Hi,,

I note that in another thread Wouter PE3WJ mentions the the next Delfi satellite n3Xt currently being constructed.

Can we be assured that full details of the telemetry equations and decoding format for defli-n3Xt will be published, preferably before launch.

With the considerable interest shown in the Funcube Dongle I'm sure that many satellite enthusiasts will want to write their own decoding software.

In the case of delfi-C3 I received a large number of packets using my G3RUH hardware decoder, but was unable to decode them, due to not having the telemetry details. I had hoped to publish details of my experiments.

After repeated requests for the information I was eventually told that it was commercially confidential and could not be published.

IIRC this information has to be made available to the IARU satellite coordinator before launch, and updated when there any changes, following launch.

AFAIK it is against amateur radio license regulations to transmit coded information in the amateur bands, unless the decoding information is freely available. The only exception being access codes to control the satellite, for obvious reasons.

I trust that delfi-C3 won't set a precedent for future projects and this problem will not arise again. We want to encourage radio amateurs and students to experiment and avoid the 'black box' culture as much as possible.

I will be interested in any comments.

73 Clive G3CWV

Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, UK