[amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 14, Issue 296 (Waving an antenna)

Sat Aug 3 01:39:33 UTC 2019

I supported a long time until I felt that AMSAT wasn't listening to 
their rank and file members anymore. I've seen or heard nothing so far 
these last few days to change that impression. And again, I've heard 
these pie in the sky promises before. Fool me once... When I see 
something tangible, FRESH, and real again I'll but my money where my 
mouth is. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in my sentiments.  "If you build 
it, they will come..."  Wearing out the cliches but maybe some food for 
thought for AMSAT management. Unfortunately I don't think they are 
listening anymore than when I and many others became disgruntled with 
the direction of the organization.

73

On 8/2/2019 9:03 PM, John Kludt wrote:
> Michael,
>
> That space frame is back in storage and was discussed recently on this 
> blog.  Long story short even at bargain basement prices it was a 
> multi-million dollar project.  Look for the post on this BB for more 
> details.
>
> Oh yes, almost forgot, for most satellites the cost occurs up front so 
> the "I'll wait to see if it is up there before I join/contribute" 
> approach tends to be self-defeating.  Just a thought.
>
> John K4SQC
>
> On Fri, Aug 2, 2019 at 7:48 PM Michael via AMSAT-BB 
> <amsat-bb at amsat.org <mailto:amsat-bb at amsat.org>> wrote:
>
>     What did I say about "pie in the sky" and not being gullible? I'll
>     believe  it when I see it. Some years back when I was still a
>     member the
>     mission statement had some bold proclamation about " daily
>     coverage from
>     geostationary satellites" How'd that work out for us? AMSAT DE has a
>     beautiful and capable sat languishing in storage somewhere too don't
>     they?  That was once a lofty goal. The best laid plans and all...
>
>     Y'all have fun,
>
>     73,
>
>       Michael, W4HIJ
>
>     On 8/2/2019 12:21 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
>     > Golf includes a 5/10 GHz SDR transponder. Does that qualify?
>     >
>     >
>     https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/
>     >
>     > 73, Drew KO4MA
>     >
>     > -----Original Message-----
>     > From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org
>     <mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org>> On Behalf Of Michael via AMSAT-BB
>     > Sent: Friday, August 02, 2019 11:58 AM
>     > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org <mailto:amsat-bb at amsat.org>
>     > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 14, Issue 296
>     (Waving an antenna)
>     >
>     > You miss the point. Of course there is room for all types and
>     not once did I suggest that anyone using a handheld antenna is
>     some sort of "low life". I'm just saying that IMO the easysat
>     mentality has been run in the ground as a selling point for this
>     branch of the hobby. AMSAT needs to break out of that mold and do
>     something new! I'm begging! But, it falls on deaf ears. BTW, that
>     doesn't mean pie in the sky stuff that everyone knows has no
>     chance to come to  fruition. I'm not that gullible. I'll crawl
>     back in my hole now, lurk on the reflector and hope for better
>     days when we are pushing the envelope again rather than becoming
>     an also ran. I guess my dues money and paltry donations  don't
>     make a difference to the organization. None the less, I will
>     continue to withhold them till I see some change, although I won't
>     be holding my breath! Again, just one man's opinion but if we just
>     continue to maintain the status quo as it stands now, I see a dim
>     future for this organization. Sigh...
>     >
>     > 73,
>     >
>     > Michael, W4HIJ
>     >
>     >
>     >> Message: 4
>     >> Date: Thu, 1 Aug 2019 18:31:07 +0000 (UTC)
>     >> From: Brad Smith <corlissbs at aol.com <mailto:corlissbs at aol.com>>
>     >> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org <mailto:amsat-bb at amsat.org>
>     >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Waving An Antenna
>     >> Message-ID: <1624430397.216251.1564684267582 at mail.yahoo.com
>     <mailto:1624430397.216251.1564684267582 at mail.yahoo.com>>
>     >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>     >>
>     >> <I don't mean to suggest there's anything wrong with easy. I just
>     >> think, as a selling point, it's run it's course is all. How
>     many times
>     >> are you going to watch a guy at a hamfest with an HT and a
>     handheld?
>     >> antenna exchange grid squares? I would think sooner or later people
>     >> just walk on by.? "Seen it already, where's the new rigs?" >
>     There is
>     >> room in this hobby for all types of radio/satellite contact. I
>     have recently introduced two other hams to satellites by "waving
>     an antenna." They both bought Arrow 2 antennas and now are having
>     great fun with the birds. If I had a rotor system on a tripod,
>     these people would have passed it up as too complicated. Our ham
>     club is going to build our own stressed moxon antennas so everyone
>     can work the birds. Depending if one is trying to get people into
>     the satellite hobby or dazzle them with technology, one has to
>     tailor the display to the crowd. Yes, I belong to the KISS club.
>     (Keep It Simple Stupid) But on the other hand, I do work the SSB
>     birds, receive SSTV images from the ISS and am learning to send
>     packets. I welcome the new ideas. If I have to buy a new radio, so
>     be it. If I have to pay for some air time, so be it. If I have a
>     learning curve, so be it. But I still will be the low life out
>     there waving an Arrow 2 antenna because it is fun, gets the job
>     done, and still gi
>     >>    ves me a thrill. And all my neighbors think I should have a
>     tin foil
>     >> hat as I stand in my yard with my antenna in the air.? Brad KC9UQR
>     >>
>     >>
>     >>
>     >>
>     > _______________________________________________
>     > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB at amsat.org>.
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>     solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views
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>     >
>
>     _______________________________________________
>     Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB at amsat.org>. AMSAT-NA
>     makes this open forum available
>     to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
>     Opinions expressed
>     are solely those of the author, and 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://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>