[amsat-bb] LASA High School -- 1st Satellite Contact

[Ronny Risinger]

9-23-2014


As the Trustee of K5LBJ, the LASA High School Amateur Radio Club, in Austin, Texas, last Friday (9/19) was an exciting day.  After almost a year of hard work, the school's satellite tracking/communication station made "First Contact."  As you are aware, satellites work on their own schedule, so when I noticed an SO-50 pass at the beginning of the school day, I hoped for the best.  I was not disappointed.  During the pass, I was able to work W5PFG, N8RO, NX9B, and WI9I.  What a great moment in our club's 10th anniversary year!


I can't wait to get students on the air over satellites.  I teach an Amateur Radio elective class (where most of our building/maintenance is done), and last Spring, the students assembled and tested the satellite array.  Unfortunately, we only obtained the Icom 910H during summer, so this was the first time to test it.  Eureka!


Many thanks to Mark Spencer, WA8SME, and the ARRL ETP ("Big Project") program that provided the computer interface for our EL/AZ rotator, and also the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) which funded coax and other items to make this project happen.  Of course, we could not have made it happen without the support of the Austin Amateur Radio Club which funded the Icom 910H.  Finally, I would like to express our appreciation for our mentor, Ron Parsons, W5RKN, who continues to guide and support our school in its satellite endeavors.


LASA High hopes to be much more active in the satellite community in the future.   Thank you for getting us off to a great start.


Sincerely,

Ronny Risinger, KC5EES
Government/Law Instructor
Trustee, K5LBJ, the LASA High School Amateur Radio Club
National Board Certified Teacher
Liberal Arts & Science Academy High School
Austin, Texas
Website: http://www.austinisd.org/staff/255
Classroom Phone: (512) 841-3090
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