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]
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Symposium Banquet - 30 Years of Amateur Radio In Human Space Flight
In addition to good food and company, the banquet always features an
interesting speaker on a topic related to the space program.  A
special highlight of this year's Symposium is the celebration of the
30th anniversary of amateur radio involvement in human space flight
and the evolution of amateur radio into a successful program on board
the International Space Station. ARISS (Amateur Radio on the ISS) is
an international program that supports educational outreach as well
as provides an opportunity for informal contacts between
astronauts/cosmonauts and amateur radio operators around the world.
The recent delivery of "Ham TV" equipment to the Columbus module by
the European Space Agency is a reflection of the continued support
that amateur radio holds for communicating with students.
Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL on STS-9 in November 1983 was the
first astronaut to utilize amateur radio to communicate with
personnel on the ground, allowing the general public to speak with US
astronauts from space, outside the communication channels of NASA's
Mission Control.  In recognition of the 30th anniversary of this
historic event, a multi-media panel featuring Owen and other key
individuals who initiated this amazing program will take place on
Saturday evening as part of the banquet, moderated by AMSAT VP-Human
Space Flight Frank Bauer, KA3HDO.  The presentation includes not only
remarks by Owen and others in response to Frank's questions, but
video highlights of amateur radio participation in STS-9 and other
Shuttle flights will be shown.  Having such a celebration take place
in Houston makes it more special as it allows us to have non-AMSAT
personnel involved with placing amateur radio on the Shuttle and ISS
participate in our special program.
Dinner Menu
Salad with choice of dressing
Chicken or beef sirloin entree
Mashed potatoes
Seasonal vegetables
Desert
Ice tea or coffee
A cash bar will be available 6-10pm CDT for beer, wine, and mixed
drinks
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]
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AMSAT Symposium Sunday Battleship Texas Tour
Tour of Battleship Texas, Sunday 11 am - 2 pm CST
The Battleship Texas BB-35 is the only surviving Navy warship that
served in both World Wars.  It is currently opened to the public
while undergoing extensive restoration to ready her for the 100th
anniversary of her commissioning in 2014.  A special tour has been
arranged for AMSAT Symposium participants.  The tour will be
conducted in small groups by experienced docents and will include
areas of the ship included on general public tours, as well as areas
not generally open to the public.  The tour will also feature special
emphasis on the radio room and if restoration activity permits, the
transmitter room which contains the original transmitter equipment
and has never been open to the public.  Transportation will be by
organized carpool provided by a combination of those participants
with rental cars, and local hams from the Clear Lake Amateur Radio
Club (CLARC) and the Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club
(JSCARC).  A late lunch is planned at a popular local restaurant on
the return trip to the Marriott for those who wish to participate.
Symposium participants with rental cars who plan to attend this tour
are requested to contact Lou McFadin if you are willing to be part of
the carpool.
Tour itinerary: (all Times are CST)
09:45 Gather for transportation to Special Sunday tour
10:00 Leave for special tour of the Battleship Texas (BB-35)
10:30 Arrive USS Texas
11:00 Begin Tour
14:00 End Battleship Tour/ Group 1 departs for Restaurant/Group 2 for
hotel/airport (Group 2 arrive hotel at 1430 after airport drop-off)
14:15 Group 1 arrives restaurant
15:45 Group 1 departs restaurant/split group for airport or hotel
16:00 Group 1 returns to Hotel from tour or arrives at airport
Participants needing to return to the Marriott or Hobby Airport
immediately after the tour is concluded at 2 PM will be accommodated
(arranged with a driver volunteer) or they may bring their own
private vehicles.
Sorry, registration for this event has closed.
[ANS thanks the AMSAt Office for the above information]
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AMSAT Symposium Monday NASA JSC Tour Monday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm CST
A special tour of JSC has been arranged for AMSAT Symposium
participants.  The tour will include the Sonny Carter Neutral
Buoyancy Lab and the Building 9 Training facility containing high
fidelity full scale mockups of the International Space Station
modules as well as the Soyuz spacecraft.  The ISS tour will include
special emphasis of the amateur radio stations on the ISS.  The tour
will also include the Building 30 historic mission control room as
well as the current International Space Station control room.  After
departing the JSC campus, a short tour of the JSCARC station, W5RRR
will be conducted by members of the JSCARC.  Participants will then
have the opportunity to eat lunch at Space Center Houston and visit
the official souvenir shop before the bus returns to the Marriott and
Houston Hobby airport.  Please register for the tour early since
charter bus seating capacity is limited.  Participants planning to
bring their personal or rental vehicles to leave the tour early to
catch return flights should notify Lou McFadin via email at
[email protected].
Tour itinerary: (All Times are CST)
07:45 Gather for the Special JSC Tour
8:00 am    Bus departs Marriott South Hobby Airport
8:30 am    Arrive at JSC visitor control for JSC tour
11:15 am   Depart JSC for JSCARC Station W5RRR
11:20 am   Arrive at JSCARC Station W5RRR
11:40 am   Depart JSCARC Station W5RRR for Space Center Houston
11:50 am   Arrive at Space Center Houston (Lunch and souvenir shop)
1:45 pm    Depart Space Center Houston for Houston Hobby Airport
2:15 pm    Arrive at Houston Hobby Airport
2:30 pm    Arrive at Marriott South Hobby Airport
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]
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/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, KC8YLD
kc8yld at amsat dot org

E.Mike McCardel

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