[amsat-bb] dumbest questions in the world

Sat Nov 7 17:31:08 UTC 2015

For frequency references I like the link below.  It includes FM 
transponders, Linear Birds, University 'beepsats' (so that you can pick 
up the CW beacons) and so on:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/satslist.htm

Another new but good reference is here, a crowd sourced effort to 
document all the birds in the Amateur Spectrum in one spot:
https://db.satnogs.org/

Its not free ($5.00) but I like having the laminated Frequency Guide 
from AMSAT handy.  It lists all the active voice birds (SSB/FM) on a 
nice single laminated sheet front/back.
http://store.amsat.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=73

I second the vote for Orbitron if you are a Windows user.  It does have 
the ability to control your rotators and rig directly, but you have to 
download another program for that called a DDE client.  I used wispdde 
for a while.
orbitron:  http://www.stoff.pl/
wispdde:  http://www.mederoscnc.com/CX6DD/wispdde/wispdde.htm

If you are a Linux user, 'predict' is a good command line tool, and 
'gpredict' is a good graphical version.  Both can be found in the 
repositories and installed using the following command in a terminal 
(assuming a Debian flavored distribution):
sudo apt-get install predict
sudo apt-get install gpredict

Good Luck!

73s,
Zach, KJ4QLP

On 11/7/2015 11:51 AM, John Brier wrote:
> Satpc32 seems to require more up front configuration and learning. I gave
> up and used Orbitron which seems more simple and is also free. I recommend
> it.
> On Nov 7, 2015 9:14 AM, "Burns Fisher" <burns at fisher.cc> wrote:
>
>> As to pass prediction programs, SatPC32 is not free, but like the book
>> Drew mentioned it comes as a premium with a certain level of AMSAT
>> membership.  It is one of the "gold standard" programs that includes
>> automated tuning of your rig (if it has computer control) to
>> compensate for doppler and steering of rotators.
>>
>> But another truly free resource is at
>> http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/predict/index.php, an on-line
>> pass prediction tool.
>>
>> Good luck and 73,
>>
>> Burns W2BFJ
>>
>> On Sat, Nov 7, 2015 at 8:01 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner
>> <glasbrenner at mindspring.com> wrote:
>>> It's not perfect and needs some additions and updates, but here is a
>>> resource: http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=177
>>>
>>> You may also consider the Getting Started book from AMSAT, which can be
>> had
>>> as a free download with AMSAT membership, or purchased in hard copy from
>> the
>>> store at
>>> http://store.amsat.org/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=125
>>>
>>> 73, Drew KO4MA
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of KG4BYN
>> - Ben
>>> Harold
>>> Sent: Friday, November 06, 2015 11:11 PM
>>> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
>>> Subject: [amsat-bb] dumbest questions in the world
>>>
>>> ok, these are, indeed, the dumbest questions for you folks, because i've
>>> determined you all ARE the experts.  i'm a 60+ year old ham. never worked
>>> the birds, but have always been fascinated.  yup typical story, right?
>> our
>>> local, somewhat, non-existent radio club had someone (not from around
>> here)
>>> provide a very brief demonstration one saturday morning in a walmart
>> parking
>>> lot - circa 2001.  needless to say that was a LONG time ago.  most of my
>>> hamming has been cw, with a rare ssb qso.
>>> i got burned out on 2m/70cm, early on (many years ago), howver...i've
>> got my
>>> vhf/gear and antennas updated for some sat work.  MY MAJOR PROBLEM is
>>> _/where/_ can i find downlink/uplink freqs for the fm birds with
>>> transponders.  to be honest, i'd be darned happy to just to RECEIVE a cw
>>> beacon or even some packet via rig and soundcard.  i've weeded through
>> tons
>>> of websites, tons of threads on this bb...and am STILL having a difficult
>>> time finding the info for what i want.  i'm a dinosaur (OLD) and and
>>> recovering from extremely severe colon cancer surgery, BUT i'm looking to
>>> broaden my horizons/hobby.  also a link to a DECENT free tracking program
>>> with updating pass predictions would be helpful, too.  i have a refurb pc
>>> notebook in the shack for this project.  yes, i've heard of google, and
>> yes,
>>> i've read darned near everything i can find...but the more i read, the
>> more
>>> confused this old guys gets.  feel free to answer me via private email
>> so as
>>> not to clutter this mailing list...which HAS provided great info, but
>> also,
>>> sadly,  adds to my confusion.  at least, i've got the doppler effect
>> problem
>>> reasonably figured out.  sorry for the long email and stupid questions.
>> i
>>> originally wasn't going to send it, but i figured i gotta start
>> someplace.
>>> 73!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ---
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>>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
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>> _______________________________________________
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>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
>> expressed
>> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
>> AMSAT-NA.
>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
>> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb