[amsat-bb] AO-16 update--for AMSAT NEWS Release

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

FYI,
Drew KO4MA

 AO-16 PACSAT Update
 December 3, 2007

 After several months of silence, Amsat Oscar 16 (PACSAT) was commanded back 
ON on November 8, 2007.  The satellite is transmitting on TX A at 437.024 
MHz (+/- Doppler).  Please note this transmitter is LHCP (left hand circular 
polarity).

 Recent attempts to reload the AO-16 satellite operating system and 
housekeeping tasks have thus far been unsuccessful.  Harold Price, NK6K, Jim 
White, WD0E, Bruce Rahn, WB9ANQ, and Mark Hammond, N8MH are analyzing dumps 
of the spacecraft memory.  This analysis and additional testing will 
continue for the next week or two before additional attempts to reload the
 spacecraft are attempted.

 AO-16 is, however, very alive and sending MBL telemetry!  Thanks to all who 
have submitted MBL telemetry data.  Please continue to send your AO-16 MBL 
telemetry files in KISS format to:  telemetry AT quagliana DOT com.  Thanks 
to Douglas Quagliana, KA2UPW for serving as telemetry coordinator.  The 
AO-16 Command Team is especially interested in telemetry collected while 
AO-16 transitions into and out of eclipse.

 Announcement:  Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, has just released the AO-16 PACSAT 
MBL telemetry decoder! This very fine decoder may be downloaded from: 
www.dk3wn.info/files/ao16mbl.zip   The program is intuitive, and the output 
of the KISS telemetry files in graphic format is excellent.  Now, AO-16 
"telemetry hunters" can view the MBL telemetry files.  Thank you, Mike, 
DK3WN, for the speedy development and release of this useful telemetry tool.

 Further announcements and updates from the AO-16 Command Team can be 
expected in the coming weeks.

 Submitted by Mark Hammond, N8MH (on behalf of the AO-16 Command Team).