From py4zbz at yahoo.com Thu Mar 1 00:08:11 2018 From: py4zbz at yahoo.com (Roland Zurmely) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 00:08:11 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] New message from PicSat References: <677103167.7501127.1519862891049.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <677103167.7501127.1519862891049@mail.yahoo.com> Received? 28-02-2018? ?23:45 UTC : Enjoy your weekend with lots of good apple pie!?If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the Universe (CS) ..... 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ From davekn4ok at aol.com Thu Mar 1 00:49:54 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2018 19:49:54 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] New message from PicSat In-Reply-To: <677103167.7501127.1519862891049@mail.yahoo.com> References: <677103167.7501127.1519862891049.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <677103167.7501127.1519862891049@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <161df097289-7e2e-11a05@webjas-vab099.srv.aolmail.net> I love apple pie! -----Original Message----- From: Roland Zurmely via AMSAT-BB To: AMSAT BB Sent: Wed, Feb 28, 2018 6:11 pm Subject: [amsat-bb] New message from PicSat Received 28-02-2018 23:45 UTC :Enjoy your weekend with lots of good apple pie! If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the Universe (CS) .....73 de Roland PY4ZBZ_______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From erich.eichmann at t-online.de Thu Mar 1 08:16:40 2018 From: erich.eichmann at t-online.de (Erich Eichmann) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 09:16:40 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] need Elmer'ing Satpc32 & deaf ts2000 In-Reply-To: <1539935612.7443890.1519858554287@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1539935612.7443890.1519858554287.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1539935612.7443890.1519858554287@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <41f215bd-4718-dae3-be38-c75edc8f09a2@t-online.de> Brad, in menu 'Radio Setup' check option 'RTS+12V', save the change and restart the program, see FAQs file, sect. 5q 73s, Erich, DK1TB _______________________________________________ > 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 From devin at thecabal.org Thu Mar 1 08:52:07 2018 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 08:52:07 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Build progress on WB0OEW autonomous sat tracker Message-ID: Greetings, all; I hit a really nice milestone on my first major electronics project, building my owner version of Elwood Downey (WB0OEW)'s Arduino-driven sat tracker for handheld antennas. I started this 1.5 years ago and have had a long learning curve, but it's all paid off as I watched the tracker work on an entire AO-92 pass. I still have a lot of work to do -- switch it off the tripod mount to a music stand and make the attachment more secure and robust, get the components into a case, fix some of the temporary wiring I put in to make modular build and testing easier -- but the goal is in sight! Picture is here: https://twitter.com/devinganger/status/969131009634480128 I'll post an update to my blog in another couple of days. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email: devin at thecabal.org web: Devin on Earth cell: +1 425.239.2575 From briaandy at gmail.com Thu Mar 1 12:44:15 2018 From: briaandy at gmail.com (Andy Brian) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 13:44:15 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] RS1 satellite converter Message-ID: Hi, I received nice schematic of RS1 satellite 29MHz/145MHz converters few years ago here. But I lost my data on PC and can't find it anymore... Anyone still have the schematic of nice RS birds. Please if any can send it to me? thanks for help Best tegards Andy From ve8rt at yknwt.ca Thu Mar 1 15:33:05 2018 From: ve8rt at yknwt.ca (Ron VE8RT) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 08:33:05 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux, K2 & transverters, SDR Play Message-ID: <20180301083305.e1c9571efb855b785d04ee73@yknwt.ca> As I have a K2 and DEM 432-28 transverter, it might not take much more to get on mode B. My preference is to use Linux OS, but how well does G Predict work with a K2 and transverter combination? Is anyone doing it? On the receive side, for duplex, a SDR Play 1A receiver is what I'd like to use. There again I'm unfamiliar with SDR receiver control, it wasn't apparent in the rig control library of Gpredict, but I'm getting the idea that rig control works with the SDR software I use on the SDR Play not directly with the hardware. Anyone using this or a similar combination? Ron VE8RT -- Ron VE8RT From w7lrd at comcast.net Thu Mar 1 18:21:20 2018 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (Bob- W7LRD) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 10:21:20 -0800 (PST) Subject: [amsat-bb] Satpc32 download Message-ID: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> Hi All- When downloading a new copy of Satpc32 should all traces of the prior install be deleted? 73 Bob-W7LRD Seattle From kb1pvh at gmail.com Thu Mar 1 18:31:59 2018 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 13:31:59 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satpc32 download In-Reply-To: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> References: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Bob, In the SatPC32 manual it states to uninstall current version before installing new one. Also don't forget to run the data backup utility to save your current configuration. Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S7 On Mar 1, 2018 1:24 PM, "Bob- W7LRD" wrote: > Hi All- When downloading a new copy of Satpc32 should all traces of the > prior install be deleted? > > 73 Bob-W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From wa4sca at gmail.com Thu Mar 1 18:32:41 2018 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 12:32:41 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satpc32 download In-Reply-To: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> References: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <000001d3b18b$af099e50$0d1cdaf0$@gmail.com> Bob, Only if you want to start from scratch. If you want to migrate your settings and data, follow the instructions in the ZIP file. 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- References: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Yes - Do the DataBackup first, then uninstall the previous version, then install the new version. Before installing, run the DataBackup program. It is available from the Programs>>DataBackup link in the Menu Bar of the current SatPC32 installation. It is also in the same directory as the new install program. Run tha using the [Save Data] button. Then, from Erich's download page, http://www.dk1tb.de/downloadeng.htm, follow his instructions: *To install SatPC32 on your PC proceed as follows: a*. Create a new folder on your HD (using the Windows File Explorer or another file manager) and name it (i.e.) SatSetup. *b.* Download the appropriate program version using the links above. *c.* Click on the 'Download' button of your browser (usually a blue down arrow). Windows will display the name of the downloaded ZIP file. Double click.on the file name. WinZip will now display the content of the ZIP file: DataBackup.exe Readme.txt UpdateInstruction.txt What's New.txt setup.exe . *Important: Don't try to run the setup program in thr WinZip window!* You will get the message during installation that you need administrator rights, even if you are the administrator. Click on * 'Extract* *>* *On My PC'* instead. and in the window that opens navigate to the folder you created and extract the files. *d.* If this is the *first *installation of SatPC32 *RIGHT click on *setup'* and from the list that opens choose *'Run as Administrator'*. Then follow the suggestions of the setup program. *e. Updating of older program versions Program version 12.8d can be installed * into the same program folder that contains the older program version (12.8 ... 12.8c). Unfortunately, the older installation has to be removed first, however. Otherwise, the Installshield setup program of SatPC32 V.12.8d will refuse to install the update Your personal settings therefore will be lost. The program *'DataBackup.Exe' *allows you to easily save your settings via mouse click and then to restore them after the installation of V.12.8d is finished. The program 'DataBackup.Exe' can be started from menu 'Programs' of your previous version or in the SatSetup folder (see above).. After V. 12.8d has been installed run DataBackup again either from the new SatPC32 menu 'Programs'.or in the SatSetup folder and restore your settings. 73 Rolf NR0T in EN34 On Mar 1, 2018 12:24 PM, "Bob- W7LRD" wrote: > Hi All- When downloading a new copy of Satpc32 should all traces of the > prior install be deleted? > > 73 Bob-W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From rolf.krogstad at gmail.com Thu Mar 1 18:38:10 2018 From: rolf.krogstad at gmail.com (Rolf Krogstad) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 12:38:10 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satpc32 download In-Reply-To: References: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Please change the very first line of my previous email to this: Yes - Do the DataBackup first, then uninstall the previous version, then install the new version, *then run DataBackup again, this time choosing the [Restore Data] button. Then Run SatPC32 and your license and settings/configurations should be restored.* On Thu, Mar 1, 2018 at 12:34 PM, Rolf Krogstad wrote: > Yes - Do the DataBackup first, then uninstall the previous version, then > install the new version. > > Before installing, run the DataBackup program. It is available from the > Programs>>DataBackup link in the Menu Bar of the current SatPC32 > installation. > It is also in the same directory as the new install program. Run tha > using the [Save Data] button. > > Then, from Erich's download page, http://www.dk1tb.de/downloadeng.htm, > follow his instructions: > > > > *To install SatPC32 on your PC proceed as follows: a*. Create a new > folder on your HD (using the Windows File Explorer or another file > manager) and name it (i.e.) SatSetup. > > *b.* Download the appropriate program version using the links above. > > *c.* Click on the 'Download' button of your browser (usually a blue down > arrow). Windows will display the name of the downloaded ZIP file. Double > click.on the file name. WinZip will now display the content of the ZIP > file: > > DataBackup.exe > Readme.txt > UpdateInstruction.txt > What's New.txt > setup.exe . > > *Important: Don't try to run the setup program in thr WinZip window!* > You will get the message during installation that you need administrator > rights, even if you are the administrator. > > Click on * 'Extract* *>* *On My PC'* instead. and in the window that > opens navigate to the folder you created and extract the files. > > *d.* If this is the *first *installation of SatPC32 *RIGHT click on > *setup'* and from the list that opens choose *'Run as Administrator'*. > Then follow the suggestions of the setup program. > > > *e. Updating of older program versions Program version 12.8d can be > installed * into the same program folder that contains the older program > version (12.8 ... 12.8c). Unfortunately, the older installation has to be > removed first, however. Otherwise, the Installshield setup program of > SatPC32 V.12.8d will refuse to install the update Your personal settings > therefore will be lost. The program *'DataBackup.Exe' *allows you to > easily save your settings via mouse click and then to restore them after > the installation of V.12.8d is finished. The program 'DataBackup.Exe' can > be started from menu 'Programs' of your previous version or in the SatSetup > folder (see above).. > > After V. 12.8d has been installed run DataBackup again either from the > new SatPC32 menu 'Programs'.or in the SatSetup folder and restore your > settings. > > 73 > > Rolf NR0T in EN34 > > On Mar 1, 2018 12:24 PM, "Bob- W7LRD" wrote: > >> Hi All- When downloading a new copy of Satpc32 should all traces of the >> prior install be deleted? >> >> 73 Bob-W7LRD >> >> Seattle >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > From kb2ysi at gmail.com Thu Mar 1 18:53:21 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 13:53:21 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux, K2 & transverters, SDR Play In-Reply-To: <20180301083305.e1c9571efb855b785d04ee73@yknwt.ca> References: <20180301083305.e1c9571efb855b785d04ee73@yknwt.ca> Message-ID: You might be able to find something on their forum: https://community.libre.space/c/gpredict Combine your posting and a thought that I had about watching a program control a radio, and I think I will be trying this soon with my radio.... On Thu, Mar 1, 2018 at 10:33 AM, Ron VE8RT wrote: > As I have a K2 and DEM 432-28 transverter, it might not take much > more to get on mode B. My preference is to use Linux OS, but how well > does G Predict work with a K2 and transverter combination? Is anyone > doing it? On the receive side, for duplex, a SDR Play 1A receiver is > what I'd like to use. There again I'm unfamiliar with SDR receiver > control, it wasn't apparent in the rig control library of Gpredict, but > I'm getting the idea that rig control works with the SDR software I use > on the SDR Play not directly with the hardware. > > Anyone using this or a similar combination? > > Ron VE8RT > > -- > Ron VE8RT > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- 73, Don KB2YSI From w5rkn at w5rkn.com Thu Mar 1 19:02:28 2018 From: w5rkn at w5rkn.com (Ronald G. Parsons) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 13:02:28 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC Awards-Endorsements for February 2018 Message-ID: <6D58226E97F749D6816D30A6D10E99F1@Ron8300PC> Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period February 1, 2018 through February 28, 2018. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! February: Short Month -- Fewer endorsements CALL 1Feb18 1Mar18 WA4NVM 1450 1488 WC7V 1158 1159 AA5PK 996 1012 K4FEG 841 878 N4UFO 700 715 K6FW 661 703 K0FFY 173 260 VE6SWC 173 173 K5IX 100 125 G0ABI 115 116 AB1OC 115 (NEW VUCC) PU8RFL 101 (NEW VUCC) If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at @.com and I'll revise the announcement. This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for February 1, 2018. and March 1, 2018. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing most of the work! 73, Ron W5RKN From erich.eichmann at t-online.de Thu Mar 1 20:40:49 2018 From: erich.eichmann at t-online.de (Erich Eichmann) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 21:40:49 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satpc32 download In-Reply-To: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> References: <2143715107.269350.1519928481184@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Bob, the reason why you have to un-install the previous program version: I use Installshield Express to generate the setup files. This tool doesn't generate "Updates" that can be applied to the current version. It? requires to un-install the current version before it installs a new one.? The Installshield professional? versions generate such "Updates"? but cost? about? 4? times as much? as the Express version. 73s, Erich, DK1TB Am 01.03.2018 um 19:21 schrieb Bob- W7LRD: > Hi All- When downloading a new copy of Satpc32 should all traces of the prior install be deleted? > > 73 Bob-W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > Sent viaAMSAT-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 From aa5uk at yahoo.com Thu Mar 1 20:40:53 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 20:40:53 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] ZF2AE FO-29 3/02 02:38Z Pass References: <1685132976.8725225.1519936853552.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1685132976.8725225.1519936853552@mail.yahoo.com> If the evening goes well. I plan to be on the 3/02 @ 02:38Z FO-29 Pass.I plan to transmit on 145.940 Fixed. If there is QRM I will move down to 935 or lower. Should be a lovely pass covering all of Lower 48, Canada and Mexico! See you on the bird. 73, Adrian AA5UK - ZF2AE Twitter @ZF2AE From aj9n at aol.com Fri Mar 2 00:19:08 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 19:19:08 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-02 00:00 UTC Message-ID: <161e413a7b1-2fde-25ced@webjas-vac215.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-02 00:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Parkside Middle School, San Bruno, CA, direct via K6PVJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-03-07 18:05:06 UTC 36 deg (***) ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-02 00:00 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1213. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1162. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-02-27 06:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 53 on orbit Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Alexander Misurkin Joe Acaba KE5DAR ? Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From tjschuessler at verizon.net Fri Mar 2 03:13:42 2018 From: tjschuessler at verizon.net (tjschuessler at verizon.net) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2018 21:13:42 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] K2BSA/5 on AO-91 this Saturday Message-ID: <010b01d3b1d4$789b40a0$69d1c1e0$@verizon.net> I will be holding a Radio Merit Badge class for our local Scout district this coming Saturday, March 3rd and will activate K2BSA/5 in EM12 for the AO-91 pass starting at 19:18Z. These satellite contacts prove to be quite exciting and enlightening for the Scouts. Please help me crack the satellite traffic and give K2BSA/5 a call. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms From g.shirville at btinternet.com Fri Mar 2 08:41:32 2018 From: g.shirville at btinternet.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2018 08:41:32 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73 mode change Message-ID: Hi All, Just to advise that AO73/FUNcube-1 is now in amateur mode with the transponder active for the weekend. Have fun... 73 Graham G3VZV From kt4tz at cfl.rr.com Sat Mar 3 03:24:16 2018 From: kt4tz at cfl.rr.com (Lee McLamb) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2018 22:24:16 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] =?utf-8?q?ANS-061_ANS_Special_Bulletin_GOLF-TEE_and_GO?= =?utf-8?q?LF-1_Selected_for_NASA=E2=80=99s_CubeSat_Launch_Initiative?= Message-ID: AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-061.01 ANS-061 GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 Selected for NASA?s CubeSat Launch Initiative AMSAT News Service Bulletin 061.01 ?From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE MAARCH 2, 2018 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-061.01 On March 2, 2018, NASA announced the ninth round of selections for the CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI). The first two AMSAT GOLF CubeSats, GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1, were among the 21 missions recommended for selection. AMSAT must negotiate and execute a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NASA for each project to finalize selection. NASA anticipates a sufficient number of launch opportunities but does not guarantee that all recommended payloads will be launched. GOLF-TEE (Technology Evaluation Environment) will serve as a rapidly deployable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) testbed for technologies necessary for a successful CubeSat mission to a wide variety of orbits. AMSAT Vice-President Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, said ?The GOLF-TEE project tees off the next phase of our CubeSat program. GOLF-TEE provides AMSAT hardware and knowledge for Attitude Determination and Control (ADAC) capability and the opportunity to develop a 3U spaceframe with deployable solar panels that can be used in LEO or HEO missions, two of the major systems required in future GOLF and HEO missions.? Ragnarok Industries developed the attitude control system for the Lunar Heimdallr 6U CubeSat, a NASA Cube Quest Challenge finalist. GOLF-TEE provides the opportunity for rapid deployment and on orbit testing of the AMSAT?s Advanced Satellite Communications and Exploration of New Technology (ASCENT) program?s technology, including radiation tolerant transponder and Integrated Housekeeping Unit (IHU) technologies that will lead the way for low cost commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems that can function in the MEO and HEO radiation environments. GOLF-TEE will also carry a Fox-1E design V/u linear transponder and RadFx (Radiation Effects) experiment for Vanderbilt University. GOLF-TEE and the GOLF program will provide for the development of ?Five and Dime? Field-Programmable Gate Array Software Defined Radio (FPGA SDR) transponders for use on a variety of missions and orbits. The target date for launch of GOLF-TEE is 4Q 2019. GOLF-1 will serve as a follow-on mission, also to LEO. Launch is targeted for 2020-2021. GOLF-1 will require a de-orbiting plan that is in compliance with NASA's NPR 8715.6 NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris in order to be manifested on a launch, due to the high altitude AMSAT has requested. Please consider a donation to the AMSAT GOLF program for development, construction, and testing of the GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 CubeSats. Donate at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id= STK27W4G9RMLC. Checks may be mailed to AMSAT, 10605 Concord St. #304, Kensington, MD 20895-2526. [ANS thanks Paul, N8HM, for the above information] /EX From aa5uk at yahoo.com Sat Mar 3 17:21:02 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2018 17:21:02 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Cayman Calling: FO29 at 0238Z tonight References: <1895158418.9953961.1520097662637.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1895158418.9953961.1520097662637@mail.yahoo.com> Folks, I have had a very busy schedule. I was operating HF dall day yesterday. I will try to get on the 0238Z FO29 pass this evening. EK99hi.Sorry if I am weak, hard to compete when many other stations are QRO, only running 5W on this end.? Not sure yet about Sunday schedule as of yet, YL comes first.?Again very busy schedule. FM satellite passes are not lining up with my vacation schedule so far. Stay tuned, perhaps next week.? 73, Adrian AA5UK? ZF2AETwitter @ZF2AE Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From kt4tz at cfl.rr.com Sun Mar 4 04:19:26 2018 From: kt4tz at cfl.rr.com (Lee McLamb) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2018 23:19:26 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-063 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins Message-ID: <79d0e90f-1563-cf15-75eb-11b73bae244b@cfl.rr.com> AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-063 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including 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. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. In this edition: * VP9, BERMUDA on Satellites * GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 Selected for NASA?s CubeSat Launch Initiative * Rare Grid Rover Activation Planned on Pacific Coast * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for February 2018 * Satellite 101 Wiki Released by IIT Bombay Student Satellite Project * Rules for AMSAT Awards updated * BIRDS-2 CubeSat Constellation Includes 145.825 MHz Digipeater * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-063.01 ANS-063 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 063.01 ?From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE MARCH 4, 2018 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-063.01 VP9, BERMUDA on Satellites VP9, BERMUDA. Chris, KG6CIH, will be active as KG6CIH/VP9 from Bermuda (NA-005) between March 8-12th. Activity will be holiday style in addition to also checking out the island. He will be splitting radio time with a friend (David/WH6DSN was mentioned by another source). They will be focused on SSB operations on the main bands (80/40/20 meters, 15 meters if pro- pagation is good, 160m if antenna works), and maybe some satellite contacts too. QSL will primarily be via LoTW, but if they get enough contacts, they will consider printing up special cards. [ANS thanks Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1353 for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 Selected for NASA?s CubeSat Launch Initiative On March 2, 2018, NASA announced the ninth round of selections for the CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI). The first two AMSAT GOLF CubeSats, GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1, were among the 21 missions recommended for selection. AMSAT must negotiate and execute a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NASA for each project to finalize selection. NASA anticipates a sufficient number of launch opportunities but does not guarantee that all recommended payloads will be launched. GOLF-TEE (Technology Evaluation Environment) will serve as a rapidly deployable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) testbed for technologies necessary for a successful CubeSat mission to a wide variety of orbits. AMSAT Vice-President Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, said ?The GOLF-TEE project tees off the next phase of our CubeSat program. GOLF-TEE provides AMSAT hardware and knowledge for Attitude Determination and Control (ADAC) capability and the opportunity to develop a 3U spaceframe with deployable solar panels that can be used in LEO or HEO missions, two of the major systems required in future GOLF and HEO missions.? Ragnarok Industries developed the attitude control system for the Lunar Heimdallr 6U CubeSat, a NASA Cube Quest Challenge finalist. GOLF-TEE provides the opportunity for rapid deployment and on orbit testing of the AMSAT?s Advanced Satellite Communications and Exploration of New Technology (ASCENT) program?s technology, including radiation tolerant transponder and Integrated Housekeeping Unit (IHU) technologies that will lead the way for low cost commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems that can function in the MEO and HEO radiation environments. GOLF-TEE will also carry a Fox-1E design V/u linear transponder and RadFx (Radiation Effects) experiment for Vanderbilt University. GOLF-TEE and the GOLF program will provide for the development of ?Five and Dime? Field-Programmable Gate Array Software Defined Radio (FPGA SDR) transponders for use on a variety of missions and orbits. The target date for launch of GOLF-TEE is 4Q 2019. GOLF-1 will serve as a follow-on mission, also to LEO. Launch is targeted for 2020-2021. GOLF-1 will require a de-orbiting plan that is in compliance with NASA's NPR 8715.6 NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris in order to be manifested on a launch, due to the high altitude AMSAT has requested. Please consider a donation to the AMSAT GOLF program for development, construction, and testing of the GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 CubeSats. Donate at https://goo.gl/GJ2Utb Checks may be mailed to AMSAT, 10605 Concord St. #304, Kensington, MD 20895-2526. [ANS thanks Paul, N8HM, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Rare Grid Rover Activation Planned on Pacific Coast Heads up AMSAT enthusiasts. Billy Blue, KM6NJL, plans to head to Humboldt County, California March 16-19. Billy says, "Depending on schedule and terrain and activities I'm going to try to work from CM89, CN70, CN80, CN71 and CN81 or the borders of these grids. Unfortunately I won't be heading further east." [ANS thanks Billy Blue, KM6NJL, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Awards-Endorsements for February 2018 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period February 1, 2018 through February 28, 2018. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! February: Short Month -- Fewer endorsements CALL??????? 1Feb18? 1Mar18 WA4NVM?????? 1450?? 1488 WC7V???????? 1158?? 1159 AA5PK??????? 996??? 1012 K4FEG??????? 841??? 878 N4UFO??????? 700??? 715 K6FW???????? 661??? 703 K0FFY??????? 173??? 260 VE6SWC?????? 173??? 173 K5IX???????? 100??? 125 G0ABI??????? 115??? 116 AB1OC?????????????? 115 (NEW VUCC) PU8RFL????????????? 101 (NEW VUCC) If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at @.com and I'll revise the announcement. This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for February 1, 2018. and March 1, 2018. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible.? Apologies if your call was not mentioned.? Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds.? They are doing most of the work! [ANS thanks Ron, W5RKN, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite 101 Wiki Released by IIT Bombay Student Satellite Project Members of the Pratham satellite team, the first student satellite of IIT Bombay Student Satellite Project (IITBSSP), have created the Satellite 101 Wiki as a part of a social goal of spreading knowledge and enthusiasm related to satellite and space technology among various aspiring students and universities across the globe. The Wiki discusses: + Starting a Student Satellite Project ? - Building the Team ? - Planning the mission and finalizing the Payload ? - Obtaining the required Infrastructure + Subsystems within a Satellite ? - Payload Subsystem ? - Communications Subsystem ? - Electrical Subsystem ? - Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem ? - Mechanical Subsystem Access the Satellite 101 Wiki at: http://www.aero.iitb.ac.in/satelliteWiki/index.php/Satellite_101 [ANS thanks the IIT Bombay Student Satellite Project for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Rules for AMSAT Awards updated A few months ago we added Washington, DC counting the same as a state. Today, we continued to align our awards with the ARRL. Our rules stated contacts had to be made within 25 miles or 40 kilometers from your home location. We have now amended the rules to read within 50 miles or 80 kilometers. This should be more beneficial for those that have moved to a new QTH. [ANS thanks Bruce, KK5DO, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- BIRDS-2 CubeSat Constellation Includes 145.825 MHz Digipeater The BIRDS-2 CubeSat constellation developed at Japan's Kyushu Institute of Technology includes three 1U CubeSats: + BHUTAN-1 + MAYA-1 + UiTMSAT-1 All CubeSats in BIRDS-2 constellation have identical designs and utilize the same radio frequencies. They are planned for release from the ISS together in 2018. The primary mission of BIRDS-2 CubeSat constellation is to provide digital message relay service to the amateur radio community by means of an APRS digipeater onboard. The APRS digipeater onboard BIRDS-2 CubeSats will use 145.825 MHz for both receive and transmit. 145.825MHz is a standard frequency used by other satellites such as ARISS and LAPAN-A2. Another mission of the BIRDS-2 CubeSat constellation is to demon- strate a store-and-forward (S&F) system. In this mission, a goal is to investigate technical challenges through experiments on appropriate data format, multiple access scheme, file-handling protocol while complying with limited operational time and power constraints. Another interesting application of BIRDS-2 CubeSat S&F system is for the satellites to collect data from remote ground sensors, store them onboard and download them to the different BIRDS-2 ground stations network. Further, students of Kyushu Institute of Technology will use BIRDS-2 CubeSat constellation to enhance research and experiment in the fields of single latch-up event detection, magnetic field measurements using a COTS anisotropic magnetometer, and flight testing of a COTS GPS chip which can be used for future CubeSat missions if proven effective. Students will also explore a passive attitude stabilization mechanism consisting of magnets and hysteresis dampers for proper orientation of camera on a CubeSat. All measurements and image data will be shared with the public on BIRDS-2 project website. Moveover, BIRDS-2 CubeSat constellation will expand amateur radio communication experiment on the operation of CubeSat constellation via a network of UHF/VHF amateur radio ground stations (started in BIRDS-1 CubeSat constellation project). All the above missions are envisioned to promote awareness of amateur radio communication and amateur satellites among the general public and students, especially in the participating nations of BIRDS-2 Project: Bhutan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Japan. Planning a deployment from the ISS in 2018. The IARU has coordinated a downlink frequency of 437.375 MHz and for APRS uplink/downlink 145.825 MHz. The IARU detailed pages are as noted: BHUTAN-1 http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=562 MAYA-1 http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=563 UiTMSAT-1 http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=564 An article in the Bhutan press is posted at: http://www.kuenselonline.com/bhutan-1-expected-to-be-in-space-by-may/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK, kuenselonline.com, and the IARU for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Congratulations on achieving a distance of 7649 km via AO-7 ? QSO by F6HTJ (JN12) and K4FEG (EM55) near Memphis, Tennessee. ? The frequency was 145930.0. (Via F6HJT) + The Eureka Amateur Radio Club, VY0ERC, is located at 79 degrees 59 min ? North, 85 degrees 56 min West on Ellesmere Island (IOTA NA-008). ? M0NPT recorded a video of G0ABI and G7SVF working VY0ERC via AO-91: ? https://youtu.be/oOiV-iEZhX4 (AMSAT-UK on Twitter) + 2017 Space Symposium - Corey Shields KB9JHU - Intro to SATNOGS ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsKJX4WgCn0 ? (via AMSAT Twitter) + Congratulations on achieving a distance of 5,479 km via AO-91 ? QSO by Sam, N3ROY (FM29) and Jose, EB1AO (IN52) in Spain at ? 1530 Z on March 1. (via N3ROY) + A group of Ham Radio operators from Southern Mexico will be ? operating the special event "Spring Equinox" with the call ? 6E3MAYA from March 17th. to 21th. The activity will be 80 to ? 6 meters in SSB, CW, Satellite and Digital Modes. QSL via ? XE3N. (Twitter via Daily DX and XE3N) --------------------------------------------------------------------- /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 addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KT4TZ kt4tz at amsat dot org From aa5uk at yahoo.com Sun Mar 4 20:13:09 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2018 20:13:09 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ from Grand Cayman FO-29 03/05 @ 0136UTC pass References: <2117430409.10443559.1520194389826.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2117430409.10443559.1520194389826@mail.yahoo.com> Hi OM's Busy day here exploring the islands and consuming way too much food at brunch. I saw an earlier FO-29 pass at 23:52Z that would have been great to South America and I am sorry I won't be available for that pass due to prior commitments. I will try to make the FO-29 pass at 0136UTC. I have noticed I have trouble with the first 1/3 of the pass getting in due to heavy load on the bird. So please be patient. ? We had a nice pile up going last night and I think I was able to catch most folks. If you missed me don't worry more opportunities from Little Cayman starting the 6th through 10th. Not sure yet about the 5th. I have not had time yet to transcribe the recordings yet to load to LOTW. Please be patient, remember I am on vacation!!? Satellite operations comes second. 73, Adrian AA5UK - ZF2AE From goccamrazr at gmail.com Mon Mar 5 15:05:30 2018 From: goccamrazr at gmail.com (Butch) Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2018 10:05:30 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Az-El rotator needed Message-ID: Our middle school has received approval from NASA to proceed with a cube sat launch. In preparation for that, I would like to set up a ground station for tracking satellites. I have everything but an Az-El rotator and would like to have one that would interface with SatPC32. If you have any rotators (dead or alive) that you no longer need, we will gladly accept donations or ?? Thanks, Butch Alline K8KO From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Mon Mar 5 19:32:10 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2018 14:32:10 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS contact with Parkside Middle School, San Bruno, CA Message-ID: <6730E13CDC324013BC57185F66C6D638@DHJ> An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Parkside Middle School, San Bruno, CA on 07 Mar. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 18:05 UTC. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct between NA1SS and K6PVJ The contact should be audible over the state of California and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Parkside Middle School has a diverse student population of almost 900 students, grades 6 through 8 with more than 20 languages spoken, including Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Pacific Islanders. Ours is an economically disadvantaged district in an otherwise affluent area. 4 out of Every 10 Students Receive Free or Reduced Lunch. Our science and math teachers and students are very excited about hosting an ARISS contact. One special characteristic of our school district is a STEM magnet program in one of our grade schools. The students from that school help carry a great enthusiasm for STEM and the maker movement into the middle school and share it with the student population at large. Our science curricula include atmosphere, include layers, and weather, biology including the effects of gravity versus micro-gravity, climate, coding and robotics in an after school program, history with how the constellations and planets got their names, geography including land forms and tectonics, soil and erosion, making model lunar rovers, exploring re-entry for orbital launch vehicles, making and launching rockets, and a number of activities around waves, including sound and radio. We have established contacts with the local print, radio and televisions stations, as well as a social media community of more than 1,000 active participants. We'll have a sequence of events, with press releases and online reminders building up to the event. We will also engage our local cable channel and our very active Next-door communities. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. How does being in space affect your body's overall health? 2. What is it like when you see spacecraft launch from earth and how does the spacecraft attach to the space station? Is it like a jet way for a plane? 3. What does it feel like after you've been in space with no gravity and you are back on earth? 4. Do you become light headed in space? 5. Is it common to have to fix things on the space station, either on the inside or the outside of the station. 6. Do you have to wear special shoes inside the space station? What are they like? 7. When the falcon heavy launch carrying the Tesla that SpaceX launched into space have you seen the Tesla yet? 8. What is it like to live without gravity? What is the worst part? What is the best part? 9. Is space food good or bad? Is drinking water like blowing then eating bubbles? 10. Do you get TV and internet in space? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): TBD About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From jim at coloradosatellite.com Mon Mar 5 20:20:45 2018 From: jim at coloradosatellite.com (Jim White) Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2018 13:20:45 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] St Barts expedition April 18 Message-ID: <417aba9a-b618-2078-b9de-86d2e8c71c09@coloradosatellite.com> FJ, St. Barthelemy AI5P, N0KV, W0ZA and WD0E plan to operate from Pointe Milou, St. Barthelemy Island (IOTA NA-146/Grid Square FK87) from April 19-27. Operation will be on 80-10 meters (SSB/CW/RTTY) with satellite operation by WD0E. Conditions may largely limit most activity to 20 meters and down. Operating 160 meters is being considered; however, no antenna option is yet finalized. Satellite operation will take place on several satellites. A satellite and ?pass schedule will be announced on the AMSAT-bb in advance. Equipment includes three Elecraft K3's and two 500 watt Elecraft amps. Antennas include a SteppIR crank IR vertical for 80-10 meters, a folding hexbeam by Folding Antennas (Germany) on 20-10 meters, LPDA's on 20 and 17 meters and verticals on 30 and 40 meters. Operation will be as continuous as conditions warrant.? The Colorado operators have decided to use FJ/N0KV as their callsign while AI5P will be active as FJ/AI5P. FJ/N0KV logs will be updated to LOTW while Rick's logs (FJ/AI5P) will not since he continues to be an analog guy with an actual key and pen/paper log. Paper QSLs will be available from both N0KV and AI5P direct and via the bureau. Further: For satellite operation we plan to be on as many passes of as many satellites as possible focusing on the evening hours.? Equipment will be an IC 910 and Arrow.? On Montserrat in 2015 we were on FO-29 only.? For St. Barts we will also operate some FM satellites.? We will assemble a pass plan before we go and post it to this -bb.? We will stick to that plan as much as possible but of course conditions may cause us adjust on the fly.? The operating location has good visibility to the horizon from about the NW through N and E to the SE.? Other directions are somewhat obscured.? QSLs handled as written above. From aa5uk at yahoo.com Mon Mar 5 23:52:26 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2018 23:52:26 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Late notice FO-29 0227Z and perhaps AO-92 References: <1799522061.11406722.1520293946651.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1799522061.11406722.1520293946651@mail.yahoo.com> Folks, Made it to Little Cayman and had to contend with a Windows update at DSL speed (like watching paint dry) which corrupted my Wi-Fi adapter. Got that fixed now. I will try to get on the FO-29 pass at 0227Z. Please note I am inland I have some trees at AOS and LOS on my end. Against my better judgement I will try to jump into AO-92 fray after the FO-29 pass. I will be signing ZF2AE/ZF8, please use this call for LOTW from Little Cayman.?? I will try to get on tomorrow afternoon and evening after diving in the morning. 73, Adrian AA5UK ZF2AE/ZF8 From kb2mjeff at att.net Tue Mar 6 01:15:46 2018 From: kb2mjeff at att.net (kb2mjeff at att.net) Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2018 20:15:46 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 and AlfaSpid RAS-1 rotor Message-ID: I received my RAS-1 from the UK this afternoon. Cables are build, powering up the rotor on the bench tomorrow morning. I?m a little confused about SatPC32 control. I found this in the SatPC32 DOC?s... The latest release of SatPC32 V. 12.8c (April 24th 2014) comes with driver files for the Spid Mod2 and the Spid MD mode (ServerSpid.exe and ServerSpidMD.exe). If you use such controllers choose the item Spid or Spid MD from the list of supported controllers in menu "Rotor Setup". For detailed instructions click the "Help" button of ServerSpid or ServerSpidMD. The following hints are important if you run the Yaesu mode of the controller.. To steer AlfaSpid rotors with SatPC32 choose the option ?Yaesu_GS-232? (menu ?Rotor-Setup?). LX1BB sent me the following description of his rotor setup. He is using a combi control box for azimut and elevation. SatPC32 setup: Max. Elevation: 90 (menu Rotor Setup) Park Position: Az=0, El=0 (Menu Rotor) ServerSDX-Setup: Com = x? Baudrate: 600 AlfaSpid Setup: P = 1.00 1.00 PH = 359 90 PL = 340 -1 PS = 4A PP = 0.00 0.00 Press the F key until ?A? appears. The PL setting is very important. I set the ?Overtravel? 19 degs. With this setting I have no problems with my cables. A few degs. more or less would also be sufficient. I had to set the elevation to ?1 deg. to allow parking at 0,0. Is this still valid? Any suggestions on SatPC32 with the RAS-1 from current users. What rotor interface are you selecting Yaesu GS-232, AlfaSpid, or AlfaSpidMD? I have the USB AlfaSpid control box... 73 Jeff kb2m --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com From vu2pop at gmail.com Tue Mar 6 05:15:30 2018 From: vu2pop at gmail.com (VU2POP) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 10:45:30 +0530 Subject: [amsat-bb] Vhf Mast head Preamp Message-ID: <000101d3b50a$302a3810$907ea830$@gmail.com> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTDkRRtWTk8 From aj9n at aol.com Tue Mar 6 07:08:59 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 02:08:59 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-06 06:00 UTC Message-ID: <161fa245235-1de6-105b0@webjas-vaa231.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-06 06:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Parkside Middle School, San Bruno, CA, direct via K6PVJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-03-07 18:05:06 UTC 36 deg ? Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Thu 2018-03-15 11:12:55 UTC 86 deg (***) ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-06 06:00 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1213. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1162. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-02-27 06:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 53 on orbit Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Alexander Misurkin Joe Acaba KE5DAR ? Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From erich.eichmann at t-online.de Tue Mar 6 15:37:26 2018 From: erich.eichmann at t-online.de (Erich Eichmann) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 16:37:26 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? Message-ID: Hello, Does somebody know whether one can recognize by the serial number of the? FT-847 whether it is an old, uni-directional or a newer, bi-directional vrsion? A user here in Germany has two FT-847 with serial numbers 3M840064 and OE320084. 73s, Erich, DK1TB From ingejack at cox.net Tue Mar 6 16:27:57 2018 From: ingejack at cox.net (alex weimer) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 09:27:57 -0700 (MST) Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby Message-ID: <629997572.7170.1520353677176@myemail.cox.net> I just wanted to thank Doug N6UA for his dedication to the hobby of Ham radio... Doug made an out of the way trip to nebraska to confirm the state for several of us who needed it for WAS LOTW. Doug fought 65 mph winds on the way and during the qso on Cas-4B . At times the howling was so bad that the audio was distorted , however Doug endured the elements and continued confirming the Grid/state for many of us. On the return home Doug encountered several semi accidents on I-25 . Thanks Doug for being so dedicated as to go out of your in bad weather to give a new grid or state to your fellow hams JACK KC7MG From n4ufo at yahoo.com Tue Mar 6 17:25:28 2018 From: n4ufo at yahoo.com (Kevin M) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 17:25:28 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? References: <963760784.11928278.1520357128261.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <963760784.11928278.1520357128261@mail.yahoo.com> Hello, Does somebody know whether one can recognize by the serial number of the? FT-847 whether it is an old, uni-directional or a newer, bi-directional vrsion? A user here in Germany has two FT-847 with serial numbers 3M840064 and OE320084. 73s, Erich, DK1TB serial number info link: http://www.supercontrol.de/cat/ft847faq/page1.htm#serialnumThe FT-847 was first made in 1998 and the bi-directional problem was fixed that first year... only serial numbers starting with 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F would be uni-directional. 73, Kevin N4UFO From cee at palomarlight.com Tue Mar 6 17:37:00 2018 From: cee at palomarlight.com (CEE) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 09:37:00 -0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule? Message-ID: does anyone know the schedule for next AO-92 L/v activation? Chuck N7BFO - DM04 From n4ufo at yahoo.com Tue Mar 6 17:30:16 2018 From: n4ufo at yahoo.com (Kevin M) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 17:30:16 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? In-Reply-To: <963760784.11928278.1520357128261@mail.yahoo.com> References: <963760784.11928278.1520357128261.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <963760784.11928278.1520357128261@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <635526470.11934834.1520357416149@mail.yahoo.com> Hello, Does somebody know whether one can recognize by the serial number of the? FT-847 whether it is an old, uni-directional or a newer, bi-directional vrsion? A user here in Germany has two FT-847 with serial numbers 3M840064 and OE320084. 73s, Erich, DK1TB serial number info link: http://www.supercontrol.de/cat/ft847faq/page1.htm#serialnum The FT-847 was first made in 1998 and the bi-directional problem was fixed that first year... only serial numbers starting with 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F would be uni-directional. 73, Kevin N4UFO From k8bl at ameritech.net Tue Mar 6 17:37:13 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 17:37:13 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby In-Reply-To: <629997572.7170.1520353677176@myemail.cox.net> References: <629997572.7170.1520353677176@myemail.cox.net> Message-ID: <1522521276.5159848.1520357833129@mail.yahoo.com> Doug....? Way to go! You da Man!!? --? Bob? K8BL From: alex weimer To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Cc: n6ua at arrl.net Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 11:28 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby I just wanted to thank Doug? N6UA for his dedication to the hobby of Ham radio... Doug made an out of the way trip to nebraska to confirm the state for several of us who needed it for WAS LOTW. Doug fought 65 mph winds on the way and during the qso on Cas-4B . At times the howling was so bad that the audio was distorted , however Doug endured the elements and continued confirming the Grid/state for many of us. On the return home Doug encountered several semi accidents on I-25 . Thanks Doug for being so dedicated as to go out of your in bad weather to give a new grid or state to your fellow hams? JACK? KC7MG _______________________________________________ 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 | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | From johnki4ro at gmail.com Tue Mar 6 17:50:06 2018 From: johnki4ro at gmail.com (John KI4RO) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 12:50:06 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule? Message-ID: Have a look here: https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ 73 John KI4RO From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Tue Mar 6 18:01:40 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 13:01:40 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <048f01d3b575$2db19450$8914bcf0$@mindspring.com> Generally Sundays. Watch AMSAT on Twitter or https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ for updates. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of CEE Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 12:37 PM To: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule? does anyone know the schedule for next AO-92 L/v activation? Chuck N7BFO - DM04 _______________________________________________ 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 From f6htj at aol.com Tue Mar 6 18:23:56 2018 From: f6htj at aol.com (f6htj at aol.com) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 13:23:56 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Reception of RS15 beacon 29.351 MHz In-Reply-To: <161f21d940d-c8c-8b05@webjasstg-vab57.srv.aolmail.net> References: <161f21d940d-c8c-8b05@webjasstg-vab57.srv.aolmail.net> Message-ID: <161fc8e3ea7-c8f-17fe@webjasstg-vab17.srv.aolmail.net> Hello all; for information still reception of RS15 beacon when satellite is in sunlight. Signal peaking 529 on 28 MHz dipole antenna and GP vertical at low angle. 73 de Michel F6HTJ (JN12kq) From johnbrier at gmail.com Tue Mar 6 19:17:41 2018 From: johnbrier at gmail.com (John Brier) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 14:17:41 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Reception of RS15 beacon 29.351 MHz In-Reply-To: <161fc8e3ea7-c8f-17fe@webjasstg-vab17.srv.aolmail.net> References: <161f21d940d-c8c-8b05@webjasstg-vab57.srv.aolmail.net> <161fc8e3ea7-c8f-17fe@webjasstg-vab17.srv.aolmail.net> Message-ID: Somebody posted a video of a reception of it on the AMSAT-NA Facebook group yesterday. Is this new or has it been turning on while it's been in sunlight for a while? 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 1:23 PM, f6htj--- via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > Hello all; for information still reception of RS15 beacon when satellite is in sunlight. > > Signal peaking 529 on 28 MHz dipole antenna and GP vertical at low angle. > 73 de Michel F6HTJ (JN12kq) > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Mar 6 19:28:05 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 14:28:05 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Reception of RS15 beacon 29.351 MHz In-Reply-To: References: <161f21d940d-c8c-8b05@webjasstg-vab57.srv.aolmail.net> <161fc8e3ea7-c8f-17fe@webjasstg-vab17.srv.aolmail.net> Message-ID: The beacon has been active ever since the satellite was launched as far as I can tell. The transponder never worked great (was hard to hear and took a bit of power to get in to) and died after a few years. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 2:17 PM, John Brier wrote: > Somebody posted a video of a reception of it on the AMSAT-NA Facebook > group yesterday. > > Is this new or has it been turning on while it's been in sunlight for a > while? > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 1:23 PM, f6htj--- via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > > > > > Hello all; for information still reception of RS15 beacon when satellite > is in sunlight. > > > > Signal peaking 529 on 28 MHz dipole antenna and GP vertical at low angle. > > 73 de Michel F6HTJ (JN12kq) > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From k8bl at ameritech.net Tue Mar 6 20:53:30 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 20:53:30 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Roving Time References: <962824369.11156336.1520369610164.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <962824369.11156336.1520369610164@mail.yahoo.com> Gridders.... I'll be staying in EM32 for the next couple weeks and operating "holiday style" while visiting Family. I can probably work out going to adjacent Grids upon request. Besides LA, TX and AR and OK are possibilities. QSOs will be in LoTW when I return home the end of March. 73, Bob K8BL P.S. I've been operating HF QRP FT8 for the past 2 weeks and it has all the excitement of watching a turtle race. Just sayin'. From cchunter3 at mindspring.com Tue Mar 6 21:29:44 2018 From: cchunter3 at mindspring.com (christy hunter) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 13:29:44 -0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? Message-ID: <7db5b537-f23b-4d9f-48b0-706f1ad694f4@mindspring.com> this link may be helpful also. http://www.supercontrol.de/cat/ft847faq/page1.htm#serialnum 73 christy KB6LTY --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com From n3xls at yahoo.com Wed Mar 7 00:34:39 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:34:39 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] N8FQ Sat sked page Message-ID: <20180307003448.007E0879E@lansing182.amsat.org> http://n8fq.org/sked/mobile.php?board=sat Anyone use this page?? ?Or is there another one??? From jhill_81 at yahoo.com Tue Mar 6 19:24:43 2018 From: jhill_81 at yahoo.com (Mr B r a d) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 19:24:43 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule ( 23cm up) References: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> I think I heard the Ao-92 YL voice beacon very well and one guy working AO-92L/v? with the 23cm/1.2g?uplink over the weekend , ( no one else to talk to ) .... what ERP is needed for this mode? ?Could my ts2000x with 10 watts into a helix work for this ? please delete original messages in your reply...Brad / ko6kL? From n3xls at yahoo.com Tue Mar 6 20:18:52 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2018 15:18:52 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby In-Reply-To: <629997572.7170.1520353677176@myemail.cox.net> Message-ID: <20180306201859.D5058892F@lansing182.amsat.org> Thank you to Doug as well he called me yesterday on CAS-4B. -------- Original message --------From: alex weimer Date: 3/6/18 11:27 AM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Cc: n6ua at arrl.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby I just wanted to thank Doug? N6UA for his dedication to the hobby of Ham radio... Doug made an out of the way trip to nebraska to confirm the state for several of us who needed it for WAS LOTW. Doug fought 65 mph winds on the way and during the qso on Cas-4B . At times the howling was so bad that the audio was distorted , however Doug endured the elements and continued confirming the Grid/state for many of us. On the return home Doug encountered several semi accidents on I-25 . Thanks Doug for being so dedicated as to go out of your in bad weather to give a new grid or state to your fellow hams? JACK? KC7MG _______________________________________________ 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 From ingejack at cox.net Tue Mar 6 20:39:39 2018 From: ingejack at cox.net (alex weimer) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 13:39:39 -0700 (MST) Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby In-Reply-To: References: <629997572.7170.1520353677176@myemail.cox.net> Message-ID: <1510825500.11139.1520368779190@myemail.cox.net> Ok now we need him to work the sats aeronautical mobile !! NO Auto pilot !! > On March 6, 2018 at 1:18 PM Joe N3XLS wrote: > > Thank you to Doug as well he called me yesterday on CAS-4B. > > -------- Original message -------- > From: alex weimer > Date: 3/6/18 11:27 AM (GMT-05:00) > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Cc: n6ua at arrl.net > Subject: [amsat-bb] Dedication to the hobby > > I just wanted to thank Doug N6UA for his dedication to the hobby of Ham radio... Doug made an out of the way trip to nebraska to confirm the state for several of us who needed it for WAS LOTW. Doug fought 65 mph winds on the way and during the qso on Cas-4B . At times the howling was so bad that the audio was distorted , however Doug endured the elements and continued confirming the Grid/state for many of us. On the return home Doug encountered several semi accidents on I-25 . Thanks Doug for being so dedicated as to go out of your in bad weather to give a new grid or state to your fellow hams JACK KC7MG > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From grsakai5120 at yahoo.com Tue Mar 6 21:25:25 2018 From: grsakai5120 at yahoo.com (George Sakai) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 21:25:25 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Late notice FO-29 0227Z and perhaps AO-92 In-Reply-To: <1799522061.11406722.1520293946651@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1799522061.11406722.1520293946651.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1799522061.11406722.1520293946651@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1269503271.12133787.1520371525753@mail.yahoo.com> Hi Adrian, I heard you calling CQ on AO-7? from Little Cayman on March 6, 2018 at 20:39 UTC.? I called you but did not hear your response.? Your signals were very weak. 73, George N3GS, EM28Topeka, KS On ?Monday?, ?March? ?5?, ?2018? ?05?:?53?:?41? ?PM? ?CST, Adrian Engele via AMSAT-BB wrote: Folks, Made it to Little Cayman and had to contend with a Windows update at DSL speed (like watching paint dry) which corrupted my Wi-Fi adapter. Got that fixed now. I will try to get on the FO-29 pass at 0227Z. Please note I am inland I have some trees at AOS and LOS on my end. Against my better judgement I will try to jump into AO-92 fray after the FO-29 pass. I will be signing ZF2AE/ZF8, please use this call for LOTW from Little Cayman.?? I will try to get on tomorrow afternoon and evening after diving in the morning. 73, Adrian AA5UK ZF2AE/ZF8 _______________________________________________ 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 From k7trkradio at charter.net Wed Mar 7 00:59:52 2018 From: k7trkradio at charter.net (Ted Krempa) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 16:59:52 -0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <006601d3b5af$9a44c9e0$cece5da0$@charter.net> >From a prior posting: Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] FT-847 serial number investigation From: "Alan P. Biddle" Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001 19:27:04 -0000 In-Reply-To: Cliff, >From a FAQ on the FT-847. Perhaps this will help. ----------------------------------------------------- Serial Numbers Updated 10Jan01 Yaesu appears to use the following format for serial numbers on their amateur products: Year of manufacture-Month of manufacture-Production Run-Individual Unit number, where the month of manufacture is offset by 2, so "C" means January, "D" means February, "E" means March, and so forth. Example: 8G051234 = 1998, May (fifth month, or "G"), Production Run 05, unit #1234 in this run. One key serial number range is 8G05. This seems to be the point at which Yaesu had corrected the bi-directional CAT issue and made some other improvements. This version was made in May 1998. Later serial numbers (e.g., 8L09nnnn) all seem to have incorporated the earlier improvements plus new ones. 73, K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Erich Eichmann Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 7:37 AM To: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? Hello, Does somebody know whether one can recognize by the serial number of the FT-847 whether it is an old, uni-directional or a newer, bi-directional vrsion? A user here in Germany has two FT-847 with serial numbers 3M840064 and OE320084. 73s, Erich, DK1TB _______________________________________________ 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 From davekn4ok at aol.com Wed Mar 7 01:10:28 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 20:10:28 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] N8FQ Sat sked page In-Reply-To: <20180307003448.007E0879E@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <20180307003448.007E0879E@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <161fe026faa-179e-1b4de@webjas-vae084.srv.aolmail.net> Joe, looks like you and I lol -----Original Message----- From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB To: amsat-bb Sent: Tue, Mar 6, 2018 6:35 pm Subject: [amsat-bb] N8FQ Sat sked page http://n8fq.org/sked/mobile.php?board=satAnyone use this page? Or is there another one? _______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Wed Mar 7 02:03:19 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 21:03:19 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule ( 23cm up) In-Reply-To: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> References: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: That should be more than enough. It's been worked with as little as 1 watt to a whip. Try it out! 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 2:24 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I think I heard the Ao-92 YL voice beacon very well and one guy working > AO-92L/v with the 23cm/1.2g uplink over the weekend , ( no one else to > talk to ) .... what ERP is needed for this mode? > Could my ts2000x with 10 watts into a helix work for this ? > please delete original messages in your reply...Brad / ko6kL > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Wed Mar 7 02:44:07 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 02:44:07 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule ( 23cm up) In-Reply-To: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> References: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Brad, If you were listening last Sunday morning, I was the "one guy working AO-92 L/v" you heard. Some of these western AO-92 L/V passes have been lonely as you described, and one morning saw a station from Utah join in. I have been able to use these passes to improve on my tuning for the 1.2 GHz uplink. I'm getting better at that, along with practice orienting my antenna to make my 1W transmitter power work in this configuration. The setup I used on Sunday morning was an Alinco DJ-G7T, transmitting 1W into a no-name Chinese-made 10-element Yagi. The Yagi is rated at 12 dBi gain. Using that figure, and factoring in the 20cm of coax between the driven element and the N connector that goes to the radio, my ERP with this antenna is around 9 to 10 watts. On other weekends, I have been using a 5-element Yagi made by Comet in the 1990s rated at 11 dBi gain. If that's true, my ERP with that setup is around 7 to 8 watts when using the same DJ-G7T. And, as N8HM said, AO-92's L/V configuration has been worked with a 1W HT & whip antenna - something I have not yet been able to replicate. If you can get on next Sunday with your setup, please join in. As you heard, these passes are not crowded. Even if one or two others join in, there is still enough time to experiment. In your case, that could be seeing how low you can take your 10W transmitter power down and still be heard. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 7:24 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I think I heard the Ao-92 YL voice beacon very well and one guy working > AO-92L/v with the 23cm/1.2g uplink over the weekend , ( no one else to > talk to ) .... what ERP is needed for this mode? > Could my ts2000x with 10 watts into a helix work for this ? > ?...Brad / ko6kL > From erich.eichmann at t-online.de Wed Mar 7 08:07:16 2018 From: erich.eichmann at t-online.de (Erich Eichmann) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 09:07:16 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Fw: FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? In-Reply-To: <2114171443.11994740.1520358139345@mail.yahoo.com> References: <963760784.11928278.1520357128261.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <963760784.11928278.1520357128261@mail.yahoo.com> <635526470.11934834.1520357416149@mail.yahoo.com> <2114171443.11994740.1520358139345@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Many thanks to all who replied, very helpful answers. 73s, Erich, DK1tB Am 06.03.2018 um 18:42 schrieb Kevin M: > > > > > Hello,Does somebody know whether one can recognize by the serial number of the? FT-847 whether it is an old, uni-directional or a newer, bi-directional vrsion? A user here in Germany has two FT-847 with serial > numbers 3M840064 and OE320084. > > 73s, Erich, DK1TB > > serial number info link:http://www.supercontrol.de/cat/ft847faq/page1.htm#serialnum > > > The FT-847 was first made in 1998 and the bi-directional problem was fixed that first year... only serial numbers starting with 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F would be uni-directional. > > 73, Kevin N4UFO > > > > > From ea4gqs at gmail.com Wed Mar 7 11:52:03 2018 From: ea4gqs at gmail.com (Felix Paez EA4GQS) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 12:52:03 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Demo for students AO-91 pass 8 march 13.05 UTC Message-ID: Dear friends, tomorrow march 8, we are going to make a demo QSO from Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (where I will be with the teachers and the students) to Vigo in north-west of Spain, where Jose EB1AO will try to contact us using AO-91 at 13:05 UTC. I will please ask you to give us priority in the pass, since we only have this one to try the contact. I also apologize in advance if we monopolize a bit the satellite. Thanks for the understanding. This is a good opportunity to get future satellite operators. Felix EA4GQS From bruninga at usna.edu Wed Mar 7 14:57:33 2018 From: bruninga at usna.edu (Robert Bruninga) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 09:57:33 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Southern Hemisphere Command Station? Message-ID: <578c6a08cd1fc90b239c488e85aae708@mail.gmail.com> We need to establish contact with a good reliable AMSAT command station in the Southern Hemisphere. Back when we had PCSAT, PCSAT2, ANDE and RAFT satellites in orbit we did have a relationship with some southern hemisphere command stations but that was a decade ago... We would like to re-establish some contact. Thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR From paulopv8dx at gmail.com Wed Mar 7 15:17:18 2018 From: paulopv8dx at gmail.com (Paulo PV8DX) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 11:17:18 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Demo for students AO-91 pass 8 march 13.05 UTC In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <20043AFE4AB54C2E864D6BC86FB38573@PauloPV8DX> Hi Felix Congratulations for the initiative STEM (Opportunity to practice) -----Mensagem Original----- From: Felix Paez EA4GQS Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 7:52 AM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Demo for students AO-91 pass 8 march 13.05 UTC Dear friends, tomorrow march 8, we are going to make a demo QSO from Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (where I will be with the teachers and the students) to Vigo in north-west of Spain, where Jose EB1AO will try to contact us using AO-91 at 13:05 UTC. I will please ask you to give us priority in the pass, since we only have this one to try the contact. I also apologize in advance if we monopolize a bit the satellite. Thanks for the understanding. This is a good opportunity to get future satellite operators. Felix EA4GQS _______________________________________________ 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 73 de Paulo PV8DX LABRE - ARRL AMSAT member FJ92pt - VUCC SAT www.qrz.com/db/pv8dx ARISS contact 13/02/2014 Exp.37 http://www.labre-rr.org/ariss.html pv8dx at arrl.net Boa Vista-RR-Brasil From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Wed Mar 7 16:00:08 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 20:00:08 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L/v Activation Schedule ( 23cm up) In-Reply-To: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> References: <472716490.11039312.1520364283905.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <472716490.11039312.1520364283905@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <9A84244D-3AC0-4137-93D5-269B910957FE@gmail.com> Good Evening; I confirm that the TS2000X at 10W Tx, with 25M of superflex Heliax (1/2 inch) and a 22T Helix works very well on AO-92 L/v. Actually working the ERP with this setup is not even required as firing too much power at that bird. After doing some tests even 5W with same setup is perfect Rx my side, need to reduce further the power to find the minimum requirement and understand well the link budget to provide more infos. I need some more passes. Hope this help. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 6, 2018, at 11:24 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > I think I heard the Ao-92 YL voice beacon very well and one guy working AO-92L/v with the 23cm/1.2g uplink over the weekend , ( no one else to talk to ) .... what ERP is needed for this mode? > Could my ts2000x with 10 watts into a helix work for this ? > please delete original messages in your reply...Brad / ko6kL > _______________________________________________ > 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 From k9jkm at comcast.net Wed Mar 7 16:01:16 2018 From: k9jkm at comcast.net (JoAnne Maenpaa) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 10:01:16 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] V2, Antigua and Barbuda on Satellite Message-ID: <005901d3b62d$86c88c70$9459a550$@net> Spotted this in the DXNL 2083 (Mar 7, 2018) bulletin from DARC. Sending it via the -bb since waiting for the weekend ANS news cycle would be too late: NA-100; V2, Antigua and Barbuda: Patrick/N2IEN, Lee/WW2DX, Raymond/W2RE, and Lori/KB2HZI will be active as V26PD from the 8th to 11th on CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8. They are also planning 2m via EME and satellite. QSL via NR6M. DXNL - DX Newsletter, a free and weekly service of DARC Committee "DX" (http://www.darcdxhf.de) -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From aa5uk at yahoo.com Wed Mar 7 17:37:22 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 17:37:22 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] ZF2AE/ZF8 AO-7 @19:25Z Only planned pass for today References: <40107607.12756616.1520444242692.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <40107607.12756616.1520444242692@mail.yahoo.com> Late announcement: AO-7 Fixed 145.940 RX +/- QRM . This will be the only planned pass for today. NA Stations please note this is a SA pass and NA LOS will come up quick after TCA due to beach location and cabin blockage. Plan to be on HF this evening on FT8. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From aj9n at aol.com Wed Mar 7 17:43:55 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 12:43:55 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-07 17:45 UTC Message-ID: <162018ff92b-179b-69432@webjas-vab013.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-07 17:45 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Parkside Middle School, San Bruno, CA, direct via K6PVJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-03-07 18:05:06 UTC 36 deg ? Sorry for the late update but I just got this at 17:40 UTC (***) Watch for live stream at:? https://www.facebook.com/groups/345397712321880/? (***) ? Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Thu 2018-03-15 11:12:55 UTC 86 deg ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-07 17:45 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1213. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1162. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-02-27 06:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 53 on orbit Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Alexander Misurkin Joe Acaba KE5DAR ? Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From kb2mjeff at att.net Wed Mar 7 18:58:18 2018 From: kb2mjeff at att.net (kb2mjeff at att.net) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 13:58:18 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AlfaSpid RAS-1 up and running Message-ID: <546806FED26D4611B3D2432191F47C3F@kb2m4PC> I installed the RAS-1 and got everything working yesterday. Even the 450 degree function in SatPC32 is working. Only issue I have(and I was warned about this) is it?s rotational speed is very slow, maybe twice as slow as a G-5500. The cure for this is to run a higher voltage power supply of 24v. Now I have a 28 v supply I use for my 1.2 gig amp and was wondering if it was possible to mod the RAS-1 system to run on 28v. Anyone look into this? I tried contacting AlfaSpid about this and never got a reply... 73 Jeff kb2m --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com From ve3nxk at gmail.com Thu Mar 8 03:30:32 2018 From: ve3nxk at gmail.com (Bill Booth) Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2018 22:30:32 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Icom IC970A for sale In-Reply-To: References: <843d752f-f5f3-f5a7-d3a3-e9527e9597f6@k6ccc.org> <001301d38310$1bb134f0$53139ed0$@net> Message-ID: <5AA0AE58.6030301@gmail.com> Selling off my spare ICOM IC 970A TRANSCEIVER MULTIBAND ALL MODE 144 - 440 - 1296 (transceiver) + 50-905 (general receive) eBay item number: 183109264196 Thanks for the use of the spectrum -- Bill Booth VE3NXK Sundridge ON, Canada 79.23.37 W x 45.46.18 N FN05ns Visit my weather WebCam at http://www.almaguin.com/wxcurrent/weather.html Organ and Tissue Donation - The Gift of Life Talk to your family. Your decision can make a difference. From g.shirville at btinternet.com Thu Mar 8 07:20:51 2018 From: g.shirville at btinternet.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 07:20:51 -0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73/FUNcube-1 Mode Message-ID: <33980A9A978D48AB92E846856C935346@LAPTOP91ASAKDB> Hi All, AO73/FUNcube-1 is now in amateur mode with the transponder on. Have fun 73 Graham G3VZV From w7lrd at comcast.net Thu Mar 8 18:59:48 2018 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (Bob- W7LRD) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 10:59:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources Message-ID: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> Hello I am looking for a listing of 1.2ghz signal sources (satellites) for evaluating my L band stuff. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle From n8hm at arrl.net Thu Mar 8 19:03:33 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 14:03:33 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources In-Reply-To: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> References: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: You won't find any amateur satellites transmitting at 1.2 GHz. 1.2 GHz is earth to space only. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote: > Hello > > I am looking for a listing of 1.2ghz signal sources (satellites) for evaluating my L band stuff. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 From w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com Thu Mar 8 19:27:50 2018 From: w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com (Paul Andrews) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 14:27:50 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources In-Reply-To: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> References: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Bob, ONOEME is a moon bounce beacon transmitting 1296.000 MHz. For background information here is the website - http://users.skynet.be/on0eme/ON0EME/Welcome.html TX freq is GPSDO and very accurate. Transmit power is nearly 500w and the signal reflected back from the moon is LHCP. The beacon is on nearly continuously when the moon is visible. Signal mode is CW ID and Clean Carrier. It is possible to see this signal with a preamp - Funcube Dongle and a single yagi with linear polarization. Bottom line - if you can detect (or hear) this beacon - you will have no problem receiving L-band signals from any satellite in Space. GL - 73 - Paul - W2HRO On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote: > Hello > > I am looking for a listing of 1.2ghz signal sources (satellites) for evaluating my L band stuff. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 From brad.wf7t at gmail.com Thu Mar 8 19:02:34 2018 From: brad.wf7t at gmail.com (Brad Brooks) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 13:02:34 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources In-Reply-To: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> References: <207935505.7423.1520535588356@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <276fcda5-6202-4950-8be4-166e53bff98e@Spark> W6pql has a nice design at his website. 73 On Mar 8, 2018, 1:00 PM -0600, Bob- W7LRD , wrote: > Hello > > I am looking for a listing of 1.2ghz signal sources (satellites) for evaluating my L band stuff. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 From gertb at cybersmart.co.za Thu Mar 8 19:37:48 2018 From: gertb at cybersmart.co.za (Gert Botha) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 21:37:48 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] FW: [External] FW: Southern Hemisphere Command Station? In-Reply-To: References: <578c6a08cd1fc90b239c488e85aae708@mail.gmail.com> <012101d3b644$ee0ae880$ca20b980$@intekom.co.za> Message-ID: <000501d3b714$f543b340$dfcb19c0$@cybersmart.co.za> Hi Bob Hope all is well with you. Me (Gert Botha de ZS6GC) and Cor Rademeyer (ZS6CR) are interested to run a command station but what does this all entail. Do you have more detail for us? Kind Regards Gert Botha e-mail (H): gertb at cybersmart.co.za Cell nr: +27 82 771 0663 -----Original Message----- From: Rademeyer, Cor [mailto:Cornelius.Rademeyer at Honeywell.com] Sent: Thursday, 08 March, 2018 07:52 To: Gert Botha Cc: Christo (huis) Subject: FW: [External] FW: [amsat-bb] Southern Hemisphere Command Station? Interessante geleentheid... Regards, Cor Rademeyer Lead Engineer Honeywell P O Box 6674, Midrand, 1685 Tel: +27(0)17 631 9010 Email: cornelius.rademeyer at honeywell.com -----Original Message----- From: Hans [ mailto:hans at intekom.co.za] Sent: 07 March 2018 20:49 To: Allan Saul < allan at rfdesign.co.za>; 'Pravin ZS5LT' < zs5lt at satchtechkzn.co.za>; 'Anton Janovsky' < anton.janovsky at gmail.com>; 'Riaan Greeff' < riaang at vut.ac.za>; Rademeyer, Cor < Cornelius.Rademeyer at Honeywell.com> Subject: [External] FW: [amsat-bb] Southern Hemisphere Command Station? Hi Is anyone of you interested/able to assist? 73 Hans -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [ mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Robert Bruninga Sent: Wednesday, 07 March 2018 4:58 PM To: Amsat BB < AMSAT-BB at amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Southern Hemisphere Command Station? We need to establish contact with a good reliable AMSAT command station in the Southern Hemisphere. Back when we had PCSAT, PCSAT2, ANDE and RAFT satellites in orbit we did have a relationship with some southern hemisphere command stations but that was a decade ago... We would like to re-establish some contact. Thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR _______________________________________________ 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 From k4rgk at arrl.net Thu Mar 8 22:19:08 2018 From: k4rgk at arrl.net (Daryl - K4RGK) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 17:19:08 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-910H programming Message-ID: <7e853efe-2a24-991b-d54a-9479abaeff04@arrl.net> Do any of you IC-910H owners use software for memory management on this radio? It seems Chirp and RT Systems missed, or skipped, this popular satellite rig. *Daryl - K4RGK * From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Thu Mar 8 23:46:58 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2018 23:46:58 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] WD9EWK @ DM52/53 via AO-91, tomorrow (9 March 2018) Message-ID: Hi! I will go to Tucson tomorrow, in advance of the ScienceCity science fair on the University of Arizona campus on Saturday and Sunday. I will take a roundabout way to Tucson, and I am planning a stop on the DM52ax/DM53aa grid boundary in southeastern Arizona. I am planning to work the two AO-91 passes around 1820 and 2000 UTC, before driving on to Tucson. I have operated from this location many times before over the past several years, parked along US-70 near Safford AZ in Graham County. I do not plan on staying for additional passes, as I still have a drive of over two hours to get from that spot to Tucson, and a busy weekend ahead of me. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World at some point, either tomorrow night when I am in Tucson, or possibly early next week after I am back home. Hope to work a bunch of you who may need either or both of these rarely-heard grids. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Fri Mar 9 00:04:38 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2018 00:04:38 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT @ ScienceCity science fair, Tucson AZ (10-11 March 2018) Message-ID: Hi! AMSAT will be assisting the University of Arizona Amateur Radio Club (K7UAZ) at their booth for the ScienceCity science fair, on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson on Saturday and Sunday (10-11 March 2018). The science fair will be on the mall along University Blvd., west of Campbell Avenue, in conjunction with the Tucson Festival of Books which is also taking place on the UofA campus this weekend. More information about the K7UAZ radio club is available at: http://k7uaz.com/ and for the ScienceCity science fair: http://sciencecity.arizona.edu/ During the two-day event, K7UAZ will have an HF station, and I will have demonstrations of satellite operating in the area near the K7UAZ booth (close to the Kuiper building, where the K7UAZ club has its satellite ground station - look for the long Yagis on the roof). If you hear WD9EWK on the satellites Saturday or Sunday, please call and be a part of the demonstration. I plan on trying FM satellite passes, including the Sunday morning AO-92 passes in the L/V mode using my portable setup with the Alinco DJ-G7T HT and 5-element Yagi for the L-band uplink, and possibly FO-29. Tucson is in grid DM42, and in Pima County, for those keeping track of those details. I will use my @WD9EWK Twitter account to send out pictures from the science fair, and information on satellite passes I plan on working. This will probably be the best way to get updates from me this weekend. If you don't use Twitter, my account is open to the public and accessible with a web browser at: http://twitter.com/WD9EWK For the satellite QSOs, I will upload my log to Logbook of the World. I may not transcribe my recordings until after the weekend when I am back home, so please be patient. If you work K7UAZ on HF, please follow the instructions on the club's web site at the link above (or on QRZ.com) to get a K7UAZ QSL card. Thanks in advance, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Fri Mar 9 17:11:38 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2018 12:11:38 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 Schedule for 11-17 March 2018 Message-ID: <06c901d3b7c9$af83b430$0e8b1c90$@mindspring.com> I've updated the schedule page at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ for the coming week for AO-92 operations. We could use more stations feeding telemetry in auto or high-speed mode for the camera run on Wednesday! 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations AMSAT-OSCAR 92 AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa's High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 11-17 Mar 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: Approximately 1420UTC 11Mar we will enable the L band uplink for ~24 hours Approximately 1625UTC 14Mar we will enable the VT camera and high-speed data for ~40 minutes. This is a central US and Mexico pass. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1625UTC. All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. From aa5uk at yahoo.com Fri Mar 9 18:25:12 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2018 18:25:12 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ ZF2AE/ZF8 AO-7 @ 21:11Z today?? References: <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099@mail.yahoo.com> Folks, I am leaving Little Cayman tomorrow afternoon. Most likely last chance for satellite today from here.? Right now I am thinking of doing an AO-7 pass at 21:11Z. North American Stations only due to the location when I will be setting up.Sorry South America, I have worked many stations already!? If I get enough interest via email or Twitter @ZF2AE, I will activate that pass 145.940 fixed. If not then I will skip that pass and stick to FT8. Pse low power only 73, Adrian AA5UK ZF2AE/ZF8 Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From davekn4ok at aol.com Fri Mar 9 18:48:46 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2018 13:48:46 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ ZF2AE/ZF8 AO-7 @ 21:11Z today?? In-Reply-To: <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1620c180b0f-c8f-1692@webjas-vaa035.srv.aolmail.net> Hi Adrian, I will be on and looking forward to working my old friend! Dave KN4OK -----Original Message----- From: Adrian Engele via AMSAT-BB To: AMSAT BB Sent: Fri, Mar 9, 2018 12:26 pm Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ ZF2AE/ZF8 AO-7 @ 21:11Z today?? Folks,I am leaving Little Cayman tomorrow afternoon. Most likely last chance for satellite today from here. Right now I am thinking of doing an AO-7 pass at 21:11Z. North American Stations only due to the location when I will be setting up.Sorry South America, I have worked many stations already! If I get enough interest via email or Twitter @ZF2AE, I will activate that pass 145.940 fixed. If not then I will skip that pass and stick to FT8. Pse low power only73, Adrian AA5UK ZF2AE/ZF8Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android_______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From n0jy at amsat.org Sat Mar 10 08:54:36 2018 From: n0jy at amsat.org (Jerry Buxton) Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2018 02:54:36 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 Schedule for 11-17 March 2018 In-Reply-To: <06c901d3b7c9$af83b430$0e8b1c90$@mindspring.com> References: <06c901d3b7c9$af83b430$0e8b1c90$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <54d4c25e-6f95-b403-5fb7-5de649d00281@amsat.org> On 3/9/2018 11:11, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > I've updated the schedule page at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ > for the coming week for AO-92 operations. We could use more stations feeding > telemetry in auto or high-speed mode for the camera run on Wednesday! Yes!? Be a part of building a library of great images from AO-92 and Fox-1Cliff! All telemetry (image frames) received by anyone with FoxTelem are sent to the AMSAT server (if you have selected "upload to server") and used to construct a full image, in the same fashion that collecting many diverse telemetry frames provides a more complete record of satellite health and science data.? So you may not see a whole image on your own FoxTelem, but you are helping everyone see the full image because you may capture a frame that no one else did.? The more stations receiving, the better the chances for full images. Set your FoxTelem for "auto" source on the Input Tab and pitch in.? Thank you for being part of the fun and learning! Jerry Buxton, N?JY From davekn4ok at aol.com Sat Mar 10 02:15:41 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2018 21:15:41 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ ZF2AE/ZF8 AO-7 @ 21:11Z today?? In-Reply-To: <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1282704046.14295237.1520619912099@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1620db13c10-c88-76a7@webjas-vae245.srv.aolmail.net> Adrian, I copied you excellent but lots of qrm and not sure whether you got my call or not. I will look for you again during the weekend. Have fun! Dave KN4OK -----Original Message----- From: Adrian Engele via AMSAT-BB To: AMSAT BB Sent: Fri, Mar 9, 2018 12:26 pm Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ ZF2AE/ZF8 AO-7 @ 21:11Z today?? Folks,I am leaving Little Cayman tomorrow afternoon. Most likely last chance for satellite today from here. Right now I am thinking of doing an AO-7 pass at 21:11Z. North American Stations only due to the location when I will be setting up.Sorry South America, I have worked many stations already! If I get enough interest via email or Twitter @ZF2AE, I will activate that pass 145.940 fixed. If not then I will skip that pass and stick to FT8. Pse low power only73, Adrian AA5UK ZF2AE/ZF8Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android_______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From n3xls at yahoo.com Sat Mar 10 14:49:48 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2018 09:49:48 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Ao-92 thanks chris for FM72 Bermuda Message-ID: <20180310144955.D371589E3@lansing182.amsat.org> Chris KG6CIH thank you for Bermuda this morning on AO-92. Excellent contact! Joe N3XLS From n8hm at arrl.net Sat Mar 10 14:52:19 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2018 09:52:19 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Ao-92 thanks chris for FM72 Bermuda In-Reply-To: <20180310144955.D371589E3@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <20180310144955.D371589E3@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: It appears KG6CIH/VP9 will be active until the 12th per QRZ https://www.qrz.com/db/KG6CIH 73, Paul, N8HM On Sat, Mar 10, 2018 at 9:49 AM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Chris KG6CIH thank you for Bermuda this morning on AO-92. Excellent contact! > Joe N3XLS > _______________________________________________ > 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 From bkeating1954 at gmail.com Sat Mar 10 22:47:00 2018 From: bkeating1954 at gmail.com (Bob Keating) Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2018 14:47:00 -0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] New member Message-ID: Greetings everyone, I just joined AMSAT this week and look forward learning more about amateur radio satellites. I have been working the FM satellites with an Arrow II antenna and two HT's in full duplex mode for the last 6 months or so, finally decided join up so I could learn more and mebbe get a little help in branching out to the SSB satellites. I have had the pleasure of a number of QSOs with a few of you... KK6OTJ, KB6LTY, W7QL, WD9EWK, AF7H, WB7VUF, N3GS, K5IX, K5ND, WC7V, WW5TT and AL6D among others. Looking forward to more! 73, Bob, N6REK From tosca005 at umn.edu Sat Mar 10 22:51:55 2018 From: tosca005 at umn.edu (tosca005 University of Minnesota) Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2018 16:51:55 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] FT-847, uni-directional or be-directional version? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: You can't tell reliably by just looking at the serial number. My FT-847 has an "old" serial number and originally had the unidirectional firmware, but when I sent it to Yaesu for servicing (early in its life) they updated the firmware to the bidirectional capability. Unfortunately, I am almost certain that they no longer offer that service. Virus-free. www.avg.com <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 9:37 AM, Erich Eichmann wrote: > Hello, > Does somebody know whether one can recognize by the serial number of the > FT-847 whether it is an old, uni-directional or a newer, bi-directional > vrsion? A user here in Germany has two FT-847 with serial numbers 3M840064 > and OE320084. > > 73s, Erich, DK1TB > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From davekn4ok at aol.com Sat Mar 10 23:29:39 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2018 18:29:39 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] New member In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <162123f8cf6-c8b-c763@webjas-vad251.srv.aolmail.net> Hi Bob! Welcome to AMSAT! I am on the ssb birds when I am not at work. The FM birds can be great, just way to crowded for me. If I can assist, just let me know. Dave KN4OK -----Original Message----- From: Bob Keating To: amsat-bb Sent: Sat, Mar 10, 2018 5:20 pm Subject: [amsat-bb] New member Greetings everyone, I just joined AMSAT this week and look forward learning more about amateur radio satellites. I have been working the FM satellites with an Arrow II antenna and two HT's in full duplex mode for the last 6 months or so, finally decided join up so I could learn more and mebbe get a little help in branching out to the SSB satellites. I have had the pleasure of a number of QSOs with a few of you... KK6OTJ, KB6LTY, W7QL, WD9EWK, AF7H, WB7VUF, N3GS, K5IX, K5ND, WC7V, WW5TT and AL6D among others. Looking forward to more! 73, Bob, N6REK _______________________________________________ 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 From kg5jup at gmail.com Sun Mar 11 13:07:37 2018 From: kg5jup at gmail.com (Chris Bradley) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:07:37 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-070 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-070.01 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including 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. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. In this edition: * Robertsville Middle School Students Will Send a CubeSat into Space * Call for Volunteers - Dayton Hamvention * Maidenhead Grid EL58hx Activation Memorial Day Weekend 2018 * FJ, St. Barthelemy Operations April 19-27 * AMSAT-OSCAR 92 * Send Your Name to the Sun Aboard the Parker Solar Probe * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-070.01 ANS-014.01 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 070.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. March 8, 2018 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-070.01 Robertsville Middle School Students Will Send a CubeSat into Space In November of last year, a team of Robertsville middle students, educators, and Oak Ridge scientists submitted a proposal to NASA for their Cube Satellite Launch Initiative (CSLI) in hopes of sending a student-designed nanosatellite named, "RamSat" into space. NASA's CSLI provides opportunities for small satellite payloads built by various schools and non-profit organizations to fly on upcoming launches. NASA provides CubeSat developers a low-cost pathway to conduct scientific investigations in space, enabling students, teachers, and industry partners to obtain hands-on development experiences. In a letter received on March 2, 2018, we learned that our proposal for RamSat was accepted for participation in the CSLI, an initiative intended to provide launch opportunities during 2019, 2020, and 2021. CubeSats are auxiliary payloads on planned NASA, other U.S. Government, or commercial space flight missions, or deployments from the International Space Station. We learned that our payload is one of 21 satellites selected or prioritized for participation in the ninth CSLI selection. Our acceptance was also announced on NASA's website as RamSat, an education mission to develop and implement a middle school STEM curriculum for building a CubeSat. Peter Thornton, one of the RamSat team leaders from Oak Ridge National Laboratory stated, "This is such an exciting opportunity for the students! They will now have the chance to design, build, carry out and own a satellite mission. They will be the mission scientists, the communication specialists, and the logistics experts. They will calculate orbits, learn to aim their satellite camera at selected targets on the ground, radio their commands to RamSat, and receive and interpret the digital data streams broadcast by RamSat, containing imagery and all the other important data gathered on- board. They'll be working as a team to identify and solve problems, and they will be working with NASA professionals to integrate RamSat into the launch and deployment missions. I can't think of a more exciting project to ignite the students' curiosity and passion for science and engineering." The CSLI ride-share launch features spacecraft called nanosatellites. CubeSats are sized in units, and one unit (1U) is 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm. To participate in the CSLI program, CubeSat investigations must be in alignment with NASA's Strategic Plan. The Robertsville Middle School proposal aimed to demonstrate alignment by creating student-driven STEM-based lessons addressing educational development needs relevant to NASA's strategic goals. The students' targeted mission for their RamSat is to send a small camera and radio encased in a 2U nanosatellite that will relay data and images from space back to earth. With this information, students will study reforestation patterns of vegetation lost in forest fires. The student mission arose in response to a real-world connection they had to the Gatlinburg fires last year. [ANS Thanks OAK RIDGE SCHOOLS OAK RIDGE, TN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Call for Volunteers - Dayton Hamvention The 2018 Hamvention will be held on May 18-20 2018 at Green County Fairground and Expo Center in Xenia Ohio. Planning is under way for AMSAT's participation, and we are looking for volunteers in the following areas: Volunteer Assistant, Publicity Assistant, Sales Assistant, Outdoor Demo Assistant, Facilities and Setup Assistant. Interested Hams should contact Team Leader Phil Smith via email at w1eme at amsat.org for information. [ANS Thanks Phil Smith, W1EME for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Maidenhead Grid EL58hx Activation Memorial Day Weekend 2018 (Venice, LA, USA) Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA, and Clayton Coleman, W5PFG will travel to the mouth of the Mississippi River in far Southeast Louisiana to activate maidenhead gridsquare EL58hx on Memorial Day weekend, 2018. The primary activities will be on the 6m band and OSCAR satellites. This will be Wyatt's first activation of EL58 in Louisiana and Clayton's second. Both operators have conducted multiple, successful portable activations over the years, with Wyatt activating over 200 grid squares and Clayton over 150. Dates, the operating location in the grid, and transportation arrangements are confirmed. The activation is scheduled to begin after 23:00 UTC on May 25 and will conclude by 20:00 UTC on May 27. All 6m operations will use the callsign AC0RA. All satellite operations will use the callsign W5PFG. HF operation will occur during slower periods on 6m and when there are no satellites in view. Those wishing to confirm HF contacts must do so via ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW.) 6m and Satellite confirmations will be available following the expedition on LoTW in addition to paper QSL's accompanied with a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (SASE.) Further information will be released prior to the expedition. For general inquiries contact Clayton, W5PFG, at w5pfg at arrl.net. For 6m operational questions contact Wyatt, AC0RA, at dirkswyatt10 at gmail.com. [ANS Thanks Clayton Coleman, W5PFG for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FJ, St. Barthelemy Operations April 19-27 AI5P, N0KV, W0ZA and WD0E plan to operate from Pointe Milou, St. Barthelemy Island (IOTA NA-146/Grid Square FK87) from April 19-27, 2018. Operation will be on 80-10 meters (SSB/CW/ RTTY) with satellite operation by WD0E. Conditions may largely limit most activity to 20 meters and down. Operating 160 meters is being considered; however, no antenna option is yet finalized. Satellite operation will take place on several satellites. A satellite and pass schedule will be announced on the AMSAT-bb in advance. Equipment includes three Elecraft K3's and two 500 watt Elecraft amps. Antennas include a SteppIR crank IR vertical for 80-10 meters, a folding hexbeam by Folding Antennas (Germany) on 20-10 meters, LPDA's on 20 and 17 meters and verticals on 30 and 40 meters. Operation will be as continuous as conditions warrant. The Colorado operators have decided to use FJ/N0KV as their callsign while AI5P will be active as FJ/AI5P. FJ/N0KV logs will be updated to LOTW while Rick's logs (FJ/AI5P) will not since he continues to be an analog guy with an actual key and pen/paper log. Paper QSLs will be available from both N0KV and AI5P direct and via the bureau. Further: For satellite operation we plan to be on as many passes of as many satellites as possible focusing on the evening hours. Equipment will be an IC 910 and Arrow. On Montserrat in 2015 we were on FO-29 only. For St. Barts we will also operate some FM satellites. We will assemble a pass plan before we go and post it to this -bb. We will stick to that plan as much as possible but of course condi- tions may cause us adjust on the fly. The operating location has good visibility to the horizon from about the NW through N and E to the SE. Other directions are somewhat obscured. QSLs handled as written above. [ANS thanks Jim White, WD0E for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-OSCAR 92 AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa's High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 11-17 Mar 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: Approximately 1420UTC 11Mar we will enable the L band uplink for ~24 hours Approximately 1625UTC 14Mar we will enable the VT camera and high- speed data for ~40 minutes. This is a central US and Mexico pass. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1625UTC. All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. [ANS Thanks Drew KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Send Your Name to the Sun Aboard the Parker Solar Probe NASA will send your name on a microchip to the Sun aboard the Parker Solar Probe mission due to launch in the Summer of 2018. The probe will fly through the Sun's atmosphere and you can go along for the ride. To survive in the 2500? F solar environment the spacecraft and instruments will be protected by a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield. At its closest approach the probe will be flying at approximately 430,000 mph. To submit your name follow the instructions starting at: http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/The-Mission/Name-to-Sun/ To learn more about the mission visit: http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/ [ANS thanks NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Gridders, Bob K8BL be staying in grid EM32 for the next couple weeks and operating "holiday style" while visiting family. He can probably work out going to adjacent Grids upon request. Besides LA, TX and AR and OK are possibilities. QSOs will be in LoTW when I return home the end of March. [ANS Thanks Bob K8BL, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + I just wanted to thank Doug N6UA for his dedication to the hobby of Ham radio. Doug made an out of the way trip to nebraska to confirm the state for several of us who needed it for WAS LOTW. Doug fought 65 mph winds on the way and during the qso on Cas-4B . At times the howling was so bad that the audio was distorted , however Doug endured the elements and continued confirming the Grid/state for many of us. On the return home Doug encountered several semi accidents on I-25 . Thanks Doug for being so dedicated as to go out of your in bad weather to give a new grid or state to your fellow hams [ANS Thanks Jack KC7MG and Alex Weimer, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + N8FQ Satalite Sked page available for amateur use. http://n8fq.org/sked/mobile.php?board=sat [ANS Thanks Joe, N3XLS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + Watch the development of a homebrew VHF mast head preamp design by VU2POP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTDkRRtWTk8 [ANS Thanks VU2POP for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + Information about China ham radio satellite to the moon https://amsat-uk.org/2016/11/18/lunar-amateur-radio-satellites-dslwp- a1a2/ [ANS Thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + The schedule page at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ has been updated for the coming week for AO-92 operations. We could use more stations feeding telemetry in auto or high-speed mode for the camera run on Wednesday! [ANS Thanks Andrew Glasbrenner for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + All telemetry (image frames) received by anyone with FoxTelem are sent to the AMSAT server (if you have selected "upload to server") and used to construct a full image, in the same fashion that collecting many diverse telemetry frames provides a more complete record of satellite health and science data. So you may not see a whole image on your own FoxTelem, but you are helping everyone see the full image because you may capture a frame that no one else did. The more stations receiving, the better the chances for full images. Set your FoxTelem for "auto" source on the Input Tab and pitch in. Thank you for being part of the fun and learning! [ANS Thanks Jerry Buxton, N?JY, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- + AYMAN ISLANDS, ZF. Operators K0NR and KB9DPF will be QRV as ZF2NR and ZF2PF, respectively, from Grand Cayman Island from March 10 to 17. Activity will be holiday style on 40 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. This includes some FM Satellite activity from grid square EK99. QSL to home calls. [ANS Thanks ARLD011 DX news bulletin 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 addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Chris Bradley, AA5EM aa5em at amsat dot org _______________________________________________ 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 Virus-free. www.avg.com <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Sun Mar 11 15:38:28 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:38:28 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Help needed for automating Telemetry collect Message-ID: Dear All, I am trying to fully automate telemetry collect on many birds, my issue is that I cannot get the SDR mode right, in a nutshell: 1) I use SATPC32 which fully control simultaneously the TS-2000x and SDRconsole or SDRuno fine with a SDRplay RSP2 for frequency and doppler, the rotors also no issue also. More SATPC32 automatically switches between Satellites which is perfect. 2) I can decode most of the telemetries using softwares such as Foxtelem, DK3WN and having different sound modems all in parallel, also no issue at all. My only issue is to have the SDR on the right mode particularly WFM for most of the birds, as each time it goes to NFM which is not suitable. Has anyone tried same? If so what may be a possible solution to be able to automate the station for automatic telemetry decoding? Thanks for any suggestion and help. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) From dtabor at estesvalley.net Sun Mar 11 16:14:32 2018 From: dtabor at estesvalley.net (Douglas Tabor) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:14:32 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Contact Info ? Message-ID: <1B648E30-1ABE-46F3-9BC7-65D91C61446B@estesvalley.net> Looking for contact info for Gavin Bennett who made a recent post on the AMSAT-NA Facebook Group. I do not do Facebook any longer, so this info or a Twitter contact would help. 73, Doug, N6UA Douglas Tabor dtabor at estesvalley.net From burns at fisher.cc Sun Mar 11 18:45:23 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 14:45:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Symptoms of TS-2000 birdie Message-ID: Hi all, I'm wondering if a curious phenomenon that I have seen is related to the infamous TS-2000 SO-50 birdie. I thought I would see if I could make a contact on SO-50 with my TS-2000 even knowing about the birdie. I can certainly hear others during parts of the pass. I did not hear anything so I punch up the arming tone, and oddly, I could hear both the tone (120-something?) and my voice totally clearly on the downlink frequency. I seriously doubt that I was getting into the satellite at that point. So what is the symptom of the birdie? I thought it was just blanking out the Rx band over a certain range. Any thoughts? Thanks and 73, Burns WB1FJ From tasmac at w5pfg.us Sun Mar 11 19:07:03 2018 From: tasmac at w5pfg.us (Clayton Coleman W5PFG) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 14:07:03 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Grid EL58hx Activation 2018 Message-ID: (Venice, LA, USA) Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA, and Clayton Coleman, W5PFG will travel to the mouth of the Mississippi River in far Southeast Louisiana to activate maidenhead gridsquare EL58hx on Memorial Day weekend, 2018. The primary activities will be on the 6m band and OSCAR satellites. This will be Wyatt?s first activation of EL58 in Louisiana and Clayton?s second. Both operators have conducted multiple, successful portable activations over the years, with Wyatt activating over 200 grid squares and Clayton over 150. Dates, the operating location in the grid, and transportation arrangements are confirmed. The activation is scheduled to begin after 23:00 UTC on May 25 and will conclude by 20:00 UTC on May 27. All 6m operations will use the callsign AC0RA. All satellite operations will use the callsign W5PFG. HF operation will occur during slower periods on 6m and when there are no satellites in view. Those wishing to confirm HF contacts must do so via ARRL?s Logbook of the World (LoTW.) 6m and Satellite confirmations will be available following the expedition on LoTW in addition to paper QSL?s accompanied with a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (SASE.) Further information will be released prior to the expedition. For general inquiries contact Clayton, W5PFG, at w5pfg at arrl.net. For 6m operational questions contact Wyatt, AC0RA, at dirkswyatt10 at gmail.com. -- 73, Clayton W5PFG From pconver at gmail.com Sun Mar 11 19:19:16 2018 From: pconver at gmail.com (Pedro Converso) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:19:16 -0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] Strange orbit Message-ID: Yesterday some not ham satellites were launched, classified as O3Bxx. They have equatorial 7800 Km height orbits, with amazing coverage. Take a look at http://amsat.org.ar/pass.htm?satx=43232 and click on icon to see coverage. Wish some day we hams could have that kind of orbit. 73, LU7ABF, Pedro From jim at k6ccc.org Sun Mar 11 20:06:55 2018 From: jim at k6ccc.org (jim at k6ccc.org) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 13:06:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Strange orbit In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1520798815.244619251@apps.rackspace.com> Yep, amazing what some altitude can do for your coverage! 73 ----- Jim Walls - K6CCC jim at k6ccc.org -----Original Message----- From: "Pedro Converso" Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 12:19 To: "AMSAT" Subject: [amsat-bb] Strange orbit Yesterday some not ham satellites were launched, classified as O3Bxx. They have equatorial 7800 Km height orbits, with amazing coverage. Take a look at http://amsat.org.ar/pass.htm?satx=43232 and click on icon to see coverage. Wish some day we hams could have that kind of orbit. 73, LU7ABF, Pedro _______________________________________________ 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 From quadpugh at bellsouth.net Sun Mar 11 20:22:41 2018 From: quadpugh at bellsouth.net (Nick Pugh) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 14:22:41 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] help on m^2 polerzatiow switch Message-ID: <010501d3b976$b5ac8c20$2105a460$@bellsouth.net> Does anyone on the list have a schematic of the M^2 ps-2m switch or know how to check the conunity of the switch? nick Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn From zmetzing at pobox.com Sun Mar 11 20:24:30 2018 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:24:30 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Strange orbit In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <33e00977-2fef-7a80-87f8-b773647f8655@pobox.com> On 03/11/18 14:19, Pedro Converso wrote: > Yesterday some not ham satellites were launched, classified as O3Bxx. > > They have equatorial 7800 Km height orbits, with amazing coverage. > > Take a look at http://amsat.org.ar/pass.htm?satx=43232 and click on icon to > see coverage. > > Wish some day we hams could have that kind of orbit. All it takes is money. :-) Donate to AMSAT. Donate early, donate often. --- Zach N0ZGO From w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com Sun Mar 11 20:57:11 2018 From: w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com (Paul Andrews) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:57:11 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Strange orbit In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: O3B satellites are part of the 'Other 3 Billion" constellation and will provide high speed Internet access to the 3 Billion people that live along the Earth's equator. These are not amateur satellites. They are also not direct to consumer - they are high speed back haul to special satellite terminals. I believe they are owned and operated by SES of Luxembourg. They maybe good targets for tracking strong signals. More info here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/O3b_(satellite) 73 - Paul - W2HRO On Mar 11, 2018 15:22, "Pedro Converso" wrote: > Yesterday some not ham satellites were launched, classified as O3Bxx. > > They have equatorial 7800 Km height orbits, with amazing coverage. > > Take a look at http://amsat.org.ar/pass.htm?satx=43232 and click on icon > to > see coverage. > > Wish some day we hams could have that kind of orbit. > > 73, LU7ABF, Pedro > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com Sun Mar 11 17:20:38 2018 From: heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com (IW1DTU Fer) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:20:38 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Help needed for automating Telemetry collect In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <772329016.701556.1520788838126@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Jean Marc?3B8DU I do the same job fully automatic with satpc32 but using SDR# v.1.0.0.1653 and? Tracking DDE Client v1.2 plugin where I can use the config option for each bird Iwant receive and decode. Here some example: AO-85AOSradio_Startradio_center_frequency_Hz<145980000>radio_modulation_typeradio_bandwidth_Hz<6000>baseband_recorder_Startradio_tracking_frequency_On LOSbaseband_recorder_Stopradio_Stop PICSATAOSradio_Startradio_center_frequency_Hz<435525000>radio_modulation_typeradio_bandwidth_Hz<3000>baseband_recorder_Startradio_tracking_frequency_On LOSbaseband_recorder_Stopradio_Stop SDR here is an Airspy or RTL2832 Hope this can be of some help Vy 73 de Fer IW1DTU On Sunday, March 11, 2018, 3:39:22 PM GMT, Jean Marc Momple wrote: Dear All, I am trying to fully automate telemetry collect on many birds, my issue is that I cannot get the SDR mode right, in a nutshell: 1) I use SATPC32 which fully control simultaneously the TS-2000x and SDRconsole or SDRuno fine with a SDRplay RSP2 for frequency and doppler, the rotors also no issue also. More SATPC32 automatically switches between Satellites which is perfect. 2) I can decode most of the telemetries using softwares such as Foxtelem, DK3WN and having different sound modems all in parallel, also no issue at all. My only issue is to have the SDR on the right mode particularly WFM for most of the birds, as each time it goes to NFM which is not suitable. Has anyone tried same? If so what may be a possible solution to be able to automate the station for automatic telemetry decoding? Thanks for any suggestion and help. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) _______________________________________________ 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 From f6htj at aol.com Sun Mar 11 18:58:07 2018 From: f6htj at aol.com (f6htj at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 14:58:07 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FO29 sat Web SDR in Budapest Message-ID: <162166d57a0-17a1-1464@webjasstg-vab42.srv.aolmail.net> Hello all; FYI thanks to HA7WEN, you can listen to FO29 sat traffic over Europe here: http://152.66.73.241:33333/ 73 de Michel F6HTJ From 4z5cp at bezeqint.net Sun Mar 11 19:10:36 2018 From: 4z5cp at bezeqint.net (Dimitry Borzenko) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:10:36 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Symptoms of TS-2000 birdie In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello. This is a bug of old (first) TS2000 radios. I have same problem :( Nothing to do with it. CU ------ Original Message ------ From: "Burns Fisher" To: "AMSAT BB" Sent: 11.03.2018 20:45:23 Subject: [amsat-bb] Symptoms of TS-2000 birdie >Hi all, > >I'm wondering if a curious phenomenon that I have seen is related to >the >infamous TS-2000 SO-50 birdie. I thought I would see if I could make a >contact on SO-50 with my TS-2000 even knowing about the birdie. I can >certainly hear others during parts of the pass. > >I did not hear anything so I punch up the arming tone, and oddly, I >could >hear both the tone (120-something?) and my voice totally clearly on the >downlink frequency. I seriously doubt that I was getting into the >satellite at that point. > >So what is the symptom of the birdie? I thought it was just blanking >out >the Rx band over a certain range. > >Any thoughts? > >Thanks and 73, > >Burns WB1FJ >_______________________________________________ >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 From twdeckard at earthlink.net Sun Mar 11 20:44:50 2018 From: twdeckard at earthlink.net (Todd W Deckard) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:44:50 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? Message-ID: <5ACF2194-C959-40D8-B41E-F8CAEACC71B5@earthlink.net> Would it be correct to use a CP antenna on the L-band uplink for AO-91? If so which polarization? Just purchased an ICOM X-2 on ebay that gets me 1.2ghz and the temps are getting civilized so it?s about time to get back on the air ... My elev. over azimuth system is already swinging more mass than it was geared for and i?m looking to cook up a small antenna that doesn?t add too much straw to the camel. I would like to go Helical just because ... if anyone has an alternate suggestion I?d listen to any and all. Thanks Todd KE0CMD Sent from my iPhone From w5rkn at w5rkn.com Sun Mar 11 22:37:14 2018 From: w5rkn at w5rkn.com (Ronald G. Parsons) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:37:14 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] help on m^2 polerzatiow switch Message-ID: A few months ago, M2 had a tech note on that subject on their web site, but it seems to have been removed. Contact them ? they surly have a copy. Ron W5RKN From n0jy at amsat.org Sun Mar 11 23:46:25 2018 From: n0jy at amsat.org (Jerry Buxton) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:46:25 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: <5ACF2194-C959-40D8-B41E-F8CAEACC71B5@earthlink.net> References: <5ACF2194-C959-40D8-B41E-F8CAEACC71B5@earthlink.net> Message-ID: Todd, Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it.? Will a CP antenna work?? Yes.? Polarization should not matter for AO-92.? (BTW I presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't work no matter the antenna, period.)???? :-) I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use at the time.? I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. Jerry Buxton, N?JY On 3/11/2018 15:44, Todd W Deckard wrote: > Would it be correct to use a CP antenna on the L-band uplink for AO-91? If so which polarization? > > Just purchased an ICOM X-2 on ebay that gets me 1.2ghz and the temps are getting civilized so it?s about time to get back on the air ... > > My elev. over azimuth system is already swinging more mass than it was geared for and i?m looking to cook up a small antenna that doesn?t add too much straw to the camel. > > I would like to go Helical just because ... > > if anyone has an alternate suggestion I?d listen to any and all. > > Thanks > Todd > KE0CMD > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 From kk5do at arrl.net Mon Mar 12 02:20:49 2018 From: kk5do at arrl.net (Bruce) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:20:49 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2018 AMSAT Field Day Message-ID: <2622637e-c451-f406-b8ab-63dad3576f8b@arrl.net> The rules for AMSAT Field Day have been posted on the web page. Select Events from the main menu and click on AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites or... use this direct link https://www.amsat.org/field-day/ 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2018 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat From nickhart at usa.net Mon Mar 12 02:21:53 2018 From: nickhart at usa.net (Nick Hart) Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:21:53 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? Message-ID: <683wcLcu29776Set.1520821313@web08.cms.usa.net> If you can make the direction switchable without adding too much weight, that can be helpful. We did an ARISS QSO this week and switched the polarity in the middle of it. It was just the best thing for that particular pass. ------ Original Message ------ Received: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 04:49:46 PM PDT From: Jerry Buxton To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? Todd, Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it.? Will a CP antenna work?? Yes.? Polarization should not matter for AO-92.? (BTW I presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't work no matter the antenna, period.)???? :-) I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use at the time.? I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. Jerry Buxton, N?JY On 3/11/2018 15:44, Todd W Deckard wrote: > Would it be correct to use a CP antenna on the L-band uplink for AO-91? If so which polarization? > > Just purchased an ICOM X-2 on ebay that gets me 1.2ghz and the temps are getting civilized so it?s about time to get back on the air ... > > My elev. over azimuth system is already swinging more mass than it was geared for and i?m looking to cook up a small antenna that doesn?t add too much straw to the camel. > > I would like to go Helical just because ... > > if anyone has an alternate suggestion I?d listen to any and all. > > Thanks > Todd > KE0CMD > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From lmwatbullrun at runbox.com Mon Mar 12 05:43:28 2018 From: lmwatbullrun at runbox.com (Larry) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 05:43:28 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] W3HQX Perry F. Crabill SK In-Reply-To: <5AA541C3.7070300@runbox.com> References: <5AA541C3.7070300@runbox.com> Message-ID: <5AA61380.4070808@runbox.com> To all Metro DC area amateur radio operators: I am saddened to report to the amateur radio community that Perry F. Crabill, W3HQX, member of AMSAT, born in 1920, formerly of Washington DC and suburban Maryland and until his passing of Winchester Virginia, is now a Silent Key at age 97, as reported in Friday's Winchester Star. Perry was first licensed as W3HQX in "19ought38" as he was wont to say, worked for C&P telephone for many years, served in the US Navy in World War Two as a radio technician (passing the difficult Eddy test,) and was active for almost 70 years in a variety of amateur radio activities. Known affectionately by the 147.300 repeater's "Question Of the Day" group as "The Professor", Perry had a wide range of on-the-air acquaintances. We are diminished by his passing. There will be a memorial service and celebration of his life held on Saturday March 24th at 3:00 PM at the Jones Funeral Home at 228 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, VA 22601, 540-662-2523, http://www.jonesfuneralhomes.com/ This memorial service is open to the public and especially to all members of the amateur community. On display will be the early logbooks from W3HQX, including his first dating from August of 1938, QSL cards, and other memorabilia from his long life. Please forward this announcement to any who may be interested. Those who knew Perry are welcome to share anecdotes from Perry's life; those may be presented at the service or forwarded to Larry Wright, W8ANT for inclusion. Larry Wright W8ANT __ From tdeckard at imris.com Mon Mar 12 02:51:25 2018 From: tdeckard at imris.com (Todd Deckard) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 02:51:25 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? Message-ID: Greetings Jerry, thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional linear antenna. However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. Correct? Todd Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 11, 2018, at 6:46 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: > > Todd, > > Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it. Will a CP > antenna work? Yes. Polarization should not matter for AO-92. (BTW I > presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't > work no matter the antenna, period.) :-) > > I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use > at the time. I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in > the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for > RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. > > Jerry Buxton, N?JY From twdeckard at earthlink.net Mon Mar 12 11:01:29 2018 From: twdeckard at earthlink.net (Todd W Deckard) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 06:01:29 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? Message-ID: <03AE117A-AD97-4130-94A9-D33C10D300EF@earthlink.net> Greetings Jerry, thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional linear antenna. However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. Correct? Todd Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 11, 2018, at 6:46 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: > > Todd, > > Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it. Will a CP > antenna work? Yes. Polarization should not matter for AO-92. (BTW I > presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't > work no matter the antenna, period.) :-) > > I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use > at the time. I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in > the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for > RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. > > Jerry Buxton, N?JY > >> On 3/11/2018 15:44, Todd W Deckard wrote: >> Would it be correct to use a CP antenna on the L-band uplink for AO-91? If so which polarization? >> >> Just purchased an ICOM X-2 on ebay that gets me 1.2ghz and the temps are getting civilized so it?s about time to get back on the air ... >> >> My elev. over azimuth system is already swinging more mass than it was geared for and i?m looking to cook up a small antenna that doesn?t add too much straw to the camel. >> >> I would like to go Helical just because ... >> >> if anyone has an alternate suggestion I?d listen to any and all. >> >> Thanks >> Todd >> KE0CMD >> Sent from my iPhone >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > From aa5uk at yahoo.com Mon Mar 12 12:37:27 2018 From: aa5uk at yahoo.com (Adrian Engele) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:37:27 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] ZF2AE Grand Cayman - ZF2AE/ZF8 Little Cayman QRT - LOTW Soon References: <1517010521.14673749.1520858247849.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1517010521.14673749.1520858247849@mail.yahoo.com> Folks, I am now back in Chicago from my vacation as of yesterday. This was going to be a "light on satellite" operation and it appears I worked more passes than originally planned.I know I made many people happy but also disappointed a few due to equipment and location issues. I will be transcribing the recordings in the coming days and uploading to LOTW and eQSL hopefully by next weekend, so please be patient for the EK99 grid Although I prefer LOTW, if you did send me a card with an SASE I will respond with a very cool card in return. I am very casual operator and I don't get much on the satellites. Thanks for pulling me out in the pileups on FO-29 and AO-7.? Sorry I? did not do more FM satellites. That one AO-92 pass was enough for me to pass on doing more. Plus there are some local ZF stations that do periodically get on FM sats. Please do look into using other satellites like CAS-4B or EO-88. I got on a few passes that were completely empty. These are loud, easy to use and easy to work linear satellites. QRT for 2018. Thanks again! 73, Adrian AA5UK - ZF2AE From mvivona at yahoo.com Mon Mar 12 13:24:04 2018 From: mvivona at yahoo.com (Mike) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 09:24:04 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <8BF55510-459F-4604-83A4-3DD970685835@yahoo.com> Not sure where the 3db loss when on the opposite polarity came from. It is more on the order of 20db or more. I am a TV broadcast engineer and we take video and data feeds via various satellites. I can be locked into a bird in the vertical polarity and looking at the spectrum analyzer you can see all the carriers nice and tall. If I rotate the polarity all the signals go completely away and are replaced by all the carriers on the opposite pole. Broadcast satellites transmit two feeds on the same frequency only separated by polarity. This wouldn?t be possible at only a 3db loss. That?s why you must rotate your arrow antennas to follow the spin on the birds else the signal completely disappears. Michael KC4ZVA EL98 > On Mar 11, 2018, at 10:51 PM, Todd Deckard wrote: > > Greetings Jerry, > > thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). > > If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional linear antenna. > > However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. > > Correct? > Todd > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Mar 11, 2018, at 6:46 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: >> >> Todd, >> >> Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it. Will a CP >> antenna work? Yes. Polarization should not matter for AO-92. (BTW I >> presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't >> work no matter the antenna, period.) :-) >> >> I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use >> at the time. I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in >> the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for >> RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. >> >> Jerry Buxton, N?JY > _______________________________________________ > 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 From zryder94 at gmail.com Mon Mar 12 13:36:55 2018 From: zryder94 at gmail.com (Mike Thompson) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 08:36:55 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: <8BF55510-459F-4604-83A4-3DD970685835@yahoo.com> References: <8BF55510-459F-4604-83A4-3DD970685835@yahoo.com> Message-ID: The 3dB mentioned is a result of the polarity mismatch between CP and linear polarization. Mike is correct that there is 20dB or more when one CP is mismatched with another CP, or one linear is mismatched with another linear, but from linear to CP it's only ever about 3dB. IIRC, AO-92 uses a 1/4w whip for 70cm as the receive antenna for the L-band converter, so using a CP antenna on the ground will work just fine, and you will always have a 3dB loss, but it will be consistent. If I was building an antenna for that purpose, that I was going to operate beyond reach of the antenna, I would use CP as well. On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 8:24 AM, Mike via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Not sure where the 3db loss when on the opposite polarity came from. It is > more on the order of 20db or more. > I am a TV broadcast engineer and we take video and data feeds via various > satellites. I can be locked into a bird in the vertical polarity and > looking at the spectrum analyzer you can see all the carriers nice and > tall. If I rotate the polarity all the signals go completely away and are > replaced by all the carriers on the opposite pole. Broadcast satellites > transmit two feeds on the same frequency only separated by polarity. This > wouldn?t be possible at only a 3db loss. > That?s why you must rotate your arrow antennas to follow the spin on the > birds else the signal completely disappears. > > Michael KC4ZVA > EL98 > > > > On Mar 11, 2018, at 10:51 PM, Todd Deckard wrote: > > > > Greetings Jerry, > > > > thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). > > > > If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional > linear antenna. > > > > However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity > mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. > > > > Correct? > > Todd > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > >> On Mar 11, 2018, at 6:46 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: > >> > >> Todd, > >> > >> Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it. Will a CP > >> antenna work? Yes. Polarization should not matter for AO-92. (BTW I > >> presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't > >> work no matter the antenna, period.) :-) > >> > >> I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use > >> at the time. I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in > >> the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for > >> RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. > >> > >> Jerry Buxton, N?JY > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com Mon Mar 12 14:31:39 2018 From: w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com (Paul Andrews) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:31:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: <8BF55510-459F-4604-83A4-3DD970685835@yahoo.com> References: <8BF55510-459F-4604-83A4-3DD970685835@yahoo.com> Message-ID: Mike KC4ZVA, All US Domestic Communication satellite in C-Band and Ku-band used orthogonal linear polarization. This is also known as "Frequency Reuse" first deployed by RCA in the 1970s. In a well designed commercial satellite system isolation between the Horizontal (0 deg) and the Vertical (90 deg) polarization should exceed 30 dB. Isolation is greatest at exactly a 90-degree offset between H-pol and V-pol. At a 45 deg offset, polarization isolation is only 3db. When adjusting a commercial satellite dish, it is better to "null out" the cross-pol that "peak" the co-pol. Circular polarization is still used on some Intelsat standard International satellite links. I believe FO-29 is the only amateur satellite to use a circularly polarized antenna on the spacecraft. All of the CubeSats use small linear polarized antennas. The primary reason to use a circularly polarized (CP) ground antenna with a Cubesat is to avoid the deep (-20 to -30 dB) signal null when the ground antenna is orthogonal (90 deg orientation offset) with the satellite antenna. There will still be times when the CubeSat antenna is pointed away from the earth and even a circular antenna will not help. Since most Cubesate tumble, these LP to LP nulls never last very long but they are an irritation during a QSO. When using a CP ground antenna, you are effectively using a signal (wavefront) that contains both an H-pol and V-pol component that will always be at 45 deg offset to the linear polarized satellite antenna. When using a CP signal you are making a decision to "give up" 3 dB 100% of the time in signal to avoid the occasional -20 to -30 dB signal nulls possible in a linear pol to linear pol system. If you watch a satellite operator using a hand help Arrow antenna - they are constantly peaking the antenna in direction and polarization. If the Arrow was a CP antenna there would be a lot less "arm twisting" but the Arrow would be 3 dB less efficient 100% of the time. If your goal is CubeSat operation a CP antenna could be a good choice. It doesn't matter if the CP antenna is RHCP or LHCP because you are working a linear polarization satellite. If you are working FO-29 and your launch an LHCP signal and FO-29 is expecting an RHCP signal - you will experience a -20 to -30 dB loss because RHCP into LHCP will exhibit high isolation. CubeSats have relatively strong signals and I highly recommend experimentation with small helical antennas and cross-pol yagis. You will have a lot of fun. If you want to get some arm and shoulder exercise use the Arrow antenna but the results will be very good. 73 - Paul - W2HRO On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 9:24 AM, Mike via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Not sure where the 3db loss when on the opposite polarity came from. It is more on the order of 20db or more. > I am a TV broadcast engineer and we take video and data feeds via various satellites. I can be locked into a bird in the vertical polarity and looking at the spectrum analyzer you can see all the carriers nice and tall. If I rotate the polarity all the signals go completely away and are replaced by all the carriers on the opposite pole. Broadcast satellites transmit two feeds on the same frequency only separated by polarity. This wouldn?t be possible at only a 3db loss. > That?s why you must rotate your arrow antennas to follow the spin on the birds else the signal completely disappears. > > Michael KC4ZVA > EL98 > > >> On Mar 11, 2018, at 10:51 PM, Todd Deckard wrote: >> >> Greetings Jerry, >> >> thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). >> >> If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional linear antenna. >> >> However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. >> >> Correct? >> Todd >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Mar 11, 2018, at 6:46 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: >>> >>> Todd, >>> >>> Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it. Will a CP >>> antenna work? Yes. Polarization should not matter for AO-92. (BTW I >>> presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't >>> work no matter the antenna, period.) :-) >>> >>> I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use >>> at the time. I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in >>> the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for >>> RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. >>> >>> Jerry Buxton, N?JY >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From ingejack at cox.net Mon Mar 12 14:52:24 2018 From: ingejack at cox.net (alex weimer) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:52:24 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Oscar satellite status page Message-ID: <1982899497.5152.1520866344151@myemail.cox.net> has anyone else had a problem with the Amsat Satellite status page. It seems several of us when clicking on a satellite get no response as to who entered the info. However when you enter the info, it takes but all you see is whether it is red blue or yellow, Not who entered the info as normal.. What is the procedure for correcting this problem ?? JACK KC7MG From wa4sca at gmail.com Mon Mar 12 15:04:32 2018 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:04:32 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Oscar satellite status page In-Reply-To: <1982899497.5152.1520866344151@myemail.cox.net> References: <1982899497.5152.1520866344151@myemail.cox.net> Message-ID: <000001d3ba13$6de33c70$49a9b550$@gmail.com> The maintainers are aware of the problem and looking at it. Thanks for the report. 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- References: <8BF55510-459F-4604-83A4-3DD970685835@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <8F0B9C7B-5CE9-4749-AD86-D13F09EE2F7B@yahoo.com> Ahh, between CP and linear. Sorry, I should have read more carefully. Michael Vivona Sent from my iPad On Mar 12, 2018, at 9:36 AM, Mike Thompson wrote: The 3dB mentioned is a result of the polarity mismatch between CP and linear polarization. Mike is correct that there is 20dB or more when one CP is mismatched with another CP, or one linear is mismatched with another linear, but from linear to CP it's only ever about 3dB. IIRC, AO-92 uses a 1/4w whip for 70cm as the receive antenna for the L-band converter, so using a CP antenna on the ground will work just fine, and you will always have a 3dB loss, but it will be consistent. If I was building an antenna for that purpose, that I was going to operate beyond reach of the antenna, I would use CP as well. > On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 8:24 AM, Mike via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Not sure where the 3db loss when on the opposite polarity came from. It is more on the order of 20db or more. > I am a TV broadcast engineer and we take video and data feeds via various satellites. I can be locked into a bird in the vertical polarity and looking at the spectrum analyzer you can see all the carriers nice and tall. If I rotate the polarity all the signals go completely away and are replaced by all the carriers on the opposite pole. Broadcast satellites transmit two feeds on the same frequency only separated by polarity. This wouldn?t be possible at only a 3db loss. > That?s why you must rotate your arrow antennas to follow the spin on the birds else the signal completely disappears. > > Michael KC4ZVA > EL98 > > > > On Mar 11, 2018, at 10:51 PM, Todd Deckard wrote: > > > > Greetings Jerry, > > > > thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). > > > > If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional linear antenna. > > > > However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. > > > > Correct? > > Todd > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > >> On Mar 11, 2018, at 6:46 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: > >> > >> Todd, > >> > >> Correct is not really a consideration, the way I see it. Will a CP > >> antenna work? Yes. Polarization should not matter for AO-92. (BTW I > >> presume you mean AO-92, not AO-91 in which case L band just flat won't > >> work no matter the antenna, period.) :-) > >> > >> I use RHCP because I built my antenna for AO-51 and that is was in use > >> at the time. I believe that when CP is used on a satellite, at least in > >> the AMSAT history, it has been RHCP most of the time so building for > >> RHCP may have advantages for future satellites. > >> > >> Jerry Buxton, N?JY > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From davekn4ok at aol.com Mon Mar 12 13:24:03 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 09:24:03 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ZF2AE Grand Cayman - ZF2AE/ZF8 Little Cayman QRT - LOTW Soon In-Reply-To: <1517010521.14673749.1520858247849@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1517010521.14673749.1520858247849.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1517010521.14673749.1520858247849@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1621a61d5c9-1db0-28fc@webjas-vab115.srv.aolmail.net> Thank you Adrian for the activation and I hope you enjoyed your vacation. Until next time. Best 73 Dave kn4ok -----Original Message----- From: Adrian Engele via AMSAT-BB To: AMSAT BB Sent: Mon, Mar 12, 2018 7:38 am Subject: [amsat-bb] ZF2AE Grand Cayman - ZF2AE/ZF8 Little Cayman QRT - LOTW Soon Folks,I am now back in Chicago from my vacation as of yesterday. This was going to be a "light on satellite" operation and it appears I worked more passes than originally planned.I know I made many people happy but also disappointed a few due to equipment and location issues.I will be transcribing the recordings in the coming days and uploading to LOTW and eQSL hopefully by next weekend, so please be patient for the EK99 gridAlthough I prefer LOTW, if you did send me a card with an SASE I will respond with a very cool card in return. I am very casual operator and I don't get much on the satellites. Thanks for pulling me out in the pileups on FO-29 and AO-7. Sorry I did not do more FM satellites. That one AO-92 pass was enough for me to pass on doing more. Plus there are some local ZF stations that do periodically get on FM sats.Please do look into using other satellites like CAS-4B or EO-88. I got on a few passes that were completely empty. These are loud, easy to use and easy to work linear satellites. QRT for 2018. Thanks again!73, Adrian AA5UK - ZF2AE_______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From bhunter3 at mindspring.com Mon Mar 12 16:58:27 2018 From: bhunter3 at mindspring.com (bruce hunter) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 09:58:27 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1695806d-645b-2466-c7ad-22229d8a9004@mindspring.com> Paul, thanks for your very nice write-up, and explains why my reception using my RHCP 440 ant(rotor-controlled) becomes quite unreadable when operating SO-50. And because I don't have a polarity switch for that ant, I can work SO-50 with better success using my Arrow/HT setup. According to 2016 Getting Started with Amateur Radio, SO-50 also uses CP as downlink; "The -Z(bottom') of the satellite has four gold 400 MHz antennas in a turnstile array with the 436 MHz downlink antenna in the center. The satellite uses_left-hand circular polarization on the downlink."___ 73 Christy KB6LTY --------------------------------------- Mike KC4ZVA, All US Domestic Communication satellite in C-Band and Ku-band used orthogonal linear polarization. This is also known as "Frequency Reuse" first deployed by RCA in the 1970s. In a well designed commercial satellite system isolation between the Horizontal (0 deg) and the Vertical (90 deg) polarization should exceed 30 dB. Isolation is greatest at exactly a 90-degree offset between H-pol and V-pol. At a 45 deg offset, polarization isolation is only 3db. When adjusting a commercial satellite dish, it is better to "null out" the cross-pol that "peak" the co-pol. Circular polarization is still used on some Intelsat standard International satellite links. I believe FO-29 is the only amateur satellite to use a circularly polarized antenna on the spacecraft. All of the CubeSats use small linear polarized antennas. The primary reason to use a circularly polarized (CP) ground antenna with a Cubesat is to avoid the deep (-20 to -30 dB) signal null when the ground antenna is orthogonal (90 deg orientation offset) with the satellite antenna. There will still be times when the CubeSat antenna is pointed away from the earth and even a circular antenna will not help. Since most Cubesate tumble, these LP to LP nulls never last very long but they are an irritation during a QSO. When using a CP ground antenna, you are effectively using a signal (wavefront) that contains both an H-pol and V-pol component that will always be at 45 deg offset to the linear polarized satellite antenna. When using a CP signal you are making a decision to "give up" 3 dB 100% of the time in signal to avoid the occasional -20 to -30 dB signal nulls possible in a linear pol to linear pol system. If you watch a satellite operator using a hand help Arrow antenna - they are constantly peaking the antenna in direction and polarization. If the Arrow was a CP antenna there would be a lot less "arm twisting" but the Arrow would be 3 dB less efficient 100% of the time. If your goal is CubeSat operation a CP antenna could be a good choice. It doesn't matter if the CP antenna is RHCP or LHCP because you are working a linear polarization satellite. If you are working FO-29 and your launch an LHCP signal and FO-29 is expecting an RHCP signal - you will experience a -20 to -30 dB loss because RHCP into LHCP will exhibit high isolation. CubeSats have relatively strong signals and I highly recommend experimentation with small helical antennas and cross-pol yagis. You will have a lot of fun. If you want to get some arm and shoulder exercise use the Arrow antenna but the results will be very good. 73 - Paul - W2HRO --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com From burns at fisher.cc Mon Mar 12 17:16:52 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:16:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: <1695806d-645b-2466-c7ad-22229d8a9004@mindspring.com> References: <1695806d-645b-2466-c7ad-22229d8a9004@mindspring.com> Message-ID: FWIW, this page https://www.amsat.org/two-way-satellites/ao-7/ says that AO-7 has a CP antenna as well. On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 12:58 PM, bruce hunter wrote: > Paul, > thanks for your very nice write-up, and explains why my reception using my > RHCP 440 ant(rotor-controlled) > becomes quite unreadable when operating SO-50. And because I don't have a > polarity switch for that ant, I can > work SO-50 with better success using my Arrow/HT setup. > > According to 2016 Getting Started with Amateur Radio, SO-50 also uses CP > as downlink; > "The -Z(bottom') of the satellite has four gold 400 MHz antennas in a > turnstile > array with the 436 MHz downlink antenna in the center. > The satellite uses_left-hand circular polarization on the downlink."___ > 73 > Christy KB6LTY > > --------------------------------------- > > Mike KC4ZVA, > > All US Domestic Communication satellite in C-Band and Ku-band used > orthogonal linear polarization. This is also known as "Frequency > Reuse" first deployed by RCA in the 1970s. In a well designed > commercial satellite system isolation between the Horizontal (0 deg) > and the Vertical (90 deg) polarization should exceed 30 dB. > Isolation is greatest at exactly a 90-degree offset between H-pol and > V-pol. At a 45 deg offset, polarization isolation is only 3db. > When adjusting a commercial satellite dish, it is better to "null out" > the cross-pol that "peak" the co-pol. Circular polarization is still > used on some Intelsat standard International satellite links. > > I believe FO-29 is the only amateur satellite to use a circularly > polarized antenna on the spacecraft. All of the CubeSats use small > linear polarized antennas. > > The primary reason to use a circularly polarized (CP) ground antenna > with a Cubesat is to avoid the deep (-20 to -30 dB) signal null when > the ground antenna is orthogonal (90 deg orientation offset) with the > satellite antenna. There will still be times when the CubeSat antenna > is pointed away from the earth and even a circular antenna will not > help. Since most Cubesate tumble, these LP to LP nulls never last > very long but they are an irritation during a QSO. > > When using a CP ground antenna, you are effectively using a signal > (wavefront) that contains both an H-pol and V-pol component that will > always be at 45 deg offset to the linear polarized satellite antenna. > When using a CP signal you are making a decision to "give up" 3 dB > 100% of the time in signal to avoid the occasional -20 to -30 dB > signal nulls possible in a linear pol to linear pol system. > > If you watch a satellite operator using a hand help Arrow antenna - > they are constantly peaking the antenna in direction and polarization. > If the Arrow was a CP antenna there would be a lot less "arm twisting" > but the Arrow would be 3 dB less efficient 100% of the time. > > If your goal is CubeSat operation a CP antenna could be a good choice. > It doesn't matter if the CP antenna is RHCP or LHCP because you are > working a linear polarization satellite. If you are working FO-29 > and your launch an LHCP signal and FO-29 is expecting an RHCP signal - > you will experience a -20 to -30 dB loss because RHCP into LHCP will > exhibit high isolation. > > CubeSats have relatively strong signals and I highly recommend > experimentation with small helical antennas and cross-pol yagis. You > will have a lot of fun. If you want to get some arm and shoulder > exercise use the Arrow antenna but the results will be very good. > > 73 - Paul - W2HRO > > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. > http://www.avg.com > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From vimone at alice.it Mon Mar 12 18:26:08 2018 From: vimone at alice.it (vimone at alice.it) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 19:26:08 +0100 (CET) Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS-2000 Birdie Message-ID: <15152707.11791520879168762.JavaMail.root@feu23-alice> Hello, is there anybody that has solved the Birdie problem on this Radio? If yes please how? Thanks. 73's de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ************************************* ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** ************************************* 73's de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ************************************* ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** ************************************* From wageners at gmail.com Mon Mar 12 18:32:34 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 19:32:34 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS-2000 Birdie In-Reply-To: <15152707.11791520879168762.JavaMail.root@feu23-alice> References: <15152707.11791520879168762.JavaMail.root@feu23-alice> Message-ID: Used an SDR based receiver with the TS-2000 for SO-50 for that purpose :-) On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 7:26 PM, vimone at alice.it wrote: > Hello, > is there anybody that has solved the Birdie problem on this Radio? > If yes please how? > Thanks. > > > 73's de Enzo IK8OZV > EasyLog 5 BetaTester > EasyLog PDA BetaTester > WinBollet BetaTester > D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania > Skype: ik8ozv8520 > > > > > ************************************* > ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* > ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** > ************************************* > 73's de Enzo IK8OZV > EasyLog 5 BetaTester > EasyLog PDA BetaTester > WinBollet BetaTester > D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania > Skype: ik8ozv8520 > > > > > ************************************* > ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* > ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** > ************************************* > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From oh2fqv at gmail.com Mon Mar 12 18:35:17 2018 From: oh2fqv at gmail.com (Jari A) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 20:35:17 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS-2000 Birdie In-Reply-To: <15152707.11791520879168762.JavaMail.root@feu23-alice> References: <15152707.11791520879168762.JavaMail.root@feu23-alice> Message-ID: Hello, If you refer to SO-50 downlink frequency birdie, it is from local oscillator injection, technical design related problem. Same problem with TM-455. Regards, :Jari / oh2fqv On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 8:26 PM, vimone at alice.it wrote: > Hello, > is there anybody that has solved the Birdie problem on this Radio? > If yes please how? > Thanks. > > > 73's de Enzo IK8OZV > EasyLog 5 BetaTester > EasyLog PDA BetaTester > WinBollet BetaTester > D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania > Skype: ik8ozv8520 > > > > > ************************************* > ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* > ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** > ************************************* > 73's de Enzo IK8OZV > EasyLog 5 BetaTester > EasyLog PDA BetaTester > WinBollet BetaTester > D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania > Skype: ik8ozv8520 > > > > > ************************************* > ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* > ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** > ************************************* > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From aj9n at aol.com Mon Mar 12 18:59:36 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:59:36 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-12 19:00 UTC Message-ID: <1621b9510a6-1ba6-3f48@webjas-vaa115.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-12 19:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Thu 2018-03-15 11:12:55 UTC 86 deg Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via via VK4KHZ (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC 27 deg (***) ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-12 19:00 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1214. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1163. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-08 02:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From davekn4ok at aol.com Mon Mar 12 17:16:27 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:16:27 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Oscar satellite status page In-Reply-To: <1982899497.5152.1520866344151@myemail.cox.net> References: <1982899497.5152.1520866344151@myemail.cox.net> Message-ID: <1621b36a191-1dad-46fd@webjas-vaa210.srv.aolmail.net> yes I noticed that all weekend -----Original Message----- From: alex weimer To: amsat-bb Sent: Mon, Mar 12, 2018 9:53 am Subject: [amsat-bb] Oscar satellite status page has anyone else had a problem with the Amsat Satellite status page. It seems several of us when clicking on a satellite get no response as to who entered the info. However when you enter the info, it takes but all you see is whether it is red blue or yellow, Not who entered the info as normal.. What is the procedure for correcting this problem ?? JACK KC7MG _______________________________________________ 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 From rbutler at tsss.org Mon Mar 12 21:07:05 2018 From: rbutler at tsss.org (Ryan Butler) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 16:07:05 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Help needed for automating Telemetry collect In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Jean Marc, I have the same issue with SDRConsole, I placed a message in the groups.io forum for SDRConsole asking for a way to modify whether NFM or WFM is selected by CAT control, but the author has not responded to it. It would be good if you could join that group and reply that it's a problem for you as well so that possibly we'll get some more traction from him. Ryan, NF0T On Sun, Mar 11, 2018 at 10:38 AM, Jean Marc Momple < jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > Dear All, > > I am trying to fully automate telemetry collect on many birds, my issue is > that I cannot get the SDR mode right, in a nutshell: > > 1) I use SATPC32 which fully control simultaneously the TS-2000x and > SDRconsole or SDRuno fine with a SDRplay RSP2 for frequency and doppler, > the rotors also no issue also. More SATPC32 automatically switches between > Satellites which is perfect. > 2) I can decode most of the telemetries using softwares such as Foxtelem, > DK3WN and having different sound modems all in parallel, also no issue at > all. > > My only issue is to have the SDR on the right mode particularly WFM for > most of the birds, as each time it goes to NFM which is not suitable. > > Has anyone tried same? If so what may be a possible solution to be able to > automate the station for automatic telemetry decoding? > > Thanks for any suggestion and help. > > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From w7lrd at comcast.net Mon Mar 12 22:56:10 2018 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (Bob- W7LRD) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 15:56:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] lost email Message-ID: <1121130745.51399.1520895370634@connect.xfinity.com> One of you sent me a note about L band helix antenna. Please send again, ab I have yours - thanks 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle From DFox at rwglaw.com Mon Mar 12 22:44:27 2018 From: DFox at rwglaw.com (D. Craig Fox) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 22:44:27 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS-2000 Birdie In-Reply-To: References: <15152707.11791520879168762.JavaMail.root@feu23-alice> Message-ID: The only sat it affects is SO-50. If I feel the need to get on that sat I simply connect an HT to the rx antenna. You can also improve reception by putting the TS2K in narrow band fm mode. 73s N6RSX -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Jari A Sent: Monday, March 12, 2018 11:35 AM To: vimone at alice.it Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS-2000 Birdie Hello, If you refer to SO-50 downlink frequency birdie, it is from local oscillator injection, technical design related problem. Same problem with TM-455. Regards, :Jari / oh2fqv On Mon, Mar 12, 2018 at 8:26 PM, vimone at alice.it wrote: > Hello, > is there anybody that has solved the Birdie problem on this Radio? > If yes please how? > Thanks. > > > 73's de Enzo IK8OZV > EasyLog 5 BetaTester > EasyLog PDA BetaTester > WinBollet BetaTester > D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania > Skype: ik8ozv8520 > > > > > ************************************* > ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* > ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** > ************************************* > 73's de Enzo IK8OZV > EasyLog 5 BetaTester > EasyLog PDA BetaTester > WinBollet BetaTester > D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania > Skype: ik8ozv8520 > > > > > ************************************* > ******* GSM +39 328 7110193 ******* > ****** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** > ************************************* > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 (If this message is spam, please report it to IT Dept. Thank you.) From twdeckard at earthlink.net Tue Mar 13 00:26:12 2018 From: twdeckard at earthlink.net (Todd W Deckard) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 19:26:12 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] lost email Message-ID: Greetings. That may have been mine. I fat-fingered the cut and paste and cc?d you somehow. As always, folks were very helpful and I have been sufficiently schooled in polarization and cubesats to answer my questions. Best Todd Sent from my iPhone From tjschuessler at verizon.net Tue Mar 13 02:11:34 2018 From: tjschuessler at verizon.net (tjschuessler at verizon.net) Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 21:11:34 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] K2BSA/5 on AO-91 this week. Message-ID: <006c01d3ba70$a13dc600$e3b95200$@verizon.net> Jim Wilson, K5ND and myself, N5HYP will be teaching Radio Merit Badge classes at Camp Wisdom, Dallas, TX, EM12 Tuesday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 14th. We will be using the K2BSA/5 call. Our plan is to do one AO-91 pass a day. On Tuesday we will be doing the 19:47Z AOS Western US pass and on Wednesday, the 18:33Z AOS pass favoring the eastern US. We should have 15 scouts with us each time so please give us a call and a shout out to the boys and maybe we will get them to shout back. 73, Tom Schuessler, N5HYP From wouterweg at gmail.com Tue Mar 13 10:36:55 2018 From: wouterweg at gmail.com (Wouter Weggelaar) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 11:36:55 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73/FUNcube-1 Mode In-Reply-To: <33980A9A978D48AB92E846856C935346@LAPTOP91ASAKDB> References: <33980A9A978D48AB92E846856C935346@LAPTOP91ASAKDB> Message-ID: Hi All, FUNcube-1 / AO-73 is now in educational mode with the transponder off. Enjoy high-power telemetry reception. 73 Wouter PA3WEG On Thu, Mar 8, 2018 at 8:20 AM, Graham Shirville wrote: > Hi All, > AO73/FUNcube-1 is now in amateur mode with the transponder on. > Have fun > 73 > Graham > G3VZV From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Mar 13 12:51:30 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 08:51:30 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint: An Introduction to the AMSAT GOLF Program Message-ID: As a follow-up to the announcement that GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 have been selected for launches through NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, we've posted an article introducing the GOLF program on the AMSAT website. https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT-NA) From k9jkm at comcast.net Tue Mar 13 14:08:44 2018 From: k9jkm at comcast.net (JoAnne Maenpaa) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 09:08:44 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Until March 31 - The AmazonSmile Triple Donation Promotion Now Under Way Message-ID: <001601d3bad4$ccd28c60$6677a520$@net> The AmazonSmile Triple Donation Promotion Now Under Way Triple your impact! Until March 31, Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first AmazonSmile purchase. You can name AMSAT to receive the donation from your purchase. https://smile.amazon.com -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From povern at yahoo.com Tue Mar 13 17:22:15 2018 From: povern at yahoo.com (Paul Overn) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 12:22:15 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 Message-ID: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan on using this for. FM and Linear sats. I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 to transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some of the static and other noise. Any hints in general would be appreciated. Thanks. KE0PBR Paul Overn Sent from my iPad From aj9n at aol.com Tue Mar 13 18:26:47 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:26:47 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-13 18:30 UTC Message-ID: <162209d5baf-19aa-c431@webjas-vae027.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-13 18:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Thu 2018-03-15 11:12:55 UTC 86 deg ? Watch for live stream at (***) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdW96C_lHQx81qCSbW-Jzbw ? ? Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC 27 deg ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-13 18:30 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1214. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1163. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-08 02:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From mvivona at yahoo.com Tue Mar 13 18:56:26 2018 From: mvivona at yahoo.com (mvivona at yahoo.com) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 18:56:26 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <685978789.782148.1520967386082@mail.yahoo.com> Paul, I also have the SDR Play amongst other SDR dongles. My experience was similar to what you are describing with HDSDR. I could never get it sounding anywhere as clear as my Icom. I tried every setting possible.I found SDR Console-ver3 to be much cleaner sounding. I have tried multiple SDR programs and keep coming back to SDR Console as it has been very simple to setup and easy to understand. The user interface is more like using a real radio with greater capabilities. It's free. The programmer takes any amount of donations has Simon needs to feed his dog. http://www.sdr-radio.com Michael KC4ZVA On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 1:23:42 PM EDT, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB wrote: Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan on using this for. FM and Linear sats. I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 to transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some of the static and other noise. Any hints in general would be appreciated. Thanks. KE0PBR Paul Overn Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ 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 From caleb at calebsmith.net Tue Mar 13 19:06:30 2018 From: caleb at calebsmith.net (Caleb Smith) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 19:06:30 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: <685978789.782148.1520967386082@mail.yahoo.com> References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> <685978789.782148.1520967386082@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: I'd also absolutely recommend SDR-Console -- out of all the programs I've used with my RSP2, I like SDR-Console the best. I've tried CubicSDR, SDRAngel, SDRuno, SDR#, and HDSDR and found SDR-Console to be my favorite. Caleb, KZ0P On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 12:56 PM mvivona--- via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Paul, > I also have the SDR Play amongst other SDR dongles. My experience was > similar to what you are describing with HDSDR. I could never get it > sounding anywhere as clear as my Icom. I tried every setting possible.I > found SDR Console-ver3 to be much cleaner sounding. I have tried multiple > SDR programs and keep coming back to SDR Console as it has been very simple > to setup and easy to understand. The user interface is more like using a > real radio with greater capabilities. It's free. The programmer takes any > amount of donations has Simon needs to feed his dog. > http://www.sdr-radio.com > > > Michael KC4ZVA > > On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 1:23:42 PM EDT, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan on > using this for. FM and Linear sats. > > I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 to > transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. > > What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some of the > static and other noise. > > Any hints in general would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > KE0PBR > > Paul Overn > Sent from my iPad > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From DougPhelps at protonmail.com Tue Mar 13 18:11:54 2018 From: DougPhelps at protonmail.com (Doug Phelps) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:11:54 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <3_a72_S52oftxRYGhGPrj9K5-Jtu9-QVZcRtuEydViM1cukaO8ib-Q_r0djgbp9CFveDia1Dbs-wmwzoQ0zS9HtWFp0a2xFX4-a-EKy7h80=@protonmail.com> There are others on here much more familiar with SDR than I am however I would check your filter settings and your bandwidth settings. I have an SDR play and people sound just perfect there's nothing wrong with the way they sound so I'm guessing you have a filter or something somewhere. Also check out SDR Uno it's free for sdrplay and it's a very very very powerful SDR program and it's free so doesn't hurt to check it out. Starting out, however, hdsdr is probably the way to go. Just understand that there's other software that can unlock a lot more potential in your SDR. Sent from ProtonMail mobile -------- Original Message -------- On Mar 13, 2018, 12:22 PM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan on using this for. FM and Linear sats. > > I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 to transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. > > What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some of the static and other noise. > > Any hints in general would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > KE0PBR > > Paul Overn > Sent from my iPad > _______________________________________________ > 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 From redski at bellsouth.net Tue Mar 13 17:53:07 2018 From: redski at bellsouth.net (W M WILLOUGHBY) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 12:53:07 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources Message-ID: 1.2 GHz earth to space only: Is that due to FCC regs or is it just the evolved convention? I am also curious to know what equipment satellite operators are using for L band? Red KC4LE From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Mar 13 19:28:33 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:28:33 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The ITU Radio Regulations restrict the amateur satellite service allocation at 1260 MHz - 1270 MHz to earth to space only. Domestically, the FCC has implemented that restriction in Part 97. I'm using an Alinco DJ-G7T and a 16 element yagi myself. It's not quite enough for horizon to horizon access, but I've made 54 QSOs on AO-92 in L/v mode with it. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 1:53 PM, W M WILLOUGHBY wrote: > 1.2 GHz earth to space only: Is that due to FCC regs or is it just the evolved convention? > > I am also curious to know what equipment satellite operators are using for L band? > > Red > KC4LE > _______________________________________________ > 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 From radiomb at bellsouth.net Tue Mar 13 19:51:19 2018 From: radiomb at bellsouth.net (radiomb) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 19:51:19 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government??Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. ?Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway | | | | | | | | | | | Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | | | 73 Mike K4MIA | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Mar 13 19:54:57 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:54:57 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Yes. The applicable excerpt for amateur satellites from 47 CFR ?97.207: (g) The license grantee of each space station must make the following written notifications to the International Bureau, FCC, Washington, DC 20554. (1) A pre-space notification within 30 days after the date of launch vehicle determination, but no later than 90 days before integration of the space station into the launch vehicle. The notification must be in accordance with the provisions of Articles 9 and 11 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations and must specify the information required by Appendix 4 and Resolution No. 642 of the ITU Radio Regulations. The notification must also include a description of the design and operational strategies that the space station will use to mitigate orbital debris, including the following information: (i) A statement that the space station licensee has assessed and limited the amount of debris released in a planned manner during normal operations, and has assessed and limited the probability of the space station becoming a source of debris by collisions with small debris or meteoroids that could cause loss of control and prevent post-mission disposal; (ii) A statement that the space station licensee has assessed and limited the probability of accidental explosions during and after completion of mission operations. This statement must include a demonstration that debris generation will not result from the conversion of energy sources on board the spacecraft into energy that fragments the spacecraft. Energy sources include chemical, pressure, and kinetic energy. This demonstration should address whether stored energy will be removed at the spacecraft's end of life, by depleting residual fuel and leaving all fuel line valves open, venting any pressurized system, leaving all batteries in a permanent discharge state, and removing any remaining source of stored energy, or through other equivalent procedures specifically disclosed in the application; (iii) A statement that the space station licensee has assessed and limited the probability of the space station becoming a source of debris by collisions with large debris or other operational space stations. Where a space station will be launched into a low-Earth orbit that is identical, or very similar, to an orbit used by other space stations, the statement must include an analysis of the potential risk of collision and a description of what measures the space station operator plans to take to avoid in-orbit collisions. If the space station licensee is relying on coordination with another system, the statement must indicate what steps have been taken to contact, and ascertain the likelihood of successful coordination of physical operations with, the other system. The statement must disclose the accuracy?if any?with which orbital parameters of non-geostationary satellite orbit space stations will be maintained, including apogee, perigee, inclination, and the right ascension of the ascending node(s). In the event that a system is not able to maintain orbital tolerances, i.e., it lacks a propulsion system for orbital maintenance, that fact should be included in the debris mitigation disclosure. Such systems must also indicate the anticipated evolution over time of the orbit of the proposed satellite or satellites. Where a space station requests the assignment of a geostationary-Earth orbit location, it must assess whether there are any known satellites located at, or reasonably expected to be located at, the requested orbital location, or assigned in the vicinity of that location, such that the station keeping volumes of the respective satellites might overlap. If so, the statement must include a statement as to the identities of those parties and the measures that will be taken to prevent collisions; (iv) A statement detailing the post-mission disposal plans for the space station at end of life, including the quantity of fuel?if any?that will be reserved for post-mission disposal maneuvers. For geostationary-Earth orbit space stations, the statement must disclose the altitude selected for a post-mission disposal orbit and the calculations that are used in deriving the disposal altitude. The statement must also include a casualty risk assessment if planned post-mission disposal involves atmospheric re-entry of the space station. In general, an assessment should include an estimate as to whether portions of the spacecraft will survive re-entry and reach the surface of the Earth, as well as an estimate of the resulting probability of human casualty. (v) If any material item described in this notification changes before launch, a replacement pre-space notification shall be filed with the International Bureau no later than 90 days before integration of the space station into the launch vehicle. (2) An in-space station notification is required no later than 7 days following initiation of space station transmissions. This notification must update the information contained in the pre-space notification. (3) A post-space station notification is required no later than 3 months after termination of the space station transmissions. When termination of transmissions is ordered by the FCC, the notification is required no later than 24 hours after termination of transmissions. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 3:51 PM, radiomb wrote: > Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway > > | > | > | > | | | > > | > > | > | > | | > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... > By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | > > | > > | > > > 73 Mike K4MIA > > > | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From afeller at ieee.org Tue Mar 13 19:29:31 2018 From: afeller at ieee.org (Arthur Feller) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:29:31 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3A495516-169F-4B72-B843-CD8719AA7A9B@ieee.org> It?s in the radio regulations, table of frequency allocations. http://afeller.us > On Mar 13, 2018, at 1:53 PM, W M WILLOUGHBY wrote: > > 1.2 GHz earth to space only: Is that due to FCC regs or is it just the evolved convention? > > I am also curious to know what equipment satellite operators are using for L band? > > Red > KC4LE > _______________________________________________ > 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 From caleb at calebsmith.net Tue Mar 13 19:30:13 2018 From: caleb at calebsmith.net (Caleb Smith) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 19:30:13 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: <3_a72_S52oftxRYGhGPrj9K5-Jtu9-QVZcRtuEydViM1cukaO8ib-Q_r0djgbp9CFveDia1Dbs-wmwzoQ0zS9HtWFp0a2xFX4-a-EKy7h80=@protonmail.com> References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> <3_a72_S52oftxRYGhGPrj9K5-Jtu9-QVZcRtuEydViM1cukaO8ib-Q_r0djgbp9CFveDia1Dbs-wmwzoQ0zS9HtWFp0a2xFX4-a-EKy7h80=@protonmail.com> Message-ID: Also this might be of interest to this mailing list -- just saw this when looking at the SDR-Console website again. http://www.sdr-satellites.com/ On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 1:19 PM Doug Phelps via AMSAT-BB wrote: > There are others on here much more familiar with SDR than I am however I > would check your filter settings and your bandwidth settings. I have an SDR > play and people sound just perfect there's nothing wrong with the way they > sound so I'm guessing you have a filter or something somewhere. Also check > out SDR Uno it's free for sdrplay and it's a very very very powerful SDR > program and it's free so doesn't hurt to check it out. Starting out, > however, hdsdr is probably the way to go. Just understand that there's > other software that can unlock a lot more potential in your SDR. > > Sent from ProtonMail mobile > > -------- Original Message -------- > On Mar 13, 2018, 12:22 PM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan on > using this for. FM and Linear sats. > > > > I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 to > transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. > > > > What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some of > the static and other noise. > > > > Any hints in general would be appreciated. > > > > Thanks. > > > > KE0PBR > > > > Paul Overn > > Sent from my iPad > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From wageners at gmail.com Tue Mar 13 20:18:44 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:18:44 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources In-Reply-To: <3A495516-169F-4B72-B843-CD8719AA7A9B@ieee.org> References: <3A495516-169F-4B72-B843-CD8719AA7A9B@ieee.org> Message-ID: The key is that this is secondary allocation for us! On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 8:29 PM, Arthur Feller wrote: > It?s in the radio regulations, table of frequency allocations. > > http://afeller.us > > > On Mar 13, 2018, at 1:53 PM, W M WILLOUGHBY > wrote: > > > > 1.2 GHz earth to space only: Is that due to FCC regs or is it just the > evolved convention? > > > > I am also curious to know what equipment satellite operators are using > for L band? > > > > Red > > KC4LE > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From n3xls at yahoo.com Tue Mar 13 20:53:24 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 16:53:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20180313205334.7C4B1851F@lansing182.amsat.org> Are these things in a safe orbit?? What frequencies do they use?? ?I would hate for one if these .25U objects to hit one of our sats and completely wipe us out. It seems from the two articles i read on this incident a bunch of people messed up. Including swarm not understanding the situation. -------- Original message --------From: radiomb Date: 3/13/18 3:51 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government??Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. ?Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway ? |? |?? |?? |?? |??? | ?? | ? | |? |??? |? Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro...? |?? | ? | ? | 73 Mike K4MIA |? | Virus-free. www.avast.com? | _______________________________________________ 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Mar 13 21:04:27 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 17:04:27 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <20180313205334.7C4B1851F@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> <20180313205334.7C4B1851F@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: The denied application was for transmissions in the 137 MHz Space Operations Service band. The orbits are 505 km x 490 km, inclined 97.55 degrees. They are cataloged by Space-Track (see objects 43139 - 43142), indicating at least the ability to track them at some points. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Are these things in a safe orbit? What frequencies do they use? I would hate for one if these .25U objects to hit one of our sats and completely wipe us out. > It seems from the two articles i read on this incident a bunch of people messed up. Including swarm not understanding the situation. > -------- Original message --------From: radiomb Date: 3/13/18 3:51 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size > Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway > > | > | > | > | | | > > | > > | > | > | | > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... > By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | > > | > > | > > > 73 Mike K4MIA > > > | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From caleb at calebsmith.net Tue Mar 13 20:50:31 2018 From: caleb at calebsmith.net (Caleb Smith) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:50:31 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: More good discussion here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16555106 On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 1:55 PM Paul Stoetzer wrote: > Yes. The applicable excerpt for amateur satellites from 47 CFR ?97.207: > > (g) The license grantee of each space station must make the following > written notifications to the International Bureau, FCC, Washington, DC > 20554. > > (1) A pre-space notification within 30 days after the date of launch > vehicle determination, but no later than 90 days before integration of > the space station into the launch vehicle. The notification must be in > accordance with the provisions of Articles 9 and 11 of the > International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations and must > specify the information required by Appendix 4 and Resolution No. 642 > of the ITU Radio Regulations. The notification must also include a > description of the design and operational strategies that the space > station will use to mitigate orbital debris, including the following > information: > > (i) A statement that the space station licensee has assessed and > limited the amount of debris released in a planned manner during > normal operations, and has assessed and limited the probability of the > space station becoming a source of debris by collisions with small > debris or meteoroids that could cause loss of control and prevent > post-mission disposal; > > (ii) A statement that the space station licensee has assessed and > limited the probability of accidental explosions during and after > completion of mission operations. This statement must include a > demonstration that debris generation will not result from the > conversion of energy sources on board the spacecraft into energy that > fragments the spacecraft. Energy sources include chemical, pressure, > and kinetic energy. This demonstration should address whether stored > energy will be removed at the spacecraft's end of life, by depleting > residual fuel and leaving all fuel line valves open, venting any > pressurized system, leaving all batteries in a permanent discharge > state, and removing any remaining source of stored energy, or through > other equivalent procedures specifically disclosed in the application; > > (iii) A statement that the space station licensee has assessed and > limited the probability of the space station becoming a source of > debris by collisions with large debris or other operational space > stations. Where a space station will be launched into a low-Earth > orbit that is identical, or very similar, to an orbit used by other > space stations, the statement must include an analysis of the > potential risk of collision and a description of what measures the > space station operator plans to take to avoid in-orbit collisions. If > the space station licensee is relying on coordination with another > system, the statement must indicate what steps have been taken to > contact, and ascertain the likelihood of successful coordination of > physical operations with, the other system. The statement must > disclose the accuracy?if any?with which orbital parameters of > non-geostationary satellite orbit space stations will be maintained, > including apogee, perigee, inclination, and the right ascension of the > ascending node(s). In the event that a system is not able to maintain > orbital tolerances, i.e., it lacks a propulsion system for orbital > maintenance, that fact should be included in the debris mitigation > disclosure. Such systems must also indicate the anticipated evolution > over time of the orbit of the proposed satellite or satellites. Where > a space station requests the assignment of a geostationary-Earth orbit > location, it must assess whether there are any known satellites > located at, or reasonably expected to be located at, the requested > orbital location, or assigned in the vicinity of that location, such > that the station keeping volumes of the respective satellites might > overlap. If so, the statement must include a statement as to the > identities of those parties and the measures that will be taken to > prevent collisions; > > (iv) A statement detailing the post-mission disposal plans for the > space station at end of life, including the quantity of fuel?if > any?that will be reserved for post-mission disposal maneuvers. For > geostationary-Earth orbit space stations, the statement must disclose > the altitude selected for a post-mission disposal orbit and the > calculations that are used in deriving the disposal altitude. The > statement must also include a casualty risk assessment if planned > post-mission disposal involves atmospheric re-entry of the space > station. In general, an assessment should include an estimate as to > whether portions of the spacecraft will survive re-entry and reach the > surface of the Earth, as well as an estimate of the resulting > probability of human casualty. > > (v) If any material item described in this notification changes before > launch, a replacement pre-space notification shall be filed with the > International Bureau no later than 90 days before integration of the > space station into the launch vehicle. > > (2) An in-space station notification is required no later than 7 days > following initiation of space station transmissions. This notification > must update the information contained in the pre-space notification. > > (3) A post-space station notification is required no later than 3 > months after termination of the space station transmissions. When > termination of transmissions is ordered by the FCC, the notification > is required no later than 24 hours after termination of transmissions. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 3:51 PM, radiomb wrote: > > Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size > of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is > part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. > > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in > space anyway > > > > | > > | > > | > > | | | > > > > | > > > > | > > | > > | | > > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... > > By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies > apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | > > > > | > > > > | > > > > > > 73 Mike K4MIA > > > > > > | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From redski at bellsouth.net Tue Mar 13 20:46:10 2018 From: redski at bellsouth.net (W M WILLOUGHBY) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:46:10 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2Ghz signal sources Message-ID: <8CBF7F75-A8DA-4A72-9450-AE6B3C2B7C33@bellsouth.net> Thanks to everyone for the informative answers. Red KC4LE From zleffke at vt.edu Tue Mar 13 21:13:58 2018 From: zleffke at vt.edu (Zach Leffke) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 17:13:58 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> <20180313205334.7C4B1851F@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <574119b9-197e-dfe8-de68-c99b3c91429e@vt.edu> I've been following this as well.....and am confused about one or two things...maybe someone can enlighten me? This article has links to the actual exchanges between the company and the FCC for folks that are interested in the 'source material': https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/aerospace/satellites/fcc-accuses-stealthy-startup-of-launching-rogue-satellites.amp.html Seems the problem was that they were too small (0.25U) for the ground based space situational awareness tracking network to reliably track them for the purpose of collision avoidance and prediction for other spacecraft operators.? They mentioned the addition of retro-reflectors to aid in ground based tracking by increasing their radar cross section, but FCC said this wasn't good enough.? That was the grounds for rejection from the FCC, too small to be tracked. To be clear, the ACTUAL problem was that despite the fact the FCC turned them down, it appears they worked the system to launch anyway, same ride as AO-92 (so roughly the same orbit, though obviously there has been separation over time)! Not good. So putting aside the apparent disregard for the FCC...........why did they get rejected in the first place?? FCC said they were too small....but............ I'm pretty sure the 0.25U form factor is something that Bob Twiggs (of cubesat specification fame, as well as had a hand in MO-76) is pushing.? I forget the name they came up with for the 0.25U form factor, but they had a new one (different I think than pocketQub form factor, like MO-76).? How then did MO-76 (aka Eagle-2, aka $50Sat) get up?? It is a 'pocket cube' sized spacecraft (roughly maybe 1/3 the size of a 1U cubesat).? Also, how did KickSat get approval with all of its little roughly 1" by 1" deployable 'Sprites?'? I'm pretty sure both MO-76 and Kicksat were approved by the FCC.? Kicksat never deployed its Sprites so no 'tracking data' for that, but MO-76 had reliable TLEs throughout its life (and still does, most recent TLE epoch from a day or two ago on celestrak).? Also, if they are too small to reliably track, then how are their TLEs getting updated reliably (their called SpaceBEEs for those interested, index like APRS SSID, so SpaceBEE-1, SpaceBEE-2, etc. and their are four of them total)?? Satflare and N2YO are showing them (though couldn't find them on Celestrak....). Did the Amateur Radio nature of MO-76 and Kicksat factor into their approval decision (the SpaceBEEs were an experimental filing and not in the Amateur Satellite Service)?? Maybe that was the trick?? Amateur Radio Licensing is more of a notification process to the FCC (and coordination with IARU), where as the Swarm Technology folks were straight up applying for a new license under experimental rules?? Both routes have to submit information according to what Paul mentioned, but since the other two were 'already licensed' there was nothing for the FCC to actually 'grant' ?? (this is pure speculation, but I still wonder....) Finally, Kicksat was deployed from ISS and the 'mothership' was a 3U (certainly trackable).? Maybe since the sprite deployment was planned for after the deployment from the ISS at lower altitudes they didn't really care about tracking since they were going to burn up in a relatively short time anyway.? Also, the 'cloud of sprites' deployed from kicksat would have been all around the 3U, so maybe that was sufficient for tracking purposes?? Still doesn't answer the MO-76 question though........ Interesting topic to see how this plays out........Already relevant to this group with respect to MO-76, and potentially relevant for future AMSAT missions if launch costs can be further reduced below a 1U form factor....... I ask because we are interested in the smaller form factor stuff here at VT, so this is pretty important if the minimum size is dictated by regulation and not technology.? Seems to me that there is a 'gray area' in terms of what can and can't be tracked (maybe intentional to not reveal too much of the SSA capability?).? From a regulatory perspective maybe MO-76 and KickSat 'slipped through' because they were older launches and the FCC wasn't prepared for something that small and has since changed its process to include asking the SSA folks before approving? -Zach Research Associate Aerospace Systems Lab Ted & Karyn Hume Center for National Security & Technology Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Work Phone: 540-231-4174 Cell Phone: 540-808-6305 On 3/13/2018 5:04 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > The denied application was for transmissions in the 137 MHz Space > Operations Service band. > > The orbits are 505 km x 490 km, inclined 97.55 degrees. They are > cataloged by Space-Track (see objects 43139 - 43142), indicating at > least the ability to track them at some points. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > wrote: >> Are these things in a safe orbit? What frequencies do they use? I would hate for one if these .25U objects to hit one of our sats and completely wipe us out. >> It seems from the two articles i read on this incident a bunch of people messed up. Including swarm not understanding the situation. >> -------- Original message --------From: radiomb Date: 3/13/18 3:51 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size >> Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. >> Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway >> >> | >> | >> | >> | | | >> >> | >> >> | >> | >> | | >> Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... >> By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | >> >> | >> >> | >> >> >> 73 Mike K4MIA >> >> >> | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From k7trkradio at charter.net Tue Mar 13 23:31:09 2018 From: k7trkradio at charter.net (Ted Krempa) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 16:31:09 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> <3_a72_S52oftxRYGhGPrj9K5-Jtu9-QVZcRtuEydViM1cukaO8ib-Q_r0djgbp9CFveDia1Dbs-wmwzoQ0zS9HtWFp0a2xFX4-a-EKy7h80=@protonmail.com> Message-ID: <001401d3bb23$5e5562e0$1b0028a0$@charter.net> Wow, Caleb...this must be new..I have not seen it before.. New possibilities !! 73, Ted K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Caleb Smith Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 12:30 PM Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 Also this might be of interest to this mailing list -- just saw this when looking at the SDR-Console website again. http://www.sdr-satellites.com/ On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 1:19 PM Doug Phelps via AMSAT-BB wrote: > There are others on here much more familiar with SDR than I am however > I would check your filter settings and your bandwidth settings. I have > an SDR play and people sound just perfect there's nothing wrong with > the way they sound so I'm guessing you have a filter or something > somewhere. Also check out SDR Uno it's free for sdrplay and it's a > very very very powerful SDR program and it's free so doesn't hurt to > check it out. Starting out, however, hdsdr is probably the way to go. > Just understand that there's other software that can unlock a lot more potential in your SDR. > > Sent from ProtonMail mobile > > -------- Original Message -------- > On Mar 13, 2018, 12:22 PM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan > > on > using this for. FM and Linear sats. > > > > I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 > > to > transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. > > > > What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some > > of > the static and other noise. > > > > Any hints in general would be appreciated. > > > > Thanks. > > > > KE0PBR > > > > Paul Overn > > Sent from my iPad > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From kb2ysi at gmail.com Wed Mar 14 00:44:38 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:44:38 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: <001401d3bb23$5e5562e0$1b0028a0$@charter.net> References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> <3_a72_S52oftxRYGhGPrj9K5-Jtu9-QVZcRtuEydViM1cukaO8ib-Q_r0djgbp9CFveDia1Dbs-wmwzoQ0zS9HtWFp0a2xFX4-a-EKy7h80=@protonmail.com> <001401d3bb23$5e5562e0$1b0028a0$@charter.net> Message-ID: That is quite a nice piece of software! On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 7:31 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > Wow, Caleb...this must be new..I have not seen it before.. > > New possibilities !! > > 73, Ted > K7TRK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Caleb > Smith > Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 12:30 PM > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 > > Also this might be of interest to this mailing list -- just saw this when > looking at the SDR-Console website again. > > http://www.sdr-satellites.com/ > > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 1:19 PM Doug Phelps via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> > wrote: > > > There are others on here much more familiar with SDR than I am however > > I would check your filter settings and your bandwidth settings. I have > > an SDR play and people sound just perfect there's nothing wrong with > > the way they sound so I'm guessing you have a filter or something > > somewhere. Also check out SDR Uno it's free for sdrplay and it's a > > very very very powerful SDR program and it's free so doesn't hurt to > > check it out. Starting out, however, hdsdr is probably the way to go. > > Just understand that there's other software that can unlock a lot more > potential in your SDR. > > > > Sent from ProtonMail mobile > > > > -------- Original Message -------- > > On Mar 13, 2018, 12:22 PM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > > > Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan > > > on > > using this for. FM and Linear sats. > > > > > > I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 > > > to > > transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. > > > > > > What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some > > > of > > the static and other noise. > > > > > > Any hints in general would be appreciated. > > > > > > Thanks. > > > > > > KE0PBR > > > > > > Paul Overn > > > Sent from my iPad > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- 73, Don KB2YSI From n3xls at yahoo.com Wed Mar 14 01:29:39 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:29:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20180314012948.2D7548954@lansing182.amsat.org> N2yo shows them, they are really close all in the same orbit like a train. What are they doing with them so close together?? -------- Original message --------From: Paul Stoetzer Date: 3/13/18 5:04 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Joe N3XLS Cc: radiomb , Amsat BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size The denied application was for transmissions in the 137 MHz Space Operations Service band. The orbits are 505 km x 490 km, inclined 97.55 degrees. They are cataloged by Space-Track (see objects 43139 - 43142), indicating at least the ability to track them at some points. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Are these things in a safe orbit?? What frequencies do they use??? I would hate for one if these .25U objects to hit one of our sats and completely wipe us out. > It seems from the two articles i read on this incident a bunch of people messed up. Including swarm not understanding the situation. > -------- Original message --------From: radiomb Date: 3/13/18? 3:51 PM? (GMT-05:00) To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size >? Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. >? Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway > > | > | > | > |?? |??? | > >??? | > >?? | > | > |??? | > Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... >? By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro...? |?? | > >?? | > >?? | > > > 73 Mike K4MIA > > > |? | Virus-free. www.avast.com? | > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Wed Mar 14 01:33:07 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:33:07 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <20180314012948.2D7548954@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <20180314012948.2D7548954@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: They were all deployed on the same launch and if they're all the same size and mass, they won't drift too far apart. It seems these are more a proof of concept than an operational satellite system. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 9:29 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB wrote: > N2yo shows them, they are really close all in the same orbit like a train. What are they doing with them so close together? > -------- Original message --------From: Paul Stoetzer Date: 3/13/18 5:04 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Joe N3XLS Cc: radiomb , Amsat BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size > The denied application was for transmissions in the 137 MHz Space > Operations Service band. > > The orbits are 505 km x 490 km, inclined 97.55 degrees. They are > cataloged by Space-Track (see objects 43139 - 43142), indicating at > least the ability to track them at some points. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > wrote: >> Are these things in a safe orbit? What frequencies do they use? I would hate for one if these .25U objects to hit one of our sats and completely wipe us out. >> It seems from the two articles i read on this incident a bunch of people messed up. Including swarm not understanding the situation. >> -------- Original message --------From: radiomb Date: 3/13/18 3:51 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size >> Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. >> Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway >> >> | >> | >> | >> | | | >> >> | >> >> | >> | >> | | >> Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... >> By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | >> >> | >> >> | >> >> >> 73 Mike K4MIA >> >> >> | | Virus-free. www.avast.com | >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From dtabor at estesvalley.net Wed Mar 14 01:58:57 2018 From: dtabor at estesvalley.net (Douglas Tabor) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 19:58:57 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Out of the Footprint Message-ID: Will be out of the AMSAT-NA footprint for a month. It?s nothing anyone did, but don?t want folks to be wondering ?where did he go?. Have already been making some plans for the 3rd week of April - NE and WY grid corners in particular. Stay tuned. Some great DX happening now and a lot of new ops on - will miss that, but rest assured, I?ll be evangelizing AMSAT and ham radio satellites wherever we go. Vy 73 from Doug, N6UA and Pam, K0ZXZ From n0jy at amsat.org Wed Mar 14 02:45:44 2018 From: n0jy at amsat.org (Jerry Buxton) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:45:44 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-91 and circular polarization? In-Reply-To: <03AE117A-AD97-4130-94A9-D33C10D300EF@earthlink.net> References: <03AE117A-AD97-4130-94A9-D33C10D300EF@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <4bb0e655-0d7d-a8cd-ddf0-d10ad196109a@amsat.org> That is correct.? In fact, the L band receive antenna is the same UHF antenna that the U/v receiver uses. Jerry Buxton, N?JY On 3/12/2018 06:01, Todd W Deckard wrote: > Greetings Jerry, > > thank you for this (yes I meant AO-92). > > If I understand, you are saying the the satellite uses a conventional linear antenna. > > However AO-92 is easy enough to access that a 3db loss from the polarity mismatch b/t linear and circular is not significant. > > Correct? > Todd From Mvivona at yahoo.com Wed Mar 14 03:54:22 2018 From: Mvivona at yahoo.com (Mvivona) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 23:54:22 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: References: <0483A0E4-3FA6-43F8-A69B-A4689C63D146@yahoo.com> <3_a72_S52oftxRYGhGPrj9K5-Jtu9-QVZcRtuEydViM1cukaO8ib-Q_r0djgbp9CFveDia1Dbs-wmwzoQ0zS9HtWFp0a2xFX4-a-EKy7h80=@protonmail.com> <001401d3bb23$5e5562e0$1b0028a0$@charter.net> Message-ID: <3354015A-E551-4561-AD99-8E8EAC21D59E@yahoo.com> Wow! I just tried it with my SDR Play for receive and my Icom-7000 for transmit. It found my Icom without even setting it up and was controlling the Doppler correction right off. I also discovered another cool feature on SDR-Console. It has a graphic equalizer when tweaked properly makes the audio quality sound really nice! Quite a slick interface. Was a little lost for a while then found the help page and it is straight forward and simple. I'm going to try controlling my Az/El rotor next. I will let you know how it fairs. Kudos to Simon for jumping on the band wagon. Michael KC4ZVA On Mar 13, 2018, at 8:44 PM, Don KB2YSI wrote: That is quite a nice piece of software! > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 7:31 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > Wow, Caleb...this must be new..I have not seen it before.. > > New possibilities !! > > 73, Ted > K7TRK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Caleb > Smith > Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 12:30 PM > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 > > Also this might be of interest to this mailing list -- just saw this when > looking at the SDR-Console website again. > > http://www.sdr-satellites.com/ > > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 1:19 PM Doug Phelps via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> > wrote: > >> There are others on here much more familiar with SDR than I am however >> I would check your filter settings and your bandwidth settings. I have >> an SDR play and people sound just perfect there's nothing wrong with >> the way they sound so I'm guessing you have a filter or something >> somewhere. Also check out SDR Uno it's free for sdrplay and it's a >> very very very powerful SDR program and it's free so doesn't hurt to >> check it out. Starting out, however, hdsdr is probably the way to go. >> Just understand that there's other software that can unlock a lot more > potential in your SDR. >> >> Sent from ProtonMail mobile >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >>> On Mar 13, 2018, 12:22 PM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>> >>> Just purchased the SDR Play and using HDSDR for the software. I plan >>> on >> using this for. FM and Linear sats. >>> >>> I was trying this system out today on the FM sats, and used my D72 >>> to >> transmit. The sound coming from my HDSDR doesn?t seem as clear as my D72. >>> >>> What are some tips and tricks (settings) in HDSDR to clear up some >>> of >> the static and other noise. >>> >>> Any hints in general would be appreciated. >>> >>> Thanks. >>> >>> KE0PBR >>> >>> Paul Overn >>> Sent from my iPad >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- 73, Don KB2YSI _______________________________________________ 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 From jfitzgerald at alum.wpi.edu Wed Mar 14 03:56:03 2018 From: jfitzgerald at alum.wpi.edu (Joe Fitzgerald) Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2018 23:56:03 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <40dc4403-97be-f66e-e5ef-868aa1b3814a@alum.wpi.edu> On 3/13/2018 3:51 PM, radiomb wrote: > Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government??Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. > Oh and by the way, if you want to put a camera on board, you need a license from NOAA.?? de KM1P Joe From aj9n at aol.com Wed Mar 14 07:49:09 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 03:49:09 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-14 08:00 UTC Message-ID: <162237bf6b0-1bad-fa6c@webjas-vac208.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-14 08:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Thu 2018-03-15 11:12:55 UTC 86 deg ? Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdW96C_lHQx81qCSbW-Jzbw ? ? Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC 27 deg ? Watch for live stream on the EchoLink AMSAT conference server live.?? (***) ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-14 08:00 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1214. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1163. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-08 02:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From py4zbz at yahoo.com Wed Mar 14 10:40:16 2018 From: py4zbz at yahoo.com (Roland Zurmely) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:40:16 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Athenoxat-1 image puzzle References: <1893592134.253263.1521024016914.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1893592134.253263.1521024016914@mail.yahoo.com> Very interesting the construction of images puzzle with the contribution of several hams in the world, by the reception of the satellite beacon Athenoxat-1! 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Wed Mar 14 13:37:48 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 09:37:48 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 this morning Message-ID: <095401d3bb99$a4587f90$ed097eb0$@mindspring.com> A reminder: At approximately 1625UTC today we will enable the AO-92 VT camera and high-speed data for ~40 minutes. This is a central US and Mexico pass. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1625UTC. Thanks! 73, Drew KO4MA From n3xls at yahoo.com Wed Mar 14 14:18:00 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:18:00 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <40dc4403-97be-f66e-e5ef-868aa1b3814a@alum.wpi.edu> Message-ID: <20180314141811.68443865A@lansing182.amsat.org> Downlink is 137.920. If anyone is interested. -------- Original message --------From: Joe Fitzgerald Date: 3/13/18 11:56 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size On 3/13/2018 3:51 PM, radiomb wrote: >? Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government??Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. > Oh and by the way, if you want to put a camera on board, you need a license from NOAA.?? de KM1P Joe _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From rbutler at tsss.org Wed Mar 14 14:31:38 2018 From: rbutler at tsss.org (Ryan Butler) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 09:31:38 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 this morning In-Reply-To: <095401d3bb99$a4587f90$ed097eb0$@mindspring.com> References: <095401d3bb99$a4587f90$ed097eb0$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: Hopefully good to go in Iowa (unattended). Ryan, NF0T On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 8:37 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner < glasbrenner at mindspring.com> wrote: > A reminder: At approximately 1625UTC today we will enable the AO-92 VT > camera and high-speed data for ~40 minutes. This is a central US and Mexico > pass. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the > uplink clear at 1625UTC. Thanks! > > > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Wed Mar 14 15:01:06 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 11:01:06 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] =?iso-8859-1?q?Upcoming_ARISS_contact_with_Gymnasium_R?= =?iso-8859-1?q?=E4ddningsgymnasiet_Sando=2C_Sand=F6verken=2C_Swede?= =?iso-8859-1?q?n?= Message-ID: <951C9A3365BC45CFA32A66A6FCABBDC8@DHJ> An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden on 15 Mar. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 11:12 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and K6DUE. The contact should be audible over the east coast of the U.S. and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdW96C_lHQx81qCSbW-Jzbw . Sand? is located about 400 Km to the North of Stockholm. The participating schools are R?ddningsgymnasiet Sand?, Minerva school ?nge and the NTI Gymnasium Sundsvall. Together they count 550 students ranging from ages 12 to 19. Sand? R?ddningsgymnasium is close to nature and overlooks a beautiful fjord. Besides teaching science programs, the gymnasium offers courses in civil crisis management, firefighting as well as search and rescue. Students are prepared for a career as teachers, nurses, psychologist, firemen, fire engineers and policemen. Together with the Folke Bernadotte academy as well as other governmental organisations, they create an understanding of and preparedness for international assignments. Part of the education is that the students travel around the world to learn from existing fire and rescue situations. Amateur Radio is also included in the student's graduate projects. The NTI Gymnasium Sundsvall or the Northern Technical Institute established 1968 offers courses in digital techniques, internet technology and other forms of digital communication. The institute has about 250 students. Minerva school ?nge teaches younger students from age 12 to 15 and has of about 200 students enrolled. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. How does the ISS contribute to the environmental issues facing our modern society today? 2. This is the 55th space expedition. How different are the expeditions from each other? 3. How does your mindset, perspective and consciousness change after experiencing zero gravity in a confined environment? 4. What is so important with micro or zero gravity when conducting various research experiments on the ISS? 5. If you could sum up the importance of the ISS to mankind and the world, what would you say it consists of? 6. Why did you sign up to live in space on the ISS and did you ever have any doubts about that decision? 7. Have you and the other astronauts experienced cultural clashes aboard the ISS? If so, can you tell me about one of them? 8. Have you ever seen anything unexplainable when looking out on Earth and space? If so, what was it? 9. How does it feel to be locked inside the modules, do you ever miss gravity or open spaces? 10. Can you foretell the weather/climate from ISS and if so, with what precision? 11. What do you think about SpaceX's new design for the space suit? Is it a possible replacement? 12. During your daily routine on the ISS, how much time is spent doing research and how much time doing space walks? 13. Do you have any robots helping you on the ISS or are there any plans to ship robots to ISS to conduct research experiments? 14. What happens if one of the modules suddenly starts to leak? 15. What are your thoughts on alien life? 16. What research experiments are being conducted right now on the ISS and how can that benefit mankind and earth? 17. The mission group on the ISS: Do you all train together before the mission and what debriefings are being conducted once back on Earth? 18. Does the space station always have a person in place with some degree of medical training? 19. What are your thoughts on the plans to colonize Mars? 20. What major technological innovations do you think could come from research conducted on the ISS? 21. Is there any specific instrument you are currently using that is made in Sweden? If so, what kind? 22. What is the most common science research conducted in space? 23. Are there any future plans for an entirely new module to be added onto the ISS? 24. To what degree are actions taken to prevent harmful Microorganisms from leaving or entering the Earth? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): 1. Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-03-19 08 UTC Watch for live stream on the EchoLink AMSAT conference server live. About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From rjlawn at gmail.com Wed Mar 14 15:17:23 2018 From: rjlawn at gmail.com (Richard Lawn) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 11:17:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 Message-ID: I went to that web page and while it looks like it is really worth trying, even if you have a full duplex radio, I couldn't find a link to download version 3 listed as the satellite version. What am I missing? At different locations I have a 9100 and TS2000 but I'd like to get eyes on the downlink as I had with my Flex radios. 73 Rick, W2JAZ From rkoepke at socal.rr.com Wed Mar 14 15:46:41 2018 From: rkoepke at socal.rr.com (Robert Koepke) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 08:46:41 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <02ed01d3bbab$a79025c0$f6b07140$@rr.com> Just under the "Welcome" on that SDR-Software link page is a link to Simon's "SDR-Radio" web site at http://www.sdr-radio.com/. On the page that comes up with that link is a "Software" drop-down that will take you to the download links. Read the links on the pages that the drop down takes you to - there are driver download links (gotta feed the dog) as well as the SDR software downloads as you scroll further down. Bob AA6TB -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Richard Lawn Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 8:17 AM To: Amsat BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HDSDR and SDR Play2 I went to that web page and while it looks like it is really worth trying, even if you have a full duplex radio, I couldn't find a link to download version 3 listed as the satellite version. What am I missing? At different locations I have a 9100 and TS2000 but I'd like to get eyes on the downlink as I had with my Flex radios. 73 Rick, W2JAZ _______________________________________________ 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Wed Mar 14 16:15:56 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 20:15:56 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint: An Introduction to the AMSAT GOLF Program In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <911D31BA-E3BD-4E1F-95BB-B8EA0D265B50@gmail.com> Paul, Thanks for the info. This is good news for us this side of the World as most birds are not really use due to small footprint. I am active on most birds but only contact with ZS are regular, particularly with my good friend Andre (ZS2BK), also made a few QSO?s with India and with Thailand but most of the time I have the bird for myself and experimenting a lot with power, telemetry etc? Therefore larger footprint will make more QSO?s possible this side. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 13, 2018, at 4:51 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > As a follow-up to the announcement that GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 have been > selected for launches through NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, we've > posted an article introducing the GOLF program on the AMSAT website. > > https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Executive Vice President > Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT-NA) > _______________________________________________ > 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Wed Mar 14 16:35:33 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 20:35:33 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Help needed for automating Telemetry collect In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Ryan and all, Thank to all of you who gave me hints and advices. Finally I found a solution, HDSDR to explain: 1) With HDSDR one may set the output sampling rate and radio bandwidth. unfortunately cannot switch off the de-emphasis on FM which would have been then perfect for telemetry reception. The workaround is proper setting of bandwidth and volume. 2) Made a few test today and all seems to work OK automatically for the following birds, NOAA?s, AO-73, AO-85 (therefore all the Fox birds), CAS-4A & 4B, therefore switching well automatically between the birds without any OM intervention. Need to test more for other birds. The intention is to have automated telemetry reporting for a maximum of Birds. All these SDR software have their advantages or disadvantages in a particular situation or hardware setup. I tested some of them such as SDRSharp, SDRconsole, SDRuno and now HDSDR with both RTLSDR and SDRplay 2. There is no magic tool but compromise for the application one want to implement. The BB is a nice tool to share experience and knowledge, thanks to the organizers. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 13, 2018, at 1:07 AM, Ryan Butler wrote: > > Jean Marc, > > I have the same issue with SDRConsole, I placed a message in the groups.io forum for SDRConsole asking for a way to modify whether NFM or WFM is selected by CAT control, but the author has not responded to it. It would be good if you could join that group and reply that it's a problem for you as well so that possibly we'll get some more traction from him. > > Ryan, NF0T > > > On Sun, Mar 11, 2018 at 10:38 AM, Jean Marc Momple > wrote: > Dear All, > > I am trying to fully automate telemetry collect on many birds, my issue is that I cannot get the SDR mode right, in a nutshell: > > 1) I use SATPC32 which fully control simultaneously the TS-2000x and SDRconsole or SDRuno fine with a SDRplay RSP2 for frequency and doppler, the rotors also no issue also. More SATPC32 automatically switches between Satellites which is perfect. > 2) I can decode most of the telemetries using softwares such as Foxtelem, DK3WN and having different sound modems all in parallel, also no issue at all. > > My only issue is to have the SDR on the right mode particularly WFM for most of the birds, as each time it goes to NFM which is not suitable. > > Has anyone tried same? If so what may be a possible solution to be able to automate the station for automatic telemetry decoding? > > Thanks for any suggestion and help. > > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From joanne.k9jkm at gmail.com Wed Mar 14 16:40:55 2018 From: joanne.k9jkm at gmail.com (JoAnne K9JKM) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 11:40:55 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Station and Operating Hints Web Page Updated Message-ID: <5aa95095.5b2e6b0a.d780b.b8f6@mx.google.com> A PDF copy of the article, "Working the FalconSAT-3 Digipeater" by WD9EWK has been added to the AMSAT Station and Operating Hints page: https://www.amsat.org/station-and-operating-hints/ The new article is located on the page next to the other digipeater articles. (scroll down) -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From dan at post.com Wed Mar 14 19:40:11 2018 From: dan at post.com (Daniel Cussen) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:40:11 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins In-Reply-To: <09170e7f63e91055ad5ca86bec12503d@mail.gmail.com> References: <09170e7f63e91055ad5ca86bec12503d@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: I noticed another news story from Outernet and I have some comments. For those who don't know Outernet is a "commercial" /for the greater good, satellite downlink only service providing low bandwidth data, aimed at filling and updating a hard drive with news and info, aimed at developing nations, a free to receive data stream, for educational purposes etc. Their latest stunt/change is to downlink on 12Ghz from a Geostationary satellite, with reception without using a satellite dish, but instead just a bare LNB pointed in the direction of the geostationary satellite, using the gain of the horn inside the LNB. News stories here: https://hackaday.com/2018/02/22/at-71572-km-you-wont-beat-this-lora-record/ https://store.outernet.is/blogs/the-official-outernet-blog/world-record https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lantern-a-global-satellite-data-radio I would hesitate to recommend this system, as it is vapour-ware at the moment, and all the previous kits/hardware released have been dropped and made obsolete by changes to the broadcast. Previous broadcasts were 12Ghz geostationary, but decoded using a DVB-S tuner demodulator, then they changed to L-band low earth orbit immarsat and now they are back on geostationary, this time with a new modulation scheme making pointing easier. They are using the "LoRa" standard, basically just using a protocol that allows low signal margin decoding ( Chirp Spread Spectrum modulation (CSS) which trades data rate for sensitivity within a fixed channel bandwidth. ), similar to WSJT/PSK31 and other low data rate weak signal modes. It is interesting they thing that a bare LNB (about 80 degree beam width) that seems to be doing the trick, although they also show pictures of patch antennas which presumably are designed for narrower beam width more suited to this. The main caution I would have is they seem to be constantly peddling hardware, which soon becomes obsolete, without in fact any real business model to fund the venture. They claim their business model will be advertising or donations, obtained after the system catches on, on a large scale, but I have not seen any real attempt to get wide scale adoption in poor regions. They either do not have the funds or cannot get critical adoption for this one-way solution. Anyway I would encourage Amateurs to look at the "technology demonstration" they have made and consider if similar techniques could be applied to LEO or Geostationary Amateur or Emergency uses. Assuming they are still relaying the weekly AMSAT news (I have not seen any actual listing of what is actually downlinked, except for vague references to tests and some of Wikipedia) it might be a good fun project, but beware the technology is very untested and if (or when) they go bust, then the signals will stop. I have to wonder if the L-band service was a short term contract, that they can no longer pay for, and that they have fallen back to cheaper geostationary data. If someone could set up a receiver (when they actually re-launch/start a new service) and list what is actually down linked, that would be good to know, but for now I would consider it still very much in the testing phase. I would have thought if they were serious they would have launched a finished tested solution by now, aimed at developing nations and have it backed by advertising to make broadcasting self funding. Dan EI9FHB On 24/10/2016, Robert Bruninga wrote: > The Outernet L-band feed is now carrying a condensed version of the AMSAT > and ARISS weekly news files. (Global Geosat coverage except for Northern > Alaska)... > > Receivers are simple: http://aprs.org/outnet.html > > For ARISS, I manually added a 2 char grid square to each school listed in > the school schedule and am asking the outernet folks to parse out that > location info and plot a 1200 km footprint on their weather globe showing > where people can tune in the ARISS contacts. Then their RTL-SDR dongle > could then actually be retuned to hear the contact. Just an idea... > > Bob, WB4APR > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Dani > EA4GPZ > Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:36 AM > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Outernet L-Band service... > >>> I hope someday a service like this will be available >>> from an AMSAT geostationary service. > >> I'm pretty confident that the guys at AMSAT-DL are capable >> of doing this much better on the upcoming EsHail'2 >> than what Outernet is currently doing on Inmarsat... > >> They already have in mind a "DVB-S beacon"... broadcast >> from the ground station at Qatar ... carrying videos >> about Ham radio and Ham radio events on this signal. > >> What is more, if you have equipment to operate EsHail'2 on SSB, >> it's more or less easy to use either the narrowband transponder >> or the wideband transponder to transmit an Outernet-type signal >> through EsHail'2, so anyone can have a go with this. > >> Outernet uses 4200baud BPSK and half of the bitrate is spent for FEC. >> You can use a bit less bitrate to get a signal that will even pass >> through a conventional 2.7kHz SSB filter and you can use less >> bits for FEC to get increased data throughput (but more SNR required). > >> Dani EA4GPZ. > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From wageners at gmail.com Wed Mar 14 20:34:36 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 21:34:36 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins In-Reply-To: References: <09170e7f63e91055ad5ca86bec12503d@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: Sorry Daniel, I believe you are missing the point. First of all, Outernet is a very interesting platform to experiment and their very inexpensive patch antenna, SDR based approach and software has already met lots of expectations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing hardware and no it is NOT obsolete! I still use my "old" Outernet antenna, sdr receiver for experimentation and yes, I am looking forward to their next steps. After all, its a hobby for us! 73, Stefan VE4NSA On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 8:40 PM, Daniel Cussen wrote: > I noticed another news story from Outernet and I have some comments. > > For those who don't know Outernet is a "commercial" /for the greater > good, satellite downlink only service providing low bandwidth data, > aimed at filling and updating a hard drive with news and info, aimed > at developing nations, a free to receive data stream, for educational > purposes etc. Their latest stunt/change is to downlink on 12Ghz from a > Geostationary satellite, with reception without using a satellite > dish, but instead just a bare LNB pointed in the direction of the > geostationary satellite, using the gain of the horn inside the LNB. > > News stories here: > https://hackaday.com/2018/02/22/at-71572-km-you-wont-beat- > this-lora-record/ > > https://store.outernet.is/blogs/the-official-outernet-blog/world-record > > https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lantern-a-global-satellite-data-radio > > I would hesitate to recommend this system, as it is vapour-ware at the > moment, and all the previous kits/hardware released have been dropped > and made obsolete by changes to the broadcast. Previous broadcasts > were 12Ghz geostationary, but decoded using a DVB-S tuner demodulator, > then they changed to L-band low earth orbit immarsat and now they are > back on geostationary, this time with a new modulation scheme making > pointing easier. They are using the "LoRa" standard, basically just > using a protocol that allows low signal margin decoding ( Chirp Spread > Spectrum modulation (CSS) which trades data rate for sensitivity > within a fixed channel bandwidth. ), similar to WSJT/PSK31 and other > low data rate weak signal modes. > > It is interesting they thing that a bare LNB (about 80 degree beam > width) that seems to be doing the trick, although they also show > pictures of patch antennas which presumably are designed for narrower > beam width more suited to this. > > The main caution I would have is they seem to be constantly peddling > hardware, which soon becomes obsolete, without in fact any real > business model to fund the venture. They claim their business model > will be advertising or donations, obtained after the system catches > on, on a large scale, but I have not seen any real attempt to get wide > scale adoption in poor regions. They either do not have the funds or > cannot get critical adoption for this one-way solution. Anyway I would > encourage Amateurs to look at the "technology demonstration" they have > made and consider if similar techniques could be applied to LEO or > Geostationary Amateur or Emergency uses. Assuming they are still > relaying the weekly AMSAT news (I have not seen any actual listing of > what is actually downlinked, except for vague references to tests and > some of Wikipedia) it might be a good fun project, but beware the > technology is very untested and if (or when) they go bust, then the > signals will stop. I have to wonder if the L-band service was a short > term contract, that they can no longer pay for, and that they have > fallen back to cheaper geostationary data. > > If someone could set up a receiver (when they actually re-launch/start > a new service) and list what is actually down linked, that would be > good to know, but for now I would consider it still very much in the > testing phase. > > I would have thought if they were serious they would have launched a > finished tested solution by now, aimed at developing nations and have > it backed by advertising to make broadcasting self funding. > > Dan EI9FHB > > > On 24/10/2016, Robert Bruninga wrote: > > The Outernet L-band feed is now carrying a condensed version of the AMSAT > > and ARISS weekly news files. (Global Geosat coverage except for Northern > > Alaska)... > > > > Receivers are simple: http://aprs.org/outnet.html > > > > For ARISS, I manually added a 2 char grid square to each school listed in > > the school schedule and am asking the outernet folks to parse out that > > location info and plot a 1200 km footprint on their weather globe showing > > where people can tune in the ARISS contacts. Then their RTL-SDR dongle > > could then actually be retuned to hear the contact. Just an idea... > > > > Bob, WB4APR > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Dani > > EA4GPZ > > Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:36 AM > > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Outernet L-Band service... > > > >>> I hope someday a service like this will be available > >>> from an AMSAT geostationary service. > > > >> I'm pretty confident that the guys at AMSAT-DL are capable > >> of doing this much better on the upcoming EsHail'2 > >> than what Outernet is currently doing on Inmarsat... > > > >> They already have in mind a "DVB-S beacon"... broadcast > >> from the ground station at Qatar ... carrying videos > >> about Ham radio and Ham radio events on this signal. > > > >> What is more, if you have equipment to operate EsHail'2 on SSB, > >> it's more or less easy to use either the narrowband transponder > >> or the wideband transponder to transmit an Outernet-type signal > >> through EsHail'2, so anyone can have a go with this. > > > >> Outernet uses 4200baud BPSK and half of the bitrate is spent for FEC. > >> You can use a bit less bitrate to get a signal that will even pass > >> through a conventional 2.7kHz SSB filter and you can use less > >> bits for FEC to get increased data throughput (but more SNR required). > > > >> Dani EA4GPZ. > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From ka7fvv at yahoo.com Wed Mar 14 23:27:35 2018 From: ka7fvv at yahoo.com (Scott Harvey) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 23:27:35 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 References: <2107342718.765625.1521070055072.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2107342718.765625.1521070055072@mail.yahoo.com> I think UKube-1 is like the forgotten step child.? Found it active this afternoon on a great descending pass down the west coast and no one on but myself to talk to.? Thought it was down but transmitted up like you have to do on Funcube-1 one and found my downlink.? It is alive and well. From n3xls at yahoo.com Wed Mar 14 23:44:00 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:44:00 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 In-Reply-To: <2107342718.765625.1521070055072@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20180314234409.15AF08D98@lansing182.amsat.org> I was almost all alone on XW-2B and XW-2F this evening. WO3T joined me. Seems to be the norm on weekday passes. Over the weekend cas4b was booming.?? The FM sat are normally busy regardless.? -------- Original message --------From: Scott Harvey via AMSAT-BB Date: 3/14/18 7:27 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 I think UKube-1 is like the forgotten step child.? Found it active this afternoon on a great descending pass down the west coast and no one on but myself to talk to.? Thought it was down but transmitted up like you have to do on Funcube-1 one and found my downlink.? It is alive and well. _______________________________________________ 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 From smkellat at icloud.com Thu Mar 15 09:32:56 2018 From: smkellat at icloud.com (Stephen Michael Kellat) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 05:32:56 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins In-Reply-To: References: <09170e7f63e91055ad5ca86bec12503d@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <0D267F56-C9D0-41AF-85FC-6AC2312C3489@icloud.com> Outernet just seems to be lacking in purpose. Experimentation is great. This group has spent quite a bit of money on leased transponder time and just burned through it. Frankly I haven't been impressed with them. I would be far more likely to support AMSAT financially first in the future rather than some software developers who think that because they understand some bits of software development they therefore understand the world. "Shifting Paradigms Without a Clutch" is the bumper sticker history of the project so far as I've observed. Stephen Michael Kellat KC8BFI On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 09:34:36PM +0100, Stefan Wagener wrote: > Sorry Daniel, > > I believe you are missing the point. First of all, Outernet is a very > interesting platform to experiment and their very inexpensive patch > antenna, SDR based approach and software has already met lots of > expectations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing hardware and > no it is NOT obsolete! I still use my "old" Outernet antenna, sdr receiver > for experimentation and yes, I am looking forward to their next steps. > After all, its a hobby for us! > > 73, Stefan VE4NSA > > On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 8:40 PM, Daniel Cussen wrote: > > > I noticed another news story from Outernet and I have some comments. > > > > For those who don't know Outernet is a "commercial" /for the greater > > good, satellite downlink only service providing low bandwidth data, > > aimed at filling and updating a hard drive with news and info, aimed > > at developing nations, a free to receive data stream, for educational > > purposes etc. Their latest stunt/change is to downlink on 12Ghz from a > > Geostationary satellite, with reception without using a satellite > > dish, but instead just a bare LNB pointed in the direction of the > > geostationary satellite, using the gain of the horn inside the LNB. > > > > News stories here: > > https://hackaday.com/2018/02/22/at-71572-km-you-wont-beat- > > this-lora-record/ > > > > https://store.outernet.is/blogs/the-official-outernet-blog/world-record > > > > https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lantern-a-global-satellite-data-radio > > > > I would hesitate to recommend this system, as it is vapour-ware at the > > moment, and all the previous kits/hardware released have been dropped > > and made obsolete by changes to the broadcast. Previous broadcasts > > were 12Ghz geostationary, but decoded using a DVB-S tuner demodulator, > > then they changed to L-band low earth orbit immarsat and now they are > > back on geostationary, this time with a new modulation scheme making > > pointing easier. They are using the "LoRa" standard, basically just > > using a protocol that allows low signal margin decoding ( Chirp Spread > > Spectrum modulation (CSS) which trades data rate for sensitivity > > within a fixed channel bandwidth. ), similar to WSJT/PSK31 and other > > low data rate weak signal modes. > > > > It is interesting they thing that a bare LNB (about 80 degree beam > > width) that seems to be doing the trick, although they also show > > pictures of patch antennas which presumably are designed for narrower > > beam width more suited to this. > > > > The main caution I would have is they seem to be constantly peddling > > hardware, which soon becomes obsolete, without in fact any real > > business model to fund the venture. They claim their business model > > will be advertising or donations, obtained after the system catches > > on, on a large scale, but I have not seen any real attempt to get wide > > scale adoption in poor regions. They either do not have the funds or > > cannot get critical adoption for this one-way solution. Anyway I would > > encourage Amateurs to look at the "technology demonstration" they have > > made and consider if similar techniques could be applied to LEO or > > Geostationary Amateur or Emergency uses. Assuming they are still > > relaying the weekly AMSAT news (I have not seen any actual listing of > > what is actually downlinked, except for vague references to tests and > > some of Wikipedia) it might be a good fun project, but beware the > > technology is very untested and if (or when) they go bust, then the > > signals will stop. I have to wonder if the L-band service was a short > > term contract, that they can no longer pay for, and that they have > > fallen back to cheaper geostationary data. > > > > If someone could set up a receiver (when they actually re-launch/start > > a new service) and list what is actually down linked, that would be > > good to know, but for now I would consider it still very much in the > > testing phase. > > > > I would have thought if they were serious they would have launched a > > finished tested solution by now, aimed at developing nations and have > > it backed by advertising to make broadcasting self funding. > > > > Dan EI9FHB > > > > > > On 24/10/2016, Robert Bruninga wrote: > > > The Outernet L-band feed is now carrying a condensed version of the AMSAT > > > and ARISS weekly news files. (Global Geosat coverage except for Northern > > > Alaska)... > > > > > > Receivers are simple: http://aprs.org/outnet.html > > > > > > For ARISS, I manually added a 2 char grid square to each school listed in > > > the school schedule and am asking the outernet folks to parse out that > > > location info and plot a 1200 km footprint on their weather globe showing > > > where people can tune in the ARISS contacts. Then their RTL-SDR dongle > > > could then actually be retuned to hear the contact. Just an idea... > > > > > > Bob, WB4APR > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Dani > > > EA4GPZ > > > Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:36 AM > > > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Outernet L-Band service... > > > > > >>> I hope someday a service like this will be available > > >>> from an AMSAT geostationary service. > > > > > >> I'm pretty confident that the guys at AMSAT-DL are capable > > >> of doing this much better on the upcoming EsHail'2 > > >> than what Outernet is currently doing on Inmarsat... > > > > > >> They already have in mind a "DVB-S beacon"... broadcast > > >> from the ground station at Qatar ... carrying videos > > >> about Ham radio and Ham radio events on this signal. > > > > > >> What is more, if you have equipment to operate EsHail'2 on SSB, > > >> it's more or less easy to use either the narrowband transponder > > >> or the wideband transponder to transmit an Outernet-type signal > > >> through EsHail'2, so anyone can have a go with this. > > > > > >> Outernet uses 4200baud BPSK and half of the bitrate is spent for FEC. > > >> You can use a bit less bitrate to get a signal that will even pass > > >> through a conventional 2.7kHz SSB filter and you can use less > > >> bits for FEC to get increased data throughput (but more SNR required). > > > > > >> Dani EA4GPZ. > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From f6htj at aol.com Thu Mar 15 11:02:34 2018 From: f6htj at aol.com (f6htj at aol.com) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 07:02:34 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] CQ DX from JN12 Message-ID: <16229536555-59a9-10924@webjasstg-vaa01.srv.aolmail.net> Hello all; I am looking for CW/SSB skeds via AO7 and FO29 sats. I can be qrv between 17:00 utc and 23:30 utc 73 de Michel F6HTJ (Perpignan - JN12kq) Amsat #7409 From rs2atmink at yahoo.com Thu Mar 15 11:20:45 2018 From: rs2atmink at yahoo.com (Robert Switzer) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 11:20:45 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 In-Reply-To: <20180314234409.15AF08D98@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <2107342718.765625.1521070055072@mail.yahoo.com> <20180314234409.15AF08D98@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <1962501204.1025916.1521112845439@mail.yahoo.com> Suggest posting out on twitter if you plan to be on. I'm sure if you let some know you're there that you'll get someone to join you! Rob KA2CZU On Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 7:45:18 PM EDT, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB wrote: I was almost all alone on XW-2B and XW-2F this evening. WO3T joined me. Seems to be the norm on weekday passes. Over the weekend cas4b was booming.?? The FM sat are normally busy regardless.? -------- Original message --------From: Scott Harvey via AMSAT-BB Date: 3/14/18? 7:27 PM? (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 I think UKube-1 is like the forgotten step child.? Found it active this afternoon on a great descending pass down the west coast and no one on but myself to talk to.? Thought it was down but transmitted up like you have to do on Funcube-1 one and found my downlink.? It is alive and well. _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From howied231 at hotmail.com Thu Mar 15 03:04:00 2018 From: howied231 at hotmail.com (Howie DeFelice) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 03:04:00 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins In-Reply-To: References: <09170e7f63e91055ad5ca86bec12503d@mail.gmail.com> , Message-ID: also INMARSAT is an L-band GEO system, not LEO Howie AB2S ________________________________ From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Stefan Wagener Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 4:34 PM To: Daniel Cussen Cc: AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins Sorry Daniel, I believe you are missing the point. First of all, Outernet is a very interesting platform to experiment and their very inexpensive patch antenna, SDR based approach and software has already met lots of expectations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing hardware and no it is NOT obsolete! I still use my "old" Outernet antenna, sdr receiver for experimentation and yes, I am looking forward to their next steps. After all, its a hobby for us! 73, Stefan VE4NSA On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 8:40 PM, Daniel Cussen wrote: > I noticed another news story from Outernet and I have some comments. > > For those who don't know Outernet is a "commercial" /for the greater > good, satellite downlink only service providing low bandwidth data, > aimed at filling and updating a hard drive with news and info, aimed > at developing nations, a free to receive data stream, for educational > purposes etc. Their latest stunt/change is to downlink on 12Ghz from a > Geostationary satellite, with reception without using a satellite > dish, but instead just a bare LNB pointed in the direction of the > geostationary satellite, using the gain of the horn inside the LNB. > > News stories here: > https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhackaday.com%2F2018%2F02%2F22%2Fat-71572-km-you-wont-beat-&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=%2BpM1ZyOrqtli%2Fmvv%2B1xSTG%2FJ0cGyUeOb4posslT79pQ%3D&reserved=0 > this-lora-record/ > > https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.outernet.is%2Fblogs%2Fthe-official-outernet-blog%2Fworld-record&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=O7hJ5W%2Fhat3p6k7E%2Fmn%2FNOtWp2amqdlKWZcFLQFL39I%3D&reserved=0 > > https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiegogo.com%2Fprojects%2Flantern-a-global-satellite-data-radio&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=f1LEqhPgNMlz0UsPzY%2Bf0%2BlMG5bKHNMbuSdGXNMBxSI%3D&reserved=0 > > I would hesitate to recommend this system, as it is vapour-ware at the > moment, and all the previous kits/hardware released have been dropped > and made obsolete by changes to the broadcast. Previous broadcasts > were 12Ghz geostationary, but decoded using a DVB-S tuner demodulator, > then they changed to L-band low earth orbit immarsat and now they are > back on geostationary, this time with a new modulation scheme making > pointing easier. They are using the "LoRa" standard, basically just > using a protocol that allows low signal margin decoding ( Chirp Spread > Spectrum modulation (CSS) which trades data rate for sensitivity > within a fixed channel bandwidth. ), similar to WSJT/PSK31 and other > low data rate weak signal modes. > > It is interesting they thing that a bare LNB (about 80 degree beam > width) that seems to be doing the trick, although they also show > pictures of patch antennas which presumably are designed for narrower > beam width more suited to this. > > The main caution I would have is they seem to be constantly peddling > hardware, which soon becomes obsolete, without in fact any real > business model to fund the venture. They claim their business model > will be advertising or donations, obtained after the system catches > on, on a large scale, but I have not seen any real attempt to get wide > scale adoption in poor regions. They either do not have the funds or > cannot get critical adoption for this one-way solution. Anyway I would > encourage Amateurs to look at the "technology demonstration" they have > made and consider if similar techniques could be applied to LEO or > Geostationary Amateur or Emergency uses. Assuming they are still > relaying the weekly AMSAT news (I have not seen any actual listing of > what is actually downlinked, except for vague references to tests and > some of Wikipedia) it might be a good fun project, but beware the > technology is very untested and if (or when) they go bust, then the > signals will stop. I have to wonder if the L-band service was a short > term contract, that they can no longer pay for, and that they have > fallen back to cheaper geostationary data. > > If someone could set up a receiver (when they actually re-launch/start > a new service) and list what is actually down linked, that would be > good to know, but for now I would consider it still very much in the > testing phase. > > I would have thought if they were serious they would have launched a > finished tested solution by now, aimed at developing nations and have > it backed by advertising to make broadcasting self funding. > > Dan EI9FHB > > > On 24/10/2016, Robert Bruninga wrote: > > The Outernet L-band feed is now carrying a condensed version of the AMSAT > > and ARISS weekly news files. (Global Geosat coverage except for Northern > > Alaska)... > > > > Receivers are simple: https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faprs.org%2Foutnet.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=QkFkaL465tS4RDWGrzx33p7T5x4esj1FOl%2F4QteFjmE%3D&reserved=0 > > > > For ARISS, I manually added a 2 char grid square to each school listed in > > the school schedule and am asking the outernet folks to parse out that > > location info and plot a 1200 km footprint on their weather globe showing > > where people can tune in the ARISS contacts. Then their RTL-SDR dongle > > could then actually be retuned to hear the contact. Just an idea... > > > > Bob, WB4APR > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Dani > > EA4GPZ > > Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:36 AM > > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Outernet L-Band service... > > > >>> I hope someday a service like this will be available > >>> from an AMSAT geostationary service. > > > >> I'm pretty confident that the guys at AMSAT-DL are capable > >> of doing this much better on the upcoming EsHail'2 > >> than what Outernet is currently doing on Inmarsat... > > > >> They already have in mind a "DVB-S beacon"... broadcast > >> from the ground station at Qatar ... carrying videos > >> about Ham radio and Ham radio events on this signal. > > > >> What is more, if you have equipment to operate EsHail'2 on SSB, > >> it's more or less easy to use either the narrowband transponder > >> or the wideband transponder to transmit an Outernet-type signal > >> through EsHail'2, so anyone can have a go with this. > > > >> Outernet uses 4200baud BPSK and half of the bitrate is spent for FEC. > >> You can use a bit less bitrate to get a signal that will even pass > >> through a conventional 2.7kHz SSB filter and you can use less > >> bits for FEC to get increased data throughput (but more SNR required). > > > >> Dani EA4GPZ. > > _______________________________________________ > > 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: https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=M8DKzKGlt8pRzsiVAi%2Bfiy82ZeVPcpR6VrPzj3JSwbo%3D&reserved=0 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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: https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=M8DKzKGlt8pRzsiVAi%2Bfiy82ZeVPcpR6VrPzj3JSwbo%3D&reserved=0 > _______________________________________________ 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: https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca72cad92acca45de5cfa08d589eb4b48%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636566566033338789&sdata=M8DKzKGlt8pRzsiVAi%2Bfiy82ZeVPcpR6VrPzj3JSwbo%3D&reserved=0 From ingejack at cox.net Thu Mar 15 14:23:20 2018 From: ingejack at cox.net (alex weimer) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:23:20 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Ukube-1 Message-ID: <1197042424.4602.1521123800229@myemail.cox.net> Ukube-1 is a great satellite with a great transponder. I am usually on calling CQ with no response. It is a shame that such a good transponder goes to waste. If it is in your footprint please listen for others in the passband .. JACK KC7MG From quadpugh at bellsouth.net Thu Mar 15 21:23:58 2018 From: quadpugh at bellsouth.net (Nick Pugh) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 16:23:58 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] dayton Message-ID: <04dd01d3bca3$ef634d70$ce29e850$@bellsouth.net> Is amsat reserving hotel rooms this year? nick Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn From k9jkm at comcast.net Thu Mar 15 22:23:03 2018 From: k9jkm at comcast.net (JoAnne Maenpaa) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:23:03 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] CabreuvaDX Team Announces ZV1C Activation on Satellite March 17-18 Message-ID: <007901d3bcac$2fc9d6b0$8f5d8410$@net> Reminder ... this weekend! CabreuvaDX Team Announces ZV1C Activation on Satellite March 17-18 Members of the CabreuvaDX Team will be active as ZV1C from Cedro Island between March 17-18th. Activity will be on 80/ 40/20/15/10 meters using CW, SSB and FT8. There will also be activity on 2 meters satellite. QSL via PU2VCP. For more details, see ZV1C on QRZ.com. [ANS thanks the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1349 for the above information] -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From w7lrd at comcast.net Thu Mar 15 22:23:19 2018 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (Bob- W7LRD) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 15:23:19 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments Message-ID: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> Hello from Seattle I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two L band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle From k9jkm at comcast.net Thu Mar 15 22:26:14 2018 From: k9jkm at comcast.net (JoAnne Maenpaa) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:26:14 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] This weekend - 6E3MAYA on Satellites and HF Message-ID: <007a01d3bcac$a13a36a0$e3aea3e0$@net> Another reminder ... this weekend folks! A group of Ham Radio operators from Southern Mexico will be operating the special event "Spring Equinox" with the call 6E3MAYA from March 17th. to 21th. The activity will be 80 to 6 meters in SSB, CW, Satellite and Digital Modes. QSL via XE3N. (Twitter via Daily DX and XE3N) -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From n3xls at yahoo.com Thu Mar 15 23:42:46 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 19:42:46 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments In-Reply-To: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Its not too many satellites,? not enough ops! -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments Hello from Seattle I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day.? A small common denominator is subtly appearing.? I read, "I was on the bird all alone",? or something like, "no one to talk to".? The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites!? I never thought this ham would even think of it.? If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen.? I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to".? I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get.? You know the drill.? From what I read there are more on the starting block.? I'd like to see more L band time,? maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments.? We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it.? Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work.? Currently testing between two L ? band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas.? At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor.? A com port issue which currently I can not figure out.? Assistance solicited.?? On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams"? up there have that "burning in the belly"? to yuck it up, get? WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever.? Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system.? Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle _______________________________________________ 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 From davekn4ok at aol.com Thu Mar 15 19:45:39 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 15:45:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 In-Reply-To: <2107342718.765625.1521070055072@mail.yahoo.com> References: <2107342718.765625.1521070055072.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <2107342718.765625.1521070055072@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1622b324c30-17a4-1a17c@webjas-vac233.srv.aolmail.net> I will be on the next UKube-1 pass coming up. Dave KN4OK em64vh -----Original Message----- From: Scott Harvey via AMSAT-BB To: amsat-bb Sent: Wed, Mar 14, 2018 6:33 pm Subject: [amsat-bb] UKube-1 I think UKube-1 is like the forgotten step child. Found it active this afternoon on a great descending pass down the west coast and no one on but myself to talk to. Thought it was down but transmitted up like you have to do on Funcube-1 one and found my downlink. It is alive and well._______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Thu Mar 15 21:24:29 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:24:29 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ARiSS News Release no. 18-03 Message-ID: ARISS News Release No. 18-03 Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 March 15, 2018: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio. The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program's goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, "ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is." Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, "It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!" Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, "This chance for our school's ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world. I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class." ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-fall-2017.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. Also join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status Media Contact: Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From davekn4ok at aol.com Thu Mar 15 23:47:53 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 19:47:53 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments In-Reply-To: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <1622c101390-27df-1b7e3@webjas-vad206.srv.aolmail.net> I agree Joe, the FM birds are covered up with ops and very few of us on the ssb/cw birds. Dave KN4OK em64vh -----Original Message----- From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb Sent: Thu, Mar 15, 2018 6:43 pm Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments Its not too many satellites, not enough ops!-------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments Hello from SeattleI read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two L band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work.73 Bob W7LRDSeattle_______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From ka7fvv at yahoo.com Fri Mar 16 01:40:54 2018 From: ka7fvv at yahoo.com (Scott Harvey) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 01:40:54 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS APRS Packet References: <1028969460.1600201.1521164454184.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1028969460.1600201.1521164454184@mail.yahoo.com> ISS APRS seems to be a forgotten subject.? I have seen one or maybe two posts about it since they went silent after the SSTV even in December.? I hope they have been working on trying to troubleshoot the unit currently on board and not just waiting until the new radio and power supply can be launched later this year.? Can anyone give us all an update on the progress? Scott, KA7FVV From maccody at att.net Fri Mar 16 02:07:01 2018 From: maccody at att.net (Mac A. Cody) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 21:07:01 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments In-Reply-To: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: Joe, I agree also.? That is why I posted a message to the AMSAT-BB, back in September of last year,advocating the use of DSB modulation as a mode on the linear transponder satellites.? Here, in part, is what I said: > What I propose, then, is the use of well-disciplined DSB (double > sideband) > modulation as a means of lowering the cost bar while providing > interoperability > with SSB voice stations that are working the satellites.? What I mean by > 'well-disciplined' DSB is as follows: > 1) Baseband audio bandwidth sharply limited to 2.5 KHz, resulting in RF > bandwidth or 5 KHz. This would realistically enable three to fifteen > simultaneous 'channels' depending upon the linear bird being used. > 2) Power output would be limited to just a couple of Watts. This is > all that > is really necessary to access the linear birds in most situations.? It > would reduce the possibility of signal interference.? The cost of the PA > would be relatively low. > 3) The RF oscillator would be accurate and computer controlled (e.g. > Silicon > Labs Si570), which would enable active Doppler compensation via > software with > CAT control (e.g. gpredict). > > Current SDR technologies already enable inexpensive, multi-band receiver > solutions.? The desired sensitivity and selectivity of the SDR receiver > ultimately drives the receiver cost.? The performance of the receiver, > then > depends upon the budget of the station builder.? Solutions for every > budget are now available, ranging from dirt cheap hardware derived from > RTL-SDR dongles to more capable devices (e.g. SDRplay, AirSpy, FunCube > Dongle). > > At the sacrifice of some bandwidth, the following advantages can be > had with > using DSB modulation: > 1) DSB modulation is relatively easy to achieve.? The band-limited audio > is fed into a double-balanced mixer, bandpass filtered for harmonics, and > fed into a PA for transmission.? The resulting hardware is comparatively > inexpensive to construct and to tune. > 2) Sideband inversion caused by some linear birds is no longer an issue. > Having both sidebands present in DSB modulation means that the correct > sideband will always be available for reception. > 3) Interoperability with SSB stations would be maintained, as DSB > modulation > is a superset of SSB modulation. This would require a homebrew solution, as there are no commercially-available DSB transmitters for VHF/UHF that I'm aware of.? Such a rig, once again, would be relatively easy to construct and test.? This is an experiment I would like to try. Some may gripe that this approach wastes bandwidth on the linear transponder satellites.? That may true but it is bandwidth that is currently underutilized. So what is the harm, if any, of using DSB when the potential end result could be increasing the number of users of the linear transponder satellites? 73, Mac Cody / AE5PH On 03/15/2018 06:42 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Its not too many satellites,? not enough ops! > -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > Hello from Seattle > > I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day.? A small common denominator is subtly appearing.? I read, "I was on the bird all alone",? or something like, "no one to talk to".? The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites!? I never thought this ham would even think of it.? If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen.? I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to".? I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get.? You know the drill.? From what I read there are more on the starting block.? I'd like to see more L band time,? maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments.? We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it.? Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work.? Currently testing between two L > ? band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas.? At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor.? A com port issue which currently I can not figure out.? Assistance solicited.?? On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams"? up there have that "burning in the belly"? to yuck it up, get? WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever.? Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system.? Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From k8bl at ameritech.net Fri Mar 16 03:00:54 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 03:00:54 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't bother with the others. 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 ________________________________ From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments Hello from Seattle I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two L band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle From n8hm at arrl.net Fri Mar 16 03:06:08 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 23:06:08 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a decent amount of activity still. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating > from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only > one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd > place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt > being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll > find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother > using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't > bother with the others. > 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 > ________________________________ > From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments > > > > Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! > -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > Hello from Seattle > > I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two L > band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Fri Mar 16 03:10:23 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 23:10:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite In-Reply-To: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> References: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> Message-ID: Still no word from German Orbital and no independent reception reports. I think we can consider it SK. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM, Walter Holmes wrote: > It's been a while since I have heard anything on this one. > > Perhaps I missed the latest news. > > Is it operational? As I don't see it listed on the Amsat.org page. > > Thanks for any information on it. > > Walter/K5WH > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Don KB2YSI > Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:20 AM > To: Paul Stoetzer > Cc: Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite > > That is a bummer! That team has had all the bad luck! > > On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:11 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > >> Although German Orbital reports hearing it, no one else has and they >> have since gone radio silent on Twitter, so it seems the satellite is >> probably not functioning. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul, N8HM >> >> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Don KB2YSI wrote: >> > Their website http://www.d-star.one/ has: >> > >> > D-Star ONE Phoenix (DP1GOS) halfduplex repeater & beacon frequencies: >> > Uplink: 437,325MHz >> > Downlink: 435,525MHz >> > RF-Power: 800mW >> > >> > On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 11:07 PM, Donald Jacob wrote: >> > >> >> Does anyone have any information about the Dstar satellite D-Star >> >> One Pheonix that German Orbital Systems built and launched. >> >> Would appreciate any info >> >> >> >> Thanks >> >> 73 >> >> Don >> >> WB5EKU >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> 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 >> >> >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > 73, Don KB2YSI >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > > > > -- > 73, Don KB2YSI > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From walterh at k5wh.net Fri Mar 16 03:08:40 2018 From: walterh at k5wh.net (Walter Holmes) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 22:08:40 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> It's been a while since I have heard anything on this one. Perhaps I missed the latest news. Is it operational? As I don't see it listed on the Amsat.org page. Thanks for any information on it. Walter/K5WH -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Don KB2YSI Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:20 AM To: Paul Stoetzer Cc: Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite That is a bummer! That team has had all the bad luck! On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:11 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > Although German Orbital reports hearing it, no one else has and they > have since gone radio silent on Twitter, so it seems the satellite is > probably not functioning. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Don KB2YSI wrote: > > Their website http://www.d-star.one/ has: > > > > D-Star ONE Phoenix (DP1GOS) halfduplex repeater & beacon frequencies: > > Uplink: 437,325MHz > > Downlink: 435,525MHz > > RF-Power: 800mW > > > > On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 11:07 PM, Donald Jacob wrote: > > > >> Does anyone have any information about the Dstar satellite D-Star > >> One Pheonix that German Orbital Systems built and launched. > >> Would appreciate any info > >> > >> Thanks > >> 73 > >> Don > >> WB5EKU > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > 73, Don KB2YSI > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > -- 73, Don KB2YSI _______________________________________________ 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 From walterh at k5wh.net Fri Mar 16 03:28:30 2018 From: walterh at k5wh.net (Walter Holmes) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 22:28:30 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite In-Reply-To: References: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> Message-ID: <00c401d3bcd6$dbc6abd0$93540370$@k5wh.net> Many thanks Paul, sorry to hear that. All the best.. Walter/K5WH -----Original Message----- From: prstoetzer at gmail.com On Behalf Of Paul Stoetzer Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:10 PM To: Walter Holmes Cc: Don KB2YSI ; Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite Still no word from German Orbital and no independent reception reports. I think we can consider it SK. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM, Walter Holmes wrote: > It's been a while since I have heard anything on this one. > > Perhaps I missed the latest news. > > Is it operational? As I don't see it listed on the Amsat.org page. > > Thanks for any information on it. > > Walter/K5WH > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Don KB2YSI > Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:20 AM > To: Paul Stoetzer > Cc: Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite > > That is a bummer! That team has had all the bad luck! > > On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:11 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > >> Although German Orbital reports hearing it, no one else has and they >> have since gone radio silent on Twitter, so it seems the satellite is >> probably not functioning. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul, N8HM >> >> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Don KB2YSI wrote: >> > Their website http://www.d-star.one/ has: >> > >> > D-Star ONE Phoenix (DP1GOS) halfduplex repeater & beacon frequencies: >> > Uplink: 437,325MHz >> > Downlink: 435,525MHz >> > RF-Power: 800mW >> > >> > On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 11:07 PM, Donald Jacob wrote: >> > >> >> Does anyone have any information about the Dstar satellite D-Star >> >> One Pheonix that German Orbital Systems built and launched. >> >> Would appreciate any info >> >> >> >> Thanks >> >> 73 >> >> Don >> >> WB5EKU >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> 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 >> >> >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > 73, Don KB2YSI >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > > > > -- > 73, Don KB2YSI > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From k8bl at ameritech.net Fri Mar 16 03:46:08 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 03:46:08 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> Paul, Having "Linear SAT Activity Days" is a GREAT idea! Maybe an AMSAT "Linear SAT 100" Award for 100 Q's would be interesting. Perhaps, endorsable, too. 73, Bob K8BL ________________________________ From: Paul Stoetzer To: R.T.Liddy Cc: Joe N3XLS ; Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:06 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a decent amount of activity still. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating > from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only > one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd > place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt > being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll > find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother > using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't > bother with the others. > 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 > ________________________________ > From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments > > > > Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! > -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > Hello from Seattle > > I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two L > band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 From johnbrier at gmail.com Fri Mar 16 04:30:49 2018 From: johnbrier at gmail.com (John Brier) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:30:49 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 do you accept the challenge? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: https://youtu.be/zsv-4GfqhKU Satellites and cows. 73, John Brier KG4AKV From aj9n at aol.com Fri Mar 16 04:55:43 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:55:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] (no subject) Message-ID: <1622d29e63a-1db1-ddd@webjas-vae195.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-16 04:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact was successful: Thu 2018-03-15 11:12:55 UTC 86 deg (***) ? Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdW96C_lHQx81qCSbW-Jzbw ? ? Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC 27 deg ? Watch for live stream on the EchoLink AMSAT conference server live.?? ****************************************************************************** The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. ? Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio.? The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? ? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.? I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.?? ? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-fall-2017.eventbrite.com ? ? For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-16 04:00 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1215. (***) Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1164. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-16 04:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From howied231 at hotmail.com Thu Mar 15 03:25:14 2018 From: howied231 at hotmail.com (Howie DeFelice) Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2018 03:25:14 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size In-Reply-To: <574119b9-197e-dfe8-de68-c99b3c91429e@vt.edu> References: <1467572268.809458.1520970679710@mail.yahoo.com> <20180313205334.7C4B1851F@lansing182.amsat.org> , <574119b9-197e-dfe8-de68-c99b3c91429e@vt.edu> Message-ID: MO-76 (50dollarsat) was licensed by the FCC and had to submit a debri mitigation plan. 50dollarsat was approximately 2" x 2" x 3" and most certainly is being tracked by radar without retro reflectors. You can find all about 50dollarsat at 50dollarsat.info with links to schematics, pictures and descriptions. One of the things that reduces the time in orbit is the very low mass of 210 grams. That in addition to Kapton sail brakes on the antenna's to increase drag made the deorbit prediction to be less than 10 years. The "too small" argument does not seem to hold water in my opinion. However, that doesn't mean they should have violated the law. Howie AB2S ________________________________ From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Zach Leffke Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 5:13 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size I've been following this as well.....and am confused about one or two things...maybe someone can enlighten me? This article has links to the actual exchanges between the company and the FCC for folks that are interested in the 'source material': https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fspectrum.ieee.org%2Ftech-talk%2Faerospace%2Fsatellites%2Ffcc-accuses-stealthy-startup-of-launching-rogue-satellites.amp.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfbc0ce26a0484b4e552308d589279dd9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636565725601303782&sdata=B949b1pysioOo2ZcUgkNRUyBHML%2Bj0iXwzoEymW0Kb0%3D&reserved=0 Seems the problem was that they were too small (0.25U) for the ground based space situational awareness tracking network to reliably track them for the purpose of collision avoidance and prediction for other spacecraft operators. They mentioned the addition of retro-reflectors to aid in ground based tracking by increasing their radar cross section, but FCC said this wasn't good enough. That was the grounds for rejection from the FCC, too small to be tracked. To be clear, the ACTUAL problem was that despite the fact the FCC turned them down, it appears they worked the system to launch anyway, same ride as AO-92 (so roughly the same orbit, though obviously there has been separation over time)! Not good. So putting aside the apparent disregard for the FCC...........why did they get rejected in the first place? FCC said they were too small....but............ I'm pretty sure the 0.25U form factor is something that Bob Twiggs (of cubesat specification fame, as well as had a hand in MO-76) is pushing. I forget the name they came up with for the 0.25U form factor, but they had a new one (different I think than pocketQub form factor, like MO-76). How then did MO-76 (aka Eagle-2, aka $50Sat) get up? It is a 'pocket cube' sized spacecraft (roughly maybe 1/3 the size of a 1U cubesat). Also, how did KickSat get approval with all of its little roughly 1" by 1" deployable 'Sprites?' I'm pretty sure both MO-76 and Kicksat were approved by the FCC. Kicksat never deployed its Sprites so no 'tracking data' for that, but MO-76 had reliable TLEs throughout its life (and still does, most recent TLE epoch from a day or two ago on celestrak). Also, if they are too small to reliably track, then how are their TLEs getting updated reliably (their called SpaceBEEs for those interested, index like APRS SSID, so SpaceBEE-1, SpaceBEE-2, etc. and their are four of them total)? Satflare and N2YO are showing them (though couldn't find them on Celestrak....). Did the Amateur Radio nature of MO-76 and Kicksat factor into their approval decision (the SpaceBEEs were an experimental filing and not in the Amateur Satellite Service)? Maybe that was the trick? Amateur Radio Licensing is more of a notification process to the FCC (and coordination with IARU), where as the Swarm Technology folks were straight up applying for a new license under experimental rules? Both routes have to submit information according to what Paul mentioned, but since the other two were 'already licensed' there was nothing for the FCC to actually 'grant' ? (this is pure speculation, but I still wonder....) Finally, Kicksat was deployed from ISS and the 'mothership' was a 3U (certainly trackable). Maybe since the sprite deployment was planned for after the deployment from the ISS at lower altitudes they didn't really care about tracking since they were going to burn up in a relatively short time anyway. Also, the 'cloud of sprites' deployed from kicksat would have been all around the 3U, so maybe that was sufficient for tracking purposes? Still doesn't answer the MO-76 question though........ Interesting topic to see how this plays out........Already relevant to this group with respect to MO-76, and potentially relevant for future AMSAT missions if launch costs can be further reduced below a 1U form factor....... I ask because we are interested in the smaller form factor stuff here at VT, so this is pretty important if the minimum size is dictated by regulation and not technology. Seems to me that there is a 'gray area' in terms of what can and can't be tracked (maybe intentional to not reveal too much of the SSA capability?). From a regulatory perspective maybe MO-76 and KickSat 'slipped through' because they were older launches and the FCC wasn't prepared for something that small and has since changed its process to include asking the SSA folks before approving? -Zach Research Associate Aerospace Systems Lab Ted & Karyn Hume Center for National Security & Technology Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Work Phone: 540-231-4174 Cell Phone: 540-808-6305 On 3/13/2018 5:04 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > The denied application was for transmissions in the 137 MHz Space > Operations Service band. > > The orbits are 505 km x 490 km, inclined 97.55 degrees. They are > cataloged by Space-Track (see objects 43139 - 43142), indicating at > least the ability to track them at some points. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > wrote: >> Are these things in a safe orbit? What frequencies do they use? I would hate for one if these .25U objects to hit one of our sats and completely wipe us out. >> It seems from the two articles i read on this incident a bunch of people messed up. Including swarm not understanding the situation. >> -------- Original message --------From: radiomb Date: 3/13/18 3:51 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCC and Satellite Size >> Just saw this article. The FCC is the controlling agency for the size of a satellite? Not NASA or another agency of the government? Guess that is part of the process that AMSAT has to go thru to get a bird approved. >> Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparently in space anyway >> >> | >> | >> | >> | | | >> >> | >> >> | >> | >> | | >> Don't launch these tiny satellites, the FCC said. They're apparentl... >> By Samantha Masunaga Menlo Park small-satellite firm Swarm Technologies apparently launched four tiny satellites despite the disappro... | | >> >> | >> >> | >> >> >> 73 Mike K4MIA >> >> >> | | Virus-free. https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.avast.com&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfbc0ce26a0484b4e552308d589279dd9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636565725601303782&sdata=RexrrWwMhAvgxgoKlhtKiIgGJyutiC87%2FE1HOOFFu%2B8%3D&reserved=0 | >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfbc0ce26a0484b4e552308d589279dd9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636565725601303782&sdata=5qv313WBBqCrr%2FrfkQPVlyNgZo%2FGkqhMcXmFHvyf7eg%3D&reserved=0 >> _______________________________________________ >> 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: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfbc0ce26a0484b4e552308d589279dd9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636565725601303782&sdata=5qv313WBBqCrr%2FrfkQPVlyNgZo%2FGkqhMcXmFHvyf7eg%3D&reserved=0 > _______________________________________________ > 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: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfbc0ce26a0484b4e552308d589279dd9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636565725601303782&sdata=5qv313WBBqCrr%2FrfkQPVlyNgZo%2FGkqhMcXmFHvyf7eg%3D&reserved=0 _______________________________________________ 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: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Famsat-bb&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfbc0ce26a0484b4e552308d589279dd9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636565725601303782&sdata=5qv313WBBqCrr%2FrfkQPVlyNgZo%2FGkqhMcXmFHvyf7eg%3D&reserved=0 From caleb at calebsmith.net Fri Mar 16 05:57:44 2018 From: caleb at calebsmith.net (Caleb Smith) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 05:57:44 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite In-Reply-To: <00c401d3bcd6$dbc6abd0$93540370$@k5wh.net> References: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> <00c401d3bcd6$dbc6abd0$93540370$@k5wh.net> Message-ID: http://www.d-star.one/ I was under the impression that they had sent up a second one that worked (hence the Pheonix designation) -- I don't know much and also don't have a DSTAR radio to try with. On Thu, Mar 15, 2018, 9:30 PM Walter Holmes wrote: > Many thanks Paul, sorry to hear that. > > All the best.. > > Walter/K5WH > > -----Original Message----- > From: prstoetzer at gmail.com On Behalf Of Paul > Stoetzer > Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:10 PM > To: Walter Holmes > Cc: Don KB2YSI ; Donald Jacob ; AMSAT > BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite > > Still no word from German Orbital and no independent reception reports. I > think we can consider it SK. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM, Walter Holmes wrote: > > It's been a while since I have heard anything on this one. > > > > Perhaps I missed the latest news. > > > > Is it operational? As I don't see it listed on the Amsat.org page. > > > > Thanks for any information on it. > > > > Walter/K5WH > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Don KB2YSI > > Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:20 AM > > To: Paul Stoetzer > > Cc: Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite > > > > That is a bummer! That team has had all the bad luck! > > > > On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:11 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > > >> Although German Orbital reports hearing it, no one else has and they > >> have since gone radio silent on Twitter, so it seems the satellite is > >> probably not functioning. > >> > >> 73, > >> > >> Paul, N8HM > >> > >> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Don KB2YSI wrote: > >> > Their website http://www.d-star.one/ has: > >> > > >> > D-Star ONE Phoenix (DP1GOS) halfduplex repeater & beacon frequencies: > >> > Uplink: 437,325MHz > >> > Downlink: 435,525MHz > >> > RF-Power: 800mW > >> > > >> > On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 11:07 PM, Donald Jacob > wrote: > >> > > >> >> Does anyone have any information about the Dstar satellite D-Star > >> >> One Pheonix that German Orbital Systems built and launched. > >> >> Would appreciate any info > >> >> > >> >> Thanks > >> >> 73 > >> >> Don > >> >> WB5EKU > >> >> _______________________________________________ > >> >> 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 > >> >> > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > -- > >> > 73, Don KB2YSI > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> > 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 > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > 73, Don KB2YSI > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From py4zbz at yahoo.com Fri Mar 16 11:51:07 2018 From: py4zbz at yahoo.com (Roland Zurmely) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 11:51:07 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] KSS form PY4ZBZ References: <828169327.1426823.1521201067584.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <828169327.1426823.1521201067584@mail.yahoo.com> PY4ZBZ in GH70un From diehl.mike.a at gmail.com Fri Mar 16 12:05:21 2018 From: diehl.mike.a at gmail.com (Mike Diehl) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:05:21 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> How about an 88 on 88 or 40 on 4B award? 73, Mike Diehl W8LID > On Mar 15, 2018, at 23:46, R.T.Liddy wrote: > > Paul, > > Having "Linear SAT Activity Days" is a GREAT idea! > > Maybe an AMSAT "Linear SAT 100" Award for 100 Q's > would be interesting. Perhaps, endorsable, too. > > 73, Bob K8BL > > > ________________________________ > From: Paul Stoetzer > To: R.T.Liddy > Cc: Joe N3XLS ; Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:06 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs > > > > I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear > operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, > operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every > pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. > > Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where > everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or > CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a > decent amount of activity still. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > >> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: >> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating >> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only >> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd >> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt >> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll >> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother >> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't >> bother with the others. >> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 >> ________________________________ >> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB >> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments >> >> >> >> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! >> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments >> Hello from Seattle >> >> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two > L >> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. >> >> 73 Bob W7LRD >> >> Seattle >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n3xls at yahoo.com Fri Mar 16 12:18:06 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:18:06 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20180316121817.805B1870C@lansing182.amsat.org> An operation event would be great idea! I was told that ssb/cw equipment is expensive, true, but i know lots of hams not using those HF+vhf/uhf radios they got!? ?Everyone should try to get those hams more active.? a local club level opetation event will work well too Take an arrow,? pick a weekend got to the park.? some hot dogs and have some fun! What if awards where split up as well.? FM only/ linear only/mixed?? -------- Original message --------From: "R.T.Liddy" Date: 3/15/18 11:46 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Paul Stoetzer Cc: Joe N3XLS , Bob- W7LRD , amsat-bb Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs Paul, Having "Linear SAT Activity Days" is a GREAT idea! Maybe an AMSAT "Linear SAT 100" Award for 100 Q's would be interesting. Perhaps, endorsable, too. 73,??? Bob? K8BL ________________________________ From: Paul Stoetzer To: R.T.Liddy Cc: Joe N3XLS ; Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:06 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a decent amount of activity still. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating > from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only > one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd > place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt > being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll > find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother > using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't > bother with the others. > 73,??? Bob? K8BL? /4/5/9 > ________________________________ > From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments > > > > Its not too many satellites,? not enough ops! > -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18? 6:23 PM? (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > Hello from Seattle > > I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day.? A small common denominator is subtly appearing.? I read, "I was on the bird all alone",? or something like, "no one to talk to".? The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites!? I never thought this ham would even think of it.? If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen.? I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to".? I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get.? You know the drill.? From what I read there are more on the starting block.? I'd like to see more L band time,? maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments.? We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it.? Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work.? Currently testing between two L >?? band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas.? At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor.? A com port issue which currently I can not figure out.? Assistance solicited.?? On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams"? up there have that "burning in the belly"? to yuck it up, get? WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever.? Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system.? Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > > 73 Bob W7LRD > > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Fri Mar 16 12:23:04 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:23:04 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite In-Reply-To: References: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> <00c401d3bcd6$dbc6abd0$93540370$@k5wh.net> Message-ID: They sent up a second one and claim that it worked, but there's no independent verification despite many hams around the world listening for it. Also, there is still no entry in the Space-Track catalog for DSTAR ONE Phoenix, just four unidentified objects from that launch. That suggests that there are no signals for them to identify which object they are and claim it. 73, Paul, N8HM On Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 1:57 AM, Caleb Smith wrote: > http://www.d-star.one/ > > I was under the impression that they had sent up a second one that worked > (hence the Pheonix designation) -- I don't know much and also don't have a > DSTAR radio to try with. > > > On Thu, Mar 15, 2018, 9:30 PM Walter Holmes wrote: >> >> Many thanks Paul, sorry to hear that. >> >> All the best.. >> >> Walter/K5WH >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: prstoetzer at gmail.com On Behalf Of Paul >> Stoetzer >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:10 PM >> To: Walter Holmes >> Cc: Don KB2YSI ; Donald Jacob ; AMSAT >> BB >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite >> >> Still no word from German Orbital and no independent reception reports. I >> think we can consider it SK. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul, N8HM >> >> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM, Walter Holmes wrote: >> > It's been a while since I have heard anything on this one. >> > >> > Perhaps I missed the latest news. >> > >> > Is it operational? As I don't see it listed on the Amsat.org page. >> > >> > Thanks for any information on it. >> > >> > Walter/K5WH >> > >> > -----Original Message----- >> > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Don KB2YSI >> > Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:20 AM >> > To: Paul Stoetzer >> > Cc: Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB >> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite >> > >> > That is a bummer! That team has had all the bad luck! >> > >> > On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:11 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >> > >> >> Although German Orbital reports hearing it, no one else has and they >> >> have since gone radio silent on Twitter, so it seems the satellite is >> >> probably not functioning. >> >> >> >> 73, >> >> >> >> Paul, N8HM >> >> >> >> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Don KB2YSI wrote: >> >> > Their website http://www.d-star.one/ has: >> >> > >> >> > D-Star ONE Phoenix (DP1GOS) halfduplex repeater & beacon frequencies: >> >> > Uplink: 437,325MHz >> >> > Downlink: 435,525MHz >> >> > RF-Power: 800mW >> >> > >> >> > On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 11:07 PM, Donald Jacob >> >> > wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> Does anyone have any information about the Dstar satellite D-Star >> >> >> One Pheonix that German Orbital Systems built and launched. >> >> >> Would appreciate any info >> >> >> >> >> >> Thanks >> >> >> 73 >> >> >> Don >> >> >> WB5EKU >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> >> 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 >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > -- >> >> > 73, Don KB2YSI >> >> > _______________________________________________ >> >> > 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 >> >> >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > 73, Don KB2YSI >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 From skristof at etczone.com Fri Mar 16 12:26:52 2018 From: skristof at etczone.com (skristof at etczone.com) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:26:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <20180316121817.805B1870C@lansing182.amsat.org> References: <20180316121817.805B1870C@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: At least part of the problem is that all-mode VHF/UHF equipment is expensive. The FM satellites are busy because you can work them with an HT. The linear birds are empty because you need to spend a month's (or more) wages to get on. Steve AI9IN Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments Hello from Seattle I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". From skristof at etczone.com Fri Mar 16 12:30:30 2018 From: skristof at etczone.com (skristof at etczone.com) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:30:30 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS APRS Packet In-Reply-To: <1028969460.1600201.1521164454184@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1028969460.1600201.1521164454184.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1028969460.1600201.1521164454184@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <8a48ce9ce4c126cd3ec15753501df0e6@etczone.com> I agree 100%, Scott. Unfortunately, I'll bet that fixing their ham radio is a pretty low priority for NASA and the astronauts. Steve AI9IN On 2018-03-15 21:40, Scott Harvey via AMSAT-BB wrote: > ISS APRS seems to be a forgotten subject. I have seen one or maybe two posts about it since they went silent after the SSTV even in December. I hope they have been working on trying to troubleshoot the unit currently on board and not just waiting until the new radio and power supply can be launched later this year. Can anyone give us all an update on the progress? > Scott, KA7FVV > _______________________________________________ From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Fri Mar 16 13:35:38 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 09:35:38 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 schedule update for 18-24 MAR Message-ID: <0aae01d3bd2b$ac1a1430$044e3c90$@mindspring.com> I just updated the schedule for AO-92 at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ Note the camera pass is over the Caribbean and South America. We may not get many images due to the spacecraft attitude, but I thought we should try. Please pass the word that we need FoxTelem users submitting high speed data over these areas to get any images. Thanks and 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations AMSAT-OSCAR 92 AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa's High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 18-24 Mar 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: Approximately 1500UTC 18Mar we will enable the L band uplink for ~24 hours Approximately 1345UTC 22Mar we will enable the VT camera and high-speed data for ~40 minutes. This is a Caribbean and South America pass. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1345UTC. All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. From hamsat at xs4all.nl Fri Mar 16 13:42:19 2018 From: hamsat at xs4all.nl (Nico Janssen) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:42:19 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite In-Reply-To: References: <00c301d3bcd4$16e34c80$44a9e580$@k5wh.net> <00c401d3bcd6$dbc6abd0$93540370$@k5wh.net> Message-ID: <1deb3ef7-7ae9-6a4b-8a1f-ee1b5e8af5fc@xs4all.nl> Those four unidentified objects (43186, 43187, 43188 and 43189) are actually the four S-Net satellites of the Technical University of Berlin: http://www.raumfahrttechnik.tu-berlin.de/menue/forschung/aktuelle_projekte/s_net/parameter/en/ These satellites are flying in close formation and therefore it is hard to identify them individually. Downlink: 435.950 MHz. No TLE set has been determined for D-Star One. Also the TLEs for the rocket stage are missing. But two catalog numbers have been reserved for them: 43190 and 43191. Maybe something has gone wrong and D-Star One was never released into space? That could explain why no signals have been received. 73, Nico PA0DLO On 16-03-18 13:23, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > They sent up a second one and claim that it worked, but there's no > independent verification despite many hams around the world listening > for it. > > Also, there is still no entry in the Space-Track catalog for DSTAR ONE > Phoenix, just four unidentified objects from that launch. That > suggests that there are no signals for them to identify which object > they are and claim it. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 1:57 AM, Caleb Smith wrote: >> http://www.d-star.one/ >> >> I was under the impression that they had sent up a second one that worked >> (hence the Pheonix designation) -- I don't know much and also don't have a >> DSTAR radio to try with. >> >> >> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018, 9:30 PM Walter Holmes wrote: >>> Many thanks Paul, sorry to hear that. >>> >>> All the best.. >>> >>> Walter/K5WH >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: prstoetzer at gmail.com On Behalf Of Paul >>> Stoetzer >>> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:10 PM >>> To: Walter Holmes >>> Cc: Don KB2YSI ; Donald Jacob ; AMSAT >>> BB >>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite >>> >>> Still no word from German Orbital and no independent reception reports. I >>> think we can consider it SK. >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Paul, N8HM >>> >>> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM, Walter Holmes wrote: >>>> It's been a while since I have heard anything on this one. >>>> >>>> Perhaps I missed the latest news. >>>> >>>> Is it operational? As I don't see it listed on the Amsat.org page. >>>> >>>> Thanks for any information on it. >>>> >>>> Walter/K5WH >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Don KB2YSI >>>> Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 9:20 AM >>>> To: Paul Stoetzer >>>> Cc: Donald Jacob ; AMSAT BB >>>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] DStar Satellite >>>> >>>> That is a bummer! That team has had all the bad luck! >>>> >>>> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:11 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >>>> >>>>> Although German Orbital reports hearing it, no one else has and they >>>>> have since gone radio silent on Twitter, so it seems the satellite is >>>>> probably not functioning. >>>>> >>>>> 73, >>>>> >>>>> Paul, N8HM >>>>> >>>>> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Don KB2YSI wrote: >>>>>> Their website http://www.d-star.one/ has: >>>>>> >>>>>> D-Star ONE Phoenix (DP1GOS) halfduplex repeater & beacon frequencies: >>>>>> Uplink: 437,325MHz >>>>>> Downlink: 435,525MHz >>>>>> RF-Power: 800mW >>>>>> >>>>>> On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 11:07 PM, Donald Jacob >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Does anyone have any information about the Dstar satellite D-Star >>>>>>> One Pheonix that German Orbital Systems built and launched. >>>>>>> Would appreciate any info >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks >>>>>>> 73 >>>>>>> Don >>>>>>> WB5EKU >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> 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 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> 73, Don KB2YSI >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> 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 >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> 73, Don KB2YSI >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Fri Mar 16 14:05:28 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:05:28 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-85 auto safe mode Message-ID: <0acf01d3bd2f$d6b14250$8413c6f0$@mindspring.com> Friends, AO-85 is putting itself in safe mode towards the end of eclipses as the battery voltage drops. This is a normal behavior programmed to protect the batteries from over-discharge. I just wanted to let everyone know that we are aware, and it's a "to be expected" behavior. Thanks and 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations From peter at m3php.com Fri Mar 16 15:36:23 2018 From: peter at m3php.com (Peter Goodhall) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:36:23 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: References: <20180316121817.805B1870C@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: The latest radios might be expensive, but there are plenty second-hand multimode bits of kit available could also save money and use an SDR for the receiver so a single FT-817 works. Linears aren't empty, the issue is that a few certain satellites get underused for various reasons. I'd support an activity event on the linear birds. Peter, 2M0SQL On 16 March 2018 at 12:26, wrote: > At least part of the problem is that all-mode VHF/UHF equipment is > expensive. The FM satellites are busy because you can work them with an > HT. The linear birds are empty because you need to spend a month's (or > more) wages to get on. > > Steve AI9IN > > Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! > > -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb > Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > Hello from Seattle > > I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common > denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", > or something like, "no one to talk to". > _______________________________________________ > 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 -- Peter Goodhall, 2M0SQL From mjohns166 at yahoo.com Fri Mar 16 15:55:24 2018 From: mjohns166 at yahoo.com (Mark Johns) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:55:24 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Callsign Change References: <1880655317.1261868.1521215724947.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1880655317.1261868.1521215724947@mail.yahoo.com> Thanks to the FCC FINALLY pulling my name out of the hat, as of today K0MDJ is now K0JM I'm working diligently on getting back onto the birds after some absence. I'll try to increase the population on the linear satellites soon. --? Mark D. Johns, K?JM (ex-K?MDJ)? Minneapolis, MN EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit,? ? ?you would stay out and your dog would go in."? ? ? ?---Mark Twain From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Fri Mar 16 16:22:23 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 20:22:23 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <85BDCA3C-E37F-4093-B16D-FA829902C28A@gmail.com> Paul, In spite of not real interest to US Om?s, just to share, I am active on all birds and making a lot of measurements such as minimum EIRP required for each bird etc.. Will eventually share with the community when ready/having some time to put all in a proper document. All XW-2X on voice are very good and strong signal on all passes this side. That said, I am also trying to automate the station for automatic telemetry reporting to the SAT operators and one major issue is with XW-2X satellites, in spite I can decode easily the CW beacon, in spite strong rf, the digital telemetry seems to be impossible to decode (sometimes work for XW-2A). Fortunately CAS-4A and CAS-4B are so easy as a comparison, same for AO-73, Nayif and the Fox series and others. Therefore an open question to the BB and CAMSAT if you decode well the digital telemetry of XW-2X sats please share how you do it as I am quite lost. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 16, 2018, at 7:06 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear > operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, > operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every > pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. > > Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where > everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or > CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a > decent amount of activity still. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: >> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating >> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only >> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd >> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt >> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll >> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother >> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't >> bother with the others. >> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 >> ________________________________ >> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB >> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments >> >> >> >> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! >> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments >> Hello from Seattle >> >> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two > L >> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. >> >> 73 Bob W7LRD >> >> Seattle >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Fri Mar 16 17:00:53 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 21:00:53 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-85 auto safe mode In-Reply-To: <0acf01d3bd2f$d6b14250$8413c6f0$@mindspring.com> References: <0acf01d3bd2f$d6b14250$8413c6f0$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: Andrew, Thanks for the info. However, on this side, just a few minutes ago, I made several tests on AO-85 which was in eclipse and received very well the telemetry and voice (see AMSAT Leaderboard). I guess that in spite in eclipse the battery was charged. Just a feedback 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 16, 2018, at 6:05 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > > Friends, > > > > AO-85 is putting itself in safe mode towards the end of eclipses as the > battery voltage drops. This is a normal behavior programmed to protect the > batteries from over-discharge. I just wanted to let everyone know that we > are aware, and it's a "to be expected" behavior. > > > > Thanks and 73, > > Drew KO4MA > > AMSAT VP Operations > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Fri Mar 16 17:38:40 2018 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:38:40 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-85 auto safe mode In-Reply-To: <0acf01d3bd2f$d6b14250$8413c6f0$@mindspring.com> References: <0acf01d3bd2f$d6b14250$8413c6f0$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <83c471aa-72db-08b6-f0f0-71c8a3d47711@gmail.com> Hi Drew, Thanks for letting us know. I'm curious... Is this a seasonal / yearly / longer-term thing with the orbit, or an indication of a weakening of some of the satellite's components (solar cells, battery)? I presume it didn't do this when first launched, right? Greg KO6TH Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > Friends, > > > > AO-85 is putting itself in safe mode towards the end of eclipses as the > battery voltage drops. This is a normal behavior programmed to protect the > batteries from over-discharge. I just wanted to let everyone know that we > are aware, and it's a "to be expected" behavior. > > > > Thanks and 73, > > Drew KO4MA > > AMSAT VP Operations > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From zmetzing at pobox.com Fri Mar 16 18:01:54 2018 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 13:01:54 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments In-Reply-To: References: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: On 03/15/18 21:07, Mac A. Cody wrote: >> At the sacrifice of some bandwidth, the following advantages can be >> had with >> using DSB modulation: >> 1) DSB modulation is relatively easy to achieve. The band-limited audio >> is fed into a double-balanced mixer, bandpass filtered for harmonics, and >> fed into a PA for transmission. The resulting hardware is comparatively >> inexpensive to construct and to tune. >> 2) Sideband inversion caused by some linear birds is no longer an issue. >> Having both sidebands present in DSB modulation means that the correct >> sideband will always be available for reception. >> 3) Interoperability with SSB stations would be maintained, as DSB >> modulation >> is a superset of SSB modulation. Why not use the new LimeSDR Mini and do a SDR-based design for satellite work? It already has separate TX and RX paths, ready for duplex operation. One simply, for various values of simple, needs to design a receiver/transmitter design to go into the Altera FPGA, bolt on a suitable CODEC (might I suggest the MAX9860?), and then add some filtering and a PA. [Mic/Spkr] <---> [MAX9960] <---> [FPGA] <---> [Limechip] <--> PA/Filter I'd bolt on a LCD, rotary encoder, and a few buttons for user I/O. No PC needed for control. Add antenna and you're done. You'd have a complete all-mode (SSB, AM, FM, etc.) solution for perhaps $200. (This is a back-burner project for me -- I won't be offended if anyone gets there first. hihi) --- Zach N0ZGO From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Fri Mar 16 20:35:42 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 20:35:42 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT @ Scottsdale AZ hamfest, tomorrow (17 March) Message-ID: Hi! I will have an AMSAT booth at the Scottsdale Amateur Radio Club's annual Springfest hamfest tomorrow morning, 17 March 2018, between 7am and 12 noon (1400-1900 UTC). The hamfest is located at the Illuminate Community Church, west of AZ-101 exit 36 (Princess Drive) in Scottsdale AZ. More information about the hamfest is available in the flyer at: https://scottsdalearc.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/2018-scottsdale-springfest.pdf More information about the Scottsdale Amateur Radio Club can be found at the club's web site: http://scottsdalearc.org/ Even though the hamfest doesn't officially start until 1400 UTC, I will have WD9EWK on various satellite passes starting before that time until the end of the event, for demonstrations of satellite operating. If you hear WD9EWK, please feel free to call and be a part of the demonstration. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World after the hamfest, and QSL cards will be available on request (please e-mail me directly with the QSO details - no need to send a card or SASE). During the morning, I will use my @WD9EWK Twitter account for updates from the hamfest. If you do not use Twitter, you can use this link to see those tweets in a web browser, without having to sign up for Twitter: http://twitter.com/WD9EWK Thanks, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK From wa7eth at frontier.com Sat Mar 17 03:13:51 2018 From: wa7eth at frontier.com (wa7eth at frontier.com) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 03:13:51 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Anyone in 8 land work N7AME? References: <309529743.2187507.1521256431363.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <309529743.2187507.1521256431363@mail.yahoo.com> My friend N7AME made his first contact on AO-91 (first satellite contact ever) around 2200Z today.? It was an 8-land station, perhaps WD8E??? Does anyone have any confirming information?? John, N7AME is just beginning his journey into the satellite realm.? ?Thanks es 73....Ed? WA7ETH From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Sat Mar 17 05:30:59 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 01:30:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] CORRECTION to the ARISS News Release no. 18-03 issued on March 15, 2018 Message-ID: <95892663DDF8405B8406ED11B595F755@DHJ> Please note that the URL for Advanced Registration has been corrected. ARISS News Release No. 18-03 Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 March 17, 2018: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio. The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program's goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, "ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is." Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, "It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!" Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, "This chance for our school's ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world. I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class." ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. Also join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status Media Contact: Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Sat Mar 17 05:46:39 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 01:46:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS contact with Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia Message-ID: <9C7F0213E60B4CB095BDCE9163DA3678@DHJ> An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia on 19 Mar. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 08:43 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and VK4KHZ. The contact should be audible over portions of Australia and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Templestowe Valley Primary School is located in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne (about 17km from the centre of Melbourne). We have approximately 460 students from age 5 to 13 years. We have about 45 on our staff which includes 19 grades. Our students are loving learning about Science and STEM. They have a strong love of sports especially soccer, cricket, and basketball. We have a friendly and inclusive community. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. If you could take 5 personal things to space what would it be? Did you take your guitar? 2. How fast do you need to go in a rocket to break through the Earth?s atmosphere? 3. What is the most extraordinary thing you have seen in space? 4. Have you ever been in a space emergency or felt scared? 5. How does the space ship move without hitting something? 6. How many astronauts can work in the space station and what do they do? 7. How did the space station get into space? 8. What is the greatest risk to your space station? 9. Have you discovered anything new? 10. How do they fuel the spaceship? 11. What are you researching in space? 12. How does your body feel when you re-enter gravity? 13. What do you have to do to train or prepare to go to space? 14. How do you have a shower and wash your hair? 15. What do you eat? 16. Why do you need to exercise? 17. When you use amateur radio in space are conditions better or worse? 18. How long does it take for ISS to orbit Earth? 19. How long can you stay in space? 20. Is the ISS at risk of being hit by a meteor? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): TBD About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From wa6ilt at charter.net Sat Mar 17 12:34:20 2018 From: wa6ilt at charter.net (David Reinhart) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 08:34:20 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] What happens when we reach AO-100? Message-ID: <462a6387-6848-8492-2579-2bfa21955c76@charter.net> Hi.? I've been more of a lurker these days, so excuse me if this has been brought up before.? Can the tracking programs we commonly use handle satellites with three digit designations?? Or are we going to run into a Y2K sort of situation? 73, Dave WA6ILT From kb2ysi at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 13:50:29 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 13:50:29 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments In-Reply-To: References: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: Not only is the equipment to get on linear satellites more expensive, they also require more skill to operate OR even more equipment for automatic control (if your equipment can be controlled). That is why the FM satellites are so busy, inexpensive hardware + lower skill requirements = more people will try it. The SDR market will surely help on the receiving side, but it is the transmission side that causes the big hurdle. Hopefully with the coming warmer weather I'll be able to get more experience with my linear setup. It is not all that great standing out in below freezing temperatures with wind and attempting to learn how to operate two radios and hold an arrow at the same time. 73, Don KB2YSI On Mar 16, 2018 14:02, "Zach Metzinger" wrote: On 03/15/18 21:07, Mac A. Cody wrote: >> At the sacrifice of some bandwidth, the following advantages can be >> had with >> using DSB modulation: >> 1) DSB modulation is relatively easy to achieve. The band-limited audio >> is fed into a double-balanced mixer, bandpass filtered for harmonics, and >> fed into a PA for transmission. The resulting hardware is comparatively >> inexpensive to construct and to tune. >> 2) Sideband inversion caused by some linear birds is no longer an issue. >> Having both sidebands present in DSB modulation means that the correct >> sideband will always be available for reception. >> 3) Interoperability with SSB stations would be maintained, as DSB >> modulation >> is a superset of SSB modulation. Why not use the new LimeSDR Mini and do a SDR-based design for satellite work? It already has separate TX and RX paths, ready for duplex operation. One simply, for various values of simple, needs to design a receiver/transmitter design to go into the Altera FPGA, bolt on a suitable CODEC (might I suggest the MAX9860?), and then add some filtering and a PA. [Mic/Spkr] <---> [MAX9960] <---> [FPGA] <---> [Limechip] <--> PA/Filter I'd bolt on a LCD, rotary encoder, and a few buttons for user I/O. No PC needed for control. Add antenna and you're done. You'd have a complete all-mode (SSB, AM, FM, etc.) solution for perhaps $200. (This is a back-burner project for me -- I won't be offended if anyone gets there first. hihi) --- Zach N0ZGO _______________________________________________ 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 From kb2ysi at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 13:58:13 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 13:58:13 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> Message-ID: Plain QSO's or grids? I might be able to do 40 contacts by years end. An award is a goal, goals are easy to quantify, and you can see progress as you are working towards them. 73, Don KB2YSI On Fri, Mar 16, 2018, 08:07 Mike Diehl wrote: > How about an 88 on 88 or 40 on 4B award? > > 73, > Mike Diehl > W8LID > > > On Mar 15, 2018, at 23:46, R.T.Liddy wrote: > > > > Paul, > > > > Having "Linear SAT Activity Days" is a GREAT idea! > > > > Maybe an AMSAT "Linear SAT 100" Award for 100 Q's > > would be interesting. Perhaps, endorsable, too. > > > > 73, Bob K8BL > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Paul Stoetzer > > To: R.T.Liddy > > Cc: Joe N3XLS ; Bob- W7LRD ; > amsat-bb > > Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:06 PM > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs > > > > > > > > I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear > > operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, > > operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every > > pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. > > > > Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where > > everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or > > CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a > > decent amount of activity still. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > > >> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > >> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating > >> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only > >> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd > >> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt > >> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll > >> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother > >> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't > >> bother with the others. > >> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 > >> ________________________________ > >> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > >> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM > >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments > >> > >> > >> > >> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! > >> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb > Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > >> Hello from Seattle > >> > >> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common > denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", > or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have > too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If > I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering > barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad > thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". > I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close > to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more > on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird > with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & > dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking > forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this > stuff work. Currently testing between tw > o > > L > >> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I > have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com > port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. > On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that > "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. > Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day > in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > >> > >> 73 Bob W7LRD > >> > >> Seattle > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From royldean at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 14:16:16 2018 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 10:16:16 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unattended FoxTelem Question Message-ID: Does FoxTelem automatically check for new Keps periodically, or only upon startup? I have an unattended station running on a Raspberry Pi, and I'm wondering if I shouldn't close and restart FoxTelem every couple of weeks to refresh TLE's. Scrolled through the command terminal and didn't see any updates occuring, but you can see keps being updated upon startup. -Roy K3RLD From n3xls at yahoo.com Sat Mar 17 14:19:58 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 10:19:58 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Cas-4B 14;30z Message-ID: <20180317142019.8111D8554@lansing182.amsat.org> I will be on cas-4b. From FN21 N3XLS. From n3xls at yahoo.com Sat Mar 17 14:55:57 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 10:55:57 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Ao-92 1520z FN21 In-Reply-To: <20180317142019.8111D8554@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <20180317145605.6A38B86E9@lansing182.amsat.org> Will be on AO-92 at 1520z N3XLS -------- Original message --------From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB Date: 3/17/18 10:19 AM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] Cas-4B 14;30z I will be on cas-4b. From FN21 N3XLS. _______________________________________________ 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 From n3xls at yahoo.com Sat Mar 17 15:33:49 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:33:49 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Cas4B @1615z. FN21 N3XLS Message-ID: <20180317153354.840C48210@lansing182.amsat.org> If you need me or just want to say hello i will be on. From daniel at destevez.net Sat Mar 17 15:16:20 2018 From: daniel at destevez.net (Dani EA4GPZ) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 16:16:20 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins In-Reply-To: References: <09170e7f63e91055ad5ca86bec12503d@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <8a62bc95-a980-3c09-ef97-e5e48f8fd9fe@destevez.net> El 14/03/18 a las 20:40, Daniel Cussen escribi?: > I would hesitate to recommend this system, as it is vapour-ware at the > moment, and all the previous kits/hardware released have been dropped > and made obsolete by changes to the broadcast. Previous broadcasts > were 12Ghz geostationary, but decoded using a DVB-S tuner demodulator, > then they changed to L-band low earth orbit immarsat and now they are > back on geostationary, this time with a new modulation scheme making > pointing easier. They are using the "LoRa" standard, basically just > using a protocol that allows low signal margin decoding ( Chirp Spread > Spectrum modulation (CSS) which trades data rate for sensitivity > within a fixed channel bandwidth. ), similar to WSJT/PSK31 and other > low data rate weak signal modes. > > It is interesting they thing that a bare LNB (about 80 degree beam > width) that seems to be doing the trick, although they also show > pictures of patch antennas which presumably are designed for narrower > beam width more suited to this. Hi Daniel, I also find it a bit hard to believe that the current Outernet goal can be made to work: a 30kbps stream from a GEO Ku-band satellite that can be received with a bare LNB or small patch antenna. This is not necessarily impossible if you run the numbers, but its feasibility is pretty borderline. I'll believe it when I see it working. As I understand, one of the main issues they're having is co-channel interference. This goes as follows: if you look at link budget alone (free space path loss, the gain of an LNB and so on), maybe things can look OK. However, in the real world what happens is that your LNB has a wide beam, so you receive the signals from over a dozen different GEO satellites. The signal you want to receive is now interfered by DVB-S transponders (or other signals) from many different satellites and now you have a problem (as before the main contribution of noise was the LNB noise figure, and now you notice that the noise floor is much higher due to interference). This is not a problem when using a dish, since the beamwidth is rather narrow and your dish only sees a few satellites at a time, so interference is unlikely. But when you look at many satellites instead, the spectrum is extremely crowded. The fun thing about this story is that they claim that the are experimenting with LoRA to fight co-channel interference (since LoRA is spread spectrum). In my last talk about Outernet I commented that this is nonsense and that they don't understand properly how spread spectrum works. If you think about it, spread spectrum (in comparison to a narrowband signal) works very well against narrowband interference, but it doesn't make any difference against wideband interference. In this case, the co-channel interference is DVB-S and other wideband signals. For all practical effects, they just look as an elevated noise floor and there is no way to fight against them, spread spectrum or not. Since the Outernet topic has come to this mailing list once again, I take the liberty to remind you that while Outernet can be interesting from the technical point of view, they have always kept secret their modulation, coding, protocols and so on, and the key parts of the receiver are closed-source. This is no good for Amateur Radio and experimentation in general. Thanks to my work and the help of some other people, now there is a fully open-source receiver for the (now defunct) L-band signal, as well as public specifications for everything. This was done by reverse engineering, without any support from the Outernet team (which don't seem to like this open-source receiver). Some references: https://github.com/daniestevez/free-outernet http://destevez.net/tag/outernet/ http://destevez.net/talks/ 73, Dani EA4GPZ. From k8bl at ameritech.net Sat Mar 17 15:52:55 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:52:55 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs/Gridders In-Reply-To: References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> Message-ID: <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> Don, Be careful about making suggestions about increasing activity on the Linear SATs! You may get personally ATTACKED in direct e-mails like I did. There are people out there that hate Gridders and feel the Linear SATs are to be held aside so they can have them to themselves for having chats with each other day after day. I won't reveal the gentleman's ID, but you can read excerpts of some of the e-mails that came to me directly for merely suggesting something to increase activity on his private Linear SATs. Or, save your blood pressure and skip his comments below. (So much hate!) 73, Bob K8BL --------------------------------------------------------------- Simply stated you are the problem with this hobby today. Go get in your car and prove the laws of propagation again and again from strips of dirt only people like you care about. Yeah that?s real modern HAHAHAHA Talk to your same cronies over and over yelling a new grid at them. You call that fun ?eh. Sats work, get over it, you don?t have to keep proving it. It simple to understand that. Once again I say we don?t need your kind on the linear sats. Stay on FM and do us all a favor. The mess I refer to is the operating practices of those on the FM birds. People calling over one another, not allowing someone to get a confirmation of their contact before yelling their call and grid out once again, and now I hear you have a jammer on 91 and 92. What frustration do you think is causing that ? I don?t care what other hams do. Each have their own preferences,.. What I don?t like is someone coming up with a great ?idea? to get more activity on what is now an enjoyable aspect of the hobby that I enjoy. I have to put up with nonsense contests every weekend on HF but I can go to WARC bands to get away from it. Don?t be looking to crap up my linear sats and turn them into the mess that?s on the FM sats. Its disgraceful what goes on there. Honestly I don?t think it will come to that since people have to use more that a pair of $25 boufangs and an arrow to get on linear sats. ________________________________ From: Don KB2YSI To: Mike Diehl Cc: R.T.Liddy ; amsat-bb ; Paul Stoetzer Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2018 8:58 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs Plain QSO's or grids? I might be able to do 40 contacts by years end. An award is a goal, goals are easy to quantify, and you can see progress as you are working towards them. 73, Don KB2YSI On Fri, Mar 16, 2018, 08:07 Mike Diehl wrote: >How about an 88 on 88 or 40 on 4B award? >73, >Mike Diehl >W8LID > >> On Mar 15, 2018, at 23:46, R.T.Liddy wrote: >> Paul, >> Having "Linear SAT Activity Days" is a GREAT idea! >> Maybe an AMSAT "Linear SAT 100" Award for 100 Q's >> would be interesting. Perhaps, endorsable, too. >> 73, Bob K8BL >> ________________________________ >> From: Paul Stoetzer >> To: R.T.Liddy >> Cc: Joe N3XLS ; Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:06 PM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs >> >> I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear >> operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, >> operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every >> pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. >> >> Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where >> everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or >> CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a >> decent amount of activity still. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul, N8HM >> >>> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: >>> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating >>> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only >>> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd >>> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt >>> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll >>> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother >>> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't >>> bother with the others. >>> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 >>> ________________________________ >>> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB >>> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >>> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM >>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments >>> >>> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! >>>>>> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments >>> Hello from Seattle >>> >>> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two >>>L band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. >>> >>> 73 Bob W7LRD >>> Seattle ______________________________________________ From joanne.k9jkm at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 16:35:00 2018 From: joanne.k9jkm at gmail.com (JoAnne K9JKM) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:35:00 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs/Gridders In-Reply-To: <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5aad43b0.44196b0a.56623.3299@mx.google.com> Hi Bob, > You may get personally ATTACKED in direct e-mails Yeah, sometimes there is a bit of boorish behavior, it seems more via the internet than in direct conversations. I've shrugged off, or laughed off some interesting replies over the years ... When I reported in the ANS bulletins AMSAT-DL's success using their big dish to accomplish the Earth-Venus-Earth path I received an e-mail from an Official Observer citing me for promoting poor amateur radio practices. No regular ham has a 20 meter dish and temporary authority to experiment with a few kilowatts on S-band. When I mentioned that ARISSat-1 was in a way a Russian satellite since it had a Russian callsign, the experiment on board was by a Russian university, it was deployed by Russian cosmonauts on a Russian EVA ... I was warned by private e-mail that he was considering suing me if I kept promoting such un-American thoughts like that. A private e-mail informed me that AMSAT had been taken out of that individual's will because of stuff I said. I hear you on the satellites often. I spend most of my time tweaking my telemetry reception but I still hear the voice traffic ... you keep handing out the grids :-) Since telemetry doesn't count for Field Day I'll be switching over to voice on the linear sats so there goes the neighborhood for sure! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From n3xls at yahoo.com Sat Mar 17 16:59:28 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 12:59:28 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] N4UFO Message-ID: <20180317170228.3E39C84BC@lansing182.amsat.org> I worked N4UFO on CAS-4B.? He is rovering around TN area today. In case anyone needs those grids etc. From k8bl at ameritech.net Sat Mar 17 18:21:12 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:21:12 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs/Gridders In-Reply-To: <5aad43b0.44196b0a.56623.3299@mx.google.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> <5aad43b0.44196b0a.56623.3299@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <1741071379.2473869.1521310872542@mail.yahoo.com> JoAnne, Thanks for the kind words and support. Opposition usually spurs me on to continue when I'm wrongfully attacked. It is so sad in this day and age that a mere suggestion can cause such rage from narrow-minded people/groups. Actually, I feel the interest in Gridding has been a major factor in the great amount of activity on SATs and the trigger for many technological improvements in equipment, software and techniques. TNX & 73, Bob K8BL ________________________________ From: JoAnne K9JKM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2018 11:35 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs/Gridders Hi Bob, > You may get personally ATTACKED in direct e-mails Yeah, sometimes there is a bit of boorish behavior, it seems more via the internet than in direct conversations. I've shrugged off, or laughed off some interesting replies over the years ... When I reported in the ANS bulletins AMSAT-DL's success using their big dish to accomplish the Earth-Venus-Earth path I received an e-mail from an Official Observer citing me for promoting poor amateur radio practices. No regular ham has a 20 meter dish and temporary authority to experiment with a few kilowatts on S-band. When I mentioned that ARISSat-1 was in a way a Russian satellite since it had a Russian callsign, the experiment on board was by a Russian university, it was deployed by Russian cosmonauts on a Russian EVA ... I was warned by private e-mail that he was considering suing me if I kept promoting such un-American thoughts like that. A private e-mail informed me that AMSAT had been taken out of that individual's will because of stuff I said. I hear you on the satellites often. I spend most of my time tweaking my telemetry reception but I still hear the voice traffic ... you keep handing out the grids :-) Since telemetry doesn't count for Field Day I'll be switching over to voice on the linear sats so there goes the neighborhood for sure! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org _______________________________________________ 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 From burns at fisher.cc Sat Mar 17 18:25:01 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:25:01 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] What happens when we reach AO-100? In-Reply-To: <462a6387-6848-8492-2579-2bfa21955c76@charter.net> References: <462a6387-6848-8492-2579-2bfa21955c76@charter.net> Message-ID: I'm pretty sure the the standard TLE has 12 characters for the name. In any case, there are things like FalconSat which MacDoppler and SatPC32 already track with no problem. So I'd guess that AO-100 would not be an issue. On Sat, Mar 17, 2018 at 8:34 AM, David Reinhart wrote: > Hi. I've been more of a lurker these days, so excuse me if this has been > brought up before. Can the tracking programs we commonly use handle > satellites with three digit designations? Or are we going to run into a > Y2K sort of situation? > > 73, > > Dave > WA6ILT > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From aa5pk at suddenlink.net Sat Mar 17 18:26:40 2018 From: aa5pk at suddenlink.net (Glenn Miller - AA5PK) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 13:26:40 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs/Gridders In-Reply-To: <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com><20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org><1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com><1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com><536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: The best part is "...my linear sats...". What an asshat. -----Original Message----- From: R.T.Liddy Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2018 10:52 AM To: Don KB2YSI ; Mike Diehl Cc: amsat-bb ; Paul Stoetzer Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs/Gridders Don, Be careful about making suggestions about increasing activity on the Linear SATs! You may get personally ATTACKED in direct e-mails like I did. There are people out there that hate Gridders and feel the Linear SATs are to be held aside so they can have them to themselves for having chats with each other day after day. I won't reveal the gentleman's ID, but you can read excerpts of some of the e-mails that came to me directly for merely suggesting something to increase activity on his private Linear SATs. Or, save your blood pressure and skip his comments below. (So much hate!) 73, Bob K8BL --------------------------------------------------------------- I don?t care what other hams do. Each have their own preferences,.. What I don?t like is someone coming up with a great ?idea? to get more activity on what is now an enjoyable aspect of the hobby that I enjoy. I have to put up with nonsense contests every weekend on HF but I can go to WARC bands to get away from it. Don?t be looking to crap up my linear sats and turn them into the mess that?s on the FM sats. Its disgraceful what goes on there. Honestly I don?t think it will come to that since people have to use more that a pair of $25 boufangs and an arrow to get on linear sats. From burns at fisher.cc Sat Mar 17 18:27:14 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:27:14 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unattended FoxTelem Question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good point, Roy. I'm working on a similar thing with Chris (FoxTelem author), so I'll ask. Not sure if he watches this BB. On Sat, Mar 17, 2018 at 10:16 AM, Roy Dean wrote: > Does FoxTelem automatically check for new Keps periodically, or only upon > startup? I have an unattended station running on a Raspberry Pi, and I'm > wondering if I shouldn't close and restart FoxTelem every couple of weeks > to refresh TLE's. Scrolled through the command terminal and didn't see > any updates occuring, but you can see keps being updated upon startup. > > -Roy > K3RLD > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From n0jy at amsat.org Sat Mar 17 19:13:49 2018 From: n0jy at amsat.org (Jerry Buxton) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:13:49 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> It is a fact that I get on the birds infrequently, often it's a timing issue of when I have free time vs. what is going to pass during that time. Taking that into account as you are reading this, the last couple or three times I was on a linear bird which would have been 1H 2017 to my recollection, nobody wanted to have a rag-chew or even a short weather/shack/shoe-size QSO.? Grid exchange was it.? Honestly, I don't care about grids or awards although I will work some when they are out in the rare spots on the FM birds if the timeslot fits just to have them in the log in case I change my mind some year (love that you can just do that with ham radio, change your interest/tactics any given day). So I haven't tried so much to get on a linear pass after that, it wasn't what I was looking for.? CQ for the whole pass to exchange grids three or four times. This is not an editorial on what current op trends are, just my two cents worth on the subject.? Maybe I hit the birds during a lull in rag-chew interest. Jerry Buxton, N?JY On 3/15/2018 22:06, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear > operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, > operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every > pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. > > Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where > everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or > CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a > decent amount of activity still. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: >> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating >> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only >> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd >> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt >> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll >> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother >> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't >> bother with the others. >> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 >> ________________________________ >> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB >> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments >> >> >> >> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! >> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments >> Hello from Seattle >> >> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two > L >> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. >> >> 73 Bob W7LRD >> >> Seattle >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > From af5cc2 at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 19:18:35 2018 From: af5cc2 at gmail.com (John Geiger) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:18:35 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> Message-ID: Now I have had some nice ragchews on FO29 the past couple of days. There seems to be a group from W6 land that get on their quite reqularly and QSO with each other. 73 John AF5CC On Sat, Mar 17, 2018 at 2:13 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: > It is a fact that I get on the birds infrequently, often it's a timing > issue of when I have free time vs. what is going to pass during that time. > Taking that into account as you are reading this, the last couple or > three times I was on a linear bird which would have been 1H 2017 to my > recollection, nobody wanted to have a rag-chew or even a short > weather/shack/shoe-size QSO. Grid exchange was it. Honestly, I don't > care about grids or awards although I will work some when they are out > in the rare spots on the FM birds if the timeslot fits just to have them > in the log in case I change my mind some year (love that you can just do > that with ham radio, change your interest/tactics any given day). > So I haven't tried so much to get on a linear pass after that, it wasn't > what I was looking for. CQ for the whole pass to exchange grids three > or four times. > This is not an editorial on what current op trends are, just my two > cents worth on the subject. Maybe I hit the birds during a lull in > rag-chew interest. > > Jerry Buxton, N?JY > > On 3/15/2018 22:06, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear > > operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, > > operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every > > pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. > > > > Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where > > everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or > > CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a > > decent amount of activity still. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > >> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating > >> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only > >> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd > >> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt > >> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll > >> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother > >> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't > >> bother with the others. > >> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 > >> ________________________________ > >> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > >> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM > >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments > >> > >> > >> > >> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! > >> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb > Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > >> Hello from Seattle > >> > >> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common > denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", > or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have > too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If > I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering > barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad > thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". > I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close > to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more > on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird > with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & > dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking > forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this > stuff work. Currently testing between two > > L > >> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time > I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A > com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance > solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there > have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or > whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. > Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > >> > >> 73 Bob W7LRD > >> > >> Seattle > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From n3xls at yahoo.com Sat Mar 17 19:37:14 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:37:14 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20180317193720.3A149856A@lansing182.amsat.org> Sign of the times! Younger hams, like me, like the thrill of the chase.? Im going to quote a young teenager that wanted to know what ham radio was about and i told them about chasing DX. Grids, counties,states etc.? I got the comment of its like the app?Pokemon Go then? EXACTLY! There is still room for ragchewing. If thats what someone wants to do. I honestly admire some of the guys who can hold the pass and have a ragchew qso.? ?My setup isnt great.? I can hold some very well, others not so much. Of course im tracking everything manually. Labor of love in the moment! -------- Original message --------From: John Geiger Date: 3/17/18 3:18 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Jerry Buxton Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs Now I have had some nice ragchews on FO29 the past couple of days.? There seems to be a group from W6 land that get on their quite reqularly and QSO with each other. 73 John AF5CC On Sat, Mar 17, 2018 at 2:13 PM, Jerry Buxton wrote: > It is a fact that I get on the birds infrequently, often it's a timing > issue of when I have free time vs. what is going to pass during that time. > Taking that into account as you are reading this, the last couple or > three times I was on a linear bird which would have been 1H 2017 to my > recollection, nobody wanted to have a rag-chew or even a short > weather/shack/shoe-size QSO.? Grid exchange was it.? Honestly, I don't > care about grids or awards although I will work some when they are out > in the rare spots on the FM birds if the timeslot fits just to have them > in the log in case I change my mind some year (love that you can just do > that with ham radio, change your interest/tactics any given day). > So I haven't tried so much to get on a linear pass after that, it wasn't > what I was looking for.? CQ for the whole pass to exchange grids three > or four times. > This is not an editorial on what current op trends are, just my two > cents worth on the subject.? Maybe I hit the birds during a lull in > rag-chew interest. > > Jerry Buxton, N?JY > > On 3/15/2018 22:06, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear > > operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, > > operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every > > pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. > > > > Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where > > everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or > > CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a > > decent amount of activity still. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > >> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating > >> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only > >> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd > >> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt > >> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll > >> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother > >> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't > >> bother with the others. > >> 73,??? Bob? K8BL? /4/5/9 > >> ________________________________ > >> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB > >> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb > >> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM > >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments > >> > >> > >> > >> Its not too many satellites,? not enough ops! > >> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Date: 3/15/18? 6:23 PM? (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb > Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > >> Hello from Seattle > >> > >> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day.? A small common > denominator is subtly appearing.? I read, "I was on the bird all alone", > or something like, "no one to talk to".? The unusual conclusion, we have > too many satellites!? I never thought this ham would even think of it.? If > I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering > barrage of circles floats across the screen.? I am not saying this is a bad > thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". > I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close > to AOS as I can get.? You know the drill.? From what I read there are more > on the starting block.? I'd like to see more L band time,? maybe a bird > with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments.? We have the five & > dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking > forward to it.? Then there is the massive off air time making all this > stuff work.? Currently testing between two > >?? L > >>?? band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas.? At this time > I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor.? A > com port issue which currently I can not figure out.? Assistance > solicited.?? On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams"? up there > have that "burning in the belly"? to yuck it up, get? WAS, VUCC, DXCC or > whatever.? Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. > Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. > >> > >> 73 Bob W7LRD > >> > >> Seattle > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From k8bl at ameritech.net Sat Mar 17 19:39:00 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 19:39:00 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> Message-ID: <688698565.2495193.1521315540235@mail.yahoo.com> What's so nice about the Linear SATs is that there is quite enough bandwidth for various interests to coexist and enjoy their desired activity. Fun for all! Bob K8BL ________________________________ From: Jerry Buxton To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2018 2:14 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs It is a fact that I get on the birds infrequently, often it's a timing issue of when I have free time vs. what is going to pass during that time. Taking that into account as you are reading this, the last couple or three times I was on a linear bird which would have been 1H 2017 to my recollection, nobody wanted to have a rag-chew or even a short weather/shack/shoe-size QSO. Grid exchange was it. Honestly, I don't care about grids or awards although I will work some when they are out in the rare spots on the FM birds if the timeslot fits just to have them in the log in case I change my mind some year (love that you can just do that with ham radio, change your interest/tactics any given day). So I haven't tried so much to get on a linear pass after that, it wasn't what I was looking for. CQ for the whole pass to exchange grids three or four times. This is not an editorial on what current op trends are, just my two cents worth on the subject. Maybe I hit the birds during a lull in rag-chew interest. Jerry Buxton, N?JY From wa4sca at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 19:54:39 2018 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:54:39 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> Message-ID: <000001d3be29$c8ddc4f0$5a994ed0$@gmail.com> Jerry, Back in the AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40 days when passes lasted hours, it was nice to be able to talk for 20-30 minutes with someone and get to know them. When the P3 Promised Orbit arrives, we may need to brush up on the art of conversation by working 20m or the local repeater. 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear <> operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, <> operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every <> pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. <> <> Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where <> everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or <> CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a <> decent amount of activity still. <> <> 73, <> <> Paul, N8HM <> <> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: <>> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating <>> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only <>> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd <>> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt <>> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll <>> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother <>> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't <>> bother with the others. <>> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 <>> ________________________________ <>> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB <>> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb <>> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM <>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments <>> <>> <>> <>> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! <>> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Hello from Seattle <>> <>> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common L <>> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I > <>> 73 Bob W7LRD <>> <>> Seattle <>> _______________________________________________ <>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb <> _______________________________________________ <> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb <> <> < < <_______________________________________________ References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1189385967.1626135.1521171968860@mail.yahoo.com> <536662B8-FF57-485E-B67C-F131F1B69E5D@gmail.com> <258997177.2404556.1521301975059@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Wow, Bob. My condolences on your blood pressure! In the spirit of the original mission of the founders of the ARRL to educate and encourage fellow hams, I have also done what I can to teach and encourage hams to start working linear satellites, to pay forward the assistance I recently received myself from many on this list to start working linear satellites. You can learn much and have a lot of fun on FM birds, frustrations notwithstanding, but nothing is more satisfying than learning to operate two SSB radios to work a low elevation AO-7 or FO-29 pass in a short window of time, culminating in a successful contact with a very distant and exotic DX location not possible to reach via FM. As many here have pointed out, there?s plenty of bandwidth on linear birds, and I have often heard long ragchews about rainfall amounts and shack equipment modifications occurring at the same time in the linear passband along with DX chasers exchanging grids and newbies calling CQ! The curmudgeon only serves to highlight the original point of encouraging more folks, especially the next generation of hams, to learn, experiment, and work linear birds. I?ll consider my own mission complete when the curmudgeon can tune through the passband on ?his linear sats" to hear conversations of millennials and younger from rare ?strips of dirt? not just exchanging grids and having fun, but also discussing the best artisanal avocado toast, the melancholy angst of unrequited love, debates over the best new wave death metal guitarist, and environmentally-friendly cloth diapering techniques to best protect the bottoms of the next generation of hams. 73! Adam, K0FFY > On Mar 17, 2018, at 10:52 AM, R.T.Liddy wrote: > > Don, > Be careful about making suggestions about increasing activity on the > Linear SATs! You may get personally ATTACKED in direct e-mails like > I did. There are people out there that hate Gridders and feel the Linear > SATs are to be held aside so they can have them to themselves for having > chats with each other day after day. > I won't reveal the gentleman's ID, but you can read excerpts of some of > the e-mails that came to me directly for merely suggesting something to > increase activity on his private Linear SATs. Or, save your blood pressure > and skip his comments below. (So much hate!) > 73, Bob K8BL > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > Simply stated you are the problem with this hobby today. > > Go get in your car and prove the laws of propagation again and again > from strips of dirt only people like you care about. Yeah that?s real modern HAHAHAHA > > Talk to your same cronies over and over yelling a new grid at them. You call that > fun ?eh. Sats work, get over it, you don?t have to keep proving it. It simple to > understand that. > > Once again I say we don?t need your kind on the linear sats. Stay on FM and do us > all a favor. > > The mess I refer to is the operating practices of those on the FM birds. People calling > over one another, not allowing someone to get a confirmation of their contact before yelling > their call and grid out once again, and now I hear you have a jammer on 91 and 92. What > frustration do you think is causing that ? > > I don?t care what other hams do. Each have their own preferences,.. What I don?t like is > someone coming up with a great ?idea? to get more activity on what is now an enjoyable > aspect of the hobby that I enjoy. I have to put up with nonsense contests every weekend > on HF but I can go to WARC bands to get away from it. Don?t be looking to crap up my > linear sats and turn them into the mess that?s on the FM sats. Its disgraceful what goes > on there. Honestly I don?t think it will come to that since people have to use more that > a pair of $25 boufangs and an arrow to get on linear sats. > > > ________________________________ > > From: Don KB2YSI > To: Mike Diehl > Cc: R.T.Liddy ; amsat-bb ; Paul Stoetzer > Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2018 8:58 AM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs > > Plain QSO's or grids? I might be able to do 40 contacts by years end. > > An award is a goal, goals are easy to quantify, and you can see progress as you are working towards them. > > 73, Don KB2YSI > > > On Fri, Mar 16, 2018, 08:07 Mike Diehl wrote: >> How about an 88 on 88 or 40 on 4B award? >> 73, >> Mike Diehl >> W8LID >> >>> On Mar 15, 2018, at 23:46, R.T.Liddy wrote: >>> Paul, >>> Having "Linear SAT Activity Days" is a GREAT idea! >>> Maybe an AMSAT "Linear SAT 100" Award for 100 Q's >>> would be interesting. Perhaps, endorsable, too. >>> 73, Bob K8BL >>> ________________________________ >>> From: Paul Stoetzer >>> To: R.T.Liddy >>> Cc: Joe N3XLS ; Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >>> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:06 PM >>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs >>> >>> I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear >>> operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats, >>> operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every >>> pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year. >>> >>> Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where >>> everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or >>> CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a >>> decent amount of activity still. >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Paul, N8HM >>> >>>> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote: >>>> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating >>>> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only >>>> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd >>>> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt >>>> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll >>>> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother >>>> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't >>>> bother with the others. >>>> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9 >>>> ________________________________ >>>> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB >>>> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb >>>> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM >>>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments >>>> > >>>> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! >>>>>>> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments >>>> Hello from Seattle >>>> >>>> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", or something like, "no one to talk to". The unusual conclusion, we have too many satellites! I never thought this ham would even think of it. If I look at Satpc32 with "only" a dozen listed, in fast forward a bewildering barrage of circles floats across the screen. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it just spreads us out and at times, there is, "no one to talk to". I do testing like try different power levels, talk to myself til as close to AOS as I can get. You know the drill. From what I read there are more on the starting block. I'd like to see more L band time, maybe a bird with a S band DL a MEO, a HEO- I know, idle comments. We have the five & dime coming at us, which sounds like a whole other world, I'm looking forward to it. Then there is the massive off air time making all this stuff work. Currently testing between two >>>> L band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I have my Satpc32 talking fine with the radio but not with the rotor. A com port issue which currently I can not figure out. Assistance solicited. On the ISS it would be fun to see one of the "hams" up there have that "burning in the belly" to yuck it up, get WAS, VUCC, DXCC or whatever. Again, just idle comments not a criticism of the ARISS system. Sunny day in Seattle, xyl says yard work. >>>> >>>> 73 Bob W7LRD >>>> Seattle > ______________________________________________ > _______________________________________________ > 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 From maccody at att.net Sat Mar 17 20:54:57 2018 From: maccody at att.net (Mac A. Cody) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:54:57 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments In-Reply-To: References: <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <3eb0c094-7279-9b2b-38b1-cd09a5288c3d@att.net> Hi Zack, I honestly wish I had a LimeSDR Mini.? I learned about it just about a month ago.? Don't have the funds at the moment to divert to getting one.? I'd almost be willing to sell my SDRPlay RSP2 in order to get one.? In the meantime, I'm trying to cobble something together to be able to work the linear birds. I understand that SSB and CW have been the 'mandated' modes used to work the linear birds for a long time.? SSB use appears to be the predominant mode of operation. I'm still not hearing, though, any real arguments against the use of DSB as a means to drastically lowering the barfor transmit to the linear satellites.DSB could be implemented with relatively simple analog hardware that would avoid the complexity of DSP development and I/Q modulation balancing. Mac / AE5PH On 03/16/2018 01:01 PM, Zach Metzinger wrote: > On 03/15/18 21:07, Mac A. Cody wrote: >>> At the sacrifice of some bandwidth, the following advantages can be >>> had with >>> using DSB modulation: >>> 1) DSB modulation is relatively easy to achieve. The band-limited audio >>> is fed into a double-balanced mixer, bandpass filtered for harmonics, and >>> fed into a PA for transmission. The resulting hardware is comparatively >>> inexpensive to construct and to tune. >>> 2) Sideband inversion caused by some linear birds is no longer an issue. >>> Having both sidebands present in DSB modulation means that the correct >>> sideband will always be available for reception. >>> 3) Interoperability with SSB stations would be maintained, as DSB >>> modulation >>> is a superset of SSB modulation. > Why not use the new LimeSDR Mini and do a SDR-based design for satellite > work? It already has separate TX and RX paths, ready for duplex operation. > > One simply, for various values of simple, needs to design a > receiver/transmitter design to go into the Altera FPGA, bolt on a > suitable CODEC (might I suggest the MAX9860?), and then add some > filtering and a PA. > > [Mic/Spkr] <---> [MAX9960] <---> [FPGA] <---> [Limechip] <--> PA/Filter > > I'd bolt on a LCD, rotary encoder, and a few buttons for user I/O. No PC > needed for control. Add antenna and you're done. > > You'd have a complete all-mode (SSB, AM, FM, etc.) solution for perhaps > $200. > > (This is a back-burner project for me -- I won't be offended if anyone > gets there first. hihi) > > --- Zach > N0ZGO > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From burns at fisher.cc Sat Mar 17 21:53:59 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 17:53:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unattended FoxTelem Question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Answer from Chris: It does automatically reload the keps every so often. He did not remember at the time how often, but you should not need to stop and start it for that reason. On Sat, Mar 17, 2018 at 2:27 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > Good point, Roy. I'm working on a similar thing with Chris (FoxTelem > author), so I'll ask. Not sure if he watches this BB. > > On Sat, Mar 17, 2018 at 10:16 AM, Roy Dean wrote: > >> Does FoxTelem automatically check for new Keps periodically, or only upon >> startup? I have an unattended station running on a Raspberry Pi, and I'm >> wondering if I shouldn't close and restart FoxTelem every couple of weeks >> to refresh TLE's. Scrolled through the command terminal and didn't see >> any updates occuring, but you can see keps being updated upon startup. >> >> -Roy >> K3RLD >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > From royldean at gmail.com Sat Mar 17 22:24:57 2018 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:24:57 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unattended FoxTelem Question Message-ID: Thanks, Burns! (and indirectly, Chris!) --Roy > Answer from Chris: It does automatically reload the keps every so often. > He did not remember at the time how often, but you should not need to stop > and start it for that reason. From k9jkm at comcast.net Sun Mar 18 00:57:56 2018 From: k9jkm at comcast.net (JoAnne K9JKM) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 19:57:56 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-077 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-077 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including 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. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans In this edition: * Article Introduces AMSAT's GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 Satellites * ARISS-US Program Education Proposal Deadline is April 30, 2018 * AO-92 Operating Schedule Posted for Week of March 18-24 * AMSAT at the 2018 Hamvention -- Call for volunteers * Top 10 Reasons to Come to AMSAT at the Hamvention * AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites * HuskySat-1 Applies for IARU Coordination for Linear V/U Transponder * Thousands of Kilometers Via Satellite and a WAS Award Too * Phase 4 Weekly Update 9 March * Early Bird Bookings for the AMSAT-SA Space Symposium Now Open * Melbourne University Student Space Program Update * AMSAT Member Perry F. Crabill, W3HQX Silent Key * China's DSLWP-A1/A2 Satellites to Transmit Amateur Radio Data ? from the Moon * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-077.01 ANS-077 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 077.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE March 18, 2018 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-077.01 Article Introduces AMSAT's GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 Satellites As a follow-up to the announcement that GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1 have been selected for launches through NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, we've posted an article introducing the GOLF program on the AMSAT website:? http://tinyurl.com/ANS-077-AMSAT-GOLF [ANS thanks Paul, N8HM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS-US Program Education Proposal Deadline is April 30, 2018 ARISS News Release?? ?No. 18-03 Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018. March 15, 2018:? The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio. The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partner- ship between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world. I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, tech- nology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. Also join us on Facebook:? Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter:? ARISS_status [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AO-92 Operating Schedule Posted for Week of March 18-24 Drew, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations updated the AO-92 Operating Schedule page for the coming week: https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa?s High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 18-24 Mar 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: + 18 March at approximately 1500 UTC we will enable the L band ? uplink for ~24 hours + 22 March at approximately 1345 we will enable the VT camera and ? high-speed data for ~40 minutes. This is a Caribbean and South ? America pass. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, ? and keep the uplink clear at 1345UTC. + All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. [ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT at the 2018 Hamvention -- Call for volunteers The 2018 Hamvention will be held on May 18-20, 2018 at Greene County Fairground and Expo Center in Xenia Ohio. Planning is under way for AMSAT's participation! Phil, W1EME, AMSAT's Hamvention Team Leader is looking for team leaders to assist him. If you can help please consider leading in one of the unfilled positions at w1eme at amsat.org + Volunteer Assistant + Publicity Assistant??? - JoAnne K9JKM + Forum Assistant??????? - Keith KB1SF + Sales Assistant + Outdoor Demo Assistant - Paul N8HM + Facilities and Setup Assistant We need as many volunteers as possible to help staff the AMSAT booth during the Hamvention Last year, we had about 40 people assist with the AMSAT booth at the Hamvention.? It was the efforts of those volunteers that made the 2017 Hamvention a success for AMSAT. 1. May 17 - Booth setup on Thursday. 2. May 18, 19, 20 - Staff the booth during Hamvention hours to ?? answer questions, enroll members, indoor demos, merchandise ?? and book sales. (We will train you!) 3. May 20 - Booth teardown on Sunday The interaction with AMSAT members, satellite operators, designers, and builders makes the whole experience a lot of fun. Whether you're available for only a couple of hours or if you can spend the entire weekend with us, your help would be greatly appreciated. Interested hams should contact Team Leader Phil Smith via email at: w1eme at amsat.org for information. [ANS thanks AMSAT Hamvention Publicity Assistant JoAnne Maenpaa, ?K9JKM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10 Reasons to Come to AMSAT at the Hamvention 10. Rub shoulders with 25,000 of your best friends at the largest ??? hamfest in the United States, including all of the AMSAT ??? Directors and senior officers. See the latest equipment from ??? Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Flex, Alinco, M2, Arrow, and many other ??? manufacturers of amateur radio equipment and accessories. Take ??? advantage of discounted pricing you won't find anywhere else. 9. Find out how to organize a contact with the astronauts on the ?? International Space Station for your local school or youth group ?? from our Education and ARISS experts. 8. Pickup the latest AMSAT golf shirts, T-shirts, and hats. Get ?? your copy of the updated "Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide" ?? (laminated frequency chart) and Gould Smith's just revised for ?? 2018 "Getting Started with Amateur Satellites" book. We'll also ?? have assembled wide-band preamps and antennas that are great ?? for portable operation. 7. See demonstrations of SatPC32 and MacDoppler satellite tracking ?? software, and get your operational questions answered. Assembled ?? LVB Trackers will be available. 6. Hear the latest presentation at the joint AMSAT/TAPR dinner. 5. Hear the latest on the Fox and Golf satellites, the International ?? Space Station, other current and future satellites, education news, ?? and an AMSAT update at the AMSAT Forum Saturday, from 11:15 to 1:30. 4. Get one-on-one guidance on setting up your satellite station and ?? making contacts at our "Beginner's Corner". Witness live demonstra- ?? tions of contacts through satellites. 3. Meet and interact with some of the Engineering Team members ?? working on the Fox and Golf satellites and our new Five and Dime ?? AMSAT ground terminal. 2. Get satellite station and operating tips from some of the best ?? satellite operators in the country. 1. Receive your 2018 laminated Satellite Frequency Chart when you ?? join or renew your AMSAT membership at Hamvention. New members ?? will receive the Frequency Chart and the latest edition of the ?? AMSAT Journal. [ANS thanks AMSAT Hamvention Publicity Assistant JoAnne Maenpaa, ?K9JKM for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites It?s that time of year again; summer and Field Day! Each year the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as a ?picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, FUN!? The event takes place during a 23-hour period on the fourth weekend of June. For 2018 the event takes place during a 27-hour period from 1800 UTC on Saturday, June 23, 2018 through 2100 UTC on Sunday, June 24, 2018. Those who set up prior to 1800 UTC on June 23 can operate only 24 hours. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur sat- ellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event. This year should be easier than many years since we have more than 10 transponders and repeaters available. Users should check the AMSAT status page at http://www.amsat.org/status/ and the pages at http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=177 for what is available in the weeks leading up to field day. To reduce the amount of time to research each satellite, see the current FM satellite table at http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=5012 and the current linear satellite table at http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=5033 If you are considering ONLY the FM voice satellites, there are SO-50, AO-85, AO-91, AO-92 and possibly PicSat. It might be easier this year to make that one FM contact for the ARRL bonus points with so many FM birds. The congestion on FM LEO satellites is always so intense that we must continue to limit their use to one-QSO-per-FM-satellite. This includes the International Space Station. You will be allowed one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice. The full set of rules are posted at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/ [ANS thanks AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, ?for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- HuskySat-1 Applies for IARU Coordination for Linear V/U Transponder The IARU Frequency Coordination pages show that the Husky Satellite Lab at the University of Washington applied for frequencies on March 7 for HuskySat-1, a 3U CubeSat with propulsion capability. Launch is planned for a high inclination LEO late 2018 on the ELaNA XXIV mission. HuskySat-1 will become the first amateur satellite from Washington state. HuskySat-1 will demonstrate the capabilities of new technologies being developed at the University of Washington and expand the capabilities of CubeSats as a whole. In particular, a high-thrust pulsed plasma thruster (PPT), and high-gain communications system will form the core technology suite on board the satellite. HuskySat-1 will carry AMSAT's 30 kHz wide V/u linear transponder for amateur radio SSB/CW communications. The transponder is the same design as the transponder being flown on RadFXSat-2/Fox-1E in 2018 including the 1k2 BPSK telemetry channel. HuskySat-1 will also transmit BPSK telemetry at 1 Mbps in the 24 GHz band. In order to utilize the transponder and telemetry beacon, equipment suitable for other linear transponder satellites such as FO-29 and AO-73 will be needed. Estimates are that a few watts into a small beam should be adequate, with a small beam with a low noise preamp serving for reception. Additional details have been posted at: https://sites.google.com/uw.edu/huskysatellitelab/huskysat-1 https://amsat-uk.org/2018/03/10/huskysat-1-cubesat/ IARU frequency coordination activities may be followed on-line at: http://amsat.org.uk/iaru/ [ANS thanks the IARU, the Unviversity of Washington, and AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Thousands of Kilometers Via Satellite and a WAS Award Too Listen to a recording of a 6005 KM contact with KE9AJ and OA4/XQ3SA on March 11: http://tinyurl.com/ANS-077-AO7-QSO Recording provided by NP4JV. A 4100 KM contact via AO-92 between Kuthumabaka Ramesh, VU3FTP, in Hyderabad City, India and Suryono P. Kebayoran Lama Selatan YD0NXX, in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 9 can viwed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uShVF6Y6MzM&feature=youtu.be On March 10 K7TAB (DM43)worked VY0ERC (ER60) located at 80 degrees north via AO-91 for a 5250 KM QSO. Both stations used a Kenwood TH-D72A HT running 5W. MI6GTY (IO64) and N9EAT (EN41) enjoyed a 6010 KM QSO vis AO-91 on March 11. This is a new distance record for AO-91. See: https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ Jose, EB1AO in Spain (IN52) and David, W0DHB (DN70) completed a 7606 KM contact on March 12 via AO-7. They had a 2 minute window with 0.4 degrees for EB1AO (contact was made at 0.1 degree elevation) and 2 degrees for W0DHB. Jose operated portable on a hilltop with an IC-910 and Arrow Antenna. To date he has 34 states via satellite. PS8ET (GI84) worked CU2ZG (HM77) for a 5096 KM contact wia AO-91 on March 12. Mikey, K7ULS reported working FG8OJ and PJ2/HB9WDF via FO-29 on March 13. Now, a report on quantity vs distance ... congratulations to Michael, K9EI for his completion of Satellite Worked All States. He commented on Twitter, "Please let me say thank you to everyone who helped me finally achieve my first WAS. I became a ham in 1977, but never was involved enough to accomplish WAS. I am even more satisfied that I was able to do it first on satellites among so many friends. You?ve all been fantastic." [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Phase 4 Weekly Update 9 March Michelle Thompson, W5NYV has Phase 4 Weekly Report for 9 March 2018: View it on-line to hear all the details at: https://youtu.be/1GirCiB5XNg A summary of the key points discussed this week include: + Exploration of the use of the Ettus Research E310 and X310 ? Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) devices. + GNU Radio Conference 2018 tickets are available: ? https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon-2018/ ? The whole conference is packed with wonderful experiences and fun. ? Come join Phase 4 Ground at our DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X workshop and ? hackfest on Friday! Presented by Open Research Institute, Inc. ? with a goal to produce an open source DVB-S2/X receiver in GNU ? Radio primarily for AMSAT. Please share with whoever you think ? would love to come! There will be a new user track as well as ? advanced content, workshops, vendors, demonstrations, and multiple ? social events. Look for the Phase 4 articles coming in the March/April 2018 AMSAT Journal. [ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NYV and the Phase 4 Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Early Bird Bookings for the AMSAT-SA Space Symposium Now Open Bookings for the annual AMSATSA Space Symposium which will be held on May 19, at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria is now open. The symposium features interesting subjects including development of a new SDR transponder, building a ground station to operate Ama- teur Radio's first geostationary satellite Es'hail-2, a BACAR-ready 10 GHz beacon to exercise your Es'hail-2 receiver, a practical approach to improving modular system reliability, FunCube Data and some of its secrets and a progress report on Kletskous and its next generation transponder and systems. Get the booking form and details on www.amsatsa.org.za. [ANS thanks AMSAT South Africa for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Melbourne University Student Space Program Update Gabriel, VK3EXO, provided an update to the Wireless Institute of Australia regarding the Melbourne University? Student Space Program. From the RF perspective project personnel have successfully trans- mitted packets between the ground station and the satellite radio. They have interfaced the satellite radio with the flight computer and the satellite antenna has been deployed. The ACMA recently approved the frequency allocation request and will be taking the application to the ITU on behalf of the project team. This is a huge achievement, particularly for an entirely student led organization. A major milestone has been passed with power-up test of everything to be included in the satellite all laid out on a flat surface called a FlatSat. The next step is to perform extensive software and hard- ware testing. The testing will be performed over the next few weeks. The Mission Operations website development is going well and the team is on track for launch at the end of this year / early next year. [ANS thanks the Wireless Institute of Australia VK1WIA news for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Member Perry F. Crabill, W3HQX Silent Key This week Larry Wright, W8ANT, reported the sad news that Perry F. Crabill, W3HQX, member of AMSAT, born in 1920, formerly of Washington, DC and suburban Maryland and until his passing of Winchester Virginia, is now a Silent Key at age 97. Perry was first licensed as W3HQX in "19ought38" as he was wont to say, worked for C&P telephone for many years, served in the US Navy in World War Two as a radio technician (passing the difficult Eddy test,) and was active for almost 70 years in a variety of amateur radio activities. Known affectionately by the 147.300 repeater's "Question Of the Day" group as "The Professor", Perry had a wide range of on-the-air acquaintances. A memorial service and celebration of his life was held on Saturday, March 24 in Winchester, VA. [ANS thanks Larry Wright, W8ANT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- China's DSLWP-A1/A2 Satellites to Transmit Amateur Radio Data from the Moon China is planning to launch the Chang?e 4 lander and rover which is slated to land on the far side of the moon in December. The lander configuration will use a relay satellite for a control and data link with Earth. Also aboard this flight will be a pair of microsatellites, DSLWP-A1 and DSLWP-A2, which will test low-frequency radio astronomy and space-based interferometry. These two lunar orbiting satellites developed by students at the Harbin Institute of Technology will include educational and amateur radio payloads (but not a trans- ponder). The Amateur Radio payload on DSLWP-A1 will provide a telecommand uplink and a telemetry and digital image downlink. Radio amateurs will be able to transmit commands that allow them to send commands to take and download an image. The IARU has coordinated downlinks on 435.425 MHz and 436.425 MHz for A1. Downlinks have been coordinated for A2 are 435.400 MHz and 436.400 MHz using 10K0F1DCN or 10K0F1DEN (10-kHz wide FM single-channel data) 250 bps GMSK with concatenated codes or JT65B. A1 and A2 will be deployed into a 200 ? 9,000 kilometer lunar orbit. The 50 ? 50 ? 40 centimeter spacecrafts each? weigh about 45 kilograms and are three-axis stabilized. Two linear polarization antennas? are mounted along and normal to the flight direction. The satellites will use the moon to shield them from radio emissions from Earth for the long wavelength space-based interferometry experi- ments. The launch is anticipated for May or June on a CZ-4C vehicle, putting the satellites? deployment about 6 months ahead of the launch of the Chang?e 4 lander and rover. [ANS thanks the Harbin Institute of Technology, IARU, and ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + The AmazonSmile Triple Donation Promotion Now Under Way ? Triple your impact! Until March 31, Amazon is tripling the ? donation rate on your first AmazonSmile purchase. You can ? name AMSAT to receive the donation from your purchase. ? https://smile.amazon.com + The Station and Operating Hints page has been updated to ? include WD9EWK's November/December 2017 AMSAT Journal article ? Working the FalconSAT-3 Digipeater (with Kenwood TH-D72 and ? TM-D710G radios) Read how to use the 9600bps AX.25 V/U digipeater. ? https://www.amsat.org/station-and-operating-hints/ and scroll down ? the page to the other digipeater articles. + Use the HA7WEN WebSDR at http://152.66.73.241:33333/ to listen to ? FO-29 traffic over Europe. (via Michel F6HTJ) + Enjoy a video made by the University of Bristol team's entry to ? the 2017 UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space ? (UKSEDS)Lunar Rover Competition: https://youtu.be/ouL-cg1U0MI ? Visit http://ukseds.org/about/ to learn more about the UK?s national ? student space society. + The March PDF of the weather satellite publication GEO Newsletter ? produced by the Group for Earth Observation is now available for ? free download: http://www.geo-web.org.uk/geoquarterly.php + Amateurs preparing for our microwave future in space may find ? this information, relayed on the microwave at mailmanlists.us ? e-mail reflector, useful. An Analog Devices RF Detector Surf ? Board is $10 evaluation kit containing an RF Power detector ? made up of three RF detector chips covering DC to 9 GHz, ? one with 80 dB range. Search for part number ADL5XDETECTRKIT ? at https://www.richardsonrfpd.com to figure out if you want one. ? Even if you don't buy anything the page has links to useful ? electronic design tools. + GM4VZY produces a weekly Weather Satellite Report listing ? polar orbiting and geostationary satellites transmitting ? on VHF and L-band: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/weather-satellite-reports/info + Space enthusiasts, make room on your calendars. The Smithsonian ? Channel will premiere two sets of back-to-back space documentaries ? in late March and early April: https://www.space.com/39950-smithsonian-channel-space-specials.html + Not really satellite oriented but you guys are going to like this ? one anyways ... HF Voyager is an ocean-going drone currently making ? its way from Hawaii to California that can carry out amateur radio ? contacts in several digital modes. On-board in a waterproof container ? is an Elecraft KX3 and a Raspberry Pi computer enabling a variety of ? digital modes to be used. The station uses FT8 and PSK-31 on the 20 ? meter band as its primary operating modes. You may also find it using ? WSPR in times of poor propagation. Call sign to look for?? KH6JF/MM. ? More details and the current location of the drone are available at: ? http://www.jrfarc.org/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- /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 addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73 and Happy New Year, This week's ANS Editor, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM k9jkm at amsat dot org From davekn4ok at aol.com Sat Mar 17 20:26:11 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 16:26:11 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <000001d3be29$c8ddc4f0$5a994ed0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <16235a42118-1796-6e57@webjas-vaa178.srv.aolmail.net> Alan, I really miss those birds! I had a blast back then but still get excited with the current birds. Dave KN4OK -----Original Message----- From: Alan To: 'Jerry Buxton' ; amsat-bb Sent: Sat, Mar 17, 2018 2:55 pm Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs Jerry,Back in the AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40 days when passes lasted hours, it was nice to be able to talk for 20-30 minutes with someone and get to know them. When the P3 Promised Orbit arrives, we may need to brush up on the art of conversation by working 20m or the local repeater.73,AlanWA4SCA<-----Original Message----- I admit that the launches of AO-91 and 92 have reduced my linear<> operating time. As much as I enjoy operating on the linear sats,<> operating portable as I do, I'm not going to be able to operate every<> pass. I have made fewer than two dozen linear sat QSOs this year.<><> Perhaps some linear satellite operating days are in order where<> everyone decides to work as many passes of the XWs as possible or<> CAS-4B or UKube-1 or something. FO-29 and AO-7 do seem to draw a<> decent amount of activity still.<><> 73,<><> Paul, N8HM<><> On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 11:00 PM, R.T.Liddy wrote:<>> Unfortunately, I've been roving the past couple weeks and operating<>> from several uncommon Grids/Gridlines and usually find no one or only<>> one on the Linear SATs. Does that make me want to drive to some odd<>> place and set up to rarely make a QSO? People shouldn't worry abt<>> being exactly zero-beat, if that puts them off. Just get close & we'll<>> find you. If people keep avoiding them, eventually no one will bother<>> using them, period. Maybe, the "Easy SATs" are so easy that folks don't<>> bother with the others.<>> 73, Bob K8BL /4/5/9<>> ________________________________<>> From: Joe N3XLS via AMSAT-BB <>> To: Bob- W7LRD ; amsat-bb <>> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2018 6:43 PM<>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] idle comments<>><>><>><>> Its not too many satellites, not enough ops!<>> -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Hello from Seattle<>><>> I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common L<>> band antennas and between two different 70cm antennas. At this time I><>> 73 Bob W7LRD<>><>> Seattle<>> _______________________________________________<>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb<> _______________________________________________<> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb<><><<<_______________________________________________ References: <20180316121817.805B1870C@lansing182.amsat.org> Message-ID: <5DD1C975-1D7C-4402-BFB5-12C21D02050C@gmail.com> Maybe we are over reacting. Consider the number of new people who are getting involved. It might take them some time to gear up. I believe many newbie FM ops will get into the linears as they gain experience and invest in equipment. A lot of us are getting old and have time on their hands. It?s possible others work have family commitments etc. I don?t ever expect every bird to be occupied all the time. Nor do I ever expect that it will be easy to break through when they are busy. I?m sure the novelty of the newness to several new birds is wearing off. Maybe people have or haven?t found their away ?other birds? or telemetry. Regardless, events and awards may help. Anyone can sponsor one, have at it. EMike McCardel, AA8EM Rotating Editor AMSAT News Service Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 16, 2018, at 8:26 AM, skristof at etczone.com wrote: > > At least part of the problem is that all-mode VHF/UHF equipment is > expensive. The FM satellites are busy because you can work them with an > HT. The linear birds are empty because you need to spend a month's (or > more) wages to get on. > > Steve AI9IN > > Its not too many satellites, not enough ops! > > -------- Original message --------From: Bob- W7LRD > Date: 3/15/18 6:23 PM (GMT-05:00) To: amsat-bb > Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments > Hello from Seattle > > I read the bb almost thoroughly throughout the day. A small common > denominator is subtly appearing. I read, "I was on the bird all alone", > or something like, "no one to talk to". > _______________________________________________ > 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Sun Mar 18 17:03:46 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 21:03:46 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] XW-2 (X) digital telemetry? Message-ID: Dear All, I have been trying to capture the digital telemetry from the XW-2(X) series without success, CW TEM works fine. Sometimes able to decode XW-2A, but not the others. Does anyone able to do so, if so I would be grateful if you may share what you do and what settings you use. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) From jerry.tuyls at telenet.be Sun Mar 18 13:42:01 2018 From: jerry.tuyls at telenet.be (jerry.tuyls at telenet.be) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 14:42:01 +0100 (CET) Subject: [amsat-bb] DG0VE Message-ID: <1081689390.190814072.1521380521737.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Hello all, It is with sadness to say, that Roberto Zech,DG0VE, has become SK suddenly last month at age 47. He made a lot of stuff for VHF and up, specialized in ?wave technics, but some of us may already know his very nice downconverters for the upcoming Es'hail 2 sat. 73's Jerry,ON4CJQ From n0jy at amsat.org Sun Mar 18 20:20:49 2018 From: n0jy at amsat.org (Jerry Buxton) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 15:20:49 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] idle comments - Idle SATs In-Reply-To: <000001d3be29$c8ddc4f0$5a994ed0$@gmail.com> References: <932564215.111413.1521152600063@connect.xfinity.com> <20180315234254.C955F8897@lansing182.amsat.org> <1080856017.1610626.1521169254677@mail.yahoo.com> <1ade6078-aea0-10cb-2ff6-a2b3d2ffe4f7@amsat.org> <000001d3be29$c8ddc4f0$5a994ed0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: On 3/17/2018 14:54, Alan wrote: > Back in the AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40 days when passes lasted hours, it was nice to be able to talk for 20-30 minutes with someone and get to know them. When the P3 Promised Orbit arrives, we may need to brush up on the art of conversation by working 20m or the local repeater. Ah yes, pining for the fjords.? I do appreciate the way that learning to converse while hearing myself 1/4 second delayed was a harbinger of easily working modern day online meetings... Jerry Buxton, N?JY From cqkg8co at yahoo.com Sun Mar 18 19:44:48 2018 From: cqkg8co at yahoo.com (Brian) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 19:44:48 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's to work the LEO's. Thank you Brian, KG8CO From py2rn at arrl.net Sun Mar 18 21:33:20 2018 From: py2rn at arrl.net (Eduardo PY2RN) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 21:33:20 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> Hi Brian,? Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a sat pass.?The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. 73 Ed PY2RN From: Brian via AMSAT-BB To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's to work the LEO's. Thank you Brian, KG8CO _______________________________________________ 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 From py2rn at arrl.net Sun Mar 18 22:06:39 2018 From: py2rn at arrl.net (Eduardo PY2RN) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 22:06:39 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1883844037.2793099.1521410799123@mail.yahoo.com> Jordan,? most of the amateur radio LEOs SATs today have a linear polarized antenna attached, it is not possible to know which position it is in the time of the pass: H, V, moving, spinning... being completely random to the ground station which polarization the signal will be, for this reason I believe CP is more efficient but with RH/LH switching capability. 73 Ed PY2RN From: Jordan Trewitt To: Eduardo PY2RN Cc: Brian ; "amsat-bb at amsat.org" Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:44 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP?JordanKF5COQ On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: Hi Brian,? Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a sat pass.?The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. 73 Ed PY2RN ? ? ? From: Brian via AMSAT-BB ?To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" ?Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM ?Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's to work the LEO's. Thank you Brian, KG8CO _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From burns at fisher.cc Mon Mar 19 00:23:51 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 20:23:51 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <1883844037.2793099.1521410799123@mail.yahoo.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1883844037.2793099.1521410799123@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Indeed, CP makes sense with a linear tx when you can't tell what the orientation would be. You give up a few dB to avoid deep fades. But I just can't figure out why you need to switch from RHP to LHP in such cases. I've heard a number of people say that it sometimes matters, but I don't understand the physics! 73, Burns WB1FJ On Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 6:06 PM, Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > Jordan, most of the amateur radio LEOs SATs today have a linear polarized > antenna attached, it is not possible to know which position it is in the > time of the pass: H, V, moving, spinning... being completely random to the > ground station which polarization the signal will be, for this reason I > believe CP is more efficient but with RH/LH switching capability. > 73 > Ed > PY2RN > From: Jordan Trewitt > To: Eduardo PY2RN > Cc: Brian ; "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:44 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP?JordanKF5COQ > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > > Hi Brian, > Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a > sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this > case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > 73 > Ed > PY2RN > > From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's > to work the LEO's. > > Thank you > > Brian, KG8CO > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Mon Mar 19 02:21:01 2018 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 19:21:01 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1883844037.2793099.1521410799123@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hi Burns, I've experienced that too, and from a little research I think it has more to do with mechanics, and less physics. The thought is that no CP antenna is perfectly circular, and so has a linear component to the pattern. That linear component's alignment, or mis-alignment, with the satellite's antenna causes some fading. Flipping the handedness also changes the angle of that linear part, so it can help (or hurt) the reception. At least, that's the theory. There may also be reflections from buildings and the planet that will introduce a linear component to the signal, and perhaps some atmospheric effects as well. Greg KO6TH Burns Fisher wrote: > Indeed, CP makes sense with a linear tx when you can't tell what the > orientation would be. You give up a few dB to avoid deep fades. But I > just can't figure out why you need to switch from RHP to LHP in such > cases. I've heard a number of people say that it sometimes matters, but I > don't understand the physics! > > 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 6:06 PM, Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > >> Jordan, most of the amateur radio LEOs SATs today have a linear polarized >> antenna attached, it is not possible to know which position it is in the >> time of the pass: H, V, moving, spinning... being completely random to the >> ground station which polarization the signal will be, for this reason I >> believe CP is more efficient but with RH/LH switching capability. >> 73 >> Ed >> PY2RN >> From: Jordan Trewitt >> To: Eduardo PY2RN >> Cc: Brian ; "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:44 PM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between >> both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP?JordanKF5COQ >> >> On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: >> >> Hi Brian, >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. >> 73 >> Ed >> PY2RN >> >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> >> >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's >> to work the LEO's. >> >> Thank you >> >> Brian, KG8CO >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 From burns at fisher.cc Mon Mar 19 02:22:48 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 02:22:48 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1883844037.2793099.1521410799123@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Aha! Most reasonable answer I?ve heard! Thanks! On Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 10:21 PM Greg D wrote: > Hi Burns, > > I've experienced that too, and from a little research I think it has > more to do with mechanics, and less physics. The thought is that no CP > antenna is perfectly circular, and so has a linear component to the > pattern. That linear component's alignment, or mis-alignment, with the > satellite's antenna causes some fading. Flipping the handedness also > changes the angle of that linear part, so it can help (or hurt) the > reception. > > At least, that's the theory. There may also be reflections from > buildings and the planet that will introduce a linear component to the > signal, and perhaps some atmospheric effects as well. > > Greg KO6TH > > > Burns Fisher wrote: > > Indeed, CP makes sense with a linear tx when you can't tell what the > > orientation would be. You give up a few dB to avoid deep fades. But I > > just can't figure out why you need to switch from RHP to LHP in such > > cases. I've heard a number of people say that it sometimes matters, but > I > > don't understand the physics! > > > > 73, > > > > Burns WB1FJ > > > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 6:06 PM, Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > > > >> Jordan, most of the amateur radio LEOs SATs today have a linear > polarized > >> antenna attached, it is not possible to know which position it is in the > >> time of the pass: H, V, moving, spinning... being completely random to > the > >> ground station which polarization the signal will be, for this reason I > >> believe CP is more efficient but with RH/LH switching capability. > >> 73 > >> Ed > >> PY2RN > >> From: Jordan Trewitt > >> To: Eduardo PY2RN > >> Cc: Brian ; "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:44 PM > >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > >> > >> Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > >> both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP?JordanKF5COQ > >> > >> On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > >> > >> Hi Brian, > >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often > during a > >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in > this > >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > >> 73 > >> Ed > >> PY2RN > >> > >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > >> > >> > >> > >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 > yagi's > >> to work the LEO's. > >> > >> Thank you > >> > >> Brian, KG8CO > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Mon Mar 19 02:46:40 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 02:46:40 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unofficial AMSAST roundtable on D-Star REF009C - NOW! Message-ID: Hi! After a couple of weeks of no activity, we are trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable we had been doing for a few months. With the shift to daylight time last weekend, we moved the start time of the roundtable to 7.30pm PDT (10.30pm EDT, or Monday 0230 UTC). A few of us are on there now, and we will try this starting time to see how it works. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK From saguaroastro at cox.net Mon Mar 19 04:47:15 2018 From: saguaroastro at cox.net (Rick Tejera) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 21:47:15 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAST roundtable on D-Star REF009C - NOW! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <20180319044715.RAXH4561.fed1rmfepo102.cox.net@fed1rmimpo305.cox.net> Is this an HF net, echolink or IRLP? Frequencies or nodes? Rick Tejera K7TEJ Saguaro Astronomy Club www.saguaroastro.org Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club www.w7tbc.org From: Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 19:47 To: AMSAT Subject: [amsat-bb] Unofficial AMSAST roundtable on D-Star REF009C - NOW! Hi! After a couple of weeks of no activity, we are trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable we had been doing for a few months. With the shift to daylight time last weekend, we moved the start time of the roundtable to 7.30pm PDT (10.30pm EDT, or Monday 0230 UTC). A few of us are on there now, and we will try this starting time to see how it works. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK _______________________________________________ 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 From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Mon Mar 19 05:38:17 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 05:38:17 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT roundtable on D-Star REF009C - NOW! Message-ID: Rick, Other than misspelling AMSAT, the subject of my earlier message gave those details. It has been held on a D-Star reflector, REF009C. Several Arizona D-Star repeaters are normally tied into this reflector. Other repeaters can be used to reach the reflector. If you have some sort of hotspot at home, or use a dongle that doesn't require a radio to access D-Star systems, you can connect directly to the reflector. Endaf N6UTC was the driving force to get this informal chat session started a few months ago, for those who use D-Star. We started using the reflector REF009C, mainly due to Endaf and I chatting on there. It just happened to be the reflector that my openSpot hotspot is usually on, and is hosted in Tucson. We haven't run it as a formal net, preferring to just talk about satellite-related stuff among whoever happens to show up. If you use D-Star, you can check the status of the REF009C reflector - including repeaters that are currently linked to this reflector - at: http://ref009.dstargateway.org/ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK On Sunday, March 18, 2018, Rick Tejera wrote: > Is this an HF net, echolink or IRLP? Frequencies or nodes? > > > > Rick Tejera K7TEJ > Saguaro Astronomy Club > www.saguaroastro.org > Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club > www.w7tbc.org > > > > *From: *Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > *Sent: *Sunday, March 18, 2018 19:47 > *To: *AMSAT > *Subject: *[amsat-bb] Unofficial AMSAST roundtable on D-Star REF009C - > NOW! > > > > Hi! > > > > After a couple of weeks of no activity, we are trying to get > > back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable we had been doing > > for a few months. With the shift to daylight time last weekend, > > we moved the start time of the roundtable to 7.30pm PDT (10.30pm > > EDT, or Monday 0230 UTC). A few of us are on there now, and we > > will try this starting time to see how it works. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > From bruninga at usna.edu Mon Mar 19 13:08:52 2018 From: bruninga at usna.edu (Robert Bruninga) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 09:08:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1883844037.2793099.1521410799123@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <42e3de2afc777f986928ab096c5a004e@mail.gmail.com> Another way to understand it is that the if in any given direction the combination of the emission from a cubesat with only one or two antenna elements appears RHCP in one direction, it will appear LHCP in the opposite direction to the same extent. So during a pass or due to tumbling, you can see both I think. Bob, WB4aPR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Greg D Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 10:21 PM To: Burns Fisher ; Eduardo PY2RN Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Hi Burns, I've experienced that too, and from a little research I think it has more to do with mechanics, and less physics. The thought is that no CP antenna is perfectly circular, and so has a linear component to the pattern. That linear component's alignment, or mis-alignment, with the satellite's antenna causes some fading. Flipping the handedness also changes the angle of that linear part, so it can help (or hurt) the reception. At least, that's the theory. There may also be reflections from buildings and the planet that will introduce a linear component to the signal, and perhaps some atmospheric effects as well. Greg KO6TH Burns Fisher wrote: > Indeed, CP makes sense with a linear tx when you can't tell what the > orientation would be. You give up a few dB to avoid deep fades. But > I just can't figure out why you need to switch from RHP to LHP in such > cases. I've heard a number of people say that it sometimes matters, > but I don't understand the physics! > > 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 6:06 PM, Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > >> Jordan, most of the amateur radio LEOs SATs today have a linear >> polarized antenna attached, it is not possible to know which position >> it is in the time of the pass: H, V, moving, spinning... being >> completely random to the ground station which polarization the signal >> will be, for this reason I believe CP is more efficient but with RH/LH switching capability. >> 73 >> Ed >> PY2RN >> From: Jordan Trewitt >> To: Eduardo PY2RN >> Cc: Brian ; "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >> >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:44 PM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch >> between both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or >> RHCP?JordanKF5COQ >> >> On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: >> >> Hi Brian, >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often >> during a sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization >> (V/H) but in this case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. >> 73 >> Ed >> PY2RN >> >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> >> >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 >> yagi's to work the LEO's. >> >> Thank you >> >> Brian, KG8CO >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From jmtrewitt at gmail.com Sun Mar 18 21:43:49 2018 From: jmtrewitt at gmail.com (Jordan Trewitt) Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 21:43:49 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? Jordan KF5COQ On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > Hi Brian, > Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a > sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this > case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > 73 > Ed > PY2RN > > From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's > to work the LEO's. > > Thank you > > Brian, KG8CO > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From antonio at qti.qualcomm.com Mon Mar 19 16:54:01 2018 From: antonio at qti.qualcomm.com (Franklin Antonio) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:54:01 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com>, Message-ID: <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, by virtue of he way antennas work. I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is pointing off to the side, then you get something else. This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization switching sometimes helps. ________________________________________ From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan Trewitt Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM To: Eduardo PY2RN Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? Jordan KF5COQ On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > Hi Brian, > Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a > sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this > case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > 73 > Ed > PY2RN > > From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's > to work the LEO's. > > Thank you > > Brian, KG8CO > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Mon Mar 19 17:57:25 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:57:25 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> Message-ID: <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Guys, Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I need to intervene. It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator skills as mentioned before. For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially available. Just a suggestion and food for thought. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio wrote: > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, by virtue of he way antennas work. > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization switching sometimes helps. > > ________________________________________ > From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan Trewitt > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > To: Eduardo PY2RN > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > Jordan > KF5COQ > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > >> Hi Brian, >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. >> 73 >> Ed >> PY2RN >> >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> >> >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's >> to work the LEO's. >> >> Thank you >> >> Brian, KG8CO >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From jhill_81 at yahoo.com Mon Mar 19 16:57:29 2018 From: jhill_81 at yahoo.com (Mr B r a d) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:57:29 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- """?Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK"? .....from the last dispatch of messages ....Re:??trying to get?back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a new Op perspective ..... I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like? "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line up some QSO's?and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the bird' problem. sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official?or better is out here or offered? one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats?page would fuel the live sat-chat room very nicely new guy Ko6kLBrad -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ? From burns at fisher.cc Mon Mar 19 18:33:29 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:33:29 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Message-ID: I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might work better at different times. What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. Just that I don't understand it. 73, Burns WB1FJ On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple < jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > Guys, > > Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I > need to intervene. > > It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is > no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just > operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based > on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink > and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator skills > as mentioned before. > > For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be > compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things > that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, > say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially > available. > > Just a suggestion and food for thought. > > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio > wrote: > > > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're > communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, > by virtue of he way antennas work. > > > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which > transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the > signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes > are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a > satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they > designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is > pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger > received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the > commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas > point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't > have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from > you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the > best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization > switching sometimes helps. > > > > ________________________________________ > > From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan Trewitt > > > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > > To: Eduardo PY2RN > > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > > Jordan > > KF5COQ > > > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > > > >> Hi Brian, > >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often > during a > >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in > this > >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > >> 73 > >> Ed > >> PY2RN > >> > >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > >> > >> > >> > >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 > yagi's > >> to work the LEO's. > >> > >> Thank you > >> > >> Brian, KG8CO > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From ariss.w8aas at gmail.com Mon Mar 19 18:37:30 2018 From: ariss.w8aas at gmail.com (Dave Taylor) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:37:30 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: There is a weekly AMSAT net on 14.282 MHz Sundays at 1900 UTC. Most AMSAT chat seems to take place on this mailing list, with Facebook and Twitter getting a lot of the time-sensitive comms. Dave, W8AAS > On Mar 19, 2018, at 12:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a new Op perspective ..... > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the bird' problem. > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat room very nicely > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Mon Mar 19 18:58:10 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:58:10 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Message-ID: <93CBE2B9-3FC2-4E21-B7BC-8A351EDBADAE@gmail.com> Try it! Then it would be clearer to you, practice is just an extension of theory (or vice-versa). Hi! In our case there many unknown variable that there is no ?thumb rule?, it depends obviously on what the birds are doing up there. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 19, 2018, at 10:33 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > > I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might work better at different times. > > What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. > > That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. Just that I don't understand it. > > 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple > wrote: > Guys, > > Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I need to intervene. > > It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator skills as mentioned before. > > For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially available. > > Just a suggestion and food for thought. > > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio > wrote: > > > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, by virtue of he way antennas work. > > > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization switching sometimes helps. > > > > ________________________________________ > > From: AMSAT-BB > on behalf of Jordan Trewitt > > > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > > To: Eduardo PY2RN > > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > > Jordan > > KF5COQ > > > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN > wrote: > > > >> Hi Brian, > >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a > >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this > >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > >> 73 > >> Ed > >> PY2RN > >> > >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org " > > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > >> > >> > >> > >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's > >> to work the LEO's. > >> > >> Thank you > >> > >> Brian, KG8CO > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From w8aas at verizon.net Mon Mar 19 19:01:28 2018 From: w8aas at verizon.net (Dave Taylor) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:01:28 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Message-ID: <98A90EF7-C35E-4F62-9D3A-17DCF43F5195@verizon.net> I?m not an expert either, but my understanding is that polarization changes result from passage through the ionosphere. It?s impossible to predict how the polarization will change without knowing the state of the ionosphere along the signal path at any given moment. Emperically, I know that switching the handedness of CP can almost completely eliminate fades (it doesn?t work on all fades, but I suspect the ones not affected are actually signal blockages by the ISS structure). I have experienced this many times while operating the ARISS telebridge station in Maryland. There have also been passes with no noticeable fades, so switching isn?t always necessary. Dave, W8AAS > On Mar 19, 2018, at 2:33 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > > I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense > to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and > M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP > antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at > anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get > "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might > work better at different times. > > What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at > any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or > RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is > linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. > > That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better > reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. > Just that I don't understand it. > > 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple < > jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > >> Guys, >> >> Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I >> need to intervene. >> >> It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is >> no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just >> operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based >> on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink >> and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator skills >> as mentioned before. >> >> For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be >> compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things >> that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, >> say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially >> available. >> >> Just a suggestion and food for thought. >> >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >>> On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio >> wrote: >>> >>> When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're >> communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, >> by virtue of he way antennas work. >>> >>> I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which >> transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the >> signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes >> are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a >> satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they >> designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is >> pointing off to the side, then you get something else. >>> >>> This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger >> received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the >> commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas >> point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't >> have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from >> you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the >> best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization >> switching sometimes helps. >>> >>> ________________________________________ >>> From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan Trewitt >> >>> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM >>> To: Eduardo PY2RN >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >>> >>> Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between >>> both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? >>> Jordan >>> KF5COQ >>> >>> On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Brian, >>>> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often >> during a >>>> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in >> this >>>> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. >>>> 73 >>>> Ed >>>> PY2RN >>>> >>>> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB >>>> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >>>> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM >>>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 >> yagi's >>>> to work the LEO's. >>>> >>>> Thank you >>>> >>>> Brian, KG8CO >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 From ciprian at sufitchi.com Mon Mar 19 18:56:27 2018 From: ciprian at sufitchi.com (Ciprian Sufitchi) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:56:27 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite tracking API Message-ID: <004401d3bfb3$fc6ba2c0$f542e840$@sufitchi.com> Hi all, Those a bit more comfortable with programming can use the REST API recently released at n2yo.com: https://www.n2yo.com/api/ Probably the most useful transactions for amateur radio operating via satellites are: Get TLE Get radio passes Any suggestions and comments are welcome. Thanks! 73s de Chip N2YO From zmetzing at pobox.com Mon Mar 19 19:05:35 2018 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:05:35 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <939d972f-51ee-261b-cbb9-109cccbf41c9@pobox.com> On 03/19/18 13:37, Dave Taylor wrote: > There is a weekly AMSAT net on 14.282 MHz Sundays at 1900 UTC. I confess that I haven't actively listened for it in weeks, but is this HF net still active? --- Zach N0ZGO From bruninga at usna.edu Mon Mar 19 19:09:39 2018 From: bruninga at usna.edu (Robert Bruninga) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:09:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Message-ID: <664c01cedf949da7be8a8e2b63408483@mail.gmail.com> ANy antenna that launches an RHCP wave out the front emits and LHCP wave out the back. That is why all real-world antrennas for gain have a reflector so that the LHCP out the back gets a 180 phase shift and then also goes out the fron RHCP. But on a small satellite, there is not enough realestate for a huge reflector. Hence at one orientation, the wave may appear to be RHCP and the people on the other side will see LHCP. But then this effect is minimal if the antennas are linear on the satellite which most are. BUT if there are dual monopoles on the sateliilte to make it cross polarized, then you do get RHCP and LHCP at the same time. And so there can be nulls. If you use exclusively one or the other on the ground and the satellite orientation changes. Bob WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Burns Fisher Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:33 PM To: Jean Marc Momple Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might work better at different times. What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. Just that I don't understand it. 73, Burns WB1FJ On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple < jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > Guys, > > Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that > I need to intervene. > > It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and > there is no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to > others. It is just operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch > from LHCP or RCCP based on what is the best received signal strength. > It works both on the Uplink and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae > and it is a just operator skills as mentioned before. > > For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be > compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do > things that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate > to AMSAT, say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features > commercially available. > > Just a suggestion and food for thought. > > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio > > > wrote: > > > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that > > we're > communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" > both, by virtue of he way antennas work. > > > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which > transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the > signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The > sidelobes are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in > between. So if a satellite is oriented so that its antenna points > right at you, and they designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're > gonna get, but if it is pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a > > stronger > received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In > the commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their > antennas point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which > typically don't have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they > point away from you. Also, hams try to use the things even when > conditions aren't the best. If that's your aim, then most folks have > found that polarization switching sometimes helps. > > > > ________________________________________ > > From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan > > Trewitt > > > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > > To: Eduardo PY2RN > > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch > > between both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > > Jordan > > KF5COQ > > > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > > > >> Hi Brian, > >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often > during a > >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but > >> in > this > >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > >> 73 > >> Ed > >> PY2RN > >> > >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > >> > >> > >> > >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 > yagi's > >> to work the LEO's. > >> > >> Thank you > >> > >> Brian, KG8CO > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From on4cjq at telenet.be Mon Mar 19 19:09:18 2018 From: on4cjq at telenet.be (on4cjq at telenet.be) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 20:09:18 +0100 (CET) Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <37880249.195175472.1521484749896.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <37880249.195175472.1521484749896.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Message-ID: <645414400.195288043.1521486558821.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Brian, i have 2 systems for sat: main station has switchable polarisation between RHCP and LHCP and i switch on ALL sat-passes. Tested a system in the past with a switch between H and V, but i like the RHCP/LHCP switching the most because less fading. sub station is with 2 smaller crossyagis with a 4 polarisation switch per antenna; most of the time i use at these antennas the RHCP and LHCP position, but it is nice to use the V and H positions as extra,but not needed for sat, only for terrestrial dx(H) and local chat(V).It was just a nice project to make the 4p switch and hoping it should work...and it is. 73's Jerry,ON4CJQ ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- Van: "amsat-bb" Aan: "amsat-bb" Verzonden: Zondag 18 maart 2018 20:44:48 Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's to work the LEO's. Thank you Brian, KG8CO _______________________________________________ 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 From planophore at aei.ca Mon Mar 19 20:49:38 2018 From: planophore at aei.ca (Graham) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 20:49:38 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Something like Ping Jockey? but for the satellites is an excellent idea; I would use it and would likely be more active because of it. cheers, Graham ve3gtc FN25ig On 2018-03-19 16:57, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > """?Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK"? .....from the last dispatch of messages ....Re:??trying to get?back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a new Op perspective ..... > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like? "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line up some QSO's?and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the bird' problem. > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official?or better is out here or offered? > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats?page would fuel the live sat-chat room very nicely > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net Mon Mar 19 21:26:08 2018 From: amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:26:08 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hi, Brad! As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a > new Op perspective ..... > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like > "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the > bird' problem. > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org > domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or > better is out here or offered? > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat > room very nicely > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > From n3xls at yahoo.com Mon Mar 19 21:42:43 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 17:42:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20180319214249.BC0198DC0@lansing182.amsat.org> There is the n8fq sked page.? ?I use the lotw page but i check the sat page too.? Its like ping jockey.http://n8fq.org/sked/ -------- Original message --------From: "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" Date: 3/19/18 5:26 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Mr B r a d , AMSAT Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? Hi, Brad! As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK"? .....from the last dispatch of messages > ....Re:? trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a > new Op perspective ..... > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like > "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the > bird' problem. > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org > domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or > better is out here or offered? > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat > room very nicely > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > _______________________________________________ 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 From jerry.tuyls at telenet.be Mon Mar 19 18:39:09 2018 From: jerry.tuyls at telenet.be (jerry.tuyls at telenet.be) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 19:39:09 +0100 (CET) Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <37880249.195175472.1521484749896.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Brian, i have 2 systems for sat: main station has switchable polarisation between RHCP and LHCP and i switch on ALL sat-passes. Tested a system in the past with a switch between H and V, but i like the RHCP/LHCP switching the most because less fading. sub station is with 2 small crossyagis with a 4 polarisation switch per antenna; most of the time i use at these antennas the RHCP and LHCP position, but it is nice to use the V and H positions as extra,but not needed for sat, only terrestrial for dx and local chat here.It was just a nice thing to make the 4p switch and hoping it should work...and it is. 73's Jerry,ON4CJQ ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- Van: "amsat-bb" Aan: "amsat-bb" Verzonden: Zondag 18 maart 2018 20:44:48 Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's to work the LEO's. Thank you Brian, KG8CO _______________________________________________ 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 From jmtrewitt at gmail.com Mon Mar 19 19:12:34 2018 From: jmtrewitt at gmail.com (Jordan Trewitt) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 19:12:34 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <93CBE2B9-3FC2-4E21-B7BC-8A351EDBADAE@gmail.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> <93CBE2B9-3FC2-4E21-B7BC-8A351EDBADAE@gmail.com> Message-ID: I'll say, why not both? I need to get to trying out my cross-pole yagi with my LimeSDR, which should be able to receive two inputs at the same time. >From there I'm assuming I could just set up some phase delays in GNU Radio and adders to produce both LHCP and RHCP at the same time, in theory at least. Only problem is that I've heard there's some inconsistent phase differences between the two channels. -Jordan KF5COQ On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 2:03 PM Jean Marc Momple wrote: > Try it! > > Then it would be clearer to you, practice is just an extension of theory > (or vice-versa). Hi! > > In our case there many unknown variable that there is no ?thumb rule?, it > depends obviously on what the birds are doing up there. > > 73 > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > > On Mar 19, 2018, at 10:33 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > > > > I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making > sense to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the > E and M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and > a CP antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning > at anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get > "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might > work better at different times. > > > > What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves > at any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP > or RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal > is linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. > > > > That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get > better reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not > true. Just that I don't understand it. > > > > 73, > > > > Burns WB1FJ > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple < > jean.marc.momple at gmail.com > wrote: > > Guys, > > > > Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I > need to intervene. > > > > It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there > is no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is > just operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP > based on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the > Uplink and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator > skills as mentioned before. > > > > For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be > compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things > that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, > say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially > available. > > > > Just a suggestion and food for thought. > > > > > > 73 > > > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > > > > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio < > antonio at qti.qualcomm.com > wrote: > > > > > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're > communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, > by virtue of he way antennas work. > > > > > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which > transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the > signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes > are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a > satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they > designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is > pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > > > > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger > received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the > commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas > point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't > have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from > you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the > best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization > switching sometimes helps. > > > > > > ________________________________________ > > > From: AMSAT-BB amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org>> on behalf of Jordan Trewitt < > jmtrewitt at gmail.com > > > > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > > > To: Eduardo PY2RN > > > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > > > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > > > Jordan > > > KF5COQ > > > > > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN py2rn at arrl.net>> wrote: > > > > > >> Hi Brian, > > >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often > during a > > >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in > this > > >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in > CP. > > >> 73 > > >> Ed > > >> PY2RN > > >> > > >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb at amsat.org>> > > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org " < > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 > yagi's > > >> to work the LEO's. > > >> > > >> Thank you > > >> > > >> Brian, KG8CO > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> 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 > > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> 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 > > > >> > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 < > 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 > From davekn4ok at aol.com Mon Mar 19 21:00:09 2018 From: davekn4ok at aol.com (davekn4ok at aol.com) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 17:00:09 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <162400fe76f-179e-9c83@webjas-vac209.srv.aolmail.net> You can always meet with satellite ops here: http://n8fq.org/sked/index.php?board=sat -----Original Message----- From: Graham To: amsat-bb Sent: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 3:56 pm Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? Something like Ping Jockey but for the satellites is an excellent idea; I would use it and would likely be more active because of it.cheers, Graham ve3gtc FN25igOn 2018-03-19 16:57, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote:> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-> """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """"> I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a new Op perspective .....> I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the bird' problem.> sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or better is out here or offered?> one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat room very nicely>> new guy Ko6kLBrad> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=->>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________> 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_______________________________________________Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum availableto all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressedare 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 From k7trkradio at charter.net Mon Mar 19 23:51:09 2018 From: k7trkradio at charter.net (Ted Krempa) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:51:09 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. Thank you, Ted K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? Hi, Brad! As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB wrote: > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a > new Op perspective ..... > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like > "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and line > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or echo-link > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the > bird' problem. > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org > domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or > better is out here or offered? > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat > room very nicely > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > _______________________________________________ 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 From aj9n at aol.com Tue Mar 20 02:04:47 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:04:47 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-20 03:00 UTC Message-ID: <1624126d78a-c87-326@webjas-vae075.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-20 03:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact was successful: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC 27 deg (***) ? Watch for live stream on the EchoLink AMSAT conference server live.?? ****************************************************************************** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students? (corrected)? (***) ????????????? ?ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 ? March 15, 2018:? The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. ? Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio. ?The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? ? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.? I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.?? ? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-20 03:00 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1216. (***) Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1165. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-20 03:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From wandtosborne at gmail.com Tue Mar 20 03:34:51 2018 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:34:51 +1300 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com><893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com><1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com><1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com><82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi Burns, Jean Marc and Satellite Fans, Here is my explanation of why Antenna Polarisation varies: If the satellite is transmitting random linear polarisation then a CP antenna should pick up most of the signal, however remember that a CP antenna uses phasing between the Vertical and Horizontal antennas to determine the sense (RHCP or LHCP) of the circular polarisation. If you consider the satellite to also have Vertical and Horizontal components to its polarisation then how these components change in phase when passing through the ionosphere determines whether RHCP or LHCP will work better. In addition there is the problem of reflections (ground and adjacent objects) with the receiving antenna. You can see this by looking a plots of the Vertical radiation pattern of antennas at various heights. At the low heights of typical satellite antennas any Horizontal component of the received signal will vary depending on the elevation angle of the satellite. Any Vertical component will be pretty constant. As an example AO-91 seems to work better with Vertical polarisation at low elevation angles and changes to Horizontal at high elevation angles (height above ground 1.5 metres). So a satellite receiving antenna needs to be able to vary the polarisation to be able to avoid fading at some elevation angles. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC -----Original Message----- From: Burns Fisher Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:33 AM To: Jean Marc Momple Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might work better at different times. What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. Just that I don't understand it. 73, Burns WB1FJ On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple < jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > Guys, > > Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I > need to intervene. > > It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is > no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just > operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based > on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink > and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator > skills > as mentioned before. > > For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be > compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things > that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, > say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially > available. > > Just a suggestion and food for thought. > > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio > wrote: > > > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're > communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, > by virtue of he way antennas work. > > > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which > transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the > signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes > are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a > satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they > designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is > pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger > received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the > commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas > point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't > have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from > you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the > best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization > switching sometimes helps. > > > > ________________________________________ > > From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan Trewitt > > > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > > To: Eduardo PY2RN > > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > > Jordan > > KF5COQ > > > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: > > > >> Hi Brian, > >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often > during a > >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in > this > >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. > >> 73 > >> Ed > >> PY2RN > >> > >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM > >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > >> > >> > >> > >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 > yagi's > >> to work the LEO's. > >> > >> Thank you > >> > >> Brian, KG8CO > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From aj9n at aol.com Tue Mar 20 05:30:23 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 01:30:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-20 05:30 UTC Message-ID: <16241e314bb-c89-bc3@webjas-vad196.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-20 05:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact was successful: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC 27 deg (***) ? Watch for live stream on the EchoLink AMSAT conference server live.?? Freeport Public Schools, Freeport, NY, telebridge via IK1SLD (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA (***) Contact is a go for: Tue 2018-03-27 17:41:04 UTC 24 deg (***) ****************************************************************************** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students? (corrected)? (***) ????????????? ?ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 ? March 15, 2018:? The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. ? Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio. ?The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? ? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.? I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.?? ? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-20 05:30 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1216. (***) Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1165. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-20 03:00 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From antonio at qti.qualcomm.com Tue Mar 20 15:40:13 2018 From: antonio at qti.qualcomm.com (Franklin Antonio) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 15:40:13 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com>, Message-ID: <1521560413766.2662@qti.qualcomm.com> I'll double down on the explanation I wrote below, because I believe it addresses the issue you're having trouble with. However, I've figured out another way to say the same thing using different perhaps more familiar language. Here goes... Suppose we have a satellite that transmits (so they say) a Right Hand Circular Polarized signal. That means the electric vector spins around in a counterclockwise direction. Ah, but clockwise is an interesting concept. Lets think about a clock. Suppose I launched a giant clock into orbit. It is big enough so that you can see it with a telescope, and it has a transparent face. What you see in the telescope are the giant clock hands. As you look thru the telescope, fred asks you "Which way do the clock hands rotate? Clockwise or counterclockwise?" Now it happens that at this moment the clock is oriented so that you're looking at it from the side. You respond "I don't know. I don't see any rotation. They seem to be going just up and down!" Then after awhile the clock's orientation has changed a bit, and now you can see rotation. You say "hey, now I see rotation, and it's clockwise!" You are now looking at the front of the clock. The clock itself is slowly rotating so after awhile you say "Hey, its just going up and down again!" This means that the clock has now rotated so that you're seeing it edge-on again, from the other side. After another wait you say "Wow, now I see rotation again, but now it's counterclockwise! It changed! How can that be?" This just means you're now seeing the clock from the back instead of the front. When you look from the back side, the clockwise rotation of the clock looks like counterclockwise rotation. How the signal from an antenna on a spacecraft looks to you works the same way, except we use different names. Clockwise rotation is LHCP. Counterclockwise rotation is RHCP. Up-and-down movement is linear polarization. If you ask a clock designer which way he built the clock to go, he'll think you're an idiot, and he'll say "clockwise of course". But keep in mind he's speaking under the assumption that you view his clock from the front. He doesn't say this, but he means it nevertheless. If you ask a designer of an antenna which polarization he designed the antenna to generate, he may say "RHCP", but keep in mind he's speaking under the assumption that you view his antenna from the front (ie in the main beam). If you're viewing from the side or the back, the answer is different. If you view a transmitting antenna or a clock from a different direction, then you see a different rotation or polarization. You can write a bunch of complicated equations to describe all this, but at its heart its just simple geometry. ________________________________ From: Burns Fisher Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 11:33 AM To: Jean Marc Momple Cc: Franklin Antonio; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might work better at different times. What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. Just that I don't understand it. 73, Burns WB1FJ On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple > wrote: Guys, Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I need to intervene. It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator skills as mentioned before. For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially available. Just a suggestion and food for thought. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio > wrote: > > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, by virtue of he way antennas work. > > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is pointing off to the side, then you get something else. > > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization switching sometimes helps. > > ________________________________________ > From: AMSAT-BB > on behalf of Jordan Trewitt > > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM > To: Eduardo PY2RN > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? > Jordan > KF5COQ > > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN > wrote: > >> Hi Brian, >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often during a >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in this >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. >> 73 >> Ed >> PY2RN >> >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB > >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" > >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> >> >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 yagi's >> to work the LEO's. >> >> Thank you >> >> Brian, KG8CO >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Tue Mar 20 16:04:50 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:04:50 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> Message-ID: <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> Terry, I tend to agree with all you mentioned, but there is much more: 1) First, what I wanted to say is that there is not ideal solution for all birds due to the different variables for each bird, such as spinning rate, direction of spinning and antenna placement, type of antenna, Tx power etc? If all parameters not known and without these information it is difficult to calculate the path budget and/or design the best setup for the ground station. 2) I also confirm multi-path is an issue and a good example to illustrate, it is an issue particularly at low angle, more over the sea and at higher frequency it is easily observed, this is well experienced here e.g. AO-92 on L-mode has quite deep fading on the uplink at low angle as compare with same situation on the U/V mode (we are in an small Island and surrounded by sea). 3) How I know that it is on the uplink? It is very simple, the fading is on my voice transmission fade deeply while at the same moment telemetry is received rock solid no difference in signal strength. This an example how observation may help to determine what is the real issue. This is why I advices to Burns to try and he will surely have a better understanding and may experience for himself. 4) There is many techniques well known to correct multi-path fading (keeping this issue as example) such as space diversity etc.. however this complicate the whole installation and not really worth for a HAM station/our purpose. More one can even analyze (with proper test equipment/software) the downlink signal and determine what would be the best polarization for uplink, automate the station, etc? I guess going that way will be a long technical debate beyond the scope of actual discussion. 5) I have take one example, the other variables mentioned such as reflection, obstacles such as trees/buildings etc.. also causing QSB, which are unique to each ground stations, there are also solutions, one should be aware of its own environment and adapt its station design to mitigate same. In a nutshell/ my conclusion/ advice on the RHCP/LHCP issue: to operate the birds for HAM purpose the simplest way is just to have polarization relays on both uplink and downlink antennas, then manually switch polarization as required depending on the fading, which has quite different patterns depending on the bird and their trajectory, after some time an practice it becomes natural and you push the button without even thinking. I do so all the time during Sat. passes. Same conclusion as yours. Hope this help all. 73 Jean Marc > On Mar 20, 2018, at 7:34 AM, Wendy and Terry Osborne wrote: > > Hi Burns, Jean Marc and Satellite Fans, > > Here is my explanation of why Antenna Polarisation varies: > If the satellite is transmitting random linear polarisation then a CP antenna should pick up most of the signal, > however remember that a CP antenna uses phasing between the Vertical and Horizontal antennas to determine > the sense (RHCP or LHCP) of the circular polarisation. > If you consider the satellite to also have Vertical and Horizontal components to its polarisation then how these > components change in phase when passing through the ionosphere determines whether RHCP or LHCP will work better. > > In addition there is the problem of reflections (ground and adjacent objects) with the receiving antenna. > You can see this by looking a plots of the Vertical radiation pattern of antennas at various heights. > At the low heights of typical satellite antennas any Horizontal component of the received signal will vary > depending on the elevation angle of the satellite. Any Vertical component will be pretty constant. > As an example AO-91 seems to work better with Vertical polarisation at low elevation angles and changes to > Horizontal at high elevation angles (height above ground 1.5 metres). > > So a satellite receiving antenna needs to be able to vary the polarisation to be able to avoid fading at some elevation angles. > > 73, > Terry Osborne ZL2BAC > > > > -----Original Message----- From: Burns Fisher > Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:33 AM > To: Jean Marc Momple > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question > > I'd really like to understand this better, but it is still not making sense > to me. I believe that if you are transmitting with a CP antenna, the E and > M waves actually go through an entire circle in one carrier cycle and a CP > antenna is able to "follow" that. Surely a satellite is not spinning at > anywhere close to 145 or 450 million revs per second, so I don't get > "spinning satellite" as an explanation for why an LHP or RHP antenna might > work better at different times. > > What I do get is that a CP antenna can receive linearly polarized waves at > any angle equally. But this should be true whether the antenna is LHP or > RHP, and I would not think which direction should matter if the signal is > linear in the first place, even if the signal is spinning slowly. > > That all said, I have definitely heard people say that they can get better > reception by changing from LHP to RHP. I'm not saying this is not true. > Just that I don't understand it. > > 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Jean Marc Momple < > jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > >> Guys, >> >> Long debate for not much. I have followed this stream and believe that I >> need to intervene. >> >> It is very simple, most HAM birds does spin (sometimes a lot) and there is >> no way one can anticipate as different from one bird to others. It is just >> operator skills (on the spot) to determine/switch from LHCP or RCCP based >> on what is the best received signal strength. It works both on the Uplink >> and Downlink. There is no miracle formulae and it is a just operator skills >> as mentioned before. >> >> For commercial birds it is totally different game and should not be >> compared with our humble Ham birds, they have much more means to do things >> that we cannot afford to do, except if all HAM worldwide donate to AMSAT, >> say $10 we then may be able to match some of the features commercially >> available. >> >> Just a suggestion and food for thought. >> >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> > On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Franklin Antonio >> wrote: >> > >> > When you say a satellite "has" RHCP, we have to be careful that we're >> communicating clearly about what "has" means. Every satellite "has" both, >> by virtue of he way antennas work. >> > >> > I suspect that you mean that the satellite has an antenna which >> transmits RHCP in its main lobe. It is important to realize that the >> signal from such an antenna is only RHCP in its main lobe. The sidelobes >> are gonna be LHCP. In between, you can get anything in between. So if a >> satellite is oriented so that its antenna points right at you, and they >> designed it to be RHCP, then that's what you're gonna get, but if it is >> pointing off to the side, then you get something else. >> > >> > This means that there are situations in which you might get a stronger >> received signal if you switch to LHCP, or maybe even to linear. In the >> commercial satellite biz, they design satellites so that their antennas >> point at the users. Hams build cheaper satellites, which typically don't >> have sophisticated attitude control, so sometimes they point away from >> you. Also, hams try to use the things even when conditions aren't the >> best. If that's your aim, then most folks have found that polarization >> switching sometimes helps. >> > >> > ________________________________________ >> > From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Jordan Trewitt >> >> > Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 2:43 PM >> > To: Eduardo PY2RN >> > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> > >> > Maybe I'm not understanding it, but why does one need to switch between >> > both, unless a particular satellite has LHCP or RHCP? >> > Jordan >> > KF5COQ >> > >> > On Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 16:34 Eduardo PY2RN wrote: >> > >> >> Hi Brian, >> >> Both. You are going to need to switch between RHCP and LHCP often >> during a >> >> sat pass. The same happens if using linear polarization (V/H) but in >> this >> >> case the switch between V and H will happen much more often than in CP. >> >> 73 >> >> Ed >> >> PY2RN >> >> >> >> From: Brian via AMSAT-BB >> >> To: "amsat-bb at amsat.org" >> >> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2018 6:21 PM >> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Should I be using LHCP or RHCP when setting up the 2 meter and 440 >> yagi's >> >> to work the LEO's. >> >> >> >> Thank you >> >> >> >> Brian, KG8CO >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> 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 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> 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 >> >> >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 From heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com Tue Mar 20 16:07:07 2018 From: heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com (IW1DTU Fer) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:07:07 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? Fer IW1DTU From scott23192 at gmail.com Tue Mar 20 16:42:40 2018 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 12:42:40 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hello! It's listed in: https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt ... as well as the source I use: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt 73! -Scott, K4KDR ======================= On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:07 PM, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132, using **Nova for windows** but I > can't find this bird in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU From ferruccio.paglia at yahoo.com Tue Mar 20 16:19:00 2018 From: ferruccio.paglia at yahoo.com (Ferruccio Andrea Paglia) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:19:00 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1526987670.4034613.1521562740841@mail.yahoo.com> I mean in **automatic way**, not downloading nasabare.txt and than importing manually in Nova Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 4:14:18 PM GMT, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB wrote: I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? Fer IW1DTU _______________________________________________ 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 From py41 at att.net Tue Mar 20 16:27:56 2018 From: py41 at att.net (Perry Yantis) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:27:56 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat References: <1099666735.2718490.1521563276331.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1099666735.2718490.1521563276331@mail.yahoo.com> picsat elements are in nasabare at the?amsat page.PICSAT 1 43132U 18004X 18074.71729050 .00001602 00000-0 72461-4 0 9990 2 43132 97.5454 137.1063 0011584 69.8513 290.3968 15.22363041 9497?Perry WB8OTH py41 at att.net sent from my Apple Macbook Pro From godetj at wanadoo.fr Tue Mar 20 17:03:44 2018 From: godetj at wanadoo.fr (Jean-Pierre Godet) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:03:44 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hi Fer, You can find, in the Celestrak data bases, the PicSat bird cat number 43132 under "Space & Earth Science" directory : https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt By the way, looks like all my attemps to send telemetry data to the PicSat server with "upload your data" are failing though the same frames are accepted by "fast upload beacon". I tried with and without kiss beacons, with end of lines Unix like (LF) and with Windows/DOS end of lines (CR/LF) in vain. All my telemetry frames are redirected > /dev/null 2>&1. :-) Ciao Fer, enjoy listening to PicSat, 73+++ ! Jean-Pierre F5YG On 20/03/2018 16:07, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From mhz4464 at yahoo.com Tue Mar 20 20:20:23 2018 From: mhz4464 at yahoo.com (Fer) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:20:23 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> Thanks Scott, any chance to add http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt to NOVA kep element internet update? 73 Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 4:43:55 PM GMT, Scott wrote: Hello! It's listed in: https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt ... as well as the source I use: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt 73! -Scott,? K4KDR ======================= On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:07 PM, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I > can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU _______________________________________________ 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 From scott23192 at gmail.com Tue Mar 20 20:25:36 2018 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:25:36 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Sorry, not familiar with the NOVA software. Many other apps allow you to specify the source URL for TLE?s... perhaps someone can direct you to where this is done in NOVA. ========================================== From: Fer Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 4:20 PM To: Scott ; AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat Thanks Scott, any chance to add http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt to NOVA kep element internet update? 73 Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 4:43:55 PM GMT, Scott wrote: Hello! It's listed in: https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt ... as well as the source I use: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt 73! -Scott, K4KDR ======================= On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:07 PM, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132, using **Nova for windows** but I > can't find this bird in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU From kb2ysi at gmail.com Tue Mar 20 20:28:38 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:28:38 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite tracking API In-Reply-To: <004401d3bfb3$fc6ba2c0$f542e840$@sufitchi.com> References: <004401d3bfb3$fc6ba2c0$f542e840$@sufitchi.com> Message-ID: Wow Chip, that is quite the service. Thank you for your time and support to the community! On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 2:56 PM, Ciprian Sufitchi wrote: > Hi all, > > Those a bit more comfortable with programming can use the REST API recently > released at n2yo.com: > https://www.n2yo.com/api/ > Probably the most useful transactions for amateur radio operating via > satellites are: > Get TLE > Get radio passes > > Any suggestions and comments are welcome. > > Thanks! > 73s de Chip N2YO > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- 73, Don KB2YSI From claudio at ariotti.com Tue Mar 20 23:16:36 2018 From: claudio at ariotti.com (Claudio Ariotti - IK1SLD) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 00:16:36 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Fer, you can change It under Kep. Elements - Internet Update - Configure Download Under HTTP change Remote URL to www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl and under Remote? files add kepler/mykepler.txt And flag only this new line. Nova isn't more updated by the author so no other change are available. Nova for Windows now is free. ?73' de Claudio IK1SLD Inviato da Blue ? Il giorno 20 mar 2018, 21:21, alle ore 21:21, Fer via AMSAT-BB ha scritto: > Thanks Scott, any chance to add >http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt > >to NOVA kep element internet update? >73 Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 4:43:55 PM GMT, Scott > wrote: > > Hello! > >It's listed in: > >https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt > >... as well as the source I use: > >http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt > > >73! > >-Scott,? K4KDR > > >======================= > >On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:07 PM, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB < >amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >> I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** >but I >> can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. >Any idea? >> Fer IW1DTU >_______________________________________________ >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 > >_______________________________________________ >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 From kawfey at gmail.com Wed Mar 21 00:56:58 2018 From: kawfey at gmail.com (Sterling Coffey) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 19:56:58 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> Message-ID: Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially with > summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff or maybe > traveling home from a weekend trip. > > Thank you, Ted > K7TRK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick > STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > Hi, Brad! > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have > talked about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this > sort of discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink > conference server, which has been used for similar nets in the > past. There's the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at > home presently, so I can't speak to that). Lots of options to > do something online. > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should > do (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, > or something online)". If someone is interested in doing this > on EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It > doesn't have to be "official", but usually requires someone > to be the cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is > proposed. The D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens > of check-ins on any given Sunday evening, but has had good > discussions and question-and-answer sessions. If something is > done on DMR, I don't have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't > hurt if we have these sorts of roundtables or chats in different > places. The D-Star roundtable has drawn in some local Arizona > interest, given that the reflector we have been using is > normally tied into several D-Star repeaters around the > Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > 73! > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > wrote: > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a > > new Op perspective ..... > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like > > "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and > line > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > echo-link > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the > > bird' problem. > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org > > domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or > > better is out here or offered? > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat > > room very nicely > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From rdwelch at swbell.net Wed Mar 21 02:50:10 2018 From: rdwelch at swbell.net (Roy) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 21:50:10 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Jeffrey Richmond ? Message-ID: <1473E5AC-ACFE-4B1A-B356-474522E704FB@swbell.net> Jeffrey Richmond, where are you? I keep getting mail addressed to you as: Jeffrey Richmond Amsat However it is at my address. This mail is from more than one originator. It is from Dell, and now Indeed.com. An interesting thought is that both of these companies are shown as being in Austin, TX. You are evidently on a mailing list with my Missouri address. AMSAT doesn't show you as a member and Dell doesn't seem to mind continuing to send mail to you here. Indeed.com has no idea how you got on their mailing list but they say it will be removed. Who knows, maybe Dell will have a big computer give away sweepstakes and will send me your new Belch Fire 64-bit work station. HI ! 73, Roy -- W0SL Sent from my iPad R/D/Gd/Ggd From heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com Tue Mar 20 20:30:15 2018 From: heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com (IW1DTU Fer) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:30:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <752715995.4265106.1521577815412@mail.yahoo.com> Bonsoir Jean Pierre thanks for useful info, science elements added to Nova download. Merci! I usualy send picsat telemetry in real time with Online Telemetry Forwarder by DK3WN.By the way, this evening no signal from the little bird :( Vy 73 de Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 5:04:42 PM GMT, Jean-Pierre Godet wrote: ? Hi Fer, ? You can find, in the Celestrak data bases, the PicSat bird cat number 43132 under "Space & Earth Science" directory : https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt ? By the way, looks like all my attemps to send telemetry data to the PicSat server with "upload your data" are failing though the same frames are accepted by "fast upload beacon". I tried with and without kiss beacons, with end of lines Unix like (LF) and with Windows/DOS end of lines (CR/LF) in vain. All my telemetry frames are redirected > /dev/null 2>&1.? :-) ? Ciao Fer, enjoy listening to PicSat, 73+++ ! ? Jean-Pierre F5YG On 20/03/2018 16:07, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From brad.wf7t at gmail.com Wed Mar 21 02:55:48 2018 From: brad.wf7t at gmail.com (Brad Brooks) Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 21:55:48 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> Message-ID: I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of hosted > persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the paradigm shift > in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to send > and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable chat log > for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially with > > summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff or maybe > > traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > Thank you, Ted > > K7TRK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick > > STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have > > talked about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this > > sort of discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink > > conference server, which has been used for similar nets in the > > past. There's the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at > > home presently, so I can't speak to that). Lots of options to > > do something online. > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should > > do (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, > > or something online)". If someone is interested in doing this > > on EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It > > doesn't have to be "official", but usually requires someone > > to be the cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is > > proposed. The D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens > > of check-ins on any given Sunday evening, but has had good > > discussions and question-and-answer sessions. If something is > > done on DMR, I don't have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't > > hurt if we have these sorts of roundtables or chats in different > > places. The D-Star roundtable has drawn in some local Arizona > > interest, given that the reflector we have been using is > > normally tied into several D-Star repeaters around the > > Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > wrote: > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on from a > > > new Op perspective ..... > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something like > > > "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating questions and > > line > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > echo-link > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was on the > > > bird' problem. > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my valleymedia.org > > > domain withone of the free chat room scripts if nothing more official or > > > better is out here or offered? > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live sat-chat > > > room very nicely > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From devin at thecabal.org Wed Mar 21 04:36:27 2018 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 04:36:27 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> Message-ID: If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > Thank you, Ted > > K7TRK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > wrote: > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > questions and > > line > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > echo-link > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > on the bird' problem. > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From john at amber.org.uk Wed Mar 21 09:18:35 2018 From: john at amber.org.uk (John) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 09:18:35 -0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> Message-ID: <011c01d3c0f5$976d9ca0$c648d5e0$@amber.org.uk> I'd second Discord for two main reasons. 1) all of the below. 2) Slack has a 'buffer limit' of 10,000 messages server-wide unless you pay them an exorbitant amount of money every month (circa $10 per user every month or something). I tried applying for a not-for-profit upgrade for one of the organisations that insisted on using Slack that I'm part of, and they basically said "unless you're a registered charity, no chance". As an aside though, Discord too has its flaws - anyone with the url can join and there's no way of monitoring who is joining without having a bot that actively welcomes every user by name, which gets quite spammy. The "secure" channels on a Discord server are not secure either - people with a third party client can dump all the contents of every "secure" channel without even having to try too hard. However, it's a perfectly respectable platform if you feel the need for multiple channels. If you only care about a single "channel" or stream of chatter, go for Telegram - cross platform including most desktop OSs, web client for those who don't want to install a native client, and 'just works'. Joining either by link or invitation from an existing member, and shows when someone joins. Persistent history, as with Discord. This debate could get heavy, but work out what you'd want (single stream of chat, multiple channels etc etc) and then work out what the best platform is for the specific job you want to do. 73, and a firm left handshake, John (XLX) -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Devin L. Ganger Sent: 21 March 2018 04:36 To: Brad Brooks ; Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > Thank you, Ted > > K7TRK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > wrote: > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > questions and > > line > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > echo-link > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > on the bird' problem. > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From n3xls at yahoo.com Wed Mar 21 09:46:09 2018 From: n3xls at yahoo.com (Joe N3XLS) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 05:46:09 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <011c01d3c0f5$976d9ca0$c648d5e0$@amber.org.uk> Message-ID: <20180321094624.259638B07@lansing182.amsat.org> There is the n8fq sked page.? ?I use the lotw page but i check the sat page too.? Its like ping jockey.http://n8fq.org/sked/ Why reinvent the wheel? -------- Original message --------From: John Date: 3/21/18 5:18 AM (GMT-05:00) To: "'Devin L. Ganger'" , 'Brad Brooks' , 'Sterling Coffey' , amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I'd second Discord for two main reasons. 1) all of the below. 2) Slack has a 'buffer limit' of 10,000 messages server-wide unless you pay them an exorbitant amount of money every month (circa $10 per user every month or something). I tried applying for a not-for-profit upgrade for one of the organisations that insisted on using Slack that I'm part of, and they basically said "unless you're a registered charity, no chance". As an aside though, Discord too has its flaws - anyone with the url can join and there's no way of monitoring who is joining without having a bot that actively welcomes every user by name, which gets quite spammy. The "secure" channels on a Discord server are not secure either - people with a third party client can dump all the contents of every "secure" channel without even having to try too hard. However, it's a perfectly respectable platform if you feel the need for multiple channels. If you only care about a single "channel" or stream of chatter, go for Telegram - cross platform including most desktop OSs, web client for those who don't want to install a native client, and 'just works'. Joining either by link or invitation from an existing member, and shows when someone joins. Persistent history, as with Discord. This debate could get heavy, but work out what you'd want (single stream of chat, multiple channels etc etc) and then work out what the best platform is for the specific job you want to do. 73, and a firm left handshake, John (XLX) -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Devin L. Ganger Sent: 21 March 2018 04:36 To: Brad Brooks ; Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > Thank you, Ted > > K7TRK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > wrote: > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > questions and > > line > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > echo-link > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > on the bird' problem. > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From dave at g4dpz.me.uk Wed Mar 21 11:55:37 2018 From: dave at g4dpz.me.uk (David Johnson) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 11:55:37 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite tracking API In-Reply-To: <004401d3bfb3$fc6ba2c0$f542e840$@sufitchi.com> References: <004401d3bfb3$fc6ba2c0$f542e840$@sufitchi.com> Message-ID: <13272210-B265-4771-95FB-62D160177B14@g4dpz.me.uk> Hi, In collaboration with Chip, I have written a Java client to work with the API. It can be found at: https://github.com/g4dpz/n2yo-api-client The plan is also to make it available at 'maven central' 73 Dave, G4DPZ > On 19 Mar 2018, at 18:56, Ciprian Sufitchi wrote: > > Hi all, > > Those a bit more comfortable with programming can use the REST API recently > released at n2yo.com: > https://www.n2yo.com/api/ > Probably the most useful transactions for amateur radio operating via > satellites are: > Get TLE > Get radio passes > > Any suggestions and comments are welcome. > > Thanks! > 73s de Chip N2YO > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From caleb at calebsmith.net Wed Mar 21 05:43:37 2018 From: caleb at calebsmith.net (Caleb Smith) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 05:43:37 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> Message-ID: +1 on the discord suggestion, there's a young hams group with 200 members using discord and it's worked really well for us. The best part about it is the mobile apps work really well, as opposed to IRC, which lacks good mobile support. On Tue, Mar 20, 2018, 11:11 PM Devin L. Ganger wrote: > If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might > as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to > hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of > voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. > > > -- > Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) > email: devin at thecabal.org > web: Devin on Earth > cell: +1 425.239.2575 > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks > Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM > To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T > > On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to > Discord and Slack. > > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa > wrote: > > > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > > > Thank you, Ted > > > K7TRK > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable > """" > > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > > questions and > > > line > > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > > echo-link > > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > > on the bird' problem. > > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com Wed Mar 21 08:01:18 2018 From: heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com (IW1DTU Fer) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 08:01:18 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <931013810.4367496.1521587974858@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> <931013810.4367496.1521587974858@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <791194713.4537075.1521619278506@mail.yahoo.com> Hello Jerry Nova for windows is an excellent tracking software with celestrak? keps download utility inside the program 73? Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 11:19:40 PM GMT, Gerald Witalec wrote: What program do we need to download the KEPS? Jerry On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 4:21 PM, Fer via AMSAT-BB wrote: Thanks Scott, any chance to add http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt to NOVA kep element internet update? 73 Fer IW1DTU? ? On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 4:43:55 PM GMT, Scott wrote:? Hello! It's listed in: https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt ... as well as the source I use: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt 73! -Scott,? K4KDR ======================= On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:07 PM, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I > can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU _______________________________________________ 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 ? _______________________________________________ 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 From john at amber.org.uk Wed Mar 21 13:45:05 2018 From: john at amber.org.uk (John) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:45:05 -0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> <011c01d3c0f5$976d9ca0$c648d5e0$@amber.org.uk> Message-ID: <015e01d3c11a$d26d3840$7747a8c0$@amber.org.uk> Devin, My point was that if whoever becomes the "admin" on a Discord server decides they need a private channel for administrative functions for whatever reason, they can't consider it in any way secure, and should be aware of this from the start. The problem with your suggestion of "not having one true chat" is that the more different avenues of discussion you have for something, the more disjointed and fragmented things become, the harder it becomes to find information and the more overwhelming it is for a new user who hasn't been involved before and just goes "erk, that's a lot of stuff, where do I even start?". People will then respond on one platform to a question with "this was discussed somewhere else" (and in some cases, flaming a user for "not searching properly before asking" - I've seen this before in other similar situations), to which the person asking the question would end up saying "well how the heck was I supposed to know I've got to check ten different platforms, hundreds of mail archives etc etc first?"... I like Discord myself, as I said, but I figured it was important for people to know about the privacy/security issue. John -----Original Message----- From: Devin L. Ganger Sent: 21 March 2018 13:27 To: John ; 'Brad Brooks' ; 'Sterling Coffey' ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? Since we're a public hobby, I don't see how the points you make below are actually a problem for this community -- in fact, might help get more people interested! Discord is widely used by many gaming and hobbyist communities already, so using a popular service like this might help improve our "curb appeal." ? Having one channel for, say, general questions, another for FM contacts, another for SSB contacts, seems like it would be a nice deal. And, most important to my mind, we're not putting the burden of making a usable place for the community on one lone programmer's shoulders. Discord is a major app that has a big team developing and supporting it, which means that it "just works" for everyone -- smartphone users, PC users, Mac users, Linux users, people who want to use a browser, etc. Finally, there's no reason there needs to be "One True Chat" for this hobby. Seems more in the spirit of things for there to be multiple resources for folks to use as their comfort level dictates. The key, to my mind, is getting AMSAT to publicize *each* of the resources we have available so folks can find them and use the ones right for them. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email: devin at thecabal.org web: Devin on Earth cell: +1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: John Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 2:19 AM To: Devin L. Ganger ; 'Brad Brooks' ; 'Sterling Coffey' ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I'd second Discord for two main reasons. 1) all of the below. 2) Slack has a 'buffer limit' of 10,000 messages server-wide unless you pay them an exorbitant amount of money every month (circa $10 per user every month or something). I tried applying for a not-for-profit upgrade for one of the organisations that insisted on using Slack that I'm part of, and they basically said "unless you're a registered charity, no chance". As an aside though, Discord too has its flaws - anyone with the url can join and there's no way of monitoring who is joining without having a bot that actively welcomes every user by name, which gets quite spammy. The "secure" channels on a Discord server are not secure either - people with a third party client can dump all the contents of every "secure" channel without even having to try too hard. However, it's a perfectly respectable platform if you feel the need for multiple channels. If you only care about a single "channel" or stream of chatter, go for Telegram - cross platform including most desktop OSs, web client for those who don't want to install a native client, and 'just works'. Joining either by link or invitation from an existing member, and shows when someone joins. Persistent history, as with Discord. This debate could get heavy, but work out what you'd want (single stream of chat, multiple channels etc etc) and then work out what the best platform is for the specific job you want to do. 73, and a firm left handshake, John (XLX) -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Devin L. Ganger Sent: 21 March 2018 04:36 To: Brad Brooks ; Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email: devin at thecabal.org web: Devin on Earth cell: +1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > Thank you, Ted > > K7TRK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > wrote: > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > questions and > > line > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > echo-link > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > on the bird' problem. > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From devin at thecabal.org Wed Mar 21 13:27:28 2018 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:27:28 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <011c01d3c0f5$976d9ca0$c648d5e0$@amber.org.uk> References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> <011c01d3c0f5$976d9ca0$c648d5e0$@amber.org.uk> Message-ID: Since we're a public hobby, I don't see how the points you make below are actually a problem for this community -- in fact, might help get more people interested! Discord is widely used by many gaming and hobbyist communities already, so using a popular service like this might help improve our "curb appeal." ? Having one channel for, say, general questions, another for FM contacts, another for SSB contacts, seems like it would be a nice deal. And, most important to my mind, we're not putting the burden of making a usable place for the community on one lone programmer's shoulders. Discord is a major app that has a big team developing and supporting it, which means that it "just works" for everyone -- smartphone users, PC users, Mac users, Linux users, people who want to use a browser, etc. Finally, there's no reason there needs to be "One True Chat" for this hobby. Seems more in the spirit of things for there to be multiple resources for folks to use as their comfort level dictates. The key, to my mind, is getting AMSAT to publicize *each* of the resources we have available so folks can find them and use the ones right for them. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: John Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 2:19 AM To: Devin L. Ganger ; 'Brad Brooks' ; 'Sterling Coffey' ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I'd second Discord for two main reasons. 1) all of the below. 2) Slack has a 'buffer limit' of 10,000 messages server-wide unless you pay them an exorbitant amount of money every month (circa $10 per user every month or something). I tried applying for a not-for-profit upgrade for one of the organisations that insisted on using Slack that I'm part of, and they basically said "unless you're a registered charity, no chance". As an aside though, Discord too has its flaws - anyone with the url can join and there's no way of monitoring who is joining without having a bot that actively welcomes every user by name, which gets quite spammy. The "secure" channels on a Discord server are not secure either - people with a third party client can dump all the contents of every "secure" channel without even having to try too hard. However, it's a perfectly respectable platform if you feel the need for multiple channels. If you only care about a single "channel" or stream of chatter, go for Telegram - cross platform including most desktop OSs, web client for those who don't want to install a native client, and 'just works'. Joining either by link or invitation from an existing member, and shows when someone joins. Persistent history, as with Discord. This debate could get heavy, but work out what you'd want (single stream of chat, multiple channels etc etc) and then work out what the best platform is for the specific job you want to do. 73, and a firm left handshake, John (XLX) -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Devin L. Ganger Sent: 21 March 2018 04:36 To: Brad Brooks ; Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to Discord and Slack. > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa wrote: > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > Thank you, Ted > > K7TRK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > wrote: > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable """" > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > questions and > > line > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > echo-link > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > on the bird' problem. > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 From bkeating1954 at gmail.com Wed Mar 21 15:08:06 2018 From: bkeating1954 at gmail.com (Bob Keating) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 08:08:06 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Activating DM07 Message-ID: I will be in Yosemite National Park? next week operating portable out of our RV. I plan to work a few of the FM OSCARS from DM07 while we are there, weather permitting. Bob, N6REK From heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com Wed Mar 21 17:56:57 2018 From: heliox694-iw1dtu at yahoo.com (IW1DTU Fer) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 17:56:57 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Nova for windows and Picsat In-Reply-To: <264963090.4700845.1521640770173@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1475105206.4023328.1521562027568@mail.yahoo.com> <1667069652.4254912.1521577223896@mail.yahoo.com> <931013810.4367496.1521587974858@mail.yahoo.com> <791194713.4537075.1521619278506@mail.yahoo.com> <264963090.4700845.1521640770173@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2093377994.4867733.1521655017552@mail.yahoo.com> Hi Jerry nova for windows is excellent and I use it everyday . Consider satpc32 too, very useful? if you operate transponders. I have my old TS-790 CAT connected to satpc32 and doppler correction is automatic in both downlink and uplink. Easy to connect to SDR# too if you just want to receive telemetry with doppler connection. 73?Fer IW1DTU On Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 1:59:33 PM GMT, Gerald Witalec wrote: Thanks Fer. I'm in the process of building my station for the SATS,and will try the Nova program per your recommendations. Jerry...W8RQM On Wednesday, March 21, 2018 4:01 AM, IW1DTU Fer wrote: Hello Jerry Nova for windows is an excellent tracking software with celestrak? keps download utility inside the program 73? Fer IW1DTU On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 11:19:40 PM GMT, Gerald Witalec wrote: What program do we need to download the KEPS? Jerry On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 4:21 PM, Fer via AMSAT-BB wrote: Thanks Scott, any chance to add http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt to NOVA kep element internet update? 73 Fer IW1DTU? ? On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 4:43:55 PM GMT, Scott wrote:? Hello! It's listed in: https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/science.txt ... as well as the source I use: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/kepler/mykepler.txt 73! -Scott,? K4KDR ======================= On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:07 PM, IW1DTU Fer via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I'd like tracking Picsat, norad #43132,? using **Nova for windows** but I > can't? find this bird? in amateur or cubesat list from Celestrack. Any idea? > Fer IW1DTU _______________________________________________ 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 ? _______________________________________________ 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 From Bennett.Norell at optimum.net Wed Mar 21 18:52:14 2018 From: Bennett.Norell at optimum.net (Bennett Norell) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 14:52:14 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] For Sale: Kenwood TS-790A 2m/70cm radio Message-ID: <000001d3c145$ba89e5e0$2f9db1a0$@optimum.net> For Sale: Kenwood TS-790A 2m/70cm all mode base radio with satellite modes. Tested as spec'd : 35w-45w on 2m depending on mode, and 30w-40w on 70cm depending on mode, SSB/FM/CW. With optional tone-boards in both main and sub bands. With Kenwood hand mic, dc power cable and original manual. Excellent working condition and in very good physical condition (nice bright displays) except for some stains on top cover. Can accept 1.2GHz module, not available. $600 shipped CONUS, discount if picked up in NNJ. Sold as-is due to parts swappers, but can demo if picked up. Ko2ok at arrl.net. From kb2ysi at gmail.com Wed Mar 21 20:12:23 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:12:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 'roving' to FN02/03/12/13 Message-ID: I threw this out on Twitter, but figured it would be worth posting it here as well. I will be out near the FN02/03/12/13 grid corner this weekend, if anyone needs a QSO let me know. -- 73, Don KB2YSI From k8bl at ameritech.net Wed Mar 21 20:35:02 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 20:35:02 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] 'roving' to FN02/03/12/13 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1725607842.5001038.1521664502219@mail.yahoo.com> Don, That's the way to do it! Hope you get some requests and can help fill some holes. GL/73, Bob K8BL ________________________________ From: Don KB2YSI To: AMSAT BB Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 3:13 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] 'roving' to FN02/03/12/13 I threw this out on Twitter, but figured it would be worth posting it here as well. I will be out near the FN02/03/12/13 grid corner this weekend, if anyone needs a QSO let me know. -- 73, Don KB2YSI _______________________________________________ From py4zbz at yahoo.com Wed Mar 21 23:01:25 2018 From: py4zbz at yahoo.com (Roland Zurmely) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 23:01:25 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] PicSat suddenly silent... References: <491977851.5069788.1521673285153.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <491977851.5069788.1521673285153@mail.yahoo.com> <> 73 de Roland PY4ZBZ From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Wed Mar 21 23:36:13 2018 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:36:13 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> Message-ID: Jean Marc Momple wrote: > In a nutshell/ my conclusion/ advice on the RHCP/LHCP issue: to operate the birds for HAM purpose the simplest way is just to have polarization relays on both uplink and downlink antennas, then manually switch polarization as required depending on the fading, which has quite different patterns depending on the bird and their trajectory, after some time an practice it becomes natural and you push the button without even thinking. I do so all the time during Sat. passes. I think this is the best advice... :) Greg KO6TH p.s. All this said in the thread, I am a still bit confused. I thought circular polarization was like nuts & bolts. You can thread the nut on a bolt with either piece in either direction; the thread on them doesn't change just because you picked it up "backwards." I can see the possibility of a reverse polarization in the side lobes, but out the back of the antenna shouldn't it be the same as the main lobe? Or am I nuts (pun intended)? From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Wed Mar 21 23:36:19 2018 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:36:19 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> Message-ID: Jean Marc Momple wrote: > In a nutshell/ my conclusion/ advice on the RHCP/LHCP issue: to operate the birds for HAM purpose the simplest way is just to have polarization relays on both uplink and downlink antennas, then manually switch polarization as required depending on the fading, which has quite different patterns depending on the bird and their trajectory, after some time an practice it becomes natural and you push the button without even thinking. I do so all the time during Sat. passes. I think this is the best advice... :) Greg KO6TH p.s. All this said in the thread, I am a still bit confused. I thought circular polarization was like nuts & bolts. You can thread the nut on a bolt with either piece in either direction; the thread on them doesn't change just because you picked it up "backwards." I can see the possibility of a reverse polarization in the side lobes, but out the back of the antenna shouldn't it be the same as the main lobe? Or am I nuts (pun intended)? From jim at k6ccc.org Wed Mar 21 23:42:26 2018 From: jim at k6ccc.org (jim at k6ccc.org) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:42:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1521675746.4476455@apps.rackspace.com> When a CP signal, bounces off a reflector, it reverses polarity. So if you are wanting to generate a RHCP pattern from a dish antenna, the feed needs to be LHCP so that it will come out RHCP after bouncing off the dish. Make sense? 73 ----- Jim Walls - K6CCC jim at k6ccc.org -----Original Message----- From: "Greg D" Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 16:36 To: "Jean Marc Momple" , "Wendy and Terry Osborne" Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org, "Burns Fisher" Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question Jean Marc Momple wrote: > In a nutshell/ my conclusion/ advice on the RHCP/LHCP issue: to operate the birds for HAM purpose the simplest way is just to have polarization relays on both uplink and downlink antennas, then manually switch polarization as required depending on the fading, which has quite different patterns depending on the bird and their trajectory, after some time an practice it becomes natural and you push the button without even thinking. I do so all the time during Sat. passes. I think this is the best advice... :) Greg KO6TH p.s. All this said in the thread, I am a still bit confused. I thought circular polarization was like nuts & bolts. You can thread the nut on a bolt with either piece in either direction; the thread on them doesn't change just because you picked it up "backwards." I can see the possibility of a reverse polarization in the side lobes, but out the back of the antenna shouldn't it be the same as the main lobe? Or am I nuts (pun intended)? _______________________________________________ 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 From kawfey at gmail.com Thu Mar 22 02:21:44 2018 From: kawfey at gmail.com (Sterling Coffey) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 21:21:44 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? In-Reply-To: <015e01d3c11a$d26d3840$7747a8c0$@amber.org.uk> References: <279792016.3347530.1521478649496.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <279792016.3347530.1521478649496@mail.yahoo.com> <007e01d3bfdd$2827f020$7877d060$@charter.net> <011c01d3c0f5$976d9ca0$c648d5e0$@amber.org.uk> <015e01d3c11a$d26d3840$7747a8c0$@amber.org.uk> Message-ID: There are now quite a load of chats...I can try to list them all with links to join. - Discord - HAM Radio/Satellites - Slack - Amsat-QSO (Use this join link, expires in 30 days ) - Radio Amateurs /Satellite or portable-sat-ops (use this join link, expires in 30 days ) - IRC - Freenode #amsat - N8FQ satellite channel Any I'm missing? I could debate about the pros and cons of every chat app, and which one is the best all day long and why we should reinvent the wheel...I'm 26 years old, chatops a big part of modern society. Slack has completely replaced email in hundreds of companies. But I'll digress; because this is AMSAT, lol. On Wed, Mar 21, 2018 at 8:45 AM, John wrote: > Devin, > > My point was that if whoever becomes the "admin" on a Discord server > decides they need a private channel for administrative functions for > whatever reason, they can't consider it in any way secure, and should be > aware of this from the start. > > The problem with your suggestion of "not having one true chat" is that the > more different avenues of discussion you have for something, the more > disjointed and fragmented things become, the harder it becomes to find > information and the more overwhelming it is for a new user who hasn't been > involved before and just goes "erk, that's a lot of stuff, where do I even > start?". People will then respond on one platform to a question with "this > was discussed somewhere else" (and in some cases, flaming a user for "not > searching properly before asking" - I've seen this before in other similar > situations), to which the person asking the question would end up saying > "well how the heck was I supposed to know I've got to check ten different > platforms, hundreds of mail archives etc etc first?"... > > I like Discord myself, as I said, but I figured it was important for > people to know about the privacy/security issue. > > John > > -----Original Message----- > From: Devin L. Ganger > Sent: 21 March 2018 13:27 > To: John ; 'Brad Brooks' ; > 'Sterling Coffey' ; amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > Since we're a public hobby, I don't see how the points you make below are > actually a problem for this community -- in fact, might help get more > people interested! Discord is widely used by many gaming and hobbyist > communities already, so using a popular service like this might help > improve our "curb appeal." ? > > Having one channel for, say, general questions, another for FM contacts, > another for SSB contacts, seems like it would be a nice deal. > > And, most important to my mind, we're not putting the burden of making a > usable place for the community on one lone programmer's shoulders. Discord > is a major app that has a big team developing and supporting it, which > means that it "just works" for everyone -- smartphone users, PC users, Mac > users, Linux users, people who want to use a browser, etc. > > Finally, there's no reason there needs to be "One True Chat" for this > hobby. Seems more in the spirit of things for there to be multiple > resources for folks to use as their comfort level dictates. The key, to my > mind, is getting AMSAT to publicize *each* of the resources we have > available so folks can find them and use the ones right for them. > > > -- > Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) > email: devin at thecabal.org > web: Devin on Earth > cell: +1 425.239.2575 > > -----Original Message----- > From: John > Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 2:19 AM > To: Devin L. Ganger ; 'Brad Brooks' < > brad.wf7t at gmail.com>; 'Sterling Coffey' ; > amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > I'd second Discord for two main reasons. 1) all of the below. 2) Slack has > a 'buffer limit' of 10,000 messages server-wide unless you pay them an > exorbitant amount of money every month (circa $10 per user every month or > something). I tried applying for a not-for-profit upgrade for one of the > organisations that insisted on using Slack that I'm part of, and they > basically said "unless you're a registered charity, no chance". > > As an aside though, Discord too has its flaws - anyone with the url can > join and there's no way of monitoring who is joining without having a bot > that actively welcomes every user by name, which gets quite spammy. The > "secure" > channels on a Discord server are not secure either - people with a third > party client can dump all the contents of every "secure" channel without > even having to try too hard. However, it's a perfectly respectable platform > if you feel the need for multiple channels. > > If you only care about a single "channel" or stream of chatter, go for > Telegram - cross platform including most desktop OSs, web client for those > who don't want to install a native client, and 'just works'. Joining either > by link or invitation from an existing member, and shows when someone joins. > Persistent history, as with Discord. > > This debate could get heavy, but work out what you'd want (single stream > of chat, multiple channels etc etc) and then work out what the best > platform is for the specific job you want to do. > > 73, and a firm left handshake, > John (XLX) > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Devin L. Ganger > Sent: 21 March 2018 04:36 > To: Brad Brooks ; Sterling Coffey ; > amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > If we are going to have a hangout on one of the modern comm sites, might > as well go for Discord -- it has all the Slack features plus is easier to > hook into with scripts and programs and bots, AND offers the option of > voice chat as well as an alternative to help folks connect/troubleshoot. > > > -- > Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) > email: devin at thecabal.org > web: Devin on Earth > cell: +1 425.239.2575 > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brad Brooks > Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:56 PM > To: Sterling Coffey ; amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > I vote Slack. Count me in. 73 Brad WF7T > > On Mar 20, 2018, 7:58 PM -0500, Sterling Coffey , wrote: > > Does anyone have interest in a slack workspace or similar style of > > hosted persistent chat? I know not a lot of hams have adopted the > > paradigm shift in chatops. Most of my chats are shifting from IRC to > Discord and Slack. > > It's incredibly convenient to have an always on connection, be able to > > send and receive notifications, and send images and have a searchable > > chat log for almost all of time, plus all on mobile at zero cost. > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:51 PM, Ted Krempa > wrote: > > > > > Hi Patrick, pls consider moving the D* net to a weekday, especially > > > with summer coming up. Sundays usually involve a lot of family stuff > > > or maybe traveling home from a weekend trip. > > > > > > Thank you, Ted > > > K7TRK > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of > > > Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) > > > Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:26 PM > > > To: Mr B r a d; AMSAT > > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] weekly nets / live chat ? > > > > > > Hi, Brad! > > > > > > As I mentioned last night, I did not come up with the idea of a > > > D-Star get-together focused on satellite stuff. Others have talked > > > about creating - or relaunching - a talkgroup for this sort of > > > discussion in the DMR realm. AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference > > > server, which has been used for similar nets in the past. There's > > > the HF net, if it is still operating (no HF at home presently, so I > > > can't speak to that). Lots of options to do something online. > > > > > > What I seem to be hearing has a common theme... "AMSAT should do > > > (some sort of chat, get-together, or net) on (radio, EchoLink, or > > > something online)". If someone is interested in doing this on > > > EchoLink, DMR, or some other mechanism - great! Do it! > > > Announce it here, on Twitter, Facebook, spread the word. It doesn't > > > have to be "official", but usually requires someone to be the > > > cat-herder-in-chief or ringleader for whatever is proposed. The > > > D-Star roundtable I mentioned has not had dozens of check-ins on any > > > given Sunday evening, but has had good discussions and > > > question-and-answer sessions. If something is done on DMR, I don't > > > have DMR capabilities - but it doesn't hurt if we have these sorts > > > of roundtables or chats in different places. The D-Star roundtable > > > has drawn in some local Arizona interest, given that the reflector > > > we have been using is normally tied into several D-Star repeaters > > > around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, along with other repeaters that > > > may be connected to the reflector just for the roundtables. > > > > > > 73! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > > > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > > Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:57 PM, Mr B r a d via AMSAT-BB < > > > amsat-bb at amsat.org > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > """ Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK" .....from the last dispatch of messages > > > > ....Re: trying to get back to the Sunday evening AMSAT roundtable > """" > > > > I Guess that is on d-star ?? this would be great to listen in on > > > > from a new Op perspective ..... > > > > I have been looking for a Sat IRC or Sat-Op chat room or something > > > > like "ping jockey" toget get some quick answers to operating > > > > questions and > > > line > > > > up some QSO's and have not found anything for this. even a HF or > > > echo-link > > > > net could be helpful.this could also solve the ' no one else was > > > > on the bird' problem. > > > > sticking my neck out here , but I could host it on my > > > > valleymedia.org domain withone of the free chat room scripts if > > > > nothing more official or better is out here or offered? > > > > one link on the 'easy sats' / work-sats page would fuel the live > > > > sat-chat room very nicely > > > > > > > > new guy Ko6kLBrad > > > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From pconver at gmail.com Thu Mar 22 02:49:18 2018 From: pconver at gmail.com (Pedro Converso) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 23:49:18 -0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] Simple Chat Message-ID: On http://amsat.org.ar/pass (click smiley face) Will allow check passes meanwhile online schedules. Direct link on http://amsat.org.ar/chat 73, LU7ABF, Pedro From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Thu Mar 22 03:55:46 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 23:55:46 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS contact with Freeport Public Schools, Freeport, NY Message-ID: <8957184A1DDF4EE685F914CAD1776776@DHJ> An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Freeport Public Schools, Freeport, NY on 27 Mar. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 17:41 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD. The contact should be audible over Italy and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. Freeport Public Schools is located in the city of Freeport, about 25 miles east of New York City. The district is composed of 8 schools---one pre-K school, four elementary schools, one intermediate middle school, one middle school, and one high school. The total student enrollment is 7,400 and 90% of the students are Hispanic or African-American. Science is taught in all grades, and at the high school students enroll in Advanced Placement classes in physics (calculus and non-calculus based), chemistry, biology, and environmental science. We also have a research class in each of the grades 7-12 that is open to all students. Our students have participated in the International Astronomical Search Campaign to confirm or discover asteroids that exist in the asteroid belt. We confirmed the discovery of two asteroids, received two plaques from NASA and then published a paper on our work in a leading physics educational journal. One of our teachers and his students travelled to California Institute of Technology to take part in NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program. One of the students who participated in this research program is now majoring in astrophysics. Our students have been preparing for our conversation with Scott Tingle from early last summer. This unique opportunity to speak and observe Scott in the International Space Station has generated tremendous enthusiasm for science among our students. Going forward, we plan to design an experiment that can be conducted in the Space Station. At some point in the future we would also like to invite Mr. Tingle to come to our school and give a science seminar. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. If an astronaut gets a bacterial infection, do antibiotics work in space as they do on Earth? 2. Could you describe the ?SUPVIS Justin? experiment you conducted on March 2 and the next steps in this work 3. How has your perspective about the Earth changed as a result of your trip to the Space Station? 4. What are the duties of a typical astronaut on his/her first day in space? 5. Does the immune system become impaired after a prolonged stay in space? 6. What does it look like from space when seasons are changing? 7. How does age effect how the body reacts in space? 8. What are the uses of the robotic arm? 9. You plan to do one or more spacewalks in your trip aboard the ISS. Could you describe the biggest challenge you face in such missions? 10. How often and how does ISS adjust its trajectory to maintain a constant orbit? 11. If astronauts leave the Earth at around 17,000 mph why does it take so long to reach the ISS located approximately 250 miles above the Earth? 12. I know you like fluid mechanics. Could you describe the fluid mechanics experiments you are involved in? 13. Has the ISS National Laboratory found any possible organisms that can survive the harsh conditions of space for a prolonged period of time? 14. What would happen if you got sick in space? 15. You will be doing a number of experiments aboard the ISS. Could you describe one that interests you the most? 16. How can we help pets to survive in outer space for longer periods of time? 17. What are the effects of blood rushing to astronauts? heads in a microgravity environment? 18. You were one of the first responders in the September 2001 terrorist attacks. Could you describe your role? 19. Knowing there is debris in space can you describe briefly how ISS detects objects moving toward the station? 20. Due to varying laws governing research in various countries, does each country work solely on their own project or are projects codependent? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): TDB About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From g.shirville at btinternet.com Thu Mar 22 19:32:36 2018 From: g.shirville at btinternet.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 19:32:36 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNcube-1 Mode change Message-ID: <73a8fb71-9c0d-cd88-05cb-c4d0025febed@btinternet.com> Hi all, Just to advise that FUNcube-1 is now in amateur mode, with the transponder on, until Monday 26th morning UTC. best 73 Graham G3VZV From g4gug161 at gmail.com Thu Mar 22 19:37:21 2018 From: g4gug161 at gmail.com (Mike Meadows) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 19:37:21 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS790E, Ham Radio Deluxe CAT issues. General fumbling by old timer ! Message-ID: Hi to all. A long first post here..... I am just starting out with hamsatts @ age 72 ! I bought a 1990 Kenwood TS 790e (no ctcss board(s) in European model.. On the basis of reports on receiver(s) being excellent. As a user of HRD for psk since 2011. I am a registered user of latest version. Was hoping to use package for frequency control, doppler and az/el rotator control,satellite pass display. I built the G6LVB PC to Yaesu Rotator controller,as kit from Amsat UK. I am a member.That works fine. All done to help reduce operating workload. When I engage HRD , 790 jumps from Tx to Rx every second or so.On any mode.Also when under CAT control, audio is muted at a repetitive rate ( I am assuming that is CAT polling rate) This is confirmed by unchecking rx CAT control, in a pass. With TX control disabled, no jumping, of course... IE no CAT, full manual use of independent receiver and TX. 790 is a full duplex radio. I have tried a number of settings for the controlling serial port.With no solution. Having programmed HRD for frequency split of transponder, beacons ( I found satellite frequency data files, within software to be dated around 2008.) I have checked, edited all active satellite data against n2yo,heavens-above , and individual bird websites .Presently listening to as many "birds" as I can. No qso's , yet.... I understand from last but one HRD newsletter, various parts of satellite and rotor control are finally being addressed.With a dedicated developer assigned to each of these tasks. What software works with with 790 ? When used for manually tuning for full duplex,locked tracking Vfo's . (Has any bb member found a workable solution, as the instructions in manual does not give a straight forward procedure.) Surely you don't have to hold SAT button down while moving VFO. A two handed operation ?? DOH !! Do I give up, sell 790 and buy a couple s/h FT817's ? Or one 817 and sdr rx ? Comments about solid combination of CAT control , radios etc, ease of use, appreciated. What about Icom IC910 or IC9100 ? Under HRD control ? Help appreciated and please don't flame me. Remember all so called experts where once novices. Confused @ G4GUG. 73 Mike G4GUG. From n8hm at arrl.net Thu Mar 22 20:18:59 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:18:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS790E, Ham Radio Deluxe CAT issues. General fumbling by old timer ! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: SatPC32 works perfectly for controlling the TS-790. It's not free, but you can test the fully functioning demo at http://www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm HRD has many known problems controlling radios for satellite use, especially on linear transponders. I can't comment on procedures for manual tuning a TS-790 since I've never used one. 73, Paul, N8HM On Thu, Mar 22, 2018 at 3:37 PM, Mike Meadows wrote: > Hi to all. A long first post here..... > > I am just starting out with hamsatts @ age 72 ! > > I bought a 1990 Kenwood TS 790e (no ctcss board(s) in European model.. > On the basis of reports on receiver(s) being excellent. As a user of HRD > for psk since 2011. > I am a registered user of latest version. Was hoping to use package for > frequency control, doppler and az/el rotator control,satellite pass display. > I built the G6LVB PC to Yaesu Rotator controller,as kit from Amsat UK. I am > a member.That works fine. > > All done to help reduce operating workload. > > When I engage HRD , 790 jumps from Tx to Rx every second or so.On any > mode.Also when under CAT control, audio is muted at a repetitive rate ( I > am assuming that is CAT polling rate) This is confirmed by unchecking rx > CAT control, in a pass. With TX control disabled, no jumping, of course... > IE no CAT, full manual use of independent receiver and TX. > 790 is a full duplex radio. I have tried a number of settings for the > controlling serial port.With no solution. > > > Having programmed HRD for frequency split of transponder, beacons ( I found > satellite frequency data files, within software to be dated around 2008.) I > have checked, edited all active satellite data against n2yo,heavens-above , > and individual bird websites .Presently listening to as many "birds" as I > can. No qso's , yet.... > I understand from last but one HRD newsletter, various parts of satellite > and rotor control are finally being addressed.With a dedicated developer > assigned to each of these tasks. > > What software works with with 790 ? > When used for manually tuning for full duplex,locked tracking Vfo's . (Has > any bb member found a workable solution, as the instructions in manual does > not give a straight forward procedure.) > Surely you don't have to hold SAT button down while moving VFO. A two > handed operation ?? DOH !! > > Do I give up, sell 790 and buy a couple s/h FT817's ? > Or one 817 and sdr rx ? > > Comments about solid combination of CAT control , radios etc, ease of use, > appreciated. > What about Icom IC910 or IC9100 ? Under HRD control ? > > Help appreciated and please don't flame me. > Remember all so called experts where once novices. > Confused @ G4GUG. > 73 Mike G4GUG. > _______________________________________________ > 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 From antonio at qti.qualcomm.com Thu Mar 22 20:42:29 2018 From: antonio at qti.qualcomm.com (Franklin Antonio) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:42:29 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> Message-ID: At 04:36 PM 3/21/2018, Greg D wrote: p.s. All this said in the thread, I am a still bit confused. I thought circular polarization was like nuts & bolts. You can thread the nut on a bolt with either piece in either direction; the thread on them doesn't change just because you picked it up "backwards." Beautiful visual, but the electromagnetic waves don't work quite like that. If the waves went IN to the antenna from the back, and came OUT the front, like your bolt, then your picture would be perfect. The EM waves come OUT both front and back of the transmit antenna, so its a mirror image situation. If you visualize the electric vector rotating around in the plane of the antenna, just like the second hand of the clock, and then you visualize the wave coming out either side of the antenna, starting at the tip of the second hand and moving away from the antenna at the speed of light, you will see that on one side you get a helix that screws one way, and on the other side you get a helix that screws the other way. Three dimensional stuff is always difficult to visualize correctly. Its one of the reasons I never took up flying. I can see the possibility of a reverse polarization in the side lobes, but out the back of the antenna shouldn't it be the same as the main lobe? Side lobes, back lobes, all names for lobes other than the main forward lobe of an antenna. In general, when there are multiple lobes from a circularly polarized antenna, some of them will have one polarization, and some the other. They alternate, ie the 1st order lobes will be flipped from the main lobe, 2nd order lobes will be flipped from the 1st order lobes, etc. The simple clock example I gave is most like a simple crossed dipole, which has only front and back lobe. If you have a more complex antenna, which squishes its main beam smaller, it will typically have more lobes, some of which we call side lobes, and yes, those first order side lobes will have polarity reversed from the main beam. Or am I nuts (pun intended)? Perhaps its simply a polarizing discussion. From kevin.w3dad at gmail.com Thu Mar 22 21:03:56 2018 From: kevin.w3dad at gmail.com (A. Kevin Arber) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 21:03:56 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS790E, Ham Radio Deluxe CAT issues. General fumbling by old timer ! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, The TS-790 works well as a satellite radio. It does have a few kinks that you may need to work out. I have been using one since the 90's. Assume that you have the radio under computer control. If not you need to build an interface unit between the computer com port and the radio 6-pin interface. I use the control interface by XQ2FOD and it works. The radio was designed to mute as it corrects for Doppler. It will mute at the switch between the UHF and VHF vfos as it corrects the up/down frequencies. It was a really bad feature to design into the radio. There is a fix for this which entails modification of the IF board by shorting Q4 emitter to collector and cutting a trace. Take a look here at JR1EDE's page: http://www.kvindesland.no/la9iha/mods/mts790.htm Another way around this is to use the rear data port (ACC2) taking your audio from there. I tried this and it works also but you lose the ability to control the volume. I also had the dial lights burn out. This was fixed by replace them with diode lights for both displays and the meter. Mine has a ctcss, but you can add a ctcss board to yours fairly easily. There is lots of info on this radio on the internet that can be of help. Hope this helps. 73 Kevin/W3DAD On Thu, Mar 22, 2018 at 7:37 PM, Mike Meadows wrote: > Hi to all. A long first post here..... > > I am just starting out with hamsatts @ age 72 ! > > I bought a 1990 Kenwood TS 790e (no ctcss board(s) in European model.. > On the basis of reports on receiver(s) being excellent. As a user of HRD > for psk since 2011. > I am a registered user of latest version. Was hoping to use package for > frequency control, doppler and az/el rotator control,satellite pass > display. > I built the G6LVB PC to Yaesu Rotator controller,as kit from Amsat UK. I am > a member.That works fine. > > All done to help reduce operating workload. > > When I engage HRD , 790 jumps from Tx to Rx every second or so.On any > mode.Also when under CAT control, audio is muted at a repetitive rate ( I > am assuming that is CAT polling rate) This is confirmed by unchecking rx > CAT control, in a pass. With TX control disabled, no jumping, of course... > IE no CAT, full manual use of independent receiver and TX. > 790 is a full duplex radio. I have tried a number of settings for the > controlling serial port.With no solution. > > > Having programmed HRD for frequency split of transponder, beacons ( I found > satellite frequency data files, within software to be dated around 2008.) I > have checked, edited all active satellite data against n2yo,heavens-above , > and individual bird websites .Presently listening to as many "birds" as I > can. No qso's , yet.... > I understand from last but one HRD newsletter, various parts of satellite > and rotor control are finally being addressed.With a dedicated developer > assigned to each of these tasks. > > What software works with with 790 ? > When used for manually tuning for full duplex,locked tracking Vfo's . (Has > any bb member found a workable solution, as the instructions in manual does > not give a straight forward procedure.) > Surely you don't have to hold SAT button down while moving VFO. A two > handed operation ?? DOH !! > > Do I give up, sell 790 and buy a couple s/h FT817's ? > Or one 817 and sdr rx ? > > Comments about solid combination of CAT control , radios etc, ease of use, > appreciated. > What about Icom IC910 or IC9100 ? Under HRD control ? > > Help appreciated and please don't flame me. > Remember all so called experts where once novices. > Confused @ G4GUG. > 73 Mike G4GUG. > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From Mvivona at yahoo.com Thu Mar 22 21:31:37 2018 From: Mvivona at yahoo.com (Mvivona) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:31:37 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Question In-Reply-To: References: <893762180.2802347.1521402288200.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <893762180.2802347.1521402288200@mail.yahoo.com> <1033813143.2761444.1521408800729@mail.yahoo.com> <1521478441376.95121@qti.qualcomm.com> <82370B80-F48F-412F-94E2-B2B743704544@gmail.com> <59A919F9-6C0F-4944-8B61-BD8A3E426744@gmail.com> Message-ID: Franklin, If you indeed have a purchased copy of HRD, I would send your question to HRD support. I would be interested in their response as well I will probably get stabbed in the eye for saying this, but I for one love the idea of using HRD as an everything program, digital modes, logging, sats, etc. my personal experience on this BBS has been "HRD doesn't work" however I have yet to get anyone to spell out exactly what items don't work. It's always the same general response. I completely understand that purchasing SatPC32 helps support the AMSAT family and that is commendable. However there are some of the most intelligent people on this board that will give you some of the most excellent descriptions of any thing you desire, but ask about HRD, and the answers get foggy. Sorry Drew, you can poke me in the eye with a stick then next Orlando ham-cation. :-) I would still purchase SatPC32 for 2 reasons: 1. There is an immense support community available which you don't have with HRD. 2. The money spent on SatPC32 helps support your local AMSAT which in the end is what it's all about. Michael KC4ZVA On Mar 22, 2018, at 4:42 PM, Franklin Antonio wrote: At 04:36 PM 3/21/2018, Greg D wrote: p.s. All this said in the thread, I am a still bit confused. I thought circular polarization was like nuts & bolts. You can thread the nut on a bolt with either piece in either direction; the thread on them doesn't change just because you picked it up "backwards." Beautiful visual, but the electromagnetic waves don't work quite like that. If the waves went IN to the antenna from the back, and came OUT the front, like your bolt, then your picture would be perfect. The EM waves come OUT both front and back of the transmit antenna, so its a mirror image situation. If you visualize the electric vector rotating around in the plane of the antenna, just like the second hand of the clock, and then you visualize the wave coming out either side of the antenna, starting at the tip of the second hand and moving away from the antenna at the speed of light, you will see that on one side you get a helix that screws one way, and on the other side you get a helix that screws the other way. Three dimensional stuff is always difficult to visualize correctly. Its one of the reasons I never took up flying. I can see the possibility of a reverse polarization in the side lobes, but out the back of the antenna shouldn't it be the same as the main lobe? Side lobes, back lobes, all names for lobes other than the main forward lobe of an antenna. In general, when there are multiple lobes from a circularly polarized antenna, some of them will have one polarization, and some the other. They alternate, ie the 1st order lobes will be flipped from the main lobe, 2nd order lobes will be flipped from the 1st order lobes, etc. The simple clock example I gave is most like a simple crossed dipole, which has only front and back lobe. If you have a more complex antenna, which squishes its main beam smaller, it will typically have more lobes, some of which we call side lobes, and yes, those first order side lobes will have polarity reversed from the main beam. Or am I nuts (pun intended)? Perhaps its simply a polarizing discussion. _______________________________________________ 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 From Mvivona at yahoo.com Thu Mar 22 21:34:12 2018 From: Mvivona at yahoo.com (Mvivona) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:34:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kenwood TS790E, Ham Radio Deluxe CAT issues. General fumbling by old timer ! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Sorry... I replied to the wrong email. Getting old ha. Let's try this again. Mike, If you indeed have a purchased copy of HRD, I would send your question to HRD support. I would be interested in their response as well I will probably get stabbed in the eye for saying this, but I for one love the idea of using HRD as an everything program, digital modes, logging, sats, etc. my personal experience on this BBS has been "HRD doesn't work" however I have yet to get anyone to spell out exactly what items don't work. It's always the same general response. I completely understand that purchasing SatPC32 helps support the AMSAT family and that is commendable. However there are some of the most intelligent people on this board that will give you some of the most excellent descriptions of any thing you desire, but ask about HRD, and the answers get foggy. Sorry Drew, you can poke me in the eye with a stick then next Orlando ham-cation. :-) I would still purchase SatPC32 for 2 reasons: 1. There is an immense support community available which you don't have with HRD. 2. The money spent on SatPC32 helps support your local AMSAT which in the end is what it's all about. Michael KC4ZVA Michael Vivona Sent from my iPad On Mar 22, 2018, at 3:37 PM, Mike Meadows wrote: Hi to all. A long first post here..... I am just starting out with hamsatts @ age 72 ! I bought a 1990 Kenwood TS 790e (no ctcss board(s) in European model.. On the basis of reports on receiver(s) being excellent. As a user of HRD for psk since 2011. I am a registered user of latest version. Was hoping to use package for frequency control, doppler and az/el rotator control,satellite pass display. I built the G6LVB PC to Yaesu Rotator controller,as kit from Amsat UK. I am a member.That works fine. All done to help reduce operating workload. When I engage HRD , 790 jumps from Tx to Rx every second or so.On any mode.Also when under CAT control, audio is muted at a repetitive rate ( I am assuming that is CAT polling rate) This is confirmed by unchecking rx CAT control, in a pass. With TX control disabled, no jumping, of course... IE no CAT, full manual use of independent receiver and TX. 790 is a full duplex radio. I have tried a number of settings for the controlling serial port.With no solution. Having programmed HRD for frequency split of transponder, beacons ( I found satellite frequency data files, within software to be dated around 2008.) I have checked, edited all active satellite data against n2yo,heavens-above , and individual bird websites .Presently listening to as many "birds" as I can. No qso's , yet.... I understand from last but one HRD newsletter, various parts of satellite and rotor control are finally being addressed.With a dedicated developer assigned to each of these tasks. What software works with with 790 ? When used for manually tuning for full duplex,locked tracking Vfo's . (Has any bb member found a workable solution, as the instructions in manual does not give a straight forward procedure.) Surely you don't have to hold SAT button down while moving VFO. A two handed operation ?? DOH !! Do I give up, sell 790 and buy a couple s/h FT817's ? Or one 817 and sdr rx ? Comments about solid combination of CAT control , radios etc, ease of use, appreciated. What about Icom IC910 or IC9100 ? Under HRD control ? Help appreciated and please don't flame me. Remember all so called experts where once novices. Confused @ G4GUG. 73 Mike G4GUG. _______________________________________________ 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 From rolf.krogstad at gmail.com Thu Mar 22 23:36:42 2018 From: rolf.krogstad at gmail.com (Rolf Krogstad) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 18:36:42 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections Message-ID: I have a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator and controller for azimuth. After I got into working satellites I purchased a used Yaesu G-5500 elevation rotator and the dual Az/El controller. (Thanks AA5PK it has been working great!) I would like to hook the G-1000-DXA cable to the G-5500 controller but can't figure out how the pins correspond. Both are 6 wire cables. I found a better schematic for the G-5500 on the Yaesu site than was in my manual - it appears pins 4-5-6 have to do with power for the G-5500. On the G-1000-DXA pins 4-5 are power, so in a wild guess I tried hooking 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, but nothing happens. Does anyone know how I need to hook this up? Thanks Rolf NR0T in EN34 From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Thu Mar 22 23:48:35 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2018 19:48:35 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0ed201d3c238$4adc1210$e0943630$@mindspring.com> The G1000 is a DC rotor, and the 5500 is AC. I think you need another plan. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Rolf Krogstad Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 7:37 PM To: Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections I have a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator and controller for azimuth. After I got into working satellites I purchased a used Yaesu G-5500 elevation rotator and the dual Az/El controller. (Thanks AA5PK it has been working great!) I would like to hook the G-1000-DXA cable to the G-5500 controller but can't figure out how the pins correspond. Both are 6 wire cables. I found a better schematic for the G-5500 on the Yaesu site than was in my manual - it appears pins 4-5-6 have to do with power for the G-5500. On the G-1000-DXA pins 4-5 are power, so in a wild guess I tried hooking 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, but nothing happens. Does anyone know how I need to hook this up? Thanks Rolf NR0T in EN34 _______________________________________________ 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 From rolf.krogstad at gmail.com Fri Mar 23 01:31:06 2018 From: rolf.krogstad at gmail.com (Rolf Krogstad) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 01:31:06 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections In-Reply-To: <0ed201d3c238$4adc1210$e0943630$@mindspring.com> References: <0ed201d3c238$4adc1210$e0943630$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: That would be the problem! Thanks. On Thu, Mar 22, 2018, 6:48 PM Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > The G1000 is a DC rotor, and the 5500 is AC. I think you need another plan. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Rolf > Krogstad > Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 7:37 PM > To: > Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections > > I have a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator and controller for azimuth. > After I got into working satellites I purchased a used Yaesu G-5500 > elevation rotator and the dual Az/El controller. (Thanks AA5PK it has been > working great!) > > I would like to hook the G-1000-DXA cable to the G-5500 controller but > can't > figure out how the pins correspond. Both are 6 wire cables. I found a > better schematic for the G-5500 on the Yaesu site than was in my manual - > it > appears pins 4-5-6 have to do with power for the G-5500. > > On the G-1000-DXA pins 4-5 are power, so in a wild guess I tried hooking > 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, but nothing happens. > > Does anyone know how I need to hook this up? > > Thanks > > Rolf NR0T > in EN34 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > From john at amber.org.uk Fri Mar 23 08:21:31 2018 From: john at amber.org.uk (John) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 08:21:31 -0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections In-Reply-To: References: <0ed201d3c238$4adc1210$e0943630$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <025001d3c27f$f39834f0$dac89ed0$@amber.org.uk> Rolf, Most interface units should be able to connect to two controllers if necessary, so for PC controlled tracking it's just a case of making up the right wiring harness and using both controllers. Alternatively you need to look for a Yaesu or Kenpro G400/500/600/KR600 motor unit. As an aside, you might wish to be careful when shopping around for motor units - I believe the later Kenpro controllers, and, as far as I know, all the Yaesu G5500 controllers, stopped including the motor starting capacitors. This was because the later models had electronic limit switches inside the motors, and so the capacitors needed to be inside the motor units too. You should be safe with any of the Yaesu motors, but I believe you'll need to look for a Kenpro KR600B rather than a KR600A or KR600 without a sub-designation. I went through a similar process when I got my KR-5600B controller and it was lacking starting capacitors - it was expecting them to be in the motors too - and in the end I bought a pair of capacitors from Amazon that met the right specs, rather than hunting for motor units which included the limit switches and capacitor block inside them. For your existing situation, if your G1000 already has the interface port on the back of the controller then it likely has a board inside. If it doesn't, I would thoroughly recommend looking at the options that ERC make - they have boards to go inside controllers as well as the outboard serial/usb interface boxes. http://www.easy-rotor-control.com is where they are listed/sold, their kits are excellent quality and very robust! 73, and a firm left handshake, John (XLX) -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Rolf Krogstad Sent: 23 March 2018 01:31 To: Andrew Glasbrenner Cc: Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections That would be the problem! Thanks. On Thu, Mar 22, 2018, 6:48 PM Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > The G1000 is a DC rotor, and the 5500 is AC. I think you need another plan. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Rolf > Krogstad > Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2018 7:37 PM > To: > Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotator connections > > I have a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator and controller for azimuth. > After I got into working satellites I purchased a used Yaesu G-5500 > elevation rotator and the dual Az/El controller. (Thanks AA5PK it has > been working great!) > > I would like to hook the G-1000-DXA cable to the G-5500 controller but > can't figure out how the pins correspond. Both are 6 wire cables. I > found a better schematic for the G-5500 on the Yaesu site than was in > my manual - it appears pins 4-5-6 have to do with power for the > G-5500. > > On the G-1000-DXA pins 4-5 are power, so in a wild guess I tried > hooking 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, but nothing happens. > > Does anyone know how I need to hook this up? > > Thanks > > Rolf NR0T > in EN34 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > _______________________________________________ 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 From Bennett.Norell at optimum.net Fri Mar 23 18:19:02 2018 From: Bennett.Norell at optimum.net (Bennett Norell) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:19:02 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] For Sale: Kenwood TS-711A and TS811A all mode radios Message-ID: <002901d3c2d3$6be2ccb0$43a86610$@optimum.net> For Sale - Kenwood TS-711A 2m and TS-811A 70cm all mode radios. From an estate, simple testing shows works as they should. TS-711A has voice option, both have the tone board TSU-5 option installed and both have built-in AC power supply. The 711A is in very good condition (face perfect), with a small chip/crack in top right back surface of the bezel, other wise very good condition. The 811A is also in very good condition, with wear marks on the left and right sides of bezel (don't see head-on). The 811A backlight for the meter is a little flaky, but tap the case and it comes back on. Both come with Kenwood hand mic, AC power cord, original manual. $300 plus shipping for the 711A, $350 for the 811A, plus shipping, unless picked up NNJ. Sold as-is due to parts swappers, but can demo if picked up. From tasmac at w5pfg.us Fri Mar 23 18:53:15 2018 From: tasmac at w5pfg.us (Clayton Coleman W5PFG) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 13:53:15 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1st satellite QSO Message-ID: This morning I heard a fun QSO on AO-92. It was AE0BB's first satellite contact with K9EI. A couple of things I want to point out: 1. Even though there were multiple users on the bird, everyone patiently stood by to allow the contact to go through. Normally timing is very fast on FM birds. This was a nice break! 2. Michael K9EI was patient and courteous with the new operator. It was a great model of how to welcome and encourage others. Here's a short recording of the QSO: https://clyp.it/z0xoibpj 73, Clayton W5PFG From k8bl at ameritech.net Fri Mar 23 19:40:10 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 19:40:10 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] 1st satellite QSO In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <994226357.45374.1521834010798@mail.yahoo.com> Clayton.... Thanks for sharing with the multitude so the great example can be a lesson for all. There are quite a few operators now using the SATs that were newbies at one time and have turned out to be fine seasoned and experienced users. I could post an impressive list of them, but I'd be afraid to leave some folks out. 73, Bob K8BL ________________________________ From: Clayton Coleman W5PFG To: AMSAT-BB Sent: Friday, March 23, 2018 1:53 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] 1st satellite QSO This morning I heard a fun QSO on AO-92. It was AE0BB's first satellite contact with K9EI. A couple of things I want to point out: 1. Even though there were multiple users on the bird, everyone patiently stood by to allow the contact to go through. Normally timing is very fast on FM birds. This was a nice break! 2. Michael K9EI was patient and courteous with the new operator. It was a great model of how to welcome and encourage others. Here's a short recording of the QSO: https://clyp.it/z0xoibpj 73, Clayton W5PFG _______________________________________________ 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 From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Fri Mar 23 20:19:10 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 16:19:10 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 schedule updated Message-ID: <0f1301d3c2e4$345034c0$9cf09e40$@mindspring.com> https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ AMSAT-OSCAR 92 AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa's High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 25-31 Mar 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: Approximately 0242UTC 25Mar we will enable the L band uplink for ~24 hours Approximately 1645UTC 27Mar we will enable the VT camera and high-speed data for ~40 minutes. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1645UTC. All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations From bennett.norell at optimum.net Fri Mar 23 20:31:38 2018 From: bennett.norell at optimum.net (Bennett Norell) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 16:31:38 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] FS: Yaesu FT-847, FC-20, MD100 Message-ID: <1fab6466.2ed7.162548f4707.Webtop.59@optimum.net> For sale: Yaesu FT-847 HF, 6m, 2m, 70cm all-mode transceiver from estate. 100W on HF-6m, 50w on 2m and 70cm. Regular and Sat modes. Looks and works perfect. With optional FC-20 auto tuner, and Yaesu MD-100A desk mic, original hand mic, DC power cord and original manual. MD-100A has crack in top of base holder but prior owner glued back together (looks ok, works perfect). All for $1000 local pickup, or plus shipping. Sold as-is due to parts swappers, but can demo if local pickup.? From pedro at dutrasousa.name Fri Mar 23 21:51:56 2018 From: pedro at dutrasousa.name (Pedro Dutra Sousa) Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2018 21:51:56 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1st satellite QSO In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Nicely done! 73 Pedro CU2ZG Sent from my iPhone Please excuse any typos or briefness > On 23 Mar 2018, at 18:53, Clayton Coleman W5PFG wrote: > > This morning I heard a fun QSO on AO-92. It was AE0BB's first satellite contact with K9EI. > > A couple of things I want to point out: > > 1. Even though there were multiple users on the bird, everyone patiently stood by to allow the contact to go through. Normally timing is very fast on FM birds. This was a nice break! > > 2. Michael K9EI was patient and courteous with the new operator. It was a great model of how to welcome and encourage others. > > Here's a short recording of the QSO: > > https://clyp.it/z0xoibpj > > 73, > Clayton > W5PFG > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. From kb2ysi at gmail.com Sat Mar 24 13:00:56 2018 From: kb2ysi at gmail.com (Don KB2YSI) Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:00:56 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] 1st satellite QSO In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Very nice to hear that! I know it was awesome to have those helpful hams on the other end of my early QSO attempts! Even more so when I attempt the linear birds! 73, Don KB2YSI On Fri, Mar 23, 2018, 17:53 Pedro Dutra Sousa via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Nicely done! > > 73 Pedro CU2ZG > > Sent from my iPhone > Please excuse any typos or briefness > > > On 23 Mar 2018, at 18:53, Clayton Coleman W5PFG wrote: > > > > This morning I heard a fun QSO on AO-92. It was AE0BB's first satellite > contact with K9EI. > > > > A couple of things I want to point out: > > > > 1. Even though there were multiple users on the bird, everyone patiently > stood by to allow the contact to go through. Normally timing is very fast > on FM birds. This was a nice break! > > > > 2. Michael K9EI was patient and courteous with the new operator. It was > a great model of how to welcome and encourage others. > > > > Here's a short recording of the QSO: > > > > https://clyp.it/z0xoibpj > > > > 73, > > Clayton > > W5PFG > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > -- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > > > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From mccardelm at gmail.com Sun Mar 25 03:46:24 2018 From: mccardelm at gmail.com (E.Mike McCardel) Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2018 23:46:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-084 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-084 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including 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. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org. In this edition: * AO-92 Operation Schedule * EQUiSat to launch into space May 9 * Pearl Technology STEM Camp, June 18-22, 2018 in Illinois * Software-Defined Radio Using MATLAB & Simulink and the RTL-SDR * AMSAT-LU Balloon Flight Carries RepSat-1 Cubesat Transponder * AMSAT Rover Awards Issued * New HackSpace Magazine Available For Download * Introducing CATSync - The new CAT tool for WebSDRs * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-084.01 ANS-084 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 084.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. March 25, 2018 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-084.01 AO-92 Operation Schedule AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa?s High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 25-31 Mar 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: Approximately 0242UTC 25Mar we will enable the L band uplink for ~24 hours. Approximately 1645UTC 27Mar we will enable the VT camera and high- speed data for ~40 minutes. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1645UTC. All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. The schedule can be viewed anytime at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ [ANS thanks Drew KO4MA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUiSat to launch into space May 9 NASA-funded student group constructs satellite, hopes to inspire interest in space among youth. Since its conception nearly seven years ago, a continuously revolving group of University undergraduates has been diligently working to send a satellite into space. Now, as May 9 draws closer, the group of over 200 past and current students and faculty can find catharsis as the EQUiSat will finally launch into orbit. The project, funded by NASA?s CubeSat Launch Initiative, will send a small cube satellite to the International Space Station to then launch into orbit. The EQUiSat will test lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are used in machines such as lawn mowers, but find limited applications in spacecrafts. Due to its low cost and the fact that its latitude will coincide with that of Providence, which allows its LED flashes to be seen from the ground, the satellite will also serve as a symbol for the accessibility of space. ?A big part of the goal is proving the accessibility of space. ? We kind of want to show people that space is right there,? said Hunter Ray ?18, the project?s co-leader and team manager. The project could have cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars, but the team has kept its cost to just $3,776.61, Ray added. The project?s relatively low cost and mantra to ?build it from the ground up? speak to the feasibility and accessibility of space. The EQUiSat will be equipped with powerful LED lights, a small radio and multiple sensors to keep track of its trajectory and control steering. ?Anyone with a hand radio can pick up its frequency. ? We will be relying on the community of amateur radio (groups) around the world to help collect EQUiSat?s data,? Ray said. He described the construction process as his favorite part of the project. ?It?s like a Lego set. You build it and you?re like ?great, now what do I do,? ? but the mission will keep going.? Ray has been a part of the project since he arrived on campus. ?I started freshman year, first week ? (I decided that) I want to build a spacecraft,? he said. ?I ended up taking over for the power system development, ? (and then) I was elected as part of the project?s manager and co-leader of the team,? he added. He hopes to see similar projections come together in the future following the EQUiSat?s launch. ?The fact that as undergraduates we have been able to build an entire spacecraft from scratch ? (it shows where) we are going with the space program, as humanity is progressing into the final frontier,? he said. Ray will be delivering the EQUiSat to Houston this week in order to facilitate preparations for the launch. Anand Lalwani ?18 leads the power team, the group of 17 team members in charge of the EQUiSat?s solar power and battery construction. ?We are a group of incredibly motivated, but incredibly fun people. Yes, we have had our arguments and fights, but we still work very well with each other,? he said. The power team not only constructed solar panels from scratch, but also ensured that they would survive a launch. Eventually finding a coating and the means to apply it to protect the delicate panels was a grueling process, Lalwani said. ?We tried (different protocols) for about 12 months, ? and we failed consistently,? he said. Finding a solution ?was probably (Brown Space Engineering?s) biggest achievement,? as no other satellite group in the country had done this, he said. The project also serves as an outreach symbol, Lalwani said. By talking to both middle school and high school students and teaching them about different aspects of engineering, the team hopes to show children that space is not as far-fetched as it may seem. ?What we had pitched to NASA in our original mission was that ?We are going to make space cool again,?? Lalwani said. He hopes to see BSE continue its work with new satellites being constructed in under two years. ?For BSE, our future is very bright. ? All our future applications for launches such as this will be very likely granted. ? We expect all the sophomores in our team to have a satellite they would have designed and built and launched before they graduate from Brown,? he added. Max Monn GS, one of founders of the initial project, worked on the project from its initial creation in 2011 to 2013. ?Since the manned space missions to the moon ? (the public) had a declining interest for space? due to the lack of human connection, Monn said. The origin for the project began as a means for creating an idea in Adjunct Associate Professor of Engineering Rick Fleeter?s class, which has since evolved into ENGN1760: ?Design of Space Systems,? Monn described. While other projects leaned toward theoretical concepts or plans such as the colonization of Mars, Monn and the other founders decided to plan something which was ?down to Earth? and did not need a large corporation to complete, Monn said. The EQUiSat?s LED lights flashing down toward Earth show the accessibility of space, one of the project?s main purposes. This element was inspired by Monn?s interest in photography. Following the initial work, the project expanded from a four-person class project to a student group. ?We weren?t really sure how it would be received,? he said. At the first information session, 15 to 20 people showed up. Seeing the growth of the group has been one of Monn?s favorite memories of the project. ?It feels like a legacy,? he said. Serving as founder, member and mentor, Monn has seen the project evolve from ?wires spread out on a table? to its eventual launch. ?We had these visions of what it could be and to have left the project in such shambles ? (and) having it become more and more real? (it?s) a pleasant surprise,? he said. ?You don?t need to be a multi-millionaire, you do not have to be a rocket scientist, and space is not that far,? Lalwani said. The satellite will serve as a realization that the final frontier is truly not as far as it seems, he added. ?EQUiSat is reaching down to everyone on the Earth and showing them that space is right there, and I hope that, in a sense, it helps unite everyone together,? Ray said. [ANS thanks Chris Schutte and The Brown Daily Herald for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Pearl Technology STEM Camp, June 18-22, 2018 in Illinois The STEM Academy is sponsored and put on by Pearl Technology, with the assistance of the University of Illinois Extension, Richwoods Township, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, Peoria Area Ama- teur Radio Club, Peoria Heights High School, volunteer Caterpillar engineers, and ISS Above Software. Twenty-five middle school students will spend June 18-22 attending the STEM Academy held at Goodwill Commons, where they will learn about space and radio communications. The students will build Rasp- berry Pi computers that stream live video from the ISS. Students will also participate in a high-altitude balloon launch by building the payload with student experiments and then, use radio telemetry to track the balloon to near-space. The highlight of the academy will be when students communicate directly with astronauts on the International Space Station. The ISS contact will be open to students of all ages in the local area. [ANS thanks Fritz Bock, WD9FMB for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Software-Defined Radio Using MATLAB & Simulink and the RTL-SDR Learn how to receive and analyze wireless signals using RTL-SDR, MATLAB, and Simulink. RTL-SDR is a popular, low-cost hardware that can receive wireless signals. The RTL-SDR dongle features the Realtek RTL2832U chip, which can be used to acquire and sample RF signals transmitted in the frequency range 25MHz to 1.75GHz. A FREE ebook that teaches users how to receive and analyze wireless radio signals using MATLAB, Simulink, and RTL-SDR Key features of this free ebook include: + Illustrating how to receive wireless RF signals using RTL-SDR and analyze the signals in time and frequency domains + Showing how to use RTL-SDR in conjunction with SDR transmitters to develop a complete communication system + Providing an extensive set of DSP-enabled SDR examples to help you get started Find out more or download from: https://tinyurl.com/ANS084-Mathwoks This news provided by http://www.nooelec.com/store/ [ANS thanks NooElec.com and mathworks.com for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-LU Balloon Flight Carries RepSat-1 Cubesat Transponder AMSAT-LU reports they flew RepSat-1, a repeater designed for cubesat operation, aboard a balloon launched from Victorica, La Pampa, Argentina on March 24. The uplink was on 435.950 MHz with a downlink on 145.950 MHz. RepSat-1 is an 8 cm square board capable of being integrated into a cubesat. The FM module transmits at 1 watt. It is also capable of transmitting voice, SSTV in Robot 36, telemetry and APRS location data identifying as LU7AA-11. Telemetry and location were transmitted every 90 seconds via 1200 baud AX.25 APRS data. A separate module on the flight transmitted tracker data for balloon recovery on 145.930 MHz with the LU7AA-12 callsign. It included a camera capable of filming with a 360 degree view. The AMSAT Argentina web aite can be found at: http://www.amsat.org.ar [ANS thanks AMSAT-LU for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Rover Awards Issued On January 1, 2018, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director Contests and Awards announced the Rover Award. This award is granted to stations who achieve a combined 25 points using any combination of the defined criteria posted at: https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/ Points can be earned for each grid square activated outside of your home grid square using the FM, linear, and digital satellites. While FM contacts count for 1 point each multiplier points are available for contacts via the linear and digital satellites. Additional points are available for photographs, publicity, social media promotion, and AMSAT Journal articles. The options are numerous so please refer to the Rover Award Website for all of the details. To date, 16 rovers have earned the award: Rover Call Date Issued ===== ============ =========== 001 AC0RA 02 Jan 2018 002 WD9EWK 05 Jan 2018 003 NJ4Y 08 Jan 2018 004 M0IDA 09 Jan 2018 005 KG5GJT 12 Jan 2018 006 EB1AO 18 Jan 2018 007 N7AGF 22 Jan 2018 008 N4YHC 29 Jan 2018 009 W0S 07 Feb 2018 010 KE0PBR 08 Feb 2018 011 K5IX 18 Feb 2018 012 AK4WQ 23 Feb 2018 013 WI7P 25 Feb 2018 014 K5ND 09 Mar 2018 015 N6UA 12 Mar 2018 016 N9IP 16 Mar 2018 [ANS thanks AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- New HackSpace Magazine Available For Download Issue 5 of the free magazine HackSpace has an article about Limor Fried AC2SN (aka LadyAda) of electronics company Ada Fruit as well as a Dr Lucy Rogers M6CME article "Share the knowledge" Also in this issue - Tutorial Slack-powered On-Air sign - Direct from Shenzhen: Stirling engine buggy - Can I Hack It? Every home needs a hacked wireless doorbell - Raspberry Pi 3B+ Download the free PDF of issue 5 April 2018 from https://hackspace.raspberrypi.org/issues [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Introducing CATSync - The new CAT tool for WebSDRs Oscar, DJ0MY, has developed a new software tool for radio amateurs and SWLs. CATSync allows the user to control public WebSDR receivers with a real rig connected via CAT. It supports the classical Web-SDR servers as well as the newer Kiwi SDR servers publically available on the internet. This gives you access to dozens of web based receivers with the comfort of tuning your rig at home. This software helps you to bring you back into the fun of ham radio when you are suffering from local temporary or permanent high noise levels in an urban QTH location. The software has the following features: - Syncronizes any public WebSDR server with your real RIG? - Supports a wide number of RIG?s (it uses the popular OmniRig engine) - Supports WebSDR and KiwiSDR browser based SDR receivers - Tune the VFO of your radio and see the web SDR follow in realtime! - Switch modes (SSB, CW, etc.) on your radio and see the web SDR switch mode in realtime. - Listen to the same frequency as your rig via web SDR - Ideally suited e.g. for people suffering from local QRM - Can track RX or TX VFO (e.g. to find that split of a DX station) if radio CAT supports both simultanously - Can be interfaced with popular logging software using OminRig or via VSPE port splitter For more information visit the author?s website: https://catsyncsdr.wordpress.com/ See a YouTube video of CATSync under: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSHfkjhx0c [ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News The following contacts were successful since February 18, 2018: On The Gagarin from Space, "Galaxy - Children and Youth Center for Space Education", Kaluga, Russia, direct via RK3X with Alexander Misurkin on 2018-02-18 10:45 UTC Agrupamento de Escolas do Fund?o, Fund?o, Portugal, direct via CS5DBB with Scott Tingle KG5NZA on 2018-02-21 09:38 UTC Museum of Science & Technology - Danforth Middle School, Syracuse, NY, direct via K2MST with Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP on 2018-02-24 08:45 UTC On The Gagarin from Space Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Southwest State University", Kursk, Russia, direct via RV3DR on 2018-02-26 17:59 UTC Parkside Middle School, San Bruno, CA, direct via K6PVJ Scott Tingle KG5NZA 2018-03-07 18:05 UTC Gymnasium R?ddningsgymnasiet Sando, Sand?verken, Sweden, telebridge via K6DUE with Scott Tingle KG5NZA on 2018-03-15 11:12 UTC Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ with Scott Tingle KG5NZA on 2018-03-19 08:43 UTC Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Templestowe Valley Primary School, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact was successful: Mon 2018-03-19 08:43:46 UTC Watch for live stream on the EchoLink AMSAT conference server live. Freeport Public Schools, Freeport, NY, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact is a go for: Tue 2018-03-27 17:41:04 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + AO-91 Distance Record The footprint on AO-91 has been stretched yet again to 6,123 km with a QSO between @eb1ao and PU8MRS on 17-Mar-2018 at 14:51 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ . + PicSat Goes Silent PicSat @IamPicSat Tweeted: I am feeling somewhat confused up here. My communication has fallen silent (sorry faithful listeners, I did not see that coming. My team is trying to find out what happened. More to follow, when I pass over Paris @amsatf #amsat @AmsatUK @amsat_sm @SatNOGS PicSat @IamPicSat Tweeted: Passed over Paris, couldn't not talk. Don't know why, neither does my team. They tried! Fortunately, I have a so-called watch-dog onboard, a piece of hardware that will kickstart me if I have not received anything from nobody for 72h PicSat team tweeted Friday morning: Nothing, nix. I still cannot communicate. Hard for me to tell if my Watch Dog initiated the kick start. If it did, and it did not work for some reason, it will try again in 72h from now. In the mean time, pls stay tuned! Monday March 26 will be the next time the 72 hour watchdog fires. Now we wait: pic.twitter.com/OBdsOLiK67 --------------------------------------------------------------------- /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 addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, AA8EM aa8em at amsat dot org From mikflathead at aol.com Sun Mar 25 13:58:45 2018 From: mikflathead at aol.com (mikflathead at aol.com) Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2018 09:58:45 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch Message-ID: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> M2 sells a driven element assembly that allows polarity switching for there 435 antennas. Has any one used this product and can comment? Is there a cheaper way to do this? Thanks Mike From ke4al at yahoo.com Sun Mar 25 20:16:04 2018 From: ke4al at yahoo.com (Robert Bankston) Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:16:04 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Roving Announcement: 20-23 Apr East Coast U.S. References: <1602103143.674433.1522008964459.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1602103143.674433.1522008964459@mail.yahoo.com> I have a BIG roving trip planned April 20-23, to hand out some infrequently activated grids along the East Coast and operate from some cool places along the way.? In addition, I will take advantage of upping my VUCC/r count by working at least one pass in every grid along my planned route on whatever satellite is available.? This will include a total of 22 grid activations over a 4-day sprint. My route will take me from EM71 to FM27, down the coast to EM90, then back to EM71, for a total of 1,922 miles I have tried to include satellite passes that provide coverage to North/Central/South Americas, Europe, and all points in between. Unfortunately, location, a tight schedule, and pass availability does not allow that at every grid.??It is going to be a very tight schedule, so hopefully there are no hiccups.? Here is the schedule: (Grid/AOS/LOS/Satellite/my az-el) - all times UTC Friday, 20 Apr 2018? EM73|EM74 13:08 13:19 xw2f 36w? EM84|EM94 15:49 16:00?ao92 30e? EM95|FM05 18:40?18:53 ao85?35nw? FM06 20:47 21:01 so50 62sw? FM16 23:49 00:01 cas4b 36n Saturday, 21 Apr 2018? FM16? ? ??07:54?08:11 ao7 14e? FM17? ? ??09:45 10:08 ao7 85e? 10:59 11:12 so50 89nw ? 11:36 11:55 fo29 32ne ? 12:41 12:52 so50 12nw ? 13:20 13:40 fo29 51w? FM27 15:11 15:22 fo29 6w ? 15:29 15:40 ao92 30e ? 15:49 15:55 ao85 3e ? 17:03 17:13 ao92 15w? FM26 19:32 19:46 so50 43ne ? 20:19 20:31 cas4b 28se ? 20:42 21:03 ao7 86w ? 21:12 21:25 so50 20w? 21:58 22:11 cas4b 62n Sunday, 22 Apr 2018? FM15|FM25 09:44 09:56 so50 24e 10:43 10:58 fo29 12ne 11:24 11:37 so50 30nw? FM13|FM14 16:10 16:21 ao85 15e 17:49 18:02 ao85 38nw? FM03|FM04 19:29 19:40 ao91 24w? FM02? ? ? ? ? 23:42 23:53 fo29 6e 00:44?00:54 ao85 7ne 01:24?01:43 fo29 64e 02:23?02:38 ao85 50ne 03:10?03:26 fo29 21nw 04:04?04:17 ao85 19w Monday, 23 Apr 2018? EM92 14:37 14:47 xw2a 52w? EM91 16:23 16:35 ao92 70w? EM90 18:14 18:25 ao85 17nw Updates will be posted on Twitter @KE4ALabama and on my website?https://ke4al.wordpress.com/ Hope to get you in the log - 73, Robert KE4AL From g.shirville at btinternet.com Mon Mar 26 08:07:40 2018 From: g.shirville at btinternet.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 09:07:40 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73/FUNcube-1 Operations Message-ID: Hi All, AO73 is now seeing short eclipse periods of around 15 minutes every orbit. The spacecraft is now operating in autonomous mode. ie: full power tlm when in the sun and with the transponder on when in eclipse. The transponder will be switched to continuous operation on Thursday morning. Have fun 73 Graham G3VZV From zleffke at vt.edu Mon Mar 26 14:24:52 2018 From: zleffke at vt.edu (Zach Leffke) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 10:24:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch In-Reply-To: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> References: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> Message-ID: We use the M2 polarity switches in the VTGS for both our 70cm and 2m antennas. In my experience they work very well.? I have not conducted any critical analysis of their performance (Axial ratio measurements and the like), but I can say they are sturdy and solid and in the few years we've had them 'on the tower' I have had no problems with defects or failures (no water ingress or anything like that).? Anecdotally, I will say that being able to switch polarizations mid-pass has been of huge benefit, and you can definitely see a difference in signal strength (depending on the satellite, its antennas, geometry, etc.). So generally, I highly recommend the M2 products for this, if you can afford it.? I also use the M2 antennas personally, but can't afford the polarization switches for myself for my home setup. If you are looking for DIY / cheaper alternatives, The ARRL Antenna Handbook has some good 'schemes' for polarization switching.? Depending on how you tackle the problem you may need access to either 75 or 100 Ohm coax for the phasing (I recommend www.therfc.com for this, he has all kinds of cable and may even fabricate some phase aligned ones for you if you ask nicely). Most of those schemes require some type of coax relay, but you might be able to find something relatively cheap on ebay.? Also, you can find a good article on using Omron PCB relays for RF work here, if you would like to attempt to 'build' a coax relay: https://www.w6pql.com/using_inexpensive_relays.htm. Hope this helps! Goodluck! -Zach, KJ4QLP Research Associate Aerospace Systems Lab Ted & Karyn Hume Center for National Security & Technology Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Work Phone: 540-231-4174 Cell Phone: 540-808-6305 On 3/25/2018 9:58 AM, WB8PFZ via AMSAT-BB wrote: > M2 sells a driven element assembly that allows polarity switching for there 435 antennas. Has any one used this product and can comment? Is there a cheaper way to do this? Thanks Mike > _______________________________________________ > 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 From dave at g4dpz.me.uk Mon Mar 26 16:20:23 2018 From: dave at g4dpz.me.uk (David Johnson) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 16:20:23 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-UK Colloquium Call for Speakers Message-ID: <205744A5-AEEB-488C-A606-FAECF5E86D14@g4dpz.me.uk> This is a call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium 2018 which, will be held this year on 13-14 October, in conjunction with the RSGB Convention at Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ, United Kingdom . AMSAT-UK invites speakers, to cover topics about Amateur satellites, CubeSats, Nanosats, space and associated activities, for this event. They are also invited to submit papers for subsequent publishing on the AMSAT-UK web site or in Oscar News. We appreciate that it is not always possible to give a firm indication of attendance at this stage but expressions of interest would be appreciated. Submissions should be sent via e-mail to: dave at g4dpz.me.uk AMSAT-UK also invite anyone with requests for Program Topics to submit them as soon as possible to G4DPZ. Invitations for any papers on specific subjects will be included in the future call. Likewise if anyone knows of a good speaker, please send contact and other information to G4DPZ. 73 Dave, G4DPZ On behalf of the AMSAT-UK Committee From on4cjq at telenet.be Mon Mar 26 16:39:48 2018 From: on4cjq at telenet.be (on4cjq at telenet.be) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 18:39:48 +0200 (CEST) Subject: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch In-Reply-To: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> References: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> Message-ID: <1310340084.219287259.1522082388296.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Hello Mike there is a much cheaper way!! M? is good but VERY pricy. just put a tohtsu cx-120A or CX-140 coaxrelay in a box, a folded dipole and a 1/2 coax balun. The relay has 2 connections at 1 side and 1 connection at the other side. the one side with the 2 connections: connect each side of the folded dipole to either relay contact, the side with the 1 relay-conection is for the feeder to trx. i made this for 2m and 70cm crossyagis, and works FB for switching from RHCP to LHCP. the price for the relay cx-120: 37.50? , a small plastic box: a few ?'s....the price for the M?'s: multiply by 7 or 8 best 73's Jerry,ON4CJQ ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- Van: "amsat-bb" Aan: "amsat-bb" Verzonden: Zondag 25 maart 2018 15:58:45 Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch M2 sells a driven element assembly that allows polarity switching for there 435 antennas. Has any one used this product and can comment? Is there a cheaper way to do this? Thanks Mike _______________________________________________ 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 From w4upd at cfl.rr.com Mon Mar 26 16:45:52 2018 From: w4upd at cfl.rr.com (w4upd) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:45:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2018 symposium? Message-ID: <5AB923C0.4060102@cfl.rr.com> Any idea of when and where the 2018 Symposium is going to be? The Amsat website still shows 2017. Reid, W4UPD From n8hm at arrl.net Mon Mar 26 16:59:59 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:59:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2018 symposium? In-Reply-To: <5AB923C0.4060102@cfl.rr.com> References: <5AB923C0.4060102@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: We hope to have an announcement very soon! 73, Paul, N8HM On Mon, Mar 26, 2018 at 12:45 PM, w4upd wrote: > Any idea of when and where the 2018 Symposium is going to be? The Amsat > website still shows 2017. > > Reid, W4UPD > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Mon Mar 26 18:14:38 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:14:38 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch In-Reply-To: <1310340084.219287259.1522082388296.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> References: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> <1310340084.219287259.1522082388296.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Message-ID: <4118FA3F-84D8-437D-A750-6CD64B77B868@gmail.com> Good Evening, I again believe that I need to provide some feedback on the polarization issue. In one using polarized antenna RHCP or LHCP it is quite obvious that one should be able to change the polarization when working the birds. The most evident example is AO-92, whereby you have to change same every minute or so to keep a constant Rx signal strength, this both on the uplink and downlink. It may be due to the spinning of the satellite which may have a higher rate than usual, AO-91 is much more stable on this aspect. Whatever system you may be using to change the polarization is your own choice, what I wanted to stress is that for 100% reliability you need to be able to do so on both the uplink and downlink. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 26, 2018, at 8:39 PM, on4cjq at telenet.be wrote: > > Hello Mike > > there is a much cheaper way!! M? is good but VERY pricy. > just put a tohtsu cx-120A or CX-140 coaxrelay in a box, a folded dipole and a 1/2 coax balun. The relay has 2 connections at 1 side and 1 connection at the other side. > the one side with the 2 connections: connect each side of the folded dipole to either relay contact, the side with the 1 relay-conection is for the feeder to trx. > i made this for 2m and 70cm crossyagis, and works FB for switching from RHCP to LHCP. > the price for the relay cx-120: 37.50? , a small plastic box: a few ?'s....the price for the M?'s: multiply by 7 or 8 > > best 73's > > Jerry,ON4CJQ > > ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- > Van: "amsat-bb" > Aan: "amsat-bb" > Verzonden: Zondag 25 maart 2018 15:58:45 > Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch > > M2 sells a driven element assembly that allows polarity switching for there 435 antennas. Has any one used this product and can comment? Is there a cheaper way to do this? Thanks Mike > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From on4cjq at telenet.be Mon Mar 26 18:34:53 2018 From: on4cjq at telenet.be (on4cjq at telenet.be) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:34:53 +0200 (CEST) Subject: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch In-Reply-To: <4118FA3F-84D8-437D-A750-6CD64B77B868@gmail.com> References: <1625d744a8a-c90-aff@webjas-vad010.srv.aolmail.net> <1310340084.219287259.1522082388296.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> <4118FA3F-84D8-437D-A750-6CD64B77B868@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1235990212.219655245.1522089293321.JavaMail.zimbra@telenet.be> Hoi Jean Marc I'm active on sats for 20y i think, and did it the first years with simple yagis, which worked ok. Then made myself some crossed yagis with fixed RHCP, but with a ot of reading and understanding some things i made it all switchable. All crossed yagis have now exactly 1/4 spacings at the boom between the 2 planes, and all delay lines and phasing lines are well cut to the needed lengths with max difference of about 0.5?. The fun of switching now between R an L or R/L/V/H polarisations makes a big difference in both uplink and downlink, would never miss it again. I also have the MASPRO sat system with only R to L switch, but that relay is a simple print relay. The switch i made on some folded dipole is a coax relay to get more power on the yagi. I agree that switching is best on up- and dwnlink; i do this on all passes though. Best 73's Jerry,ON4CJQ ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- Van: "Jean Marc Momple" Aan: "on4cjq" Cc: "mikflathead" , "amsat-bb" Verzonden: Maandag 26 maart 2018 20:14:38 Onderwerp: Re: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch Good Evening, I again believe that I need to provide some feedback on the polarization issue. In one using polarized antenna RHCP or LHCP it is quite obvious that one should be able to change the polarization when working the birds. The most evident example is AO-92, whereby you have to change same every minute or so to keep a constant Rx signal strength, this both on the uplink and downlink. It may be due to the spinning of the satellite which may have a higher rate than usual, AO-91 is much more stable on this aspect. Whatever system you may be using to change the polarization is your own choice, what I wanted to stress is that for 100% reliability you need to be able to do so on both the uplink and downlink. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 26, 2018, at 8:39 PM, on4cjq at telenet.be wrote: > > Hello Mike > > there is a much cheaper way!! M? is good but VERY pricy. > just put a tohtsu cx-120A or CX-140 coaxrelay in a box, a folded dipole and a 1/2 coax balun. The relay has 2 connections at 1 side and 1 connection at the other side. > the one side with the 2 connections: connect each side of the folded dipole to either relay contact, the side with the 1 relay-conection is for the feeder to trx. > i made this for 2m and 70cm crossyagis, and works FB for switching from RHCP to LHCP. > the price for the relay cx-120: 37.50? , a small plastic box: a few ?'s....the price for the M?'s: multiply by 7 or 8 > > best 73's > > Jerry,ON4CJQ > > ----- Oorspronkelijk bericht ----- > Van: "amsat-bb" > Aan: "amsat-bb" > Verzonden: Zondag 25 maart 2018 15:58:45 > Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] M2 432 polarity switch > > M2 sells a driven element assembly that allows polarity switching for there 435 antennas. Has any one used this product and can comment? Is there a cheaper way to do this? Thanks Mike > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n4hf.philip at gmail.com Mon Mar 26 19:40:25 2018 From: n4hf.philip at gmail.com (Philip Jenkins) Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:40:25 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Raleigh NC hamfest, March 31 Message-ID: At the Raleigh NC hamfest this Saturday, March 31, John KG4AKV and I - N4HF - will be manning an AMSAT info table; John will be doing demos as well. As of right now, John is planning for the AO-92 pass which starts at 1519Z, and AO-91 at 1648Z. (And possibly another pass - TBD) Philip N4HF From rolf.krogstad at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 16:53:00 2018 From: rolf.krogstad at gmail.com (Rolf Krogstad) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 11:53:00 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] another rotator question Message-ID: Question: My elevation rotator (Yaesu G-5400) works fine, but to raise the elevation I have to press the down button and to lower it, I press the Up button. How do I reverse this so it works as intended? Background: I had been the traditional HF ham for years. I had a tower with a TH7 and a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator. I then got into working satellites. I purchased a used Yaesu G-5400 rotator and controller. For the five years since installing the elevation rotator I have been manually controlling my rotators. I relabeled the up and down buttons on the controller and all was good. A few years ago I purchased a new LVB Tracker from AMSAT-NA but it sat on the shelf. I am now automating my rotators. I have the azimuth rotator working fine and have connected the LVB Tracker to control the elevation rotator and done the configuration routine. I can control the elevation using the LVB buttons, but must press up for down and down for up. I looked at the controller schematic and it appears that pins 1, 2, 3 of the rotator cable connector are connected to the potentiometer: pins 1 and 3 are on either end of the pot windings and pin 2 is the wiper. I set the antenna to 0 degrees elevation (0 on far left). I tried reversing the wires for 1 and 3, 1 and 2, 2 and 3. I don't think any of these will help me here, but am not sure. Any suggestions on how to reverse the buttons so that up is up and down is down? Thanks Rolf NR0T Grid EN34 From zryder94 at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 17:11:28 2018 From: zryder94 at gmail.com (Mike Thompson) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:11:28 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] another rotator question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Is the antennas physically moving up when you press the up button? IE when you press a button, is the rotor moving opposite, or is the needle indicating opposite? On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:53 AM, Rolf Krogstad wrote: > Question: My elevation rotator (Yaesu G-5400) works fine, but to raise the > elevation I have to press the down button and to lower it, I press the Up > button. How do I reverse this so it works as intended? > > Background: > I had been the traditional HF ham for years. I had a tower with a TH7 and > a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator. I then got into working satellites. I > purchased a used Yaesu G-5400 rotator and controller. For the five years > since installing the elevation rotator I have been manually controlling my > rotators. I relabeled the up and down buttons on the controller and all > was good. A few years ago I purchased a new LVB Tracker from AMSAT-NA but > it sat on the shelf. > > I am now automating my rotators. I have the azimuth rotator working fine > and have connected the LVB Tracker to control the elevation rotator and > done the configuration routine. I can control the elevation using the LVB > buttons, but must press up for down and down for up. > > I looked at the controller schematic and it appears that pins 1, 2, 3 of > the rotator cable connector are connected to the potentiometer: pins 1 and > 3 are on either end of the pot windings and pin 2 is the wiper. > > I set the antenna to 0 degrees elevation (0 on far left). I tried > reversing the wires for 1 and 3, 1 and 2, 2 and 3. I don't think any of > these will help me here, but am not sure. > > Any suggestions on how to reverse the buttons so that up is up and down is > down? > > Thanks > > Rolf NR0T > Grid EN34 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From rolf.krogstad at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 17:14:54 2018 From: rolf.krogstad at gmail.com (Rolf Krogstad) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:14:54 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] another rotator question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The antenna is rotating. I do a visual check and the antenna is horizontal. I have the controller indicating zero, I press the DOWN button and hold it for a bit. When I go out and do a visual check the antenna is now elevated above zero. Rolf NR0T On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 12:11 PM, Mike Thompson wrote: > Is the antennas physically moving up when you press the up button? IE when > you press a button, is the rotor moving opposite, or is the needle > indicating opposite? > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:53 AM, Rolf Krogstad > wrote: > >> Question: My elevation rotator (Yaesu G-5400) works fine, but to raise >> the >> elevation I have to press the down button and to lower it, I press the Up >> button. How do I reverse this so it works as intended? >> >> Background: >> I had been the traditional HF ham for years. I had a tower with a TH7 and >> a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator. I then got into working satellites. I >> purchased a used Yaesu G-5400 rotator and controller. For the five years >> since installing the elevation rotator I have been manually controlling my >> rotators. I relabeled the up and down buttons on the controller and all >> was good. A few years ago I purchased a new LVB Tracker from AMSAT-NA but >> it sat on the shelf. >> >> I am now automating my rotators. I have the azimuth rotator working fine >> and have connected the LVB Tracker to control the elevation rotator and >> done the configuration routine. I can control the elevation using the LVB >> buttons, but must press up for down and down for up. >> >> I looked at the controller schematic and it appears that pins 1, 2, 3 of >> the rotator cable connector are connected to the potentiometer: pins 1 >> and >> 3 are on either end of the pot windings and pin 2 is the wiper. >> >> I set the antenna to 0 degrees elevation (0 on far left). I tried >> reversing the wires for 1 and 3, 1 and 2, 2 and 3. I don't think any of >> these will help me here, but am not sure. >> >> Any suggestions on how to reverse the buttons so that up is up and down is >> down? >> >> Thanks >> >> Rolf NR0T >> Grid EN34 >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > From zryder94 at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 17:25:24 2018 From: zryder94 at gmail.com (Mike Thompson) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:25:24 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] another rotator question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: either the antenna's are installed opposite (flip them 180, and rotate the elevation rotor 180 degrees from it's current position relative to the azimuth rotor), or swap the motor wires to the elevation rotator. On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 12:14 PM, Rolf Krogstad wrote: > The antenna is rotating. I do a visual check and the antenna is > horizontal. > I have the controller indicating zero, I press the DOWN button and hold it > for a bit. > When I go out and do a visual check the antenna is now elevated above zero. > > Rolf NR0T > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 12:11 PM, Mike Thompson > wrote: > >> Is the antennas physically moving up when you press the up button? IE >> when you press a button, is the rotor moving opposite, or is the needle >> indicating opposite? >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:53 AM, Rolf Krogstad >> wrote: >> >>> Question: My elevation rotator (Yaesu G-5400) works fine, but to raise >>> the >>> elevation I have to press the down button and to lower it, I press the Up >>> button. How do I reverse this so it works as intended? >>> >>> Background: >>> I had been the traditional HF ham for years. I had a tower with a TH7 >>> and >>> a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator. I then got into working satellites. I >>> purchased a used Yaesu G-5400 rotator and controller. For the five years >>> since installing the elevation rotator I have been manually controlling >>> my >>> rotators. I relabeled the up and down buttons on the controller and all >>> was good. A few years ago I purchased a new LVB Tracker from AMSAT-NA >>> but >>> it sat on the shelf. >>> >>> I am now automating my rotators. I have the azimuth rotator working fine >>> and have connected the LVB Tracker to control the elevation rotator and >>> done the configuration routine. I can control the elevation using the >>> LVB >>> buttons, but must press up for down and down for up. >>> >>> I looked at the controller schematic and it appears that pins 1, 2, 3 of >>> the rotator cable connector are connected to the potentiometer: pins 1 >>> and >>> 3 are on either end of the pot windings and pin 2 is the wiper. >>> >>> I set the antenna to 0 degrees elevation (0 on far left). I tried >>> reversing the wires for 1 and 3, 1 and 2, 2 and 3. I don't think any of >>> these will help me here, but am not sure. >>> >>> Any suggestions on how to reverse the buttons so that up is up and down >>> is >>> down? >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Rolf NR0T >>> Grid EN34 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >> >> > From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 17:59:28 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:59:28 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading Message-ID: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Dear All, I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some observations: 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite unpredictable, requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to an adequate level. 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems to me that the uplink is more affected. 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the pass, it seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the case. Just to share my observation. 73 Jean Marc (3B8du) From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Mar 27 18:12:59 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:12:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending on orbit illumination or other factors. For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health status of the satellite. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: > Dear All, > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some observations: > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite unpredictable, requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to an adequate level. > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems to me that the uplink is more affected. > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the pass, it seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the case. > > Just to share my observation. > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From burns at fisher.cc Tue Mar 27 19:26:16 2018 From: burns at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:26:16 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may have noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. This is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give it a tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic stabilization. But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something to do with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from AO-85, for example. Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna only uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna actually uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink has more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think about. 73, Burns WB1FJ Fox-1 Flight Software On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending on > orbit illumination or other factors. > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health > status of the satellite. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple > wrote: > > Dear All, > > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some > observations: > > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite unpredictable, > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to an > adequate level. > > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems to me > that the uplink is more affected. > > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. > > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the pass, it > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the case. > > > > Just to share my observation. > > > > 73 > > > > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From rolf.krogstad at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 19:57:26 2018 From: rolf.krogstad at gmail.com (Rolf Krogstad) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:57:26 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] another rotator question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Problem resolved - without ascending the tower. I had just purchased the PSTRotator software from Codrut YO3DMU to control the rotators. It interfaces with the DDE interface from SDR-Console.which I am using with my FunCube Dongle Pro Plus using the IdiomPress Yaesu DXA CAT card and my Yaesu G-1000DXA rotator. It also interfaces with LVB Tracker for my G-5400 elevation rotator. So I asked Codrut and he suggested I try swapping pins 4 and 5. I had tried swapping 1-2. 2-3, 1-3 with no luck. I did that and recalibrated the LVB Tracker and I am now fully in business with automated azimuth and elevation tracking of the satellites. 73 Rolf NR0T On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:53 AM, Rolf Krogstad wrote: > Question: My elevation rotator (Yaesu G-5400) works fine, but to raise > the elevation I have to press the down button and to lower it, I press the > Up button. How do I reverse this so it works as intended? > > Background: > I had been the traditional HF ham for years. I had a tower with a TH7 and > a Yaesu G-1000-DXA rotator. I then got into working satellites. I > purchased a used Yaesu G-5400 rotator and controller. For the five years > since installing the elevation rotator I have been manually controlling my > rotators. I relabeled the up and down buttons on the controller and all > was good. A few years ago I purchased a new LVB Tracker from AMSAT-NA but > it sat on the shelf. > > I am now automating my rotators. I have the azimuth rotator working fine > and have connected the LVB Tracker to control the elevation rotator and > done the configuration routine. I can control the elevation using the LVB > buttons, but must press up for down and down for up. > > I looked at the controller schematic and it appears that pins 1, 2, 3 of > the rotator cable connector are connected to the potentiometer: pins 1 and > 3 are on either end of the pot windings and pin 2 is the wiper. > > I set the antenna to 0 degrees elevation (0 on far left). I tried > reversing the wires for 1 and 3, 1 and 2, 2 and 3. I don't think any of > these will help me here, but am not sure. > > Any suggestions on how to reverse the buttons so that up is up and down is > down? > > Thanks > > Rolf NR0T > Grid EN34 > From max at boryspil.net.ua Tue Mar 27 19:43:38 2018 From: max at boryspil.net.ua (Max) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 22:43:38 +0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] Acquisition of equipment In-Reply-To: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: <9547d0ba-a3b2-fb02-faea-35009ef4f510@boryspil.net.ua> Good afternoon, I'm sorry that the question is not for you. Dear members of the group, tell us where you can buy used equipment for work through satellites. Thank you. 73 & GL. From va6bmj at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 20:57:08 2018 From: va6bmj at gmail.com (B J) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:57:08 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Acquisition of equipment In-Reply-To: <9547d0ba-a3b2-fb02-faea-35009ef4f510@boryspil.net.ua> References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> <9547d0ba-a3b2-fb02-faea-35009ef4f510@boryspil.net.ua> Message-ID: On 3/27/18, Max wrote: > Good afternoon, I'm sorry that the question is not for you. Dear members > of the group, tell us where you can buy used equipment for work through > satellites. Thank you. 73 & GL. I bought my FT-847 and IC-910 through this site: http://www.kwarc.org/swapshop/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL From kawfey at gmail.com Tue Mar 27 20:59:33 2018 From: kawfey at gmail.com (Sterling Coffey) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:59:33 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Acquisition of equipment In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> <9547d0ba-a3b2-fb02-faea-35009ef4f510@boryspil.net.ua> Message-ID: Additionally ebay, QRZ, eHam, craigslist, hamfests, reddit.com/r/hamfest..all depends on what you need and what sats you want to work. On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 3:57 PM, B J wrote: > On 3/27/18, Max wrote: > > Good afternoon, I'm sorry that the question is not for you. Dear members > > of the group, tell us where you can buy used equipment for work through > > satellites. Thank you. 73 & GL. > > > > I bought my FT-847 and IC-910 through this site: > > http://www.kwarc.org/swapshop/ > > 73s > > Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From wageners at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 00:22:37 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:22:37 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess and how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink since that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I am NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) Stefan, VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may have > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. This > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give it a > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic stabilization. > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. > > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something to do > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from > AO-85, for example. > > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna only > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna actually > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink has > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think about. > > 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > Fox-1 Flight Software > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending on > > orbit illumination or other factors. > > > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. > > > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB > > > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health > > status of the satellite. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple > > wrote: > > > Dear All, > > > > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some > > observations: > > > > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite unpredictable, > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to an > > adequate level. > > > > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems to > me > > that the uplink is more affected. > > > > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. > > > > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the pass, it > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the case. > > > > > > Just to share my observation. > > > > > > 73 > > > > > > > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From k7trkradio at charter.net Wed Mar 28 00:27:06 2018 From: k7trkradio at charter.net (Ted Krempa) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:27:06 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Acquisition of equipment In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> <9547d0ba-a3b2-fb02-faea-35009ef4f510@boryspil.net.ua> Message-ID: <001001d3c62b$80f48c00$82dda400$@charter.net> ...and, of course, there is EBay...which some here love or hate, but which is the ONLY site that will give you buyer protection from scammers, parts pickers or just outright thieves. The times that I have had to use EBay's 'buyer protection' has been 100% effective ! THAT is a fact.. Now, start the EBay bashing net.. 73, Ted K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Sterling Coffey Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 2:00 PM To: B J Cc: AMSAT Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Acquisition of equipment Additionally ebay, QRZ, eHam, craigslist, hamfests, reddit.com/r/hamfest..all depends on what you need and what sats you want to work. On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 3:57 PM, B J wrote: > On 3/27/18, Max wrote: > > Good afternoon, I'm sorry that the question is not for you. Dear > > members of the group, tell us where you can buy used equipment for > > work through satellites. Thank you. 73 & GL. > > > > I bought my FT-847 and IC-910 through this site: > > http://www.kwarc.org/swapshop/ > > 73s > > Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL > _______________________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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 From kawfey at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 01:38:12 2018 From: kawfey at gmail.com (Sterling Coffey) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:38:12 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're changing the TX polarity too. On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote: > One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink > (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess and > how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink since > that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you > could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I am > NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) > > Stefan, VE4NSA > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > > > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may have > > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. > This > > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give it a > > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more > > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In > > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z > > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic stabilization. > > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. > > > > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something to do > > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from > > AO-85, for example. > > > > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna only > > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna actually > > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink has > > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think about. > > > > 73, > > > > Burns WB1FJ > > Fox-1 Flight Software > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > > > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending on > > > orbit illumination or other factors. > > > > > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. > > > > > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB > > > > > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what > > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health > > > status of the satellite. > > > > > > 73, > > > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple > > > wrote: > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some > > > observations: > > > > > > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite unpredictable, > > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to an > > > adequate level. > > > > > > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems to > > me > > > that the uplink is more affected. > > > > > > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. > > > > > > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the pass, > it > > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the > case. > > > > > > > > Just to share my observation. > > > > > > > > 73 > > > > > > > > > > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From wageners at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 01:44:15 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:44:15 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks, Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! 73, Stefan VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey wrote: > You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) setup. > However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna (arrow, > elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're changing the > TX polarity too. > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener > wrote: > >> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess and >> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink since >> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I am >> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >> >> Stefan, VE4NSA >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >> >> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may have >> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. >> This >> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give it a >> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic stabilization. >> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >> > >> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something to >> do >> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from >> > AO-85, for example. >> > >> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna only >> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna actually >> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink has >> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think about. >> > >> > 73, >> > >> > Burns WB1FJ >> > Fox-1 Flight Software >> > >> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >> > >> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending on >> > > orbit illumination or other factors. >> > > >> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >> > > >> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >> > > >> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what >> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >> > > status of the satellite. >> > > >> > > 73, >> > > >> > > Paul, N8HM >> > > >> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >> > > wrote: >> > > > Dear All, >> > > > >> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >> > > observations: >> > > > >> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite unpredictable, >> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to an >> > > adequate level. >> > > > >> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems >> to >> > me >> > > that the uplink is more affected. >> > > > >> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. >> > > > >> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >> pass, it >> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the >> case. >> > > > >> > > > Just to share my observation. >> > > > >> > > > 73 >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > _______________________________________________ >> > > > 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/l >> istinfo/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 >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > From marklhammond at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 01:46:36 2018 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:46:36 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: The telemetry nuts should have some idea. Independent of any uplink. Good SDR recording exercise and study. Mark N8MH On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 9:41 PM Sterling Coffey wrote: > You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) setup. > However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna (arrow, > elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're changing the > TX polarity too. > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener > wrote: > > > One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink > > (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess > and > > how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink since > > that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you > > could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I > am > > NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) > > > > Stefan, VE4NSA > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > > > > > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may have > > > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. > > This > > > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give it > a > > > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more > > > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In > > > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z > > > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic stabilization. > > > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. > > > > > > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something to > do > > > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from > > > AO-85, for example. > > > > > > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna only > > > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna > actually > > > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink has > > > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think > about. > > > > > > 73, > > > > > > Burns WB1FJ > > > Fox-1 Flight Software > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > > > > > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending > on > > > > orbit illumination or other factors. > > > > > > > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. > > > > > > > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB > > > > > > > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what > > > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health > > > > status of the satellite. > > > > > > > > 73, > > > > > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple > > > > wrote: > > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > > > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some > > > > observations: > > > > > > > > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite > unpredictable, > > > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to > an > > > > adequate level. > > > > > > > > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems > to > > > me > > > > that the uplink is more affected. > > > > > > > > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. > > > > > > > > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the > pass, > > it > > > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the > > case. > > > > > > > > > > Just to share my observation. > > > > > > > > > > 73 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > 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 > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From kawfey at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 01:47:11 2018 From: kawfey at gmail.com (Sterling Coffey) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:47:11 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still and you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink antenna results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then you've isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote: > Thanks, > > Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching > uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! > > 73, Stefan VE4NSA > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey wrote: > >> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) setup. >> However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna (arrow, >> elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're changing the >> TX polarity too. >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener >> wrote: >> >>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess >>> and >>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink since >>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I >>> am >>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >>> >>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>> >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >>> >>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may have >>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. >>> This >>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give it >>> a >>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic stabilization. >>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >>> > >>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something to >>> do >>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from >>> > AO-85, for example. >>> > >>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna only >>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna >>> actually >>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink has >>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think >>> about. >>> > >>> > 73, >>> > >>> > Burns WB1FJ >>> > Fox-1 Flight Software >>> > >>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >>> > >>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending >>> on >>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. >>> > > >>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >>> > > >>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >>> > > >>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on what >>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >>> > > status of the satellite. >>> > > >>> > > 73, >>> > > >>> > > Paul, N8HM >>> > > >>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >>> > > wrote: >>> > > > Dear All, >>> > > > >>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >>> > > observations: >>> > > > >>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >>> unpredictable, >>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to >>> an >>> > > adequate level. >>> > > > >>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more seems >>> to >>> > me >>> > > that the uplink is more affected. >>> > > > >>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all modes. >>> > > > >>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >>> pass, it >>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the >>> case. >>> > > > >>> > > > Just to share my observation. >>> > > > >>> > > > 73 >>> > > > >>> > > > >>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >>> > > > >>> > > > >>> > > > _______________________________________________ >>> > > > 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/l >>> istinfo/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/l >>> istinfo/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 >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >> >> > From wageners at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 01:49:10 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:49:10 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks Mark! Even a good SDR recording exercise only captures the downlink :-) Stefran On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:46 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > The telemetry nuts should have some idea. Independent of any uplink. > Good SDR recording exercise and study. > > Mark N8MH > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 9:41 PM Sterling Coffey wrote: > >> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) setup. >> However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna >> (arrow, >> elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're changing the >> TX polarity too. >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener >> wrote: >> >> > One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >> > (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess >> and >> > how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink >> since >> > that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >> > could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I >> am >> > NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >> > >> > Stefan, VE4NSA >> > >> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >> > >> > > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may >> have >> > > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. >> > This >> > > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give >> it a >> > > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >> > > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >> > > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >> > > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic >> stabilization. >> > > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >> > > >> > > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something >> to do >> > > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from >> > > AO-85, for example. >> > > >> > > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna >> only >> > > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna >> actually >> > > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink >> has >> > > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think >> about. >> > > >> > > 73, >> > > >> > > Burns WB1FJ >> > > Fox-1 Flight Software >> > > >> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >> > > >> > > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending >> on >> > > > orbit illumination or other factors. >> > > > >> > > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >> > > > >> > > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >> > > > >> > > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on >> what >> > > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >> > > > status of the satellite. >> > > > >> > > > 73, >> > > > >> > > > Paul, N8HM >> > > > >> > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >> > > > wrote: >> > > > > Dear All, >> > > > > >> > > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >> > > > observations: >> > > > > >> > > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >> unpredictable, >> > > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to >> an >> > > > adequate level. >> > > > > >> > > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more >> seems to >> > > me >> > > > that the uplink is more affected. >> > > > > >> > > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all >> modes. >> > > > > >> > > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >> pass, >> > it >> > > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the >> > case. >> > > > > >> > > > > Just to share my observation. >> > > > > >> > > > > 73 >> > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >> > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ >> > > > > 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 >> > > > _______________________________________________ >> > > > 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 >> > > > >> > > _______________________________________________ >> > > 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 >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > -- > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > From zmetzing at pobox.com Wed Mar 28 01:50:53 2018 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:50:53 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: On 03/27/18 20:44, Stefan Wagener wrote: > Thanks, > > Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching > uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! I suppose that, if you had really good antennas and preamps, you might be able to hear your reflected uplink signal, no? :-) --- Zach N0ZGO From wageners at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 01:54:09 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:54:09 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi Sterling, That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear uplink polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for uplink (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way the downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink discrepancies. Good luck :-) But hanks, good thought! Stefan, VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey wrote: > If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still and > you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink antenna > results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then you've > isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener > wrote: > >> Thanks, >> >> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching >> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! >> >> 73, Stefan VE4NSA >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey >> wrote: >> >>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) >>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna >>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're >>> changing the TX polarity too. >>> >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener >>> wrote: >>> >>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess >>>> and >>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink >>>> since >>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I >>>> am >>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >>>> >>>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>>> >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >>>> >>>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may >>>> have >>>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. >>>> This >>>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give >>>> it a >>>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >>>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >>>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >>>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic >>>> stabilization. >>>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >>>> > >>>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something >>>> to do >>>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from >>>> > AO-85, for example. >>>> > >>>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna >>>> only >>>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna >>>> actually >>>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink >>>> has >>>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think >>>> about. >>>> > >>>> > 73, >>>> > >>>> > Burns WB1FJ >>>> > Fox-1 Flight Software >>>> > >>>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >>>> > >>>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending >>>> on >>>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. >>>> > > >>>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >>>> > > >>>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >>>> > > >>>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on >>>> what >>>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >>>> > > status of the satellite. >>>> > > >>>> > > 73, >>>> > > >>>> > > Paul, N8HM >>>> > > >>>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >>>> > > wrote: >>>> > > > Dear All, >>>> > > > >>>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >>>> > > observations: >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >>>> unpredictable, >>>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to >>>> an >>>> > > adequate level. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more >>>> seems to >>>> > me >>>> > > that the uplink is more affected. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all >>>> modes. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >>>> pass, it >>>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the >>>> case. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Just to share my observation. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 73 >>>> > > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >>>> > > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > > _______________________________________________ >>>> > > > 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/l >>>> istinfo/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/l >>>> istinfo/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 >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> >>> >>> >> > From kawfey at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 02:08:36 2018 From: kawfey at gmail.com (Sterling Coffey) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:08:36 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: I'm specifically thinking of handheld linear antennas; I'm pretty sure you can rotate the RX antenna pol for "maximum smoke" and then the TX antenna faster than the tumbling rate of the satellite just to get an idea of which path is being affected. This is a moot point though, most of us use Arrow antennas anyway! On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:54 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote: > Hi Sterling, > > That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear uplink > polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for uplink > (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same > optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way the > downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink discrepancies. > Good luck :-) > > But hanks, good thought! > > Stefan, VE4NSA > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey wrote: > >> If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still and >> you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink antenna >> results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then you've >> isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener >> wrote: >> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching >>> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! >>> >>> 73, Stefan VE4NSA >>> >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey >>> wrote: >>> >>>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) >>>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna >>>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're >>>> changing the TX polarity too. >>>> >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >>>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess >>>>> and >>>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink >>>>> since >>>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >>>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, >>>>> I am >>>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >>>>> >>>>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >>>>> >>>>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may >>>>> have >>>>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted >>>>> off-center. This >>>>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give >>>>> it a >>>>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >>>>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >>>>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >>>>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic >>>>> stabilization. >>>>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >>>>> > >>>>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something >>>>> to do >>>>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different >>>>> from >>>>> > AO-85, for example. >>>>> > >>>>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna >>>>> only >>>>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna >>>>> actually >>>>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink >>>>> has >>>>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think >>>>> about. >>>>> > >>>>> > 73, >>>>> > >>>>> > Burns WB1FJ >>>>> > Fox-1 Flight Software >>>>> > >>>>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer >>>>> wrote: >>>>> > >>>>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower >>>>> depending on >>>>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. >>>>> > > >>>>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >>>>> > > >>>>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >>>>> > > >>>>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on >>>>> what >>>>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >>>>> > > status of the satellite. >>>>> > > >>>>> > > 73, >>>>> > > >>>>> > > Paul, N8HM >>>>> > > >>>>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >>>>> > > wrote: >>>>> > > > Dear All, >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >>>>> > > observations: >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >>>>> unpredictable, >>>>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal >>>>> to an >>>>> > > adequate level. >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more >>>>> seems to >>>>> > me >>>>> > > that the uplink is more affected. >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all >>>>> modes. >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >>>>> pass, it >>>>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not >>>>> the case. >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > Just to share my observation. >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > 73 >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > >>>>> > > > _______________________________________________ >>>>> > > > 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/l >>>>> istinfo/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/l >>>>> istinfo/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/l >>>>> istinfo/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 >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >> > From seb at wintek.com Wed Mar 28 02:27:48 2018 From: seb at wintek.com (Stephen E. Belter) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 02:27:48 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Stefan, You are correct that you only hear the downlink, but... From personal experience, including operating AO-85 and AO-91 today using a standard Arrow and an IC-821 (from a campground in EM87), I'm convinced that I can hear my uplink polarity mismatch. I first adjust the polarity of my antenna (by twisting my wrist) while searching for the strongest (maximum quieting) received signal. Then while pressing the PTT, I tweak the Arrow polarity while going for maximum quieting while listening to myself. The best sounding full-duplex signal is typically not at the same polarity as the best received signal from someone else on the satellite, but I've been able to get full quieting full-duplex. When operating full-duplex, I think I'm hearing the results of *both* the uplink and downlink polarity match. And that's how I 'differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink' weakness. 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com ?On 3/27/18, 10:06 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Stefan Wagener" wrote: Hi Sterling, That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear uplink polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for uplink (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way the downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink discrepancies. Good luck :-) But hanks, good thought! Stefan, VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey wrote: > If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still and > you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink antenna > results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then you've > isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener > wrote: > >> Thanks, >> >> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching >> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! >> >> 73, Stefan VE4NSA >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey >> wrote: >> >>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) >>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna >>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're >>> changing the TX polarity too. >>> >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener >>> wrote: >>> >>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess >>>> and >>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink >>>> since >>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I >>>> am >>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >>>> >>>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>>> >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >>>> >>>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may >>>> have >>>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. >>>> This >>>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give >>>> it a >>>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >>>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >>>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >>>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic >>>> stabilization. >>>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >>>> > >>>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something >>>> to do >>>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from >>>> > AO-85, for example. >>>> > >>>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna >>>> only >>>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna >>>> actually >>>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink >>>> has >>>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think >>>> about. >>>> > >>>> > 73, >>>> > >>>> > Burns WB1FJ >>>> > Fox-1 Flight Software >>>> > >>>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: >>>> > >>>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending >>>> on >>>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. >>>> > > >>>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >>>> > > >>>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >>>> > > >>>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on >>>> what >>>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >>>> > > status of the satellite. >>>> > > >>>> > > 73, >>>> > > >>>> > > Paul, N8HM >>>> > > >>>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >>>> > > wrote: >>>> > > > Dear All, >>>> > > > >>>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >>>> > > observations: >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >>>> unpredictable, >>>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to >>>> an >>>> > > adequate level. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more >>>> seems to >>>> > me >>>> > > that the uplink is more affected. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all >>>> modes. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >>>> pass, it >>>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the >>>> case. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Just to share my observation. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 73 >>>> > > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >>>> > > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > > _______________________________________________ >>>> > > > 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/l >>>> istinfo/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/l >>>> istinfo/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 >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> >>> >>> >> > _______________________________________________ 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 From wageners at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 02:38:51 2018 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:38:51 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks Steve, Great point and well thought out. Now, let me ask you a question: After you matched the downlink signal and position of your Arrow for maximum quieting and best signal, what happens when you now change the position of your arrow to look for best "uplink"? unless yo can keep the downlink position steady you will not be able to check for the uplink.. as science tells me one thing has to be constant for the other to be assessed... All the best, Stefan, VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 9:27 PM, Stephen E. Belter wrote: > Stefan, > > You are correct that you only hear the downlink, but... > > From personal experience, including operating AO-85 and AO-91 today using > a standard Arrow and an IC-821 (from a campground in EM87), I'm convinced > that I can hear my uplink polarity mismatch. > > I first adjust the polarity of my antenna (by twisting my wrist) while > searching for the strongest (maximum quieting) received signal. Then while > pressing the PTT, I tweak the Arrow polarity while going for maximum > quieting while listening to myself. > > The best sounding full-duplex signal is typically not at the same polarity > as the best received signal from someone else on the satellite, but I've > been able to get full quieting full-duplex. When operating full-duplex, I > think I'm hearing the results of *both* the uplink and downlink polarity > match. > > And that's how I 'differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink' > weakness. > > 73, Steve N9IP > -- > Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com > > > ?On 3/27/18, 10:06 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Stefan Wagener" < > amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org on behalf of wageners at gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi Sterling, > > That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear uplink > polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for > uplink > (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same > optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way the > downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink discrepancies. > Good luck :-) > > But hanks, good thought! > > Stefan, VE4NSA > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey > wrote: > > > If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still > and > > you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink > antenna > > results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then > you've > > isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener > > wrote: > > > >> Thanks, > >> > >> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a > non-matching > >> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! > >> > >> 73, Stefan VE4NSA > >> > >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey > >> wrote: > >> > >>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) > >>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single > antenna > >>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while > you're > >>> changing the TX polarity too. > >>> > >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener < > wageners at gmail.com> > >>> wrote: > >>> > >>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink > >>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to > assess > >>>> and > >>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from > downlink > >>>> since > >>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for > uplink, you > >>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and > no, I > >>>> am > >>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) > >>>> > >>>> Stefan, VE4NSA > >>>> > >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher > wrote: > >>>> > >>>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you > may > >>>> have > >>>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted > off-center. > >>>> This > >>>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side > give > >>>> it a > >>>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat > more > >>>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the > sun. In > >>>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z > and +Z > >>>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic > >>>> stabilization. > >>>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to > wobble. > >>>> > > >>>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has > something > >>>> to do > >>>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very > different from > >>>> > AO-85, for example. > >>>> > > >>>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm > antenna > >>>> only > >>>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna > >>>> actually > >>>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the > uplink > >>>> has > >>>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to > think > >>>> about. > >>>> > > >>>> > 73, > >>>> > > >>>> > Burns WB1FJ > >>>> > Fox-1 Flight Software > >>>> > > >>>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer > wrote: > >>>> > > >>>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower > depending > >>>> on > >>>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. > >>>> > > > >>>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since > launch. > >>>> > > > >>>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB > >>>> > > > >>>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further > on > >>>> what > >>>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the > health > >>>> > > status of the satellite. > >>>> > > > >>>> > > 73, > >>>> > > > >>>> > > Paul, N8HM > >>>> > > > >>>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple > >>>> > > wrote: > >>>> > > > Dear All, > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. > Some > >>>> > > observations: > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite > >>>> unpredictable, > >>>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx > signal to > >>>> an > >>>> > > adequate level. > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more > >>>> seems to > >>>> > me > >>>> > > that the uplink is more affected. > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all > >>>> modes. > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during > the > >>>> pass, it > >>>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is > not the > >>>> case. > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > Just to share my observation. > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > 73 > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > > _______________________________________________ > >>>> > > > 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/l > >>>> istinfo/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/l > >>>> istinfo/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 > >>>> > > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> 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 > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >> > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > From aj9n at aol.com Wed Mar 28 07:12:16 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 03:12:16 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-28 08:00 UTC Message-ID: <1626b7338e7-1dc5-6b60@webjas-vae063.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-28 08:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Freeport Public Schools, Freeport, NY, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Scott Tingle KG5NZA Contact was successful: Tue 2018-03-27 17:41:04 UTC 24 deg ?(***) ? Valday, Russia, direct via TBD (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev (***) Contact is a go for 2018-04-04 TBD UTC (***) ? ? Vologda, Russia, direct via TBD (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev (***) Contact is a go for 2018-04-10 13:37 UTC (***) ? Exp. 55 on orbit (***) Welcome aboard! (***) Drew Feustel Oleg Artemyev Ricky Arnold KE5DAU ****************************************************************************** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students? (corrected)? (***) ?????????????? ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 ? March 15, 2018:? The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. ? Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio.? The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? ? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.? I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.?? ? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-28 08:30 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1217. (***) Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1166. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-28 08:00 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov ? Exp. 55 on orbit (***) Welcome aboard! (***) Drew Feustel Oleg Artemyev Ricky Arnold KE5DAU **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From marklhammond at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 11:44:26 2018 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 07:44:26 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Stefan, The reason I suggested using telemetry is because there is no uplink variable to deal with. I thought the original issue was about "fading" and why it happens. One can look at only the downlink, if interested. This would allow somebody to study downlink fading. Of course, it doesn't touch the uplink side of the issue...but that was rather my point. Mark N8MH On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 10:38 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote: > Thanks Steve, > > Great point and well thought out. Now, let me ask you a question: After you > matched the downlink signal and position of your Arrow for maximum quieting > and best signal, what happens when you now change the position of your > arrow to look for best "uplink"? unless yo can keep the downlink position > steady you will not be able to check for the uplink.. as science tells me > one thing has to be constant for the other to be assessed... > > All the best, > > Stefan, VE4NSA > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 9:27 PM, Stephen E. Belter wrote: > > > Stefan, > > > > You are correct that you only hear the downlink, but... > > > > From personal experience, including operating AO-85 and AO-91 today using > > a standard Arrow and an IC-821 (from a campground in EM87), I'm convinced > > that I can hear my uplink polarity mismatch. > > > > I first adjust the polarity of my antenna (by twisting my wrist) while > > searching for the strongest (maximum quieting) received signal. Then > while > > pressing the PTT, I tweak the Arrow polarity while going for maximum > > quieting while listening to myself. > > > > The best sounding full-duplex signal is typically not at the same > polarity > > as the best received signal from someone else on the satellite, but I've > > been able to get full quieting full-duplex. When operating full-duplex, > I > > think I'm hearing the results of *both* the uplink and downlink polarity > > match. > > > > And that's how I 'differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink' > > weakness. > > > > 73, Steve N9IP > > -- > > Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com > > > > > > ?On 3/27/18, 10:06 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Stefan Wagener" < > > amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org on behalf of wageners at gmail.com> wrote: > > > > Hi Sterling, > > > > That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear > uplink > > polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for > > uplink > > (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same > > optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way > the > > downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink > discrepancies. > > Good luck :-) > > > > But hanks, good thought! > > > > Stefan, VE4NSA > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey > > wrote: > > > > > If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still > > and > > > you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink > > antenna > > > results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then > > you've > > > isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener < > wageners at gmail.com> > > > wrote: > > > > > >> Thanks, > > >> > > >> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a > > non-matching > > >> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! > > >> > > >> 73, Stefan VE4NSA > > >> > > >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey < > kawfey at gmail.com> > > >> wrote: > > >> > > >>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two > radio) > > >>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a > single > > antenna > > >>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while > > you're > > >>> changing the TX polarity too. > > >>> > > >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener < > > wageners at gmail.com> > > >>> wrote: > > >>> > > >>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the > uplink > > >>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to > > assess > > >>>> and > > >>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from > > downlink > > >>>> since > > >>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for > > uplink, you > > >>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... > and > > no, I > > >>>> am > > >>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) > > >>>> > > >>>> Stefan, VE4NSA > > >>>> > > >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher > > wrote: > > >>>> > > >>>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you > > may > > >>>> have > > >>>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted > > off-center. > > >>>> This > > >>>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side > > give > > >>>> it a > > >>>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the > heat > > more > > >>>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the > > sun. In > > >>>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z > > and +Z > > >>>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic > > >>>> stabilization. > > >>>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to > > wobble. > > >>>> > > > >>>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has > > something > > >>>> to do > > >>>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very > > different from > > >>>> > AO-85, for example. > > >>>> > > > >>>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm > > antenna > > >>>> only > > >>>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m > antenna > > >>>> actually > > >>>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the > > uplink > > >>>> has > > >>>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to > > think > > >>>> about. > > >>>> > > > >>>> > 73, > > >>>> > > > >>>> > Burns WB1FJ > > >>>> > Fox-1 Flight Software > > >>>> > > > >>>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer > > > wrote: > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower > > depending > > >>>> on > > >>>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since > > launch. > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment > further > > on > > >>>> what > > >>>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the > > health > > >>>> > > status of the satellite. > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > 73, > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > Paul, N8HM > > >>>> > > > > >>>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple > > >>>> > > wrote: > > >>>> > > > Dear All, > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. > > Some > > >>>> > > observations: > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite > > >>>> unpredictable, > > >>>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx > > signal to > > >>>> an > > >>>> > > adequate level. > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, > more > > >>>> seems to > > >>>> > me > > >>>> > > that the uplink is more affected. > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in > all > > >>>> modes. > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during > > the > > >>>> pass, it > > >>>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is > > not the > > >>>> case. > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > Just to share my observation. > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > 73 > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > > > >>>> > > > _______________________________________________ > > >>>> > > > 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/l > > >>>> istinfo/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/l > > >>>> istinfo/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 > > >>>> > > > >>>> _______________________________________________ > > >>>> 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 > > >>>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >> > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From seb at wintek.com Wed Mar 28 12:20:35 2018 From: seb at wintek.com (Stephen E. Belter) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:20:35 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: Stefan, My observations, not backed by science or a good understanding of antenna theory, is that the polarity peaks (best reception) are fairly broad, while the nulls are pretty sharp. (I studied electrical engineering, but I was never good at field theory.) As a result, I can twist the Arrow a little off of the best reception point without taking too much of a received signal strength hit, while allowing me to move the transmit polarity away from a null. At least that is what seems happen when I?m operating portable. 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com From: Stefan Wagener Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 10:39 PM To: "Stephen E. Belter" Cc: Sterling Coffey , Paul Stoetzer , AMSAT-BB , Burns Fisher Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading Thanks Steve, Great point and well thought out. Now, let me ask you a question: After you matched the downlink signal and position of your Arrow for maximum quieting and best signal, what happens when you now change the position of your arrow to look for best "uplink"? unless yo can keep the downlink position steady you will not be able to check for the uplink.. as science tells me one thing has to be constant for the other to be assessed... All the best, Stefan, VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 9:27 PM, Stephen E. Belter > wrote: Stefan, You are correct that you only hear the downlink, but... From personal experience, including operating AO-85 and AO-91 today using a standard Arrow and an IC-821 (from a campground in EM87), I'm convinced that I can hear my uplink polarity mismatch. I first adjust the polarity of my antenna (by twisting my wrist) while searching for the strongest (maximum quieting) received signal. Then while pressing the PTT, I tweak the Arrow polarity while going for maximum quieting while listening to myself. The best sounding full-duplex signal is typically not at the same polarity as the best received signal from someone else on the satellite, but I've been able to get full quieting full-duplex. When operating full-duplex, I think I'm hearing the results of *both* the uplink and downlink polarity match. And that's how I 'differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink' weakness. 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com On 3/27/18, 10:06 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Stefan Wagener" on behalf of wageners at gmail.com> wrote: Hi Sterling, That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear uplink polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for uplink (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way the downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink discrepancies. Good luck :-) But hanks, good thought! Stefan, VE4NSA On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey > wrote: > If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still and > you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink antenna > results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then you've > isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener > > wrote: > >> Thanks, >> >> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matching >> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! >> >> 73, Stefan VE4NSA >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey > >> wrote: >> >>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two radio) >>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a single antenna >>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while you're >>> changing the TX polarity too. >>> >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener > >>> wrote: >>> >>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the uplink >>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to assess >>>> and >>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink >>>> since >>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for uplink, you >>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... and no, I >>>> am >>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >>>> >>>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>>> >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: >>>> >>>> > If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you may >>>> have >>>> > noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted off-center. >>>> This >>>> > is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side give >>>> it a >>>> > tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the heat more >>>> > evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the sun. In >>>> > addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z and +Z >>>> > reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic >>>> stabilization. >>>> > But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to wobble. >>>> > >>>> > Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has something >>>> to do >>>> > with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very different from >>>> > AO-85, for example. >>>> > >>>> > Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm antenna >>>> only >>>> > uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m antenna >>>> actually >>>> > uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the uplink >>>> has >>>> > more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to think >>>> about. >>>> > >>>> > 73, >>>> > >>>> > Burns WB1FJ >>>> > Fox-1 Flight Software >>>> > >>>> > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer > wrote: >>>> > >>>> > > All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower depending >>>> on >>>> > > orbit illumination or other factors. >>>> > > >>>> > > For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since launch. >>>> > > >>>> > > https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >>>> > > >>>> > > Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment further on >>>> what >>>> > > causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the health >>>> > > status of the satellite. >>>> > > >>>> > > 73, >>>> > > >>>> > > Paul, N8HM >>>> > > >>>> > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >>>> > > > wrote: >>>> > > > Dear All, >>>> > > > >>>> > > > I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. Some >>>> > > observations: >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >>>> unpredictable, >>>> > > requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx signal to >>>> an >>>> > > adequate level. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, more >>>> seems to >>>> > me >>>> > > that the uplink is more affected. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in all >>>> modes. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during the >>>> pass, it >>>> > > seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is not the >>>> case. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Just to share my observation. >>>> > > > >>>> > > > 73 >>>> > > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > > Jean Marc (3B8du) >>>> > > > >>>> > > > >>>> > > > _______________________________________________ >>>> > > > 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/l >>>> istinfo/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/l >>>> istinfo/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 >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> >>> >>> >> > _______________________________________________ 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 From n4ufo at yahoo.com Wed Mar 28 15:09:59 2018 From: n4ufo at yahoo.com (Kevin M) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:09:59 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading References: <70998488.304156.1522249799450.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <70998488.304156.1522249799450@mail.yahoo.com> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a non-matchinguplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! 73, Stefan VE4NSA----------------- Maybe it's just because I maintained repeaters for years and have a 'trained ear', but for me the difference is easy to hear. The downlink is a carrier and has it's own quality of fading that is very different than the 'repeated' audio that is ON the carrier which will have a slightly 'processed' sound. In other words... if the carrier is loud and strong, full quieting and steady strength on RX meter, then any white noise fade 'swooshes' that would occur on an individual repeated signal (but not the subaudible telemetry, which is easily detectable to my ear) would be on the uplink signal. Put another way, if the fading happens to both the carrier & telemetry as well as the voice audio, it's the downlink... if the carrier and telemetry are constant and only the 'carried audio' fades, it's on the uplink. Just another comment on things discussed... I have only worked a single pass of AO-91 with an Arrow, never AO-85 or AO-92. I have mostly worked these birds from home where my yagis are both same polarity. During my trip I had very good success with an Elk using 5 watts on all the birds. I've read in the past that Elks can have an advantage since the uplink and downlink antennas on the sats are in the same polarity. My observations would seem to bear that out, because I had to make no 'TX/RX twists' with the Elk, even on AO-85. Combined with the ease of carrying and accessing the Elk while fully assembled, it may well become my primary 'roving' antenna. At least for those 'quick stops' while traveling. That said, the Arrow doesn't get left home, either. But it may be reserved for those 'special passes' and 'destination' grids. 73 all, Kevin N4UFO From royldean at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 15:45:26 2018 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 11:45:26 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading Message-ID: If you have separate uplink and downlink antennas, both with independently switched polarity, couldn't you tune the polarity on the downlink to best reception, and then transmit while listening and simultaneously flipping polarity on the uplink? You'd have to switch a couple of times quickly to be sure you weren't experiencing a downlink fade. Just a thought. -Roy K3RLD Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a > non-matchinguplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 16:06:10 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 20:06:10 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5FC34871-2FA3-4B82-9985-E18653C06426@gmail.com> Dear All, I am happy to have triggered an interesting subject and wish to try to try to answer to some question/comments as follows: 1) First as rightly pointed out by Paul (N8HM) that the fading we notice is not an indication of the Health of the bird and spinning is quite different from spacecraft to spacecraft, fully agree. Also the FoxTelem is a good tool for understanding better the spin and other characteristics of the Fox series. I do play a lot with these and learning a lot. Thanks to the programers who made such a good tool. 2) My observation about possible degradation, which is just a question that AO-92 fading may be degrading is not based on any scientific fact but just an subjective observation as I noticed that the fading ?dips? are more deep as time pass (hopefully I am wrong). I will continue to observe same and feedback on the BB if confirmed. It may be due to degradation of my setup also... 2) One cannot determine if the fading is on the uplink or downlink with a portables and an Arrow type antenna, and one receiver only. In spite portable setup quite good setup on AO-91, AO-92, SO-50 and FO-29 for voice which I a am also using, one need to be able to switch the polarization to determine where is the fading, and have a second receiver connected to same receiving antenna. 3) How to I know that the more impacting fading is on the uplink? very simple: i) I use a SDR to receive the telemetry and monitor the SNR of FoxTelem and the watch for the unfiltered Audio at the same time. The TLM is transmitted by the Bird, taking into account the small delay of the SDR Audio I also ilsten to any FM noise due to weak signal. ii) The TS-2000 is also connected (with a power divider) on the same receiving antenna and I monitor the downlink audio from my own transmission. Switch polarization whenever required (both on Rx and Tx). iii) Switching the uplink polarization is also a good indication, as if if the fading disappear it is a good indication that it is a uplink polarization issue. iv) If there is a sharp degradation (noisy reception) on the voice but none degradation noticed of the Telemetry filtered/unfilterd audio and SNR on FoxTelem (again taking into account any possible delay with SDR) it means that the fading is on the uplink. I experience this many times in the past weeks and confirm that it is very pronounced on the uplink on U/V and much more on L-mode. v) To note that there is also fading on the downlink. This experiment can only be done when none-one else are doing QSO?s and that you have the Bird for yourself, it is the case for me as being in the middle of the Indian Ocean and having the Bird for myself during all the pass, someone told me recently that I was lucky on this front, yes I am for this kind of experimenting, Hi! and if anyone wish to use me for experiment some ideas which needs a quiet environment I would be please to do same. Hope this help in the discussion. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 28, 2018, at 3:44 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > > Stefan, > > The reason I suggested using telemetry is because there is no uplink > variable to deal with. I thought the original issue was about "fading" and > why it happens. One can look at only the downlink, if interested. This > would allow somebody to study downlink fading. Of course, it doesn't touch > the uplink side of the issue...but that was rather my point. > > Mark N8MH > > On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 10:38 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote: > >> Thanks Steve, >> >> Great point and well thought out. Now, let me ask you a question: After you >> matched the downlink signal and position of your Arrow for maximum quieting >> and best signal, what happens when you now change the position of your >> arrow to look for best "uplink"? unless yo can keep the downlink position >> steady you will not be able to check for the uplink.. as science tells me >> one thing has to be constant for the other to be assessed... >> >> All the best, >> >> Stefan, VE4NSA >> >> >> >> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 9:27 PM, Stephen E. Belter wrote: >> >>> Stefan, >>> >>> You are correct that you only hear the downlink, but... >>> >>> From personal experience, including operating AO-85 and AO-91 today using >>> a standard Arrow and an IC-821 (from a campground in EM87), I'm convinced >>> that I can hear my uplink polarity mismatch. >>> >>> I first adjust the polarity of my antenna (by twisting my wrist) while >>> searching for the strongest (maximum quieting) received signal. Then >> while >>> pressing the PTT, I tweak the Arrow polarity while going for maximum >>> quieting while listening to myself. >>> >>> The best sounding full-duplex signal is typically not at the same >> polarity >>> as the best received signal from someone else on the satellite, but I've >>> been able to get full quieting full-duplex. When operating full-duplex, >> I >>> think I'm hearing the results of *both* the uplink and downlink polarity >>> match. >>> >>> And that's how I 'differentiate between uplink "weakness" from downlink' >>> weakness. >>> >>> 73, Steve N9IP >>> -- >>> Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com >>> >>> >>> ?On 3/27/18, 10:06 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Stefan Wagener" < >>> amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org on behalf of wageners at gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> Hi Sterling, >>> >>> That would assume you have the ability to switch between linear >> uplink >>> polarization (vertical and horizontal) and circular polarisation for >>> uplink >>> (right and left) and keep you downlink polarization on the same >>> optimized path all the time, meaning you know in advance which way >> the >>> downlink signal is the best to compensate for any uplink >> discrepancies. >>> Good luck :-) >>> >>> But hanks, good thought! >>> >>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>> >>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:47 PM, Sterling Coffey >>> wrote: >>> >>>> If linear polarized, if you can keep your RX/downlink antenna still >>> and >>>> you can at least hear the satellite, and rotating your TX/uplink >>> antenna >>>> results in correlated signal level changes on the RX/downlink, then >>> you've >>>> isolated it to the uplink polarization variable. >>>> >>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:44 PM, Stefan Wagener < >> wageners at gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks, >>>>> >>>>> Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a >>> non-matching >>>>> uplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! >>>>> >>>>> 73, Stefan VE4NSA >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 8:38 PM, Sterling Coffey < >> kawfey at gmail.com> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> You can hear your own signal if you have a full duplex (two >> radio) >>>>>> setup. However, it's still pretty hard to tell if you use a >> single >>> antenna >>>>>> (arrow, elk, etc) since you're changing the RX polarity while >>> you're >>>>>> changing the TX polarity too. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 7:22 PM, Stefan Wagener < >>> wageners at gmail.com> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> One of the questions I have is why one would think that the >> uplink >>>>>>> (polarization) is a problem since you only have the downlink to >>> assess >>>>>>> and >>>>>>> how would you differentiate between uplink "weakness" from >>> downlink >>>>>>> since >>>>>>> that is the only thing you hear. In addition, at least for >>> uplink, you >>>>>>> could "in principle" very quickly adjust with higher power... >> and >>> no, I >>>>>>> am >>>>>>> NOT promoting crocodile behavior (big mouth little ears) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Stefan, VE4NSA >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:26 PM, Burns Fisher >>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> If you have seen a model or picture of the Fox satellites, you >>> may >>>>>>> have >>>>>>>> noticed that some of the solar panels seem to be mounted >>> off-center. >>>>>>> This >>>>>>>> is intentional so that photons that reflect off the shiny side >>> give >>>>>>> it a >>>>>>>> tiny off-center push that spins the bird to distribute the >> heat >>> more >>>>>>>> evenly. Thus it spins faster the more time it spends in the >>> sun. In >>>>>>>> addition, when it crosses the equator, it should flip over (-Z >>> and +Z >>>>>>>> reverse sides). This is because of the passive magnetic >>>>>>> stabilization. >>>>>>>> But I'm guessing that since it is spinning, that causes it to >>> wobble. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Why 92 seems worse I don't know--I can only assume it has >>> something >>>>>>> to do >>>>>>>> with the orbit. That graph that Paul posted looks very >>> different from >>>>>>>> AO-85, for example. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Some RF person can correct me, but I believe that the 70cm >>> antenna >>>>>>> only >>>>>>>> uses the antenna that sticks out one side, while the 2m >> antenna >>>>>>> actually >>>>>>>> uses the antennas on both sides. Could that explain why the >>> uplink >>>>>>> has >>>>>>>> more fading than the downlink? I don't know. Something to >>> think >>>>>>> about. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> 73, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Burns WB1FJ >>>>>>>> Fox-1 Flight Software >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 2:12 PM, Paul Stoetzer >> >>> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> All of the Fox-1 satellites seem to spin faster or slower >>> depending >>>>>>> on >>>>>>>>> orbit illumination or other factors. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> For example, this is the +Z panel rotation on AO-92 since >>> launch. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> https://imgur.com/a/uS8TB >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Someone more well-versed in these matters can comment >> further >>> on >>>>>>> what >>>>>>>>> causes this, but it is definitely not an indication of the >>> health >>>>>>>>> status of the satellite. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 73, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Paul, N8HM >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:59 PM, Jean Marc Momple >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> Dear All, >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I have been experimenting with AO-92 as from its launch. >>> Some >>>>>>>>> observations: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> 1) The fading on this bird seems to be high and quite >>>>>>> unpredictable, >>>>>>>>> requires a lot of changes of polarization to keep the Rx >>> signal to >>>>>>> an >>>>>>>>> adequate level. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> 2) Seems that the fading is both on the U/V and L-mode, >> more >>>>>>> seems to >>>>>>>> me >>>>>>>>> that the uplink is more affected. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> 3) Telemetry seems to be quite reliable with FoxTelem in >> all >>>>>>> modes. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Today, it was even worse losing the bird many times during >>> the >>>>>>> pass, it >>>>>>>>> seems that it is degrading quite quickly, hope that this is >>> not the >>>>>>> case. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Just to share my observation. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> 73 >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Jean Marc (3B8du) >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>> 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/l >>>>>>> istinfo/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/l >>>>>>> istinfo/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 >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> 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 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >>> >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > > > -- > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > _______________________________________________ > 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 From w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 16:43:48 2018 From: w2hro.fn20 at gmail.com (Paul Andrews) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:43:48 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: There are so many interesting "spin" mitigation experiments possible with FM birds. The FM constant level carrier makes signal strength plotting relatively easy. 1) A good tracking system and automatic doppler compensation are needed. 2) Two (2) downlink antennas. One in V-pol and one in H-pol. 3) Data collection system. Lot's of options here. Sample rate should be at least 10 samples per second. Questions: - Would every pass have a different spin profile? - Is spin a bigger problem on low elevation passes or high elevation passes? - How deep are the nulls? - Are V-pol and H-pol nulls synchronized? Do V-pol and H-pol nulls occur simultaneously? - Compare AO-92 spin to an NOAA weather satellite (which is stabilized). NOAA Sat might be a good baseline plot. - Perform the same test with a single Circular Polarized antenna. What are the results compared to V-pol and H-pol? ----------------------- This would make for a great paper to be presented at an AMSAT Conference. 73 - Paul - W2HRO On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 11:45 AM, Roy Dean wrote: > If you have separate uplink and downlink antennas, both with independently > switched polarity, couldn't you tune the polarity on the downlink to best > reception, and then transmit while listening and simultaneously flipping > polarity on the uplink? You'd have to switch a couple of times quickly to > be sure you weren't experiencing a downlink fade. Just a thought. > > -Roy > K3RLD > > Again, even in full duplex how do you distinguish between a >> non-matchinguplink vs non-matching downlink? You only "hear" the downlink! > _______________________________________________ > 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 From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Wed Mar 28 16:54:43 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:54:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: <5FC34871-2FA3-4B82-9985-E18653C06426@gmail.com> References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> <5FC34871-2FA3-4B82-9985-E18653C06426@gmail.com> Message-ID: <10a101d3c6b5$785edf20$691c9d60$@mindspring.com> >2) One cannot determine if the fading is on the uplink or downlink with a portables and an Arrow type antenna, and one >receiver only. I find the S meter is an excellent indicator of whether a fade is on the uplink or downlink, beyond that of just hearing whether the DUV rumble goes away or not. 73, Drew KO4MA From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Wed Mar 28 17:36:13 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 21:36:13 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading In-Reply-To: <10a101d3c6b5$785edf20$691c9d60$@mindspring.com> References: <6037C742-149D-4964-B2AD-F159F0BD3780@gmail.com> <5FC34871-2FA3-4B82-9985-E18653C06426@gmail.com> <10a101d3c6b5$785edf20$691c9d60$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: Andrew, Agree fully, simple things like the S-Meter, our ears and other operator skills are quite good tools to make some good observations and empirical conclusion. Having access to more sophisticated tools for sure also helps, but we should not underestimate the basics which helps a lot to experimentations and which is the basic of the hobby which is doing a lot with the minimum. It may sometimes bring wrong conclusion but the history teach us that many great things may be achieved with modest means and bring a lot of improvement and discoveries. The real best tools to my opinion is passion and tenacity. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 28, 2018, at 8:54 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > > > >> 2) One cannot determine if the fading is on the uplink or downlink with a portables and an Arrow type antenna, and one >receiver only. > > I find the S meter is an excellent indicator of whether a fade is on the uplink or downlink, beyond that of just hearing whether the DUV rumble goes away or not. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > From tjschuessler at verizon.net Wed Mar 28 18:32:29 2018 From: tjschuessler at verizon.net (tjschuessler at verizon.net) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:32:29 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading Message-ID: <013b01d3c6c3$234d0990$69e71cb0$@verizon.net> Remind me as to whether the satellite's TX and RX antennas are in the same plane or 90 degrees offset? I thought the 90 degree offset was the case but maybe I am wrong A 50/50 guess here. In a 90 degree offset mode, you would always have a different antenna to antenna orientation as related to the ground station antenna orientation, if polarity on the ground antennas was the same. And since the Arrow is by design using perpendicular polarization between the two bands, you might be either in proper polarity or not, depending on satellite orientation at the instant of observation. As was pointed out by someone else, the satellite is not spinning in a constant direction but flips and spins differently by illumination, so the fun challenge to operations. Makes it fun. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms Message: 1 Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:38:51 -0500 From: Stefan Wagener To: "Stephen E. Belter" Cc: Burns Fisher , amsat-bb , Paul Stoetzer Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-92 fading Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Thanks Steve, Great point and well thought out. Now, let me ask you a question: After you matched the downlink signal and position of your Arrow for maximum quieting and best signal, what happens when you now change the position of your arrow to look for best "uplink"? unless yo can keep the downlink position steady you will not be able to check for the uplink.. as science tells me one thing has to be constant for the other to be assessed... All the best, Stefan, VE4NSA From aj9n at aol.com Thu Mar 29 01:20:12 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 21:20:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-29 01:30 UTC Message-ID: <1626f574096-1da7-bba2@webjas-vaa119.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-29 01:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Valday, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev Contact is a go for 2018-04-04 TBD UTC ? ? Vologda, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev Contact is a go for 2018-04-10 13:37 UTC Watch for SSTV (***) 2018-04-02 15:05 UTC to 18:30 UTC 2018-04-03 14:15 UTC to 18:40 UTC 2018-04-12 to 2018-04-14 ? Additional information can be found at http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ ****************************************************************************** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students (corrected) ?????????????? ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 ? March 15, 2018:? The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. ? Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio.? The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? ? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.? I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.?? ? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-29 01:30 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1217. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1166. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-28 08:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov ? Exp. 55 on orbit Welcome aboard! Drew Feustel Oleg Artemyev Ricky Arnold KE5DAU **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From k.alexander at rogers.com Thu Mar 29 02:36:03 2018 From: k.alexander at rogers.com (Ken Alexander) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 02:36:03 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove References: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084@mail.yahoo.com> I'll be roving to FN09/FO00 this weekend!? Driving up on Friday, operating on Saturday and then driving home on Sunday. There are plenty of good passes, covering all parts of North America, into Europe and the northern half of South America.? Please have a look at the schedule below and get back to me if I haven't covered your QTH.? We'll try and work something out! As always, the schedule depends on the weather and local road conditions, but the forecasts do look promising.? Follow me on Twitter @ve3hls for updates! ?VE3HLS Easter Rove?Saturday March 31? ++ FN09/FO00 ++ ?31.03.2018? FO-29? 14:14 CA?31.03.2018? AO-73? 14:26 CA?31.03.2018? AO-07? 14:36 EU?31.03.2018? AO-91? 15:20 EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 16:24 EU+?31.03.2018? AO-91? 16:53??31.03.2018? SO-50? 17:58??31.03.2018? AO-91? 18:29??31.03.2018? SO-50? 19:40 CA/EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 20:04 SA ?Times are my AOS (UTC)??CA - pass covers west to California?EU - pass covers east to Europe??EU+ - pass covers deep into Europe!?SA - pass covers well into South America 73, and Happy Easter! KenVE3HLS From k.alexander at rogers.com Thu Mar 29 03:33:17 2018 From: k.alexander at rogers.com (Ken Alexander) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 03:33:17 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove In-Reply-To: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1156750487.578162.1522290963084@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1666634554.600894.1522294397026@mail.yahoo.com> Something's sure making a thorough mess of my nicely formatted message!? The schedule was also posted on Twitter and is much easier to read. 73, Ken From: Ken Alexander To: AMSAT BB Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 10:38 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove I'll be roving to FN09/FO00 this weekend!? Driving up on Friday, operating on Saturday and then driving home on Sunday. There are plenty of good passes, covering all parts of North America, into Europe and the northern half of South America.? Please have a look at the schedule below and get back to me if I haven't covered your QTH.? We'll try and work something out! As always, the schedule depends on the weather and local road conditions, but the forecasts do look promising.? Follow me on Twitter @ve3hls for updates! ?VE3HLS Easter Rove?Saturday March 31? ++ FN09/FO00 ++ ?31.03.2018? FO-29? 14:14 CA?31.03.2018? AO-73? 14:26 CA?31.03.2018? AO-07? 14:36 EU?31.03.2018? AO-91? 15:20 EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 16:24 EU+?31.03.2018? AO-91? 16:53??31.03.2018? SO-50? 17:58??31.03.2018? AO-91? 18:29??31.03.2018? SO-50? 19:40 CA/EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 20:04 SA ?Times are my AOS (UTC)??CA - pass covers west to California?EU - pass covers east to Europe??EU+ - pass covers deep into Europe!?SA - pass covers well into South America 73, and Happy Easter! KenVE3HLS _______________________________________________ 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 From g.shirville at btinternet.com Thu Mar 29 09:01:41 2018 From: g.shirville at btinternet.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 09:01:41 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73/FUNcube-1 Mode change References: <1173559285.1157338.1522314101103.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1173559285.1157338.1522314101103@mail.yahoo.com> Hi all,AO73 is now in continuous amateur mode for the holiday weekend. Probably changing back to autonomous mode on Tuesday.73GrahamG3VZV From glennmaillist at bellsouth.net Thu Mar 29 12:14:33 2018 From: glennmaillist at bellsouth.net (Glenn Little WB4UIV) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 08:14:33 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove In-Reply-To: <1666634554.600894.1522294397026@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1156750487.578162.1522290963084@mail.yahoo.com> <1666634554.600894.1522294397026@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5d2f2557-a22e-4e86-5c9e-8a6fab171830@bellsouth.net> If the sender would use a mono spaced font (courier) the formatting would remain. There is something to be said for following the RFCs. HTML and other fancy techniques have no place in messages. That is what text is for. 73 Glenn On 3/28/2018 11:33 PM, Ken Alexander wrote: > Something's sure making a thorough mess of my nicely formatted message!? The schedule was also posted on Twitter and is much easier to read. > 73, > Ken > > From: Ken Alexander > To: AMSAT BB > Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 10:38 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove > > I'll be roving to FN09/FO00 this weekend!? Driving up on Friday, operating on Saturday and then driving home on Sunday. > There are plenty of good passes, covering all parts of North America, into Europe and the northern half of South America.? Please have a look at the schedule below and get back to me if I haven't covered your QTH.? We'll try and work something out! > As always, the schedule depends on the weather and local road conditions, but the forecasts do look promising.? Follow me on Twitter @ve3hls for updates! > ?VE3HLS Easter Rove?Saturday March 31? ++ FN09/FO00 ++ > ?31.03.2018? FO-29? 14:14 CA?31.03.2018? AO-73? 14:26 CA?31.03.2018? AO-07? 14:36 EU?31.03.2018? AO-91? 15:20 EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 16:24 EU+?31.03.2018? AO-91? 16:53??31.03.2018? SO-50? 17:58??31.03.2018? AO-91? 18:29??31.03.2018? SO-50? 19:40 CA/EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 20:04 SA > ?Times are my AOS (UTC)??CA - pass covers west to California?EU - pass covers east to Europe??EU+ - pass covers deep into Europe!?SA - pass covers well into South America > 73, and Happy Easter! > KenVE3HLS > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Glenn Little ARRL Technical Specialist QCWA LM 28417 Amateur Callsign: WB4UIV wb4uiv at arrl.net AMSAT LM 2178 QTH: Goose Creek, SC USA (EM92xx) USSVI LM NRA LM SBE ARRL TAPR "It is not the class of license that the Amateur holds but the class of the Amateur that holds the license" From k.alexander at rogers.com Thu Mar 29 12:59:05 2018 From: k.alexander at rogers.com (Ken Alexander) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 12:59:05 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove In-Reply-To: <5d2f2557-a22e-4e86-5c9e-8a6fab171830@bellsouth.net> References: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1156750487.578162.1522290963084@mail.yahoo.com> <1666634554.600894.1522294397026@mail.yahoo.com> <5d2f2557-a22e-4e86-5c9e-8a6fab171830@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <1279681662.742059.1522328345550@mail.yahoo.com> Hi Glenn, I know it doesn't look like it, but I always convert messages (that have "tables" and other things I want to remain in alignment) to Courier before I send them, including the message that got so messed up. I used to use Thunderbird for my e-mail, and messages sent in courier and with aligned columns remained that way when amsat-bb re-sent them.? Nowadays I have been using Yahoo Mail because it's almost as good and it takes no space on my solid state drive.? The problem started when I switched over to Yahoo Mail and I don't know why. What are RFCs?? In my world RFC stands for Rugby Football Club? :-) 73, KenVE3HLS From: Glenn Little WB4UIV To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2018 8:16 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove If the sender would use a mono spaced font (courier) the formatting would remain. There is something to be said for following the RFCs. HTML and other fancy techniques have no place in messages. That is what text is for. 73 Glenn On 3/28/2018 11:33 PM, Ken Alexander wrote: > Something's sure making a thorough mess of my nicely formatted message!? The schedule was also posted on Twitter and is much easier to read. > 73, > Ken > >? ? ? ? From: Ken Alexander >? To: AMSAT BB >? Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 10:38 PM >? Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove >? ? > I'll be roving to FN09/FO00 this weekend!? Driving up on Friday, operating on Saturday and then driving home on Sunday. > There are plenty of good passes, covering all parts of North America, into Europe and the northern half of South America.? Please have a look at the schedule below and get back to me if I haven't covered your QTH.? We'll try and work something out! > As always, the schedule depends on the weather and local road conditions, but the forecasts do look promising.? Follow me on Twitter @ve3hls for updates! >? ?VE3HLS Easter Rove?Saturday March 31? ++ FN09/FO00 ++ >? ?31.03.2018? FO-29? 14:14 CA?31.03.2018? AO-73? 14:26 CA?31.03.2018? AO-07? 14:36 EU?31.03.2018? AO-91? 15:20 EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 16:24 EU+?31.03.2018? AO-91? 16:53??31.03.2018? SO-50? 17:58??31.03.2018? AO-91? 18:29??31.03.2018? SO-50? 19:40 CA/EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 20:04 SA >? ?Times are my AOS (UTC)??CA - pass covers west to California?EU - pass covers east to Europe??EU+ - pass covers deep into Europe!?SA - pass covers well into South America > 73, and Happy Easter! > KenVE3HLS > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > >? ? > _______________________________________________ > 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 -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Glenn Little? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ARRL Technical Specialist? QCWA? LM 28417 Amateur Callsign:? WB4UIV? ? ? ? ? ? wb4uiv at arrl.net? ? AMSAT LM 2178 QTH:? Goose Creek, SC USA (EM92xx)? USSVI LM? NRA LM? SBE ARRL TAPR "It is not the class of license that the Amateur holds but the class of the Amateur that holds the license" _______________________________________________ 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 From n4csitwo at bellsouth.net Thu Mar 29 19:09:02 2018 From: n4csitwo at bellsouth.net (n4csitwo at bellsouth.net) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 15:09:02 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ARISS News Release no. 18-04 Message-ID: ARISS News Release No. 18-04 Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org Russian SSTV Transmission Events Planned March 29, 2018: ARISS Russia is planning Slow Scan Television (SSTV) transmissions from the International Space Station. The transmissions are scheduled to occur over Moscow on April 2, 2018 from 15:05 through 18:30 UTC and on April 3, 2018 from 14:15 through 18:40 UTC. The MAI-75 experiment uses a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the amateur radio, specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710E transceiver. Images received can be posted and viewed at http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php .The transmissions will be broadcast at 145.800 MHz using the PD-120 SSTV mode. Please note that the event is dependent on other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and are subject to change at any time. Please check for news and the most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the AMSAT-BB at amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status. About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. Also join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status Media Contact: Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From devin at thecabal.org Thu Mar 29 19:48:16 2018 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:48:16 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove In-Reply-To: <5d2f2557-a22e-4e86-5c9e-8a6fab171830@bellsouth.net> References: <1156750487.578162.1522290963084.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1156750487.578162.1522290963084@mail.yahoo.com> <1666634554.600894.1522294397026@mail.yahoo.com> <5d2f2557-a22e-4e86-5c9e-8a6fab171830@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: If you're using only text, the sender's choice of font does not get transmitted and is therefore irrelevant to the recipient's choice of font. The RFCs define and allow MIME, hence define and allow HTML. Some ISPs and mailing list management software packages are notorious for mangling the content and formatting of messages sent through them. We're bouncing low-power radio signals off tiny cubes in space just to say hello to each other -- let's be more open to the fact that standards evolve and change as technology changes. -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Glenn Little WB4UIV Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2018 5:15 AM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove If the sender would use a mono spaced font (courier) the formatting would remain. There is something to be said for following the RFCs. HTML and other fancy techniques have no place in messages. That is what text is for. 73 Glenn On 3/28/2018 11:33 PM, Ken Alexander wrote: > Something's sure making a thorough mess of my nicely formatted message!? The schedule was also posted on Twitter and is much easier to read. > 73, > Ken > > From: Ken Alexander > To: AMSAT BB > Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 10:38 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3HLS Easter Rove > > I'll be roving to FN09/FO00 this weekend!? Driving up on Friday, operating on Saturday and then driving home on Sunday. > There are plenty of good passes, covering all parts of North America, into Europe and the northern half of South America.? Please have a look at the schedule below and get back to me if I haven't covered your QTH.? We'll try and work something out! > As always, the schedule depends on the weather and local road conditions, but the forecasts do look promising.? Follow me on Twitter @ve3hls for updates! > ?VE3HLS Easter Rove?Saturday March 31? ++ FN09/FO00 ++ > ?31.03.2018? FO-29? 14:14 CA?31.03.2018? AO-73? 14:26 CA?31.03.2018? > AO-07? 14:36 EU?31.03.2018? AO-91? 15:20 EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 16:24 > EU+?31.03.2018? AO-91? 16:53??31.03.2018? SO-50? 17:58??31.03.2018? > AO-91? 18:29??31.03.2018? SO-50? 19:40 CA/EU?31.03.2018? AO-07? 20:04 > SA > ?Times are my AOS (UTC)??CA - pass covers west to California?EU - > pass covers east to Europe??EU+ - pass covers deep into Europe!?SA - pass covers well into South America 73, and Happy Easter! > KenVE3HLS > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Glenn Little ARRL Technical Specialist QCWA LM 28417 Amateur Callsign: WB4UIV wb4uiv at arrl.net AMSAT LM 2178 QTH: Goose Creek, SC USA (EM92xx) USSVI LM NRA LM SBE ARRL TAPR "It is not the class of license that the Amateur holds but the class of the Amateur that holds the license" _______________________________________________ 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 From bkeating1954 at gmail.com Fri Mar 30 01:32:30 2018 From: bkeating1954 at gmail.com (Bob Keating) Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2018 18:32:30 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Grand Slam from DM07 Message-ID: <5F54830C-8AA9-4AA5-9DF2-F6DA60A9BCDF@gmail.com> With help from many of you, my brother John, AI6LY, and I completed a ?Grand Slam? as it were on all four FM satellites today. I was operating from Yosemite National Park on my ht and Arrow antenna. Thank you KB6LTY, last pass of the day on AO-85 was tough, contacted only you and John. 73, Bob N6REK Sent from my iPhone From g4bbh at btinternet.com Fri Mar 30 15:38:15 2018 From: g4bbh at btinternet.com (Richard Ferryman) Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2018 16:38:15 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Any amateur satellires above 70cm band (microwave bands) ? Message-ID: I'm curious to know if there are any amateur satellites active above the 70cm band. I believe 23cm has been stopped but not sure if anything higher up. Dick G4BBH --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Fri Mar 30 15:50:24 2018 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2018 19:50:24 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Any amateur satellires above 70cm band (microwave bands) ? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dick, AO-92 L-Mode every Sunday to Monday for 24 Hrs. Which is superb. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 30, 2018, at 7:38 PM, Richard Ferryman via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > I'm curious to know if there are any amateur satellites active above the 70cm band. I believe 23cm has been stopped but not sure if anything higher up. > Dick G4BBH > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. > http://www.avg.com > _______________________________________________ > 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 From aj9n at aol.com Fri Mar 30 17:28:09 2018 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2018 13:28:09 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-30 17:30 UTC Message-ID: <16277f3ce88-179a-c4f@webjas-vab004.srv.aolmail.net> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-03-30 17:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Valday, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev Contact is a go for 2018-04-04 TBD UTC ? ? Vologda, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS The scheduled astronaut is Oleg Artemyev Contact is a go for 2018-04-10 13:37 UTC Watch for SSTV 2018-04-02 15:05 UTC to 18:30 UTC 2018-04-03 14:15 UTC to 18:40 UTC 2018-04-12 to 2018-04-14 ? Additional information can be found at http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ ****************************************************************************** International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students (corrected) ?????????????? ARISS-US program education proposal deadline is April 30, 2018 ? March 15, 2018:? The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019. ? Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio.? The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program?s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, ?ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.? ? Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, ?It exceeded our expectations--it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!? Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, ?This chance for our school?s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.? I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.?? ? ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html ? ****************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.? ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send your reports to aj9n at amsat.org or aj9n at aol.com. ? Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz. ? ******************************************************************************* ? All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ? ******************************************************************************* Several?of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able?to get in.? That has now been changed to? http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this?site. **************************************************************************** Looking?for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete? details.? Look for the buttons indicating Ham?Video.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? http://www.ariss-eu.org/? ? ? If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke at sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools:? Francesco IK?WGF with 132 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 128 Gaston ON4WF with 123 Sergey RV3DR with 102 **************************************************************************** The?webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy.? Out of date webpages?were removed and new ones have been added.? If there are additional ARISS?websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times?are approximate.? It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and?times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format? YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2018-03-30 17:30 UTC.? (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and?Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed?live.?? http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt Total number?of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1217. Each school counts as 1?event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1166. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is?47. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please?feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The?following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas,?Delaware, South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL?information may be found at:?? http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html? ISS callsigns:? DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS,?RS?ISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2018-03-28 08:00 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency? chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler? correction? as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing?of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS?contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 54 on orbit Scott Tingle KG5NZA Norishige Kanai Alexander Skvortsov ? Exp. 55 on orbit Welcome aboard! Drew Feustel Oleg Artemyev Ricky Arnold KE5DAU **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Fri Mar 30 18:58:38 2018 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:58:38 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 schedule Message-ID: <12a101d3c859$1cc34480$5649cd80$@mindspring.com> All, I just updated the AO-92 schedule at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-schedules/ AO-92 operations are scheduled among the U/v FM repeater, L-Band Downshifter, Virginia Tech Camera, and the University of Iowa's High Energy Radiation CubeSat Instrument (HERCI). Please keep the uplink clear during passes with scheduled mode changes. For the week of 31Mar-6Apr 2018, the following mode changes are scheduled: Approximately 0155UTC 1Apr we will enable the L band uplink for ~24 hours Approximately 1650UTC 5Apr we will enable the VT camera and high-speed data for ~40 minutes. Please be ready to copy high-speed data with FoxTelem, and keep the uplink clear at 1650UTC. All other times the U/v repeater will be open continuously. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations From johnbrier at gmail.com Fri Mar 30 21:46:10 2018 From: johnbrier at gmail.com (John Brier) Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2018 17:46:10 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Any amateur satellires above 70cm band (microwave bands) ? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ISS HamTV also has a 2.4 GHz downlink which is on most of the time but only transmitting a blank signal (no live video). 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 11:50 AM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: > Dick, > > AO-92 L-Mode every Sunday to Monday for 24 Hrs. Which is superb. > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Mar 30, 2018, at 7:38 PM, Richard Ferryman via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> >> I'm curious to know if there are any amateur satellites active above the 70cm band. I believe 23cm has been stopped but not sure if anything higher up. >> Dick G4BBH >> >> >> --- >> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. >> http://www.avg.com >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 From johnbrier at gmail.com Fri Mar 30 22:28:23 2018 From: johnbrier at gmail.com (John Brier) Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2018 18:28:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Hamfest sat demos tomorrow 2018-03-31 on FO-29, AO-91, AO-92 Message-ID: Hi friends, Philip Jenkins N4HF, and I will be representing AMSAT tomorrow at the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Hamfest (RARSfest). We will have a booth with AMSAT merchandise and I will be doing satellite demos outside. I am planning on working these passes from grid square FM05: FO-29 @ 1220 UTC AO-92 @ 1519 UTC AO-91 @ 1648 UTC FO-29 is an experiment as I've only worked it once making two contacts so far, but I plan to use my Portable Rotation Az/El rotator so I can focus on tuning the frequency. I only committed to RARS, and they only put on the schedule, the AO-91 and AO-92 passes, so if I can't get things working for some reason on FO-29, it's no big deal, but I am personally excited about the opportunity to make it work so would appreciate any operators who will try to work me. I will probably try to stay in the center of the passband to make it easy for me. One thing to mention is that in order for us to be easily findable/seen by the attendees we will be doing the demos close to the building the hamfest is inside, so for certain parts of the pass we may not be able to get in at all as the bird is behind the building, so hang in there if you don't hear us (really me) immediately. I will be using my callsign for the demos. I may send out updates on any additional passes I might try to do or other changes on my Twitter account: https://twitter.com/SpaceComms1 73, John Brier KG4AKV From k.alexander at rogers.com Sat Mar 31 01:43:35 2018 From: k.alexander at rogers.com (Ken Alexander) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 01:43:35 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Hamfest sat demos tomorrow 2018-03-31 on FO-29, AO-91, AO-92 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <190409074.52727.1522460615984@mail.yahoo.com> Hi John, Tweet your FO-29 2m uplink freq before the event.? If people looking for you transmit on that freq as well then their downlink should be very close to yours.? It makes it easier to find you.? For example,? I usually Tweet that I will transmit on 145.920. 73 and good luck tomorrow! KenVE3HLS? Get organized with Yahoo Mail On Fri, 30 Mar 2018 at 18:29, John Brier wrote: Hi friends, Philip Jenkins N4HF, and I will be representing AMSAT tomorrow at the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Hamfest (RARSfest). We will have a booth with AMSAT merchandise and I will be doing satellite demos outside. I am planning on working these passes from grid square FM05: FO-29 @ 1220 UTC AO-92 @ 1519 UTC AO-91 @ 1648 UTC FO-29 is an experiment as I've only worked it once making two contacts so far, but I plan to use my Portable Rotation Az/El rotator so I can focus on tuning the frequency. I only committed to RARS, and they only put on the schedule, the AO-91 and AO-92 passes, so if I can't get things working for some reason on FO-29, it's no big deal, but I am personally excited about the opportunity to make it work so would appreciate any operators who will try to work me. I will probably try to stay in the center of the passband to make it easy for me. One thing to mention is that in order for us to be easily findable/seen by the attendees we will be doing the demos close to the building the hamfest is inside, so for certain parts of the pass we may not be able to get in at all as the bird is behind the building, so hang in there if you don't hear us (really me) immediately. I will be using my callsign for the demos. I may send out updates on any additional passes I might try to do or other changes on my Twitter account: https://twitter.com/SpaceComms1 73, John Brier KG4AKV _______________________________________________ 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 From johnbrier at gmail.com Sat Mar 31 06:25:31 2018 From: johnbrier at gmail.com (John Brier) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 02:25:31 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Hamfest sat demos tomorrow 2018-03-31 on FO-29, AO-91, AO-92 In-Reply-To: <190409074.52727.1522460615984@mail.yahoo.com> References: <190409074.52727.1522460615984@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Thanks Ken, I want to do it right in the middle of the pass band, so if my math is right, that would be 145.950 MHz. 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 9:43 PM, Ken Alexander wrote: > Hi John, > > Tweet your FO-29 2m uplink freq before the event. If people looking for you > transmit on that freq as well then their downlink should be very close to > yours. It makes it easier to find you. For example, I usually Tweet that > I will transmit on 145.920. > > 73 and good luck tomorrow! > > Ken > VE3HLS > > Get organized with Yahoo Mail > > On Fri, 30 Mar 2018 at 18:29, John Brier > wrote: > Hi friends, > > Philip Jenkins N4HF, and I will be representing AMSAT tomorrow at the > Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Hamfest (RARSfest). We will have a booth > with AMSAT merchandise and I will be doing satellite demos outside. > > I am planning on working these passes from grid square FM05: > > FO-29 @ 1220 UTC > AO-92 @ 1519 UTC > AO-91 @ 1648 UTC > > FO-29 is an experiment as I've only worked it once making two contacts > so far, but I plan to use my Portable Rotation Az/El rotator so I can > focus on tuning the frequency. I only committed to RARS, and they only > put on the schedule, the AO-91 and AO-92 passes, so if I can't get > things working for some reason on FO-29, it's no big deal, but I am > personally excited about the opportunity to make it work so would > appreciate any operators who will try to work me. I will probably try > to stay in the center of the passband to make it easy for me. > > One thing to mention is that in order for us to be easily > findable/seen by the attendees we will be doing the demos close to the > building the hamfest is inside, so for certain parts of the pass we > may not be able to get in at all as the bird is behind the building, > so hang in there if you don't hear us (really me) immediately. > > I will be using my callsign for the demos. > > I may send out updates on any additional passes I might try to do or > other changes on my Twitter account: > > https://twitter.com/SpaceComms1 > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > _______________________________________________ > 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 From n8hm at arrl.net Sat Mar 31 11:48:36 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:48:36 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Hamfest sat demos tomorrow 2018-03-31 on FO-29, AO-91, AO-92 In-Reply-To: References: <190409074.52727.1522460615984@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Please don?t set up right in the middle of the passband. FO-29 has a 100 kHz wide passband, yet people all cram right into the center and talk over each other. Spread out! 73, Paul, N8HM On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 02:27 John Brier wrote: > Thanks Ken, > > I want to do it right in the middle of the pass band, so if my math is > right, that would be 145.950 MHz. > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 9:43 PM, Ken Alexander > wrote: > > Hi John, > > > > Tweet your FO-29 2m uplink freq before the event. If people looking for > you > > transmit on that freq as well then their downlink should be very close to > > yours. It makes it easier to find you. For example, I usually Tweet > that > > I will transmit on 145.920. > > > > 73 and good luck tomorrow! > > > > Ken > > VE3HLS > > > > Get organized with Yahoo Mail > > > > On Fri, 30 Mar 2018 at 18:29, John Brier > > wrote: > > Hi friends, > > > > Philip Jenkins N4HF, and I will be representing AMSAT tomorrow at the > > Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Hamfest (RARSfest). We will have a booth > > with AMSAT merchandise and I will be doing satellite demos outside. > > > > I am planning on working these passes from grid square FM05: > > > > FO-29 @ 1220 UTC > > AO-92 @ 1519 UTC > > AO-91 @ 1648 UTC > > > > FO-29 is an experiment as I've only worked it once making two contacts > > so far, but I plan to use my Portable Rotation Az/El rotator so I can > > focus on tuning the frequency. I only committed to RARS, and they only > > put on the schedule, the AO-91 and AO-92 passes, so if I can't get > > things working for some reason on FO-29, it's no big deal, but I am > > personally excited about the opportunity to make it work so would > > appreciate any operators who will try to work me. I will probably try > > to stay in the center of the passband to make it easy for me. > > > > One thing to mention is that in order for us to be easily > > findable/seen by the attendees we will be doing the demos close to the > > building the hamfest is inside, so for certain parts of the pass we > > may not be able to get in at all as the bird is behind the building, > > so hang in there if you don't hear us (really me) immediately. > > > > I will be using my callsign for the demos. > > > > I may send out updates on any additional passes I might try to do or > > other changes on my Twitter account: > > > > https://twitter.com/SpaceComms1 > > > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From k8bl at ameritech.net Sat Mar 31 14:04:29 2018 From: k8bl at ameritech.net (R.T.Liddy) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 14:04:29 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Recent Roving QSOs In LoTW In-Reply-To: <1400252203.126975.1522504939199@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1400252203.126975.1522504939199.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1400252203.126975.1522504939199@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1204266963.149907.1522505069151@mail.yahoo.com> Gridders, etc., All of my EM Grid roving QSOs from 2/20-3/27/18 are now uploaded to LoTW. Direct QSLs with SASE are A-OK, also. Sorry, but no eQSL since registering over 100 different Grids on their system is too much of a PITA. Hopefully, some of you got new ones since that's the primary reason I rove. Personally, I'm not in the chase for U.S. 488, but I endeavor to help those who are. If there are errors or missing Qs, let me know in an e-mail with the details. It's easily possible since folks often do not use phonetics or the proper ones and/or they do not speak numbers individually. Plus, we all know the QRM and lack of courtesy that happens all too often on the FM SATs. See www.qrz.com/db/K8BL for more of my info. GL/73,? ? Bob? K8BL ? ? (AMSAT # 6593 since 1979) P.S.? Hamvention 2018 Fleamarket Space 7640 and volunteering at AMSAT Booth Saturday Noon. From pconver at gmail.com Sat Mar 31 15:00:32 2018 From: pconver at gmail.com (Pedro Converso) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 12:00:32 -0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] Windy Message-ID: Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lm3acxlKZI&feature=youtu.be Path: http://lu7aa.org.ar/vor.asp Charts: http://lu7aa.org.ar/balloonchart.asp?callsign=LU7AA-11 Repeater Voice Contacts: http://amsat.org.ar/glo241.mp4 RepSat-1 UV FM Rptr Test on Balloon Launch 03/24/2018, La Pampa, Argentina. 73, lu7abf, Pedro From nss at mwt.net Sat Mar 31 15:14:33 2018 From: nss at mwt.net (Joe) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 10:14:33 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Windy In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <270ef491-a345-ec1e-d23b-7d2dee9b917a@mwt.net> Wow! Just a little windy, We did a repeater almost 40 years ago now, a LONG time ago he he he, was cross band and in band repeater, had people 800 miles apart talking through the crazy thing. Joe WB9SBD Near Space Sciences Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 3/31/2018 10:00 AM, Pedro Converso wrote: > Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lm3acxlKZI&feature=youtu.be > > Path: http://lu7aa.org.ar/vor.asp > > Charts: http://lu7aa.org.ar/balloonchart.asp?callsign=LU7AA-11 > > Repeater Voice Contacts: http://amsat.org.ar/glo241.mp4 > > RepSat-1 UV FM Rptr Test on Balloon Launch 03/24/2018, La Pampa, Argentina. > > 73, lu7abf, Pedro > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > From n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net Sat Mar 31 16:04:50 2018 From: n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net (Mike Seguin) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 12:04:50 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 Message-ID: <18444c51-604f-0eb0-4f82-a10ef223edc5@burlingtontelecom.net> I'm working on a weird issue here. Using SATPC32 vers 12.8d with Win 10 here. Radio is an FT-847. The program no longer sees a change of the main VFO tuning knob and adjusts my uplink. The uplink up/dwn buttons on the main screen work fine. My radio is an early model, but the serial # is 8Lxxxx so it has the bi-directional CAT port. Also, the rig works fine with OmniRig and HDSDR. HDSDR follows the rig main VFO flawlessly. I had experimented setting the program up to use my FT-736R for 1.2 G as the second radio, but have turned that off. (Radio #2 set to NONE) I have to be doing something incredibly foolish. Any ideas? Tnx, Mike -- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet" From bruninga at usna.edu Sat Mar 31 16:15:33 2018 From: bruninga at usna.edu (Robert Bruninga) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 12:15:33 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Tiangong Re-enetry on Heavens bove Message-ID: You can see the live track of Taengong to re-enter in the next 24 hours on http://www.heavens-above.com/ Just remember, as it suffers increased drag, it will speed up and be ahead of classic predictions. But at least you can see when you are under the orbit as to whether it is worth going outside. I 'd go out several minutes before the prediction since we dont know how quickly they are updating the elements as it speeds up. and even if it is daytime, you will see it if it comes in in your area... Bob From k9qho67622 at comcast.net Sat Mar 31 16:06:12 2018 From: k9qho67622 at comcast.net (MICHAEL WILLIAMS) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 12:06:12 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] :Re: Any amateur satellites above 70cm band (microwave bands) ? Message-ID: <1442283145.99693.1522512372708@connect.xfinity.com> DTUSat-2 (object 40030) is operating at 2401.835 MHz sending a full or partial beacon every 30 seconds. Since the Doppler is 100 KHz over the entire pass, it's tricky copying it with a traditional receiver such as an FT-847 (Doppler correction has to be right on). It's best seen with a SDR. Since its batteries are dead, it signals cannot be heard in eclipse. Its in an almost perfect polar orbit and can be copied around noon daily everywhere on earth. It is listed in the AMSAT keps and pass predictions. Also see http://wakky.asablo.jp/blog/ Also, I've heard that the ISS sends out a very strong video carrier at 2395 MHz (my converter will not tune that low). I asked a ham in Italy to check it out and he indicated it is always on. I hope this helps. Mike (K9QHO) From twdeckard at earthlink.net Sat Mar 31 17:13:53 2018 From: twdeckard at earthlink.net (Todd W Deckard) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 12:13:53 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Accessory to add CTCSS tone? Message-ID: Greetings! Can a simple circuit or OTS accessory add the 67hz PL tone to a radio mixing w/ microphone in? I purchased an ICOM IC-X2 from ebay to get access to the L-band and my Japanese was pretty rusty and so I didn?t realize it appears the PL tone squelch was optional on non-US variants of the radio. (At least I cannot seem to invoke it thru the menu navigation) It?s an awesome little radio and was a great deal. Is there any way I can build something to inject the 67hz myself? Best Todd Sent from my iPhone From n8hm at arrl.net Sat Mar 31 17:18:21 2018 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 17:18:21 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Accessory to add CTCSS tone? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Todd, If there are others on the satellite, they can keep it open. While we recommend all stations utilize a 67 Hz tone, it does not need to be present on each transmission. 73, Paul, N8HM On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 1:14 PM Todd W Deckard wrote: > Greetings! > > Can a simple circuit or OTS accessory add the 67hz PL tone to a radio > mixing w/ microphone in? > > I purchased an ICOM IC-X2 from ebay to get access to the L-band and my > Japanese was pretty rusty and so I didn?t realize it appears the PL tone > squelch was optional on non-US variants of the radio. > > (At least I cannot seem to invoke it thru the menu navigation) > > It?s an awesome little radio and was a great deal. Is there any way I > can build something to inject the 67hz myself? > > Best > Todd > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From pconver at gmail.com Sat Mar 31 18:04:19 2018 From: pconver at gmail.com (Pedro Converso) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 15:04:19 -0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] Accessory to add CTCSS tone? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Todd, A cheap alternative could be download on your phone/table Frequency Sound Generator. Set it to play a 67 Hz tone while speaking, perhaps will do. 73, LU7ABF, Pedro On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 2:18 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > Todd, > > If there are others on the satellite, they can keep it open. While we > recommend all stations utilize a 67 Hz tone, it does not need to be present > on each transmission. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 1:14 PM Todd W Deckard > wrote: > > > Greetings! > > > > Can a simple circuit or OTS accessory add the 67hz PL tone to a radio > > mixing w/ microphone in? > > > > I purchased an ICOM IC-X2 from ebay to get access to the L-band and my > > Japanese was pretty rusty and so I didn?t realize it appears the PL tone > > squelch was optional on non-US variants of the radio. > > > > (At least I cannot seem to invoke it thru the menu navigation) > > > > It?s an awesome little radio and was a great deal. Is there any way I > > can build something to inject the 67hz myself? > > > > Best > > Todd > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net Sat Mar 31 18:37:46 2018 From: n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net (Mike Seguin) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 14:37:46 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 In-Reply-To: <18444c51-604f-0eb0-4f82-a10ef223edc5@burlingtontelecom.net> References: <18444c51-604f-0eb0-4f82-a10ef223edc5@burlingtontelecom.net> Message-ID: <131d6e5e-2afa-ffa7-065a-4347380f11c6@burlingtontelecom.net> Problem solved. I had to un-install and re-install SatPC32 and NOT restore my data backup. Something got messed up in there. So I reconfigured everything and now back to normal. Mike On 3/31/2018 12:04 PM, Mike Seguin wrote: > I'm working on a weird issue here. > > Using SATPC32 vers 12.8d with Win 10 here. Radio is an FT-847. > > The program no longer sees a change of the main VFO tuning knob and > adjusts my uplink. The uplink up/dwn buttons on the main screen work fine. > > My radio is an early model, but the serial # is 8Lxxxx so it has the > bi-directional CAT port. > > Also, the rig works fine with OmniRig and HDSDR. HDSDR follows the rig > main VFO flawlessly. > > I had experimented setting the program up to use my FT-736R for 1.2 G as > the second radio, but have turned that off. (Radio #2 set to NONE) > > I have to be doing something incredibly foolish. Any ideas? > > Tnx, > Mike -- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet" From scott23192 at gmail.com Sat Mar 31 19:53:58 2018 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 15:53:58 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Windy In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <415545B5248540FDB5015AF767955A5E@CSI9020> Thanks for the video & congrats on your project! But I have to wonder... just HOW MUCH wind would it take to abort the launch??? ( The "Wizard of Oz" had less wind! ) -Scott, K4KDR ======================================== -----Original Message----- From: Pedro Converso Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2018 11:00 AM To: AMSAT Subject: [amsat-bb] Windy Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lm3acxlKZI&feature=youtu.be Path: http://lu7aa.org.ar/vor.asp Charts: http://lu7aa.org.ar/balloonchart.asp?callsign=LU7AA-11 Repeater Voice Contacts: http://amsat.org.ar/glo241.mp4 RepSat-1 UV FM Rptr Test on Balloon Launch 03/24/2018, La Pampa, Argentina. 73, lu7abf, Pedro From peteragreen at me.com Sat Mar 31 20:39:09 2018 From: peteragreen at me.com (Peter Green) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 21:39:09 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem Java question Message-ID: I?m new to receiving FoxTelem. I have it running on a Mac with a Funcube dongle. The Mac is running High Sierra 10.13.3 and Java 8 update 161. I have had some success with AO-85 and AO-91 but none with AO-92. The instruction manual says that I should use Java 6, however this is no longer available and not supported. Is it that the instructions are out of date, or can I acquire Java 6 form somewhere or is Java 8 OK? Every thing seems to work with the FoxTelem application (Ver 1.06q_m) Any hints or tips greatly appreciated. Many thanks Pete G0ABI From kevin.w3dad at gmail.com Sat Mar 31 20:23:46 2018 From: kevin.w3dad at gmail.com (A. Kevin Arber) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 20:23:46 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Accessory to add CTCSS tone? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Yes you can add a CTCSS tone generator to almost any radio. I used the Communications Specialists, Inc. SS-64 to provide a tone for an old ICOM 211. Connect it up the audio chain, say at the deviation pot. 73, Kevin/W3DAD On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 5:13 PM, Todd W Deckard wrote: > Greetings! > > Can a simple circuit or OTS accessory add the 67hz PL tone to a radio > mixing w/ microphone in? > > I purchased an ICOM IC-X2 from ebay to get access to the L-band and my > Japanese was pretty rusty and so I didn?t realize it appears the PL tone > squelch was optional on non-US variants of the radio. > > (At least I cannot seem to invoke it thru the menu navigation) > > It?s an awesome little radio and was a great deal. Is there any way I > can build something to inject the 67hz myself? > > Best > Todd > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From w3ab at yahoo.com Sat Mar 31 21:39:00 2018 From: w3ab at yahoo.com (W3AB/GEO) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 14:39:00 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Accessory to add CTCSS tone? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <958d627c-9617-45d0-8e60-dc5e60e5a84c@yahoo.com> PL tones are called subaudible tones. The freq response of the mic and/or the preamp may prevent the 67 hz tone from being "heard" by the modulator circuitry. ?___ Sent from my two way wrist watch 73 de W3AB/GEO? On Mar 31, 2018, 11:05, at 11:05, Pedro Converso wrote: >Hi Todd, > >A cheap alternative could be download on your phone/table Frequency >Sound >Generator. > >Set it to play a 67 Hz tone while speaking, perhaps will do. > >73, LU7ABF, Pedro > >On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 2:18 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > >> Todd, >> >> If there are others on the satellite, they can keep it open. While we >> recommend all stations utilize a 67 Hz tone, it does not need to be >present >> on each transmission. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul, N8HM >> >> On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 1:14 PM Todd W Deckard > >> wrote: >> >> > Greetings! >> > >> > Can a simple circuit or OTS accessory add the 67hz PL tone to a >radio >> > mixing w/ microphone in? >> > >> > I purchased an ICOM IC-X2 from ebay to get access to the L-band >and my >> > Japanese was pretty rusty and so I didn?t realize it appears the PL >tone >> > squelch was optional on non-US variants of the radio. >> > >> > (At least I cannot seem to invoke it thru the menu navigation) >> > >> > It?s an awesome little radio and was a great deal. Is there any >way I >> > can build something to inject the 67hz myself? >> > >> > Best >> > Todd >> > >> > Sent from my iPhone >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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 >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >_______________________________________________ >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 From w3ab at yahoo.com Sat Mar 31 21:43:52 2018 From: w3ab at yahoo.com (W3AB/GEO) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 14:43:52 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Accessory to add CTCSS tone? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: PL tone transmit is different than tone squelch. Tone squelch is used on the RCVR side to squelch out unwanted signals. The radio receives them but they don't break the squelch circuitry. You may notice a "MON or MONITOR" button on the radio. That temorarily disables the tone squelch circuit to be able to check for channel activity. ?___ Sent from my two way wrist watch 73 de W3AB/GEO? On Mar 31, 2018, 10:15, at 10:15, Todd W Deckard wrote: >Greetings! > >Can a simple circuit or OTS accessory add the 67hz PL tone to a radio >mixing w/ microphone in? > >I purchased an ICOM IC-X2 from ebay to get access to the L-band and my >Japanese was pretty rusty and so I didn?t realize it appears the PL >tone squelch was optional on non-US variants of the radio. > >(At least I cannot seem to invoke it thru the menu navigation) > >It?s an awesome little radio and was a great deal. Is there any way I >can build something to inject the 67hz myself? > >Best >Todd > >Sent from my iPhone >_______________________________________________ >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 From joevk5ei at gmail.com Sat Mar 31 23:58:18 2018 From: joevk5ei at gmail.com (Joe Pereira) Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2018 09:28:18 +0930 Subject: [amsat-bb] :Re: Any amateur satellites above 70cm band (microwave bands) ? In-Reply-To: <1442283145.99693.1522512372708@connect.xfinity.com> References: <1442283145.99693.1522512372708@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: I can confirm the ISS HamTV "blank" video signal was heard by my ground receiving station at 03:02 UTC_2018_03_31 73 Joe VK5EI On Sun, Apr 1, 2018 at 2:36 AM, MICHAEL WILLIAMS wrote: > DTUSat-2 (object 40030) is operating at 2401.835 MHz sending a full or > partial beacon every 30 seconds. Since the Doppler is 100 KHz over the > entire pass, it's tricky copying it with a traditional receiver such as an > FT-847 (Doppler correction has to be right on). It's best seen with a SDR. > Since its batteries are dead, it signals cannot be heard in eclipse. Its in > an almost perfect polar orbit and can be copied around noon daily > everywhere on earth. It is listed in the AMSAT keps and pass predictions. > Also see http://wakky.asablo.jp/blog/ > > > Also, I've heard that the ISS sends out a very strong video carrier at > 2395 MHz (my converter will not tune that low). > > I asked a ham in Italy to check it out and he indicated it is always on. > > > I hope this helps. > > > Mike (K9QHO) > _______________________________________________ > 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 > From k.alexander at rogers.com Sat Mar 31 23:57:13 2018 From: k.alexander at rogers.com (Ken Alexander) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 23:57:13 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Hamfest sat demos tomorrow 2018-03-31 on FO-29, AO-91, AO-92 In-Reply-To: References: <190409074.52727.1522460615984@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <734115437.233010.1522540633520@mail.yahoo.com> Hi John, Yeah, .950 is band center.? I use .920 because I hear that most people tend to congregate around band center, making it crowded.? I chose .920 to avoid that. That said, your demos are done and I see we did work each other on AO-91!? You had a good signal!? How did your demo go? 73, KenVE3HLS From: John Brier To: "k.alexander at rogers.com" Cc: AMSAT BB Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2018 2:25 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Hamfest sat demos tomorrow 2018-03-31 on FO-29, AO-91, AO-92 Thanks Ken, I want to do it right in the middle of the pass band, so if my math is right, that would be 145.950 MHz. 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 9:43 PM, Ken Alexander wrote: > Hi John, > > Tweet your FO-29 2m uplink freq before the event.? If people looking for you > transmit on that freq as well then their downlink should be very close to > yours.? It makes it easier to find you.? For example,? I usually Tweet that > I will transmit on 145.920. > > 73 and good luck tomorrow! > > Ken > VE3HLS > > Get organized with Yahoo Mail > > On Fri, 30 Mar 2018 at 18:29, John Brier > wrote: > Hi friends, > > Philip Jenkins N4HF, and I will be representing AMSAT tomorrow at the > Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Hamfest (RARSfest). We will have a booth > with AMSAT merchandise and I will be doing satellite demos outside. > > I am planning on working these passes from grid square FM05: > > FO-29 @ 1220 UTC > AO-92 @ 1519 UTC > AO-91 @ 1648 UTC > > FO-29 is an experiment as I've only worked it once making two contacts > so far, but I plan to use my Portable Rotation Az/El rotator so I can > focus on tuning the frequency. I only committed to RARS, and they only > put on the schedule, the AO-91 and AO-92 passes, so if I can't get > things working for some reason on FO-29, it's no big deal, but I am > personally excited about the opportunity to make it work so would > appreciate any operators who will try to work me. I will probably try > to stay in the center of the passband to make it easy for me. > > One thing to mention is that in order for us to be easily > findable/seen by the attendees we will be doing the demos close to the > building the hamfest is inside, so for certain parts of the pass we > may not be able to get in at all as the bird is behind the building, > so hang in there if you don't hear us (really me) immediately. > > I will be using my callsign for the demos. > > I may send out updates on any additional passes I might try to do or > other changes on my Twitter account: > > https://twitter.com/SpaceComms1 > > 73, John Brier KG4AKV > _______________________________________________ > 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 From k7trkradio at charter.net Sat Mar 31 23:47:20 2018 From: k7trkradio at charter.net (Ted Krempa) Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2018 16:47:20 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Tiangong Re-entry on Heavens bove Message-ID: <000301d3c94a$9caa5d90$d5ff18b0$@charter.net> Hi Bob, do you know the object number by chance? Thanks Ted K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Robert Bruninga Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2018 9:16 AM To: amsat bb Cc: TAPR APRS Mailing List Subject: [amsat-bb] Tiangong Re-enetry on Heavens bove You can see the live track of Taengong to re-enter in the next 24 hours on http://www.heavens-above.com/ Just remember, as it suffers increased drag, it will speed up and be ahead of classic predictions. But at least you can see when you are under the orbit as to whether it is worth going outside. I 'd go out several minutes before the prediction since we dont know how quickly they are updating the elements as it speeds up. and even if it is daytime, you will see it if it comes in in your area... Bob _______________________________________________ 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