AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-058
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America,
The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor(a)amsat.org
In this edition:
* Electronic Nominating Procedures Announced for AMSAT-NA Elections
* SA AMSAT Space Symposium on April 2, 2011
* SA-AMSAT Decides on UV Linear Transponder for Kletskous Payload
* NASA ASSESSING NEW LAUNCH DATES FOR THE GLORY MISSION
* Wide selection of Modes is scheduled for AO-51
* Satellite Shorts
* ARRISS CONTACTS
* Spectrum Management Bill Threatens 70cm Amateur Satellite Frequencies
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.01
Electronic Nominating Procedures Announced for AMSAT-NA Elections
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.01
AMSAT has in the past required written submission of nominating
petitions for the Board of Directors, usually gathered at hamfests
or other meetings, to be received at the AMSAT office no later than
June 15th. This procedure will remain available, unchanged, and is
the preferred method.
However, in the decades since the founding of AMSAT, electronic com-
munications, once limited to the few at government or other technical
facilities, have become readily available. This has prompted a review
of the nominating procedures used at comparable organizations.
Beginning with 2011 AMSAT Board of Directors election, a supplemental
method, using electronic submissions, will be available.
This will be a two step process:
1. Preliminary nominating petitions may be made by FAX, PDF, or
similar electronic means. As with the written version, this
petition must be from one Member Society, or five AMSAT-NA
members in good standing, and received at the AMSAT office
by June 15th. This will allow nominations up to the last day
to cover a last minute withdrawal or declaration of candidacy.
2. However, in accordance with the AMSAT Bylaws, there remains a
requirement of a confirming written nominating petition. This
must be received at the AMSAT office no later than 7 days after
June 15th.
In effect, by submitting a petition electronically, you extend the
deadline for the written petition to be received by 7 days. Elec-
tronic submissions without this second, written petition are not
valid under the existing AMSAT Bylaws. More extensive changes, for
instance to a fully electronic method, will require an amendment of
the Bylaws.
The addresses, FAX number, and requirements for submission will be
provided in the formal call for nominations published in the AMSAT
Journal.
Alan Biddle
WA4SCA
AMSAT Corporate Secretary
[ANS thanks AMSAT Corporate Secretary Alan Biddle, WA4SCA for the
above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.02
SA AMSAT Space Symposium on April 2, 2011
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.02
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.02
SA AMSAT Space Symposium on April 2, 2011
The 2011 SA AMSAT Space Symposium will be held in Gauteng on Saturday,
April 2, 2011 at Vodaworld, Midrand in South Africa.
If you book before March 15 you receive a discount on the registration
fee. Download the registration form from http://www.amsatsa.org.za/
Registration fee includes refreshments and lunch.
Symposium Highlights:
+ Keynote Address: Sandile Malinga CEO of SANSA
+ RaDAR- Rapid Deployed Amateur Radio
+ SA AMSAT Satellite projects:
SAiSAT
KLETSkous
+ The African Space Institute: the first year of blood, sweat
and space.
+ Cryogenic receiver systems for the KAT-7 and MeerKAT projects
+ The CHEETAH-1 CSLV-Moving Toward Independent Access to Space
for South Africa
+ CPUT - Student Satellite projects
[ANS thanks SA AMSAT for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.03
SA-AMSAT Decides on UV Linear Transponder for Kletskous Payload
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.03
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.03
SA-AMSAT Decides on UV Linear Transponder for Kletskous Payload
SA-AMSAT has started the development of a Cubesat project. It has
been named Project KLETSkous during its development phase. Once
the satellite nears completion it is plannedto run a competition
to decide on an applicable name for the satellite as was the case
for SumbandilaSat.
Project KLETSkous reflects nicely on the mission and functionality
of the satellite: "Klets" is an Afrikaans work for talking a lot.
We want the Southern African radio amateurs to talk and operate
much more via satellite. "Kous" is the Afrikaans word for a sock.
The transponder that is planned for the satellite can also be re-
ferred to as a "bent-pipe" transponder, aligning the idea to the
"sock".
SA-AMSAT this week announced that the main payload on the KLETSkous
CubeSat will be a linear UV transponder with a bandwidth of 20 kHz.
The UV mode which is 70 cm uplink and 2 meter downlink was chosen
in line with internationally recommended practice as it will mini-
mize interference.
The aim is to have it operating over Africa without the need of an
access tone to open the transponder to give Amateurs with modest
equipment easy access to the satellite. For the rest of the world
where the Amateur population is denser, tone access will be required
to reduce unwanted interference even on 70 cm uplinks.
For educational purposes a beacon and parrot functionality may be
highly desirable. Proposals for additional payloads will be consid-
ered. It should however be remembered that the amount of available
power is a limiting factor.
Fundraising for the project has started in all earnest and radio
amateurs are invited to make contributions to the fund.
Visit http://www.amsatsa.org.za/KLETSkous.htm for bank details and
more about the KLETSkous project.
[ANS thanks SA AMSAT for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.04
NASA ASSESSING NEW LAUNCH DATES FOR THE GLORY MISSION
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.04
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.04
NASA ASSESSING NEW LAUNCH DATES FOR THE GLORY MISSION
[Editor Note: This is the launch from Vandenberg AFB that includes
the University of Kentucky, University of Montana, and University
of Colorado cubesats announced in ANS-051.]
WASHINGTON -- Preparations for the launch of NASA's Glory mission
from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California have been suspended
temporarily. Engineers continue to troubleshoot a malfunction in
ground support equipment associated with the Taurus XL rocket.
On Feb. 23, a false indication was received about the rocket's
status after commands were sent approximately 15 minutes before
launch to activate the Taurus.
"We had an indication that a 'hold-fire' command was sent when
indeed it had not," said Omar Baez, NASA launch director.
The commands originated from the Vehicle Interface Control Console
in the mobile launch support van stationed a few miles from the
launch pad. The problem has not yet been isolated, and trouble-
shooting continues. Managers are evaluating possible Glory launch
opportunities in early to mid-March.
"The Glory spacecraft is doing fine," reported Bryan Fafaul, Glory
project manager from NASA's Goddard Space Flight in Greenbelt, Md.
"We are continuing to slow charge the battery until we have a new
launch date."
The Glory satellite will be launched aboard a Taurus on a mission
to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric
particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. Glory launch
management is provided by NASA's Launch Service Program at the
agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital Sciences Corp.
is providing the Taurus XL launch vehicle and is responsible for
spacecraft operations.
For status updates on the Glory launch, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/glory
[ANS thanks NASA for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.05
Wide selection of modes is scheduled for AO-51
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.05
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.05
Here is the AO-51 schedule for the next few weeks. There is
a little bit of something for everyone in here!
Keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change due to
power budget and/or telemetry downloading.
AO-51 Mode Change Schedule(updated 2/27/11)
February 21 (~2145 UTC) [Eclipses should end around Feb. 24/25]
Dual Voice Repeaters :
Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed)
Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM
Downlink 435.300 MHz FM
Mode L/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed)
Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FM
Downlink 435.150 MHz FM
March 1 (~1005 UTC)
Mode V/S Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed)
Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM
Downlink 2401.200 MHz FM
March 4 (~0945 UTC)
Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed)
Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM
Downlink 435.300 MHz FM
Mode L/U PacSat BBS
Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FSK 9k6 baud
Downlink 435.150 MHz FSK 9k6 baud
March 6 (~2115 UTC)
Mode L/SU FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed)
Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FM
Downlink1 2401.200 MHz FM
Downlink2 435.300 MHz FM (low power)
March 11 (~1000 UTC) [Eclipses return around March 12/13]
Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed)
Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM
Downlink 435.300 MHz FM
Mode L/U PacSat BBS
Uplink: 1268.703 MHz 9k6 baud
Downlink 435.150 MHz 9k6 baud
As always, command stations may need to reconfigure modes in
order to collect telemetry as needed.
Remember that power management may be running, and the
transmitter(s) will shut OFF during periods of eclipse
and/or low battery voltage.
73,
Mark N8MH
AO-51 Command Team
[ANS thanks Mark, N8MH & Team for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.06
Satellite Shorts
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.06
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.06
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ David Jordan AA4KN's excellent article on working ARISSat-1 that
was published in the February, 2011 issue of QST magazine is
available for download: http://tinyurl.com/work-arissat1 It is a
1.1MB .pdf document. (Thanks Clint, K6LCS)
+ Roscosmos has announced that ARISSat-1, still inside the ISS will
be turned on using an external antenna on Yuri's Night, April 12,
2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first manned
space flight. AMSAT will support this event and issue certificates
to those stations reporting reception of the ARISSat-1 signals.
Yuri's Night is a global event with more information available
on-line at: http://yurisnight.net/
+ Listen for possible satellite operation from the Camb-Hams DXpedition
from the Isle of Arran (Grid IO75HO) between May 1-8, 2011. Their
latest information can be found on-line at: http://dx.camb-hams.com/
+ The next Hudson Valley Satcom Net date is Thursday, March 3 at 8PM
EST (UTC-5) on the 146.970MHz Repeater (-600;Pl 100) and on the
echolink node of N2EYH-L. More info: http://www.hvsatcom.org
(Stu,WA2BSS)
+ The Florida AMSAT net is held every Thursday evening at 7:30pm Eastern
Time (UTC-5). Many Florida repeaters are connected together for this
net but others are welcome to join by using the AMSAT Echolink Confer-
ence Node. Mike N4HHA is usually the moderator. Bring your questions
and news items to share. (John K8YSE/4)
+ Several videos of the innovative KySat-1 CubeSat are available:
http://tinyurl.com/4zodwy8 (SouthGateARC)
+ Movies of Comet Tempel 1 encounter by Stardust-NExT can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/4tnbwan (UniverseToday.com)
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.07
ARISS Contacts
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.07
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 21, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.07
1. Upcoming School Contacts
Preston North East Primary School in Preston, Victoria, Australia scheduled
for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on
Tuesday, February 22 at 08:04 UTC via telebridge station W5RRR in Houston
was successful. Students in Grades 5 and 6 have been engaged in an
integrated unit of work that focuses on Earth and the Solar System. The
students have been learning why we are able to live on Earth and why other
planets are not suitable to sustain human life.
Nishibori Eizaburo Memorial Explorer Museum Radio Club, located in
Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Tuesday, February 22 at 09:12
UTCwas also successful. The radio club is an independent club that will use
the museum facilities for this event. Children are learning about the ISS
mission and space science and it is hoped that the contact will pique
student interest in science and space technology.
2. Successful ARISS Contacts Held
Students from Matsubara High School, located in Matsubara, Osaka, Japan,
experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
contact with U.S. astronaut Cady Coleman, KC5ZTH on Monday, February 14.
The contact, which highlighted lessons on radios and the ISS, was attended
by approximately 200 people. Media representatives from 3 newspapers, one
radio station and 3 television stations, including NHK
(Japan Broadcasting Corporation) covered the event.
On Thursday, February 17, students attending "Claudio Varalli," and
"Salvador Allende" High Schools in Milano, Italy participated in an
ARISS contact with ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZØJPA on the ISS.
Telebridge station W5RRR in Houston handled the connection. Varalli,
which has both a technical school and a secondary school that focuses
on foreign languages, has a radio club station, IZ2SHS that is used to
practice languages. "Salvador Allende" emphasizes three courses of
study in science, humanities and accounting. More than 100 students,
teachers and visitors attended the event and listened as Nespoli
fielded 16 questions posed to him by the students. Regional and local
media covered the contact, which was available on EchoLink and streamed
on the Web.
An ARISS contact was held between youth visiting Experiencing Learning,
"Imparare Sperimentando," in San Quirino, Italy and on-orbit astronaut
Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA on Saturday, February 19 via station LU8YY in
Argentina. A crowd of approximately 400 people gathered at Imparare
Sperimentando, an interactive exhibition that covers a wide variety of
physics experiments and science, and watched as the students asked 16
questions of the astronaut. Regional and local media covered the event.
The audio was fed into EchoLink and streaming video was provided by
AMSAT-Italia.
3. Kentucky Standard Says ARISS Inspires Students to Study Science
The Kentucky Standard Editorial Board printed an article about the recent
ARISS - Foster Heights Elementary School contact, made possible with the
help of Nelson County Area Technology Center students, and how this activity
inspires children to learn more about science and technology. The story
talks
about how the radio contact fits in with President Barack Obama's recent
State
of the Union address on how the nation needs to encourage students to learn
and
excel, especially in math and science.
See:
http://www.kystandard.com/content/space-contact-may-increase-science-and-mat
h-interest
4. ARISS International Team Meeting Held
The ARISS International Team met for its monthly teleconference on Tuesday,
February 15. Discussions included the upcoming ARISS-I face to face
meeting,
as well as status reports on Columbus Module projects and ARISSat-1 plans.
Minutes have been posted to the ARISS Web site.
https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2011-02-15.htm
5. AMSAT - ARISSat-1 Updates
On February 20, the AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) News Service
bulletin (ANS-051) provided a status on ARISSat-1. Roscosmos has delayed the
deployment of ARISSat-1 until the next Russian EVA scheduled in July. On
April 12,
the crew will connect the satellite, while still inside the ISS, to an
external
antenna and turn it on in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's
first
manned spaceflight. For more information,
see: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2011/000488.html
6. ARRL - Doug Wheelock will be Guest at Dayton Hamvention
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) posted a story in its February 17
ARRL
Letter about astronaut Doug Wheelock's plans to attend the Dayton Hamvention
which will be held May 20-22, 2011. Wheelock will talk about his stay on the
ISS, his contacts with school children and his many general contacts with
hams.
For the full story, "Astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC, to Be Guest of ARRL
and
AMSAT at Hamvention,®" go to:
http://www.arrl.org/news/astronaut-doug-wheelock-kf5boc-to-be-guest-of-arrl-
and-amsat-at-hamvention
7. Astronaut Training Status
Three astronauts were given the ARISS Basic Operations class this past week.
Kevin Ford, KF5GPP (Expedition 33), Chris Cassidy (Expedition 35) and
Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI (Expedition 32) all participated in the training
sessions.
8. Amateur Radio Newsline Covers ARISSat
On February 18, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1749 posted the story,
"Ham Radio
in Space: ARISSat-1 Deployment Delayed until July."
The story covers the recent events affecting the satellite.
See: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt
[ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-058.08
Spectrum Management Bill Threatens 70cm Amateur Satellite Frequencies
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 058.08
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 27, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-058.08
Spectrum Management Bill Threatens 70cm Amateur Satellite Frequencies
The ARRL and AMSAT are closely monitoring progress on a new bill
HR-607, the Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011, introduced
by Representative Peter King (R-NY-3), Chairman of the House Home-
land Security Committee. At present the bill has been referred to
the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which handles telecommun-
ications legislation.
Several blocks of spectrum are proposed for auction. There are sev-
eral bills in Congress providing for the allocation of the D-Block
(758-763 and 788-793 MHz) for Public Safety use, and HR-607 is one
of those.
But HR-607 uniquely provides for the reallocation of other spectrum
for auction to commercial users, in order to offset the loss of
revenue that would occur as the result of the allocation of the
D-Block to Public Safety instead of commercial auction. The band of
420-440 MHz is listed among the bands to be reallocated for commercial
auction within 10 years of passage of HR-607.
A full article on this topic is posted on the ARRL web at:
http://tinyurl.com/4prgouq (arrl.org)
[ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information]
/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 additional
benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Dee Interdonato, NB2F
Nb2f at amsat dot org
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-044
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North
America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor(a)amsat.org
In this edition:
* ARISSat-1 Update - No Wednesday Deployment of ARISSat-1
* ARRISat-1 Team Pointers to Get Ready for SSTV Reception
* View Student Projects Flying on ARISSat-1
* AMSAT Awards Announcement
* AA5UK Announces Plans for ZF2AE Grand Cayman Satellite Operation
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* Opportunity for Students to Participate on "Extra" Shuttle Mission
* Launch Opportunity To All Balloon Groups, Or Individuals
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.01
ARISSat-1 Update - No Wednesday Deployment of ARISSat-1
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.01
1. On Wednesday, 9 FEB 11 NASA announced that ISS Russian Segment
(RS) EVA28 will be broadcast live on NASA TV, starting at 1245 UTC
on Wednesday, 16 FEB 11. Included in the schedule for RS EVA28
posted by NASA was the deployment of ARISSat-1/RadioSkaf-V/Kedr
RS EVA 28 is being managed by RSC-Energia, the operating entity
of the ISS RS, as well as the Soyuz and Progress vehicles.
2. On Thursday, 10 FEB 11 RSC-Energia finalized plans to perform
a preliminary test of ARISSat-1 while inside the ISS to verify
that the satellite could transmit following its delivery to the
ISS on a Progress resupply vehicle.
This was not an event that was previously scheduled. Instructions
were sent to the Cosmonauts to give them a test procedure with
activation scheduled for that day at 1605 UTC. For this test, the
ARISSat-1 VHF antenna port was connected to an RF patch panel
inside of the Zvezda Service Module, to provide an RF connection
of the satellite to one of the four ARISS external antennas mounted
on the aft end of the Service Module. ARISSat-1 was then activated
and the Cosmonauts listened for the satellite's FM transmissions
using the Kenwood TM-D700(E). This radio is normally used for ARISS
school contacts which is connected to an adjacent ARISS external
antenna.
During the test, RSC-Energia decided to keep the transmitter on
until Friday morning. AMSAT was notified Friday morning that the
cosmonauts reported that tests were nominal. A number of ground
stations reported hearing the transmissions as well, including
AMSAT VP-Engineering Tony Monteiro, AA2TX in North Andover, MA.
This preliminary test was not announced to amateurs in advance
due to the short time frame between RSC-Energia's decision to
conduct this test and when it was conducted as well as the
uncertainty as to how long the satellite's transmitter would
remain activated.
3. AMSAT learned on Friday morning, 11 FEB 11 that the deployment
of the ARISSat-1 satellite had been removed from the RSA EVA 28
timeline by RSC-Energia management. NASA was informed that the
ARISSat-1 deployment would be deferred to a later RS EVA, due to
changes in the tasks associated with the configuration of RS pay-
loads to be performed during RS EVA 28. Subsequently, RSC-Energia
informed NASA that deployment of ARISSat-1 will be added to RSC
EVA 29 currently scheduled for July 2011.
[ANS thanks the ARISSat-1 Team for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.02
ARRISat-1 Team Pointers to Get Ready for SSTV Reception
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.02
The ARISSat-1 FM downlink on 145.950 MHz includes live SSTV
images as part of the cycling voice ID, select spoken telemetry
values, and the international greeting messages. The recently
announced schedule delay for ARISSat-1 deployment gives every
one time to begin station improvements to receive SSTV pictures
from orbit.
One fun feature is that there are four SSTV cameras mounted on
the spacecraft. On photos of ARISSat-1 you may have noticed black
brackets on the outside of the spacecraft. These hold the mirrors
that reflect the light onto the lens of the cameras. The software-
defined-transponder will use the image data from the cameras to
generate the SSTV downlink.
ARISSat's software will sequentially select a new or stored image
from one the four cameras. There are two pre-recorded images as
part of the sequence. The camera that took the the picture can be
identified by the color of the call sign in the upper left of the
SSTV image. The SSTV image will be sent down as FM audio SSTV in
Robot 36 format on 145.950 MHz about every 140 seconds.
The RF downlink power on the 145.950 MHz FM downlink will be 250mW
which is predicted to provide a link margin around 6 dB on an HT
with a 'big whip' when the satellite is at 15 degrees elevation. This
should be sufficient to receive SSTV pictures although you may need
to orient the whip to line up the antenna polarization.
ARISSat-1 is not stabilized so the antenna orientation is unpredict-
able and a certain amount of fading will happen. The receiving link
margin may be improved with a handheld beam such as an "Arrow", "Elk",
or "Cheap Yagi" antenna.
(See: http://www.wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf)
General Overview Radio-to-Soundcard Interface
---------------------------------------------
To view the SSTV downlink from ARISSat-1 you'll need a computer
running SSTV software for your soundcard and an audio connection
between your radio and the computer.
If you are already on the air with other amateur radio soundcard
applications chances are you are ready to receive ARISSat's SSTV
downlink with little or no modification to your setup.
The audio from the radio to the computer is the key link. An initial
"Receive Only" configuration is easily done consisting of an audio
patch cable between your radio and the soundcard. Take the speaker
or headphone output from the radio and run it into the line (or mic)
input on your PC sound card.
Setting the level is simple also as the MMSSTV software has a bar
indicator. Just adjust the sound card gain slider and/or radio volume
control so that the SSTV signal is within the center part of the bar.
MMSSTV will give you an "overflow" indication if the volume is too
high.
If your rig has a 'Line Out' connection this can be run to the
soundcard 'Line In'. Using the radio 'Line Out' you won't have to
deal with the interaction of the radio's volume control with the
soundcard levels. But you will still need to use the soundcard
'Volume Control' to set the 'Line In' levels.
SSTV Software Download Sites
----------------------------
There are many amateur radio SSTV software decoding applications
available. One of the easiest to use on Windows computers is the
MMSSTV program. This can be downloaded from:
http://mmhamsoft.amateur-radio.ca/pages/mmsstv.php
MMSSTV installs like most other Windows software. The download
site has audio test files for you to learn with. If you have an
HF rig the SSTV crowd hangs out 14.230 MHz and you can use their
signals for testing and learning.
MMSSTV will also automatically determine which SSTV protocol is in
use. You won't need to remember Robot 36 if you set MMSSTV's RX mode
to 'Auto'.
SSTV software for the Mac is available at:
http://web.me.com/kd6cji/MacSSTV/MultiScan.html
[ANS thanks the ARISSat-1 Team for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.03
View Student Projects Flying on ARISSat-1
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.03
ARISSat-1 will carry many education-based features encouraging stu-
dent interaction. During the development of the satellite, students
from around the world were invited to submit images and letters doc-
umenting their participation in science activities and projects.
These submissions have been processed and stored on a memory chip
that has been attached to ARISSat-1 and is flying along with the
craft as it orbits the Earth. The student projects and photos can
all be viewed ARISS Europe web site at:
http://www.ariss-eu.org/arissat-1.htm
[ANS thanks ARISS-Europe for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.04
AMSAT Awards Announcement
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.04
AMSAT Director Contests and Awards Bruce Paige, KK5DO says that
congratulations are in order for the first awards issued for 2011.
The following have entered into the Satellite Communicators Club for
making their first satellite QSO.
Anthony Allen, W6CSA
Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA
Brian Erwin, KJ4TDM
Palo Lanca, 9A3DPL
Zeljko Eklic, 9A1WW
Vaclav Ujcik WD9HBC
The following have earned the AMSAT Communications Achievement Award.
Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA #531
Patrick Farcon, N2VYT #532
The following have earned the South Africa Satellite Communications
Achievement award
Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA #US163
Patrick Farcon, N2VYT #US164
To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org.
[ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.05
AA5UK Announces Plans for ZF2AE Grand Cayman Satellite Operation
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.05
Adrian, AA5UK will be operating portable as ZF2AE from Grand Cayman
and as ZF2AE/ZF8 from Little Cayman from March 23th to April 5th, 2011.
Most activity will be in the afternoons and evenings using two FT-817s
and an Elk Antenna. He plans to operate holiday style on the FM and
SSB satellites with some HF.
Activity will be from grids: EK99hi from March 23 - 24th, EK99xp from
March 25th - April 2nd (he plans to operate HF during part of CQ WPX
SSB contest while on Little Cayman: 40m to 10 m) and EK99kh from
April 2nd - April 5th.
Time permitting; he will try to make it to grid FK09. Frequently check
AMSAT-BB and http://twitter.com/AA5UK for last minute operational updates.
QSL Direct with SASE, the Bureau, LOTW or eQSL.
[ANS thanks Adrian, AA5UK for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.06
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.06
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.06
+ Get ARISSat-1 updates via SMS by texting 'follow Arissat1'
(no quotes) to 40404 in the United States. Codes for other
countries can be found at http://twitter.com/arissat1
+ Roland, PY4ZBZ received the ARISSat-1 145.950 MHz test transmission
from the ISS on February 10 when the crew tested the satellite using
one of the external antennas on the space station. Audio file can be
found at: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/satelite/ARISSAT1PY4ZBZ1.wav
+ A web based satellite tracker can be found at:
http://carlfretwell.com/satellites/
+ A YouTube video shows that a simple handheld radio is all you need
to hear Radio Amateur Astronauts from the ISS. In the video Astro-
naut Catherine Coleman, KC5ZTH is using the ISS Amateur Radio sta-
tion to talk to young people at a school radio station near Ulm,
Germany. Watch ISS hamradio contact received with a Kenwood hand-
held TH-F7: http://tinyurl.com/5rgslof (SouthGate)
+ ICOM factory tour slides are posted at:
http://www.nsarc.ca/hf/icom2010.pdf
+ Good DX via AO-51: Pierre ZS8M on Marion island made contact with
John ZD9GI on Gough Island, both remotely located islands in the
South Atlantic. Pierre also logged ZS1LS, ZS2BK, ZS3SVD, ZR5JT,
5R8KH, ZS1UR , ZS6AC, ZD9GI and V51PJ.
+ Good DX via AO-7: Gary, K4MF and Luis, LU6QI made a CW contact
on AO-7 Mode B on January 30, 2011. Both stations reported a
clear copy with the satellite just above the horizon. The
distance is 7024.45 KM.
+ The next Hudson Valley Sat Com Group net is February 17 at 2000 EST
(UTC-5) on the 146.97 MHz. Repeater (-600; Pl 100); w/ an Echolink
Node of "N2EYH-L" More info: http://www.hvsatcom.org. (Stu, WA2BSS)
+ SA AMSAT reminds satellite operators that SO67 operates on the
following schedule:
Week 1 America
Week 2 Europe
Week 3 Asia
Week 4 Eastern Asia/Australasia
The schedules are published on http://www.amsatsa.org.za
+ Jim, G3WGM uploaded a very brief description plus a few pics of
the FUNcube model: http://funcube.org.uk/overview/model/
+ Two satellite videos of the February blizzard that swept across
the continental United States can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/6zbad68 (UniverseToday.com)
+ Brad Goodspeed created an animation which shows different planets
in our solar system as they would appear in the sky if it shared
an orbit with our Moon, 380,000 km from earth:
http://bradblogspeed.com/what-would-neptune-look-like-if-it-orbited-ea
+ Edge of Space Sciences Balloon Flight, Saturday, 19 Feb 11 from
Colorado (USA) with amateur radio aboard. Details at:
http://www.eoss.org/flight/index.html
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.07
Opportunity for Students to Participate on "Extra" Shuttle Mission
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.07
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.07
UniverseToday published a news item (http://tinyurl.com/6dnjp4e)
with a new opportunity for students to be part of history and fly
an experiment on what could be the last space shuttle mission. The
program is the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) for
the STS-135, the shuttle mission that might fly in June of 2011.
SSEP is a new program that launched in June 2010 by the National
Center for Earth and Space Science Education in partnership with
NanoRacks, LLC, a company that is working with NASA under a Space
Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International
Space Station as a National Laboratory.
The company hopes to stimulate space station research by providing
a very low-cost 1 kilogram platform that puts micro-gravity projects
within the reach of universities and small companies, as well as
elementary and secondary schools through SSEP. So, this is actually a
commercial space program and not a NASA program.
This opportunity offers real research done on orbit, with students
designing and proposing the experiments to fly in low Earth orbit.
According to the National Center for Earth and Space Science Educa-
tion, "We hope to get 50 communities and 100,000 students participa-
ting in the initiative which allows grade 5-14 student design of real
experiments to fly aboard Atlantis, and engages entire communities,"
But it is now time critical for schools to be able to participate.
There is a proposal submission deadline of May 12, 2011. By the end
of May, the flight experiments will be selected, so that NASA can be
provided with the materials list 3 months in advance of launch.
For more information see the SSEP website http://ssep.ncesse.org/
[ANS thanks UniverseToday for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-044.08
Launch Opportunity To All Balloon Groups, Or Individuals
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 044.08
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 13, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-044.08
Joe, WB9SBD of Near Space Sciences, a group that specializes in
high altitude balloon flights is offering a launch opportunity
that will be a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Near Space Sciences is looking for proposals to fly a payload
on a maximum altitude record attempt to +250,000 feet. Other
mission plans include to allow the high altitude balloon to
be a free-floating flight since it will not burst at its max-
mum altitude.
For more details visit: http://www.qsl.net/wb9sbd/300K.html
Joe will post any proposals he receives for everyone to examine.
[ANS thanks Joe, WB9SBD for the above information]
/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 additional benefits.
Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. And, with that,
keep in mind the ham who thought he found the perfect hands-on job
where he set his own hours as a watchmaker. When that didn't work out
he tried to become a grocer but it only offered a meager celery and
he came home every evening beet.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM
K9JKM at amsat dot org
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-037
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America,
The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor(a)amsat.org
In this edition:
* SKN Results
* ARRISSat-1 Update
* AO-11 Report
* AMSAT-DC Spring-Summer Workshop in planning
* 2 Notes from SA AMSAT
* ARRL Announces Teachers Institute TI-2 Space Curriculum
* Codec2 Alpha Release Demonstration
* ARISS Status - 31 January 2011
* AMSAT at the Orlanda Vacation
* Volunteer Request
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.01
SKN Results
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.01
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.01
Many thanks to all who participated in AMSAT's
Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2011, this year's event
held in memory of Dick Peacock, W2GFF. Despite the
frequent necessary power-management shut-downs of AO-51,
activity was generally good, with AO-7, FO-29 and VO-52
picking up the load. A big "Well Done!" to all of
the command stations.
The following participants each received one or more
"Best Fist" nominations:
AA5PK, JH7UJI, JM1SBU, JR0EFE, K9CIS, N1AIA, N4ZQ,
N5AFV, N9AMW, ON5NY, PR7VX, PU4RON, VA7MG, W9EN,
WA5KBH, WB2SIH, WC7V, WD9EWK, 9A2EY
As can be seen from the list, from its very modest,
informal beginnings on the North American east coast
AMSAT net in the 1970s, SKN on OSCAR is now a worldwide
event. Long may it continue, and we hope to
see you next year!
A Big well done to Ray for once again giving his time and
Effort to compilation of the results and moderating the
Straight Key Night.
73,
Ray, W2RS
[ANS thanks Ray, W2RS, for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.02
ARISSat-1 Update
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.02
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.02
ARISSat-1
The ARISSat team is anxiously awaiting the deployment of ARISSat-1
from the ISS during an EVA on 16 Feb 2011.
NASA will cover the EVA on NASA Select TV. We don't have a final
time during the EVA when the deployment task will occur.
We are continuing to work on the arissat1.org site and adding
information, people can also follow on Twitter @Arissat1.
[ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.03
AO-11 Report
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.03
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.03
OSCAR-11 REPORT 31 January 2011
This report covers the period from 31 December 2010 to 31 January 2011.
During this time the satellite has been heard from 31 December 2010 to
10 January 2011, and from 21 January to 30 January . It is expected to
switch-on again 10 February for ten days, and remain silent for the
remainder of the month.
Excellent signals have been reported from stations located around the
world, and good copy obtained from decoded telemetry frames.
The satellite is now transmitting during eclipses, although signals are
weaker at those times. This indicates that there is still some capacity
remaining in the battery.
The on-board clock is now very stable. It gained eight seconds
during January.
The VHF beacon frequency is 145.826 MHz. AFSK FM ASCII Telemetry
Reception reports have been received from Christian SWL-CHMY, Mike DK3WN,
Campo PY5JAP, Ron WB0SOK and Horatio CX8AF. Many thanks for those and to
everyone who posted reports on the satellite status website.
At the present time, while OSCAR-11 is operating in a predictable way,
I no longer need direct reports or files by e-mail. However, could all
listeners continue to enter their reports on the general satellite
status website. This is a very convenient and easy to use facility, which
shows the current status of all the amateur satellites, and is of use to
everyone. Reports around the expected times of switch-on and switch-off
are of special interest, especially for times 12:00 - 17:00 and 22:00 -
07:00 UTC, to when the satellite is out-of-range in the UK . The URL
is http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php
A longer version of this report report is available on my website, and
new listeners to OSCAR-11 should read this for further information.
The URL is www.g3cwv.co.uk/oscar11.htm .
This page contains a links to the longer report, a short audio clip to
help you identify the satellite and a file of the last telemetry received.
The website also contains an archive of news & telemetry data which is u
pdated from time to time, and details about using a soundcard or hardware
demodulators for data capture. There is also software for capturing data,
and decoding ASCII telemetry.
If you place this bulletin on a terrestrial packet network, please use the
bulletin identifier $BID:U2RPT153.CWV, to prevent duplication.
73 Clive G3CWV xxxxx(a)amsat.org (please replace the x's by g3cwv)
[ANS thanks Clive, G3CWV, for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.04
AMSAT-DC Spring-Summer Workshop in planning
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.04
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.04
AMSAT Maryland-DC Area Coordinator Pat Kilroy, N8PK invites East
Coast satellite operators to participate with him to plan, organize
and conduct the 2011 AMSAT-DC Spring (or summer) Workshop. Pat says
the focus of the event will be To BUILD AND TEST something.
"Something" may include a PICetSat II flight module, a SoftRock SDR
project, SDR Cube transceiver, a photovoltaic system battery charging
regulator deep-cycle 90AH batteries, and the door is open for more
suggestions.
Such a workshop for any of these projects will take nearly a whole
day on which to make good progress. Pat is looking for a free or low
cost meeting place. The free facility at Goddard Space Flight Center
in Greenbelt, Maryland is availble subject security screening such as
at the last Workshop.
Pat needs to know if there is enough interest? PLEASE RESPOND soon,
by Tuesday, February 7, 5 PM, to amsat-dc(a)amsat.org list (preferred)
or privately to Pat at n8pk(a)amsat.org. Pat hopes to hear from a great
team of volunteers! Please pass the word!
[ANS thanks AMSAT Maryland-DC Area Coordinator Pat Kilroy, N8PK for
the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.05
2 Notes from SA AMSAT
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.05
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.05
*1 SA AMSAT Announces SAiSAT A Journey Into Tomorrow
This week SA AMSAT announced two new satellite initiatives. The first
is a long-term research and development project called SAiSAT.
The Southern Africa Amateur Radio Satellite Association (SA AMSAT)
which is affiliated to other AMSAT groups around the world is pro-
posing an exciting satellite project and is inviting the partici-
pation of South African Universities and Universities of Technology
in the development and construction of a completely South African
Amateur Radio experimental satellite.
The objective of this satellite is to demonstrate South Africa's
ability to engineer a satellite, employing the latest technology,
and new innovations. In addition to some feasibility projects for
future commercial use. The aim of the project is to contribute to
propelling South Africa into a world position as a technology
resource.
SAiSAT is based on the CubeSat satellite design. SAiSAT plans to
use fold out panel a total of 24 in all that support solar panel
steering in order to capture the maximum energy available from the
sun. The rear of the solar panels is free for project use. They have
the potential to house 24 projects depending on size.
An additional research proposal is that the outer rim of each panel
is fitted with pcb tracks in the form of a coil:
+ To generate additional power from the Earth's magnetic field.
+ To torque stabilise the satellite against the Earths magnetic field.
+ To give orientation data to resolve the attitude of the satellite.
+ Take additional unused power from the batteries and elevate the
satellite into an every increasing orbit thus extending its use-
fulness and orbital life.
+ Possible to create an 12 antenna arrary
* Provide a steerable antenna array with gain, thus reducing
the necessary radio frequency power needed to maintain contact
with earth.
* Provide a radio Doppler system on board so the satellite can
confirm and report position, and supply the radial of interfering
emissions.
* Provide a vital radio redundancy feature from antenna failure.
* Provide static charge data.
* Provide residual atmospheric density readings
SA AMSAT has issued an open invitation to tertiary institutions and
individuals to participate in the project. A project meeting is
scheduled on Friday 25 March ahead of the annual Space Symposium
which will take place the next day. Full details are posted at:
http://www.amsatsa.org.za/SAiSAT.htm
*2 SA AMSAT Announces Kletskous Amateur Radio Satellite Project
Project Manager Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP invites amateur satellite
operators world-wide to monitor the SA AMSAT web page for project
plans of the Kletskous satellite. (http://www.amsatsa.org.za)
Kletskous is a hands-on CubeSat aimed at promoting greater involve-
ment in satellite activity by South African Radio Amateurs. The first
draft of a project plan will be available soon on the SA AMSAT web.
Regular updates will be posted as the project develops.
Hannes is inviting interested persons to join the team. "We are par-
ticularly looking for radio amateurs with RF design experience,
antenna design experience and software writing experience. Send
your contact details and a short description of you technical
background to saamsat(a)intekom.co.za.
[ANS thanks SA AMSAT and Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP for the above
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.06
ARRL Announces Teachers Institute TI-2 Space Curriculum
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.06
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.06
ARRL Announces Teachers Institute TI-2 Space Curriculum
The ARRL Education Services Department has announced the 2011
schedule for the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology (TI)
workshop.
Offered through the ARRL's Education & Technology Program, the
Teachers Institute is a four-day, expenses paid, in-residence
learning opportunity designed for motivated teachers and other
school staff who want to learn more about wireless technology
and bring that knowledge to their students.
A variety of topics are covered during the TI, including basic
wireless technology literacy, electronics, the science of radio,
radio astronomy, how to bring space into the classroom, ham radio
operation, introduction to microcontrollers and basic robotics.
While participants do not need to have an Amateur Radio license
to attend the basic TI sessions, one is required for the advanced
(TI-2) session.
TI-2 Space is sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association.
The TI-2 Space curriculum focuses on the nuts and bolts of setting
up and operating a satellite ground station. This serves as excellent
preparation for a scheduled contact with the ISS through the Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. But it also
provides instruction for continued use of satellites and other man
made space assets to explore naturally generated signals, space and
a variety of topics. Dates of the Institute are July 11-14, 2011.
The application deadline is May 15, 2011.
The course will be 4 days: the first half will be setting up and
learning to operate the ground station, the second half will be
practice making satellite contacts and instruction in using space
borne assets in the classroom. Participants will receive all the
equipment necessary to set up a basic satellite ground station.
They will participate in an antenna building party (an activity
they can duplicate back home with their students).
Though participants need not hold an amateur radio license to enroll
in all other sessions of the TI, to be considered for a seat in TI-2
Space, participants must possess at least a Technician class license
at the time of application. Priority for attending the TI-2 Space
session will first be given to teachers who are signed up for an
ARISS contact; second, to TI graduate teachers who have completed an
ARISS contact; third to TI graduates who want to learn more about
bringing space related activities into their classrooms.
This session has a class limit of 8 participants, so apply early!
Full information and applications are on-line at:
http://www.arrl.org/ti-2-space-in-the-classroom
[ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.07
Codec2 Alpha Release Demonstration
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.07
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.07
Codec2 Alpha Release Demonstration
If you attended the 2010 AMSAT Space Symposium you heard the talk
by Bruce Perens, K6BP about the Codec2 Project, the open-source,
low-bit rate voice codec that is being led by David Rowe VK5DGR.
Bruce, VE9QRP recently completed an internet bitstream concact
with Paul, ZL3IN using an alpha-level release of Codec2. Bruce
made a video of the conversation using the actual audio of the
digital audio. You are invited to view/listen to the Codec2 dem-
onstration at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k-nhHE6CrI
This demonstration is running at 2500 bps. Bruce wrote, "We're
aiming for 2400 bps with Forward Error Correction, it could make
satellite voice communication comprise a smaller bandwidth, offer-
ing less demanding downlink systems. Because it is open source,
the codec could even be implemented in the satellite, perhaps to
provide voice-encoded telemetry for a FUNcube-like project of the
future."
The Codec2 site is http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?page_id=452
The source files of Bruce's conversation with ZL3IN, and many
ancillary Codec2 materials are available on his blog:
http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com
[ANS thanks Bruce, VE9QRP for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.08
ARISS Status - 31 January 2011
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.08
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.08
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
Status Report January 31, 2011
1. Upcoming School Contacts
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
scheduled
for
Arsaniq School in Kangiqsujuaq, Wakeham Bay, Quebec, Canada on Monday,
January 31 at 19:26 UTC was successful via telebridge station LU8YY in
Argentina will handle the radio connection. Students have learned about
the ISS through videos, the internet and guest speakers.
Collège Joseph Chassigneux, located in Vinay, France, was completed on
Tuesday, February 1 at 07:02 UTC. Through this activity, teachers hope
to expose students from mostly rural villages to the outside world. In
French class, students have written articles for the school magazine
about life on the ISS as well as items about their preparations for the
radio contact. They have learned technical terms in English, built CW
circuits in Physics and have studied continents and countries in Geography.
Amateur radio operators plan to discuss the technical aspects of the
contact with the youth.
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was
completed with Buehl-Realschule Dornstadt in Dornstadt, Germany on
Wednesday,
February 2 at 07:32 UTC. Students have been introduced to wireless
technology and have participated in related hands-on activities. In
addition,
workshops have been planned which will teach about the challenges faced in
space travel.
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was
scheduled and completed for Adobe Bluffs Elementary School, San Diego,
California on Thursday, February 3 at 17:12 UTC. Through projects and
hands on activities, students have been learning about electromagnetic
waves, astronomy and other space-related topics.
2. Paolo Nespoli Speaks with Marco da Melo Students via ARISS
Istituto Comprensivo "Marco da Melo" in Mel, Belluno, Italy took part in
an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on
Tuesday, January 25.
Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZØJPA answered the students' 21 questions over
two ISS passes and exchanged greetings with the audience. Nearly 250
students, teachers and visitors were in attendance for the contact.
Regional television RAI and local media and newspapers covered the event.
Video streamed over the internet received over 50 connections.
The ARISS contact was the featured event of a curriculum covering
telecommunications, electrophysics and telegraphy.
3. Successful ARISS Contact with Polish School
On Wednesday, January 26, astronaut Cady Coleman, KC5ZTH participated in an
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with
students,
ages 15 - 18, from Liceum Ogolnoksztalcace Nr I im. Stanislawa Staszica in
Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, Poland. Coleman answered 20 space-related questions
posed to her by the youth. Approximately 150 students, teachers and guests
were on hand for this event which was covered by several media outlets.
In addition to the required science curriculum, the school sponsors
astronomy and amateur radio clubs as well as featured activities such
as this ARISS contact, in order to stimulate students' scientific interests.
4. Nelson County Area Technology Center Sponsors ARISS Contact
On Friday, January 28, on-orbit astronaut Cady Coleman, KC5ZTH took part
in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
with Foster Heights Elementary School students in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Nelson County Area Technology Center students operated the amateur
radio equipment during the pass during which Coleman answered 16
questions. An audience of approximately 100 people attended the event,
including a representative from the Kentucky Department of Education.
Television stations and newspapers covered the contact. To view the
Kentucky Standard article, go to:
http://www.kystandard.com/content/foster-heights-students-use-amateur-radio-
speak-astronaut
5. Civitavecchia, Italy Students Radio ISS
The primary school "Alessandro Cialdi" in Civitavecchia, Italy
participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) contact on Saturday, January 29. ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli,
IZ0JPA answered 17 questions posed by the students from "Autorità Portuale"
in Civitavecchia (Port authority of Rome) where an audience of nearly
200 students, teachers, visitors and media gathered for the contact.
Before the ISS call, ARISS mentor Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF
introduced the event with a presentation on the ARISS program.
Regional and local media and newspapers covered the event and the
video, streamed on the internet by AMSAT-Italia, received 60 connections.
6. AMSAT - ARISSat-1 Delivered to the ISS
On January 27, ARISSat-1 was launched on Progress 41P and arrived at the
ISS on Saturday, January 29. The satellite is expected to be deployed
during a Russian EVA on February 16. The January 30 AMSAT (Radio Amateur
Satellite Corporation) News Service bulletin (ANS-030) included an
update on ARISSat-1. "ARISSat-1 Arrives at the International Space
Station" may be found at:
http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2011/000482.html
The AMSAT Web site has also been revised to include the latest
information on ARISSat-1 with links to several news stories covering
the satellite. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php
7. ARRL Story on ARISSat-1 Launch
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ran an item on the launch of
ARISSat-1 aboard Progress 41P. See:
http://www.arrl.org/news/arissat-1-blasts-off
8. Amateur Radio Newsline Covers ARISS
On January 28, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1746 posted an item,
"ARISSat-1 Set for Trip to the ISS" under its heading Ham Radio in
Space. See: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt
[ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.09
AMSAT at the Orlanda Vacation
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.09
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.09
AMSAT Will Be at the Orlando Hamcation February 11-13
AMSAT VP Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA reminds everyone that
the Orlando Hamcation is just a week away, and AMSAT will be there
in force. Here are the details of the hamfest ...
Orlando HamCation 2011
February 11, 12, 13
Central Florida Fairgrounds
Orlando, Florida 32808
Friday: Noon to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 9am to 2pm
AMSAT has a forum scheduled Saturday from 1:45 to 3:15, and this
year it is INSIDE! ARISSat-1 will be one of the main topic of dis-
cussion. The ARISSat-1 engineering model will be on display, and on
the air. Drew will have a FUNcube Dongle Pro on display and in use.
Tune your HT to 145.950 MHz to copy the FM downlink transmitting
live from the hamfest.
AMSAT will also have live satellite demonstrations, ranging from
simple handheld/portable operations, to fully automated systems.
Drew is also planning on having materials on hand for new members
to build their own CJU 435 MHz antenna, for free as incentive to
join and support AMSAT.
To make this all happen, we need your help. Orlando has become
AMSAT's busiest hamfest behind Dayton, and we need current members
to assist in the booth. If you can help answer questions and talk
up the amateur satellite program, please consider putting in a
few hours behind the table. Drop Drew an email at ko4ma(a)amsat.org,
and let him know when you can come by and help out!
[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-037.10
Volunteer Request
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 037.10
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 6, 2011
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-037.10
Volunteer request
The ARISSat-1 team is looking for volunteers to manage the QSL operations
for
ARISSat-1. There will be recognitions for voice, CW, SSTV, telemetry and
Secret
Word reception reports. We expect to have participation from many students
and
classes worldwide. Please contact Gould at wa4sxm at amsat dot org if you
can
help us with this part of the project.
[ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information]
/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 additional benefits. Application forms
are
available from the AMSAT Office.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Dee Interdonato, NB2F
nb2f at amsat dot org