[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement

[Paul Stoetzer]

The Fox Phase 2 satellites are supposed to carry software defined
transponders like the one on ARISSat-1. They will be able to accommodate
any mode we can dream of. Assuming all of the currently scheduled launches
go well and what we have continues to function, we'll have several linear
transponders in orbit (AO-7, FO-29, VO-52, FunCube-1, UKube-1, Delfi-N3xt).
What I'd like to see is a satellite or two in a similar orbit as AO-7 or
some of the RS satellites. The only possibility for DX contacts right now
are on birds that are 39 (AO-7) and 18 (FO-29) years old.

A nice goal for AMSAT would be to put a linear transponder in an orbit that
would realistically allow anyone in the United States with a decent station
to work WAS. Theoretically it is possible for me to work Hawaii from here
in DC on AO-7, but I certainly don't see that happening any time soon!

As far as "graduating" hams from the FM satellites to linear transponders,
I think what's needed is some better resources that describe just how easy
it can be. It doesn't have to cost very much at all. I know a lot of hams
are on the FM satellites with FT-817s. To get on the linear satellites from
that, all they need to add is something to receive VHF and/or UHF SSB (and
if you have to choose, choose VHF since I believe all of the planned linear
transponder satellites are Mode B). The 1990 ARRL Satellite Experimenters
Handbook describes lots of ways to get on the satellites at low cost. My
downlink receiver is an Icom IC-R10 that I got for about $200 on eBay. As
far as tuning for Doppler, I heard someone on a pass last night when I was
tuning around saying that computer control was "necessary" for the linear
transponders. It does take some practice, but I know I get better at it
every time I work a pass. For me, it's more trouble than it's worth since I
have to operate portable and setting up my netbook is an extra step that I
don't really need, Actually, tuning for Doppler is kind of fun!

73,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Washington, DC
AMSAT-NA #38,913


On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 6:53 PM, <tosca005 at umn.edu> wrote:

> As long as AMSAT-NA needs to concentrate on 1U/3U/6U Cubesats for the
> immediatee future, I would really like to see the pursuit of linear
> transponders on them instead of single-channel FM repeaters. The way I see
> it, launch opportunities are so rare that we ought to fly the most capable
> equipment we can on those rare occasions when we can get a launch.
>
> John Toscano
> W0JT
> Amsat-Na LM#2292
>
> On Sep 4 2013, n0jy wrote:
>
>  Hi Michael,
>>
>> I would not say that AMSAT has abandoned HEO.  Rather, launch
>> opportunities that exist now are being utilized.  Would you rather sit
>> dormant and let all existing birds fail or re-enter while waiting for an
>> HEO opportunity?
>> And AMSAT is just learning to build cubesats.  For AMSAT-NA, Fox-1 is a
>> first.  If we're going to fly HEO, we had better be good at building a
>> reliable satellite in a cubesat (be it 1, 3, or 6U) format.  The first HEO
>> launch opportunity is not the time to figure that out!
>> While HEO launch opportunities do not exist now, but that does not mean
>> that AMSAT isn't pursuing them as Drew pointed out, nor that AMSAT would
>> not build an HEO satellite when opportunities do come. In the meantime, we
>> are making lemonade and preparing through practice.
>>
>> Jerry
>> N0JY
>>
>>
>> On 9/4/2013 4:25 PM, Michael wrote:
>>
>>> I'm almost fifty one years old and I'm now convinced that we will not
>>> see another HEO in orbit in my lifetime...if ever.  The economic
>>> environment to do it just doesn't exist anymore. AMSAT has as much as told
>>> everyone that by abandoning their efforts and concentrating on LEO
>>> cubesats.  No one is going to come out and say that we absolutely will
>>> never have one, they like to keep that glimmer of hope alive but the
>>> writing is on the wall.   No one wants to be wrong more than I do but I'd
>>> bet you P3-E never flies.
>>> 73,
>>> Michael, W4HIJ
>>>
>>> On 9/3/2013 3:32 PM, John Becker wrote:
>>>
>>>> Anything new on a replacement.
>>>> Have not see a thing myself.
>>>>
>>>> John
>>>>
>>>>
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