From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Mon Jun 1 00:00:45 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 31 May 2020 20:00:45 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Best trx for SATs In-Reply-To: References: <1473340836.833987.1590943381817.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1473340836.833987.1590943381817@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: I had a TS-2000. It's biggest issue is a birdie in the downlink of SO-50--other than that I liked it ok. I have since upgraded to a 9700. I get it is really costly, but a lot of nice features, including a built-in pan-adapter that makes linears much easier! On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 5:40 PM Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > My first choice is the Flex 6600 with a VHF and UHF transverter. > > The next choice is the IC-9700. > > Both are fine, but I waterfall / panadapter is much more flexible on the > Flex solution. > > And, yes, I have used both of them on Linear Birds. > > Mike va3mw > > > On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 4:01 PM ec3dr--- via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > > Hello everyone > > Probably asked this question several times, but I am thinking of > improving > > the equipment for satellites, I currently use an IC910 but I was not > > convinced by its handling, ago I used an IC820 and I was happier than > with > > the IC910. I am considering change with a TS2000 or looking for the old > > TS711 & 811, I discard the new 7600 for their high cost ... Which one can > > work better in terms of benefits? > > > > Thanks!!! > > 73 de EC3DR > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Mon Jun 1 00:04:34 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 31 May 2020 20:04:34 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] G5500 control box issue In-Reply-To: <035E14FF-2B85-4B4C-9A8A-3CC8A1006BF4@icloud.com> References: <035E14FF-2B85-4B4C-9A8A-3CC8A1006BF4@icloud.com> Message-ID: I've had this happen, and it was always a problem with my cable. Anything from a mouse to a connector not tightened. You can check it easily with a voltmeter. I forget which connect is which , but it is essentially a 3-terminal pot. Figure out which one is ground and of the other two, one should be constant (12V?) and the other should vary from 0V at 0degrees up to 12 for 180 degrees El or 450 degrees az. If that always measures 0, then you have a cable problem or else a pot problem on the rotator itself. But with both failed, I'd tend to guess a cable or wiring issue. On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 4:00 PM David Worboys via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Good morning, > > Although I will be talking to Yaesu tomorrow, I wondered if anyone had > experienced this (and possibly now has a reason/solution to the problem) > > I have a brand new G5500 and most of yesterday was spent putting up the > mast, rotators and antennas etc. > > The control box worked perfectly for a while but then decided to not > indicate where the antennas are pointing to AT ALL! > > The rotators are working perfectly but the needles are stuck at zero. > > The only action they have seen is in the set up and calibration process, > there is not even a radio attached to the system at this point - I didn't > get that far before the box stopped working. > > As I said, I will of course be getting this resolved as quickly as > possible with Yaesu and the place I ordered it from but I would be > interested if anyone had had the same thing happen. > > Many thanks > > > David > KG4ZLB > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From zmetzing at pobox.com Mon Jun 1 15:56:07 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 10:56:07 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Best trx for SATs In-Reply-To: <1473340836.833987.1590943381817@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1473340836.833987.1590943381817.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1473340836.833987.1590943381817@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: On 05/31/20 11:43, ec3dr--- via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hello everyone > Probably asked this question several times, but I am thinking of improving the equipment for satellites, I currently use an IC910 but I was not convinced by its handling, ago I used an IC820 and I was happier than with the IC910. I am considering change with a TS2000 or looking for the old TS711 & 811, I discard the new 7600 for their high cost ... Which one can work better in terms of benefits? Have you considered using an SDR, such as the FCDP+ (http://www.funcubedongle.com/?page_id=1073), for your RX? You could keep the IC-910H for TX. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD-d9cZNXOA This would allow better situational awareness on the downlink with minimal $$$. --- Zach N0ZGO From w5rkn at w5rkn.com Mon Jun 1 16:34:51 2020 From: w5rkn at w5rkn.com (Ronald Parsons) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 11:34:51 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC Awards-Endorsements for June 2020 Message-ID: <004601d63832$92fe06d0$b8fa1470$@w5rkn.com> Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period May 1, 2020 through June 1, 2020. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL May June W5CBF 564 657 K9UO 565 575 KI7UNJ New 510 WA9JBQ 250 275 W4DTA 240 261 W4ZXT 202 252 KE0WPA 152 200 W5CBF(EM21) 179 184 DL4ZAB 172 178 KE4BKL 101 125 N4BAF 100 118 AA0CW New 105 N5EKO New 102 W8EH New 101 W8EH New 100 KN4GQB New 100 KX9X New 100 W9TTY New 100 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 the two months. 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! Ron W5RKN From wa7fwf at gmail.com Mon Jun 1 16:55:53 2020 From: wa7fwf at gmail.com (Kevin) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 09:55:53 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] G5500 control box issue In-Reply-To: <035E14FF-2B85-4B4C-9A8A-3CC8A1006BF4@icloud.com> References: <035E14FF-2B85-4B4C-9A8A-3CC8A1006BF4@icloud.com> Message-ID: <1477d17d-a60d-9d7e-befd-2eeb9e5e48ef@gmail.com> David, ? It's not clear if you have the old style G5500 or new style G5500DC, you say brand new be it needs to be asked. ?If the old style there is a 7806 regulator in the control box that feeds 2 15 ohm resistors, one for AZ and one for EL, between A1 and A3 you should have 6 volts or close to it, same between E1 and E3, A2 and E2 are the returns and the voltage varies depending on the position of the rotors. ?So check for the voltage, if zero disconnect both az and el cables and see if it is now there, if so you have a short in your cables somewhere, if still missing then the 7806 has probably failed. ?If you have the newer G5500DC then I have no idea as I do not have one and so far I have not seen a schematic of the inside of the new DC controller. 73 Kevin WA7FWF On 5/31/2020 3:06 AM, David Worboys via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Good morning, > > Although I will be talking to Yaesu tomorrow, I wondered if anyone had experienced this (and possibly now has a reason/solution to the problem) > > I have a brand new G5500 and most of yesterday was spent putting up the mast, rotators and antennas etc. > > The control box worked perfectly for a while but then decided to not indicate where the antennas are pointing to AT ALL! > > The rotators are working perfectly but the needles are stuck at zero. > > The only action they have seen is in the set up and calibration process, there is not even a radio attached to the system at this point - I didn't get that far before the box stopped working. > > As I said, I will of course be getting this resolved as quickly as possible with Yaesu and the place I ordered it from but I would be interested if anyone had had the same thing happen. > > Many thanks > > > David > KG4ZLB > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From w5rkn at w5rkn.com Mon Jun 1 16:57:37 2020 From: w5rkn at w5rkn.com (Ronald Parsons) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 11:57:37 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC Awards-Endorsements for June 2020 Message-ID: Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period May 1, 2020 through June 1, 2020. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL May June W5CBF 564 657 K9UO 565 575 KI7UNJ New 510 WA9JBQ 250 275 W4DTA 240 261 W4ZXT 202 252 KE0WPA 152 200 W5CBF(EM21) 179 184 DL4ZAB 172 178 KE4BKL 101 125 N4BAF 100 118 AA0CW New 105 N5EKO New 102 W8EH New 101 W8EH New 100 KN4GQB New 100 KX9X New 100 W9TTY New 100 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 the two months. 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! Ron W5RKN From g.shirville at btinternet.com Mon Jun 1 17:34:58 2020 From: g.shirville at btinternet.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:34:58 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73 /FUNcube-1 is no longer in full sunlight! References: <1918725066.1721986.1591032898431.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1918725066.1721986.1591032898431@mail.yahoo.com> After some eight months in continuous sunlight, FUNcube-1 has now started to see some eclipses during each orbit.? The telemetry received has shown that the spacecraft continued to function perfectly during this period and the on board temperatures did not reach excessively high levels.? After this? became clear, our next concern was the battery. Having been kept fully charged for this period, would it actually hold a charge and do its job when in eclipse?? After three weeks of increasing eclipse periods we can now see that indeed the Li battery appears to be ok and the bus voltage has not yet dropped below 8.1 volts. So today we have changed the operating mode from high power telemetry educational mode to continuous amateur mode withe the transponder ON. The telemetry continues to be available, albeit at low power. We will , of course, continue to carefully monitor the data but are planning to leave the spacecraft in this mode for at least the next week. Please enjoy using it! 73Graham G3VZV From n8hm at arrl.net Mon Jun 1 17:42:59 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 13:42:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] =?utf-8?q?ANS-153_AMSAT_News_Service_Special_Bulletin_?= =?utf-8?q?-_Newly_Revised_2020_Digital_Edition_of_=E2=80=9CGetting?= =?utf-8?q?_Started_with_Amateur_Satellites=E2=80=9D_Now_Available?= Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE SPECIAL BULLETIN ANS-153 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: * Newly Revised 2020 Digital Edition of ?Getting Started with Amateur Satellites? Now Available SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-153.01 ANS-153 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin AMSAT News Service Bulletin 153.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE June 1, 2020 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-153.01 Newly Revised 2020 Digital Edition of ?Getting Started with Amateur Satellites? Now Available The 2020 edition of AMSAT's "Getting Started with Amateur Satellites" is now available on the AMSAT store. A perennial favorite, Getting Started is updated every year with the latest amateur satellite infor- mation, and is the premier primer of satellite operation. This definitive reference is written for the new satellite operator, but includes discussions for the experienced operator who wishes to review the features of amateur satellite communications. The new operator will be introduced to the basic concepts and terminology unique to this mode. Additionally, there are many practical tips and tricks to ensure making contacts, and to sound like an experienced satellite operator in the process. The book is presented in DRM-free PDF format, in full color, and covers all aspects of making your first contacts on a ham radio satellite. Joining the cover art for the first time this year is a depiction of the next generation of AMSAT satellites - AMSAT's GOLF series of 3U CubeSats. The digital download is available for $15 at https://tinyurl.com/2020GettingStarted [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office 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. 73 and Remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space, This week's ANS Contributing Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org From g0kla at arrl.net Mon Jun 1 17:46:30 2020 From: g0kla at arrl.net (Chris Thompson) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 13:46:30 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] G5500 control box issue In-Reply-To: <1477d17d-a60d-9d7e-befd-2eeb9e5e48ef@gmail.com> References: <035E14FF-2B85-4B4C-9A8A-3CC8A1006BF4@icloud.com> <1477d17d-a60d-9d7e-befd-2eeb9e5e48ef@gmail.com> Message-ID: Check if the antenna rotated in the wind. Is it tight to the mast? This has confused me before. 73 Chris On Mon, Jun 1, 2020 at 12:58 PM Kevin via AMSAT-BB wrote: > David, > It's not clear if you have the old style G5500 or new style G5500DC, > you say brand new be it needs to be asked. > > If the old style there is a 7806 regulator in the control box that > feeds 2 15 ohm resistors, one for AZ and one for EL, between A1 and A3 > you should have 6 volts or close to it, same between E1 and E3, A2 and > E2 are the returns and the voltage varies depending on the position of > the rotors. > > So check for the voltage, if zero disconnect both az and el cables and > see if it is now there, if so you have a short in your cables somewhere, > if still missing then the 7806 has probably failed. > > If you have the newer G5500DC then I have no idea as I do not have one > and so far I have not seen a schematic of the inside of the new DC > controller. > > 73 > Kevin WA7FWF > > > On 5/31/2020 3:06 AM, David Worboys via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Good morning, > > > > Although I will be talking to Yaesu tomorrow, I wondered if anyone had > experienced this (and possibly now has a reason/solution to the problem) > > > > I have a brand new G5500 and most of yesterday was spent putting up the > mast, rotators and antennas etc. > > > > The control box worked perfectly for a while but then decided to not > indicate where the antennas are pointing to AT ALL! > > > > The rotators are working perfectly but the needles are stuck at zero. > > > > The only action they have seen is in the set up and calibration process, > there is not even a radio attached to the system at this point - I didn't > get that far before the box stopped working. > > > > As I said, I will of course be getting this resolved as quickly as > possible with Yaesu and the place I ordered it from but I would be > interested if anyone had had the same thing happen. > > > > Many thanks > > > > > > David > > KG4ZLB > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Chris E. Thompson chrisethompson at gmail.com g0kla at arrl.net From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Mon Jun 1 18:01:04 2020 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 22:01:04 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO73 /FUNcube-1 is no longer in full sunlight! In-Reply-To: <1918725066.1721986.1591032898431@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1918725066.1721986.1591032898431.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1918725066.1721986.1591032898431@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <4EF841C2-AF7E-47A2-BECE-48EF4F3B26F9@gmail.com> Hi Graham, Thanks for advising. Not really using the transponder this side as no-one to QSO with. But sending the TLM of all FUNcubes to the warehouse as now on automatic mode (per my previous direct mails), however chasing other birds and sometimes FUNcubes have lower priority as I wish to increase my collection (now at 105 birds confirmed TLM or QSO). I wish to take this opportunity to say to all that sending the TLM data to the satellite operators (if the SATs have been IARU coordinated only) does help a lot for research work and to monitor the birds globally. I therefore encourage all to do so, so that we may have more HAM sats flying in the future. Keep up the good work. 73 Jean Marc (3B*DU) > On Jun 1, 2020, at 9:34 PM, Graham Shirville via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > After some eight months in continuous sunlight, FUNcube-1 has now started to see some eclipses during each orbit. > > The telemetry received has shown that the spacecraft continued to function perfectly during this period and the on board temperatures did not reach excessively high levels. > After this became clear, our next concern was the battery. Having been kept fully charged for this period, would it actually hold a charge and do its job when in eclipse? > After three weeks of increasing eclipse periods we can now see that indeed the Li battery appears to be ok and the bus voltage has not yet dropped below 8.1 volts. > So today we have changed the operating mode from high power telemetry educational mode to continuous amateur mode withe the transponder ON. The telemetry continues to be available, albeit at low power. > We will , of course, continue to carefully monitor the data but are planning to leave the spacecraft in this mode for at least the next week. Please enjoy using it! > 73Graham G3VZV > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From w3ab at yahoo.com Mon Jun 1 18:07:52 2020 From: w3ab at yahoo.com (GEO Badger) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 18:07:52 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] : SpaceX Dragon module In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1211954163.972164.1591034872760@mail.yahoo.com> A bit off-topic but it is space related. Here is an on-line simulator to see if you can connect the Dragon module to the ISS.https://iss-sim.spacex.com/ ---?? Ciao baby, catch you on the flip side?? 73 de W3AB/GEO ???? http://www.w3ab.org You can say "over", you can say "out", you just can't say "over and out". From wb7qxu at juno.com Mon Jun 1 19:42:56 2020 From: wb7qxu at juno.com (wb7qxu at juno.com) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 12:42:56 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h Message-ID: I want to be able to work Falconsat-3. It is a store and forward. I have a Icom 910h. To use 9600bd I have a Kantronics KPC-9612+ Has anyone used this to do 9600bd pacsats? Or Has anyone used Icom 910h to Signalink using the two data ports in the back which are for 9600bd? 73s Mike ____________________________________________________________ Sponsored by https://www.newser.com/?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_taglines_more Twitter Suspends Police Union Account Over De Blasio Post http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cdd916955cdd4a01st02duc1 Obama Has Message for Violent Protesters http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddac3f05cdd4a01st02duc2 Trump to Governors: 'Most of You Are Weak' http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddc6cb35cdd4a01st02duc3 From zmetzing at pobox.com Mon Jun 1 20:21:16 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 15:21:16 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2019 Back Issues of The AMSAT Journal on launch.amsat.org In-Reply-To: <1376642113.2608345.1588821654289@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1376642113.2608345.1588821654289.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1376642113.2608345.1588821654289@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: On 05/06/20 22:20, Robert Bankston via AMSAT-BB wrote: > AMSAT's new online member portal, launch.amsat.org, is up and running.? All AMSAT members must log in and update their contact information to ensure continued, uniterrupted service. Full instructions for getting logged in are in the March/April issue of The AMSAT Journal, available for free download on amsat.org and launch.amsat.org.? There is also separate instructions on each site. Hello, I'd like to suggest that PayPal be added as a payment option. I dislike spreading my credit card information around due to the potential for data breaches[1][2], and I generally do everything through PayPal now. The argument "but they don't store your credit card information" isn't valid, just in case someone was going to pipe up with this. Data compromise can occur both in-transit and at rest. Thanks, --- Zach N0ZGO [1] https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/05/30/aftermath-data-breach-personal-story/ [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/29/business/capital-one-data-breach-hacked.html From ingejack at cox.net Mon Jun 1 21:03:19 2020 From: ingejack at cox.net (alex weimer) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 14:03:19 -0700 (MST) Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu FT847 Message-ID: <406644719.965990.1591045399991@myemail.cox.net> I am going to eventually buy a Icom IC9700 so am putting my Yaesu FT847 up for sale. I thought I would list it here and also on QRZ.COM. Excellent shape and a great full duplex satellite radio. If anyone is interested please contact me via email for further details Thanks JACK KC7MG From zmetzing at pobox.com Mon Jun 1 21:08:07 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 16:08:07 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Spammer subscribed to amsat-bb Message-ID: <9b652b60-09b5-d384-c00a-4157d0e1656a@pobox.com> Hello all, Every time I send an email to amsat-bb at amsat.org, I'm getting a spam email reply from erikakatos2 at yahoo.com trying to bait me to into going to another website. Looks like it did come from a yahoo.com email server: > Received: from sonic301-32.consmr.mail.ne1.yahoo.com (sonic301-32.consmr.mail.ne1.yahoo.com [66.163.184.201]) > (using TLSv1.2 with cipher ECDHE-RSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256 (128/128 bits)) > (No client certificate requested) > by pb-mx9.pobox.com (Postfix) with ESMTPS > for ; Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:02:28 -0400 (EDT) > (envelope-from erikakatos2 at yahoo.com) (pobox is my email provider, of course) Could AMSAT IT check the subscription list and see what's going on? Thanks, --- Zach N0ZGO From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Mon Jun 1 21:13:58 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:13:58 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <018201d63859$9148cb00$b3da6100$@mindspring.com> The Kantronics 9612 works fine on FS-3, however, the Signalink will not pass 9k6 data. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Michael Finn via AMSAT-BB Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 3:43 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h I want to be able to work Falconsat-3. It is a store and forward. I have a Icom 910h. To use 9600bd I have a Kantronics KPC-9612+ Has anyone used this to do 9600bd pacsats? Or Has anyone used Icom 910h to Signalink using the two data ports in the back which are for 9600bd? 73s Mike ____________________________________________________________ Sponsored by https://www.newser.com/?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_tagl ines_more Twitter Suspends Police Union Account Over De Blasio Post http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cdd916955cdd4a01st02duc1 Obama Has Message for Violent Protesters http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddac3f05cdd4a01st02duc2 Trump to Governors: 'Most of You Are Weak' http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddc6cb35cdd4a01st02duc3 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From bwilkins at gmail.com Mon Jun 1 21:23:29 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:23:29 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Spammer subscribed to amsat-bb In-Reply-To: <9b652b60-09b5-d384-c00a-4157d0e1656a@pobox.com> References: <9b652b60-09b5-d384-c00a-4157d0e1656a@pobox.com> Message-ID: I reported the same problem last week On Mon, Jun 1, 2020 at 5:20 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Hello all, > > Every time I send an email to amsat-bb at amsat.org, I'm getting a spam > email reply from erikakatos2 at yahoo.com trying to bait me to into going > to another website. > > Looks like it did come from a yahoo.com email server: > > > Received: from sonic301-32.consmr.mail.ne1.yahoo.com ( > sonic301-32.consmr.mail.ne1.yahoo.com [66.163.184.201]) > > (using TLSv1.2 with cipher ECDHE-RSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256 (128/128 > bits)) > > (No client certificate requested) > > by pb-mx9.pobox.com (Postfix) with ESMTPS > > for ; Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:02:28 -0400 (EDT) > > (envelope-from erikakatos2 at yahoo.com) > > (pobox is my email provider, of course) > > Could AMSAT IT check the subscription list and see what's going on? > > Thanks, > > --- 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From cbusch at nc.rr.com Mon Jun 1 21:36:37 2020 From: cbusch at nc.rr.com (Chris Busch) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:36:37 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GMSK modems Message-ID: Just wondering what SW (or HW) modems others are using for GMSK encoded data. I am currently using UZ7HO SoundModem, but interested in alternatives. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. 73 Chris K4CKB From n6rfm1 at gmail.com Mon Jun 1 21:50:42 2020 From: n6rfm1 at gmail.com (Robert Mattaliano) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 17:50:42 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GMSK modems In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Chris, You might try gr-satellites. Worth learning some Linux and GNU Radio. https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-satellites Bob M. > On Jun 1, 2020, at 17:37, Chris Busch via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Just wondering what SW (or HW) modems others are using for GMSK encoded data. I am currently using UZ7HO SoundModem, but interested in alternatives. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. > > 73 > Chris K4CKB > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From marklhammond at gmail.com Mon Jun 1 22:00:29 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark Hammond) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 18:00:29 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h In-Reply-To: <018201d63859$9148cb00$b3da6100$@mindspring.com> References: <018201d63859$9148cb00$b3da6100$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: Actually....a current Signalink will work on FS-3 at 9600, I did it this weekend (with a IC-9100) :)? And it will copy DUV telem from the Fox family.? I wouldn't call performance in either case to be "stellar" but it does work...wouldn't be my first recommendation, but it works... Mark N8MH On 6/1/2020 5:13 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The Kantronics 9612 works fine on FS-3, however, the Signalink will not pass > 9k6 data. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Michael Finn via > AMSAT-BB > Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 3:43 PM > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h > > I want to be able to work Falconsat-3. It is a store and forward. I have a > Icom 910h. To use 9600bd I have a Kantronics KPC-9612+ Has anyone used this > to do 9600bd pacsats? > Or > Has anyone used Icom 910h to Signalink using the two data ports in the back > which are for 9600bd? > > 73s > Mike > > ____________________________________________________________ > Sponsored by > https://www.newser.com/?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_tagl > ines_more > > Twitter Suspends Police Union Account Over De Blasio Post > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cdd916955cdd4a01st02duc1 > Obama Has Message for Violent Protesters > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddac3f05cdd4a01st02duc2 > Trump to Governors: 'Most of You Are Weak' > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddc6cb35cdd4a01st02duc3 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all > interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Mon Jun 1 22:05:37 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 18:05:37 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h In-Reply-To: References: <018201d63859$9148cb00$b3da6100$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <018701d63860$c7f18b40$57d4a1c0$@mindspring.com> Good to know! The previous ones I know were problematic for both 9k6 and DUV. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Mark Hammond via AMSAT-BB Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 6:00 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h Actually....a current Signalink will work on FS-3 at 9600, I did it this weekend (with a IC-9100) :) And it will copy DUV telem from the Fox family. I wouldn't call performance in either case to be "stellar" but it does work...wouldn't be my first recommendation, but it works... Mark N8MH On 6/1/2020 5:13 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The Kantronics 9612 works fine on FS-3, however, the Signalink will > not pass > 9k6 data. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Michael Finn > via AMSAT-BB > Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 3:43 PM > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Kantronics KPC-9612+ and Icom 910h > > I want to be able to work Falconsat-3. It is a store and forward. I > have a Icom 910h. To use 9600bd I have a Kantronics KPC-9612+ Has > anyone used this to do 9600bd pacsats? > Or > Has anyone used Icom 910h to Signalink using the two data ports in the > back which are for 9600bd? > > 73s > Mike > > ____________________________________________________________ > Sponsored by > https://www.newser.com/?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rs > s_tagl > ines_more > > Twitter Suspends Police Union Account Over De Blasio Post > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cdd916955cdd4a01st02duc1 > Obama Has Message for Violent Protesters > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddac3f05cdd4a01st02duc2 > Trump to Governors: 'Most of You Are Weak' > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5ed55cddc6cb35cdd4a01st02duc3 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 -- 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From ingejack at cox.net Mon Jun 1 23:14:20 2020 From: ingejack at cox.net (alex weimer) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 16:14:20 -0700 (MST) Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu FT847 Message-ID: <652579333.970466.1591053260422@myemail.cox.net> Thank You !! The FT847 is no longer available.. Decided to keep it !!! 73 JACK KC7MG From k0ekl at frontier.com Mon Jun 1 23:57:43 2020 From: k0ekl at frontier.com (k0ekl at frontier.com) Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2020 23:57:43 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? References: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412@mail.yahoo.com> I'm purchased 2m and 432 preamps for my satellite antenna system and both will require external bias-tees for power. Looking around on both US and UK/EU websites I've found bias-tees that cost almost as much or more than the preamps did. The inexpensive devices I've found are receive-only and meant for SRD users. Does anyone know of a source of bias-tees that cost less than $100.00 each, have decent specs on 2m and 432 and can withstand a transmit power of 50 or 100 watts. (Yes, I know I don't need to run 50 or 100 watts for satellite work but I don't want devices that will fail the first time I accidentally? transmit "QRO". Thanks From af5at.radio at gmail.com Tue Jun 2 16:27:04 2020 From: af5at.radio at gmail.com (Mike Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 11:27:04 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? In-Reply-To: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1776615162.810471.1591055863412@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: If you have the time to work with surface mount parts, Marki Microwave sells some SMT bias Tee's for around $50. I didn't see a spec for max RF level on their web site but it might be worth looking into. I bought a few of them one time to protect the ports of my VNA by grounding the DC input terminal. They've worked very well. Mike On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 9:45 AM k0ekl--- via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I'm purchased 2m and 432 preamps for my satellite antenna system and both > will require external bias-tees for power. Looking around on both US and > UK/EU websites I've found bias-tees that cost almost as much or more than > the preamps did. The inexpensive devices I've found are receive-only and > meant for SRD users. > > Does anyone know of a source of bias-tees that cost less than $100.00 > each, have decent specs on 2m and 432 and can withstand a transmit power of > 50 or 100 watts. (Yes, I know I don't need to run 50 or 100 watts for > satellite work but I don't want devices that will fail the first time I > accidentally transmit "QRO". > > Thanks > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net Tue Jun 2 16:33:50 2020 From: n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net (Mike Seguin) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 12:33:50 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? In-Reply-To: References: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1776615162.810471.1591055863412@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: https://www.minikits.com.au/electronic-kits/bias-tee On 6/2/2020 12:27 PM, Mike Wilhelm via AMSAT-BB wrote: > If you have the time to work with surface mount parts, Marki Microwave > sells some SMT bias Tee's for around $50. I didn't see a spec for max RF > level on their web site but it might be worth looking into. I bought a few > of them one time to protect the ports of my VNA by grounding the DC > input terminal. They've worked very well. > > Mike > > > > On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 9:45 AM k0ekl--- via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > >> I'm purchased 2m and 432 preamps for my satellite antenna system and both >> will require external bias-tees for power. Looking around on both US and >> UK/EU websites I've found bias-tees that cost almost as much or more than >> the preamps did. The inexpensive devices I've found are receive-only and >> meant for SRD users. >> >> Does anyone know of a source of bias-tees that cost less than $100.00 >> each, have decent specs on 2m and 432 and can withstand a transmit power of >> 50 or 100 watts. (Yes, I know I don't need to run 50 or 100 watts for >> satellite work but I don't want devices that will fail the first time I >> accidentally transmit "QRO". >> >> Thanks >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions >> expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet" From k0ekl at frontier.net Tue Jun 2 19:25:35 2020 From: k0ekl at frontier.net (Dave K0EKL) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 14:25:35 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? In-Reply-To: References: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <001101d63913$976949f0$c63bddd0$@frontier.net> Thanks for this! Stridsberg is a supplier that I had never heard of before. -----Original Message----- From: Edward Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 11:22 AM To: k0ekl at frontier.com ; k0ekl at frontier.com Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? Stridsberg.com > On 2 Jun 2020, at 5:39 PM, k0ekl--- via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?I'm purchased 2m and 432 preamps for my satellite antenna system and both will require external bias-tees for power. Looking around on both US and UK/EU websites I've found bias-tees that cost almost as much or more than the preamps did. The inexpensive devices I've found are receive-only and meant for SRD users. > > Does anyone know of a source of bias-tees that cost less than $100.00 each, have decent specs on 2m and 432 and can withstand a transmit power of 50 or 100 watts. (Yes, I know I don't need to run 50 or 100 watts for satellite work but I don't want devices that will fail the first time I accidentally transmit "QRO". > > Thanks > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From k0ekl at frontier.net Tue Jun 2 19:24:45 2020 From: k0ekl at frontier.net (Dave K0EKL) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 14:24:45 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? In-Reply-To: References: <1776615162.810471.1591055863412.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1776615162.810471.1591055863412@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <000c01d63913$796b5f10$6c421d30$@frontier.net> Thanks. I found the spec sheet and it lists 1 watt as the maximum power handling capability. From: Mike Wilhelm Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 11:27 AM To: k0ekl at frontier.com ; k0ekl at frontier.com Cc: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Source for affordable bias-tees? If you have the time to work with surface mount parts, Marki Microwave sells some SMT bias Tee's for around $50. I didn't see a spec for max RF level on their web site but it might be worth looking into. I bought a few of them one time to protect the ports of my VNA by grounding the DC input terminal. They've worked very well. Mike On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 9:45 AM k0ekl--- via AMSAT-BB > wrote: I'm purchased 2m and 432 preamps for my satellite antenna system and both will require external bias-tees for power. Looking around on both US and UK/EU websites I've found bias-tees that cost almost as much or more than the preamps did. The inexpensive devices I've found are receive-only and meant for SRD users. Does anyone know of a source of bias-tees that cost less than $100.00 each, have decent specs on 2m and 432 and can withstand a transmit power of 50 or 100 watts. (Yes, I know I don't need to run 50 or 100 watts for satellite work but I don't want devices that will fail the first time I accidentally transmit "QRO". Thanks _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org . AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From mountain.michelle at gmail.com Tue Jun 2 20:42:11 2020 From: mountain.michelle at gmail.com (Michelle Thompson) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 13:42:11 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Hack-a-Sat Call for Participation In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Greetings all! 1500+ teams registered for the event. 1283 teams scored at least a point. Our team (Vaporsec) finished 20th. The interdisciplinary nature of the team served extremely well! Amateur radio satellite service operators made fundamental and significant contributions to the final score, everyone learned a lot, and we all had fun. The challenges ranged from mastering Apollo-era assembly code, to reverse engineering IQ files received from space, to controlling ADAC systems, to correctly configuring star trackers, to understanding what's required to precisely observe the Earth from orbit - and plenty more. The range and breadth of the challenges was daunting, but our diverse and positive team carried the day. The finals are 7-9 August 2020. This is a virtual event held during the weekend of DEFCON. All of the challenges from the qualification round will be up until the final event at https://www.hackasat.com/ Even better news? A lot of us from the amateur radio satellite service community will be participating in the finals with teams that made the top ten and recruited us to add to their roster. I can't wait to share what we learn and how we do in the finals. I'll be with ADDVulcan. Contests and competitions have a long and storied history in amateur radio. The active and thriving Capture the Flag (CTF) scene should be familiar to any amateur radio contester, because there are so many similarities. The incorporation of advanced digital, computing, RF, and networking technology into contesting, at events like Hack-a-Sat, is very exciting and it will definitely test your skills. Being involved with a team that welcomes people willing to learn is an especially enjoyable privilege! Some teams are closed to newcomers and approach competitions more like a professional sports team. Some teams are composed only of people that work at a particular company, or know each other well. Hack-a-Sat offered a very broad opportunity this year, so teams that were open to newcomers were plentiful. We owe a debt to the organizers at the Department of Defense (Thank you Air Force) for the high-quality outreach, accessibility, and challenging and engaging content. If you want to get involved with competitions like this, please write me and I will help you. Hack-a-Sat was very difficult, but there are contests at every level almost every weekend and a growing number incorporate amateur radio. Want to be involved with creating a real live CTF? I'm chairing the GNU Radio Conference CTF this year (will be held in September, website is https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon/grcon20/), and amateur radio has traditionally been a very large part of this event in every way. Your ideas for amateur radio satellite themed challenges are welcome and I look forward to working with you. Wouldn't it be great to see AMSAT host a satellite themed CTF? Especially if the solutions of the challenges could directly support engineering efforts. Many hands make light work! -Michelle W5NYV Director of AMSAT Chair of GNU Radio Conference CEO of Open Research Institute, Inc. On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 3:03 PM Michelle Thompson < mountain.michelle at gmail.com> wrote: > Thank you to the amateur satellite community for the response! > > The Vaporsec CTF team, specifically open to amateur radio operators, has > seen the largest turnout for a Capture the Flag competition in team > history, for this satellite-themed event. We have over 20 signed up for the > qualifications event this coming weekend. We believe that based on the > diversity, quality, and positive can-do spirit, that we have a chance at > being competitive and moving on to the final round in late summer. > > We had a successful team organizational meeting last night are are looking > forward to a Friday 5pm Pacific start time. I'm looking forward to being > able to share how amateur radio operators and practical experience carried > the day! > > Rules and link to the Hack-a-Sat website are up-thread. The point of the > competition seems to be the Air Force wanting to see what the current level > of competence is out there with respect to satellite operations and > security. Hints have included backgrounders on ADAC, Satellite IoT platform > security, protocols, ground control, and more. > > Something that we noticed is that an unsolved challenge in last weekend's > DEFCON CTF qualifier round was from the same team that is putting on > Hack-a-Sat CTF. > > So! If you are wondering what kind of challenges are posed to participants > in a CTF, here is that satellite-themed challenge. We expect this sort of > thing to be the starting point for an entire weekend of satellite reverse > engineering, puzzle solving, and rogue-craft-wrangling. > > There are two files related to the challenge. The challenge text and the > two files can be found at: > > > https://github.com/phase4space/research-papers/tree/master/interrupted_DEFCON_CTF_Challenge > > See you on the other side of the CTF! We will have a write-up of the event > and share any and everything we learn along the way. > > -Michelle W5NYV > > > > > On Tue, May 12, 2020 at 1:17 PM Michelle Thompson < > mountain.michelle at gmail.com> wrote: > >> Thank you for the interest! We have 14 on the team and rising. >> >> The one question that has come up is whether federal contractors can >> participate. There is a FAQ at the Hack-a-Sat website that addresses this. >> >> Q: Can my business team include contractors (not "Federal entities", not >> "Federal employees", not "Federal Government Military or Civilian >> employee") who support federal contracts? >> >> A: Yes. >> >> If this happens to be holding you back from participating, then know that >> it should not. I understand that there are a complex variety of definitions >> involved, but the FAQ was written to address a common case that isn't >> disqualified from this particular event, organized through the Air Force. >> >> -Michelle W5NYV >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 12:26 PM Michelle Thompson < >> mountain.michelle at gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Greetings all! >>> >>> I've put out the call for participation for the Hack-a-Sat competition >>> in the past, and would like to bring you all up to date on the developments >>> and opportunities that have developed since. >>> >>> The website is here: https://www.hackasat.com/ >>> >>> Hack-a-Sat is an activity that was scheduled to happen at the in-person >>> DEFCON event. >>> >>> As of today, yes, it's true. DEFCON has been cancelled. >>> >>> Those of you that have volunteered at Ham Radio Village in the past are >>> familiar with the event. For those of you that are not, it's a long-running >>> hacking and cybersecurity event that has enthusiastically adopted >>> everything RF and amateur radio. >>> >>> The United States Air Force, in conjunction with the Defense Digital >>> Service, organized this year?s Space Security Challenge, called Hack-A-Sat. >>> This challenge asks hackers from around the world to focus their skills and >>> creativity on solving cybersecurity challenges on space systems. This >>> competition is going to be held! It's now a virtual event. >>> >>> Security in the amateur radio sense of the word is fundamentally >>> different from commercial and military applications. We have an advantage >>> here, mainly due to the enormous leverage we have due to our context being >>> completely different from what the Air Force and commercial interests >>> assume. This is, essentially, a diversity advantage. >>> >>> If you want to participate on an experienced Capture The Flag (CTF) >>> team, then I am here to extend an invitation. Anyone that reads through the >>> rules and can afford to spend some time during the event is invited to >>> apply to join Vaporsec. This is a team that has a majority of information >>> security professionals. There are some satellite industry people, some >>> amateur involvement, and I'd like to make sure that anyone interested in >>> competing from AMSAT-BB gets a chance to join a competitive team. >>> >>> The benefits to amateur radio are primarily technical, with policy and >>> security a close second. The Air Force has some agendas here in terms of >>> improving satellite security. Exposure to the challenges alone is a an >>> excellent opportunity to learn more about modern satellite technology... >>> and what a significant player in space wants to find out more about. Don't >>> assume that that the challenges in the competition are going to be "too >>> hard". What is trivial for one viewpoint is unsolvable for another. >>> >>> I'll be writing about the event and what we learned when it is over, so >>> this sort of knowledge will not be secret. However, there is no replacement >>> for participation, and you could very well have the practical knowledge, >>> gained from operating real satellites, that wins the competition. As you >>> can see from the website, there is some real money involved and >>> opportunities for technical writing. >>> >>> Let me know at w5nyv at arrl.net if you would like to talk more about >>> joining a CTF team for this really neat and unique event. >>> >>> Know someone that you think should participate? Please forward to them. >>> >>> -Michelle W5NYV >>> >>> >>> From k9qho67622 at comcast.net Tue Jun 2 21:34:17 2020 From: k9qho67622 at comcast.net (MICHAEL WILLIAMS) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 17:34:17 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Source for Affordable bias-Tees? Message-ID: <84961245.129220.1591133657652@connect.xfinity.com> Check out: EME168-2-70 KIT at minikits.com.au. You can by it as a kit of assembled. The dollar exchange rate is real good. GL, Mike (K9QHO) From k7trkradio at charter.net Tue Jun 2 23:16:51 2020 From: k7trkradio at charter.net (Ted Krempa) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 16:16:51 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 Message-ID: <02e701d63933$e68612f0$b39238d0$@charter.net> Hi Andrew, any update on this issue? Thanks and 73 Ted, K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Glasbrenner via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:51 PM To: 'Roy Dean' Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 at 15:40z Roy, Thanks for the audio. In the weeks since this QRM came to light, with the help of recordings from users, we have found the club whose repeater audio is being retransmitted over AO-92. I do not believe this to be intentional. Despite the coincidence of frequencies involved, I also do not believe it to be a third harmonic. The audio is too clear, the signal is too strong, and repeaters have too much filtering for that to be happening. I reached out to the board of directors and the repeater trustees, sent links to the audio including callsigns and their net ID. I explained that based on experience that this was likely someone crossbanding into their repeater with a poor choice of UHF frequency, and we could use their help in finding the QRM source, and my goal was to educate and remove it, not point fingers and place blame. The responses ranged from virtual shrugs, to claims of atmospheric conditions, to "there must be something wrong on the satellite end." A few suggested going to the repeater site and listening on UHF while the repeater is active, which is a pretty good idea. Supposedly they would make announcements about it on their nets. I haven't given up on getting the club to help us find the QRM, but we may need some more convincing. I'll send the new recordings and ask again. Meanwhile, Is there anyone in the Gloucester, MA area that would like to do a little foxhunting for AMSAT? 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:12 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 at 15:40z > > Yes, terrible QRM during this pass. Have recording as well but no call > signs from repeater chatter. Cal / N3CAL https://youtu.be/4439iHT4vtM --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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From kg4zlb at icloud.com Wed Jun 3 00:03:08 2020 From: kg4zlb at icloud.com (David Worboys) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 20:03:08 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] G5500 issue Message-ID: Evening all!, Further to my original posting I just wanted to take time to thank profusely everyone who contacted me with help but specifically I would like to mention Dino (VE7XDT) who patiently helped me diagnose the problem by way of a huge amount of emails back and forth and me prodding at wires with a new multimeter bought especially for this. His ultimate diagnosis of failed op amps in the box was confirmed by Yaesu after another hour on the phone performing the same tests to answer their questions. A quality company, they took their time to ensure that I was totally aware of the issues. Unfortunately the same can't be said about HRO in Atlanta (where I purchased the rotator two weeks ago plus a hell of a lot of other equipment). The implied irritation level that permeated down the phone line was palpable; i asked them to send me a new one today, take a hold on my credit card for the full value and I would send them back the defunct one using their packaging and then they could release my credit card hold. Keep a good customer happy ? No chance. He actually tried to sell me a new complete G5500 and would then give me store credit once i sent everything back - I am not taking down the equipment and sending it all back and then have to put everything back up again. So the controller is now on its way to Atlanta and the Store Manager said that he had no stock of the controller on its own but could take out the controller from the complete kit and send that - somehow I doubt that will happen and this will drag on and on. Sorry to rant, I just hate bad customer service. Anyway, thanks everyone again - I look forward to working some of you on the satellites It's about 11 years since the last time I was active but HRO may drag that out even further. I hope not. 73?s David KG4ZLB From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Wed Jun 3 00:29:26 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 20:29:26 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 In-Reply-To: <02e701d63933$e68612f0$b39238d0$@charter.net> References: <02e701d63933$e68612f0$b39238d0$@charter.net> Message-ID: <032601d6393e$09b99080$1d2cb180$@mindspring.com> Nothing significant. I've not heard any recent reports of additional QRM either. Whoever it was may have gotten the word. 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations -----Original Message----- From: Ted Krempa Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 7:17 PM To: 'Andrew Glasbrenner' ; 'Roy Dean' Cc: AMSAT BB Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 Hi Andrew, any update on this issue? Thanks and 73 Ted, K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Glasbrenner via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:51 PM To: 'Roy Dean' Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 at 15:40z Roy, Thanks for the audio. In the weeks since this QRM came to light, with the help of recordings from users, we have found the club whose repeater audio is being retransmitted over AO-92. I do not believe this to be intentional. Despite the coincidence of frequencies involved, I also do not believe it to be a third harmonic. The audio is too clear, the signal is too strong, and repeaters have too much filtering for that to be happening. I reached out to the board of directors and the repeater trustees, sent links to the audio including callsigns and their net ID. I explained that based on experience that this was likely someone crossbanding into their repeater with a poor choice of UHF frequency, and we could use their help in finding the QRM source, and my goal was to educate and remove it, not point fingers and place blame. The responses ranged from virtual shrugs, to claims of atmospheric conditions, to "there must be something wrong on the satellite end." A few suggested going to the repeater site and listening on UHF while the repeater is active, which is a pretty good idea. Supposedly they would make announcements about it on their nets. I haven't given up on getting the club to help us find the QRM, but we may need some more convincing. I'll send the new recordings and ask again. Meanwhile, Is there anyone in the Gloucester, MA area that would like to do a little foxhunting for AMSAT? 73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:12 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Terrible Repeater QRM on AO-92 at 15:40z > > Yes, terrible QRM during this pass. Have recording as well but no call > signs from repeater chatter. Cal / N3CAL https://youtu.be/4439iHT4vtM --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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From k0jm.mark at gmail.com Wed Jun 3 14:52:32 2020 From: k0jm.mark at gmail.com (Mark Johns, K0JM) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 09:52:32 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] FM signals heard on RS-44 Message-ID: There was an FM QSO taking place on about 145.95 just now (about 14:45z) that was coming through the RS-44 downlink at about 435.655. The bird was up toward the Pole, so New England would have been in the footprint, as well as Canada and some northern states to the west. No callsigns heard, but it sounded like amateurs and English was being spoken. -- Mark D. Johns, K?JM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain From peter at magicbug.co.uk Wed Jun 3 15:08:59 2020 From: peter at magicbug.co.uk (Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL)) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 16:08:59 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] FM signals heard on RS-44 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: AO-91, AO-92 anywhere inside the footprint? On Wed, 3 Jun 2020, 15:53 Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB, wrote: > There was an FM QSO taking place on about 145.95 just now (about 14:45z) > that was coming through the RS-44 downlink at about 435.655. The bird was > up toward the Pole, so New England would have been in the footprint, as > well as Canada and some northern states to the west. No callsigns heard, > but it sounded like amateurs and English was being spoken. > -- > Mark D. Johns, K?JM > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > ----------------------------------------------- > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > ---Mark Twain > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kdcarlso at gmail.com Wed Jun 3 17:19:55 2020 From: kdcarlso at gmail.com (Dave) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 13:19:55 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator Message-ID: Is anyone using an Alpha Spid az/el rotor? If so how do you like it? Would you recommend it over the Yaesu's and are there any issues using it with SatPC32? Thanks, Dave N2OA From zleffke at vt.edu Wed Jun 3 18:42:37 2020 From: zleffke at vt.edu (Leffke, Zachary) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 18:42:37 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Dave, We use a lot of the RAS/HR and Big-RAS/HRs at VT in our ground station and on other projects. My biggest recommendation is if you don't absolutely need the resolution, don't get the high resolution variants (0.2 deg resolution). It uses a quadrature encoder feedback mechanism that is highly susceptible to EMI corruption leading to 'dropped counts' and a general slew of problems related to calibration and reliable pointing knowledge. We have constantly battled this problem since day 1 of the VTGS and still don't have reliable resolution for the problem (but enough band-aid solutions to keep limping along and periodic trips out to the tracking station to recalibrate). The smaller Ras/HRs seem to generally do better on the feedback front (still high resolution with the quadrature feedback) for some reason, but we typically use those in 'deployable' scenarios and the feedback cabling is much shorter (maybe 20ft or so)....so not necessarily an apples to apples comparison with the permanently installed Big-RAS/HRs that have longer feedback cables (roughly 100-200 ft depending on which antenna stack we're talking about) and generaly seem to be more prone to issues. I also personally own a Ras/HR (smaller one) with the high res feedback and a 2.4m solid dish mounted on it. It can handle the load just fine with proper counterweighting and so far I haven't had any feedback issues (roughly 50ft feedback cable)....knock on wood. The 'non high resolution' (low resolution?...its still accurate to about 1 deg) variants use plain ol' potentiometer feedback. I don't have direct experience with them, but have reports from some colleagues that they haven't had any serious or repetitive issues with pointing calibration (some radio astronomers in Physics dept are using one with a 2m dish). (I think that one uses a different controller than the MD-01 that we use, but I think the MD-01 or MD-02 could handle either type of feedback). Other 'warnings' include realizing they have no mechanical stops in azimuth (they do in elevation, roughly at 180 deg limits). That said, it isn't really a problem as most controllers work reliably with 'software limits' and the MD-01s at least have timeouts that help if things 'go wonky' with feedback. There are some cases though that result in the perfect storm of corrupted feedback that goes undetected by the MD-01 that could lead to a bad azimuth situation; in our case we monitor antenna motion on a camera, so are able to mitigate that scenario with human intervention (and our custom control software looks for 'impossible speeds' as reported by the MD-01 positions that further helps mitigate that when the feedback goes awry). Mechanically, they have done very well for us with the double-worm gear design, imperceptible gear slip (if any). I've heard of folks having mechanical failures, but I don't know the details, and that hasn't been my experience. As an example, at the height of 'performance' I was able to reliably track multiple S-Band downlinks with a 3m mesh dish antenna with no discernible negative effects due to point errors or 'jiggle' in the system (part of that is the ramp up, also part the counterweighting). In the 5 or so years we've been running them, we haven't had any major mechanical malfunctions (knock on wood), and part of that is probably due to periodic maintenance (re-greasing and such), which I've done at least once (can't remember exactly, maybe twice in that 5 year window). Part of that is also the fact that we tend to use the yagi stacks with a lighter load a lot more than the larger dish systems, I might be singing a different tune if the dishes were used daily. The MD-01 controller (and MD-02s as well for non-rackmount variants) does have some nice ramp-up/ramp-down features, particularly useful for larger systems (like our 4.5m dish). I do wish the API documentation for the MD-01 command interface was a little better...but we've been able to work through it (for example, they changed the protocol a bit in a relatively recent firmware update that broke compatibility with our software and presumably things like rotctl in hamlib, but I think that has all been fixed/updated). The API issue might not be a problem for most folks not interested in writing their own software, or if you are using a different controller. The overall documentation situation is a little 'meh' in general as there have been a lot of versions and such released and they are on different websites run by different folks.....but at least there is documentation at all and a little reading and experimentation is usually enough to get what you need, and the basics such as the wiring diagram hasn't really changed over the years. I can't directly speak to the SatPC32 question because we don't use it. Other than that firmware update hiccup, I'd be willing to bet it works fine. Bottom Line: When they work, they seem to work well, at least in my experience. If I were going to buy one today for personal use, I'd get one with the potentiometer feedback if the intended use is for something like a few Yagis and if I were planning a more permanent installation. If I were going to buy something for VT/work with a better funding source than my 'hobby budget' I'd probably look for something better, like M2 products (pretty significant jump in price point though). I hope this helps. -Zach, KJ4QLP -- Research Associate Aerospace & Ocean 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 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Dave via AMSAT-BB Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 1:20 PM To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator Is anyone using an Alpha Spid az/el rotor? If so how do you like it? Would you recommend it over the Yaesu's and are there any issues using it with SatPC32? Thanks, Dave N2OA _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Wed Jun 3 19:45:37 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 19:45:37 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Dino is the Man! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: David and all: I would also like to commend Dino for being honest / kind / unselfish / experienced on the subject of G-5500. Dino has helped me immensely to get my controller back in business. He, like with you, spent an enormous amount of time assisting me. He recommended me to purchased additional op amps (they cost but a few cents) and I have use a few here and there. He also suggested, highly recommended, the use of IC sockets so that the OpAmp can be made plug and play. It seems as though the controller's OpAmp are pretty susceptible to RF and mother nature. I ended up placing a trailer's 6 connector set 12" long between each EL/AZ cables at the controller for easy quick disconnect. Watch out for your HF station power as RF might get into the G-5500 controller as well. Recently, I had issues with the controller's AZ needle doing the jumping jack. Dino to the rescue!!! He pin pointed to several areas to test for finding the solution which I took. But it ended up being water inside the AZ cable at the rotator connector (some how my sealing of it, from recent work, was not too good). Replacing the cable and connector took care of business. I hope you can get your system in place soon. G-5500 is one of the most affordable, easy to fix, system out there for satellites. PS: Dino is not for hire :) Rafael / NN3RP *********************************************************************** Message: 4 Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 20:03:08 -0400 From: David Worboys To: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] G5500 issue Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Evening all!, Further to my original posting I just wanted to take time to thank profusely everyone who contacted me with help but specifically I would like to mention Dino (VE7XDT) who patiently helped me diagnose the problem by way of a huge amount of emails back and forth and me prodding at wires with a new multimeter bought especially for this. His ultimate diagnosis of failed op amps in the box was confirmed by Yaesu after another hour on the phone performing the same tests to answer their questions. A quality company, they took their time to ensure that I was totally aware of the issues. Unfortunately the same can't be said about HRO in Atlanta (where I purchased the rotator two weeks ago plus a hell of a lot of other equipment). The implied irritation level that permeated down the phone line was palpable; i asked them to send me a new one today, take a hold on my credit card for the full value and I would send them back the defunct one using their packaging and then they could release my credit card hold. Keep a good customer happy ? No chance. He actually tried to sell me a new complete G5500 and would then give me store credit once i sent everything back - I am not taking down the equipment and sending it all back and then have to put everything back up again. So the controller is now on its way to Atlanta and the Store Manager said that he had no stock of the controller on its own but could take out the controller from the complete kit and send that - somehow I doubt that will happen and this will drag on and on. Sorry to rant, I just hate bad customer service. Anyway, thanks everyone again - I look forward to working some of you on the satellites It's about 11 years since the last time I was active but HRO may drag that out even further. I hope not. 73?s David KG4ZLB From zmetzing at pobox.com Wed Jun 3 19:52:53 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 14:52:53 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] FM signals heard on RS-44 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1379735b-3e18-435a-9475-7e2d1b999dd3@pobox.com> On 06/03/20 10:08, Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) via AMSAT-BB wrote: > AO-91, AO-92 anywhere inside the footprint? Interesting thought .. AO-91/92's downlink being received by RS-44's uplink. --- Zach N0ZGO From aj9n at aol.com Wed Jun 3 22:08:32 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 22:08:32 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-03 22:00 UTC References: <654433106.67405.1591222112050.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <654433106.67405.1591222112050@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-03 22:00 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit (***) Welcome aboard! Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? ? ? A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio?? Check out these links:?? ? ? >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in????? #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolation_in_SpaceConnectsU ? Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.? By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw.? Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World.? Check out:? https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard ? NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home.? Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ? ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-03 22:00 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-05-17 11:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1389. Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1322. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit (***) Welcome aboard! Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? From ka3hsw at att.net Thu Jun 4 04:09:16 2020 From: ka3hsw at att.net (George Henry) Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 23:09:16 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] FM signals heard on RS-44 In-Reply-To: <1379735b-3e18-435a-9475-7e2d1b999dd3@pobox.com> References: <1379735b-3e18-435a-9475-7e2d1b999dd3@pobox.com> Message-ID: <5C961F81E0404383892A6FE779AB1E79@RadioRoomPC> Definitely would have heard callsigns if so... KA3HSW -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2020 2:53 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] FM signals heard on RS-44 On 06/03/20 10:08, Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) via AMSAT-BB wrote: > AO-91, AO-92 anywhere inside the footprint? Interesting thought .. AO-91/92's downlink being received by RS-44's uplink. --- Zach N0ZGO From e.krome at comcast.net Thu Jun 4 20:41:21 2020 From: e.krome at comcast.net (EDWARD KROME) Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2020 16:41:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Need cable crimping tool Message-ID: <968296102.141449.1591303281842@connect.xfinity.com> Hi, All: The ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) group of AMSAT is in process of building new power supplies for the ARISS project. This long-running STEM project facilitates contacts between astronauts on board the ISS and students around the world. The first of these new power supplies was launched to ISS on March 6. Only 9 more to go! Part of the project involves RF hookups to diplexers to several antennas currently on ISS. For these, we have to supply NASA-speced cable assemblies. We have cable and Huber+Suhner N connectors, but do not have the crimping tools required to mate the cables and connectors. These tools are available new from either Huber+Suhner or Daniels Manufacturing but are extremely expensive. So I am fishing... does anyone have or know where we might find one of the following connector crimping sets that we could either borrow, rent or buy? The connectors (special N crimp) are Huber Suhner 11_N-50-4-63/133_NE, item # 22652069, for cable S16 (SX_04172_B-60). We can buy these connectors from Mouser, no problem. The crimping tool is the problem: H+S kit 76Z-0-0-51 insert set for small tool 76_Z-0-4-51 and small installation tool 75_Z-0-0-50. The alternative (but not interchangeable) tool kit is Daniels Manufacturing DMC1525 (in this kit, we only need the Y1682 die set and HX4 crimp tool). Does anyone know where we might be able to get the use of one of these sets? Thanks! Ed Krome K9EK ARISS Mechanical Engineering From rich at ourowndomain.com Fri Jun 5 02:21:59 2020 From: rich at ourowndomain.com (Rich Gopstein) Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2020 22:21:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna mounting recommendations? Message-ID: I have a pair of M2 CP antennas and a Yaesu G5500 rotator that I'd like to put up. There are lots of tall trees on the property pretty close to the house, so I really need to go up to clear the trees. On our first house, I had a tripod on the roof, so I'm familiar with what that takes. Now that I'm aging a bit, I was wondering what the alternatives might be since I'm not that excited about climbing on the roof (though if that's the best solution, I'll do it). Here are two pictures of the house (the arrows indicate the approximate location of the shack). https://photos.app.goo.gl/bRxtXM1uoXWgJgtZ7 Thanks for any suggestions! Rich, KD2CQ From glennmaillist at bellsouth.net Fri Jun 5 02:25:01 2020 From: glennmaillist at bellsouth.net (Glenn Little WB4UIV) Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2020 22:25:01 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Need cable crimping tool In-Reply-To: <968296102.141449.1591303281842@connect.xfinity.com> References: <968296102.141449.1591303281842@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <43dab93b-70f5-4510-8d46-f7931c5926c7@bellsouth.net> I have a lot of crimping tools, but, not these. Have you tried to get a donation or loan of a tool from Daniels? 73 Glenn On 6/4/2020 4:41 PM, EDWARD KROME via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hi, All: > The ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) group of AMSAT is in process of building new power supplies for the ARISS project. This long-running STEM project facilitates contacts between astronauts on board the ISS and students around the world. The first of these new power supplies was launched to ISS on March 6. Only 9 more to go! > The connectors (special N crimp) are Huber Suhner 11_N-50-4-63/133_NE, item # 22652069, for cable S16 (SX_04172_B-60). We can buy these connectors from Mouser, no problem. > The crimping tool is the problem: H+S kit 76Z-0-0-51 insert set for small tool 76_Z-0-4-51 and small installation tool 75_Z-0-0-50. The alternative (but not interchangeable) tool kit is Daniels Manufacturing DMC1525 (in this kit, we only need the Y1682 die set and HX4 crimp tool). > Does anyone know where we might be able to get the use of one of these sets? > Thanks! > Ed Krome K9EK > ARISS Mechanical Engineering > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 w3ab at yahoo.com Fri Jun 5 03:31:15 2020 From: w3ab at yahoo.com (W3AB/GEO) Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:31:15 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna mounting recommendations? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7b14ef7b-afaa-4f18-91c2-55e5de5bd1a4@yahoo.com> IMHO, a tripod on the roof may be the best way to go. Can you hire someone? What is the big white structure? A chimney? ?___ Sent from my two way wrist watch 73 de W3AB/GEO? On Jun 4, 2020, 19:23, at 19:23, Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB wrote: >I have a pair of M2 CP antennas and a Yaesu G5500 rotator that I'd like >to >put up. There are lots of tall trees on the property pretty close to >the >house, so I really need to go up to clear the trees. > >On our first house, I had a tripod on the roof, so I'm familiar with >what >that takes. Now that I'm aging a bit, I was wondering what the >alternatives might be since I'm not that excited about climbing on the >roof >(though if that's the best solution, I'll do it). > >Here are two pictures of the house (the arrows indicate the approximate >location of the shack). > >https://photos.app.goo.gl/bRxtXM1uoXWgJgtZ7 > >Thanks for any suggestions! > >Rich, KD2CQ >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >Opinions expressed >are solely those of the author, and 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 From rwmcgwier at gmail.com Fri Jun 5 12:10:41 2020 From: rwmcgwier at gmail.com (Robert McGwier) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 07:10:41 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Board election Message-ID: AMSAT friends: This has been eventful year for all of us. I am no exception. I've retired on May 9 as Chief Scientist of Virginia Tech's Hume Center for National Security and Technology. I am now adjunct professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. I've been active in AMSAT for decades and am a life member. I've been a director multiple times and an officer multiple times. In retirement I intend becoming heavily involved in amateur radio activities in general but specifically in AMSAT activities. I am grateful for all I've learned and done in AMSAT. I founded http://www.hawkeye360.com and my experience in AMSAT was a vital part of the foundation of my Hawkeye activities. I would like to return to the board and help steward the organization from the board. Brennan has already received a nomination for me and now I ask for your support. 73s. Bob N4HY From lu7aa at yahoo.com Fri Jun 5 15:36:49 2020 From: lu7aa at yahoo.com (Amsat Argentina) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 15:36:49 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] PASS includes SATNOGS References: <2011766268.1539943.1591371409291.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2011766268.1539943.1591371409291@mail.yahoo.com> SATNOGS (SATellite Network Operated Ground Stations) https://satnogs.org/ is a global network of automatic stations monitoring multiple satellites, making their audio and data captures available via the Internet. The PASS application http://amsat.org.ar/pass for satellite tracking, now facilitates access to Satnogs for the satellite selected by clicking on the graph that indicates azimuth and elevation. This allows? check if a satellite is active and if there are SATNOGs stations in your area, you can recover audio and data from previous QSOs. We will like to deeply appreciate the Open Source Libre Space Foundation and the thousands of SATNOG asociated stations that devote their equipment and time to help and grow amateur satellite community. 73, LU7AA, AMSAT Argentina From les at highnoonfilm.com Fri Jun 5 15:49:58 2020 From: les at highnoonfilm.com (Les Rayburn) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 10:49:58 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas Message-ID: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> Are there any commercially available skew planar or ?cloverleaf? antennas available for 2 Meters/432? These have become commonplace for drone operations at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz because they offer circular polarization. This makes control of the aircraft more reliable as it moves through space with changing antenna orientation. Previously, omnidirectional antennas similar to our ?rubber ducks? were the norm. Skew planar antennas seem to offer a good option for satellite operations, especially portable. But availability is always an issue. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member From wageners at gmail.com Fri Jun 5 17:06:58 2020 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 12:06:58 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas In-Reply-To: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> References: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: Why not building one? http://www.slvrc.org/902band/skewplanar.htm Stefan VE4SW On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 11:58 AM Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Are there any commercially available skew planar or ?cloverleaf? antennas > available for 2 Meters/432? These have become commonplace for drone > operations at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz because they offer circular polarization. > This makes control of the aircraft more reliable as it moves through space > with changing antenna orientation. Previously, omnidirectional antennas > similar to our ?rubber ducks? were the norm. > > Skew planar antennas seem to offer a good option for satellite operations, > especially portable. But availability is always an issue. > > > > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From zmetzing at pobox.com Fri Jun 5 17:47:55 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:47:55 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas In-Reply-To: References: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: <6ABD4FBB-7C2F-40D3-B68B-19A8161F723D@pobox.com> On June 5, 2020 12:06:58 PM CDT, Stefan Wagener via AMSAT-BB wrote: >Why not building one? > >http://www.slvrc.org/902band/skewplanar.htm The in-depth construction link on that page is dead. He's a link to the archived page, but, sadly, the photos were not archived. https://web.archive.org/web/20101203020122/http://www.gta.igs.net/~graham/SkewPlanarAntenna/ --- Zach N0ZGO From zmetzing at pobox.com Fri Jun 5 17:53:17 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:53:17 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas In-Reply-To: <6ABD4FBB-7C2F-40D3-B68B-19A8161F723D@pobox.com> References: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> <6ABD4FBB-7C2F-40D3-B68B-19A8161F723D@pobox.com> Message-ID: <826F6355-CDD8-488C-B81C-0E6615296293@pobox.com> We are in luck. The page exists at a new location: http://www.ve3byt.com/SkewPlanarAntenna/ --- Zach N0ZGO From satop at protonmail.com Fri Jun 5 18:18:25 2020 From: satop at protonmail.com (satop) Date: Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:18:25 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location Message-ID: Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived in an large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak roof, think 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a three story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in the front and very poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story wood shed on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline to the shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup worked fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre purchased a Super-Amp SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some antennas with some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage or lower build. Gary/N8AYY Sent with [ProtonMail](https://protonmail.com) Secure Email. From rich at ourowndomain.com Fri Jun 5 18:48:43 2020 From: rich at ourowndomain.com (Rich Gopstein) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 14:48:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks. I've gotten a number of responses ranging from: Put up a tower Put it in the attic Put it on a tripod on the roof And - yours - put it somewhere reasonable and don't freak out about the attenuation. The garage and the house both have 8/12 pitch roofs, so that's my concern with mounting on the roof. I've done it before but I'm happy about it. The garage is lower, so less of a fall, but still steep. I might be able to get a small AZ/EL setup inside the attic above the garage. The issue there is my shack is on the exact opposite side of the house. So, I'd most likely need to move the shack to the garage attic. There's power up there, but no insulation. Maybe I could put the IC-9700 there and remotely control it? I've thought about a tower... But there are so many tower options, it's a little daunting. If I put the tower just outside where the shack is, I'd need about 38' to clear the highest peak of the house roof. I could go lower and just live with a little extra attenuation from the house roof. And I assume any tower would come with the need to deal with the local zoning/permit guys. If I go that route, I'd want the tower to be high enough to use as the center of a dipole also. Too many options... Rich KD2CQ On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 2:18 PM satop wrote: > Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived in an > large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak roof, think > 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a three > story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in the front and very > poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story wood shed > on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline to the > shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup worked > fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre purchased a Super-Amp > SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some antennas with > some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage or lower > build. > > Gary/N8AYY > > > Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email. > > From jim at coloradosatellite.com Fri Jun 5 18:51:29 2020 From: jim at coloradosatellite.com (Jim White) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 12:51:29 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas In-Reply-To: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> References: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: The Olde Antenna Lab may still make those to order.? Those were his specialty for many years. Jim On 6/5/2020 9:49 AM, Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Are there any commercially available skew planar or ?cloverleaf? antennas available for 2 Meters/432? These have become commonplace for drone operations at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz because they offer circular polarization. This makes control of the aircraft more reliable as it moves through space with changing antenna orientation. Previously, omnidirectional antennas similar to our ?rubber ducks? were the norm. > > Skew planar antennas seem to offer a good option for satellite operations, especially portable. But availability is always an issue. > > > > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From diehl.mike.a at gmail.com Fri Jun 5 19:19:51 2020 From: diehl.mike.a at gmail.com (Mike Diehl) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 15:19:51 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas In-Reply-To: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> References: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: Trying to grasp how these would be especially advantageous to portable satellite ops. Actually, I?m trying to grasp how omni antennas would be advantageous for satellite ops in any form outside of telemetry collection where you don?t want to have additional wear on a rotor you use for making contacts. 73, Mike Diehl W8LID/VE6LID > On Jun 5, 2020, at 12:58, Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ? > Are there any commercially available skew planar or ?cloverleaf? antennas available for 2 Meters/432? These have become commonplace for drone operations at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz because they offer circular polarization. This makes control of the aircraft more reliable as it moves through space with changing antenna orientation. Previously, omnidirectional antennas similar to our ?rubber ducks? were the norm. > > Skew planar antennas seem to offer a good option for satellite operations, especially portable. But availability is always an issue. > > > > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From zmetzing at pobox.com Fri Jun 5 19:37:40 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 14:37:40 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Skew Planar or Cloverleaf Antennas In-Reply-To: References: <06CEE5A8-AEB6-4726-A7B8-86CB1915C531@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: <338817ea-ff0d-2172-e596-a0252ba4b776@pobox.com> On 06/05/20 14:19, Mike Diehl via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Trying to grasp how these would be especially advantageous to portable satellite ops. Actually, I?m trying to grasp how omni antennas would be advantageous for satellite ops in any form outside of telemetry collection where you don?t want to have additional wear on a rotor you use for making contacts. Easier to set up for the newbie, who may not want to put up a rotator right off the bat. Sure, performance suffers without directional gain, but life is a series of tradeoffs. I have two 2m antennas which aren't movable and have little/no directional gain (copper pipe J-pole and copper pipe folded horizontal dipole). Both can easily hear the FM and linear sats, even after 50' of RG-8X. However, based on the elevation plot, I'm not too sure that this antenna would be useful. They have gain below the horizon that would better be used above 0 degrees. Hard to hear a satellite through miles and miles of dirt. :-) Or, perhaps I'm interpreting Figure 1 wrong on [1]. --- Zach N0ZGO [1] http://www.ve3byt.com/SkewPlanarAntenna/ From propgrinder at gmail.com Fri Jun 5 20:39:27 2020 From: propgrinder at gmail.com (Bob Hammond) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 13:39:27 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I use a fiberglass mast by MGS for my M2 LEO antennas and G5500 rotator. Works fine. You may not have enough room for the guy lines? I have expired HOA covenants, the best kind! Mine is up about 30-35 feet. PM me for details if you're interested. Bob W7OTJ On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 12:08 PM Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Thanks. I've gotten a number of responses ranging from: > Put up a tower > Put it in the attic > Put it on a tripod on the roof > And - yours - put it somewhere reasonable and don't freak out about the > attenuation. > > The garage and the house both have 8/12 pitch roofs, so that's my concern > with mounting on the roof. I've done it before but I'm happy about it. > The garage is lower, so less of a fall, but still steep. > > I might be able to get a small AZ/EL setup inside the attic above the > garage. The issue there is my shack is on the exact opposite side of the > house. So, I'd most likely need to move the shack to the garage attic. > There's power up there, but no insulation. Maybe I could put the IC-9700 > there and remotely control it? > > I've thought about a tower... But there are so many tower options, it's a > little daunting. If I put the tower just outside where the shack is, I'd > need about 38' to clear the highest peak of the house roof. I could go > lower and just live with a little extra attenuation from the house roof. > And I assume any tower would come with the need to deal with the local > zoning/permit guys. If I go that route, I'd want the tower to be high > enough to use as the center of a dipole also. > > Too many options... > > Rich > KD2CQ > > > > > > On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 2:18 PM satop wrote: > > > Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived in an > > large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak roof, think > > 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a three > > story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in the front and > very > > poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story wood > shed > > on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline to the > > shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup worked > > fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre purchased a Super-Amp > > SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some antennas with > > some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage or > lower > > build. > > > > Gary/N8AYY > > > > > > Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Sat Jun 6 00:02:57 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 20:02:57 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Rich, the attic has always seemed like an attractive location to me, but I'd suggest before you go that route, do some reception checking. For example, see how well you receive one of the Foxes on an HT on the ground outside, and then go to the attic and see how similar it is. For reasons unknown, the last time I tried this I was totally unable to get ANYTHING in the attic, although I know some people have done well there.. I wonder if it relates to the spacing of the nails compared to the wavelength, or something about the particular mixture of material used in the shingles? On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 4:44 PM Bob Hammond via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I use a fiberglass mast by MGS for my M2 LEO antennas and G5500 rotator. > Works fine. > You may not have enough room for the guy lines? I have expired HOA > covenants, the best kind! > Mine is up about 30-35 feet. PM me for details if you're interested. > > Bob W7OTJ > > On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 12:08 PM Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > Thanks. I've gotten a number of responses ranging from: > > Put up a tower > > Put it in the attic > > Put it on a tripod on the roof > > And - yours - put it somewhere reasonable and don't freak out about the > > attenuation. > > > > The garage and the house both have 8/12 pitch roofs, so that's my concern > > with mounting on the roof. I've done it before but I'm happy about it. > > The garage is lower, so less of a fall, but still steep. > > > > I might be able to get a small AZ/EL setup inside the attic above the > > garage. The issue there is my shack is on the exact opposite side of the > > house. So, I'd most likely need to move the shack to the garage attic. > > There's power up there, but no insulation. Maybe I could put the IC-9700 > > there and remotely control it? > > > > I've thought about a tower... But there are so many tower options, it's a > > little daunting. If I put the tower just outside where the shack is, I'd > > need about 38' to clear the highest peak of the house roof. I could go > > lower and just live with a little extra attenuation from the house roof. > > And I assume any tower would come with the need to deal with the local > > zoning/permit guys. If I go that route, I'd want the tower to be high > > enough to use as the center of a dipole also. > > > > Too many options... > > > > Rich > > KD2CQ > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 2:18 PM satop wrote: > > > > > Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived in an > > > large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak roof, think > > > 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a three > > > story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in the front and > > very > > > poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story wood > > shed > > > on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline to the > > > shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup worked > > > fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre purchased a Super-Amp > > > SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some antennas > with > > > some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage or > > lower > > > build. > > > > > > Gary/N8AYY > > > > > > > > > Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email. > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kc5qbc at swbell.net Sat Jun 6 01:23:31 2020 From: kc5qbc at swbell.net (Floyd Rodgers) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 20:23:31 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Many newer houses have foil backed plywood decking to block heat transfer. That also blocks rf. Floyd KC5QBC > On Jun 5, 2020, at 7:02 PM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Rich, the attic has always seemed like an attractive location to me, but > I'd suggest before you go that route, do some reception checking. For > example, see how well you receive one of the Foxes on an HT on the ground > outside, and then go to the attic and see how similar it is. > > For reasons unknown, the last time I tried this I was totally unable to get > ANYTHING in the attic, although I know some people have done well there.. > I wonder if it relates to the spacing of the nails compared to the > wavelength, or something about the particular mixture of material used in > the shingles? > > On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 4:44 PM Bob Hammond via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > >> I use a fiberglass mast by MGS for my M2 LEO antennas and G5500 rotator. >> Works fine. >> You may not have enough room for the guy lines? I have expired HOA >> covenants, the best kind! >> Mine is up about 30-35 feet. PM me for details if you're interested. >> >> Bob W7OTJ >> >> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 12:08 PM Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: >> >>> Thanks. I've gotten a number of responses ranging from: >>> Put up a tower >>> Put it in the attic >>> Put it on a tripod on the roof >>> And - yours - put it somewhere reasonable and don't freak out about the >>> attenuation. >>> >>> The garage and the house both have 8/12 pitch roofs, so that's my concern >>> with mounting on the roof. I've done it before but I'm happy about it. >>> The garage is lower, so less of a fall, but still steep. >>> >>> I might be able to get a small AZ/EL setup inside the attic above the >>> garage. The issue there is my shack is on the exact opposite side of the >>> house. So, I'd most likely need to move the shack to the garage attic. >>> There's power up there, but no insulation. Maybe I could put the IC-9700 >>> there and remotely control it? >>> >>> I've thought about a tower... But there are so many tower options, it's a >>> little daunting. If I put the tower just outside where the shack is, I'd >>> need about 38' to clear the highest peak of the house roof. I could go >>> lower and just live with a little extra attenuation from the house roof. >>> And I assume any tower would come with the need to deal with the local >>> zoning/permit guys. If I go that route, I'd want the tower to be high >>> enough to use as the center of a dipole also. >>> >>> Too many options... >>> >>> Rich >>> KD2CQ >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 2:18 PM satop wrote: >>>> >>>> Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived in an >>>> large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak roof, think >>>> 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a three >>>> story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in the front and >>> very >>>> poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story wood >>> shed >>>> on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline to the >>>> shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup worked >>>> fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre purchased a Super-Amp >>>> SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some antennas >> with >>>> some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage or >>> lower >>>> build. >>>> >>>> Gary/N8AYY >>>> >>>> >>>> Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email. >>>> >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >> Opinions >>> expressed >>> are solely those of the author, and 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 >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions >> expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From rbutler at tsss.org Sat Jun 6 01:27:47 2020 From: rbutler at tsss.org (Ryan Butler) Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2020 20:27:47 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: What's everyone using for rotor cable to feed the Alpha Spid? Ryan, NF0T On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 1:45 PM Leffke, Zachary via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Hi Dave, > We use a lot of the RAS/HR and Big-RAS/HRs at VT in our ground station and > on other projects. My biggest recommendation is if you don't absolutely > need the resolution, don't get the high resolution variants (0.2 deg > resolution). It uses a quadrature encoder feedback mechanism that is > highly susceptible to EMI corruption leading to 'dropped counts' and a > general slew of problems related to calibration and reliable pointing > knowledge. We have constantly battled this problem since day 1 of the VTGS > and still don't have reliable resolution for the problem (but enough > band-aid solutions to keep limping along and periodic trips out to the > tracking station to recalibrate). The smaller Ras/HRs seem to generally do > better on the feedback front (still high resolution with the quadrature > feedback) for some reason, but we typically use those in 'deployable' > scenarios and the feedback cabling is much shorter (maybe 20ft or so)....so > not necessarily an apples to apples comparison with the perm > anently installed Big-RAS/HRs that have longer feedback cables (roughly > 100-200 ft depending on which antenna stack we're talking about) and > generaly seem to be more prone to issues. I also personally own a Ras/HR > (smaller one) with the high res feedback and a 2.4m solid dish mounted on > it. It can handle the load just fine with proper counterweighting and so > far I haven't had any feedback issues (roughly 50ft feedback > cable)....knock on wood. > > The 'non high resolution' (low resolution?...its still accurate to about 1 > deg) variants use plain ol' potentiometer feedback. I don't have direct > experience with them, but have reports from some colleagues that they > haven't had any serious or repetitive issues with pointing calibration > (some radio astronomers in Physics dept are using one with a 2m dish). (I > think that one uses a different controller than the MD-01 that we use, but > I think the MD-01 or MD-02 could handle either type of feedback). > > Other 'warnings' include realizing they have no mechanical stops in > azimuth (they do in elevation, roughly at 180 deg limits). That said, it > isn't really a problem as most controllers work reliably with 'software > limits' and the MD-01s at least have timeouts that help if things 'go > wonky' with feedback. There are some cases though that result in the > perfect storm of corrupted feedback that goes undetected by the MD-01 that > could lead to a bad azimuth situation; in our case we monitor antenna > motion on a camera, so are able to mitigate that scenario with human > intervention (and our custom control software looks for 'impossible speeds' > as reported by the MD-01 positions that further helps mitigate that when > the feedback goes awry). > > Mechanically, they have done very well for us with the double-worm gear > design, imperceptible gear slip (if any). I've heard of folks having > mechanical failures, but I don't know the details, and that hasn't been my > experience. As an example, at the height of 'performance' I was able to > reliably track multiple S-Band downlinks with a 3m mesh dish antenna with > no discernible negative effects due to point errors or 'jiggle' in the > system (part of that is the ramp up, also part the counterweighting). In > the 5 or so years we've been running them, we haven't had any major > mechanical malfunctions (knock on wood), and part of that is probably due > to periodic maintenance (re-greasing and such), which I've done at least > once (can't remember exactly, maybe twice in that 5 year window). Part of > that is also the fact that we tend to use the yagi stacks with a lighter > load a lot more than the larger dish systems, I might be singing a > different tune if the dishes were used daily. > > The MD-01 controller (and MD-02s as well for non-rackmount variants) does > have some nice ramp-up/ramp-down features, particularly useful for larger > systems (like our 4.5m dish). I do wish the API documentation for the > MD-01 command interface was a little better...but we've been able to work > through it (for example, they changed the protocol a bit in a relatively > recent firmware update that broke compatibility with our software and > presumably things like rotctl in hamlib, but I think that has all been > fixed/updated). The API issue might not be a problem for most folks not > interested in writing their own software, or if you are using a different > controller. The overall documentation situation is a little 'meh' in > general as there have been a lot of versions and such released and they are > on different websites run by different folks.....but at least there is > documentation at all and a little reading and experimentation is usually > enough to get what you need, and the basics such as th > e wiring diagram hasn't really changed over the years. > > I can't directly speak to the SatPC32 question because we don't use it. > Other than that firmware update hiccup, I'd be willing to bet it works fine. > > Bottom Line: When they work, they seem to work well, at least in my > experience. If I were going to buy one today for personal use, I'd get one > with the potentiometer feedback if the intended use is for something like a > few Yagis and if I were planning a more permanent installation. If I were > going to buy something for VT/work with a better funding source than my > 'hobby budget' I'd probably look for something better, like M2 products > (pretty significant jump in price point though). > > I hope this helps. > -Zach, KJ4QLP > > -- > Research Associate > Aerospace & Ocean 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 > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Dave via AMSAT-BB > Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 1:20 PM > To: AMSAT BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator > > Is anyone using an Alpha Spid az/el rotor? If so how do you like it? Would > you recommend it over the Yaesu's and are there any issues using it with > SatPC32? > > Thanks, > > Dave > N2OA > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From zleffke at vt.edu Sat Jun 6 02:08:13 2020 From: zleffke at vt.edu (Leffke, Zachary) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 02:08:13 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: We have tried multiple kinds at VT, with varying amounts of success for the quadrature encoder feedback. For the motor cabling, we use standard unshielded, multiconductor rotator cable. I don?t have the specific specs, but it was something like typical 14AWG or 16 AWG wires in an 8 conductor bundle. If memory serves I believe we got some spools from The RF Connection (therfc.com?.highly recommend them for all things cable related, particularly coax). The unused conductors we break out in a junction box under the rotator to perform other functions (like pol switch selection and/or LNA power, PTT control, etc.). So far, running the motor signals in an unshielded cable, along with other signals for the overall antenna stack (not the rotator feedback) hasn?t been an issue. PWM is used during ramp up/down, on fairly high current carrying lines, so we were a little worried about self-induced EMI, but it turned out to not be an issue. we have not noticed any correlation between motor motion and the feedback EMI issues (we spent countless hours testing this, and sometimes the EMI issues were so bad the controller would ?count pulses? and increment/decrement the feedback position even when the motors weren?t active). This has also not caused any noticeable degradation in the RF systems (the internal LNA power conditioning appears to suppress any EMI on the supply line very well?.go Advanced Receiver Research! Please start building mast mount, bypassable, LNAs again?..). The original installation used the manufacturer recommended shielded cable for each feedback pair (a dedicated shielded pair for az, a completely separate one for el, and a completely separate one for the 15V supply to the rotator feedback electronics (over the MIC-8 feedback connector). This worked reliably without a single glitch for over a few years now on 1 of our 4 rotators (our 3m dish system). The other 3 systems exhibited all kinds of intermittent issues. We played all kinds of games with noise suppression capacitors, grounding the shields on one end or the other (leaving the other end floating) or grounding both ends, all with minimal effect. Not sure what makes the one system so special (my ?golden child?) as nearly everything about it is identical to the other systems, they are so similar they are only one or two digits away from each other in the manufacturer serial numbers?.. We then moved to a 6 pair multiconductor shielded cable, not twisted pair (again can?t remember the specifics, I think we ordered it on mouser/digikey). This performed just about as good as the individual feedback twisted pairs (not well?.but sometimes OK). I?ve also used simple shielded Cat5 (Ethernet) cable with some success for the feeback lines. The trick is getting the twisted pair combinations correct for each axis of rotation. This really only worked reliably for shorter runs (maybe 50 ft or less) and I?ve only relied on it for the ?deployable? systems (I wouldn?t recommend this for long runs or permanent installs). The most reliable feedback setup we?ve achieved so far was the use of custom designed differential encoders/decoders. These encoders convert each of the quadrature signals ( two per axis) into a pair of differential signals at the tower just under the rotator (so 8 signals total, 2 per quadrature signal, one ?positive? one ?negative?). Each differential signal is sent over a shielded cat5 cable (rated for water and UV protection, obtained from DX Engineering) with each of the twisted pairs assigned to each differential pair (we use standard RJ45 connectors on the boards / cables). In the shack, next to the control box, we convert the differential signal back to a quadrature signal with the differential decoder board for injection into the feedback port of the MD-01 (which expects the quadrature signal). The 15V supply signal for this board and for the feedback circuitry of the rotator is routed over the general ?bundles? that are also used for the motor supply lines (and LNA power, ptt, pol switch, etc.). The differential encoder/decoder technique has nearly 100% removed our EMI issues. Super clean, perfect square waves, with almost 0 ripple on the output of the decoder (As measured on an oscope between the differential decoder and the MD-01 feeback port)??I wish they would directly include it in the rotator and controller feedback circuitry and highly recommend it for anyone out there cooking up new designs (like the ORI openRotor project). We are certainly not the first to use this technique (we got the idea from hams that have already done it, we just made our own boards). This has NOT removed all of our feedback issues, but has removed the feedback EMI issues. The remaining issues we?ve isolated to the rotator itself and we?re still limping along trying to figure it out, seems to be related to the hall effect sensor itself or maybe the tiny magnet coupled to the motor shaft?.not sure??then COVID-19 hit??.no more troubleshooting for a while?.. Hope this helps! -Zach, KJ4QLP -- Research Associate Aerospace & Ocean 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 From: Ryan Butler Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 9:28 PM To: Leffke, Zachary Cc: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator What's everyone using for rotor cable to feed the Alpha Spid? Ryan, NF0T On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 1:45 PM Leffke, Zachary via AMSAT-BB > wrote: Hi Dave, We use a lot of the RAS/HR and Big-RAS/HRs at VT in our ground station and on other projects. My biggest recommendation is if you don't absolutely need the resolution, don't get the high resolution variants (0.2 deg resolution). It uses a quadrature encoder feedback mechanism that is highly susceptible to EMI corruption leading to 'dropped counts' and a general slew of problems related to calibration and reliable pointing knowledge. We have constantly battled this problem since day 1 of the VTGS and still don't have reliable resolution for the problem (but enough band-aid solutions to keep limping along and periodic trips out to the tracking station to recalibrate). The smaller Ras/HRs seem to generally do better on the feedback front (still high resolution with the quadrature feedback) for some reason, but we typically use those in 'deployable' scenarios and the feedback cabling is much shorter (maybe 20ft or so)....so not necessarily an apples to apples comparison with the perm anently installed Big-RAS/HRs that have longer feedback cables (roughly 100-200 ft depending on which antenna stack we're talking about) and generaly seem to be more prone to issues. I also personally own a Ras/HR (smaller one) with the high res feedback and a 2.4m solid dish mounted on it. It can handle the load just fine with proper counterweighting and so far I haven't had any feedback issues (roughly 50ft feedback cable)....knock on wood. The 'non high resolution' (low resolution?...its still accurate to about 1 deg) variants use plain ol' potentiometer feedback. I don't have direct experience with them, but have reports from some colleagues that they haven't had any serious or repetitive issues with pointing calibration (some radio astronomers in Physics dept are using one with a 2m dish). (I think that one uses a different controller than the MD-01 that we use, but I think the MD-01 or MD-02 could handle either type of feedback). Other 'warnings' include realizing they have no mechanical stops in azimuth (they do in elevation, roughly at 180 deg limits). That said, it isn't really a problem as most controllers work reliably with 'software limits' and the MD-01s at least have timeouts that help if things 'go wonky' with feedback. There are some cases though that result in the perfect storm of corrupted feedback that goes undetected by the MD-01 that could lead to a bad azimuth situation; in our case we monitor antenna motion on a camera, so are able to mitigate that scenario with human intervention (and our custom control software looks for 'impossible speeds' as reported by the MD-01 positions that further helps mitigate that when the feedback goes awry). Mechanically, they have done very well for us with the double-worm gear design, imperceptible gear slip (if any). I've heard of folks having mechanical failures, but I don't know the details, and that hasn't been my experience. As an example, at the height of 'performance' I was able to reliably track multiple S-Band downlinks with a 3m mesh dish antenna with no discernible negative effects due to point errors or 'jiggle' in the system (part of that is the ramp up, also part the counterweighting). In the 5 or so years we've been running them, we haven't had any major mechanical malfunctions (knock on wood), and part of that is probably due to periodic maintenance (re-greasing and such), which I've done at least once (can't remember exactly, maybe twice in that 5 year window). Part of that is also the fact that we tend to use the yagi stacks with a lighter load a lot more than the larger dish systems, I might be singing a different tune if the dishes were used daily. The MD-01 controller (and MD-02s as well for non-rackmount variants) does have some nice ramp-up/ramp-down features, particularly useful for larger systems (like our 4.5m dish). I do wish the API documentation for the MD-01 command interface was a little better...but we've been able to work through it (for example, they changed the protocol a bit in a relatively recent firmware update that broke compatibility with our software and presumably things like rotctl in hamlib, but I think that has all been fixed/updated). The API issue might not be a problem for most folks not interested in writing their own software, or if you are using a different controller. The overall documentation situation is a little 'meh' in general as there have been a lot of versions and such released and they are on different websites run by different folks.....but at least there is documentation at all and a little reading and experimentation is usually enough to get what you need, and the basics such as th e wiring diagram hasn't really changed over the years. I can't directly speak to the SatPC32 question because we don't use it. Other than that firmware update hiccup, I'd be willing to bet it works fine. Bottom Line: When they work, they seem to work well, at least in my experience. If I were going to buy one today for personal use, I'd get one with the potentiometer feedback if the intended use is for something like a few Yagis and if I were planning a more permanent installation. If I were going to buy something for VT/work with a better funding source than my 'hobby budget' I'd probably look for something better, like M2 products (pretty significant jump in price point though). I hope this helps. -Zach, KJ4QLP -- Research Associate Aerospace & Ocean 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 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB > On Behalf Of Dave via AMSAT-BB Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 1:20 PM To: AMSAT BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator Is anyone using an Alpha Spid az/el rotor? If so how do you like it? Would you recommend it over the Yaesu's and are there any issues using it with SatPC32? Thanks, Dave N2OA _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From wandtosborne at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 04:41:16 2020 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 16:41:16 +1200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Next Rocket Lab launch Message-ID: <07a50d3d-2601-6db5-506f-a5777c9dfad3@gmail.com> Hi Folks, The next Rocket Lab launch window starts next Thursday 11th June at 04:43 UTC. See: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/ Since it's winter there may be some delays. For updates, check the twitter feed: https://twitter.com/rocketlab The launch should be streamed from the www.rocketlabusa.com web site from about 04:30 UTC. Since New Zealand is now at Covid19 level 2 and possibly level 1 by the launch date, people can travel to the launch site with few restrictions. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC From gw1fky at aol.com Sat Jun 6 08:51:41 2020 From: gw1fky at aol.com (gw1fky at aol.com) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 08:51:41 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Skewplane antennas References: <1197036803.158005.1591433501216.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1197036803.158005.1591433501216@mail.yahoo.com> Hi,Regarding the posts on the subject of "Skewplane Antennas"? - Some interesting reading and details may be found on the following web site :? ?www.vk6ysf.com/skew_planar_wheel_antenna.htmYou might also like to follow up the many studies and publications available in respect of the uses for aircraft, satellites and of course rovers on interplanetary missions.Ken EatonGW1FKY?? From rich at ourowndomain.com Sat Jun 6 14:55:11 2020 From: rich at ourowndomain.com (Rich Gopstein) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 10:55:11 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Yeah, I was wondering about that. I guess I could do a simple RF attenuation test. Rich On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 9:27 PM Floyd Rodgers via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Many newer houses have foil backed plywood decking to block heat transfer. > That also blocks rf. > > Floyd KC5QBC > > > On Jun 5, 2020, at 7:02 PM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > Rich, the attic has always seemed like an attractive location to me, but > > I'd suggest before you go that route, do some reception checking. For > > example, see how well you receive one of the Foxes on an HT on the > ground > > outside, and then go to the attic and see how similar it is. > > > > For reasons unknown, the last time I tried this I was totally unable to > get > > ANYTHING in the attic, although I know some people have done well there.. > > I wonder if it relates to the spacing of the nails compared to the > > wavelength, or something about the particular mixture of material used in > > the shingles? > > > > On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 4:44 PM Bob Hammond via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> > > wrote: > > > >> I use a fiberglass mast by MGS for my M2 LEO antennas and G5500 rotator. > >> Works fine. > >> You may not have enough room for the guy lines? I have expired HOA > >> covenants, the best kind! > >> Mine is up about 30-35 feet. PM me for details if you're interested. > >> > >> Bob W7OTJ > >> > >> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 12:08 PM Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >> > >>> Thanks. I've gotten a number of responses ranging from: > >>> Put up a tower > >>> Put it in the attic > >>> Put it on a tripod on the roof > >>> And - yours - put it somewhere reasonable and don't freak out about the > >>> attenuation. > >>> > >>> The garage and the house both have 8/12 pitch roofs, so that's my > concern > >>> with mounting on the roof. I've done it before but I'm happy about it. > >>> The garage is lower, so less of a fall, but still steep. > >>> > >>> I might be able to get a small AZ/EL setup inside the attic above the > >>> garage. The issue there is my shack is on the exact opposite side of > the > >>> house. So, I'd most likely need to move the shack to the garage attic. > >>> There's power up there, but no insulation. Maybe I could put the > IC-9700 > >>> there and remotely control it? > >>> > >>> I've thought about a tower... But there are so many tower options, > it's a > >>> little daunting. If I put the tower just outside where the shack is, > I'd > >>> need about 38' to clear the highest peak of the house roof. I could go > >>> lower and just live with a little extra attenuation from the house > roof. > >>> And I assume any tower would come with the need to deal with the local > >>> zoning/permit guys. If I go that route, I'd want the tower to be high > >>> enough to use as the center of a dipole also. > >>> > >>> Too many options... > >>> > >>> Rich > >>> KD2CQ > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>>> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 2:18 PM satop wrote: > >>>> > >>>> Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived in an > >>>> large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak roof, > think > >>>> 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a three > >>>> story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in the front and > >>> very > >>>> poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story wood > >>> shed > >>>> on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline to > the > >>>> shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup worked > >>>> fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre purchased a > Super-Amp > >>>> SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some antennas > >> with > >>>> some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage or > >>> lower > >>>> build. > >>>> > >>>> Gary/N8AYY > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email. > >>>> > >>>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > >>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > >> Opinions > >>> expressed > >>> are solely those of the author, and 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 > >>> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > >> expressed > >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kg4zlb at icloud.com Sat Jun 6 14:56:25 2020 From: kg4zlb at icloud.com (David Worboys) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 10:56:25 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF Message-ID: <8699FBC4-6AB8-46DB-9E70-21D383AECD39@icloud.com> Morning all, Would anyone be kind enough to send me a copy of their up to date Doppler.SQF file for SatPC32 ? I have a funny feeling that I am more than likely to ?fat-finger? the manual input of the satellites that are not already loaded and would like to avoid that headache if at all possible! Many thanks David KG4ZLB From marklhammond at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 15:14:30 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 11:14:30 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <8699FBC4-6AB8-46DB-9E70-21D383AECD39@icloud.com> References: <8699FBC4-6AB8-46DB-9E70-21D383AECD39@icloud.com> Message-ID: Hi David, Here is a link worth bookmarking! Thanks to Mineo JE9JPL. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/Doppler.sqf 73, Mark N8MH On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 11:03 AM David Worboys via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Morning all, > > Would anyone be kind enough to send me a copy of their up to date > Doppler.SQF file for SatPC32 ? I have a funny feeling that I am more than > likely to ?fat-finger? the manual input of the satellites that are not > already loaded and would like to avoid that headache if at all possible! > > Many thanks > > David > KG4ZLB > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From kg4zlb at icloud.com Sat Jun 6 15:30:34 2020 From: kg4zlb at icloud.com (David Worboys) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 11:30:34 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <8699FBC4-6AB8-46DB-9E70-21D383AECD39@icloud.com> References: <8699FBC4-6AB8-46DB-9E70-21D383AECD39@icloud.com> Message-ID: Many thanks to Mark, N8MH On Jun 6, 2020, at 10:56 AM, David Worboys via AMSAT-BB wrote: Morning all, Would anyone be kind enough to send me a copy of their up to date Doppler.SQF file for SatPC32 ? I have a funny feeling that I am more than likely to ?fat-finger? the manual input of the satellites that are not already loaded and would like to avoid that headache if at all possible! Many thanks David KG4ZLB _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From les at highnoonfilm.com Sat Jun 6 15:55:06 2020 From: les at highnoonfilm.com (Les Rayburn) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 10:55:06 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Active Satellites Doppler .SQF File Message-ID: <64F4938C-EB88-45C5-AC21-2AD6834F0638@highnoonfilm.com> The link to Mineo?s updated Doppler.SQF file is a great resource. Thanks also to Mark for sharing it. I frequently take long breaks from the hobby when work demands, and getting active on satellites again after a hiatus is always a challenge. This helps a lot. I?m most active on voice satellites, linear birds and FM. Which satellites are the most active currently to look for contacts? 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member From marklhammond at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 16:04:37 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:04:37 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Active Satellites Doppler .SQF File In-Reply-To: <64F4938C-EB88-45C5-AC21-2AD6834F0638@highnoonfilm.com> References: <64F4938C-EB88-45C5-AC21-2AD6834F0638@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: Hi Les. This is one of the best places to see what is operational. Another good one to bookmark. Or make it your browser?s startup page ;) https://www.amsat.org/status/ 73, Mark N8MH On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 11:56 AM Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The link to Mineo?s updated Doppler.SQF file is a great resource. Thanks > also to Mark for sharing it. I frequently take long breaks from the hobby > when work demands, and getting active on satellites again after a hiatus is > always a challenge. This helps a lot. > > I?m most active on voice satellites, linear birds and FM. Which satellites > are the most active currently to look for contacts? > > > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From ei7m-wkt at asahi-net.or.jp Sat Jun 6 15:59:18 2020 From: ei7m-wkt at asahi-net.or.jp (Mineo Wakita) Date: 7 Jun 2020 00:59:18 +0900 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF Message-ID: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> Please let me know if I make a miss_typo. JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita From kg4zlb at icloud.com Sat Jun 6 16:12:42 2020 From: kg4zlb at icloud.com (David Worboys) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:12:42 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> References: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> Message-ID: I copied the file and rebooted but some frequencies are still not showing in the main window so maybe I missed a step somewhere - thank you for providing the file though! David KG4ZLB On Jun 6, 2020, at 11:59 AM, Mineo Wakita via AMSAT-BB wrote: Please let me know if I make a miss_typo. JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From kb1pvh at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 16:19:59 2020 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:19:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> Message-ID: You need to make sure the satellite name in doppler.sqf match the name in the keps EXACTLY. Also, knowing how to add or modify entries in the doppler.sqf file is a good skill to have if you plan on using SatPC32. AMSAT has a page that will generate the the lines for you from info you input. https://www.amsat.org/doppler-sqf-line-generator/ Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Sat, Jun 6, 2020, 12:14 PM David Worboys via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I copied the file and rebooted but some frequencies are still not showing > in the main window so maybe I missed a step somewhere - thank you for > providing the file though! > > > David > KG4ZLB > > > > > On Jun 6, 2020, at 11:59 AM, Mineo Wakita via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > Please let me know if I make a miss_typo. > > JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From marklhammond at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 16:25:58 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:25:58 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> Message-ID: David, the satellite names in DOPPLER.sqf must match whatever TLE/Keps file you?re using. Once you edit DOPPLER.sqf to match, it?s smooth sailing. I use nasabare.txt so my Doppler file matches those names. (Yes I know about Amsatnames.TXT, but that may be more work than it?s worth!) Mark N8MH. On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 12:14 PM David Worboys via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I copied the file and rebooted but some frequencies are still not showing > in the main window so maybe I missed a step somewhere - thank you for > providing the file though! > > > David > KG4ZLB > > > > > On Jun 6, 2020, at 11:59 AM, Mineo Wakita via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > Please let me know if I make a miss_typo. > > JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Sat Jun 6 16:29:29 2020 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2020 08:29:29 -0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator Message-ID: <202006061629.056GTUth022787@mail40c28.carrierzone.com> Note: I am using the Alpha-Spid RAK as azimuth rotator on eme for 50 and 144 MHz. No experience with RAS. Only have the RAK installed for my 144-eme array of four XP yagis at this point. I have about 150-foot cable run and using 8-conductor standard rotator cable (only four needed by the Spid) I had excessive voltage loss on the motor lines (dropped to 8vdc). Even paralleling some of the unused wires did not solve. I finally use a pair of No. 10 wires to get 12v to the rotator. I run 18vac into the controller (which has a bridge rectifier) to obtain 24vdc unloaded on output. Loaded the voltage sags to about 18vdc at the controller, but runs the rotator fine. Use the No. 20 control wires in the original rotor cable for indication with no issues. I have the 1-degree resolution rotator (good enough for 50 or 144-MHz). Previously, I ran a Ham-IV which only provides 5-degree movement due to the brake system. Ham-IV was challenged for torque by the eme array. Spid seems to handle that FB. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubususa at gmail.com From ve3nxk at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 16:31:04 2020 From: ve3nxk at gmail.com (Bill Booth) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:31:04 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> Message-ID: <4721aa0d-6eaf-f164-fcb3-631620ad37d6@gmail.com> On 2020-06-06 12:12 p.m., David Worboys via AMSAT-BB wrote: > so maybe I missed a step somewhere No you did not. Some of the sats on that list are not the same names as in the Amsat published list for tracking. I just used it and found the same. -- 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 wb7qxu at juno.com Sat Jun 6 16:52:06 2020 From: wb7qxu at juno.com (wb7qxu at juno.com) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 09:52:06 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] PacsatGround Software Message-ID: Anyone use this software PacsatGround with a KANTRONICS KPC-9612+ if so please contact Mike wb7qxu at juno.com. I am not able to get this software to talk to my TNC. ____________________________________________________________ Sponsored by https://www.newser.com/?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_taglines_more 2 Buffalo Police Officers Are Charged With Assault http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5edbca0817f894a077452st04duc1 Zuckerberg: It's Time I Take a Fresh Look at Things http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5edbca08329454a077452st04duc2 Ivanka Trump Isn't Happy After Getting 'Cancelled' http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5edbca084dc634a077452st04duc3 From wa7fwf at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 19:00:57 2020 From: wa7fwf at gmail.com (Kevin) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:00:57 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] PacsatGround Software In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3bdf7815-665a-f31a-e440-fa10c953e3c9@gmail.com> Mike I tried replying privately but it bounced as "address couldn't be found, or is unable to receive mail". so here it is again Hi Mike, ?I run a 9612+ with pacsatground try this... Using putty or any other terminal program issue the following port 2 cd ext/ext fulldup off/on mon off/on maxusers 0/1 int kiss reset once you enter the reset you will now be in kiss mode and can no longer issue commands exit your terminal program now startup pacsatground and you should be in business make sure in pacsatground you turn off toggle out of kiss mode on exit or you will have to go through these steps each time you start it also I have noticed a bug where you exit pacsatground and the next time you start it says it cannot open the com port I'm thinking it leaves it in a odd state, to fix just go into windows device mgr and disable and then enable the com port and it should now work. Let me know if this does it for you. 73 Kevin WA7FWF From bernd1peters at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 19:45:01 2020 From: bernd1peters at gmail.com (bernd1peters at gmail.com) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:45:01 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <285501d63c3a$f7d290b0$e777b210$@gmail.com> An indoors antenna would not work in my house. I took my Arrows antenna inside and I basically hear nothing. Even just behind a modern double pane window (I believe they have some polarization filters) you pretty much hear nothing. 73, Bernd - KB7AK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2020 7:55 AM To: Floyd Rodgers Cc: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org; satop Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location Yeah, I was wondering about that. I guess I could do a simple RF attenuation test. Rich On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 9:27 PM Floyd Rodgers via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Many newer houses have foil backed plywood decking to block heat transfer. > That also blocks rf. > > Floyd KC5QBC > > > On Jun 5, 2020, at 7:02 PM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > Rich, the attic has always seemed like an attractive location to > > me, but I'd suggest before you go that route, do some reception > > checking. For example, see how well you receive one of the Foxes > > on an HT on the > ground > > outside, and then go to the attic and see how similar it is. > > > > For reasons unknown, the last time I tried this I was totally unable > > to > get > > ANYTHING in the attic, although I know some people have done well there.. > > I wonder if it relates to the spacing of the nails compared to the > > wavelength, or something about the particular mixture of material > > used in the shingles? > > > > On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 4:44 PM Bob Hammond via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> > > wrote: > > > >> I use a fiberglass mast by MGS for my M2 LEO antennas and G5500 rotator. > >> Works fine. > >> You may not have enough room for the guy lines? I have expired HOA > >> covenants, the best kind! > >> Mine is up about 30-35 feet. PM me for details if you're interested. > >> > >> Bob W7OTJ > >> > >> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 12:08 PM Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >> > >>> Thanks. I've gotten a number of responses ranging from: > >>> Put up a tower > >>> Put it in the attic > >>> Put it on a tripod on the roof > >>> And - yours - put it somewhere reasonable and don't freak out > >>> about the attenuation. > >>> > >>> The garage and the house both have 8/12 pitch roofs, so that's my > concern > >>> with mounting on the roof. I've done it before but I'm happy about it. > >>> The garage is lower, so less of a fall, but still steep. > >>> > >>> I might be able to get a small AZ/EL setup inside the attic above > >>> the garage. The issue there is my shack is on the exact opposite > >>> side of > the > >>> house. So, I'd most likely need to move the shack to the garage attic. > >>> There's power up there, but no insulation. Maybe I could put the > IC-9700 > >>> there and remotely control it? > >>> > >>> I've thought about a tower... But there are so many tower options, > it's a > >>> little daunting. If I put the tower just outside where the shack > >>> is, > I'd > >>> need about 38' to clear the highest peak of the house roof. I > >>> could go lower and just live with a little extra attenuation from > >>> the house > roof. > >>> And I assume any tower would come with the need to deal with the > >>> local zoning/permit guys. If I go that route, I'd want the tower > >>> to be high enough to use as the center of a dipole also. > >>> > >>> Too many options... > >>> > >>> Rich > >>> KD2CQ > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>>> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 2:18 PM satop wrote: > >>>> > >>>> Rich, my last location was worse than yours I believe. I lived > >>>> in an large city two story home with 9' ceilings and a large peak > >>>> roof, > think > >>>> 1903 style. There was a three story home on the east side and a > >>>> three story church on the west. Three very large oak trees in > >>>> the front and > >>> very > >>>> poor aim points to the north. I mounted my tripod on a one story > >>>> wood > >>> shed > >>>> on the north end of the home. I had about a 60' run of hardline > >>>> to > the > >>>> shack and used high gain yagi antennas for vhf/uhf. This setup > >>>> worked fantasy and always was amazing to me. I even pre > >>>> purchased a > Super-Amp > >>>> SP-7000 for UHF but never found that I needed it. Use some > >>>> antennas > >> with > >>>> some gain and I'll bet you'll be just fine mounting on the garage > >>>> or > >>> lower > >>>> build. > >>>> > >>>> Gary/N8AYY > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email. > >>>> > >>>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum > >>> available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > >> Opinions > >>> expressed > >>> are solely those of the author, and 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 > >>> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum > >> available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > >> expressed > >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum > > available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From bernd1peters at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 19:54:29 2020 From: bernd1peters at gmail.com (bernd1peters at gmail.com) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 12:54:29 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <5EDBBD56.31982.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> Message-ID: <28a701d63c3c$4a4a83b0$dedf8b10$@gmail.com> Give an example of which ones are not showing up, that might make it a little easier to help you. 73, Bernd - KB7AK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of David Worboys via AMSAT-BB Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2020 9:13 AM To: Mineo Wakita Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF I copied the file and rebooted but some frequencies are still not showing in the main window so maybe I missed a step somewhere - thank you for providing the file though! David KG4ZLB On Jun 6, 2020, at 11:59 AM, Mineo Wakita via AMSAT-BB wrote: Please let me know if I make a miss_typo. JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From bob at taysys.com Sat Jun 6 17:33:33 2020 From: bob at taysys.com (Bob) Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2020 11:33:33 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.sqf Message-ID: If I have to manually update the doppler text files what is the purpose of the Update Keps button in SatPC ? Bob From charlieray at gmail.com Sat Jun 6 23:27:40 2020 From: charlieray at gmail.com (Charles Reiche) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 19:27:40 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.sqf In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Keps set where the satellite is in its orbit. The doppler file sets the frequencies and modes that the satellite operates on. The two together are used by SatPC32 to put your radio uplink and downlink frequencies in the right place at the right time. 73 N3CRT Charles Reiche On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 7:09 PM Bob via AMSAT-BB wrote: > If I have to manually update the doppler text files what is the purpose of > the Update Keps button in SatPC ? > > > > > > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From n8hm at arrl.net Sun Jun 7 00:00:07 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 17:00:07 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-159 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-159 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT, 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 commun- icating 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: * Newly Revised 2020 Digital Edition of ?Getting Started with Amateur Satellites? Now Available * Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Team in the United States Creates a New Organization: ARISS-USA * AMSAT President's Statement on Creation of ARISS-USA * Back Issues of The AMSAT Journal Available to AMSAT Members * AO-73 Now in Full-Time Transponder Mode * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for June 2020 * KG5FYJ Assigned to Upcoming ISS Mission * A New Way to Obtain GP Data (aka TLEs) * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Satellite Shorts from All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-159.01 ANS-159 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 159.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE June 7, 2020 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-159.01 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMSAT office is closed until further notice. For details, please visit https://www.amsat.org/amsat-office-closed-until-further-notice/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Newly Revised 2020 Digital Edition of ?Getting Started with Amateur Satellites? Now Available The 2020 edition of AMSAT's "Getting Started with Amateur Satellites" is now available on the AMSAT store. A perennial favorite, Getting Started is updated every year with the latest amateur satellite information, and is the premier primer of satellite operation. This definitive reference is written for the new satellite operator, but includes discussions for the experienced operator who wishes to review the features of amateur satellite communications. The new operator will be introduced to the basic concepts and terminology unique to this mode. Additionally, there are many practical tips and tricks to ensure making contacts, and to sound like an experienced satellite operator in the process. The book is presented in DRM-free PDF format, in full color, and covers all aspects of making your first contacts on a ham radio satellite. Joining the cover art for the first time this year is a depiction of the next generation of AMSAT satellites - AMSAT's GOLF series of 3U CubeSats. The digital download is available for $15 at https://tinyurl.com/2020GettingStarted [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Team in the United States Creates a New Organization: ARISS-USA In late May, the USA team of the ARISS International working group became an incorporated non-profit entity in the state of Maryland, officially becoming ARISS-USA. This move allows ARISS-USA to work as an independent organization, soliciting grants and donations. They will continue promoting amateur radio and STEAM?science, technology, engineering, arts, and math within educational organizations and inspire, engage and educate our next generation of space enthusiasts. ARISS-USA will maintain its collaborative work with ARISS International as well as with US sponsors, partners, and interest groups. The main goal of ARISS-USA remains as connecting educational groups with opportunities to interact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ARISS-USA will expand its human spaceflight opportunities with the space agencies, beyond low Earth orbit, starting with lunar opportunities including the Lunar Gateway. ARISS-USA will continue to review and accept proposals for ISS contacts and expand its other educational opportunities to increase interest in space sciences and radio communications. Becoming an independent organization has been discussed for quite some time. ARISS-USA lead Frank Bauer, KA3HDO said ?The scope and reach of what ARISS accomplishes each year has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1996. Our working group status made it cumbersome to establish partnerships, sign agreements and solicit grants. These can only be done as an established organization.? Bauer further elaborated, ?The ARISS-USA team remains deeply indebted to our working group partners?ARRL and AMSAT, who enabled the birth of ARISS?and our steadfast sponsors, NASA Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) and the ISS National Lab (INL).? ARISS-USA aims to keep earning high regards from all these partners and sponsors. While ARISS-USA is now an incorporated non-profit entity, we are in the process of applying for tax exemption as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific or educational organization. Until that status is approved by the USA Internal Revenue Service, donations made directly to ARISS-USA will not be tax deductible for taxpayers in the USA. Those wanting to make a tax deductible donation for the benefit of ARISS-USA can, in the meantime, continue to make donations to ARISS sponsor AMSAT-NA through the ARISS website at: www.ariss.org. As ARISS-USA begins a new era as a human spaceflight amateur radio organization, it acknowledges those who were so instrumental in the formation of human spaceflight amateur radio. These include Vic Clark, W4KFC and Dave Sumner, K1ZZ from the ARRL; Bill Tynan, W3XO and Tom Clark, W3IO from AMSAT; Roy Neal, K6DUE a major guide for SAREX and ARISS; and NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL. Also remembered is Pam Mountjoy, NASA education, who had the vision to develop the ARISS working group as a single amateur radio focus into the space agencies. All of these giants? shoulders are what ARISS-USA rests upon. [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT President's Statement on Creation of ARISS-USA Announced June 5, 2020, ARISS-USA has been formed as a non-profit corporation to operate independently of The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Since the formation of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) in the mid-1990s, AMSAT has been a consistent supplier of technical expertise, funding, and operational logistics. AMSAT will work with ARISS-USA to ensure a smooth transition for operations and funding. Over the years, as the scope and activity of ARISS grew, AMSAT continued its financial backing in times of need, providing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund projects and operations. Many of AMSAT?s members are an integral part of the ARISS team. The human spaceflight element of AMSAT?s vision has been realized through these contributions. I offer my best wishes to ARISS-USA for a successful future. 73, Clayton W5PFG AMSAT President [ANS thanks Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, AMSAT President, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Back Issues of The AMSAT Journal Available to AMSAT Members All issues of The AMSAT Journal dating back to 2014 are now available to AMSAT members on AMSAT's new membership portal. The 1969-2013 archive will be added at a later date. Stay tuned for additional member benefits coming soon. If you're a current AMSAT member, get logged on today. If you are not yet a member, consider joining today. https://launch.amsat.org/ [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President, and Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President - User Services for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE ? a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AO-73 Now in Full-Time Transponder Mode After some eight months in continuous sunlight, AO-73 (FUNcube-1) has now started to see some eclipses during each orbit. The telemetry received has shown that the spacecraft continued to function perfectly during this period and the on board temperatures did not reach excessively high levels. After this became clear, our next concern was the battery. Having been kept fully charged for this period, would it actually hold a charge and do its job when in eclipse? After three weeks of increasing eclipse periods we can now see that indeed the Li battery appears to be ok and the bus voltage has not yet dropped below 8.1 volts. So today we have changed the operating mode from high power telemetry educational mode to continuous amateur mode with the transponder ON. The telemetry continues to be available, albeit at low power. We will, of course, continue to carefully monitor the data but are planning to leave the spacecraft in this mode for at least the next week. Please enjoy using it! [ANS thanks Graham Shirville, G3VZV, of the FUNcube Team, and AMSAT-UK for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Purchase AMSAT Gear on our Zazzle storefront. 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ VUCC Awards-Endorsements for June 2020 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period May 1, 2020 through June 1, 2020. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL May June W5CBF 564 657 K9UO 565 575 KI7UNJ New 510 WA9JBQ 250 275 W4DTA 240 261 W4ZXT 202 252 KE0WPA 152 200 W5CBF(EM21) 179 184 DL4ZAB 172 178 KE4BKL 101 125 N4BAF 100 118 AA0CW New 105 N5EKO New 102 W8EH New 101 W8EH New 100 KN4GQB New 100 KX9X New 100 W9TTY New 100 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 the two months. 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 Parsons, W5RKN, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- KG5FYJ Assigned to Upcoming ISS Mission NASA has assigned astronaut Kate Rubins, KG5FYJ, to a six-month mis- sion to the International Space Station as a flight engineer and member of the Expedition 63/64 crew. Rubins, along with cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, are scheduled to launch Oct. 14 on the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakh- stan. Among some of the hundreds of experiments ongoing during her mission, Rubins will conduct research using the Cold Atom Lab to study the use of laser-cooled atoms for future quantum sensors, and will work on a cardiovascular experiment that builds on an investigation she completed during her previous mission. NASA selected Rubins as an astronaut in 2009, she was licensed as a Technician class amateur in 2015, and she completed her first space- flight in 2016 as an Expedition 48/49 crew member. She launched July 6, 2016, and spent 115 days in space, during which she conducted two space- walks totaling 12 hours and 46 minutes before her return to Earth Oct. 29, 2016. During her stay on the space station, Rubins helped advance i mportant science and research and became the first person to sequence DNA in space. Born in Farmington, Connecticut, and raised in Napa, California, Rubins received a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology from the University of California, San Diego, in 1999 and a doctorate in cancer biology in 2005 from Stanford University School of Medicine?s Depart- ment of Biochemistry and Department of Microbiology and Immunology in Palo Alto, California. Before joining NASA, Rubins worked as a fellow/ principal investigator at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Re- search in Cambridge and headed 14 researchers studying viral diseases that primarily affect Central and West Africa. [ANS thanks NASA for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ A New Way to Obtain GP Data (aka TLEs) The US government has provided GP or general perturbations orbital data to the rest of the world since the 1970s. These data are produced by fitting observations from the US Space Surveillance Network (SSN) to produce Brouwer mean elements using the SGP4 or Simplified General Perturbations 4 orbit propagator. Many of you are familiar with this data in the form of TLEs or Two- Line Element Sets. TLEs were designed to provide the minimum data necessary to propagate the orbit of a resident space object (RSO) at a time when both bandwidth for transmission or digital storage were extremely limited. In fact, at the time, transmission might be via fax, hard copy (postal delivery), or even read over the phone and storage was handled using punch cards or magnetic tape. While this format has served us well for many decades, it has not been without its share of problems. For example, the choice of a two-digit year caused many problems approaching Y2K?problems that were side- stepped by redefining what those two digits represented?but that Y2K problem persists fully 20 years into the 21st century. And now we are approaching another milestone where we will no longer be able to catalog all the objects we track within the 5-digit catalog number limitation of the TLE format. One of the key drivers forcing us to consider tracking more than 100,000 objects is the activation of the Space Fence on Kwajalein Atoll. The Space Fence reached initial operational capability (IOC) on 2020 Mar 27 and is expected to track far more than the ~26,000 objects currently tracked by the SSN?perhaps by as much as an order of magnitude. And we are expecting to see public availability of data from the Space Fence starting some time this summer (2020). The 18th Space Control Squadron (18 SPCS) has already transitioned internally to using 9- digit catalog numbers in support of these changes and we expect 18 SPCS to release data from the Space Fence using 9-digit catalog numbers. For the complete article, please see: https://celestrak.com/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php [ANS thanks Dr. T.S. Kelso of CelsTrak for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events Want to see AMSAT in action or learn more about amateur radio in space? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. Due to COVID-19, many hamfest and events around the United States have been canceled or postponed. While we make every effort to ensure the information contained below is correct, there may be some that we missed. We wish all of you safekeeping and hope to be at a hamfest near you soon. The following events scheduled to have an AMSAT presence have been CANCELED: June 12-13, 2020, Ham-Com, Plano, TX [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President - User Services, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: EN55: @KC9KKA Currently planning the somewhat elusive EN67 on June 12 for a couple passes and some POTA. EM98, EM98 and EM97: @NoTEL_0738, I will be in West Virginia from June 10-13. I will be in EM88/98 and possibly EM97. FM sats only. I will probably activate a couple different grids going to WV on June 9 and returning home on June 14 (no set plans). W6KSR (@W6KSR) He?s goin? fishin? end of this week in DM06. Be up there June 4th through 7th, working Panther Martin lures and FM satellites exclusively. CN81: Friday 6/5. @WB7VUF will be on AO91 and AO92 from 18:07 to 19:48 and may try SO50 FN54 and Maybe the FN44/54 line: KQ2RP/1 from June 6th to the 12th, Holiday style, listen for him on the FM birds. Hey you guys from the EU: @N4DCW be in EM56 June 5-7 with a semi- decent N-E horizon from his sister-in-law?s house. He will be on RS-44 and AO-7 looking for y?all. Major Roves: AD0DX is heading out again! Check out his QRZ page for details! Friday, June 12th: DM77, DM76 and DM75 Saturday, June 13th: DM65, DM75 Sunday, June 14th: DM66,DM67,DM76 and DM77 Corner DN98, 97, 96 & EN08,07,06,17,18,27 and 28: @AD0HJ North Dakota Mega Rove Part II: Another trip out to North Dakota between June 10th and June 14th to rove the grids I missed there (blue grids) two weeks ago. Look for a simplified pass schedule to be posted early next week. Ron (@AD0DX) and Doug (@N6UA) are making another run at the elusive DL88 in Big Bend National Park, TX. As we know they tried this grid back in March, and due to the mud couldn?t get to the grid, so never ones to quit, off they go again. Today the tentative date is Monday, July 6th, 2020. They will be using the K5Z call sign. More information is available at the K5Z QRZ Page. Please submit any additions or corrections to Ke0pbr (at) gmail.com [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + FoxTelem / Fox-in-a-Box Tips: 1) Use a short USB extension cord to physically isolate your SDR dongle from the computer/Pi. There will be less mechanical stress, and a better electrical connection, which will give fewer errors. 2) If you use an RTL-SDR dongle (not really supported, but mostly works), don't turn on DUV and High Speed at the same time. You will get an error when the decoder starts. Note especially if you have it set up to start when the satellite comes over the horizon. [ANS thanks Chris Thompson, G0KLA/AC2CZ, AMSAT FoxTelem Developer, and Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, AMSAT Flight Software, for this information] + The Harbin Institute of Technology released a short cartoon video entitled "Longjiang-2: Journey to the Moon" about LO-94, the world's smallest spacecraft which entered lunar orbit independently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGi1aACPA4A&feature=youtu.be [ANS thanks the Harbin Institute of Technology for this information] + Kylee Shirbroun, KE0WPA, posted a short portion of the science fair video she made about amateur radio satellites. It can be found at https://twitter.com/kylee_ke0wpa/status/1267867729320534016 [ANS thanks Kylee Shirbroun, KE0WPA, for this information] + Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL, maintains a Doppler.sqf file for using active amateur satellites in SatPC32. It can be found at: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/Doppler.sqf + The AMSAT Folding at home team continues to climb the rankings. Now in the top 1,200 of all teams at the time of this writing, the team has grown to 44 members with 77 active CPUs within the past 50 days and includes ten members in the top 100,000 of all users. Alex Free, N7AGF, is our top contributor with over 92,000,000 points credited to AMSAT's team. For more information about the Folding at home project and how you can contribute to scientific research, including the fight against COVID-19, see https://foldingathome.org/. AMSAT's team number is 69710: https://stats.foldingathome.org/team/69710 --------------------------------------------------------------------- /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 remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space, This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org From les at highnoonfilm.com Sun Jun 7 02:01:37 2020 From: les at highnoonfilm.com (Les Rayburn) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 21:01:37 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF Message-ID: So I cut and pasted the new Doppler.SQF file from JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita site. Restarted, but none of the satellites will track frequency. I assume this is due to a difference in the naming conventions in the Kep file. I use ?NASA ALL? for my keps. Not certain which version Mineo uses for his. Hate to complain about software when the proceeds are going to support AMSAT (much appreciated). But why does this have to be so difficult? It really should be as easy as ?update Keps? and everything syncs. Two pet peeves- - The lack of standardization in how satellites are named. And then they change names. This causes confusion and incompatibility with software, tracking apps, etc. Why not settle on a standard and stick to it? -The lack of modern GUI and user-friendly software for the amateur satellite community. If someone suggests open-source nonsense, my head might explode. Happy to pay handsomely for anyone who codes something to make this all easier. When I find another few hours with nothing to do, I?ll try to edit the Doppler.SQF file to match, troubleshoot until it works, etc. Thanks anyway. Probably won?t see me back on the birds this weekend. My hobby time is too limited. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member From ei7m-wkt at asahi-net.or.jp Sun Jun 7 02:38:32 2020 From: ei7m-wkt at asahi-net.or.jp (Mineo Wakita) Date: 7 Jun 2020 11:38:32 +0900 Subject: [amsat-bb] Doppler.SQF Message-ID: <5EDC5328.28908.001@leopold2.j.asahi-net.or.jp> OK, I will improve my SQF file. Wait a minute. From wageners at gmail.com Sun Jun 7 02:59:37 2020 From: wageners at gmail.com (Stefan Wagener) Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 21:59:37 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Les and others, Sorry, but why is this so difficult? Kepplerian elements are numerical data describing the orbit of a satellite. Math based on certain algorithms presented in 2 line format via service providers like Spacetrak and Celestrak generated by NORAD. These ?keps? will never include any information on what frequencies a satellite uses, since this is totally irrelevant and useless information for describing the orbit of a satellite. NORAD the originator of our orbital data does not, will not and should not care about a certain satellite frequency on 2m or 70cm. They just track orbital objects. SatPC32 will use any 2 line element source you tell it to use and track the satellite just fine. For tracking it just needs that information. Now, SatPC32 also allows for doppler correction and radio control of frequencies. It is handled by a small text file called doppler.sqf. That file will need someone to tell it what the new frequencies are and for what satellite. The author of SatPC32 ?Erich Eichman? has no idea, or crystal ball or visions in his dreams of which frequency a new satellite will use. That?s why he has given us the ability to edit the file as we seem fit. The only requirement is that the name of the satellite matches the name of the satellite that you selected with your keps. How else would the software know? Any and all satellite tracking software that does doppler control will require some sort of that input. SatPC32 does not have a magical wand or AI to do that for you. As of this moment we have maybe around 20 satellites that have some sort of amateur transponder and folks are finding it difficult editing a simple text file to match a satellite name and add some frequencies? All this information is available online. Copying someone?s doppler.sqf file is also not a good idea! That file is customized by someone based on the keps and satellite name they are using and sometimes even specific for their location since SatPC32 lets you adjust the doppler control based on your location and satellite and internally adjust the doppler.sqf frequencies. The author of SatPC32 has spent thousands of hours working on this program and he gets no financial return. He has donated the software to AMSAT and still updates it for new radios and features! Complaining about that is just not right! Hope that helps. 73 Stefan VE4SW On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 9:03 PM Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > So I cut and pasted the new Doppler.SQF file from JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita > site. Restarted, but none of the satellites will track frequency. I assume > this is due to a difference in the naming conventions in the Kep file. > > I use ?NASA ALL? for my keps. Not certain which version Mineo uses for > his. > > Hate to complain about software when the proceeds are going to support > AMSAT (much appreciated). But why does this have to be so difficult? It > really should be as easy as ?update Keps? and everything syncs. > > Two pet peeves- > > - The lack of standardization in how satellites are named. And then they > change names. This causes confusion and incompatibility with software, > tracking apps, etc. Why not settle on a standard and stick to it? > > -The lack of modern GUI and user-friendly software for the amateur > satellite community. If someone suggests open-source nonsense, my head > might explode. Happy to pay handsomely for anyone who codes something to > make this all easier. > > When I find another few hours with nothing to do, I?ll try to edit the > Doppler.SQF file to match, troubleshoot until it works, etc. > > Thanks anyway. Probably won?t see me back on the birds this weekend. My > hobby time is too limited. > > > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From les at highnoonfilm.com Sun Jun 7 05:58:00 2020 From: les at highnoonfilm.com (Les Rayburn) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 00:58:00 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> If one has unlimited time, nothing is difficult. Most of us don?t. Some of us have very limited time for hobby activities and would rather spend it making contacts rather than editing text files. There seem to be two fixes for this problem: -Standardize on a single name for a given satellite. Then it will agree across multiple pieces of software and avoid confusion. -Write a subroutine that will ensure that the naming convention of your Doppler.SQF file agrees with the Keps that you?re using in SatPC32, and correct it if necessary. This would say thousands of hams from editing text files?saving crazy amounts of hours for the hobby overall. I?d be more than willing to support anyone who wants to write that code. Your point is taken. But as I?ve said, I frequently must take hiatus from the hobby to do my work. It requires a lot of travel and massive hours devoted to each project that comes along. These can last weeks or months. If we have an active ?launch period? during that time, I face this task over and over again. This will make at least the 10th time I?ve gone through this exercise. It?s tiresome. The satellite community enjoys some fo the brightest hams in the hobby?yet we struggle with software to control our radios and track satellites that doesn?t have a modern GUI. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > On Jun 6, 2020, at 9:59 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote: > > Les and others, > > Sorry, but why is this so difficult? > > Kepplerian elements are numerical data describing the orbit of a satellite. Math based on certain algorithms presented in 2 line format via service providers like Spacetrak and Celestrak generated by NORAD. > > These ?keps? will never include any information on what frequencies a satellite uses, since this is totally irrelevant and useless information for describing the orbit of a satellite. NORAD the originator of our orbital data does not, will not and should not care about a certain satellite frequency on 2m or 70cm. They just track orbital objects. > > SatPC32 will use any 2 line element source you tell it to use and track the satellite just fine. For tracking it just needs that information. Now, SatPC32 also allows for doppler correction and radio control of frequencies. It is handled by a small text file called doppler.sqf. That file will need someone to tell it what the new frequencies are and for what satellite. The author of SatPC32 ?Erich Eichman? has no idea, or crystal ball or visions in his dreams of which frequency a new satellite will use. That?s why he has given us the ability to edit the file as we seem fit. > > The only requirement is that the name of the satellite matches the name of the satellite that you selected with your keps. How else would the software know? Any and all satellite tracking software that does doppler control will require some sort of that input. SatPC32 does not have a magical wand or AI to do that for you. > > As of this moment we have maybe around 20 satellites that have some sort of amateur transponder and folks are finding it difficult editing a simple text file to match a satellite name and add some frequencies? All this information is available online. > > Copying someone?s doppler.sqf file is also not a good idea! That file is customized by someone based on the keps and satellite name they are using and sometimes even specific for their location since SatPC32 lets you adjust the doppler control based on your location and satellite and internally adjust the doppler.sqf frequencies. > > The author of SatPC32 has spent thousands of hours working on this program and he gets no financial return. He has donated the software to AMSAT and still updates it for new radios and features! Complaining about that is just not right! > > Hope that helps. > > 73 Stefan VE4SW > > > On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 9:03 PM Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > So I cut and pasted the new Doppler.SQF file from JE9PEL / Mineo Wakita site. Restarted, but none of the satellites will track frequency. I assume this is due to a difference in the naming conventions in the Kep file. > > I use ?NASA ALL? for my keps. Not certain which version Mineo uses for his. > > Hate to complain about software when the proceeds are going to support AMSAT (much appreciated). But why does this have to be so difficult? It really should be as easy as ?update Keps? and everything syncs. > > Two pet peeves- > > - The lack of standardization in how satellites are named. And then they change names. This causes confusion and incompatibility with software, tracking apps, etc. Why not settle on a standard and stick to it? > > -The lack of modern GUI and user-friendly software for the amateur satellite community. If someone suggests open-source nonsense, my head might explode. Happy to pay handsomely for anyone who codes something to make this all easier. > > When I find another few hours with nothing to do, I?ll try to edit the Doppler.SQF file to match, troubleshoot until it works, etc. > > Thanks anyway. Probably won?t see me back on the birds this weekend. My hobby time is too limited. > > > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org . AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From devin at thecabal.org Sun Jun 7 07:09:32 2020 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 07:09:32 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: Stupid question time: Every TLE requires the satellite number, which as I understand is in fact a unique identifier for the satellite (once the correct ID number has been sorted out and matched up with the appropriate satellite after the confusion of launch). Even though the name of the satellite can vary, this ID number is effectively the GUID for the satellite and does not change during the satellite's lifetime. Correct? If that's the case, then why wouldn't it be possible to have a small tweak made to SatPC32 -- perhaps as an option at first to facilitate testing and backwards compatibility -- to use the satellite number *instead of the name* as the key column for the doppler.sqf file (and any other configuration files) that refer to satellites? It seems to me that something like this would immediately solve a lot of small but recurrent issues and annoyances. The name field can become simply a human-readable label and not have to serve double-duty -- allowing users to switch between multiple TLE sources without having to worry that they're giving satellites different names (and having to go hunt down and replace all the entries in your various .SQF files). -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 From les at highnoonfilm.com Sun Jun 7 09:27:21 2020 From: les at highnoonfilm.com (Les Rayburn) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 04:27:21 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: <8393951D-6876-4D84-955D-3214F3AC373A@highnoonfilm.com> It appears that the issue of satellite naming conventions may be coming to a head quickly. Noted in the AMSAT Weekly News Service Bulletin: https://celestrak.com/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php This may force a revision to how SatPC32 handles Kep files?and perhaps provide the opportunity to improve things in terms of updates. Ideally, the software would keep any adjustments that have been made by the operator for individual satellites but update when new birds are launched. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Maylene, AL EM63nf AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member From pe0sat at vgnet.nl Sun Jun 7 10:13:36 2020 From: pe0sat at vgnet.nl (PE0SAT | Amateur Radio) Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2020 12:13:36 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <8393951D-6876-4D84-955D-3214F3AC373A@highnoonfilm.com> References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> <8393951D-6876-4D84-955D-3214F3AC373A@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: <907cf06f1c328b97a41b9291add47185@vgnet.nl> This subject isn't new and therefor SatPC32 already has the AmsatNames.txt config file. Look at the AmsatNames.txt in your SatPC32 config directory. ; This file contains the AMSAT names of actual amateur radio ; satellites. The auxiliary file SatRename evaluates this file ; to replace the satellite names used in Space-Track TLE ; data files with their AMSAT names. ; ; Column #1 contains the 5-digit "Identification Number" used in ; TLE files (data line #1, columns 3 - 7). ; ; Column #2 contains the satellite's 8-digit "International ; Designator" (data line #1, columns 10 - 17), ; ; Column #3 contains the satellite's AMSAT name. ; ; When a new satellie is available, it can be added to this list. ; Note, that the "Identification Number" and the "International ; Designator" must contain a fix number of digits. ; ; 07530 74089B AO-07 14129 83058B AO-10 20439 90005D AO-16 22825 93061C AO-27 26609 00072B AO-40 27605 02058A AO-49 28375 04025K AO-51 On 07-06-2020 11:27, Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > It appears that the issue of satellite naming conventions may be > coming to a head quickly. Noted in the AMSAT Weekly News Service > Bulletin: > > https://celestrak.com/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php > > > This may force a revision to how SatPC32 handles Kep files?and perhaps > provide the opportunity to improve things in terms of updates. > > Ideally, the software would keep any adjustments that have been made > by the operator for individual satellites but update when new birds > are launched. > > 73, > > Les Rayburn, N1LF > Maylene, AL > EM63nf > AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member > -- With regards PE0SAT Internet web-page http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/ DK3WN SatBlog http://satblog.dk3wn.info/ Online Telemetry Forwarder: https://db.satnogs.org/stats/ irc://chat.freenode.net #Cubesat - Twitter @pe0sat From wa4sca at gmail.com Sun Jun 7 11:33:58 2020 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 06:33:58 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> Message-ID: <001a01d63cbf$890059d0$9b010d70$@gmail.com> Devin, References: <3bdf7815-665a-f31a-e440-fa10c953e3c9@gmail.com> Message-ID: Kevin, Let me know any more details on the COM port bug. It should not do that :) I logged it on github and will try to fix at some point. 73 Chris On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 3:02 PM Kevin via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Mike I tried replying privately but it bounced as "address couldn't be > found, or is unable to receive mail". > > so here it is again > > Hi Mike, > I run a 9612+ with pacsatground try this... > > Using putty or any other terminal program issue the following > > port 2 > cd ext/ext > fulldup off/on > mon off/on > maxusers 0/1 > int kiss > reset > > once you enter the reset you will now be in kiss mode and can no longer > issue commands > > exit your terminal program > > now startup pacsatground and you should be in business > make sure in pacsatground you turn off toggle out of kiss mode on exit > or you will have to go through these steps each time you start it > > also I have noticed a bug where you exit pacsatground and the next time > you start it says it cannot open the com port > I'm thinking it leaves it in a odd state, to fix just go into windows > device mgr and disable and then enable the com port and it should now work. > > Let me know if this does it for you. > > > 73 > Kevin WA7FWF > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Chris E. Thompson chrisethompson at gmail.com g0kla at arrl.net From kd2nfc at gmail.com Sun Jun 7 19:10:36 2020 From: kd2nfc at gmail.com (KD2NFC, Joe Puma) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 15:10:36 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks for your input. ?Copying someone?s doppler.sqf file is also not a good idea! That file is customized by someone based on the keps and satellite name they are using and sometimes even specific for their location since SatPC32 lets you adjust the doppler control based on your location and satellite and internally adjust the doppler.sqf frequencies.? Okay so send the matching TLE file when sending a custom Doppler.sqf file. If they changed the name of the bird in the TLE to match the Doppler file, than that TLE file should be made available. We do thank the ones that provide the Doppler file but let?s make it make sense. ?The author of SatPC32 has spent thousands of hours working on this program and he gets no financial return. He has donated the software to AMSAT and still updates it for new radios and features! Complaining about that is just not right!? Umm, I paid for the software so I don?t know what this means. This group is used to troubleshoot and ask questions about the program, among other things, so that?s what?s being done here. We?re at a time where everyone feels a need to add an opinion. That?s great, I just ask that it?s helpful and productive. Have a nice day everyone, 73 Joe KD2NFC Sent from my iPad > On Jun 6, 2020, at 11:05 PM, Stefan Wagener via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Copying someone?s doppler.sqf file is also not a good idea! That file is > customized by someone based on the keps and satellite name they are using > and sometimes even specific for their location since SatPC32 lets you > adjust the doppler control based on your location and satellite and > internally adjust the doppler.sqf frequencies. > > > > The author of SatPC32 has spent thousands of hours working on this program > and he gets no financial return. He has donated the software to AMSAT and > still updates it for new radios and features! Complaining about that is > just not right! From diehl.mike.a at gmail.com Sun Jun 7 20:13:19 2020 From: diehl.mike.a at gmail.com (Mike Diehl) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 16:13:19 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF Message-ID: Ok, you can?t just send some TLE?s along with the SQF. TLE?s are dynamic, some more than others, but still dynamic. One boost of ISS and what you had yesterday is invalid today. You might have paid for SatPC32 but the author gets nothing from it as far as I?m aware. From my understanding the proceeds are a donation to AMSAT. Could there be an interface for adding transponder details rather than using a CSV file? Sure. Are people just lazy for not taking a few moments to figure out how to add a line? Absolutely! I?ve never used the program for tracking and tuning, it?s not my interest. I did open the manual, figured out what each filed is and then worked up some simple PHP (something I also don?t use) and made a page for the AMSAT site for generating new lines. You can find it here https://www.amsat.org/doppler-sqf-line-generator/ Seriously, this is a tech based hobby. We?re using spacecraft to communicate with each other. It?s incredibly depressing to see so many people stumped by a simple text file. That or they?re just too lazy to spend a minute to figure it out. I also don?t want to hear ?I don?t have that much time to devote to the hobby? as posted earlier. It literally takes longer to write a post complaining than it does to read the 1 or 2 pages in the manual that describe how to use it. Don?t like the program? Don?t use it and find something else. Install GPredict and use that. Don?t like certain features or feel something is missing? It?s open source, take the time to help with development. Plenty of people are devoting their time for everyone?s benefit with no monetary gain yet there?s always complaints or a refusal to just open the manual, it really isn?t that hard. 73, Mike Diehl W8LID/VE6LID > On Jun 7, 2020, at 15:13, KD2NFC, Joe Puma via AMSAT-BB wrote: > From w2kj at bellsouth.net Sun Jun 7 20:24:15 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 16:24:15 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] TEST References: Message-ID: TEST Testing to verify if account is still working. 73, Joe W2KJ From devin at thecabal.org Sun Jun 7 20:39:13 2020 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 20:39:13 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <001a01d63cbf$890059d0$9b010d70$@gmail.com> References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> <001a01d63cbf$890059d0$9b010d70$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Alan, I'm looking at the documentation and the format of the Doppler.SQF file. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding something here, but what you're talking about does not seem to be what I suggested. Column 1 in Doppler.SQF is still the *name* of the satellite, rather than the satellite number or international identifier or some other invariant attribute of the satellite. Does that name have to match up to what is in the TLE file, or what is in the AmsatNames.txt file? That is, if I am using the AmsatNames.txt file and define a custom name for a given satellite, do the rest of my data files (other than the TLEs) then need to be modified to use the name I defined in AmsatNames.txt? Does the AmsatNames.txt file permit SatPC32 to ignore the name that my selected TLE source is using for that same satellite? Thanks in advance, -- 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 Alan via > AMSAT-BB > Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 4:34 AM > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF > > Devin, > > files) > Great news. That functionality has been in SatPC32 for years. Look at ? | > Auxiliary Files |AmsatNames.txt. It does what you describe by allowing you to > define a name for a satellite to be used with a catalog number (or > international identifier) and substitutes your chosen name for all internal > operations such as the CTCSS tone, tracking priority, Doppler calculations, etc. > Very handy since AMSAT, CelesTrak, Space-Track, and often the individual > satellite operators, use slightly different names. It is also handy when there is > a "shotgun launch" and everybody is trying to sort out which satellite matches > which object number. One change with each object number, and you are > ready. > > 73, > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From wa4sca at gmail.com Sun Jun 7 20:54:43 2020 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 15:54:43 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> <001a01d63cbf$890059d0$9b010d70$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <001501d63d0d$df6c8a70$9e459f50$@gmail.com> Devin, Notice I said that the functionality is there, not the identical implementation. You need to call the satellite something. While you could certainly used the catalog name, something more user friendly is better. See my replies below. 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- ; AMSAT bbs -----Original Message----- <> From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Alan via <> AMSAT-BB <> Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 4:34 AM <> To: AMSAT-BB <> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF <> <> Devin, <> <> files) <> Great news. That functionality has been in SatPC32 for years. Look at ? | <> Auxiliary Files |AmsatNames.txt. It does what you describe by allowing you define a name for a satellite to be used with a catalog number (or <> international identifier) and substitutes your chosen name for all internal <> operations such as the CTCSS tone, tracking priority, Doppler calculations, Very handy since AMSAT, CelesTrak, Space-Track, and often the individual <> satellite operators, use slightly different names. It is also handy when there a "shotgun launch" and everybody is trying to sort out which satellite which object number. One change with each object number, and you are <> ready. <> <> 73, <> <> Alan <> WA4SCA <> <> <> <> <> _______________________________________________ <> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official 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 From kd2nfc at gmail.com Sun Jun 7 20:58:24 2020 From: kd2nfc at gmail.com (KD2NFC, Joe Puma) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 16:58:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0929AADB-50B1-42CB-9313-9C4BE3539522@gmail.com> ?Seriously, this is a tech based hobby. We?re using spacecraft to communicate with each other. It?s incredibly depressing to see so many people stumped by a simple text file. That or they?re just too lazy to spend a minute to figure it out. I also don?t want to hear ?I don?t have that much time to devote to the hobby? as posted earlier. It literally takes longer to write a post complaining than it does to read the 1 or 2 pages in the manual that describe how to use it? I don?t think that?s happening here. At least not by me. I recognized that a Doppler file I found on the internet, which was pretty robust and time consuming for the person who put it together was really helpful, so I used it. I?m new to pcsat32 but quickly learned that I had to edit the Doppler file because of a mismatch in names from somewhere and I?m just learning it?s from the TLE I was using which was nasabare.txt. I?m no stranger to the function of a TLE file. I also got up to speed with the AMSATnames.txt file. Okay great, it could be useful but quickest solution was to edit Doppler.sqf. Which I did for most of the sats I use but I was still thinking that if the original creator of the Doppler file that I found has these sats matching up with a TLE file on his computer, well then why don?t he post that as well. If I had that my issue would be solved right? Sounds like I?m trying to use my brain, no? lol I?ve come to this board to ask these questions in the past but they fell on deaf ears. I basically solve my own problems and create solutions where there isn?t any. It has nothing to do with anyone being lazy, at least for me, I?m trying to figure out how to benefit from the file easily which should really be a file copy and go. So if the creator made a amsatnames.txt or changed the names in the nasabare.txt, if I had access to those files it would be plug n play. Thats the IT guy in me, find the solution or path of least resistance. Btw GPredict is a great program but I got errors in reading position with my g5500 usb interface and the radio control doesn?t change the modes on my FT-847. I run it on a raspberry pi. I wouldn?t of purchased pcsat32 if it weren?t for those issues but I?ve come to like pcsat32 for the old goat that it is. Joe KD2NFC Instagram.com/kd2nfc Sent from my iPad > On Jun 7, 2020, at 4:16 PM, Mike Diehl via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Ok, you can?t just send some TLE?s along with the SQF. TLE?s are dynamic, some more than others, but still dynamic. One boost of ISS and what you had yesterday is invalid today. > > You might have paid for SatPC32 but the author gets nothing from it as far as I?m aware. From my understanding the proceeds are a donation to AMSAT. > > Could there be an interface for adding transponder details rather than using a CSV file? Sure. Are people just lazy for not taking a few moments to figure out how to add a line? Absolutely! > > I?ve never used the program for tracking and tuning, it?s not my interest. I did open the manual, figured out what each filed is and then worked up some simple PHP (something I also don?t use) and made a page for the AMSAT site for generating new lines. You can find it here https://www.amsat.org/doppler-sqf-line-generator/ > > Seriously, this is a tech based hobby. We?re using spacecraft to communicate with each other. It?s incredibly depressing to see so many people stumped by a simple text file. That or they?re just too lazy to spend a minute to figure it out. I also don?t want to hear ?I don?t have that much time to devote to the hobby? as posted earlier. It literally takes longer to write a post complaining than it does to read the 1 or 2 pages in the manual that describe how to use it. > > Don?t like the program? Don?t use it and find something else. Install GPredict and use that. Don?t like certain features or feel something is missing? It?s open source, take the time to help with development. Plenty of people are devoting their time for everyone?s benefit with no monetary gain yet there?s always complaints or a refusal to just open the manual, it really isn?t that hard. > > 73, > Mike Diehl > W8LID/VE6LID > >> On Jun 7, 2020, at 15:13, KD2NFC, Joe Puma via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From devin at thecabal.org Sun Jun 7 21:19:56 2020 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 21:19:56 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <001501d63d0d$df6c8a70$9e459f50$@gmail.com> References: <0D49B659-3BAE-4922-9FCA-A84811051130@highnoonfilm.com> <001a01d63cbf$890059d0$9b010d70$@gmail.com> <001501d63d0d$df6c8a70$9e459f50$@gmail.com> Message-ID: That's awesome, thank you for taking the time to answer in detail. Why don't more responses on this list point people to this functionality? Is it not well known? -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 > -----Original Message----- > From: Alan > Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:55 PM > To: Devin L. Ganger > Cc: AMSAT-BB > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF > > Devin, > > Notice I said that the functionality is there, not the identical implementation. > You need to call the satellite something. While you could certainly used the > catalog name, something more user friendly is better. > See my replies below. > > 73, > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > <-----Original Message----- > ; AMSAT bbs > at the documentation and the format of the Doppler.SQF file. > < > of > Correct. The problem is that the various tle providers are not consistent about > that. What you want to do is to be able to pick something, anything, and then > use whatever source you want without having to redefine several files. > < > > It needs to match whatever you have defined in AmsatNames.txt, as does the > name in the priority and tone files. > > < > > Yes. One time operation. > > Does the > < > > Yes, that is its purpose. It substitutes your preferred name for all internal > operations. IE, it completely ignores the 1st line of the 3 line elements. > > > < > < > <-- > < > <> -----Original Message----- > <> From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Alan via > <> AMSAT-BB <> Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 4:34 AM <> To: AMSAT-BB > <> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus-- > Doppler.SQF <> <> Devin, <> <> possible to have a small tweak <> first to facilitate testing and <> number *instead of the > <> <> files) <> > <> Great news. That functionality has been in SatPC32 for years. Look at ? > | > <> Auxiliary Files |AmsatNames.txt. It does what you describe by allowing > you define a name for a satellite to be used with a catalog number (or > <> international identifier) and substitutes your chosen name for all internal > <> operations such as the CTCSS tone, tracking priority, Doppler calculations, > <> Very handy since AMSAT, CelesTrak, Space-Track, and often the individual > <> satellite operators, use slightly different names. It is also handy when > there a "shotgun launch" and everybody is trying to sort out which > satellite which object number. One change with each object > number, and you are <> ready. > <> > <> 73, > <> > <> Alan > <> WA4SCA > <> > <> > <> > <> > <> _______________________________________________ > <> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring > membership. > <> expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official > 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 From jim at k6ccc.org Mon Jun 8 04:14:47 2020 From: jim at k6ccc.org (Jim Walls) Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 21:14:47 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location In-Reply-To: <285501d63c3a$f7d290b0$e777b210$@gmail.com> References: <285501d63c3a$f7d290b0$e777b210$@gmail.com> Message-ID: On 06/06/2020 12:45, Bernd Peters via AMSAT-BB wrote: > An indoors antenna would not work in my house. I took my Arrows antenna > inside and I basically hear nothing. Even just behind a modern double pane > window (I believe they have some polarization filters) you pretty much hear > nothing. > My house is chicken wire and plaster construction (1962).? RF does not do well in here. -- 73 ------------------------------------- Jim Walls - K6CCC jim at k6ccc.org Ofc: 818-548-4804 http://members.dslextreme.com/users/k6ccc/ AMSAT Member 32537 - WSWSS Member 395 From w2kj at bellsouth.net Mon Jun 8 16:34:01 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 12:34:01 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] TEST References: <99ABEB1C-BB61-46EC-AFDA-471B2F1E57E2.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <99ABEB1C-BB61-46EC-AFDA-471B2F1E57E2@bellsouth.net> TEST 73, Joe W2KJ From aj9n at aol.com Mon Jun 8 18:39:18 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 18:39:18 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-08 18:30 UTC References: <1218627776.769122.1591641558014.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1218627776.769122.1591641558014@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-08 18:30 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? ######################################################################################################################################## ? ARISS would like to announce that Tony VK5ZAI has received a special award (also thanks to ARISS mentor and telebridge operator Shane VK4KHZ for letting us know): (***) ? Congratulations to Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI in being recognised and awarded the Order of Australia medal?(AM)?in the June 8th Queens Birthday honours list. (***) ? Well done Tony! ? Mr James Anthony HUTCHISON Kingston SE SA 5275 For significant service to amateur radio, particularly to satellite and space communication. ? For those that don't know what Tony has done, here a few stats.? He has mentored 65 ARISS schools and been the telebridge station for 58 ARISS contacts.? Plus he was very involved with SAREX. ? For even more info on Tony, check out these webpages (there are many more): http://www.electric-web.org/amateur_index.htm ??https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chcgLwFy1v0? ?https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-06/nasa-considers-amateur-radio-buff-part-of-astronaut-family/11530046 ? The actual announcement can be found on page 7 of 28 at: https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/QB2020%20Gazette%20-%20O%20of%20A.PDF ? ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio?? Check out these links:?? ? ? >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in????? #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolation_in_SpaceConnectsU ? Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.? By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw.? Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World.? Check out:? https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard ? NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home.? Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ? ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-08 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-05-17 11:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1389. Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1322. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit Welcome aboard! Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From erich.eichmann at t-online.de Mon Jun 8 19:54:57 2020 From: erich.eichmann at t-online.de (Erich Eichmann) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 21:54:57 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF Message-ID: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Hello, I have added the following hints? to the FAQs file http://www.dk1tb.de/FAQ_e.htm (sect. 5s at the end of the file): s.? Use of different Kepler data files with different satellite names The various Kepler data files (source files) often use different names for the same satellite. This is e.g. the case with some of those contained in the AMSAT file nasa.all on the one hand and the Celestrak files (amateur.txt, cubesat.txt etc.) on the other. This can lead to a satellite or its frequencies not being displayed when the source file is changed although the file contains data for the relevant satellite. A solution to the problem is an entry for the satellite in the auxiliary file AmsatNames.txt. The file already contains a list with the identifiers (catalog numbers) of the satellites important for radio amateurs and the assigned satellite names and instructions on how to make the entry. The names from a source file, e.g. nasa.all, or even self-made ones can be used as names. They should of course be as memorable as possible (that's why the 5-digit identifier itself is not suitable as a name, although that would be possible). With the option 'Use Amsat Names if Available' the program then uses the assigned name with all source files, regardless of a different name in the source file. It is displayed in SatPC32 and can be used in all data files that require a satellite name such as Doppler.SQF, Prior.SQF, SubTone.SQF or Squint.SQF. This means that all source files containing data for the satellite can be used. From devin at thecabal.org Mon Jun 8 20:11:16 2020 From: devin at thecabal.org (Devin L. Ganger) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 20:11:16 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF In-Reply-To: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Erich Eichmann via AMSAT-BB > > Hello, > I have added the following hints to the FAQs file > http://www.dk1tb.de/FAQ_e.htm (sect. 5s at the end of the file): > > s. Use of different Kepler data files with different satellite namesThank you very much, Erich! -- Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG) email:?devin at thecabal.org web:?Devin on Earth cell:?+1 425.239.2575 From va3mw at portcredit.net Mon Jun 8 20:18:14 2020 From: va3mw at portcredit.net (Michael Walker) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:18:14 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user. I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do). I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical background they some of us have and they need some very basic information and mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams. AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand. Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1 coaching on the phone so they can ask questions. I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on YouTube on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch. I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want to help. No wonder the hobby is dying. Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it does amazingly. My rant is not about the software it is about those that don't like the simple questions. Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a QSO. Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual expects you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator. For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions. For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away. *** Remember, there is no stupid question. *** Mike va3mw > From w2kj at bellsouth.net Mon Jun 8 20:20:36 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:20:36 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor References: Message-ID: Howdy Gang. Getting back into the satellites after a long hiatus (since the demise of AO40) and wonder if there is a current distributor for SSB Electronics VHF/UHF preamps. Appreciate and info. 73, Joe W2KJ From kb1pvh at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 20:25:47 2020 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:25:47 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: HRO sells them. Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Mon, Jun 8, 2020, 4:24 PM Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Howdy Gang. > > Getting back into the satellites after a long hiatus (since the demise of > AO40) and wonder if there is a current distributor for SSB Electronics > VHF/UHF preamps. > > Appreciate and info. > > 73, Joe W2KJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From ny4i at ny4i.com Mon Jun 8 20:35:54 2020 From: ny4i at ny4i.com (Thomas Schaefer) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:35:54 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: <72157A9E-3D4F-4069-B667-0BE92BC6B689@ny4i.com> Absolutely true. I too appreciate the complexity of the task that SatPC32 is trying to do well, But we do it and everyone that uses it a disservice to treat it as a sacred cow above suggestions for improvement. The concept of going to a text file and manually editing it to add a new satellite in a Windows program is 2020 is mind-boggling. That is certainly not any definition of user-friendly. While Erich tries to make it easy to find it by using the menus to open the text files, focusing on a decent editor rather than a new radio would be a boon to user the user experience. No doubt I will be flamed immediately for daring to write this, and people are welcome to use a different program (MacDoppler,etc), let?s not jump all over a newer (and not so new) user for having the temerity to question if this is as good as it gets to manually edit text files. No doubt I will soon be banished to the realm of those that dare to criticize anything related to SatPC32, but let?s be honest. Before I am accused of not thanking Erich for his donation of SatPC32, I do appreciate it. And while I could say think of all the new operators that would have a better experience if SatPC32 was just a little bit easier to use, I am also cognizant that adding new users may not be in the best interest of some?especially those that immediately jump upon any user for the first mistake they make (calling them a LID, bad mounting them on this reflector and social media, etc). Go ahead..let me have it. Regards, Tom Schaefer, NY4I Blog: www.ny4i.com Madeira Beach, FL (Grid: EL87ot) > On Jun 8, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend > you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user. > > I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do). > > I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and > all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical background > they some of us have and they need some very basic information and > mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams. > AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have > fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand. > > Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1 > coaching on the phone so they can ask questions. > > I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new > operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in > technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on YouTube > on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how > it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the > video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I > do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did > not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch. > > I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and > antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want > to help. No wonder the hobby is dying. > > Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it > does amazingly. My rant is not about the software it is about those that > don't like the simple questions. > > Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not > understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a > QSO. > > Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the > instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional > when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual expects > you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator. > > For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all > your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions. > > For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to > get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has > the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away. > > *** Remember, there is no stupid question. *** > > Mike va3mw > > > >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From robert.machale at yahoo.com Mon Jun 8 21:13:03 2020 From: robert.machale at yahoo.com (Robert MacHale) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 21:13:03 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: <1723296921.1207248.1591650783850@mail.yahoo.com> Michael, Thanks for sharing your experience. >> What a friendly bunch. >> No wonder the hobby is dying. No doubt we have all encountered the "satellite police" or "aprs monsters" or whatever they have been labelled recently. I feel concerned that some border on the line of a cyber-bullies. In contrast, the HRO store in Anaheim, California near where I live once gave away bumper stickers that read: "HAM RADIO - PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE" And, that has been the attraction to the hobby for many people. I wish someone at AMSAT would step up and provide leadership on how to serve, teach, and encourage the new users while also admonishing the bullies. There have been times I have felt concerned introducing Boy Scouts to the Satellite side of Ham Radio concerned they will encounter abusive people on air or online in forums. This is a super interesting hobby with many opportunities for education and growth. But, the hobby is kinda killing itself from within. Perhaps there are only a handful of rotten apples - but they tend to be the ones that make the lasting impressions. Congratulations on producing YouTube videos for beginners. Keep up the good work!!! Sincerely, Robert MacHale. KE6BLR Ham Radio License.?http://www.aprsat.com/predict .?http://www.spaceCommunicator.club? . Supporting Boy Scout Merit Badges in Radio, Robotics, and Space Exploration Silly Joke: "The beatings will continue until moral improves". On Monday, June 8, 2020, 01:21:46 PM PDT, Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB wrote: Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user. I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most? know what I do). I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and all education levels.? Most new hams do not have the technical background they some of us have and they need some very basic information and mentoring to get over the hump.? This is a confusing hobby for new hams. AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users.? They want to have fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand. Some learn well from reading.? Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1 coaching on the phone so they can ask questions. I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new operator is difficult.? I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in technology and integration.? ? This is why I did the intro video on YouTube on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how it get them out of 1st gear.? Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32.? So, I do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did not having a licensed copy.? What a friendly bunch. I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and antennas.? Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want to help.? No wonder the hobby is dying. Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it does amazingly.? My rant is not about the software it is about those that don't like the simple questions. Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a QSO. Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional when it came out.? And, yes, I read the manual.? A LOT.? The manual expects you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator. For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions. For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to get out of 1st gear.? RTFM doesn't work for everyone.? ? In fact, it has the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away. *** Remember, there is no stupid question. *** Mike va3mw > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From johnbrier at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 21:15:24 2020 From: johnbrier at gmail.com (John Brier) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 17:15:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: <72157A9E-3D4F-4069-B667-0BE92BC6B689@ny4i.com> References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> <72157A9E-3D4F-4069-B667-0BE92BC6B689@ny4i.com> Message-ID: I have paid for SatPC32 and am grateful for Erich and AMSAT for making it available to the sat community and for improving it regularly. At the same time I find it could use many improvements. I have no problem editing text files but it is obviously not something everyone gets. The question should be, what do we lose by having a way to edit that in the GUI? I also find it counter intuitive in ways. For example, there are text box fields where you can put a cursor inside it and highlight the text, and this text is something you might want to adjust, but it is just for display. Just checked the program to make sure my memory is correct. One example is Rotor Setup > Time Interval. Yes there are arrows to adjust it right next to it but why is it highlightable? 73, John Brier KG4AKV On Mon, Jun 8, 2020, 16:42 Thomas Schaefer via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Absolutely true. I too appreciate the complexity of the task that SatPC32 > is trying to do well, But we do it and everyone that uses it a disservice > to treat it as a sacred cow above suggestions for improvement. The concept > of going to a text file and manually editing it to add a new satellite in a > Windows program is 2020 is mind-boggling. That is certainly not any > definition of user-friendly. While Erich tries to make it easy to find it > by using the menus to open the text files, focusing on a decent editor > rather than a new radio would be a boon to user the user experience. > > No doubt I will be flamed immediately for daring to write this, and people > are welcome to use a different program (MacDoppler,etc), let?s not jump all > over a newer (and not so new) user for having the temerity to question if > this is as good as it gets to manually edit text files. No doubt I will > soon be banished to the realm of those that dare to criticize anything > related to SatPC32, but let?s be honest. > > Before I am accused of not thanking Erich for his donation of SatPC32, I > do appreciate it. And while I could say think of all the new operators that > would have a better experience if SatPC32 was just a little bit easier to > use, I am also cognizant that adding new users may not be in the best > interest of some?especially those that immediately jump upon any user for > the first mistake they make (calling them a LID, bad mounting them on this > reflector and social media, etc). > > Go ahead..let me have it. > > Regards, > > Tom Schaefer, NY4I > Blog: www.ny4i.com > Madeira Beach, FL (Grid: EL87ot) > > > > > > On Jun 8, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend > > you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user. > > > > I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do). > > > > I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and > > all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical > background > > they some of us have and they need some very basic information and > > mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams. > > AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have > > fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand. > > > > Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1 > > coaching on the phone so they can ask questions. > > > > I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new > > operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me > in > > technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on > YouTube > > on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how > > it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the > > video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I > > do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did > > not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch. > > > > I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller > and > > antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want > > to help. No wonder the hobby is dying. > > > > Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what > it > > does amazingly. My rant is not about the software it is about those that > > don't like the simple questions. > > > > Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do > not > > understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a > > QSO. > > > > Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the > > instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional > > when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual > expects > > you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator. > > > > For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all > > your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions. > > > > For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you > to > > get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has > > the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away. > > > > *** Remember, there is no stupid question. *** > > > > Mike va3mw > > > > > > > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kd2nfc at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 21:24:50 2020 From: kd2nfc at gmail.com (KD2NFC, Joe Puma) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 17:24:50 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] TEST In-Reply-To: <99ABEB1C-BB61-46EC-AFDA-471B2F1E57E2@bellsouth.net> References: <99ABEB1C-BB61-46EC-AFDA-471B2F1E57E2@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <2FD7ADC4-4453-478F-ADB9-C2E0B92F1EB2@gmail.com> Email received... Joe KD2NFC Sent from my iPad > On Jun 8, 2020, at 12:40 PM, Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?TEST > > 73, Joe W2KJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From zmetzing at pobox.com Mon Jun 8 22:13:17 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 17:13:17 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: <1723296921.1207248.1591650783850@mail.yahoo.com> References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> <1723296921.1207248.1591650783850@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: On 06/08/20 16:13, Robert MacHale via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I wish someone at AMSAT would step up and provide leadership on how to serve, teach, and encourage the new users while also admonishing the bullies. Robert, You could be that "someone", except that I'd leave off the "admonishing" part. Bullies get bored when there is no reaction from their target. AMSAT needs volunteers like you to help the next generation of satellite operators get started! It is easy to say "someone should", instead of "I will". Be the change you wish to see in the world, even if Ghandi didn't say it. :-) --- Zach N0ZGO From bwilkins at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 22:21:37 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 18:21:37 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> <1723296921.1207248.1591650783850@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: OP - please don?t leave! I believe mentors do exist. Some that come to mind are WD9EWK, KK4YEL, KO4MA, NR0Q, KC7JPC, W3ARD, N4DCW, KE8FZT, N5LEX, KE9AJ, W9TWJ and a bunch others who have helped ME since getting started in December 2019. On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 6:14 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > On 06/08/20 16:13, Robert MacHale via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > I wish someone at AMSAT would step up and provide leadership on how to > serve, teach, and encourage the new users while also admonishing the > bullies. > > Robert, > > You could be that "someone", except that I'd leave off the "admonishing" > part. Bullies get bored when there is no reaction from their target. > > AMSAT needs volunteers like you to help the next generation of satellite > operators get started! It is easy to say "someone should", instead of "I > will". > > Be the change you wish to see in the world, even if Ghandi didn't say > it. :-) > > --- 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 23:17:03 2020 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:17:03 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: Hi Mike, Good points. Let me offer an expanded view on the situation, and a thought on perhaps a way forward. I think part of the issue is that the hobby we call "amateur radio" has continued to expand in multiple directions (which is an incredibly good thing), yet the structure of the formal education and support (think license preparation and testing) has either not changed or has shrunk (elimination of Morse code). We have a 1-dimensional solution to a 2-dimensional problem. We fortunately have a pretty strong tradition of Elmering, and with the technology of the Internet, many ways to deliver it beyond the traditional radio club, but that's perhaps a bit too unstructured for many. As a result, they either give up, sit there paralyzed and bewildered, or just stay within a narrow comfort zone. To be fair, that narrow comfort zone might be all some ever want to do with the hobby, and that's fine. But my expectation is that there are many more who would pursue various areas if there was a little more support (structure) in getting there. Even the awareness that such disciplines and modes exist is pretty random. My thought... Many of the lanes of interest have industry or a significant nexus of organizational backing (Satellite communications, emergency services, QRP operating, Digital Voice, even Morse Code). Would it work if these organizations created study guides and a formal certification process by which licensed operators could get additional recognition, which they could attach to their signature / call sign / etc. Think "CCNP" for network engineering , "PMP" for project management, or the "Salad Bar" that honors a military uniform. While it could get to be a little "snobbish" if taken too far, the visibility and formality of such a series of certifications might create the second dimension in advancement that our licensing structure currently lacks. In doing so, it could provide the framework to build on the tradition of Elmering that is at the core of our hobby, and answer your challenge of how to mentor new satellite operators. Just a thought. Greg KO6TH Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend > you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user. > > I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do). > > I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and > all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical background > they some of us have and they need some very basic information and > mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams. > AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have > fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand. > > Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1 > coaching on the phone so they can ask questions. > > I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new > operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in > technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on YouTube > on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how > it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the > video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I > do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did > not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch. > > I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and > antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want > to help. No wonder the hobby is dying. > > Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it > does amazingly. My rant is not about 955 ROUNDSTONE DR > GALT, CA 95632the software it is about those that > don't like the simple questions. > > Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not > understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a > QSO. > > Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the > instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional > when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual expects > you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator. > > For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all > your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions. > > For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to > get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has > the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away. > > *** Remember, there is no stupid question. *** > > Mike va3mw > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Mon Jun 8 23:27:23 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 23:27:23 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: HRO does not have them all in stock....place yourself on the waiting list for the ones not in stock....I did. Rafael / NN3RP Message: 8 Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:20:36 -0400 From: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Howdy Gang. Getting back into the satellites after a long hiatus (since the demise of AO40) and wonder if there is a current distributor for SSB Electronics VHF/UHF preamps. Appreciate and info. 73, Joe W2KJ ------------------------------ Message: 9 Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:25:47 -0400 From: Dave Webb KB1PVH To: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" Cc: AMSAT -BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" HRO sells them. Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 From tnetcenter at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 23:42:22 2020 From: tnetcenter at gmail.com (Jeff Moore) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:42:22 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: We already have "certifications" - they're called licenses - we don't need any more! Education is great and needed - lose the certifications, they are unneeded and unwanted!!! This is a hobby first and foremost! It ceases being a hobby when you have to get certified to do anything in addition to getting licensed! Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 4:19 PM Greg D via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hi Mike, > > Good points. Let me offer an expanded view on the situation, and a > thought on perhaps a way forward. > > I think part of the issue is that the hobby we call "amateur radio" has > continued to expand in multiple directions (which is an incredibly good > thing), yet the structure of the formal education and support (think > license preparation and testing) has either not changed or has shrunk > (elimination of Morse code). We have a 1-dimensional solution to a > 2-dimensional problem. We fortunately have a pretty strong tradition of > Elmering, and with the technology of the Internet, many ways to deliver > it beyond the traditional radio club, but that's perhaps a bit too > unstructured for many. As a result, they either give up, sit there > paralyzed and bewildered, or just stay within a narrow comfort zone. > > To be fair, that narrow comfort zone might be all some ever want to do > with the hobby, and that's fine. But my expectation is that there are > many more who would pursue various areas if there was a little more > support (structure) in getting there. Even the awareness that such > disciplines and modes exist is pretty random. > > My thought... Many of the lanes of interest have industry or a > significant nexus of organizational backing (Satellite communications, > emergency services, QRP operating, Digital Voice, even Morse Code). > Would it work if these organizations created study guides and a formal > certification process by which licensed operators could get additional > recognition, which they could attach to their signature / call sign / > etc. Think "CCNP" for network engineering , "PMP" for project > management, or the "Salad Bar" that honors a military uniform. > > While it could get to be a little "snobbish" if taken too far, the > visibility and formality of such a series of certifications might create > the second dimension in advancement that our licensing structure > currently lacks. In doing so, it could provide the framework to build > on the tradition of Elmering that is at the core of our hobby, and > answer your challenge of how to mentor new satellite operators. > > Just a thought. > > Greg KO6TH > > > > Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend > > you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user. > > > > I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do). > > > > I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and > > all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical > background > > they some of us have and they need some very basic information and > > mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams. > > AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have > > fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand. > > > > Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1 > > coaching on the phone so they can ask questions. > > > > I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new > > operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me > in > > technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on > YouTube > > on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how > > it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the > > video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I > > do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did > > not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch. > > > > I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller > and > > antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want > > to help. No wonder the hobby is dying. > > > > Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what > it > > does amazingly. My rant is not about 955 ROUNDSTONE DR > > GALT, CA 95632the software it is about those that > > don't like the simple questions. > > > > Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do > not > > understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a > > QSO. > > > > Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the > > instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional > > when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual > expects > > you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator. > > > > For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all > > your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions. > > > > For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you > to > > get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has > > the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away. > > > > *** Remember, there is no stupid question. *** > > > > Mike va3mw > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Mon Jun 8 23:51:56 2020 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:51:56 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators In-Reply-To: References: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@t-online.de> Message-ID: <27ac94cd-89ab-2b7b-3e02-126c89e83462@gmail.com> We do have licenses, but they are one dimensional. My point is that the problem is two dimensional, both capability (license class) and technology (in-depth by topic). I've got an Amateur Extra license, but I'm a complete novice when it comes to the HF digital modes. On the other hand, many in my club call me the "satellite guy", but I could do that with a Technician license. Two dimensions. I do understand the risk of it losing the "hobby" aspect - that is definitely a concern. But just as there is an incentive to pursue a higher license to gain access to more spectrum, the idea is that adding the "word salad" to your call sign, signature, and/or club name badge might be enough incentive to do some studying to pass a credential exam. It certainly won't appeal to (or motivate) everyone, and there's absolutely no requirement to pursue a credential in order to operate in that mode, but it might just provide enough structure to what is currently a very hit-and-miss education system. Greg KO6TH Jeff Moore via AMSAT-BB wrote: > We already have "certifications" - they're called licenses - we don't need > any more! Education is great and needed - lose the certifications, they > are unneeded and unwanted!!! This is a hobby first and foremost! It > ceases being a hobby when you have to get certified to do anything in > addition to getting licensed! > > Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY > From aj9n at aol.com Tue Jun 9 01:39:50 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2020 01:39:50 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-09 01:00 UTC References: <644678986.926823.1591666790018.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <644678986.926823.1591666790018@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-09 01:00 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? I.E.S. Pedro de Valdivia, Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, Multi-point telebridge via ON4ISS (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact is go for: Tue 2020-06-16 12:25:27 UTC 84 deg ? ? ######################################################################################################################################## ? ARISS would like to announce that Tony VK5ZAI has received a special award (also thanks to ARISS mentor and telebridge operator Shane VK4KHZ for letting us know): (***) ? Congratulations to Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI in being recognised and awarded the Order of Australia medal?(AM)?in the June 8th Queens Birthday honours list. (***) ? Well done Tony! ? Mr James Anthony HUTCHISON Kingston SE SA 5275 For significant service to amateur radio, particularly to satellite and space communication. ? For those that don't know what Tony has done, here a few stats.? He has mentored 65 ARISS schools and been the telebridge station for 58 ARISS contacts.? Plus he was very involved with SAREX. ? For even more info on Tony, check out these webpages (there are many more): http://www.electric-web.org/amateur_index.htm?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chcgLwFy1v0?? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-06/nasa-considers-amateur-radio-buff-part-of-astronaut-family/11530046 ? The actual announcement can be found on page 7 of 28 at: https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/QB2020%20Gazette%20-%20O%20of%20A.PDF ? ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio?? Check out these links:?? ? ? >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in????? #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolation_in_SpaceConnectsU ? Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.? By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw.? Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World.? Check out:? https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard ? NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home.? Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ? ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-09 01:00 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-05-17 11:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1389. Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1322. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit Welcome aboard! Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From dave at g4dpz.me.uk Tue Jun 9 20:08:41 2020 From: dave at g4dpz.me.uk (David Johnson) Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2020 21:08:41 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNcube Data Warehouse Testing Message-ID: <064E74CB-2677-4D5E-A010-DDA238BEBE68@g4dpz.me.uk> Hi, I am doing some testing to correct a problem with recovering fitter messages from FC1. If you could spare data from a pass or two to point to the test server, I should appreciate it. Change the URL in the dashboard to: http://data.g4dpz.me.uk and then change it back to http://data.amsat-uk.org when you have sent some data. I will move the scores across to the main site afterwards. Many thanks 73 Dave, G4DPZ From mountain.michelle at gmail.com Wed Jun 10 03:00:20 2020 From: mountain.michelle at gmail.com (Michelle Thompson) Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2020 20:00:20 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Yasme Foundation Awards Grant to Open Research Institute Message-ID: Good news! https://openresearch.institute/2020/06/10/yasme-foundation-generously-awards-grant-to-ori/ Yasme Foundation Generously Awards a $30,000 Grant to Support the Open Research Institute (ORI) Amateur Radio Satellite Service Research and Development Program ORI, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to open source research and development in amateur radio, has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Yasme Foundation. This grant completes the Phase 1 fundraising campaign and allows ORI?s communications prototype work for geosynchronous and interplanetary amateur radio satellites to proceed. Combined with the ARRL Foundation?s recent maximum grant of $3,000, the $14,000 in proceeds from ORI?s successful Trans-Ionospheric electronic badge fundraiser, and many deeply appreciated individual donations, a total of $51,490 was raised for Phase 1 of the Digital Multiplex Transponder research and development program. A project that will directly and immediately benefit from this work includes the Amateur Radio Exploration (AREx) project, brought to you by Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). AREx is devoted to designing and building amateur radio equipment for the Lunar Orbiting Platform Gateway project. This lunar orbiting station will have open source broadband microwave amateur equipment and affordable open source ground stations. AREx is not limited to Gateway, as there are many other opportunities under consideration that can re-use all of the work. All work completed by ORI is made available to the general public at no cost. The Yasme Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to support scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio, including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and promotion of amateur radio in developing countries. Yasme supports various projects relating to amateur radio, with an emphasis on developing amateur radio in emerging countries and encouraging youth participation in amateur radio. The Yasme Foundation makes supporting grants to individuals and organizations providing or creating useful services for the amateur radio community. Regardless of originality or novelty, Yasme supports these programs in order to further the development of amateur radio around the world. The global perspective and commitment to authentic, accessible, and sustainable amateur radio training and experience puts Yasme Foundation into the rare category of organizations that provide true and broad public benefit. Find out more about the Yasme Foundation here: https://www.yasme.org/ ARISS is the home for AREx. ARISS can be found on the web at https://www.ariss.org/ JAMSAT supports AREx and has partnered with ORI to work on the Gateway Ground Station, which also directly benefits from this grant. JAMSAT can be found on the web at https://www.jamsat.or.jp Open Research Institute supports AREx and open source amateur radio research & development, primarily microwave. Find ORI on the web at https://openresearch.institute From marklhammond at gmail.com Wed Jun 10 03:19:22 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark Hammond) Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2020 23:19:22 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 in mode L/v at 0319utc for 24 hours 10 June 20 Message-ID: <56583ec2-1294-5d54-5407-8f3662a3ac71@gmail.com> Happy L-band! -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From kk5do at arrl.net Wed Jun 10 13:16:11 2020 From: kk5do at arrl.net (Bruce) Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2020 08:16:11 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Yasme Foundation Awards Grant to Open Research Institute In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: That is good news. Hope the work is fruitful. 73...bruce On 6/9/2020 10:00 PM, Michelle Thompson via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Good news! > > https://openresearch.institute/2020/06/10/yasme-foundation-generously-awards-grant-to-ori/ > > Yasme Foundation Generously Awards a $30,000 Grant to Support the Open > Research Institute (ORI) Amateur Radio Satellite Service Research and > Development Program > > ORI, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to open source research and development in > amateur radio, has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Yasme Foundation. > This grant completes the Phase 1 fundraising campaign and allows ORI?s > communications prototype work for geosynchronous and interplanetary amateur > radio satellites to proceed. > > Combined with the ARRL Foundation?s recent maximum grant of $3,000, the > $14,000 in proceeds from ORI?s successful Trans-Ionospheric electronic > badge fundraiser, and many deeply appreciated individual donations, a total > of $51,490 was raised for Phase 1 of the Digital Multiplex Transponder > research and development program. > > A project that will directly and immediately benefit from this work > includes the Amateur Radio Exploration (AREx) project, brought to you by > Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). > AREx is devoted to designing and building amateur radio equipment for the > Lunar Orbiting Platform Gateway project. This lunar orbiting station will > have open source broadband microwave amateur equipment and affordable open > source ground stations. AREx is not limited to Gateway, as there are many > other opportunities under consideration that can re-use all of the work. > > All work completed by ORI is made available to the general public at no > cost. > > The Yasme Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to > support scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio, > including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and > promotion of amateur radio in developing countries. Yasme supports various > projects relating to amateur radio, with an emphasis on developing amateur > radio in emerging countries and encouraging youth participation in amateur > radio. > > The Yasme Foundation makes supporting grants to individuals and > organizations providing or creating useful services for the amateur radio > community. Regardless of originality or novelty, Yasme supports these > programs in order to further the development of amateur radio around the > world. > > The global perspective and commitment to authentic, accessible, and > sustainable amateur radio training and experience puts Yasme Foundation > into the rare category of organizations that provide true and broad public > benefit. > > Find out more about the Yasme Foundation here: https://www.yasme.org/ > > ARISS is the home for AREx. ARISS can be found on the web at > https://www.ariss.org/ > > JAMSAT supports AREx and has partnered with ORI to work on the Gateway > Ground Station, which also directly benefits from this grant. JAMSAT can be > found on the web at > https://www.jamsat.or.jp > > Open Research Institute supports AREx and open source amateur radio > research & development, primarily microwave. > Find ORI on the web at > https://openresearch.institute > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 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 n8hm at arrl.net Wed Jun 10 21:14:38 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:14:38 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-162 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin - 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE SPECIAL BULLETIN ANS-162 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: * 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-162.01 ANS-162 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin AMSAT News Service Bulletin 162.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE June 10, 2020 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-162.01 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event The 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting in- person event scheduled to be held in Bloomington, Minnesota has been canceled. The event will be shifted to a virtual, online platform. This comes after a decision made between AMSAT's Senior Leadership and Board of Directors in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While AMSAT recognizes the national challenges related to recent events in Minneapolis, they have no bearing on the Symposium decision whatsoever. We anticipate holding 2021's Annual Space Symposium at the previously announced 2020 venue. The in-person event was scheduled to occur Friday, October 16th - Sunday, October 18th. As the 2020 virtual event plans are developed, they will be announced via the usual AMSAT channels. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office 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. 73 and Remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space, This week's ANS Contributing Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org From ke4al at yahoo.com Thu Jun 11 02:52:28 2020 From: ke4al at yahoo.com (Robert Bankston) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:52:28 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Member Portal Huge Success! References: <410572851.2549238.1591843948018.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <410572851.2549238.1591843948018@mail.yahoo.com> It?s been 41 days since I first launched AMSAT?s new, online Member Total.? In that short time, 1,060 members have logged in, and we added 254 new and previously expired members to our ranks. ? ? A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into transitioning our old dBase4 database into our new online Member Portal.? It has been a humbling experience to see everything come together and the expanded services we can now offer our Members. ?? While my original plan was to spend the first couple of months getting our members signed up, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, took the initiative to collect, capture and upload all of The AMSAT Journals, dating back to 2014, to make them accessible to our members.? In addition, Paul also made added AMSAT?s latest Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide as a member only benefit.? This was a huge effort and added a lot of value for our members.? Be sure to thank Paul for making it happen. ?? To all of the members who have already signed up on the new AMSAT Member Portal and those who I have exchanged emails with, I thank you.? I hope the level of our service lives up to your expectations. ?? For those who have not signed up, what are you waiting for?? It?s a fairly simple process and only takes a few minutes of your time. ?? It is important that each and every member log in and MAKE SURE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE.? While you?re there, take a moment to download the current satellite frequency guide, the stroll on over to The AMSAT Journal Archive. ?? If you not a member, there is no better time to join.? Visit launch.amsat.org ?? 73, ? Robert Bankston, KE4AL? ? Vice-President, User Services? ? Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) From marklhammond at gmail.com Thu Jun 11 13:22:23 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:22:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Member Portal Huge Success! In-Reply-To: <410572851.2549238.1591843948018@mail.yahoo.com> References: <410572851.2549238.1591843948018.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <410572851.2549238.1591843948018@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Robert, this is fantastic. Thanks for the endless hours you have put into this (and Paul N8HM, too!). The new portal is so nice. It's great having the ability to keep information up to date, and to have access to back issues of the Journal. Renewing or joining is easy. Bravo! How in the world you made enough time during the what must be the longest tax season on record is beyond me. And you're still on the air, to boot! Thanks for giving of your time and expertise. 73, Mark N8MH AMSAT Director, Command Station On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 10:53 PM Robert Bankston via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > It?s been 41 days since I first launched AMSAT?s new, online Member > Total. In that short time, 1,060 members have logged in, and we added 254 > new and previously expired members to our ranks. > > A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into transitioning our old dBase4 > database into our new online Member Portal. It has been a humbling > experience to see everything come together and the expanded services we can > now offer our Members. > > While my original plan was to spend the first couple of months getting our > members signed up, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, took the initiative to collect, > capture and upload all of The AMSAT Journals, dating back to 2014, to make > them accessible to our members. In addition, Paul also made added AMSAT?s > latest Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide as a member only benefit. This > was a huge effort and added a lot of value for our members. Be sure to > thank Paul for making it happen. > > To all of the members who have already signed up on the new AMSAT Member > Portal and those who I have exchanged emails with, I thank you. I hope the > level of our service lives up to your expectations. > > For those who have not signed up, what are you waiting for? It?s a fairly > simple process and only takes a few minutes of your time. > > It is important that each and every member log in and MAKE SURE YOUR > CONTACT INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE. While you?re there, take a moment to > download the current satellite frequency guide, the stroll on over to The > AMSAT Journal Archive. > > If you not a member, there is no better time to join. Visit > launch.amsat.org > > > 73, > > Robert Bankston, KE4AL > Vice-President, User Services > Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From n8hm at arrl.net Thu Jun 11 13:48:24 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:48:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Member Portal Huge Success! In-Reply-To: References: <410572851.2549238.1591843948018.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <410572851.2549238.1591843948018@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: It's great to see the years of work behind this transition all finally come together! Robert was the key person in getting this system implemented, but, as with anything, it was a team effort involving several people, including: Clayton Coleman, W5PFG - Our now-President originally proposed a managed membership solution to resolve the problems we ran into for several years while attempting to build our own membership solution using open-source tools. Robert took the ball and ran with it. Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P - Our IT team lead who has provided an immense amount of support and leadership for our IT systems for many years. Matt Alberti, KM4EXS - An invaluable member of our IT team. Martha Saragovitz - Our long-time office manager. As far as content - I have made all the Journals from 2014-present available for members via the portal. My plan is to get all AMSAT periodicals ever published available from 1969 to the present. However, our archives have a gap. If anyone has copies of The AMSAT Journal, The Amateur Satellite Report, or other AMSAT periodical from 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, or 1992, please let me know. In the short term, you should expect to see other resources made available very soon. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 9:23 AM Mark L. Hammond via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Robert, this is fantastic. Thanks for the endless hours you have put into > this (and Paul N8HM, too!). The new portal is so nice. It's great having > the ability to keep information up to date, and to have access to back > issues of the Journal. Renewing or joining is easy. > > Bravo! How in the world you made enough time during the what must be the > longest tax season on record is beyond me. And you're still on the air, to > boot! Thanks for giving of your time and expertise. > > > 73, > Mark N8MH > AMSAT Director, Command Station > > On Wed, Jun 10, 2020 at 10:53 PM Robert Bankston via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > It?s been 41 days since I first launched AMSAT?s new, online Member > > Total. In that short time, 1,060 members have logged in, and we added > 254 > > new and previously expired members to our ranks. > > > > A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into transitioning our old dBase4 > > database into our new online Member Portal. It has been a humbling > > experience to see everything come together and the expanded services we > can > > now offer our Members. > > > > While my original plan was to spend the first couple of months getting > our > > members signed up, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, took the initiative to collect, > > capture and upload all of The AMSAT Journals, dating back to 2014, to > make > > them accessible to our members. In addition, Paul also made added > AMSAT?s > > latest Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide as a member only benefit. This > > was a huge effort and added a lot of value for our members. Be sure to > > thank Paul for making it happen. > > > > To all of the members who have already signed up on the new AMSAT Member > > Portal and those who I have exchanged emails with, I thank you. I hope > the > > level of our service lives up to your expectations. > > > > For those who have not signed up, what are you waiting for? It?s a > fairly > > simple process and only takes a few minutes of your time. > > > > It is important that each and every member log in and MAKE SURE YOUR > > CONTACT INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE. While you?re there, take a moment to > > download the current satellite frequency guide, the stroll on over to The > > AMSAT Journal Archive. > > > > If you not a member, there is no better time to join. Visit > > launch.amsat.org > > > > > > 73, > > > > Robert Bankston, KE4AL > > Vice-President, User Services > > Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > -- > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From rich at ourowndomain.com Thu Jun 11 15:10:28 2020 From: rich at ourowndomain.com (Rich Gopstein) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:10:28 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HF and Satellite antennas on one mast? Message-ID: I'm considering putting up a tower to get my satellite antennas off the ground. As long as I'm doing that, I'm considering putting a small HF beam up there too (maybe the 2 or 3 element SteppIR?). Has anyone done that? Do you put the HF antenna below the AZ/EL setup? How much room would I leave between them? BTW - I have the larger M2 satellite antennas, not the LEO-pack, so the antennas are mounted near the middle of the booms, not at the ends. I imagine I'd split the G-5500 into separate AZ and EL rotators, placing the AZ rotator in the tower. Thoughts? Thanks. Rich, KD2CQ From alozias at live.com Thu Jun 11 16:04:42 2020 From: alozias at live.com (Albert Ozias) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:04:42 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Pre amps Message-ID: I have used an AG-25 and an AG-35 mask mounted pre-amps which are no longer used being my station was down sized. If anyone has interest in acquiring both for moderate consideration contact me at alozias at live.com or N7EQF at amsat.org. From propgrinder at gmail.com Thu Jun 11 16:57:25 2020 From: propgrinder at gmail.com (Bob Hammond) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:57:25 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Pre amps In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I'll take them Albert. Bob W7OTJ On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 9:16 AM Albert Ozias via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I have used an AG-25 and an AG-35 mask mounted pre-amps which are no > longer used being my station was down sized. If anyone has interest in > acquiring both for moderate consideration contact me at alozias at live.com > or N7EQF 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From w3ab at yahoo.com Thu Jun 11 17:14:16 2020 From: w3ab at yahoo.com (W3AB/GEO) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:14:16 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] HF and Satellite antennas on one mast? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0f61f9f7-f5bc-4348-9d8d-c48fa41a402a@yahoo.com> That would work. Your AZ rotor will determine how big a HF beam you can install. Don't forget to add in the Sat array for wind load. The spacing will probably be determined by your coax feed to the Sat antennas. ?___ Sent from my two way wrist watch 73 de W3AB/GEO? On Jun 11, 2020, 08:24, at 08:24, Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB wrote: >I'm considering putting up a tower to get my satellite antennas off the >ground. As long as I'm doing that, I'm considering putting a small HF >beam >up there too (maybe the 2 or 3 element SteppIR?). > >Has anyone done that? Do you put the HF antenna below the AZ/EL setup? >How much room would I leave between them? BTW - I have the larger M2 >satellite antennas, not the LEO-pack, so the antennas are mounted near >the >middle of the booms, not at the ends. > >I imagine I'd split the G-5500 into separate AZ and EL rotators, >placing >the AZ rotator in the tower. > >Thoughts? > >Thanks. > >Rich, KD2CQ >_______________________________________________ >Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >Opinions expressed >are solely those of the author, and 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 From k0jm.mark at gmail.com Thu Jun 11 17:22:27 2020 From: k0jm.mark at gmail.com (Mark Johns, K0JM) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:22:27 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem changed? Message-ID: For weeks I have been successfully capturing 30-60 telemetry frames per pass on AO-91 and AO-92 with FoxTelem v.1.08z5. But suddenly, over the past week or two, I'm lucky to capture 10-20 frames in a pass -- sometimes as few as 1 or 2 frames for a 25 degree elevation pass! The eye just doesn't seem to want to lock up, even when the downlink signal is very strong. Nothing has changed in my station. Is something different with the DUV signals of the satellites, or with the program, or some screwy Windows update, or something else that I'm missing? Anyone else seeing the same? -- Mark D. Johns, K?JM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain From royldean at gmail.com Thu Jun 11 18:03:59 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:03:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem changed? Message-ID: > > Nothing has changed in my station. Is something different with the DUV > signals of the satellites, or with the program, or some screwy Windows > update, or something else that I'm missing? Anyone else seeing the same? This is typical (at least for me). I've been running a dedicated FoxTelem station (FCDP+ and a Raspberry Pi, 3/4 wave ground plane attic antenna) for a couple of years and I've noticed that I can go for weeks only getting about 20 to 50 frames a day, the all of a sudden I'll average 200 frames a day for a couple of weeks. The running average seems to be about 50 frames a day. Of course, there could also be a recent issue with one of the satellites or your station.... who knows. Just giving you another data point. --Roy K3RLD From marklhammond at gmail.com Thu Jun 11 18:22:35 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:22:35 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem changed? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Mark, Glad you're collecting frames! I haven't really seen a drop lately-at least I haven't noticed. There is variability, usually due to changes in times of the pass (e.g., is the transmitter even on at very odd hours in the night?), and sometimes they can share a footprint, so you typically get frames from one but not the other. So frames can vary. I have from time to time seen that a restart of Foxtelem is necessary; I don't do it daily, but close...not sure if the decoder just needs a restart from time to time, or what. It's pretty stable and consistent, for sure. I just do it more often than necessary so I can keep a watch on daily frame rates (basically resetting the counter...) You can watch what others are getting framewise here (thanks to spiffy coding by Chris AC2CZ!) A bit of clicking and you get an idea of daily/weekly/monthly frames captured. http://www.amsat.org/tlm/leaderboard.php?id=0&db=FOXDB Hope it clears up for you. Not sure this was any help, but I tried ;) 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] AMSAT Director and Command Station On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 1:27 PM Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > For weeks I have been successfully capturing 30-60 telemetry frames per > pass on AO-91 and AO-92 with FoxTelem v.1.08z5. > > But suddenly, over the past week or two, I'm lucky to capture 10-20 frames > in a pass -- sometimes as few as 1 or 2 frames for a 25 degree elevation > pass! The eye just doesn't seem to want to lock up, even when the downlink > signal is very strong. > > Nothing has changed in my station. Is something different with the DUV > signals of the satellites, or with the program, or some screwy Windows > update, or something else that I'm missing? Anyone else seeing the same? > -- > Mark D. Johns, K?JM > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > ----------------------------------------------- > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > ---Mark Twain > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- From aj9n at aol.com Thu Jun 11 18:25:51 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:25:51 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-11 18:30 UTC References: <89785129.2045898.1591899951567.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <89785129.2045898.1591899951567@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-11 18:30 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? I.E.S. Pedro de Valdivia, Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, Multi-point telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact is go for: Tue 2020-06-16 12:25:27 UTC 84 deg ? Watch for live stream at: https://youtu.be/PyNqsTMqAoQ (***) ? ? ######################################################################################################################################## ? ARISS would like to announce that Tony VK5ZAI has received a special award (also thanks to ARISS mentor and telebridge operator Shane VK4KHZ for letting us know): ? Congratulations to Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI in being recognised and awarded the Order of Australia medal?(AM)?in the June 8th Queens Birthday honours list. ? Well done Tony! ? Mr James Anthony HUTCHISON Kingston SE SA 5275 For significant service to amateur radio, particularly to satellite and space communication. ? For those that don't know what Tony has done, here a few stats.? He has mentored 65 ARISS schools and been the telebridge station for 58 ARISS contacts.? Plus he was very involved with SAREX. ? For even more info on Tony, check out these webpages (there are many more): http://www.electric-web.org/amateur_index.htm?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chcgLwFy1v0?? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-06/nasa-considers-amateur-radio-buff-part-of-astronaut-family/11530046 ? The actual announcement can be found on page 7 of 28 at: https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/QB2020%20Gazette%20-%20O%20of%20A.PDF ? ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio?? Check out these links:?? ? ? >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in????? #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolation_in_SpaceConnectsU ? Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.? By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw.? Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World.? Check out:? https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard ? NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home.? Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ? ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-11 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-05-17 11:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1389. Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1322. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit Welcome aboard! Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Thu Jun 11 20:12:15 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:12:15 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem changed? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: So first, to answer your question, afaik, there has been no change in the satellite downlink. My "catch" also varies, but it usually depends on the orbit and the timing (lots fewer people on in the middle of the night, and thus less time that the transmitter is on). However, you said that your eye does not seem to "lock up" despite a strong signal. Does that mean that you see a big "bump" on the frequency (FFT) display, but you do not see an eye? Or you see an eye but no new frames? If you don't see an eye, I might suspect that the frequency is off. Either your SDR's local oscillator has changed a bit or if you are using "FoxTelem Calculates Doppler" your keps are getting way out of date. They should be updated regularly, but you never know. It should also not be all that fussy with FM satellites, but again...YNNK. If you do see a good eye, watch at the bottom. You will see light numbers that say "errors" and "erasures". At least you will see them on the frames that you get. It would be interesting to know how high those are. For a good strong signal, it should be in the single digits. If it is a bigger number, that is probably one level of explanation. Also, how high is the noise floor and the peak signal on your FFT display? Too high can be as bad as too low. You might play with your preamp (if any) and the LNA and Mixer Gain within the FunCubeDongle (check boxes on the "input' page of FoxTelem) Good luck and 73, Burns WB1FJ On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 2:25 PM Mark L. Hammond via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Hi Mark, > > Glad you're collecting frames! I haven't really seen a drop lately-at > least I haven't noticed. There is variability, usually due to changes in > times of the pass (e.g., is the transmitter even on at very odd hours in > the night?), and sometimes they can share a footprint, so you typically get > frames from one but not the other. So frames can vary. > > I have from time to time seen that a restart of Foxtelem is necessary; I > don't do it daily, but close...not sure if the decoder just needs a restart > from time to time, or what. It's pretty stable and consistent, for sure. > I just do it more often than necessary so I can keep a watch on daily frame > rates (basically resetting the counter...) > > You can watch what others are getting framewise here (thanks to spiffy > coding by Chris AC2CZ!) A bit of clicking and you get an idea of > daily/weekly/monthly frames captured. > > http://www.amsat.org/tlm/leaderboard.php?id=0&db=FOXDB > > Hope it clears up for you. Not sure this was any help, but I tried ;) > > 73, > > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > AMSAT Director and Command Station > > On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 1:27 PM Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > For weeks I have been successfully capturing 30-60 telemetry frames per > > pass on AO-91 and AO-92 with FoxTelem v.1.08z5. > > > > But suddenly, over the past week or two, I'm lucky to capture 10-20 > frames > > in a pass -- sometimes as few as 1 or 2 frames for a 25 degree elevation > > pass! The eye just doesn't seem to want to lock up, even when the > downlink > > signal is very strong. > > > > Nothing has changed in my station. Is something different with the DUV > > signals of the satellites, or with the program, or some screwy Windows > > update, or something else that I'm missing? Anyone else seeing the same? > > -- > > Mark D. Johns, K?JM > > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > > ----------------------------------------------- > > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > > ---Mark Twain > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > -- > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From rich at ourowndomain.com Thu Jun 11 20:37:47 2020 From: rich at ourowndomain.com (Rich Gopstein) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:37:47 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HF and Satellite antennas on one mast? In-Reply-To: <0f61f9f7-f5bc-4348-9d8d-c48fa41a402a@yahoo.com> References: <0f61f9f7-f5bc-4348-9d8d-c48fa41a402a@yahoo.com> Message-ID: Thanks. A LEO-pack might be a better choice for stacking then. Since the coax wouldn't hang down as far. Also less wind area... On Thu, Jun 11, 2020, 1:14 PM W3AB/GEO wrote: > That would work. Your AZ rotor will determine how big a HF beam you can > install. Don't forget to add in the Sat array for wind load. The spacing > will probably be determined by your coax feed to the Sat antennas. > > ___ > Sent from my two way wrist watch > 73 de W3AB/GEO > On Jun 11, 2020, at 08:24, Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB > wrote: >> >> I'm considering putting up a tower to get my satellite antennas off the >> ground. As long as I'm doing that, I'm considering putting a small HF beam >> up there too (maybe the 2 or 3 element SteppIR?). >> >> Has anyone done that? Do you put the HF antenna below the AZ/EL setup? >> How much room would I leave between them? BTW - I have the larger M2 >> satellite antennas, not the LEO-pack, so the antennas are mounted near the >> middle of the booms, not at the ends. >> >> I imagine I'd split the G-5500 into separate AZ and EL rotators, placing >> the AZ rotator in the tower. >> >> Thoughts? >> >> Thanks. >> >> Rich, KD2CQ >> ------------------------------ >> >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 >> >> From va3mw at portcredit.net Thu Jun 11 20:50:28 2020 From: va3mw at portcredit.net (Michael Walker) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:50:28 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HF and Satellite antennas on one mast? In-Reply-To: References: <0f61f9f7-f5bc-4348-9d8d-c48fa41a402a@yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hi Rich I would give that a go. Put the 3 EL Steppir at the top of the tower just above the thrust bearing and then add the LEO antenna and the elevation rotator at a height you can work at above the Steppir. I think you would be pleased with the performance. I had done a similar installation for years with the 2M above the Steppir without issue taking into account all the normal tower cable running, etc. Mike va3mw On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 4:39 PM Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Thanks. A LEO-pack might be a better choice for stacking then. Since the > coax wouldn't hang down as far. Also less wind area... > > > > On Thu, Jun 11, 2020, 1:14 PM W3AB/GEO wrote: > > > That would work. Your AZ rotor will determine how big a HF beam you can > > install. Don't forget to add in the Sat array for wind load. The spacing > > will probably be determined by your coax feed to the Sat antennas. > > > > ___ > > Sent from my two way wrist watch > > 73 de W3AB/GEO > > On Jun 11, 2020, at 08:24, Rich Gopstein via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> > > wrote: > >> > >> I'm considering putting up a tower to get my satellite antennas off the > >> ground. As long as I'm doing that, I'm considering putting a small HF > beam > >> up there too (maybe the 2 or 3 element SteppIR?). > >> > >> Has anyone done that? Do you put the HF antenna below the AZ/EL setup? > >> How much room would I leave between them? BTW - I have the larger M2 > >> satellite antennas, not the LEO-pack, so the antennas are mounted near > the > >> middle of the booms, not at the ends. > >> > >> I imagine I'd split the G-5500 into separate AZ and EL rotators, placing > >> the AZ rotator in the tower. > >> > >> Thoughts? > >> > >> Thanks. > >> > >> Rich, KD2CQ > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From zleffke at vt.edu Thu Jun 11 22:14:57 2020 From: zleffke at vt.edu (Leffke, Zachary) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:14:57 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Mini Circuits components on Mouser Message-ID: Hi Folks, Just thought I'd drop a quick note for a recent discovery I made for the DIYers out there. Mini Circuits components are now being distributed through Mouser! On Mini Circuits, a lot of the stuff may be cheap, but usually comes with a minimum order quantity of 10 or 20 items. On Mouser you can place single item orders. The flipside of this though is the per unit cost is higher on Mouser, but totally worth it if you only need one or two of something and don't want to eat the cost for ordering 20. This could be a huge plus for microwave and other satellite projects. A lot (maybe all?) of the W1GHZ transverter designs are based around Mini Circuits components. There was some discussion on this list a while back about DIY VHF/UHF preamps and I piped up about a PGA-103 based design that I like. On Mini Circuits, one amp is $1.99, but again you'd have to buy 20 (so minimum cost of $40). On Mouser same amp is $3.12 for 1. Much more reasonable if you only need one or two. I haven't checked every component that might be of interest, and I'm mostly looking for SMT components at the moment. So far amps and baluns seem to be cross listed, though a number of mixers are listed but 'out of stock' on Mouser.....still that might just be stock ramp up delays if this is relatively new for Mouser. Just thought I'd let folks know. Keep your eye out for the 'buy on mouser' link if your searching around on Mini Circuits page. Spread the word to your microwave friends! If this is old news, sorry for that, I got excited when I found it! -Zach, KJ4QLP -- Research Associate Aerospace & Ocean 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 From hans.bx2abt at msa.hinet.net Fri Jun 12 00:17:45 2020 From: hans.bx2abt at msa.hinet.net (Hans BX2ABT) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 08:17:45 +0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] Mini Circuits components on Mouser In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7c265a76-7572-a1dd-0602-d2b2c85ba290@msa.hinet.net> Yes, but with the restriction that it's only for US based customers. Outside the US you can't order any of them via Mouser. Wonder what MiniCircuits is thinking. We have a local distributor here and I'll talk with them about this, because it's plainly ridiculous. --Hans On 6/12/20 6:14 AM, Leffke, Zachary via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hi Folks, > Just thought I'd drop a quick note for a recent discovery I made for the DIYers out there. Mini Circuits components are now being distributed through Mouser! On Mini Circuits, a lot of the stuff may be cheap, but usually comes with a minimum order quantity of 10 or 20 items. On Mouser you can place single item orders. The flipside of this though is the per unit cost is higher on Mouser, but totally worth it if you only need one or two of something and don't want to eat the cost for ordering 20. > > This could be a huge plus for microwave and other satellite projects. A lot (maybe all?) of the W1GHZ transverter designs are based around Mini Circuits components. There was some discussion on this list a while back about DIY VHF/UHF preamps and I piped up about a PGA-103 based design that I like. On Mini Circuits, one amp is $1.99, but again you'd have to buy 20 (so minimum cost of $40). On Mouser same amp is $3.12 for 1. Much more reasonable if you only need one or two. > > I haven't checked every component that might be of interest, and I'm mostly looking for SMT components at the moment. So far amps and baluns seem to be cross listed, though a number of mixers are listed but 'out of stock' on Mouser.....still that might just be stock ramp up delays if this is relatively new for Mouser. > > > Just thought I'd let folks know. Keep your eye out for the 'buy on mouser' link if your searching around on Mini Circuits page. Spread the word to your microwave friends! If this is old news, sorry for that, I got excited when I found it! > > -Zach, KJ4QLP > > -- > Research Associate > Aerospace & Ocean 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > From g0kla at arrl.net Fri Jun 12 02:57:52 2020 From: g0kla at arrl.net (Chris Thompson) Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:57:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem changed? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Mark, Not sure what your RF device is. I have seen windows change the audio gain settings when it installs an update. It enables AGC for the FCD or it resets the gain level. The signal ends up too strong and does not decode because it distorts. Otherwise review the method you are using to tune in the signal. Maybe that was reset somehow. 73 Chris G0KLA On Thu, Jun 11, 2020, 16:16 Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: > So first, to answer your question, afaik, there has been no change in the > satellite downlink. > > My "catch" also varies, but it usually depends on the orbit and the timing > (lots fewer people on in the middle of the night, and thus less time that > the transmitter is on). > > However, you said that your eye does not seem to "lock up" despite a strong > signal. Does that mean that you see a big "bump" on the frequency (FFT) > display, but you do not see an eye? Or you see an eye but no new frames? > > If you don't see an eye, I might suspect that the frequency is off. Either > your SDR's local oscillator has changed a bit or if you are using "FoxTelem > Calculates Doppler" your keps are getting way out of date. They should be > updated regularly, but you never know. It should also not be all that > fussy with FM satellites, but again...YNNK. > > If you do see a good eye, watch at the bottom. You will see light numbers > that say "errors" and "erasures". At least you will see them on the frames > that you get. It would be interesting to know how high those are. For a > good strong signal, it should be in the single digits. If it is a bigger > number, that is probably one level of explanation. > > Also, how high is the noise floor and the peak signal on your FFT display? > Too high can be as bad as too low. You might play with your preamp (if > any) and the LNA and Mixer Gain within the FunCubeDongle (check boxes on > the "input' page of FoxTelem) > > Good luck and 73, > > Burns WB1FJ > > On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 2:25 PM Mark L. Hammond via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > Hi Mark, > > > > Glad you're collecting frames! I haven't really seen a drop lately-at > > least I haven't noticed. There is variability, usually due to changes > in > > times of the pass (e.g., is the transmitter even on at very odd hours in > > the night?), and sometimes they can share a footprint, so you typically > get > > frames from one but not the other. So frames can vary. > > > > I have from time to time seen that a restart of Foxtelem is necessary; I > > don't do it daily, but close...not sure if the decoder just needs a > restart > > from time to time, or what. It's pretty stable and consistent, for sure. > > I just do it more often than necessary so I can keep a watch on daily > frame > > rates (basically resetting the counter...) > > > > You can watch what others are getting framewise here (thanks to spiffy > > coding by Chris AC2CZ!) A bit of clicking and you get an idea of > > daily/weekly/monthly frames captured. > > > > http://www.amsat.org/tlm/leaderboard.php?id=0&db=FOXDB > > > > Hope it clears up for you. Not sure this was any help, but I tried ;) > > > > 73, > > > > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] > > AMSAT Director and Command Station > > > > On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 1:27 PM Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > > For weeks I have been successfully capturing 30-60 telemetry frames per > > > pass on AO-91 and AO-92 with FoxTelem v.1.08z5. > > > > > > But suddenly, over the past week or two, I'm lucky to capture 10-20 > > frames > > > in a pass -- sometimes as few as 1 or 2 frames for a 25 degree > elevation > > > pass! The eye just doesn't seem to want to lock up, even when the > > downlink > > > signal is very strong. > > > > > > Nothing has changed in my station. Is something different with the DUV > > > signals of the satellites, or with the program, or some screwy Windows > > > update, or something else that I'm missing? Anyone else seeing the > same? > > > -- > > > Mark D. Johns, K?JM > > > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > > > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > > > ----------------------------------------------- > > > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > > > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > > > ---Mark Twain > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > > Opinions > > > expressed > > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > > > > > -- > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From vk2pet at internode.on.net Fri Jun 12 03:54:53 2020 From: vk2pet at internode.on.net (Pete vk2pet) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:54:53 +1000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Heavy Duty Azimuth & Elevation Rotator In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good afternoon everyone, I'm trying to research what heavy duty Azimuth & Elevation rotators are out there in the mark to hold a 4m dish. Like the one in the below link from SPID. https://www.thedxshop.com/rotators/spid-big-ras-heavy-duty-azimuth-elevation-rotator.html I do know that Alfa-SPID also make one. The motor/controller needs to run with PSTRotator & PCSAT32. (I run both) 73 Pete vk2pet From graham at shirville.com Fri Jun 12 09:41:50 2020 From: graham at shirville.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:41:50 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB tracker repair - some good news! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0be1b61a-c3a1-75fb-653d-0377638d39b8@shirville.com> Following on from Zach's "buy from Mouser" email:) We had a lightning strike here last Saturday on a tree about 100 feet from the shack. Amongst a number of bits of kit that did not survive intact was the trusty (old) LVB tracker. Neither windows nor the PST rotator could see any USB serial device so I assumed that the DLP-USB232-M daughter board had been zapped. A quick Google search showed that Mouser stock an updated DLP-USB232M-G2 board which appeared to be a direct plug in replacement. It arrived yesterday and, after a few driver updates, normal service has been resumed and I am, once again, busy happily tracking the FUNcube birds. I was pleasantly surprised that the dreaded "obsolescence" issue did not apply here! Have a great weekend 73 Graham G3VZV On 11/06/2020 23:14, Leffke, Zachary via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hi Folks, > Just thought I'd drop a quick note for a recent discovery I made for the DIYers out there. Mini Circuits components are now being distributed through Mouser! On Mini Circuits, a lot of the stuff may be cheap, but usually comes with a minimum order quantity of 10 or 20 items. On Mouser you can place single item orders. The flipside of this though is the per unit cost is higher on Mouser, but totally worth it if you only need one or two of something and don't want to eat the cost for ordering 20. > > This could be a huge plus for microwave and other satellite projects. A lot (maybe all?) of the W1GHZ transverter designs are based around Mini Circuits components. There was some discussion on this list a while back about DIY VHF/UHF preamps and I piped up about a PGA-103 based design that I like. On Mini Circuits, one amp is $1.99, but again you'd have to buy 20 (so minimum cost of $40). On Mouser same amp is $3.12 for 1. Much more reasonable if you only need one or two. > > I haven't checked every component that might be of interest, and I'm mostly looking for SMT components at the moment. So far amps and baluns seem to be cross listed, though a number of mixers are listed but 'out of stock' on Mouser.....still that might just be stock ramp up delays if this is relatively new for Mouser. > > > Just thought I'd let folks know. Keep your eye out for the 'buy on mouser' link if your searching around on Mini Circuits page. Spread the word to your microwave friends! If this is old news, sorry for that, I got excited when I found it! > > -Zach, KJ4QLP > > -- > Research Associate > Aerospace & Ocean 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From colonelkrypton at gmail.com Fri Jun 12 13:07:13 2020 From: colonelkrypton at gmail.com (Graham c) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:07:13 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 Message-ID: Good morning all, I was monitoring 145.825 this morning and surprised to hear a data signal at a time when I was not expecting to hear anything. After a bit of research it turns out this was UO-11 ( I think ) FM 1K2 AFSK telemetry Strong signal at FN25ig (near Ottawa Canada) AOS, at least when I first heard the signal, approximately 2020-06-12 12:33UTC and LOS 12:38 UTC. I think I am going to monitor a few passes and see if I can decode some of the telemetry. cheers, Graham ve3gtc From royldean at gmail.com Fri Jun 12 13:41:05 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:41:05 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 Message-ID: > > Good morning all, I was monitoring 145.825 this morning and surprised to > hear a data signal > at a time when I was not expecting to hear anything. After a bit of > research it turns out this was UO-11 ( I think ) FM 1K2 > AFSK telemetry Strong signal at FN25ig (near Ottawa Canada) AOS, at least > when I first > heard the signal, approximately 2020-06-12 12:33UTC and LOS 12:38 UTC. I > think I am going to monitor a few passes and see if I can decode some of > the telemetry. cheers, Graham ve3gt I went through some SatNogs observations for UO-11 that had positive decodes, and 100% of the ones I looked at had either false positives due to the ISS digipeater RF-Bombing the pass, or they just had gibberish decodes of noise. There are also a few observations that seem to have very noticeable signals - but no decodes. Please do let us know how it goes. --Roy K3RLD From wb3csy at gmail.com Fri Jun 12 16:12:12 2020 From: wb3csy at gmail.com (Rick Walter) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:12:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I used to decode the telemetry from UO-9 and UO-11 for many years. As far as I know, right now, the info is meaningless. It is not real data. I assume the sensors no longer work. Rick WB3CSY On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 9:44 AM Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > > Good morning all, I was monitoring 145.825 this morning and surprised to > > hear a data signal > > at a time when I was not expecting to hear anything. After a bit of > > research it turns out this was UO-11 ( I think ) FM 1K2 > > AFSK telemetry Strong signal at FN25ig (near Ottawa Canada) AOS, at least > > when I first > > heard the signal, approximately 2020-06-12 12:33UTC and LOS 12:38 UTC. I > > think I am going to monitor a few passes and see if I can decode some of > > the telemetry. cheers, Graham ve3gt > > > I went through some SatNogs observations for UO-11 that had positive > decodes, and 100% of the ones I looked at had either false positives due to > the ISS digipeater RF-Bombing the pass, or they just had gibberish decodes > of noise. There are also a few observations that seem to have very > noticeable signals - but no decodes. > > Please do let us know how it goes. > > --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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Sent from Rick's gmail account From pconver at gmail.com Fri Jun 12 17:58:22 2020 From: pconver at gmail.com (Pedro Converso) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 14:58:22 -0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 Message-ID: Hello, Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ Sounds similar to sample on http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 73, lu7abf, Pedro From colonelkrypton at gmail.com Fri Jun 12 22:10:48 2020 From: colonelkrypton at gmail.com (Graham c) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 22:10:48 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: What caught my ear this morning was that the transmission was a steady stream of 1k2 AFSK not the usual packet burst of ISS or other PACSAT's. None of the usual satellites on 145.825 (i.e. ISS, PACSATs, etc) where in view when I checked as to what satellites might be view. After loading an element set for UO-11 and checked where it was, it's orbit matched the AOS and LOS I had observed. I won't have a chance to check this evening for passes but will be able to have a listen again tomorrow morning. I will see if I can decode any of datastream whether it makes sense or not. cheers, Graham ve3gtc On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 6:03 PM Pedro Converso via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Hello, > > Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on > https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ > > Sounds similar to sample on http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm > > UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From scott23192 at gmail.com Fri Jun 12 22:50:19 2020 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:50:19 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: You might want to make sure that XW-2D (#40907) is not in the area. It can put out a lot of interference that bleeds into 145.825. -Scott, K4KDR ==================== On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 6:13 PM Graham c via AMSAT-BB wrote: > What caught my ear this morning was that the transmission was a steady > stream of 1k2 AFSK not the usual packet burst of ISS or other PACSAT's. > None of the usual satellites on 145.825 (i.e. ISS, PACSATs, etc) where in > view when I checked as to what satellites might be view. After loading an > element set for UO-11 and checked where it was, it's orbit matched the AOS > and LOS I had observed. > > I won't have a chance to check this evening for passes but will be able to > have a listen again tomorrow morning. > > I will see if I can decode any of datastream whether it makes sense or not. > > cheers, Graham ve3gtc > > On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 6:03 PM Pedro Converso via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > Hello, > > > > Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on > > https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ > > > > Sounds similar to sample on > http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm > > > > UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 > > > > 73, lu7abf, Pedro > From scott23192 at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 01:31:27 2020 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 21:31:27 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Break-down of APRS digipeats & ARISS.net Message-ID: As I was replying to a question about the ISS digipeater, and in particular the ARRIS.net website, I thought maybe the explanation might benefit others new to making APRS contacts via satellite. Kit (W3KIT) was kind enough to give me the ok to use my reply to him as a way to share with others that might be interested in this kind of thing. I've uploaded the 1-page explanation with an annotated screen shot to: https://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//how-to/ariss-aprs-explained.pdf 73! -Scott, K4KDR From wandtosborne at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 02:28:25 2020 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 14:28:25 +1200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rocket Lab Launch looking good for later today Message-ID: <33dbefbf-fbc9-c6c9-cfd5-097d846fadb9@gmail.com> See: https://twitter.com/rocketlab Catch the stream here: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/ at about 04:15 UTC 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC From documike at comcast.net Sat Jun 13 03:56:17 2020 From: documike at comcast.net (Mike Lucas) Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 20:56:17 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS APRS Active? Message-ID: <001801d64136$98165c50$c84314f0$@comcast.net> Anybody know if the ISS APRS digipeater station is active? Mike N7ASZ From scott23192 at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 04:15:12 2020 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 00:15:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] ISS APRS Active? In-Reply-To: <001801d64136$98165c50$c84314f0$@comcast.net> References: <001801d64136$98165c50$c84314f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: Hi Mike! It is. Here's a website that shows the most recent digipeats received by 'iGate' ground stations: http://www.ariss.net/index.cgi?absolute=1 (scroll down to the "Recent Activity" section for date/time-stamped messages) -Scott, K4KDR ================ On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 11:57 PM Mike Lucas via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Anybody know if the ISS APRS digipeater station is active? > > Mike N7ASZ > From wandtosborne at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 05:02:28 2020 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 17:02:28 +1200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rocket lab launch now streaming Message-ID: <7dea6c10-0e24-92c5-95ec-8599eb3677c1@gmail.com> See: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC From colonelkrypton at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 13:37:43 2020 From: colonelkrypton at gmail.com (Graham c) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:37:43 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good morning Scott, Good point but no, it wasn't XW-2D. I considered that but that was not the case. cheers, Graham ve3gtc On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 10:51 PM Scott via AMSAT-BB wrote: > You might want to make sure that XW-2D (#40907) is not in the area. > > It can put out a lot of interference that bleeds into 145.825. > > -Scott, K4KDR > > ==================== > > On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 6:13 PM Graham c via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > > What caught my ear this morning was that the transmission was a steady > > stream of 1k2 AFSK not the usual packet burst of ISS or other PACSAT's. > > None of the usual satellites on 145.825 (i.e. ISS, PACSATs, etc) where in > > view when I checked as to what satellites might be view. After loading an > > element set for UO-11 and checked where it was, it's orbit matched the > AOS > > and LOS I had observed. > > > > I won't have a chance to check this evening for passes but will be able > to > > have a listen again tomorrow morning. > > > > I will see if I can decode any of datastream whether it makes sense or > not. > > > > cheers, Graham ve3gtc > > > > On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 6:03 PM Pedro Converso via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > > Hello, > > > > > > Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on > > > https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ > > > > > > Sounds similar to sample on > > http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm > > > > > > UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 > > > > > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From colonelkrypton at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 13:46:43 2020 From: colonelkrypton at gmail.com (Graham c) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:46:43 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I monitored another pass this morning. Uitmsat passed over just before AOS 2020-06-13 12:34 LOS 12:44 NO-84 also passed over just before AOS 2020-06-13 12:33 ISS also pass over but afterwards AOS 2020-06-13 13:02 LOS 13:18 UO-11 was expected to pass over AOS 2020-06-13 12:45 LOS 12:57 During this time I did track a signal on 145.825 +/- doppler. not as strong this morning on this pass as the signal I heard yesterday and I was unable to decode any 1k2baud AFSK data. This pass was over the Western part of the US and I suspect that it just wasn't getting as much sun as it did yesterday. I am going to monitor another pass later today (late afternoon - early evening my time) and again early tomorrow morning. Someone asked what software I was using to try and decode the telemetry. I am trying to use MixW32 as briefly described here: https://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/satellite/amateur-radio-satellites/uo-11/ about 4/5ths of the way down the page. At this point I am pretty certain that what I have been hearing is in fact UO-11 cheers, Graham ve3gtc On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 6:03 PM Pedro Converso via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Hello, > > Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on > https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ > > Sounds similar to sample on http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm > > UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From mpenkas at comcast.net Sat Jun 13 13:18:29 2020 From: mpenkas at comcast.net (Mike Penkas) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 09:18:29 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The signals on 145.825 are Uosat11.? I have been copying data from the bird way back to the late 1980's with a tnc2 modem into a Commodore computer. This is when it was used to pass data during a Polar Trek. The signals were very weak when I started listening for it yesterday but as soon as I switched the antenna to LHCP it was booming in. Haven't tried any decode. Mike WA8EBM On 6/12/2020 1:58 PM, Pedro Converso via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hello, > > Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on > https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ > > Sounds similar to sample on http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm > > UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From pconver at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 15:46:46 2020 From: pconver at gmail.com (Pedro Converso) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:46:46 -0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: It is definitely UOSAT11, using audio capture from: https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ using MIXW @ RTTY 1200 bauds, 1200 Hz shift, ASCII 7 @ 1800Hz Following was decoded: perhaps a good reception can get more UOSAT/2 P 1? 1204101832000000b000102`0203000400040000500060vv&K009 l0000lp1000012000313012140051000416`0715000618000919008 20000Y21003Y200003300124006250007260004z700052\000!29&k 300003100232000133000034000735000636000537000438000B390A 40000441005tZ006430007440004500014600004700034800C490 Congrats to UO-11 Team, their bird back to life after 36 years 73, lu7abf, Pedro On 6/13/20, Mike Penkas via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The signals on 145.825 are Uosat11. I have been copying data from the > bird way back to the late 1980's with a tnc2 modem into a Commodore > computer. > This is when it was used to pass data during a Polar Trek. > The signals were very weak when I started listening for it yesterday but > as soon as I switched the antenna to LHCP it was booming in. > Haven't tried any decode. > Mike WA8EBM > > > On 6/12/2020 1:58 PM, Pedro Converso via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> Hello, >> >> Regarding UO-11 there is an interesting audio capture on >> https://network.satnogs.org/observations/1390588/ >> >> Sounds similar to sample on http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/u2rpt.htm >> >> UO-11 can be tracked from http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=uo-11 >> >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From quadpugh at bellsouth.net Sat Jun 13 15:55:38 2020 From: quadpugh at bellsouth.net (Nick Pugh) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 10:55:38 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] satpc32 References: <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$@bellsouth.net> Yesterday I replaced my Doppler.SQF file and the frequency control quit working. I have several copies of the Doppler.SQF file where does satpc look for the Doppuler file When I go to the aux file menu it finds the Doppler file but does not work Help tnx nick Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn From pe0sat at vgnet.nl Sat Jun 13 16:12:52 2020 From: pe0sat at vgnet.nl (PE0SAT | Amateur Radio) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:12:52 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] satpc32 In-Reply-To: <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$@bellsouth.net> References: <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$.ref@bellsouth.net> <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: SatPC32 configuration files are stored at following location: %APPDATA%\Roaming\SatPC32 On 13-06-2020 17:55, Nick Pugh via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Yesterday I replaced my Doppler.SQF file and the frequency control quit > working. I have several copies of the Doppler.SQF file where does > satpc > look for the Doppuler file > > When I go to the aux file menu it finds the Doppler file but does not > work > > nick > -- With regards PE0SAT Internet web-page http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/ DK3WN SatBlog http://satblog.dk3wn.info/ Online Telemetry Forwarder: https://db.satnogs.org/stats/ irc://chat.freenode.net #Cubesat - Twitter @pe0sat From marklhammond at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 16:17:23 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark L. Hammond) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:17:23 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] satpc32 In-Reply-To: <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$@bellsouth.net> References: <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$.ref@bellsouth.net> <008f01d6419b$1613c8e0$423b5aa0$@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: Hi Nick, Assuming you are using Configuration 1, the default location for Doppler.SQF is typically here C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\SatPC32 Those folders can be "hidden" so you may have to unhide those in the OS. If you're using Configuration 2, it should be here C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\SatPC32\CfgII Hope that helps. Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] AMSAT Director and Command Station On Sat, Jun 13, 2020 at 11:56 AM Nick Pugh via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Yesterday I replaced my Doppler.SQF file and the frequency control quit > working. I have several copies of the Doppler.SQF file where does satpc > look for the Doppuler file > > > > When I go to the aux file menu it finds the Doppler file but does not work > > > > > Help tnx > > > > > > nick > > > > Cell 337 258 2527 > > > > Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School > > Disagree I Learn > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From gw1fky at aol.com Sat Jun 13 17:18:05 2020 From: gw1fky at aol.com (gw1fky at aol.com) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 17:18:05 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 References: <1124592220.364595.1592068685808.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1124592220.364595.1592068685808@mail.yahoo.com> Hi,With reference to UO-11 and comments from Graham (? VE3GTV ) about monitoring the satellite.Please also note that the frequency is 145.826 Mhz, and the satellite may be "OFF" due to the timer cycle which is approx every ten and a half (10.5 ) days.The late Clive Wallis from Amsat-UK? was great supporter of the satellite and posted out monthly reports. He has been greatly missed for the news but the satellite continuesto operate, pleased to report after very long life.Decoding software and reports are also available from the web site of Mike (DK3WN) -? The satellite status is also of course available on the Amsat-NA web pages.?? RegardsKen EatonGW1FKY From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Sat Jun 13 17:51:07 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 17:51:07 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2M Preamp - SSB Electronic 1032-NF In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The SP200 SSB-Electronic Gmbh 1032-NF is now in stock at HRO Virginia. They only have a meager few. It probably is too late by the time you read this. NN3RP / Rafael PS: I am not affiliated with the store but I $upport them by purcha$ing from them. From rich at ourowndomain.com Sat Jun 13 18:20:42 2020 From: rich at ourowndomain.com (Rich Gopstein) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 14:20:42 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2M Preamp - SSB Electronic 1032-NF In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The SP70 is also in stock. Rich, KD2CQ On Sat, Jun 13, 2020 at 1:53 PM Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The SP200 SSB-Electronic Gmbh 1032-NF is now in stock at HRO Virginia. > They only have a meager few. > It probably is too late by the time you read this. > > NN3RP / Rafael > > PS: I am not affiliated with the store but I $upport them by purcha$ing > from them. > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From iu5hkx at gmail.com Sat Jun 13 18:36:08 2020 From: iu5hkx at gmail.com (Daniele Forsi) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 20:36:08 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Break-down of APRS digipeats & ARISS.net In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Il giorno sab 13 giu 2020 alle ore 03:33 Scott via AMSAT-BB ha scritto: > Kit (W3KIT) was kind enough to give me the ok to use my reply to him as a > way to share with others that might be interested in this kind of thing. > > I've uploaded the 1-page explanation with an annotated screen shot to: > > https://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//how-to/ariss-aprs-explained.pdf it's a nice explanation, will you give me permission to translate it into Italian? And if you can send me the Writer doc I can avoid painting over the boxes in the image. -- 73 de IU5HKX Daniele From kb2mjeff at att.net Sat Jun 13 22:49:33 2020 From: kb2mjeff at att.net (kb2mjeff at att.net) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:49:33 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 In-Reply-To: <1124592220.364595.1592068685808@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1124592220.364595.1592068685808.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1124592220.364595.1592068685808@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <03f501d641d4$e8595890$b90c09b0$@att.net> Sorry to here of Clives passing. For 5 years or so in early 2000 I used to collect data for him when UO-11 was over the east coast. If I remember right I collected it until it was declared offline. Great guy.... 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of gw1fky--- via AMSAT-BB Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 13:18 To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] UO-11 Hi,With reference to UO-11 and comments from Graham ( VE3GTV ) about monitoring the satellite.Please also note that the frequency is 145.826 Mhz, and the satellite may be "OFF" due to the timer cycle which is approx every ten and a half (10.5 ) days.The late Clive Wallis from Amsat-UK was great supporter of the satellite and posted out monthly reports. He has been greatly missed for the news but the satellite continuesto operate, pleased to report after very long life.Decoding software and reports are also available from the web site of Mike (DK3WN) - The satellite status is also of course available on the Amsat-NA web pages. RegardsKen EatonGW1FKY _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From n1uw at gokarns.com Sun Jun 14 00:21:08 2020 From: n1uw at gokarns.com (Frank Karnauskas) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 19:21:08 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-166 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletin Message-ID: <001601d641e1$b3dd7350$1b9859f0$@gokarns.com> AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-166 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information 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://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 dot org. In this edition: * 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event * 15 Canadian CubeSats to launch from 2021 * AMSAT Member Portal Huge Success! * BY70-2 with FM-to-Codec2 Transponder Scheduled for July Launch * Two Satellites Receive Frequency Coordination from the IARU * IARU Submits Paper on Increasing Noise from Digital Devices * New Satellite Distance Records Claimed * ISS Runs 6558 Astro Pi Youth Programs in 2019/20 * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires and Other Events * ARISS News * Satellite Shorts from All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-166.01 ANS-166 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 166.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. June 14, 2020 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-166.01 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event The 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting in-person event scheduled to be held in Bloomington, Minnesota has been canceled. The event will be shifted to a virtual, online platform. This comes after a decision made between AMSAT's Senior Leadership and Board of Directors in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While AMSAT recognizes the national challenges related to recent events in Minneapolis, they have no bearing on the Symposium decision whatsoever. We anticipate holding the 2021 Annual Space Symposium at the previously announced 2020 venue. The in-person event was scheduled to occur Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18. As the 2020 virtual event plans are developed, they will be announced via the usual AMSAT channels. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 15 Canadian CubeSats to launch from 2021 Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) report 15 CubeSat satellites are being built by students in Canada, all are expected to carry amateur radio payloads. The RAC post says: "The Canadian Space Agency has been providing support and guidance to 15 teams of university and college students across Canada who are building satellites. These satellites are in the ?CubeSat? format, based on a standardized architecture of 10 centimeter cubes. All 15 proposed satellites will be deployed from the International Space Station (ISS), possibly starting in 2021. "RAC is involved in explaining how, and under what conditions, Amateur Radio can be used for communications with these spacecraft, and a requirement of the frequency coordination process with the International Amateur Radio Union is an endorsement from RAC. "We were aware that the suspension of university classes due to the global pandemic could affect the teams? progress, but I am pleased to report that all of the teams have chosen to use Amateur Radio communications and we continue to receive requests from them, although at a slower rate than in the past. About half of the teams have now received endorsements for their projects from RAC and have sent their proposals to the IARU for frequency coordination. "Designing and constructing CubeSats is a complicated, multi-year process. These projects will develop the students? skills in many facets of engineering, science, technology, business and project management. Once in orbit, the satellites will also assist pure and applied scientific research and some may offer facilities that Amateurs across Canada and around the world can use." [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK and the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Member Portal Huge Success! It's been 45 days since the launch of AMSAT's online Member Portal. In that short time, 1,060 members have logged in, and 254 new and previously expired members were added to AMSAT ranks. Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President - User Services reports, "A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into transitioning our old dBase4 database into our new online Member Portal. It has been a humbling experience to see everything come together and the expanded services we can now offer our Members." While the original plan was to spend the first couple of months getting members signed up, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President took the initiative to collect, capture and upload the AMSAT Journals dating back to 2014 and make them accessible to AMSAT members. In addition, Paul also made added AMSAT's latest Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide as a member-only benefit. Robert adds, "This was a huge effort and added great value for AMSAT members. Be sure to thank Paul for making it happen. To all of the members who have already signed up on the new AMSAT Member Portal and those who I have exchanged emails with, I thank you. I hope the level of our service lives up to your expectations." Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President adds, "It's great to see the years of work behind this transition all finally come together. Robert was the key person implementing this system but, as with anything, it was a team effort involving several people, including: - Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, now-President originally proposed a managed membership solution to resolve the problems we ran into for several years while attempting to build our own membership solution using open-source tools, - Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P - AMSAT IT team lead who has provided an immense amount of support and leadership for our IT systems for many years, - Matt Alberti, KM4EXS - An invaluable member of our IT team, and, - Martha Saragovitz - Our long-time office manager." For those who have not signed up, it's a fairly simple process and takes only a few minutes of your time. It is important that each and every member logs in and MAKES SURE THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE. While you're there, take a moment to download the current satellite frequency guide and to browse The AMSAT Journal Archive. If you not a member, there is no better time to join. Visit https://launch.amsat.org/. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President - User Services and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE - a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ BY70-2 With FM-to-Codec2 Transponder Scheduled for July Launch Wei Mingchaun, BG2BHC, reports on Twitter that BY70-2 is scheduled to launch in July. BY70-2 will serve as a replacement for BY70-1, a 2U CubeSat which launched on December 26, 2016. Due to a booster failure, BY70-1 was placed in an elliptical orbit with a low perigee and the satellite's orbit decayed in February 2017. Unlike BY70-1, which carried an FM transponder, BY70-2 will carry an FM-to-Codec2 transponder similar to the ones on board LO-90 and Taurus-1. More information about working this type of transponder can be found in an article entitled "Digital Voice on Amateur Satellites: Experiences with LilacSat-OSCAR 90" by Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, in the January/February 2019 issue of The AMSAT Journal. The article can also be found on the AMSAT website at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-166-BY70-2. BY70-2 is scheduled to launch into a sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of approximately 500 km. As a replacement, the satellite is sharing BY70-1's IARU coordination and ITU API notification. The uplink frequency will be 145.920 MHz and the downlink frequency will be 436.200 MHz. [ANS thanks Wei Mingchaun, BG2BHC, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Two Satellites Receive Frequency Coordination from the IARU + CAS-7C is planned by the Chinese Amateur Satellite Group - CAMSAT . A 2U CubeSat with a V/U transponder with a CW beacon will also deploy a carbon fibre rope with 1 mm diameter and 1080 meters length. Launch is planned on September 15 from Jiuquan Launch center into a 500km 97 degree inclination orbit together with CAS-5B and CAS-7A. Downlink for CW telemetry beacon is 435.715 MHz Downlink for a FM transponder is 435.690 MHz with an uplink on 145.900 MHz. + KITSUNE is planned by the Kyushu Institute of Technology. KITSUNE is a 6U CubeSat carrying four missions,1) a high resolution camera will capture 5 meter-class resolution images; 2) a C-band demonstration will demonstrate up to 20Mbps amateur high-speed data downlink; and 3) a C-band mobile ground station will uplink a command to take 2 megapixel compressed images and downlink immediately to demonstrate downlink speed up to 1Mbps. A fourth mission, to detect the time delay between uplink command sent from the ground station and receiving time on the satellite side is not Amateur Radio related. Launch from the ISS is planned during 2020. A CW beacon will operate on 437.375 MHz CW beacon. HK data using 4k8 GMSK will operate at 5840.000 MHz. More info is available at https://kitsat.net/kitsune. [ANS thanks the IARU for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- IARU Submits Paper on Increasing Noise from Digital Devices International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) specialists Tore Worren, LA9QL, and Martin Sach, G8KDF, have submitted a paper to the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) concerning the increasing impact of multiple digital devices on noise levels in the radio spectrum. The paper was considered at the CISPR Steering Committee in late May and it was adopted for circulation to the CISPR National Committee for comment as a Committee Draft, with a view toward its becoming a CISPR Report. ?IARU hopes that the result of this will be amendments to the way in which standards are developed to recognize the need to properly consider the cumulative impact of multiple devices,? said IARU Region 1 President Don Beattie, G3BJ, in an IARU news brief. [ANS thanks the ARRL and the IARU for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- New Satellite Distance Records Claimed A slew of new records have been claimed for old and new satellites alike! First up is the new DX sensation, RS-44. It's strong downlink and exceptional sensitivity has allowed for several QSOs beyond its theoretical 7,942 km maximum surface range. Hector Martinez, W5CBF, in Lake Charles, LA reports working Antonio Gutierrez, DL4EA, in B?blingen, Germany on May 26, 2020 at 23:07 UTC - a distance of 8,357km. The previous record of 8,314 km by KI7UNJ and EB1AO stood just nine days. For the QSO, Hector used an Alaskan Arrow antenna and an Icom IC-9700 on the roof of the 310' tall Capital One Tower in Lake Charles, LA, offering an exceptional view of the northern sky. Next, Guillermo Guerra, OA4/XQ3SA, in Lima, Peru reports that he completed a QSO with Alex Diaz, XE1MEX, in Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico via AO-92 in Mode L/v on June 3, 2020 at 04:07 UTC. The 4,202 km distance this QSO covered exceeds the prior AO-92 Mode L/v record of 3,730 km, held by N7AGF and N1JEZ. Since its revival last month, AO-27 has enjoyed considerable popularity despite only being active for approximately 4 minutes per orbit over mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Krissada Futrakul, E21EJC, in Bangkok, Thailand reports completing a QSO with Vladiir Vassiljev, R9LR, in Tyumen, Russia on June 9, 2020 at 2 3:35 UTC. The distance covered by this QSO was 5,682 km, eclipsing the previous record of 5,119 km held by WD9EWK and VO1ONE from February 2006. Finally, record claims for satellites that are no longer in service are also welcome. Andre Van Deventer, then-ZS6UK (now ZS2BK), reports that he completed a QSO from his previous QSO near Johannesburg, South Africa with David Guimont, WB6LLO, in San Diego, California via AO-10 Mode B on September 2, 1983. This QSO covered a distance of 16,625 km. The previous record was claimed by W0RPK for a 15,242 km QSO with VK8OB in April 1984. A claim has also been received for a QSO via AO-13 Mode B. Alejandro Alvarez, LU8YD, reports a QSO with Tetsuhiro Inoue, JE2VVN, on June 3, 1996. The distance between the two stations was 17,802 km, eclipsing the previous record held by AD7D (then-KA7LDN) and FR5DN of 17,097 km. AMSAT's list of distance records for amateur satellites can be found at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/. Please email n8hm at amsat.org if you wish to claim a new record, longer distance QSO not yet documented, or records for any other satellite/ transponder not yet listed. Claims that exceed 5% beyond the theoretical maximum range of the satellite may require additional evidence, such as audio recordings of the QSO in order to be listed. Exceptional claims may be referred to a panel of experienced satellite operators for adjudication. [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- ISS Runs 6558 Astro Pi Youth Programs in 2019/20 The team at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, in collaboration with ESA Education, announced that all of this year?s successful Astro Pi programs have now run aboard the International Space Station. This year, a record 6350 teams of students and young people from all 25 eligible countries successfully entered Mission Zero, and had their programs run on the Astro Pi computers on board the ISS for 30 seconds each. The Mission Zero teams measured the temperature inside the ISS Columbus module and used the Astro Pi LED matrix to display the measurement together with a greeting to the astronauts, including Chris Cassidy, who oversaw this year?s experiments. In addition, 208 teams of students and young people are currently in the final phase of Astro Pi Mission Space Lab. Over the last few weeks, each of these teams has had their scientific experiment run on either Astro Pi Ed or Astro Pi Izzy for 3 hours each. Teams interested in life on Earth used Astro Pi Izzy?s near-infrared camera to capture images to investigate, for example, vegetation health and the impact of human life on our planet. Using Astro Pi Ed?s sensors, participants investigated life in space, measuring the conditions on the ISS and even mapping the magnetic field of Earth. This year a problem was encountered during the deployment of some experiments investigating life on Earth. When it downloaded the first batch of data from the ISS, it was realized that Astro Pi Izzy had an incorrect setting, which resulted in some pictures turning pink. Not only that, the CANADARM was the middle of Izzy?s window view. All Mission Space Lab teams have now received their data back from the ISS to analyse and summarized in their final scientific reports. So that they can write their reports while social distancing measures are in place, program managers are sharing special guidance and advice on how best to collaborate remotely and have extended the submission deadline to July 3, 2020. The programs teams sent this year were outstanding in their quality, creativity, and technical skill. A jury of experts appointed by ESA and the Raspberry Pi Foundation will judge all of the Mission Space Lab reports and select the ten teams with the best reports as the winners of the European Astro Pi Challenge 2019/20. Each of the ten winning teams will receive a special prize. Every team that participated in Mission Zero or Mission Space Lab this year will receive a special certificate in celebration of their achievements during the European Astro Pi Challenge. More information at: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-166-RaspberryPi [ANS thanks the Raspberry Pi Foundation for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations + Quick Hits EM58 (Saturday 7/11/20) N4DCW 15:00 ? 18:00 + Major Roves: DL88: Ron (@AD0DX) and Doug (@N6UA) are making another run at the elusive DL88 in Big Bend National Park, TX. As we know they tried this grid back in March, and due to the mud couldn't get to the grid, so never ones to quit, off they go again. Today the tentative date is Monday July 6, 2020. They will be using the K5Z call sign. More information is available at the K5Z QRZ Page. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires and Other Events +Shelby NC Hamfest - September 4-5, 2020 Philip Jenkins, N4HF is planning to set-up an information table and to present a forum at the Shelby NC Hamfest Friday and Saturday, Sept 4 and 5. (The hamfest runs September 4-6. but Philip will probably only be there Friday and Saturday.) Demonstrations are possible if he can get others to help. For information or if you want to help, contact N4HF. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Upcoming School Contacts I.E.S. Pedro de Valdivia, Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, Multi-point telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR. Contact is go for: Tuesday June 16, 2020, 12:25:27 UTC (84 deg). Watch for live stream at: https://youtu.be/PyNqsTMqAoQ [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Shorts from All Over + Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI Honored Congratulations to Tony Hutchison, VK5ZAI in being recognized and awarded the Order of Australia medal (AM) in the June 8th Queens Birthday honors list. For those that don't know what Tony has done, he has mentored 65 ARISS schools and been the telebridge station for 58 ARISS contacts. Plus he was very involved with SAREX. The actual announcement can be found on page 7 of 28 at: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-166-VK5ZAI. [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] + New Sun Clock Quantifies Extreme Space Weather Switch On/Off Extreme space weather events can significantly impact systems such as satellites, communications systems, power distribution and aviation. The clock will help scientists to determine more precisely when the risk for solar storms is highest and help to plan the impacts of space weather on our space infrastructure, important since the next switch on of activity may be imminent as solar activity moves from its current minimum. Complete information at: https://preview.tinyurl.com/ANS-166-Clock [ANS thanks SpaceRef.com for the above information.] + Back Issues of AMSAT Publications Needed All issues of the AMSAT Journal and other publications from 2014 to the present are available for members via the AMSAT Membership Portal. However, AMSAT's archives have a gap. If anyone has copies of The AMSAT Journal or its sister publications, The Amateur Satellite Report, or other AMSAT periodical from 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, or 1992, please let Paul Stoetzer, N8HM know. AMSAT will reimburse for mailing costs both ways for use of these publications if electronic copies are not available. In the short term, members should expect to see other resources made available in the Membership Portal very soon. [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 additional 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 student rate for a maximum of six post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW n1uw 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 member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From wandtosborne at gmail.com Sun Jun 14 03:48:53 2020 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2020 15:48:53 +1200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Rocket Lab Launch Replay Message-ID: <8075dc7d-5b5b-d171-8c78-955b439bf51e@gmail.com> Hi Folks, The replay of yesterday's Rocket Lab Launch is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=VRfm6RGVHf8&feature=emb_logo 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC From zmetzing at pobox.com Sun Jun 14 04:35:51 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2020 23:35:51 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Cosmic signals in the 2m band Message-ID: <07C4BDD4-84EF-4C0B-9347-0447BE7D6086@pobox.com> Here's an interesting article for y'all, and I noticed that they're listening right in one of our bands! https://phys.org/news/2020-06-scientists-billion-year-old-universe-dark-age.html --- Zach N0ZGO From mew.dav at bigpond.com Sun Jun 14 13:41:33 2020 From: mew.dav at bigpond.com (David Mew) Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2020 23:41:33 +1000 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 193 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Please remove me from Amsat-BB Digest,thanks for sending past issues. David Mew VK3AXT > On 13 Jun 2020, at 8:21 am, amsat-bb-request at amsat.org wrote: > > ?nas on one mast? (Michael Walker) > 2. Mini Circuits components on Mouser (Leffke, Zachary) > 3. Re: Mini Circuits components on Mouser (Hans BX2ABT) > 4. Re: FoxTelem changed? (Chris Thompson) > 5. Heavy Duty Azimuth & Elevation Rotator (Pete vk2pet) > 6. LVB tracker repair - some good news! (Graham Shirville) > 7. UO-11 (Graham c) > 8. UO-11 (Roy Dean) > 9. Re: UO-11 (Rick Walter) > 10. UO-11 (Pedro Converso) > 11. Re: UO-11 (Graham c) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:50:28 -0400 > From: Michael Walker > To: Rich Gopstein > Cc: AMSAT > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HF and Satellite antennas on one mast? > Message-ID: > From twjones85 at gmail.com Sun Jun 14 15:04:31 2020 From: twjones85 at gmail.com (Tanner Jones) Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:04:31 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 193 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <28F680EE-F0DA-4136-8496-871CA5F6E238@gmail.com> David, If you look at the bottom on the email string it will show how to adjust your subscription settings. Hope this helps. 73, Tanner W9TWJ Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 14, 2020, at 9:57 AM, David Mew via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Please remove me from Amsat-BB Digest,thanks for sending past issues. > > David Mew > VK3AXT > >> On 13 Jun 2020, at 8:21 am, amsat-bb-request at amsat.org wrote: >> >> ?nas on one mast? (Michael Walker) >> 2. Mini Circuits components on Mouser (Leffke, Zachary) >> 3. Re: Mini Circuits components on Mouser (Hans BX2ABT) >> 4. Re: FoxTelem changed? (Chris Thompson) >> 5. Heavy Duty Azimuth & Elevation Rotator (Pete vk2pet) >> 6. LVB tracker repair - some good news! (Graham Shirville) >> 7. UO-11 (Graham c) >> 8. UO-11 (Roy Dean) >> 9. Re: UO-11 (Rick Walter) >> 10. UO-11 (Pedro Converso) >> 11. Re: UO-11 (Graham c) >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:50:28 -0400 >> From: Michael Walker >> To: Rich Gopstein >> Cc: AMSAT >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HF and Satellite antennas on one mast? >> Message-ID: >> > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From w2kj at bellsouth.net Sun Jun 14 15:40:39 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:40:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] WTB: SSB-electronic SP70 References: <51F9DC97-6FE9-4E91-8B6D-CDFDDDC15E62.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <51F9DC97-6FE9-4E91-8B6D-CDFDDDC15E62@bellsouth.net> Howdy Gang. Want to buy an SSB-Electronic SP70 preamp for 432Mhz. Unit should be in good shape and working FB. Will pay with PayPal. Many thanks. 73, Joe W2KJ From wb4gcs at wb4gcs.org Sun Jun 14 22:55:43 2020 From: wb4gcs at wb4gcs.org (Jim Sanford) Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2020 18:55:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNCube Dongle Pro+ Message-ID: All: I've been seeking to buy one of these.? Any site that comes up in Google directs me to a site which cites names.co.uk and tries to sell me this domain. Has the FUNCube dongle disappeared, or am I being spoofed? Anybody have a direct link to purchase and get support? Thanks & 73, Jim wb4gcs at amsat.org -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From rbutler at tsss.org Mon Jun 15 00:17:55 2020 From: rbutler at tsss.org (Ryan Butler) Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2020 19:17:55 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator In-Reply-To: <202006061629.056GTUth022787@mail40c28.carrierzone.com> References: <202006061629.056GTUth022787@mail40c28.carrierzone.com> Message-ID: Thanks for all the replies and good information. Following up, almost every cable I've seen, especially anything with larger gauge wires, seems like the outer jacket is larger than what the cable glands on the rotor will take, is everyone just stripping the outer jacket and feeding into the terminal blocks the individual wires and sealing the exposed section outside in some way? Replacing the cable glands and making the pass through holes larger? Ryan, NF0T On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 11:30 AM Edward R Cole via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Note: I am using the Alpha-Spid RAK as azimuth rotator on eme for 50 > and 144 MHz. No experience with RAS. > > Only have the RAK installed for my 144-eme array of four XP yagis at > this point. > > I have about 150-foot cable run and using 8-conductor standard > rotator cable (only four needed by the Spid) I had excessive voltage > loss on the motor lines (dropped to 8vdc). Even paralleling some of > the unused wires did not solve. I finally use a pair of No. 10 wires > to get 12v to the rotator. > > I run 18vac into the controller (which has a bridge rectifier) to > obtain 24vdc unloaded on output. Loaded the voltage sags to about > 18vdc at the controller, but runs the rotator fine. Use the No. 20 > control wires in the original rotor cable for indication with no issues. > > I have the 1-degree resolution rotator (good enough for 50 or > 144-MHz). Previously, I ran a Ham-IV which only provides 5-degree > movement due to the brake system. Ham-IV was challenged for torque > by the eme array. Spid seems to handle that FB. > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > http://www.kl7uw.com > Dubus-NA Business mail: > dubususa at gmail.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From k.swaggart at charter.net Mon Jun 15 16:15:23 2020 From: k.swaggart at charter.net (k.swaggart at charter.net) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:15:23 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions Message-ID: <02e901d64330$2d248e70$876dab50$@charter.net> In a tweet from AMSAT-UK I saw that an Estonian university will launch their TTU100 cubesat on Friday with a X-band downlink on 10465 MHz. Thought it would be an interesting challenge to aim my X-band dish with a sat TV LNB at closest point of approach and see if I can see anything on the SDR waterfall. My LNB output would be at 715 MHz and the Doppler at AOS would be approximately +533 KHz! A couple of questions before I start configuring the equipment: * Will the 10465 MHz downlink be on during North America passes or only when in range of the Estonian ground station? * What is the modulation? It's an imaging satellite so I expect it will be high data rate. 73, Ken, W7KKE From scott23192 at gmail.com Mon Jun 15 16:28:18 2020 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:28:18 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Break-down of APRS digipeats & ARISS.net In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Big thanks to Daniele (IU5HKX) for translating this doc to Italian! The link to the '-IT' version is: https://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//how-to/ariss-aprs-explained-it.pdf -Scott, K4KDR From graham at shirville.com Mon Jun 15 16:29:34 2020 From: graham at shirville.com (Graham Shirville) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:29:34 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions In-Reply-To: <02e901d64330$2d248e70$876dab50$@charter.net> References: <02e901d64330$2d248e70$876dab50$@charter.net> Message-ID: <039dcb8c-36ca-3d6d-0018-fdbefe27437b@shirville.com> Hi Ken, The IARU website has this info http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=565 maybe you can contact the operator to find out the likely operating schedule. Tracking the doppler will be fun and also keeping the dish within the required 1- 2 degree pointing? accuracy is also likely to be a challenge. However it appears that there may be a number of other 10GHz downlinks being planned for low earth orbit so all experience will be extremely valuable. 73 Graham G3VZV On 15/06/2020 17:15, Ken Swaggart W7KKE via AMSAT-BB wrote: > In a tweet from AMSAT-UK I saw that an Estonian university will launch their > TTU100 cubesat on Friday with a X-band downlink on 10465 MHz. Thought it > would be an interesting challenge to aim my X-band dish with a sat TV LNB at > closest point of approach and see if I can see anything on the SDR > waterfall. My LNB output would be at 715 MHz and the Doppler at AOS would be > approximately +533 KHz! > > > > A couple of questions before I start configuring the equipment: > > > > * Will the 10465 MHz downlink be on during North America passes or > only when in range of the Estonian ground station? > * What is the modulation? It's an imaging satellite so I expect it > will be high data rate. > > > > 73, > > Ken, W7KKE > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From m5aka at yahoo.co.uk Mon Jun 15 16:35:02 2020 From: m5aka at yahoo.co.uk (M5AKA) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:35:02 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Raspberry Pi FUNcube satellite telemetry decoder References: <2038894692.1961986.1592238902825.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2038894692.1961986.1592238902825@mail.yahoo.com> The FUNcube Team has announced the availability of FUNcube CubeSat satellite telemetry decoder software for the popular Raspberry Pi computer board https://amsat-uk.org/2020/06/15/raspberry-pi-funcube-satellite-telemetry-decoder/ Indian radio amateur starts petition for licence change https://amsat-uk.org/2020/06/13/indian-radio-amateur-starts-petition-for-licence-change/ 15 Canadian CubeSats to launch from 2021 https://amsat-uk.org/2020/06/10/15-canadian-cubesats/ Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI in Queen?s Birthday honours list https://amsat-uk.org/2020/06/09/vk5zai-in-queens-birthday-honours/ Longjiang-2 / LO-94: Journey to the Moon https://amsat-uk.org/2020/06/06/longjiang-2-lo-94-journey-to-the-moon/ Trevor M5AKA---- AMSAT-UK?http://amsat-uk.org/ Twitter?https://twitter.com/AmsatUK Facebook?https://facebook.com/AmsatUK YouTube?https://youtube.com/AmsatUK ---- From robert.machale at yahoo.com Mon Jun 15 16:56:41 2020 From: robert.machale at yahoo.com (Robert MacHale) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:56:41 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Break-down of APRS digipeats & ARISS.net In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <955192787.1109491.1592240201988@mail.yahoo.com> Well done - Scott. Thanks for sharing! Robert MacHale. KE6BLR Ham Radio License.?http://www.aprsat.com/predict .?http://www.spaceCommunicator.club? . Supporting Boy Scout Merit Badges in Radio, Robotics, and Space Exploration On Friday, June 12, 2020, 06:33:17 PM PDT, Scott via AMSAT-BB wrote: As I was replying to a question about the ISS digipeater, and in particular the ARRIS.net website, I thought maybe the explanation might benefit others new to making APRS contacts via satellite. Kit (W3KIT) was kind enough to give me the ok to use my reply to him as a way to share with others that might be interested in this kind of thing. I've uploaded the 1-page explanation with an annotated screen shot to: https://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//how-to/ariss-aprs-explained.pdf 73! -Scott,? K4KDR _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From daniel at destevez.net Mon Jun 15 20:38:19 2020 From: daniel at destevez.net (=?UTF-8?Q?Daniel_Est=c3=a9vez?=) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 22:38:19 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions In-Reply-To: <039dcb8c-36ca-3d6d-0018-fdbefe27437b@shirville.com> References: <02e901d64330$2d248e70$876dab50$@charter.net> <039dcb8c-36ca-3d6d-0018-fdbefe27437b@shirville.com> Message-ID: <7820fadc-b079-ca61-6d09-54262a0641ef@destevez.net> Hi Graham and Ken, I'm also looking at this satellite with interest. Maybe I'm too optimistic, but I'm thinking that hand aiming a 60cm dish might work (at least to receive some signal). Maybe we could even convince the operators to run some tests for us outside of Estonia. I don't want to overwhelm the operators with several emails asking the same questions, so if you get in touch with them, please share your findings. According to the IARU coordination sheet, the modulation will be OQPSK with rates between 62.5kbps and 20Mbps. For the higher rates, a decent high bandwidth SDR is needed. The lowest rate is easiest to copy, and still provides a decent challenge in my opinion, so something to consider if we ask for some specific tests for interested Amateurs. I could build a decoder for the modulation if we get some documentation or if it looks like something standard (maybe it uses CCSDS?). So if you catch a recording, please do share. Best, Dani EA4GPZ. El 15/6/20 a las 18:29, Graham Shirville via AMSAT-BB escribi?: > Hi Ken, > > The IARU website has this info > http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=565 maybe > you can contact the operator to find out the likely operating schedule. > > Tracking the doppler will be fun and also keeping the dish within the > required 1- 2 degree pointing? accuracy is also likely to be a > challenge. However it appears that there may be a number of other 10GHz > downlinks being planned for low earth orbit so all experience will be > extremely valuable. > > 73 > > Graham G3VZV > > On 15/06/2020 17:15, Ken Swaggart W7KKE via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> In a tweet from AMSAT-UK I saw that an Estonian university will launch >> their >> TTU100 cubesat on Friday with a X-band downlink on 10465 MHz. Thought it >> would be an interesting challenge to aim my X-band dish with a sat TV >> LNB at >> closest point of approach and see if I can see anything on the SDR >> waterfall. My LNB output would be at 715 MHz and the Doppler at AOS >> would be >> approximately +533 KHz! >> >> ? >> A couple of questions before I start configuring the equipment: >> >> ? >> *??? Will the 10465 MHz downlink be on during North America passes or >> only when in range of the Estonian ground station? >> *??? What is the modulation? It's an imaging satellite so I expect it >> will be high data rate. >> >> ? >> 73, >> >> Ken, W7KKE >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >> Opinions expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From k.swaggart at charter.net Mon Jun 15 21:56:18 2020 From: k.swaggart at charter.net (k.swaggart at charter.net) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:56:18 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions In-Reply-To: <7820fadc-b079-ca61-6d09-54262a0641ef@destevez.net> References: <02e901d64330$2d248e70$876dab50$@charter.net> <039dcb8c-36ca-3d6d-0018-fdbefe27437b@shirville.com> <7820fadc-b079-ca61-6d09-54262a0641ef@destevez.net> Message-ID: <04f601d6435f$cd39a6f0$67acf4d0$@charter.net> I've sent an email to the point of contact on the IARU web page for TTU100 and will relay any info if I receive a reply. If the X-band transmitter is on over this part of the planet I'll be using a 68 x 61 cm offset feed dish and initially just let the satellite fly through the beam. If I see a decent signal I'll get serious about trying to track it. I'm using an AirSpy connected to the LNB output. If I capture a I/Q recording I'll post a link for anyone interested. 73, Ken, W7KKE -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Daniel Est?vez via AMSAT-BB Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 13:38 To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions Hi Graham and Ken, I'm also looking at this satellite with interest. Maybe I'm too optimistic, but I'm thinking that hand aiming a 60cm dish might work (at least to receive some signal). Maybe we could even convince the operators to run some tests for us outside of Estonia. I don't want to overwhelm the operators with several emails asking the same questions, so if you get in touch with them, please share your findings. According to the IARU coordination sheet, the modulation will be OQPSK with rates between 62.5kbps and 20Mbps. For the higher rates, a decent high bandwidth SDR is needed. The lowest rate is easiest to copy, and still provides a decent challenge in my opinion, so something to consider if we ask for some specific tests for interested Amateurs. I could build a decoder for the modulation if we get some documentation or if it looks like something standard (maybe it uses CCSDS?). So if you catch a recording, please do share. Best, Dani EA4GPZ. El 15/6/20 a las 18:29, Graham Shirville via AMSAT-BB escribi?: > Hi Ken, > > The IARU website has this info > http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=565 maybe > you can contact the operator to find out the likely operating schedule. > > Tracking the doppler will be fun and also keeping the dish within the > required 1- 2 degree pointing accuracy is also likely to be a > challenge. However it appears that there may be a number of other > 10GHz downlinks being planned for low earth orbit so all experience > will be extremely valuable. > > 73 > > Graham G3VZV > > On 15/06/2020 17:15, Ken Swaggart W7KKE via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> In a tweet from AMSAT-UK I saw that an Estonian university will >> launch their >> TTU100 cubesat on Friday with a X-band downlink on 10465 MHz. Thought >> it would be an interesting challenge to aim my X-band dish with a sat >> TV LNB at closest point of approach and see if I can see anything on >> the SDR waterfall. My LNB output would be at 715 MHz and the Doppler >> at AOS would be approximately +533 KHz! >> >> >> A couple of questions before I start configuring the equipment: >> >> >> * Will the 10465 MHz downlink be on during North America passes or >> only when in range of the Estonian ground station? >> * What is the modulation? It's an imaging satellite so I expect it >> will be high data rate. >> >> >> 73, >> >> Ken, W7KKE >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >> Opinions expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From hobergenix at gmail.com Tue Jun 16 00:02:53 2020 From: hobergenix at gmail.com (Mike Hoblinski) Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site Message-ID: I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for sale. http://www.funcubedongle.com/ Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. Mike N6IMF From wandtosborne at gmail.com Tue Jun 16 02:33:49 2020 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:33:49 +1200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Next Rocket Lab launch Message-ID: <2d4377f7-ef86-d71b-5bf8-175b8e161307@gmail.com> Hi Folks, Next Rocket Lab launch is scheduled for 3rd July. See: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/pics-or-it-didnt-happen/ No, I don't know why it's in "completed-missions".......... Time yet to be announced. 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC From n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net Tue Jun 16 11:30:59 2020 From: n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net (Mike Seguin) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 07:30:59 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions In-Reply-To: <04f601d6435f$cd39a6f0$67acf4d0$@charter.net> References: <02e901d64330$2d248e70$876dab50$@charter.net> <039dcb8c-36ca-3d6d-0018-fdbefe27437b@shirville.com> <7820fadc-b079-ca61-6d09-54262a0641ef@destevez.net> <04f601d6435f$cd39a6f0$67acf4d0$@charter.net> Message-ID: <88f15a8a-56a2-ad00-4779-eacef34562dc@burlingtontelecom.net> I haven't look closely at this, but do we know EiRP from this bird? I'd most likely use an MTI flat panel 10 GHz antenna I have to track it initially depending on the link budget. The flat panel has 25 dBi gain so about 8 degree beam width. It could make tracking easier... I'm unsure what I'll use for a receiver yet. I do have a modified European LNB that uses 10 MHz GPS lock. SDR IF's are not a problem. I probably would use my ADALM-Pluto as that can be GPS locked as well. Then no guessing on frequency. We'll see. On 6/15/2020 5:56 PM, Ken Swaggart W7KKE via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I've sent an email to the point of contact on the IARU web page for TTU100 and will relay any info if I receive a reply. If the X-band transmitter is on over this part of the planet I'll be using a 68 x 61 cm offset feed dish and initially just let the satellite fly through the beam. If I see a decent signal I'll get serious about trying to track it. > > I'm using an AirSpy connected to the LNB output. If I capture a I/Q recording I'll post a link for anyone interested. > 73, > Ken, W7KKE -- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet" From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Tue Jun 16 13:03:19 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:03:19 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Message: 11 Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 From: Mike Hoblinski To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for sale. http://www.funcubedongle.com/ Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. Mike N6IMF From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Tue Jun 16 14:07:13 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 10:07:13 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Before we make too many assumptions about the FCD, we should ask Howard directly. I have done so, and will report if and when he responds. 73, Burns WB1FJ On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 9:06 AM Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB wrote: > It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. > > I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay > connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / > right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( > > > > > > (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) > > Message: 11 > Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 > From: Mike Hoblinski > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site > Message-ID: > < > CAMpzqDEWpH5VhOYRYyZQDLyXnugfnpRe4d5pkW8sazq6+Oqt3Q at mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for > sale. > http://www.funcubedongle.com/ > > Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. > > Mike > N6IMF > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From k.swaggart at charter.net Tue Jun 16 14:19:13 2020 From: k.swaggart at charter.net (k.swaggart at charter.net) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 07:19:13 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions - reply from POC Message-ID: <013e01d643e9$1ce9be90$56bd3bb0$@charter.net> Received a reply from the TTU100 point of contact: Thank you for good wishes! Unfortunately the control software of X-band transmitter is still not ready, so the transmitter will be silent in the near future. Hopefully we manage to activate the X-band transmitter in beacon mode first. Most probably it will take several months. I will let you know when you could try to receive X-band signals. 73, Eerik ES1JX, ES8JX (KO28LM) So, it looks like we have a while before there will be X-band signals. 73, Ken, W7KKE _____ From n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net Tue Jun 16 14:29:37 2020 From: n1jez at burlingtontelecom.net (Mike Seguin) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 10:29:37 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Estonia's TTU100 X band satellite questions - reply from POC In-Reply-To: <013e01d643e9$1ce9be90$56bd3bb0$@charter.net> References: <013e01d643e9$1ce9be90$56bd3bb0$@charter.net> Message-ID: <435ed323-36ba-1fd6-ad7b-f3d3bacdccde@burlingtontelecom.net> Tnx for the update! On 6/16/2020 10:19 AM, Ken Swaggart W7KKE via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Received a reply from the TTU100 point of contact: > > > > > > Thank you for good wishes! Unfortunately the control software of X-band > transmitter is still not ready, so the transmitter will be silent in the > near future. Hopefully we manage to activate the X-band transmitter in > beacon mode first. Most probably it will take several months. I will let you > know when you could try to receive X-band signals. > > > > 73, Eerik ES1JX, ES8JX (KO28LM) > > > > > > So, it looks like we have a while before there will be X-band signals. > > 73, > > Ken, W7KKE > > _____ > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- 73, Mike, N1JEZ "A closed mouth gathers no feet" From peter at magicbug.co.uk Tue Jun 16 15:04:59 2020 From: peter at magicbug.co.uk (Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL)) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 16:04:59 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: While the domains expired I'm not sure if the FCD Pro Plus is EOL, that said ML&S did have stock yesterday. Hopefully Howard just forgot. Peter On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 14:04 Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB, wrote: > It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. > > I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay > connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / > right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( > > > > > > (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) > > Message: 11 > Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 > From: Mike Hoblinski > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site > Message-ID: > < > CAMpzqDEWpH5VhOYRYyZQDLyXnugfnpRe4d5pkW8sazq6+Oqt3Q at mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for > sale. > http://www.funcubedongle.com/ > > Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. > > Mike > N6IMF > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Tue Jun 16 15:28:49 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:28:49 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Yeap! ML&S have them in stock. https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-pd-4094.php ________________________________________ De: Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) Enviado: martes, 16 de junio de 2020 11:04 a. m. Para: Rafael Pena CC: Amsat Asunto: Re: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios While the domains expired I'm not sure if the FCD Pro Plus is EOL, that said ML&S did have stock yesterday. Hopefully Howard just forgot. Peter On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 14:04 Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB, > wrote: It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Message: 11 Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 From: Mike Hoblinski > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for sale. http://www.funcubedongle.com/ Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. Mike N6IMF _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From aj9n at aol.com Tue Jun 16 16:06:01 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 16:06:01 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-16 16:00 UTC References: <105596874.1187432.1592323561801.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <105596874.1187432.1592323561801@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-16 16:00 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? ARISS sends Happy Birthday Greetings to Lou McFadin W5DID. Lou turned 80 years young yesterday.? Lou has been very involved with ARISS, especially on the hardware side of things.? (***) ? ? I.E.S. Pedro de Valdivia, Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, Multi-point telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact was successful: Tue 2020-06-16 12:25:27 UTC 84 deg (***) ? Watch for live stream at: https://youtu.be/PyNqsTMqAoQ ? ######################################################################################################################################## ? ARISS would like to announce that Tony VK5ZAI has received a special award (also thanks to ARISS mentor and telebridge operator Shane VK4KHZ for letting us know): ? Congratulations to Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI in being recognised and awarded the Order of Australia medal?(AM)?in the June 8th Queens Birthday honours list. ? Well done Tony! ? Mr James Anthony HUTCHISON Kingston SE SA 5275 For significant service to amateur radio, particularly to satellite and space communication. ? For those that don't know what Tony has done, here a few stats.? He has mentored 65 ARISS schools and been the telebridge station for 58 ARISS contacts.? Plus he was very involved with SAREX. ? For even more info on Tony, check out these webpages (there are many more): http://www.electric-web.org/amateur_index.htm?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chcgLwFy1v0?? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-06/nasa-considers-amateur-radio-buff-part-of-astronaut-family/11530046 ? The actual announcement can be found on page 7 of 28 at: https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/QB2020%20Gazette%20-%20O%20of%20A.PDF ? ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you are not playing on your radio?? Check out these links:?? ? ? >From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer inspiration during isolation in????? #SpaceConnectsUs https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolation_in_SpaceConnectsU ? Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.? By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any business dealings with them and this is just something I saw.? Apparently there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife, and The Microscopic World.? Check out:? https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard ? NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home.? Check out https://www.nasa.gov/stem ? ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-16 16:00 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-06-16 16:00 UTC. (***) https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1390. (***) Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1323. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From g7svi at tiscali.co.uk Tue Jun 16 16:05:44 2020 From: g7svi at tiscali.co.uk (G7SVI Tiscali) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 17:05:44 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 196 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> Really weird, it is working here in the UK I used both Firefox and Edge and both worked although they now report the site is not completely secure due to images. Just wondering if it is being blocked by something else outside of the UK. If you can't access his site directly, there is a UK Hamstore selling it https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-p d-4094.php Hope that helps Clive G7SVI -----Original Message----- I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for sale. http://www.funcubedongle.com/ Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. Mike N6IMF From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Tue Jun 16 16:27:18 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:27:18 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I heard back from Howard. He says the site should be back up (probably takes a while for the domain to spread around to all the name servers). He also said: Meanwhile, we?re out of stock for a few days, demand over the past few months has been nearly double the usual run rate, and without a crystal ball it?s impossible to predict! One of the parts for the current run was on an unusually long lead time, hence the gap in stock, otherwise we?ve been lucky despite the current situation. They?re on the production right now, and I expect to have new stock within a week. 73, Burns WB1FJ On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 11:33 AM Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Yeap! ML&S have them in stock. > > > https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-pd-4094.php > > ________________________________________ > De: Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) > Enviado: martes, 16 de junio de 2020 11:04 a. m. > Para: Rafael Pena > CC: Amsat > Asunto: Re: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios > > While the domains expired I'm not sure if the FCD Pro Plus is EOL, that > said ML&S did have stock yesterday. > > Hopefully Howard just forgot. > > Peter > > On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 14:04 Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB, > wrote: > It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. > > I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay > connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / > right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( > > > > > > (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) > > Message: 11 > Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 > From: Mike Hoblinski > > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site > Message-ID: > < > CAMpzqDEWpH5VhOYRYyZQDLyXnugfnpRe4d5pkW8sazq6+Oqt3Q at mail.gmail.com CAMpzqDEWpH5VhOYRYyZQDLyXnugfnpRe4d5pkW8sazq6%2BOqt3Q at mail.gmail.com>> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for > sale. > http://www.funcubedongle.com/ > > Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. > > Mike > N6IMF > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes > this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From royldean at gmail.com Tue Jun 16 16:42:47 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:42:47 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios Message-ID: > > Really weird, it is working here in the UK The Funcube Dongle website works for me here in the US.... *shrug* --Roy K3RLD From wa4sca at gmail.com Tue Jun 16 16:56:57 2020 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:56:57 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 196 In-Reply-To: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> References: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> Message-ID: <000001d643ff$25968030$70c38090$@gmail.com> Clive, I tried earlier and got the same as others. Just tried again, and it is now working here. On the order page, it does say they are out of stock. Got to love the Internet. Hi Hi 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- References: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> Message-ID: Certainly wasn't being blocked the domain had expired, it happened last week but after Howard was nudged it's been renewed this afternoon. Peter, 2M0SQL On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 17:37 G7SVI Tiscali via AMSAT-BB, wrote: > Really weird, it is working here in the UK > I used both Firefox and Edge and both worked although they now report the > site is not completely secure due to images. > Just wondering if it is being blocked by something else outside of the UK. > If you can't access his site directly, there is a UK Hamstore selling it > > https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-p > d-4094.php > > Hope that helps > > Clive > G7SVI > > > -----Original Message----- > > I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for > sale. > http://www.funcubedongle.com/ > > Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. > > Mike > N6IMF > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From sv1ljj at raag.org Tue Jun 16 16:44:20 2020 From: sv1ljj at raag.org (Apostolos Kefalas) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 19:44:20 +0300 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 196 In-Reply-To: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> References: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> Message-ID: <4be6d4bd4caeed88c4bbee9ae531a5f278e8cc60.camel@raag.org> Working here too!!! Last update is an announcement on April 19, 2020 Apostolos, SV1LJJ On Tue, 2020-06-16 at 17:05 +0100, G7SVI Tiscali via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Really weird, it is working here in the UK > I used both Firefox and Edge and both worked although they now report > the > site is not completely secure due to images. > Just wondering if it is being blocked by something else outside of > the UK. > If you can't access his site directly, there is a UK Hamstore selling > it > https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-p > d-4094.php > Hope that helps > > Clive > G7SVI > > > -----Original Message----- > > I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up > for > sale. > http://www.funcubedongle.com/ > > Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the > product. > > Mike > N6IMF > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Tue Jun 16 18:08:51 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:08:51 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 196 In-Reply-To: <000001d643ff$25968030$70c38090$@gmail.com> References: <000101d643f7$fdefc2a0$f9cf47e0$@tiscali.co.uk> <000001d643ff$25968030$70c38090$@gmail.com> Message-ID: As I said earlier, Howard said there were some "technical problems". I assume the name got removed somehow from his provider, and then when it was restored it took a while to propagate. But Howard said there were some long-lead-time parts that had to arrive, but new FCDs are being built as we speak. Burns WB1FJ On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 1:25 PM Alan via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Clive, > > I tried earlier and got the same as others. Just tried again, and it is > now > working here. On the order page, it does say they are out of stock. Got > to > love the Internet. Hi Hi > > 73, > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > > > <-----Original Message----- > < > < > < > < > <-----Original Message----- > < > < > < > < > < > < > <_______________________________________________ > AMSAT- > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From w2kj at bellsouth.net Tue Jun 16 19:37:57 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:37:57 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps References: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> Howdy Gang. Putting my meager satellite station together and have just purchased two ?pre-owned? SSB preamps for 2M/70CM. Needing two U-bolts to secure the preamps to the mast I went in search of such U-bolts in a large hardware store today. Close but no cigar?I has suspected that the needed U-bolts were probably metric since the preamps came from Germany. Can some kind sole point me in the right direction to order two of these U-bolts? Does anyone have the correct size I can reference in placing an order? Does anyone have two on hand (even used ones) that they can spare for a reasonable price? Many thanks for any assistance. 73, Joe W2KJ From christophe.mcr at gmail.com Tue Jun 16 19:40:09 2020 From: christophe.mcr at gmail.com (christophe.mcr) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 21:40:09 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Amicalsat cubesat to be launched on 19 June Message-ID: The Vega rocket (VV16) is scheduled to leave Kourou on 19 June 2020 01:51:10 GMT with 53 satellites on board. One of the satellites that will be leaving is the *Amicalsat *satellite built by the CSUG (Centre Spatial Universitaire Grenoblois). The measurements made by the satellite will be available to all. They will allow radio amateurs to use them for propagation predictions. The project's website (in english) has just been put online: http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/. The Amsat-Francophone supported this project: http://site.amsat-f.org/amicalsat/ A software (Linux & Windows) is provided for decoding the telemetry and sending it to the database (SatNogs). The user manual is available (in english) https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/master/ApplicationAmicalsat/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md *Beacon* *Frequency* *Modes* *Callsign* UHF 436.1 MHz AFSK 1200 RS17S S band 2,415.3 MHz GFSK 1000 kb/s http://amsat-f.org/AMSATLIST/SatellitePage/UK/0Amicalsat.html Reports are welcome. Thank you for your help. 73 Christophe Mercier Amsat-F chairman From hans.bx2abt at msa.hinet.net Tue Jun 16 23:58:13 2020 From: hans.bx2abt at msa.hinet.net (Hans BX2ABT) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:58:13 +0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] Amicalsat cubesat to be launched on 19 June In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4344250e-e369-50f9-eb6a-dfb0994e69ca@msa.hinet.net> I can't find any information about IARU frequency coordination for this satellite. Does it have any? In any case, 436.1 MHz is a potential interference problem for Falconsat-3. Please provide more info. Thanks. 73 de Hans BX2ABT On 6/17/20 3:40 AM, christophe.mcr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The Vega rocket (VV16) is scheduled to leave Kourou on 19 June 2020 > 01:51:10 GMT with 53 satellites on board. > > One of the satellites that will be leaving is the *Amicalsat *satellite > built by the CSUG (Centre Spatial Universitaire Grenoblois). The > measurements made by the satellite will be available to all. They will > allow radio amateurs to use them for propagation predictions. > > The project's website (in english) has just been put online: > http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/. > > The Amsat-Francophone supported this project: > http://site.amsat-f.org/amicalsat/ > > A software (Linux & Windows) is provided for decoding the telemetry and > sending it to the database (SatNogs). The user manual is available (in > english) > > https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/master/ApplicationAmicalsat/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md > > *Beacon* *Frequency* *Modes* *Callsign* > UHF 436.1 MHz AFSK 1200 RS17S > S band 2,415.3 MHz GFSK 1000 kb/s > http://amsat-f.org/AMSATLIST/SatellitePage/UK/0Amicalsat.html > > Reports are welcome. Thank you for your help. > > 73 > > Christophe Mercier > Amsat-F chairman > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > From n8hm at arrl.net Wed Jun 17 00:06:54 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:06:54 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Amicalsat cubesat to be launched on 19 June In-Reply-To: <4344250e-e369-50f9-eb6a-dfb0994e69ca@msa.hinet.net> References: <4344250e-e369-50f9-eb6a-dfb0994e69ca@msa.hinet.net> Message-ID: Coordination is here: http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=686 FS-3 is at 435.1 MHz, so there shouldn?t be any issue there. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 19:59 Hans BX2ABT via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I can't find any information about IARU frequency coordination for this > satellite. Does it have any? > > In any case, 436.1 MHz is a potential interference problem for Falconsat-3. > > Please provide more info. Thanks. > > 73 de Hans > > BX2ABT > > > On 6/17/20 3:40 AM, christophe.mcr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > The Vega rocket (VV16) is scheduled to leave Kourou on 19 June 2020 > > 01:51:10 GMT with 53 satellites on board. > > > > One of the satellites that will be leaving is the *Amicalsat *satellite > > built by the CSUG (Centre Spatial Universitaire Grenoblois). The > > measurements made by the satellite will be available to all. They will > > allow radio amateurs to use them for propagation predictions. > > > > The project's website (in english) has just been put online: > > http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/. > > > > The Amsat-Francophone supported this project: > > http://site.amsat-f.org/amicalsat/ > > > > A software (Linux & Windows) is provided for decoding the telemetry and > > sending it to the database (SatNogs). The user manual is available (in > > english) > > > > > https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/master/ApplicationAmicalsat/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md > > > > *Beacon* *Frequency* *Modes* *Callsign* > > UHF 436.1 MHz AFSK 1200 RS17S > > S band 2,415.3 MHz GFSK 1000 kb/s > > http://amsat-f.org/AMSATLIST/SatellitePage/UK/0Amicalsat.html > > > > Reports are welcome. Thank you for your help. > > > > 73 > > > > Christophe Mercier > > Amsat-F chairman > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From vk2pet at internode.on.net Wed Jun 17 00:27:34 2020 From: vk2pet at internode.on.net (Pete vk2pet) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 10:27:34 +1000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4b4fc43a-eb04-56ee-0be8-485bdd7c709f@internode.on.net> Hi all, Is there an Australian distributor of the Fun cube dongle? 73 Pete vk2pet On 17/06/2020 1:28 am, Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Yeap! ML&S have them in stock. > > https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-pd-4094.php > > ________________________________________ > De: Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) > Enviado: martes, 16 de junio de 2020 11:04 a. m. > Para: Rafael Pena > CC: Amsat > Asunto: Re: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios > > While the domains expired I'm not sure if the FCD Pro Plus is EOL, that said ML&S did have stock yesterday. > > Hopefully Howard just forgot. > > Peter > > On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 14:04 Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB, > wrote: > It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. > > I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( > > > > > (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) > > Message: 11 > Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 > From: Mike Hoblinski > > To: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site > Message-ID: > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for > sale. > http://www.funcubedongle.com/ > > Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. > > Mike > N6IMF > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From wb4gcs at wb4gcs.org Wed Jun 17 00:50:08 2020 From: wb4gcs at wb4gcs.org (Jim Sanford) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:50:08 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good news!!!! Jim On 6/16/2020 12:27 PM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I heard back from Howard. He says the site should be back up (probably > takes a while for the domain to spread around to all the name servers). He > also said: > > Meanwhile, we?re out of stock for a few days, demand over the past few > months has been nearly double the usual run rate, and without a crystal > ball it?s impossible to predict! One of the parts for the current run was > on an unusually long lead time, hence the gap in stock, otherwise we?ve > been lucky despite the current situation. They?re on the production right > now, and I expect to have new stock within a week. > > 73, > Burns WB1FJ > > On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 11:33 AM Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >> Yeap! ML&S have them in stock. >> >> >> https://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-amsat-uk-funcube/funcube/funcube-dongle-pro-pd-4094.php >> >> ________________________________________ >> De: Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) >> Enviado: martes, 16 de junio de 2020 11:04 a. m. >> Para: Rafael Pena >> CC: Amsat >> Asunto: Re: [amsat-bb] Funcube dongle Adios >> >> While the domains expired I'm not sure if the FCD Pro Plus is EOL, that >> said ML&S did have stock yesterday. >> >> Hopefully Howard just forgot. >> >> Peter >> >> On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 14:04 Rafael Pena via AMSAT-BB, > > wrote: >> It appears as if Funcube went bye-bye....interesting. >> >> I am using SDRPlay RSP2 Pro to see the RX of the Sats via HDSDR. SDRPlay >> connected to Lindenblad ant which is blocked by adjacent structures left / >> right. I can only see RX sat when above me :( >> >> >> >> >> >> (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) >> >> Message: 11 >> Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:02:53 -0700 >> From: Mike Hoblinski > >> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Funcube Dongle site >> Message-ID: >> < >> CAMpzqDEWpH5VhOYRYyZQDLyXnugfnpRe4d5pkW8sazq6+Oqt3Q at mail.gmail.com> CAMpzqDEWpH5VhOYRYyZQDLyXnugfnpRe4d5pkW8sazq6%2BOqt3Q at mail.gmail.com>> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" >> >> I went to the site for information and it appears to be gone and up for >> sale. >> http://www.funcubedongle.com/ >> >> Did the supplier go out of business or discontinue sale of the product. >> >> Mike >> N6IMF >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes >> this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions >> expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions >> expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 >> > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Wed Jun 17 01:02:02 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 21:02:02 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps In-Reply-To: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> References: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <057FBA32-23FD-4BE5-9AD5-506EF0A33F2C@mindspring.com> Hi Joe, Alternatively you can buy an SAE sized clamp and drill a new hole or two. I?ve done that a few times. 73, Drew KO4MA > On Jun 16, 2020, at 3:39 PM, Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Howdy Gang. > > Putting my meager satellite station together and have just purchased two ?pre-owned? SSB preamps for 2M/70CM. > > Needing two U-bolts to secure the preamps to the mast I went in search of such U-bolts in a large hardware store today. > > Close but no cigar?I has suspected that the needed U-bolts were probably metric since the preamps came from Germany. > > Can some kind sole point me in the right direction to order two of these U-bolts? > > Does anyone have the correct size I can reference in placing an order? > > Does anyone have two on hand (even used ones) that they can spare for a reasonable price? > > Many thanks for any assistance. > > 73, Joe W2KJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From seb at wintek.com Wed Jun 17 01:30:18 2020 From: seb at wintek.com (Stephen E. Belter) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 01:30:18 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps In-Reply-To: <057FBA32-23FD-4BE5-9AD5-506EF0A33F2C@mindspring.com> References: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> <057FBA32-23FD-4BE5-9AD5-506EF0A33F2C@mindspring.com> Message-ID: Joe, Look for your U-bolts at an auto supply store too. The muffler clamps are different sizes than the hardware store clamps. 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com ?On 6/16/20, 9:05 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Andrew Glasbrenner via AMSAT-BB" wrote: Hi Joe, Alternatively you can buy an SAE sized clamp and drill a new hole or two. I?ve done that a few times. 73, Drew KO4MA > On Jun 16, 2020, at 3:39 PM, Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Howdy Gang. > > Putting my meager satellite station together and have just purchased two ?pre-owned? SSB preamps for 2M/70CM. > > Needing two U-bolts to secure the preamps to the mast I went in search of such U-bolts in a large hardware store today. > > Close but no cigar?I has suspected that the needed U-bolts were probably metric since the preamps came from Germany. > > Can some kind sole point me in the right direction to order two of these U-bolts? > > Does anyone have the correct size I can reference in placing an order? > > Does anyone have two on hand (even used ones) that they can spare for a reasonable price? > > Many thanks for any assistance. > > 73, Joe W2KJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From hans.bx2abt at msa.hinet.net Wed Jun 17 01:45:00 2020 From: hans.bx2abt at msa.hinet.net (Hans BX2ABT) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:45:00 +0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] Amicalsat cubesat to be launched on 19 June In-Reply-To: References: <4344250e-e369-50f9-eb6a-dfb0994e69ca@msa.hinet.net> Message-ID: <1d36237d-51ab-b2f8-09bf-e7bb3c23ef56@msa.hinet.net> Oh, my bad, misread the frequency. (Need more coffee early in the morning). --Hans On 6/17/20 8:06 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > Coordination is here: > http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=686 > > FS-3 is at 435.1 MHz, so there shouldn?t be any issue there. > > 73, > > Paul, N8HM > > On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 19:59 Hans BX2ABT via AMSAT-BB > > wrote: > > I can't find any information about IARU frequency coordination for > this > satellite. Does it have any? > > In any case, 436.1 MHz is a potential interference problem for > Falconsat-3. > > Please provide more info. Thanks. > > 73 de Hans > > BX2ABT > > > On 6/17/20 3:40 AM, christophe.mcr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > The Vega rocket (VV16) is scheduled to leave Kourou on 19 June 2020 > > 01:51:10 GMT with 53 satellites on board. > > > > One of the satellites that will be leaving is the *Amicalsat > *satellite > > built by the CSUG (Centre Spatial Universitaire Grenoblois). The > > measurements made by the satellite will be available to all.? > They will > > allow radio amateurs to use them for propagation predictions. > > > > The project's website (in english) has just been put online: > > http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/. > > > > The Amsat-Francophone supported this project: > > http://site.amsat-f.org/amicalsat/ > > > > A software (Linux & Windows)? is provided for decoding the > telemetry and > > sending it to the database (SatNogs). The user manual is > available (in > > english) > > > > > https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/master/ApplicationAmicalsat/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md > > > > *Beacon* *Frequency* *Modes* *Callsign* > > UHF 436.1 MHz AFSK 1200 RS17S > > S band 2,415.3 MHz GFSK 1000 kb/s > > http://amsat-f.org/AMSATLIST/SatellitePage/UK/0Amicalsat.html > > > > Reports are welcome. Thank you for your help. > > > > 73 > > > > Christophe Mercier > > Amsat-F chairman > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org . > AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring > membership. Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org . AMSAT-NA > makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kj9idave at charter.net Wed Jun 17 01:46:04 2020 From: kj9idave at charter.net (David J. Schmocker) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:46:04 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps In-Reply-To: References: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> <057FBA32-23FD-4BE5-9AD5-506EF0A33F2C@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <750d3fb9-64e1-25fb-98c8-2a0357093629@charter.net> If you really want a precise (custom) U-bolt, McMaster Carr (Chicago) will make them to your drawing.?? Not inexpensive, but it's one solution option. 73, Dave KJ9I On 6/16/20 8:30 PM, Stephen E. Belter via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Joe, > > Look for your U-bolts at an auto supply store too. The muffler clamps are different sizes than the hardware store clamps. > > 73, Steve N9IP From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Wed Jun 17 01:47:01 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 01:47:01 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps - U-bolts In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've just hooked up my new 2m Preamp that I purchased from my local HRO. They are metric 73mm from end to end. I did not use my U-Bolts, I simply drilled one hole for each 2m / 70cm on my Glen Martin mini-tripod. Need to keep them for the just in case I ever get a real super tower :) Rafael / NN3RP Message: 6 Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:37:57 -0400 From: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps Message-ID: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B at bellsouth.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Howdy Gang. Putting my meager satellite station together and have just purchased two ?pre-owned? SSB preamps for 2M/70CM. Needing two U-bolts to secure the preamps to the mast I went in search of such U-bolts in a large hardware store today. Close but no cigar?I has suspected that the needed U-bolts were probably metric since the preamps came from Germany. Can some kind sole point me in the right direction to order two of these U-bolts? Does anyone have the correct size I can reference in placing an order? Does anyone have two on hand (even used ones) that they can spare for a reasonable price? Many thanks for any assistance. 73, Joe W2KJ From jamesduffey at comcast.net Wed Jun 17 01:59:40 2020 From: jamesduffey at comcast.net (JamesDuffey) Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 19:59:40 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps In-Reply-To: <750d3fb9-64e1-25fb-98c8-2a0357093629@charter.net> References: <750d3fb9-64e1-25fb-98c8-2a0357093629@charter.net> Message-ID: <9FCA55C2-131F-4E1F-9867-95D112FC6A7D@comcast.net> You can also bend your own from threaded rod. James Duffey KK6MC Cedar Crest NM > On Jun 16, 2020, at 19:50, David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?If you really want a precise (custom) U-bolt, McMaster Carr (Chicago) will make them to your drawing. Not inexpensive, but it's one solution option. > > 73, > > Dave KJ9I > > >> On 6/16/20 8:30 PM, Stephen E. Belter via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> Joe, >> >> Look for your U-bolts at an auto supply store too. The muffler clamps are different sizes than the hardware store clamps. >> >> 73, Steve N9IP > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From myles.landstein at gmail.com Wed Jun 17 10:13:17 2020 From: myles.landstein at gmail.com (myles landstein) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:13:17 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps In-Reply-To: References: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> <057FBA32-23FD-4BE5-9AD5-506EF0A33F2C@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <8201C728-0B32-49AA-820C-A6E3A7284043@gmail.com> dx engineering also has a bunch of speciality. ubolts clamps and other simular things. > On Jun 16, 2020, at 9:30 PM, Stephen E. Belter via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Joe, > > Look for your U-bolts at an auto supply store too. The muffler clamps are different sizes than the hardware store clamps. > > 73, Steve N9IP > -- > Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com > > > ?On 6/16/20, 9:05 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Andrew Glasbrenner via AMSAT-BB" wrote: > > Hi Joe, > > Alternatively you can buy an SAE sized clamp and drill a new hole or two. I?ve done that a few times. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > >> On Jun 16, 2020, at 3:39 PM, Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> >> Howdy Gang. >> >> Putting my meager satellite station together and have just purchased two ?pre-owned? SSB preamps for 2M/70CM. >> >> Needing two U-bolts to secure the preamps to the mast I went in search of such U-bolts in a large hardware store today. >> >> Close but no cigar?I has suspected that the needed U-bolts were probably metric since the preamps came from Germany. >> >> Can some kind sole point me in the right direction to order two of these U-bolts? >> >> Does anyone have the correct size I can reference in placing an order? >> >> Does anyone have two on hand (even used ones) that they can spare for a reasonable price? >> >> Many thanks for any assistance. >> >> 73, Joe W2KJ >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From mpenkas at comcast.net Wed Jun 17 11:04:51 2020 From: mpenkas at comcast.net (Mike Penkas) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:04:51 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps In-Reply-To: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> References: <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B.ref@bellsouth.net> <479C7003-C5FB-45F2-B5F4-AF646ED0183B@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: Why don"t you just bolt it to a small scrap piece of aluminum or whatever and then drill that for the appropriate clamp you are going to use. WA8EBM On 6/16/2020 3:37 PM, Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Howdy Gang. > > Putting my meager satellite station together and have just purchased two ?pre-owned? SSB preamps for 2M/70CM. > > Needing two U-bolts to secure the preamps to the mast I went in search of such U-bolts in a large hardware store today. > > Close but no cigar?I has suspected that the needed U-bolts were probably metric since the preamps came from Germany. > > Can some kind sole point me in the right direction to order two of these U-bolts? > > Does anyone have the correct size I can reference in placing an order? > > Does anyone have two on hand (even used ones) that they can spare for a reasonable price? > > Many thanks for any assistance. > > 73, Joe W2KJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From gary_mayfield at hotmail.com Wed Jun 17 13:53:44 2020 From: gary_mayfield at hotmail.com (Gary) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:53:44 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] USB to Serial Message-ID: I'm going to try computer control of my rig again. Just a quick check. Is it the Prolific or FTDI chipset that has all the counterfeit issues? Thanks, Stay Safe and 73, Gary kk0sd From kb1pvh at gmail.com Wed Jun 17 13:58:06 2020 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:58:06 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] USB to Serial In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: FTDI is what you want Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Wed, Jun 17, 2020, 9:56 AM Gary via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I'm going to try computer control of my rig again. Just a quick check. > > Is it the Prolific or FTDI chipset that has all the counterfeit issues? > > Thanks, Stay Safe and 73, > Gary kk0sd > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From e.krome at comcast.net Wed Jun 17 14:02:35 2020 From: e.krome at comcast.net (EDWARD KROME) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 10:02:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] USB to Serial In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <879065876.233075.1592402555313@connect.xfinity.com> Stick with genuine FTDI. Prolific is buggy. Ed K9EK > On June 17, 2020 at 9:53 AM Gary via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > I'm going to try computer control of my rig again. Just a quick check. > > Is it the Prolific or FTDI chipset that has all the counterfeit issues? > > Thanks, Stay Safe and 73, > Gary kk0sd > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Wed Jun 17 17:14:31 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:14:31 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Utah area mentor Message-ID: <014a01d644ca$c4662780$4d327680$@mindspring.com> If there is anyone in the Utah area that would like to mentor a school trying to establish a groundstation and cubesat program, please contact me directly. Thanks, Drew KO4MA From rhyolite at leikhim.com Wed Jun 17 16:59:39 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:59:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 Message-ID: <68c63a45-c919-773b-b0dc-5393f7812568@leikhim.com> Great to tune in the downlink via web server. 10 GHz and No Doppler! https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ Why don't we have a Geo-stationary satellite like this? AMSAT-NA???? -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From zmetzing at pobox.com Wed Jun 17 20:01:22 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:01:22 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 In-Reply-To: <68c63a45-c919-773b-b0dc-5393f7812568@leikhim.com> References: <68c63a45-c919-773b-b0dc-5393f7812568@leikhim.com> Message-ID: On 06/17/20 11:59, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Great to tune in the downlink via web server. 10 GHz and No Doppler! > > https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ > > Why don't we have a Geo-stationary satellite like this? Donate early, donate often. --- Zach N0ZGO From n8hm at arrl.net Wed Jun 17 20:27:19 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:27:19 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 In-Reply-To: References: <68c63a45-c919-773b-b0dc-5393f7812568@leikhim.com> Message-ID: Zach is correct. The primary barrier is money. It's difficult to understate the value of the service that the Qataris are providing to the amateur community. It's easily worth millions of dollars. There are many political and economic factors that made the partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. For background, QO-100 is a commercial communications satellite owned by a Qatari state-owned firm, Es'HailSat. One of the spare transponders on board is used for amateur communications. Additionally, the Qatar Amateur Radio Society's president is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar, Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiya. al-Attiya was also the head of the Emir's court and the Minister of Industry and Technology. As you can guess, a state-owned company helps with the economic aspects and there is obviously a very significant pro-amateur radio political influence. Compare that to the political influence amateur radio has in the United States - the most senior political official we've had who was active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. AMSAT has made multiple attempts at a geostationary satellite, but they have all failed to materialize, primarily due to a lack of funding. We continue to have conversations with various people about possible opportunities in geostationary and other high orbits. However, getting to geostationary orbit means finding a willing host to carry us there, and all of them want lots and lots of money to do so. While a replica of QO-100 over North America is unlikely, we do have active projects to provide long-range amateur communications. Our primary satellite project is GOLF, and the first satellite in the series, GOLF-TEE, destined for LEO, but carrying technologies that we need to test for high orbits such as an SDR-based microwave transponder and active attitude control is under development for a planned launch as soon as next year. More information about GOLF can be found at https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ Our other active project to support long-range communications is our work on AREx, or Amateur Radio Exploration. We are working with our ARISS partners worldwide on developing an amateur communications system aboard Gateway in Lunar orbit. This includes two-way amateur communications as well as the traditional ARISS educational opportunities. So while we might not see a replica of QO-100, lots of work is ongoing to return long-distance satellite communications to amateur radio. In fact, the opportunities we're working on go beyond what a GEO over North America can do and would enable worldwide communications. But as has been said, it all depends on raising the necessary money to make it happen. Please consider a donation today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/. If everyone subscribed to this list chipped in just $5-$10 a month, it'd make a huge difference! 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 4:04 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > On 06/17/20 11:59, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Great to tune in the downlink via web server. 10 GHz and No Doppler! > > > > https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ > > > > Why don't we have a Geo-stationary satellite like this? > > Donate early, donate often. > > --- 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From zmetzing at pobox.com Wed Jun 17 21:45:05 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:45:05 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 In-Reply-To: References: <68c63a45-c919-773b-b0dc-5393f7812568@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <632a9d89-da5f-e43b-1ab2-7956263c2a5a@pobox.com> On 06/17/20 15:54, Matthias Bopp wrote: > A big credit goes to the president of AMSAT-DL Peter DB2OS who personally initiated / arranged this opportunity > and to him and his team for guiding the development of the payload and building the groundsegment with multiple > groundstations in Qatar and Germany. This is no small feat, to be sure, but here's why it doesn't "blow my skirt up": 1) No tracking, store-and-forward, or Doppler correction -- Might as well be a repeater on a very tall tower. Plus, RF doesn't propogate through the planet very well. :-) 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is all about. 3) No management of the satellite by control stations, with all the planning and problems-to-be-solved that brings. I find that the journey is the part I like, with the destination being a fleeting moment at the end. This is my $0.02 and I speak only for myself. --- Zach N0ZGO (Now where did I put the rest of those parts for my rotator ...) From vk5qi at rfhead.net Wed Jun 17 21:52:42 2020 From: vk5qi at rfhead.net (Mark Jessop) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:22:42 +0930 Subject: [amsat-bb] Amicalsat cubesat to be launched on 19 June In-Reply-To: <1d36237d-51ab-b2f8-09bf-e7bb3c23ef56@msa.hinet.net> References: <4344250e-e369-50f9-eb6a-dfb0994e69ca@msa.hinet.net> <1d36237d-51ab-b2f8-09bf-e7bb3c23ef56@msa.hinet.net> Message-ID: If you want to be concerned about coordination, on the same launch is 'TRISAT. They requested coordination, and were *denied*: http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/declined_detail.php?serialnum=675 However, if you look at the TRISAT website: https://www.trisat.um.si/ (scroll down near the bottom) ... we find they are transmitting on 435.6215 MHz. 73 Mark VK5QI On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 11:16 AM Hans BX2ABT via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Oh, my bad, misread the frequency. (Need more coffee early in the > morning). --Hans > > On 6/17/20 8:06 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > > Coordination is here: > > http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=686 > > > > FS-3 is at 435.1 MHz, so there shouldn?t be any issue there. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul, N8HM > > > > On Tue, Jun 16, 2020 at 19:59 Hans BX2ABT via AMSAT-BB > > > wrote: > > > > I can't find any information about IARU frequency coordination for > > this > > satellite. Does it have any? > > > > In any case, 436.1 MHz is a potential interference problem for > > Falconsat-3. > > > > Please provide more info. Thanks. > > > > 73 de Hans > > > > BX2ABT > > > > > > On 6/17/20 3:40 AM, christophe.mcr via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > The Vega rocket (VV16) is scheduled to leave Kourou on 19 June 2020 > > > 01:51:10 GMT with 53 satellites on board. > > > > > > One of the satellites that will be leaving is the *Amicalsat > > *satellite > > > built by the CSUG (Centre Spatial Universitaire Grenoblois). The > > > measurements made by the satellite will be available to all. > > They will > > > allow radio amateurs to use them for propagation predictions. > > > > > > The project's website (in english) has just been put online: > > > http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/. > > > > > > The Amsat-Francophone supported this project: > > > http://site.amsat-f.org/amicalsat/ > > > > > > A software (Linux & Windows) is provided for decoding the > > telemetry and > > > sending it to the database (SatNogs). The user manual is > > available (in > > > english) > > > > > > > > > https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/master/ApplicationAmicalsat/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md > > > > > > *Beacon* *Frequency* *Modes* *Callsign* > > > UHF 436.1 MHz AFSK 1200 RS17S > > > S band 2,415.3 MHz GFSK 1000 kb/s > > > http://amsat-f.org/AMSATLIST/SatellitePage/UK/0Amicalsat.html > > > > > > Reports are welcome. Thank you for your help. > > > > > > 73 > > > > > > Christophe Mercier > > > Amsat-F chairman > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org . > > AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring > > membership. Opinions expressed > > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org . AMSAT-NA > > makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From w7lrd at comcast.net Wed Jun 17 21:53:26 2020 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (73 Bob W7LRD) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:53:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 In-Reply-To: <632a9d89-da5f-e43b-1ab2-7956263c2a5a@pobox.com> References: <68c63a45-c919-773b-b0dc-5393f7812568@leikhim.com> <632a9d89-da5f-e43b-1ab2-7956263c2a5a@pobox.com> Message-ID: <586462131.19940.1592430807092@connect.xfinity.com> AO-40 (sobsob) type orbit-everyone gets it Bob W7LRD > On 06/17/2020 2:45 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > On 06/17/20 15:54, Matthias Bopp wrote: > > A big credit goes to the president of AMSAT-DL Peter DB2OS who personally initiated / arranged this opportunity > > and to him and his team for guiding the development of the payload and building the groundsegment with multiple > > groundstations in Qatar and Germany. > > This is no small feat, to be sure, but here's why it doesn't "blow my > skirt up": > > 1) No tracking, store-and-forward, or Doppler correction -- Might as > well be a repeater on a very tall tower. Plus, RF doesn't propogate > through the planet very well. :-) > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > all about. > > 3) No management of the satellite by control stations, with all the > planning and problems-to-be-solved that brings. > > I find that the journey is the part I like, with the destination being a > fleeting moment at the end. > > This is my $0.02 and I speak only for myself. > > --- Zach > N0ZGO > > (Now where did I put the rest of those parts for my rotator ...) > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Wed Jun 17 22:40:02 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 22:40:02 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 Message-ID: Hi Paul, with all due respect: QO-100 is not using one of the spare transponders on Es'Hail-2. QO-100 has actually 2 transponders: one for narrowband and one for wideband communications (incl. DATV) which were specified by AMSAT-DL and were especially built by a commercial company to fly on Es'Hail-2. It is correct that we were very fortunate that the Qataris have given us such an excellent opportunity to ride on their satellite and that they funded the Ham Radio "payload". A big credit goes to the president of AMSAT-DL Peter DB2OS who personally initiated / arranged this opportunity and to him and his team for guiding the development of the payload and building the groundsegment with multiple groundstations in Qatar and Germany. Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- Von: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] Im Auftrag von Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB Gesendet: Mittwoch, 17. Juni 2020 22:27 An: Zach Metzinger Cc: AMSAT BB Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 Zach is correct. The primary barrier is money. It's difficult to understate the value of the service that the Qataris are providing to the amateur community. It's easily worth millions of dollars. There are many political and economic factors that made the partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. For background, QO-100 is a commercial communications satellite owned by a Qatari state-owned firm, Es'HailSat. One of the spare transponders on board is used for amateur communications. Additionally, the Qatar Amateur Radio Society's president is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar, Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiya. al-Attiya was also the head of the Emir's court and the Minister of Industry and Technology. As you can guess, a state-owned company helps with the economic aspects and there is obviously a very significant pro-amateur radio political influence. Compare that to the political influence amateur radio has in the United States - the most senior political official we've had who was active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. AMSAT has made multiple attempts at a geostationary satellite, but they have all failed to materialize, primarily due to a lack of funding. We continue to have conversations with various people about possible opportunities in geostationary and other high orbits. However, getting to geostationary orbit means finding a willing host to carry us there, and all of them want lots and lots of money to do so. While a replica of QO-100 over North America is unlikely, we do have active projects to provide long-range amateur communications. Our primary satellite project is GOLF, and the first satellite in the series, GOLF-TEE, destined for LEO, but carrying technologies that we need to test for high orbits such as an SDR-based microwave transponder and active attitude control is under development for a planned launch as soon as next year. More information about GOLF can be found at https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ Our other active project to support long-range communications is our work on AREx, or Amateur Radio Exploration. We are working with our ARISS partners worldwide on developing an amateur communications system aboard Gateway in Lunar orbit. This includes two-way amateur communications as well as the traditional ARISS educational opportunities. So while we might not see a replica of QO-100, lots of work is ongoing to return long-distance satellite communications to amateur radio. In fact, the opportunities we're working on go beyond what a GEO over North America can do and would enable worldwide communications. But as has been said, it all depends on raising the necessary money to make it happen. Please consider a donation today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/. If everyone subscribed to this list chipped in just $5-$10 a month, it'd make a huge difference! 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 4:04 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > On 06/17/20 11:59, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Great to tune in the downlink via web server. 10 GHz and No Doppler! > > > > https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ > > > > Why don't we have a Geo-stationary satellite like this? > > Donate early, donate often. > > --- 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From aj9n at aol.com Thu Jun 18 00:23:45 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:23:45 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-18 00:00 UTC References: <916107305.1826546.1592439825402.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <916107305.1826546.1592439825402@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-18 00:00 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? ? ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-18 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-06-16 16:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1390. Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1323. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? From rhyolite at leikhim.com Wed Jun 17 22:08:17 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:08:17 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 Message-ID: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no significant HEO projects. LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects or ARISS. Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building an earth station. Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood? Anybody ever give him a call? I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by embargoing technology. "Donate early, donate often. 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is all about. ?--- Zach N0ZGO" "There are many political and economic factors that made the partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " "the most senior political official we've had who was active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT" I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no HEO? -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From hobergenix at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 03:05:58 2020 From: hobergenix at gmail.com (Mike Hoblinski) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:05:58 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Starlink and Cubesats Message-ID: I was reading that Starlink may open public beta testing to a small group later this year. Still no word on the type of equipment the public would use to connect. But this got me wondering about the possibility of orbiting Cubsats being able to use a satellite network such as starlink. Just a hypothetical question I thought I would throw around. Mike N6IMF From n8hm at arrl.net Thu Jun 18 03:17:17 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 23:17:17 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Starlink and Cubesats In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Interesting thought. My first thought is that the Starlink satellites are going to be around 500-550 km and their transmitters and receivers are likely to be very focused on communications with ground stations, so I doubt they?d work at all for cubesats above the Starlink constellation. For those deployed into lower orbit, say from the ISS, I guess there?s a higher chance, but I?m sure the network is very finely tuned for communications with fixed ground stations rather than orbiting satellites traveling at what?s likely to be a high relative speed and much closer to the constellation. Not to mention there?s different licensing requirements on space-to-space communications (which Starlink between its own satellites, but not others). I doubt it?d work even if SpaceX allowed it to be done. If they are interested in supporting cubesats, then they?d probably have to make design changes to the satellites to accommodate it. 73, Paul, N8HM On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 23:06 Mike Hoblinski via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I was reading that Starlink may open public beta testing to a small group > later this year. > Still no word on the type of equipment the public would use to connect. But > this got me > wondering about the possibility of orbiting Cubsats being able to use a > satellite network > such as starlink. Just a hypothetical question I thought I would throw > around. > > Mike > N6IMF > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From ke4al at yahoo.com Thu Jun 18 03:34:51 2020 From: ke4al at yahoo.com (Robert Bankston) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:34:51 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Starlink and Cubesats In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <180533561.2635847.1592451291451@mail.yahoo.com> I have been exploring that very idea - an open?An source cubesat constellation that enables rcoss-link communication and multipoint scientific measurements.? You can read more about it here:??https://ke4al.github.io/amsatLink/ 73, Robert Bankston, KE4AL On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 10:07:09 PM CDT, Mike Hoblinski via AMSAT-BB wrote: I was reading that Starlink may open public beta testing to a small group later this year. Still no word on the type of equipment the public would use to connect. But this got me wondering about the possibility of orbiting Cubsats being able to use a satellite network such as starlink. Just a hypothetical question I thought I would throw around. Mike N6IMF _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From zmetzing at pobox.com Thu Jun 18 04:43:30 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 23:43:30 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 In-Reply-To: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <6E15A875-FB6F-409E-8DBE-9EBA3C3F03CD@pobox.com> > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no HEO? You could always run for a seat on the AMSAT board. A highly motivated, enthusiastic member, such as yourself, might be able to help achieve more HEO launches. --- Zach N0ZGO From kj9idave at charter.net Thu Jun 18 11:53:21 2020 From: kj9idave at charter.net (David J. Schmocker) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:53:21 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: Everyone: My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer.? How is DXing possible without HEO? My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital height. very 73, Dave KJ9I On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > significant HEO projects. > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > or ARISS. > > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > an earth station. > > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood?? Anybody ever give him a > call? > > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > embargoing technology. > > > "Donate early, donate often. > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > all about. > ?--- Zach > N0ZGO" > > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > > "the most senior political official we've had who was > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Executive Vice President > AMSAT" > > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no HEO? > From ki7unj at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 14:59:25 2020 From: ki7unj at gmail.com (KI7UNJ Tucker) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:59:25 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: David, "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without HEO?" It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via LEO) is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a look at orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. LEO DX is 100% possible! Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they think its just wham bam the sat is in space. Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this page! https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun and allow me to work many more DX. /R KI7UNJ On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Everyone: > My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. > > Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without HEO? > > My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital > height. > > very 73, > > Dave KJ9I > > On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > > significant HEO projects. > > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > > or ARISS. > > > > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > > an earth station. > > > > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood? Anybody ever give him a > > call? > > > > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > > embargoing technology. > > > > > > "Donate early, donate often. > > > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > > all about. > > --- Zach > > N0ZGO" > > > > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > > > > "the most senior political official we've had who was > > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > Executive Vice President > > AMSAT" > > > > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no HEO? > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- *Casey Tucker KI7UNJ* https://twitter.com/KI7UNJ From ve6egn at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 15:55:38 2020 From: ve6egn at gmail.com (egon) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:55:38 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <8DC28A119A334C7DBB73A5C0CF4DF0B6@EgonPC> >From Alberta Canada I have worked 23 country's on LEO satellites and that's not counting AO40, Egon VE6EGN/SA3EGN -----Original Message----- From: KI7UNJ Tucker via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 8:59 AM To: David J. Schmocker Cc: AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. David, "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without HEO?" It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via LEO) is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a look at orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. LEO DX is 100% possible! Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they think its just wham bam the sat is in space. Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this page! https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun and allow me to work many more DX. /R KI7UNJ On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Everyone: > My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. > > Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without > HEO? > > My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital > height. > > very 73, > > Dave KJ9I > > On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > > significant HEO projects. > > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > > or ARISS. > > > > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > > an earth station. > > > > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood? Anybody ever give him a > > call? > > > > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > > embargoing technology. > > > > > > "Donate early, donate often. > > > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > > all about. > > --- Zach > > N0ZGO" > > > > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > > > > "the most senior political official we've had who was > > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > Executive Vice President > > AMSAT" > > > > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no > > HEO? > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- *Casey Tucker KI7UNJ* https://twitter.com/KI7UNJ _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From ka9p at aol.com Thu Jun 18 16:23:17 2020 From: ka9p at aol.com (Scott McDonald) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:23:17 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <569709445.161991.1592497397837@mail.yahoo.com> Tucker,? I hear what you're saying.? But I'm pretty sure Dave is remembering a world of HEO's you may not have experienced, and it's not just having a shot of working Peter on RS-44 (as excited as I was to do it for the first time). I looked back through some log book pages from the early 90's, and what you find are things like regular, predictable contacts with friends all over the world, and the theoretical possibility of eventually working most any country you could find on HF, without the need for computer driven arrays and doppler correction.? Sure, you could use them, but you could easily live without them. ? With a Yaesu sat rig, and enough antenna for a bit of ERP, the capabilities were amazing. AMSAT has a good plan they've committed to and followed, but reading Dave's sentiments I wonder if there aren't a fair number of people like Dave that would contribute to a dedicated HEO project, and volunteer to make that project happen.? There is a chance that would cannibalize donations, perhaps, but my guess is that given the number of boomers that remember the good old days, there might be some untapped energy and resources that a dedicated, well-publicized effort would draw out. Scott ka9p -----Original Message----- From: KI7UNJ Tucker via AMSAT-BB To: David J. Schmocker Cc: AMSAT BB Sent: Thu, Jun 18, 2020 9:59 am Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. David, "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer.? How is DXing possible without HEO?" It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via LEO) is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a look at orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. LEO DX is 100% possible! Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they think its just wham bam the sat is in space. Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this page! https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun and allow me to work many more DX. /R KI7UNJ On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Everyone: > My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. > > Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer.? How is DXing possible without HEO? > > My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital > height. > > very 73, > > Dave KJ9I > > On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > > significant HEO projects. > > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > > or ARISS. > > > > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > > an earth station. > > > > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood?? Anybody ever give him a > > call? > > > > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > > embargoing technology. > > > > > > "Donate early, donate often. > > > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > > all about. > >? --- Zach > > N0ZGO" > > > > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > > > > "the most senior political official we've had who was > > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > Executive Vice President > > AMSAT" > > > > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no HEO? > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- *Casey Tucker? KI7UNJ* https://twitter.com/KI7UNJ _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From kj9idave at charter.net Thu Jun 18 16:27:04 2020 From: kj9idave at charter.net (David J. Schmocker) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:27:04 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: <8DC28A119A334C7DBB73A5C0CF4DF0B6@EgonPC> References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> <8DC28A119A334C7DBB73A5C0CF4DF0B6@EgonPC> Message-ID: Everyone: Thank you; the tone of my email asked for this. I am not a whining proponent.?? Let me end this thread just as abruptly as I started it. I realize one can work a handful of DX with LEO.? Given a goal of DXCC, the situations looks very different (hence the HEO interest). ? Of course I know about the GOLF efforts. I failed to communicate my interest is DXCC via satellites. This is a stretch (from EN53qb) without HEO or perhaps well-placed GEO. ? The idea previously fronted to reach out to the Elon Musks, etc. of the world seems most prudent. very 73, Dave KJ9I On 6/18/20 10:55 AM, egon via AMSAT-BB wrote: > From Alberta Canada I have worked 23 country's on LEO satellites > and that's not counting AO40, > > > > Egon VE6EGN/SA3EGN > -----Original Message----- From: KI7UNJ Tucker via AMSAT-BB > Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 8:59 AM > To: David J. Schmocker > Cc: AMSAT BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. > > David, > > "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer.? How is DXing possible without > HEO?" > > It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck > I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in > that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even > able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via > LEO) > is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via > RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. > > People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a > look at > orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX > on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or > venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. > LEO > DX is 100% possible! > > Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or > donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the > design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they > think its just wham bam the sat is in space. > > Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this > page! > https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ > > > MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun > and > allow me to work many more DX. > > > /R > KI7UNJ > > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >> Everyone: >> My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" >> Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. >> >> Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer.? How is DXing possible >> without HEO? >> >> My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital >> height. >> >> very 73, >> >> Dave KJ9I >> >> On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate >> > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no >> > significant HEO projects. >> > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year >> > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects >> > or ARISS. >> > >> > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered >> > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building >> > an earth station. >> > >> > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT >> > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood?? Anybody ever give him a >> > call? >> > >> > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by >> > embargoing technology. >> > >> > >> > "Donate early, donate often. >> > >> > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and >> > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, >> > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, >> > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is >> > all about. >> >? --- Zach >> > N0ZGO" >> > >> > "There are many political and economic factors that made the >> > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " >> > >> > "the most senior political official we've had who was >> > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg >> > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels >> > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. >> > >> > 73, >> > >> > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >> > Executive Vice President >> > AMSAT" >> > >> > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why >> no > HEO? >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. >> Opinions >> expressed >> are solely those of the author, and 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 >> > > From ve6egn at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 16:43:57 2020 From: ve6egn at gmail.com (egon) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:43:57 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: >From Alberta Canada I have worked 23 country's on LEO satellites and that's not counting AO40, VE6EGN/SA3EGN Egon VE6EGN/SA3EGN -----Original Message----- From: KI7UNJ Tucker via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 8:59 AM To: David J. Schmocker Cc: AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. David, "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without HEO?" It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via LEO) is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a look at orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. LEO DX is 100% possible! Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they think its just wham bam the sat is in space. Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this page! https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun and allow me to work many more DX. /R KI7UNJ On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Everyone: > My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. > > Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without > HEO? > > My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital > height. > > very 73, > > Dave KJ9I > > On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > > significant HEO projects. > > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > > or ARISS. > > > > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > > an earth station. > > > > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood? Anybody ever give him a > > call? > > > > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > > embargoing technology. > > > > > > "Donate early, donate often. > > > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > > all about. > > --- Zach > > N0ZGO" > > > > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > > > > "the most senior political official we've had who was > > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > > > > 73, > > > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > Executive Vice President > > AMSAT" > > > > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no > > HEO? > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- *Casey Tucker KI7UNJ* https://twitter.com/KI7UNJ _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From aa5pk at suddenlink.net Thu Jun 18 16:56:57 2020 From: aa5pk at suddenlink.net (Glenn Miller - AA5PK) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:56:57 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: I've worked 48 DXCC entities from the heart of Texas on the LEO birds. Due to trees, working EU is nearly impossible for me. Glenn AA5PK From mountain.michelle at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 16:59:12 2020 From: mountain.michelle at gmail.com (Michelle Thompson) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:59:12 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: <569709445.161991.1592497397837@mail.yahoo.com> References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> <569709445.161991.1592497397837@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: I recently shared the press release for Open Research Institute being fully funded for Phase 1 of GEO/HEO/Lunar payload work. This is a dedicated amateur radio payload and all of it is open source. All of the work ORI does directly helps AMSAT. We have a major hardware summit with ARISS/AREx for the Lunar payload on 25 June 2020, a Preliminary Design Review following that, and consistent and successful demonstrations and presentations published over the past three years. Some of us have been working on high altitude amateur payloads for the past decade. The team welcomes volunteers at all ability levels. ORI takes full advantage of the public domain carve out in ITAR and EAR and promotes open source as the only real alternative to impossibly heavy commercially-based ITAR burdens. The result is a diverse and global team. ORI has filed a Commodity Jurisdiction request with the US State Department so that all us amateur radio satellite service organizations can benefit from a better regulatory environment. Any result is an improvement over the current situation. A positive result of any type will be game-changing. Regulatory work is a process. An open source policy for AMSAT is in the works with the help of FD Associations, a consulting firm that specializes in ITAR and EAR. There should be some very good news here by Symposium 2020. Announcements about the payload work from ORI are sent out to this list from time to time. There is also a dedicated mailing list at http://lists.openresearch.institute/listinfo.cgi/ground-station-openresearch.institute if anyone wants more frequent technical, regulatory, and fundraising updates. -Michelle W5NYV One of your AMSAT Directors On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 9:37 AM Scott McDonald via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Tucker, > I hear what you're saying. But I'm pretty sure Dave is remembering a > world of HEO's you may not have experienced, and it's not just having a > shot of working Peter on RS-44 (as excited as I was to do it for the first > time). > I looked back through some log book pages from the early 90's, and what > you find are things like regular, predictable contacts with friends all > over the world, and the theoretical possibility of eventually working most > any country you could find on HF, without the need for computer driven > arrays and doppler correction. Sure, you could use them, but you could > easily live without them. With a Yaesu sat rig, and enough antenna for a > bit of ERP, the capabilities were amazing. > AMSAT has a good plan they've committed to and followed, but reading > Dave's sentiments I wonder if there aren't a fair number of people like > Dave that would contribute to a dedicated HEO project, and volunteer to > make that project happen. There is a chance that would cannibalize > donations, perhaps, but my guess is that given the number of boomers that > remember the good old days, there might be some untapped energy and > resources that a dedicated, well-publicized effort would draw out. > Scott ka9p > > -----Original Message----- > From: KI7UNJ Tucker via AMSAT-BB > To: David J. Schmocker > Cc: AMSAT BB > Sent: Thu, Jun 18, 2020 9:59 am > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. > > David, > > "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without > HEO?" > > It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck > I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in > that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even > able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via LEO) > is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via > RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. > > People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a look at > orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX > on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or > venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. LEO > DX is 100% possible! > > Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or > donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the > design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they > think its just wham bam the sat is in space. > > Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this > page! > > https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ > > MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun and > allow me to work many more DX. > > > /R > KI7UNJ > > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > Everyone: > > My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > > Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. > > > > Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without > HEO? > > > > My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital > > height. > > > > very 73, > > > > Dave KJ9I > > > > On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > > > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > > > significant HEO projects. > > > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > > > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > > > or ARISS. > > > > > > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > > > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > > > an earth station. > > > > > > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > > > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood? Anybody ever give him a > > > call? > > > > > > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > > > embargoing technology. > > > > > > > > > "Donate early, donate often. > > > > > > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > > > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > > > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > > > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > > > all about. > > > --- Zach > > > N0ZGO" > > > > > > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > > > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > > > > > > "the most senior political official we've had who was > > > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > > > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > > > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > > > > > > 73, > > > > > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > > Executive Vice President > > > AMSAT" > > > > > > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no > HEO? > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > -- > *Casey Tucker KI7UNJ* > https://twitter.com/KI7UNJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From ki7unj at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 17:04:09 2020 From: ki7unj at gmail.com (KI7UNJ Tucker) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:04:09 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> <8DC28A119A334C7DBB73A5C0CF4DF0B6@EgonPC> Message-ID: Dave, I'm pretty sure people have gotten DXCC via LEO sats, or for certain many ops have more than a "handful". You do know you could work portable? Go to the east coast work a ton of EU, then come over to the west coast pick up HI/JAPAN/RUSSIA/AK, then head south to Florida and work all the SA countries, and islands to your heart's content. However, if you plan on sitting in a shack your limiting yourself. But let's say you don't wanna work portable...Just for fun, I drew a circle with a 8,000km radius from EN53qb, and I can tell you there is more than 100 DX in that circle. And really would SAT DXCC via a well placed GEO SAT be that fun or exciting? You would just sit there and make contacts all day, and the challenge/fun would be sorta just be gone, IMO. On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 9:43 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Everyone: > Thank you; the tone of my email asked for this. > > I am not a whining proponent. Let me end this thread just as abruptly > as I started it. > > I realize one can work a handful of DX with LEO. Given a goal of DXCC, > the situations looks very different (hence the HEO interest). Of > course I know about the GOLF efforts. > > I failed to communicate my interest is DXCC via satellites. This is a > stretch (from EN53qb) without HEO or perhaps well-placed GEO. The idea > previously fronted to reach out to the Elon Musks, etc. of the world > seems most prudent. > > very 73, > > Dave KJ9I > > On 6/18/20 10:55 AM, egon via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > From Alberta Canada I have worked 23 country's on LEO satellites > > and that's not counting AO40, > > > > > > > > Egon VE6EGN/SA3EGN > > -----Original Message----- From: KI7UNJ Tucker via AMSAT-BB > > Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 8:59 AM > > To: David J. Schmocker > > Cc: AMSAT BB > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. > > > > David, > > > > "Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible without > > HEO?" > > > > It's very possible to work a DX with just the LEO sats we have now, heck > > I'm in Oregon and have managed to work Spain and many other countries in > > that area. The east coast ops are able to work DEEP into the EU and even > > able to work EU with just FM on AO-91. 2M0SQL (Whom I have worked via > > LEO) > > is in Scotland is able to work all the way to the west coast of US via > > RS-44/AO-7 with passes almost daily, and yes those are LEO sats. > > > > People who say "working DX isn't possible with LEO" need to take a > > look at > > orbits, and probably get our of their comfort zone, you won't get much DX > > on an overhead pass... you need to get out and work those 1* passes or > > venture out more and get up on a hill and work a negative degree pass. > > LEO > > DX is 100% possible! > > > > Sadly, many are just complaining instead of using what we have and or > > donating. Many of said complainers have no concept of the > > design/skills/time/money/effort/programming/de-orbital requirements they > > think its just wham bam the sat is in space. > > > > Read more about what AMSAT is doing to go higher, and DONATE all on this > > page! > > > https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ > > > > > > MEO or an HEO satellite sounds great and I can't wait, it would be fun > > and > > allow me to work many more DX. > > > > > > /R > > KI7UNJ > > > > > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 4:57 AM David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > >> Everyone: > >> My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > >> Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. > >> > >> Forgive me, for I am but a humble DXer. How is DXing possible > >> without HEO? > >> > >> My donations start and increase in proportion to the satellite orbital > >> height. > >> > >> very 73, > >> > >> Dave KJ9I > >> > >> On 6/17/20 5:08 PM, Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > >> > Zach; As a long time member of AMSAT, I can assure you I did donate > >> > for the AO-40 project. But since that time there have been no > >> > significant HEO projects. > >> > LEO and primarily FM oriented satellites have been the rule. Year > >> > after year, the focus has been on these short term, low earth projects > >> > or ARISS. > >> > > >> > Who cares if an HEO requires COTS space rated modules to be considered > >> > a payload? There is plenty of work to be done on the ground building > >> > an earth station. > >> > > >> > Paul; Why no outreach to the industry. Elon Musk? A free AMSAT > >> > membership, some Honorary AMSAT Knighthood? Anybody ever give him a > >> > call? > >> > > >> > I know part of this is ITAR and the US basically screwing ourselves by > >> > embargoing technology. > >> > > >> > > >> > "Donate early, donate often. > >> > > >> > 2) No amateur-built hardware on the satellite -- Yes, specifying and > >> > overseeing development takes a LOT of work. I do this for my day job, > >> > not satellites, but just as complex. However, designing, building, > >> > testing, and deploying amateur-built hardware is what I feel AMSAT is > >> > all about. > >> > --- Zach > >> > N0ZGO" > >> > > >> > "There are many political and economic factors that made the > >> > partnership with AMSAT-DL possible. " > >> > > >> > "the most senior political official we've had who was > >> > active in amateur radio was Sen. Barry Goldwater. Currently, Rep. Greg > >> > Walden is the only amateur radio operator I'm aware of in high levels > >> > of government and he's retiring when his term ends in January. > >> > > >> > 73, > >> > > >> > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > >> > Executive Vice President > >> > AMSAT" > >> > > >> > I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why > >> no > HEO? > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > >> Opinions > >> expressed > >> are solely those of the author, and 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 > >> > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- *Casey Tucker KI7UNJ* https://twitter.com/KI7UNJ From w7lrd at comcast.net Thu Jun 18 17:41:43 2020 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (73 Bob W7LRD) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:41:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] watering hole RS44 Message-ID: <1652241000.1065.1592502103500@connect.xfinity.com> Can we kind of establish a frequency range on RS44 for DX contacts? Hunting around in the pass band cuts into time on the sat when down to a few degrees. 73 Bob W7LRD From marinesvcs at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 18:50:30 2020 From: marinesvcs at gmail.com (Paul F. Merrill) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:50:30 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Need HEO Message-ID: Not to belabor the point, but I see satellites as a different animal from ionospheric DXing. I am a newbie to the operating and station-building skills required to fully appreciate the depth of this part of the hobby, but I would hesitate to let your experience with HF or VHF DXing taint your experience using a flying repeater. I?m very excited for both, but don?t judge one aspect of the hobby I enjoy against the other. Paul / W7IV From rjlawn at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 19:49:55 2020 From: rjlawn at gmail.com (Richard Lawn) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:49:55 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32/IC9700/DX Labs Setup Message-ID: I've somehow gotten things completely screwed up as I once had this wonderful setup working, panadapter. DX Keeper logging and all. Now not only are things not working at all but when I close Commander and try to reopen it Windows tells me it's already open and Windows Task Manager says it isn't. I need to get this working if possible before field day so any help will be appreciated. Some days I year for the more simple world we once lived in hi hi! Rick, W2JAZ From royldean at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 20:10:43 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:10:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-7 (~20:00z pass this afternoon) Message-ID: So I had a very long pass on AO-7 this afternoon, and I noticed two things that I have never seen before: I had to lower my MKIIG down to "L" so as to not blow out the transponder, and even that seemed too high (2W out, 50 ft of RG-8X, M2 Leo Pack). Everybody sounded weird and the CW qsos going on seemed to be suffering from a ton of drift. I had just listened in on CAS-4A previous to this pass and heard no problems there... so I don't think it's my station. Did anybody else experience this? Or is my $20 RTL dongle finally ready for the bin? --Roy K3RLD From jeff30339 at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 20:14:20 2020 From: jeff30339 at gmail.com (Jeff Johns) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:14:20 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-7 (~20:00z pass this afternoon) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: You sounded great and I just logged you. The transponder was seriously FMing and on the verge of flipping due to a high power CW station lower in the passband. Thanks for the QSO! Jeff WE4B > On Jun 18, 2020, at 3:12 PM, Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?So I had a very long pass on AO-7 this afternoon, and I noticed two things > that I have never seen before: I had to lower my MKIIG down to "L" so as > to not blow out the transponder, and even that seemed too high (2W out, 50 > ft of RG-8X, M2 Leo Pack). Everybody sounded weird and the CW qsos going > on seemed to be suffering from a ton of drift. I had just listened in on > CAS-4A previous to this pass and heard no problems there... so I don't > think it's my station. Did anybody else experience this? Or is my $20 > RTL dongle finally ready for the bin? > > --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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From royldean at gmail.com Thu Jun 18 20:23:19 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:23:19 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-7 (~20:00z pass this afternoon) Message-ID: > > You sounded great and I just logged you. The transponder was seriously > FMing and on the verge of flipping due to a high power CW station lower in > the passband. Thanks for the QSO! Jeff WE4B Thanks, Jeff. I've never experienced the "FMing" before (although I've certainly read about it) - so I wasn't sure exactly what was going on. I really think for whatever reason it was receiving exceptionally well today - because I've never had to turn my power down that much (and I was definitely part of the problem as I could see the rest of the pass band pulsating with each word I spoke - even when I was at the lowest power setting - the sat was directly overhead by then). After our qso ended I tuned around and listened to the other QSOs and the FMing continued. I was gunshy at that point so I didn't attempt any more QSOs. :D --Roy K3RLD From dave at g4dpz.me.uk Thu Jun 18 22:05:11 2020 From: dave at g4dpz.me.uk (David Johnson) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:05:11 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] Improved JY1Sat Scoring in FUNcube Data Warehouse Message-ID: <62964E34-BAFD-4D34-BD6F-0ED6C17FF3BB@g4dpz.me.uk> In image mode, JY1Sat only uses two frame type IDs (32 & 33) during the during the transmission of an image within a sequence. This meant that the scoring mechanism was only scoring 2 out of 24 packets per sequence. I.e 1/12 of the number expected to be scored. We have now changed the scoring to better reflect the number of packets received. It now uses a unique key comprised of: Sequence Number Frame Type Md5Hash of the Hex String We hope that this will encorage you to upload more JY1Sat packets. 73 Dave, G4DPZ FUNcube Team Member From rjlawn at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 00:04:00 2020 From: rjlawn at gmail.com (Richard Lawn) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:04:00 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs Message-ID: Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. 73 Rick, W2JAZ From n8hm at arrl.net Fri Jun 19 00:09:32 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:09:32 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dog Park Software makes everything you need satellite tracking and logging! I have limited experience with the software (I do have an old MacBook Air, but don?t use it very often) but everything I?ve heard about it is that it works great. https://dogparksoftware.com/ MacDoppler is also available through the AMSAT store and AMSAT gets a portion of the proceeds. https://www.amsat.org/product/macdoppler/ 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 20:04 Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an > Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using > Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From W5BK at live.com Fri Jun 19 00:11:51 2020 From: W5BK at live.com (Brad Hyde) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:11:51 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 via 9700 Message-ID: Hello all, Today I spent several hours (computer illiterate) setting up SatPC32 with my new IC-9700. It is working great on several of the sats. I have noticed that several of the newer sats do not have the freq data in the program and therefore do not track the sats with doppler shift compensation. The ones I am trying to use are: RS-44, CAS 4A, CAS 4B, IO86, and EO88. With further study I noticed that data is lacking for these sats in the doppler.SQF file. Rather than reinventing the wheel I was wondering if anyone knows where I can obtain this data and maybe just copy and paste it into the doppler.SQF file? That would sure be a nice solution as my head hurts from installing drivers and cables and SatPC32 today. Thanks, Brad W5BK From vk5qi at rfhead.net Fri Jun 19 00:14:21 2020 From: vk5qi at rfhead.net (Mark Jessop) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:44:21 +0930 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: My main station uses a combination of: - MacDoppler for rig control (controlling my IC-9700) - GPredict for antenna control. - GQRX for interfacing with various SDRs. Ideally I'd be using MacDoppler for both rig *and* antenna control, but my rotator controller is served up by a RPirunning hamlib's rigctld, which MacDoppler doesn't support (even though the protocol is absurdly simple). So, I still use GPredict to do antenna control. If you don't want to pay for MacDoppler (and it isn't particularly cheap), GPredict will also do radio control, but it does have some issues controlling dual-VFO rigs correctly. 73 Mark VK5QI On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 9:34 AM Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an > Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using > Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From va3mw at portcredit.net Fri Jun 19 00:26:13 2020 From: va3mw at portcredit.net (Michael Walker) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:26:13 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6FE65D60-7EC7-4EF0-9FA2-972E1BA33A31@portcredit.net> I will be honest. I own both windows and Mac computers and I use them both extensively. I can honestly say both have their problems. My Mac drives me absolutely crazy with display issues and today was no exception on when I lost a zoom call somewhere in their graphics card and I could not bring the focus back to it but the call went on. I had to reboot the Mac eventually. So no matter which platform you choose expect some technical issues that you will have to work to resolve. I have to say right now That my windows 10 pro platform is by far the most stable. Mike VA3MW > On Jun 18, 2020, at 8:11 PM, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Dog Park Software makes everything you need satellite tracking and logging! > I have limited experience with the software (I do have an old MacBook Air, > but don?t use it very often) but everything I?ve heard about it is that it > works great. > > https://dogparksoftware.com/ > > MacDoppler is also available through the AMSAT store and AMSAT gets a > portion of the proceeds. > > https://www.amsat.org/product/macdoppler/ > > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Executive Vice President > AMSAT > >> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 20:04 Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB >> wrote: >> >> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and >> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an >> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using >> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. >> >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From rjlawn at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 00:32:39 2020 From: rjlawn at gmail.com (Richard Lawn) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:32:39 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: <6FE65D60-7EC7-4EF0-9FA2-972E1BA33A31@portcredit.net> References: <6FE65D60-7EC7-4EF0-9FA2-972E1BA33A31@portcredit.net> Message-ID: I understand. I?ve just had a whole series of issues with the home network and and a bunch of other things. I too have to admit that the reasonS I left using macs became numerous and I?m able to do everything and more especially in ham radio with the windows computer. 73 Rick On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:26 PM Michael Walker wrote: > I will be honest. > > I own both windows and Mac computers and I use them both extensively. I > can honestly say both have their problems. My Mac drives me absolutely > crazy with display issues and today was no exception on when I lost a zoom > call somewhere in their graphics card and I could not bring the focus back > to it but the call went on. I had to reboot the Mac eventually. > > So no matter which platform you choose expect some technical issues that > you will have to work to resolve. > > I have to say right now That my windows 10 pro platform is by far the most > stable. > > Mike VA3MW > > > On Jun 18, 2020, at 8:11 PM, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > ?Dog Park Software makes everything you need satellite tracking and > logging! > > I have limited experience with the software (I do have an old MacBook > Air, > > but don?t use it very often) but everything I?ve heard about it is that > it > > works great. > > > > https://dogparksoftware.com/ > > > > MacDoppler is also available through the AMSAT store and AMSAT gets a > > portion of the proceeds. > > > > https://www.amsat.org/product/macdoppler/ > > > > > > 73, > > > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > Executive Vice President > > AMSAT > > > >> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 20:04 Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> > >> wrote: > >> > >> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > >> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an > >> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using > >> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > >> > >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Sent from Gmail Mobile From kb1pvh at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 00:36:31 2020 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:36:31 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 via 9700 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Brad, Being able to edit your own doppler.sqf lines is a good skill to have if you are going to use SatPC32 even if your brain is tired from the initial setup. AMSAT has a line generator that will create it for you when you input the basic info. https://www.amsat.org/doppler-sqf-line-generator/ Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Thu, Jun 18, 2020, 8:30 PM Brad Hyde via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hello all, > Today I spent several hours (computer illiterate) setting up SatPC32 with > my new IC-9700. It is working great on several of the sats. I have noticed > that several of the newer sats do not have the freq data in the program and > therefore do not track the sats with doppler shift compensation. The ones > I am trying to use are: RS-44, CAS 4A, CAS 4B, IO86, and EO88. With > further study I noticed that data is lacking for these sats in the > doppler.SQF file. Rather than reinventing the wheel I was wondering if > anyone knows where I can obtain this data and maybe just copy and paste it > into the doppler.SQF file? That would sure be a nice solution as my head > hurts from installing drivers and cables and SatPC32 today. > Thanks, > Brad > W5BK > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From aa5pk at suddenlink.net Fri Jun 19 00:43:39 2020 From: aa5pk at suddenlink.net (Glenn Miller - AA5PK) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:43:39 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 via 9700 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Brad, Roll your own here: Glenn AA5PK -----Original Message----- From: Brad Hyde via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 7:11 PM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 via 9700 Hello all, Today I spent several hours (computer illiterate) setting up SatPC32 with my new IC-9700. It is working great on several of the sats. I have noticed that several of the newer sats do not have the freq data in the program and therefore do not track the sats with doppler shift compensation. The ones I am trying to use are: RS-44, CAS 4A, CAS 4B, IO86, and EO88. With further study I noticed that data is lacking for these sats in the doppler.SQF file. Rather than reinventing the wheel I was wondering if anyone knows where I can obtain this data and maybe just copy and paste it into the doppler.SQF file? That would sure be a nice solution as my head hurts from installing drivers and cables and SatPC32 today. Thanks, Brad W5BK _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From kj9idave at charter.net Fri Jun 19 01:07:41 2020 From: kj9idave at charter.net (David J. Schmocker) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:07:41 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Rick: I ran Windows for 30+ years in industry because it's prevalent business platform (where I worked).? I still run Windows but only when I can not do the required task any other way. I currently run Mac as preferred platform including MacDoppler (easy and the support is great).. MacLoggerDX (premier logging application). Considering the volumes of emails we see on "can't get this or that to work on {name your application] for Windows," one could easily pay for a new Mac. Also, you'll hear/discover Macs are expensive.?? Data:? My 2009 MacBookPro still runs great.? A $4,000 laptop divided across 11 years of trouble-free use (with no issues) and associating some value to my time (during which I was not doing Windows updates to my Mac), the Mac wins the cost/benefit analysis. very 73, iDave KJ9I On 6/18/20 7:04 PM, Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an > Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using > Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From jim at k6ccc.org Fri Jun 19 01:10:23 2020 From: jim at k6ccc.org (Jim Walls) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:10:23 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <131c7376-862b-4901-cf50-a6e8d5f85b37@k6ccc.org> On 06/18/2020 04:53, David J. Schmocker via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Everyone: > My thoughts are in full alignment with Joe's view.. "Why no HEO?" > Without HEO, my interest in satellites is.. zero. Get out your checkbook and write a check to AMSAT for $10,000,000.00 and I would guess that a HEO could well appear :) Remember that there are many aspects to amateur radio, and satellites in particular.? Although I for the most part could not care less about about DXing (although I do have WAS and VUCC via satellite - and would have gotten WAC if the ARRL had not lost my submission), I understand that there are people who do.?? I like to talk to people for more an a few seconds at a time, so the majority of my satellite operating time was via linear birds.? Absolutely loved AO-10 and AO-40 (sob) with their high orbits.? I would love to see another HEO to use. In full disclosure, I have not operated satellite in about 15 years.? Several reasons for that, but I'm coming back.? After what seems like almost every new satellite was a LEO digital bird, we have gotten a number of analog birds in the past couple years.? I've got some work to do to get the station back up, but I'm spending money to do that.? That includes re-joining AMSAT-NA after a quite a few year gap. And no, I can't write the 10 million dollar check either... -- 73 ------------------------------------- Jim Walls - K6CCC jim at k6ccc.org Ofc: 818-548-4804 http://members.dslextreme.com/users/k6ccc/ AMSAT Member 32537 - WSWSS Member 395 From ko6th.greg at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 01:33:30 2020 From: ko6th.greg at gmail.com (Greg D) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:33:30 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: <6FE65D60-7EC7-4EF0-9FA2-972E1BA33A31@portcredit.net> Message-ID: <9ef73d07-6ab7-4cc8-0e0e-c9527d1a22cf@gmail.com> {Psssst...} Linux is free and works very well... Greg KO6TH Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I understand. I?ve just had a whole series of issues with the home network > and and a bunch of other things. I too have to admit that the reasonS I > left using macs > became numerous and I?m able to do everything and more especially in ham > radio with the windows computer. > 73 > Rick > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:26 PM Michael Walker wrote: > >> I will be honest. >> >> I own both windows and Mac computers and I use them both extensively. I >> can honestly say both have their problems. My Mac drives me absolutely >> crazy with display issues and today was no exception on when I lost a zoom >> call somewhere in their graphics card and I could not bring the focus back >> to it but the call went on. I had to reboot the Mac eventually. >> >> So no matter which platform you choose expect some technical issues that >> you will have to work to resolve. >> >> I have to say right now That my windows 10 pro platform is by far the most >> stable. >> >> Mike VA3MW >> >>> On Jun 18, 2020, at 8:11 PM, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB < >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: >>> ?Dog Park Software makes everything you need satellite tracking and >> logging! >>> I have limited experience with the software (I do have an old MacBook >> Air, >>> but don?t use it very often) but everything I?ve heard about it is that >> it >>> works great. >>> >>> https://dogparksoftware.com/ >>> >>> MacDoppler is also available through the AMSAT store and AMSAT gets a >>> portion of the proceeds. >>> >>> https://www.amsat.org/product/macdoppler/ >>> >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>> Executive Vice President >>> AMSAT >>> >>>> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 20:04 Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and >>>> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an >>>> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using >>>> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. >>>> >>>> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From w5bk at live.com Fri Jun 19 02:49:59 2020 From: w5bk at live.com (Brad Hyde) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:49:59 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 via 9700 In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Thanks guys. I rolled my own. Wasn?t too bad with that line generator. Appreciate the help. Get Outlook for iOS ________________________________ From: AMSAT-BB on behalf of Dave Webb KB1PVH via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 7:36:31 PM To: AMSAT -BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 via 9700 Brad, Being able to edit your own doppler.sqf lines is a good skill to have if you are going to use SatPC32 even if your brain is tired from the initial setup. AMSAT has a line generator that will create it for you when you input the basic info. https://www.amsat.org/doppler-sqf-line-generator/ Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Thu, Jun 18, 2020, 8:30 PM Brad Hyde via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hello all, > Today I spent several hours (computer illiterate) setting up SatPC32 with > my new IC-9700. It is working great on several of the sats. I have noticed > that several of the newer sats do not have the freq data in the program and > therefore do not track the sats with doppler shift compensation. The ones > I am trying to use are: RS-44, CAS 4A, CAS 4B, IO86, and EO88. With > further study I noticed that data is lacking for these sats in the > doppler.SQF file. Rather than reinventing the wheel I was wondering if > anyone knows where I can obtain this data and maybe just copy and paste it > into the doppler.SQF file? That would sure be a nice solution as my head > hurts from installing drivers and cables and SatPC32 today. > Thanks, > Brad > W5BK > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From jeff30339 at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 04:05:06 2020 From: jeff30339 at gmail.com (Jeff Johns) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:05:06 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Membership Length Message-ID: If someone joined and/or renewed their AMSAT membership, in person at Hamvention 2019 (May 2019), why would their membership expire on 3/1/2020? I ask because both mine and my daughter?s memberships had this occur. We were both shorted two months worth of membership. I?m curious if any other members had this occur and if it?s related to the swap over to the new member portal. To whom should affected members reach out to in order to have their accounts credited for the missing months of membership? Jeff WE4B From w7lrd at comcast.net Fri Jun 19 04:31:28 2020 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (73 Bob W7LRD) Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:31:28 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] Membership Length In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <2034268674.3368.1592541088246@connect.xfinity.com> donation > On 06/18/2020 9:05 PM Jeff Johns via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > If someone joined and/or renewed their AMSAT membership, in person at Hamvention 2019 (May 2019), why would their membership expire on 3/1/2020? > > I ask because both mine and my daughter?s memberships had this occur. We were both shorted two months worth of membership. I?m curious if any other members had this occur and if it?s related to the swap over to the new member portal. > > To whom should affected members reach out to in order to have their accounts credited for the missing months of membership? > > Jeff WE4B > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From va3mw at portcredit.net Fri Jun 19 12:20:44 2020 From: va3mw at portcredit.net (Michael Walker) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:20:44 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT DMR TalkGroup 98006 Message-ID: I noticed that there is a DRM TalkGroup for Amast conversations. Does it still get used or did it die a death? We have one for Flex users and we are finding it getting used for technical help and conversations. You don't even need a DMR handheld to access it. You will need a DVMega DVStick though. Mike va3mw From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Fri Jun 19 12:51:37 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:51:37 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2m / 70cm ssb electronics In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've been using the 70cm pre-amp for a little while and a few days ago added a brand new 2m one. Both of them are installed on a small Glen Martin tripod at roof top. GM holds the Leo pack which connects to Icom 9100. Each ant has surge arrestors from Array Solutions Could they live happy each other in that close range? I noticed something strange with my hearing my voice yesterday that I've never experience before. At some point, I sounded muddy but not to the other person. It looks like I will have some good passes today. I will be able to hear it again or not. Rafael / NN3RP From kb2mjeff at att.net Fri Jun 19 13:19:21 2020 From: kb2mjeff at att.net (kb2mjeff at att.net) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:19:21 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT DMR TalkGroup 98006 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0f0701d6463c$3ede33a0$bc9a9ae0$@att.net> Yes 98006 is active every day. I found one proposed group for a Flex talkgroup 30299. Is this the one you're talking about? 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB Sent: Friday, June 19, 2020 8:21 To: AMSAT Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT DMR TalkGroup 98006 I noticed that there is a DRM TalkGroup for Amast conversations. Does it still get used or did it die a death? We have one for Flex users and we are finding it getting used for technical help and conversations. You don't even need a DMR handheld to access it. You will need a DVMega DVStick though. Mike va3mw _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From rhyolite at leikhim.com Fri Jun 19 05:14:54 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 01:14:54 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. Message-ID: <3aac7d0c-6bb5-8dc6-5655-6c5574f78fa6@leikhim.com> Same boat here. I have kept my membership up, but life got into the way. I would be back on in a flash if there were an AO-10 or Oscar 100. I spent many hours and many kilobucks in gear on the old linear birds and enjoyed it. But fighting the QRM on an FM LEO to talk with someone down the road for 5 minutes is not worth the bother. The problem is nobody has stepped up and said we could do an OSCAR 100 for $10 million so that folks can dig into their pockets. And with the US ITAR we have alienated the rest of the globe where big donations might come from. How many AMSAT members? That is the denominator. $10 million/x "In full disclosure, I have not operated satellite in about 15 years. Several reasons for that, but I'm coming back.? After what seems like almost every new satellite was a LEO digital bird, we have gotten a number of analog birds in the past couple years.? I've got some work to do to get the station back up, but I'm spending money to do that.? That includes re-joining AMSAT-NA after a quite a few year gap. And no, I can't write the 10 million dollar check either... -- 73 ------------------------------------- Jim Walls - K6CCC" -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From kk5do at arrl.net Fri Jun 19 13:49:32 2020 From: kk5do at arrl.net (Bruce) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:49:32 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award References: Message-ID: In case you have not perused the AMSAT.org website lately, the newest of AMSAT Awards is available. It is the GridMaster award. Although the award is not new new, it is new to AMSAT. It was developed in 2014 by Star Comm Group. Thanks to Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, for having sponsored the award since its inception. Now, AMSAT is taking the reins and will be issuing the award and it is still free of charge as it will be sponsored by an anonymous donor. The award is the same as the Fred Fish Memorial Award that is offered by the ARRL but for any satellite operator that works and confirms all 488 continental U.S. grids. You can view the award by clicking on Services, then Awards. You will find the Application, Grid Schedule and sample of the required LoTW verification (of course, paper QSL's are still accepted). As 10 awards have been issued to date, who will be lucky number 11 and the first issued by AMSAT? 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 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 zmetzing at pobox.com Fri Jun 19 13:50:45 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:50:45 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] need HEO .. please.. In-Reply-To: <131c7376-862b-4901-cf50-a6e8d5f85b37@k6ccc.org> References: <6af7cf96-c22f-f05f-1218-b36180b386e2@leikhim.com> <131c7376-862b-4901-cf50-a6e8d5f85b37@k6ccc.org> Message-ID: <3eb02cf4-4c6b-d8e6-c441-e5f8ff4ee212@pobox.com> On 06/18/20 20:10, Jim Walls via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Absolutely loved AO-10 and AO-40 (sob) with their high orbits.? I would > love to see another HEO to use. N0JY presented an update back in 2019 which outlined the steps for the new series, GOLF: https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hamcom-Engineering-update.pdf On slide 13, we can see that GOLF-1 has a proposed approximate orbit of 1200km, which is _almost_ MEO, so the program appears to be headed toward those higher orbits. Slides 14 and 15 show the new orbital debris regulatory challenges, probably caused by the proliferation of space objects, that might be causing some headaches for higher orbits. As Jerry mentions, the only way to qualify a de-orbit device is to use it! So, you're throwing away some money right on the first satellite. Ooof! Could AMSAT get an exception to this? I don't know, but if everyone who is interested in MEO/HEO would write their congresscritter in a polite and informed way, perhaps they might help us out. The world has changed, and we need to adapt to it.[1] --- Zach N0ZGO [1] I definitely recommend that everyone read: "Who Moved My Cheese?", Johnson, Spencer M.D., ASIN: B004CR6AM4. From brennanprice at verizon.net Fri Jun 19 13:51:12 2020 From: brennanprice at verizon.net (Brennan Price) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:51:12 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Membership Length References: <1006376905.565852.1592574672289.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1006376905.565852.1592574672289@mail.yahoo.com> Jeff (and all), In response to the question of who maintains the membership records, that would be the Secretary, which would be me. Members or potential members with questions or concerns about their membership status can and should feel free to contact me. I prefer to assess and discuss individual cases off reflector, and I commit to Jeff to do so in this instance. 73, Brennan Price, N4QX Secretary, AMSAT From walterh at k5wh.net Fri Jun 19 14:16:46 2020 From: walterh at k5wh.net (walterh at k5wh.net) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:16:46 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT DMR TalkGroup 98006 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <00a701d64644$445b6890$cd1239b0$@k5wh.net> Yes, it is heavily used on a daily, and nightly basis. Come join us. It is also bridged to the YSF US Amsat 11689 reflector as well. Join us for the Amsat net on Wednesday evenings 9:00pm cdt. In addition, I just created a new DSTAR Amsat talkgroup XLX028 for module C. The Dstar reflector is not bridged in yet, as we are still doing some testing with that, but it will soon be bridged in with the DMR ad YSF areas, so it will be seamless from any of those digital methods. Drop by and join the group. All the best, Walter/K5WH -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB Sent: Friday, June 19, 2020 7:21 AM To: AMSAT Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT DMR TalkGroup 98006 I noticed that there is a DRM TalkGroup for Amast conversations. Does it still get used or did it die a death? We have one for Flex users and we are finding it getting used for technical help and conversations. You don't even need a DMR handheld to access it. You will need a DVMega DVStick though. Mike va3mw _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From g0kla at arrl.net Fri Jun 19 14:43:28 2020 From: g0kla at arrl.net (Chris Thompson) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 10:43:28 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: <9ef73d07-6ab7-4cc8-0e0e-c9527d1a22cf@gmail.com> References: <6FE65D60-7EC7-4EF0-9FA2-972E1BA33A31@portcredit.net> <9ef73d07-6ab7-4cc8-0e0e-c9527d1a22cf@gmail.com> Message-ID: I will add that I try to make all the AMSAT software I write work on the Mac, but it is not as easy to install as it is on Linux/Windows. Apple puts more layers of protection in place and makes it harder for independent developers to release software and tools. The good news is that you can probably trust professionally released software more on the Mac, but it is a hurdle for people doing this in their spare time. I'm hoping that someone will say "it's easy to release software on the Mac, let me help you Chris" but otherwise I will keep putting out things that are usable even if they require a bit of fiddling. I'm always happy to help anyone that is having trouble getting the software to run. 73 Chris g0kla / ac2cz On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 9:36 PM Greg D via AMSAT-BB wrote: > {Psssst...} Linux is free and works very well... > > Greg KO6TH > > > Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > I understand. I?ve just had a whole series of issues with the home > network > > and and a bunch of other things. I too have to admit that the reasonS I > > left using macs > > became numerous and I?m able to do everything and more especially in ham > > radio with the windows computer. > > 73 > > Rick > > > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:26 PM Michael Walker > wrote: > > > >> I will be honest. > >> > >> I own both windows and Mac computers and I use them both extensively. I > >> can honestly say both have their problems. My Mac drives me absolutely > >> crazy with display issues and today was no exception on when I lost a > zoom > >> call somewhere in their graphics card and I could not bring the focus > back > >> to it but the call went on. I had to reboot the Mac eventually. > >> > >> So no matter which platform you choose expect some technical issues that > >> you will have to work to resolve. > >> > >> I have to say right now That my windows 10 pro platform is by far the > most > >> stable. > >> > >> Mike VA3MW > >> > >>> On Jun 18, 2020, at 8:11 PM, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB < > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >>> ?Dog Park Software makes everything you need satellite tracking and > >> logging! > >>> I have limited experience with the software (I do have an old MacBook > >> Air, > >>> but don?t use it very often) but everything I?ve heard about it is that > >> it > >>> works great. > >>> > >>> https://dogparksoftware.com/ > >>> > >>> MacDoppler is also available through the AMSAT store and AMSAT gets a > >>> portion of the proceeds. > >>> > >>> https://www.amsat.org/product/macdoppler/ > >>> > >>> > >>> 73, > >>> > >>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > >>> Executive Vice President > >>> AMSAT > >>> > >>>> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 20:04 Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> > >>>> wrote: > >>>> > >>>> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > >>>> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using > an > >>>> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are > using > >>>> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > >>>> > >>>> 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: > https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Chris E. Thompson chrisethompson at gmail.com g0kla at arrl.net From va3mw at portcredit.net Fri Jun 19 15:28:01 2020 From: va3mw at portcredit.net (Michael Walker) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:28:01 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: <6FE65D60-7EC7-4EF0-9FA2-972E1BA33A31@portcredit.net> <9ef73d07-6ab7-4cc8-0e0e-c9527d1a22cf@gmail.com> Message-ID: I made a comment about MACs and Window devices earlier and I wanted to stress it is a personal preference. I also wanted to make it very clear that this has nothing to do with those that write software for either Windows or MACs. Those people are amazing and to put it in perspective, they have hundreds of thousands of lines of code and time invested in their applications. They do it because they want to contribute and they love what they do. They don't do it to make a living. At least not in the Amateur World since we are all cheap. :) I know what it takes to write an application, make it work, release it and then support it. The product support post sale is a time killer. For all of you, I thank you for all your time and dedication to the hobby. Without it, we would all still be using things like the original Amsat wheel. I know I still have mine somewhere. If I offended any of you, my apologies. Mike va3mw On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 10:44 AM Chris Thompson via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I will add that I try to make all the AMSAT software I write work on the > Mac, but it is not as easy to install as it is on Linux/Windows. Apple > puts more layers of protection in place and makes it harder for independent > developers to release software and tools. The good news is that you can > probably trust professionally released software more on the Mac, but it is > a hurdle for people doing this in their spare time. > > I'm hoping that someone will say "it's easy to release software on the Mac, > let me help you Chris" but otherwise I will keep putting out things that > are usable even if they require a bit of fiddling. I'm always happy to > help anyone that is having trouble getting the software to run. > > 73 > Chris > g0kla / ac2cz > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 9:36 PM Greg D via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > > {Psssst...} Linux is free and works very well... > > > > Greg KO6TH > > > > > > Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > I understand. I?ve just had a whole series of issues with the home > > network > > > and and a bunch of other things. I too have to admit that the reasonS I > > > left using macs > > > became numerous and I?m able to do everything and more especially in > ham > > > radio with the windows computer. > > > 73 > > > Rick > > > > > > On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:26 PM Michael Walker > > wrote: > > > > > >> I will be honest. > > >> > > >> I own both windows and Mac computers and I use them both extensively. > I > > >> can honestly say both have their problems. My Mac drives me absolutely > > >> crazy with display issues and today was no exception on when I lost a > > zoom > > >> call somewhere in their graphics card and I could not bring the focus > > back > > >> to it but the call went on. I had to reboot the Mac eventually. > > >> > > >> So no matter which platform you choose expect some technical issues > that > > >> you will have to work to resolve. > > >> > > >> I have to say right now That my windows 10 pro platform is by far the > > most > > >> stable. > > >> > > >> Mike VA3MW > > >> > > >>> On Jun 18, 2020, at 8:11 PM, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB < > > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > >>> ?Dog Park Software makes everything you need satellite tracking and > > >> logging! > > >>> I have limited experience with the software (I do have an old MacBook > > >> Air, > > >>> but don?t use it very often) but everything I?ve heard about it is > that > > >> it > > >>> works great. > > >>> > > >>> https://dogparksoftware.com/ > > >>> > > >>> MacDoppler is also available through the AMSAT store and AMSAT gets a > > >>> portion of the proceeds. > > >>> > > >>> https://www.amsat.org/product/macdoppler/ > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> 73, > > >>> > > >>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > > >>> Executive Vice President > > >>> AMSAT > > >>> > > >>>> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 20:04 Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < > > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> > > >>>> wrote: > > >>>> > > >>>> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > > >>>> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using > > an > > >>>> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are > > using > > >>>> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > > >>>> > > >>>> 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: > > https://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: > https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > -- > Chris E. Thompson > chrisethompson at gmail.com > g0kla at arrl.net > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Fri Jun 19 18:31:45 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:31:45 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Richard, I switched to using a Mac in my station a couple years ago when I remembered that I had an old Mac Mini--so old that it could not even be updated to the latest OSX. But what the heck, I tried it. I am using MacDoppler to run both my tuning (IC9700 and before that a TS-2000) and my rotator (G5500 with AMSAT LVB Interface). It works VERY well. I also like that I can buy MacLogger and the two integrate so that I can log on MacDoppler and it automatically gets the satellite, time, frequency, etc. Don, at Dog Park Software gives excellent support and has helped me several times. There are a few irritating things about the UI, but it is mostly just a nice piece of software. And believe me, I don't intend to disparage SatPC32 either. I also have that, used it for quite some time, and also got used to its quirks just as I did with MD. And yes, the Mac is not perfect--especially Apple is a real pain about Java (for FoxTelem) but with my old Mac Mini, I don't have to worry about updates :) On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:06 PM Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an > Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using > Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From bruce at perens.com Fri Jun 19 18:06:56 2020 From: bruce at perens.com (Bruce Perens) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:06:56 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Please Help Fund the Creation of Thrusters for Cubesats and PocketQube Satellites Message-ID: The canonical version of this appeal is at http://perens.com/static/AppliedIon/ , please re-publish it widely! Donate at GoFundMe >From Bruce Perens K6BP: Michael Bretti is designing electric thrusters so that Amateur and Educational microsatellites can maintain or change their orbits. Some of his designs are small enough to work on a PocketQube , a satellite literally so small that it fits in your pocket. Michael has so far created several working thruster designs, as Open Source Hardware. Below Michael's photo is his gridded pulsed plasma thruster firing in a vacuum chamber he's put together in his home. And the photo below that is another of his thruster designs being readied to fly as part of the GENESIS N and L satellites . That's his thruster between the two measuring tapes. Michael calls his project Applied Ion Systems, and you can follow his work at @Applied_Ion on Twitter. I've been following Michael's work for about a year, and this is a tremendously important project for Amateur and Educational satellites. It will provide them with thrusters that are easily affordable on their slim budgets, and allow them to maintain or change their orbits like the big boys! To test the thrusters, he uses a vacuum chamber that duplicates the *hard vacuum* of low-earth orbit. Vacuum is hard, and hard vacuum is harder, and hardly cheap. Due to his shoestring budget of literally pocket money - he has no significant funding and works on his own time - Michael's work has been plagued by failures of his roughing pump . That's a pump which creates a medium vacuum and supports another pump that provides the space-quality vacuum. He bought and attempted to rebuild a worn-out roughing pump - all that he could afford - but this effort failed. Michael can't go on with testing until he gets a reliable roughing pump. That would allow him to move forward confidently in creating thrusters for our satellites. Michael would like to buy an Edwards RV12, which is available for no more than $4200 Please help to fund the new pump. With the ability to achieve a space-quality vacuum again, Michael will proceed with new designs. Not every one succeeds, because space is hard, but enough do. You'll be able to watch his efforts and - soon enough - perhaps you'll communicate through some of the satellites he supports. Donate at GoFundMe From bryan at kl7cn.net Fri Jun 19 19:31:06 2020 From: bryan at kl7cn.net (Bryan Green) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:31:06 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs Message-ID: <661DE359-21E8-40C6-9CE1-94E53D6E5B12@kl7cn.net> ?Burns, how do you handle roving QSOs with multiple grid squares in the log entry? -- bag Bryan KL7CN/W6 bryan at kl7cn.net > On Jun 19, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Hi Richard, > > I switched to using a Mac in my station a couple years ago when I > remembered that I had an old Mac Mini--so old that it could not even be > updated to the latest OSX. But what the heck, I tried it. I am using > MacDoppler to run both my tuning (IC9700 and before that a TS-2000) and my > rotator (G5500 with AMSAT LVB Interface). It works VERY well. I also like > that I can buy MacLogger and the two integrate so that I can log on > MacDoppler and it automatically gets the satellite, time, frequency, etc. > > Don, at Dog Park Software gives excellent support and has helped me several > times. There are a few irritating things about the UI, but it is mostly > just a nice piece of software. And believe me, I don't intend to disparage > SatPC32 either. I also have that, used it for quite some time, and also > got used to its quirks just as I did with MD. > > And yes, the Mac is not perfect--especially Apple is a real pain about Java > (for FoxTelem) but with my old Mac Mini, I don't have to worry about > updates :) > >> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:06 PM Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: >> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and >> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an >> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using >> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From bryan at kl7cn.net Fri Jun 19 19:32:05 2020 From: bryan at kl7cn.net (Bryan Green) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:32:05 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs Message-ID: <8F45F693-4E8C-4A6C-88B3-04CC55AA1491@kl7cn.net> ?Burns, how do you handle roving QSOs with multiple grid squares in the log entry? -- bag Bryan KL7CN/W6 bryan at kl7cn.net > On Jun 19, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Hi Richard, > > I switched to using a Mac in my station a couple years ago when I > remembered that I had an old Mac Mini--so old that it could not even be > updated to the latest OSX. But what the heck, I tried it. I am using > MacDoppler to run both my tuning (IC9700 and before that a TS-2000) and my > rotator (G5500 with AMSAT LVB Interface). It works VERY well. I also like > that I can buy MacLogger and the two integrate so that I can log on > MacDoppler and it automatically gets the satellite, time, frequency, etc. > > Don, at Dog Park Software gives excellent support and has helped me several > times. There are a few irritating things about the UI, but it is mostly > just a nice piece of software. And believe me, I don't intend to disparage > SatPC32 either. I also have that, used it for quite some time, and also > got used to its quirks just as I did with MD. > > And yes, the Mac is not perfect--especially Apple is a real pain about Java > (for FoxTelem) but with my old Mac Mini, I don't have to worry about > updates :) > >> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:06 PM Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: >> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and >> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an >> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using >> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Fri Jun 19 19:39:04 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:39:04 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: <661DE359-21E8-40C6-9CE1-94E53D6E5B12@kl7cn.net> References: <661DE359-21E8-40C6-9CE1-94E53D6E5B12@kl7cn.net> Message-ID: You mean ME roving, or THEM roving? For me, I don't do it that often. For the partner, I don't remember if you have to fill in the grid anyway, or if it defaults to the grid in QRZ (where it does the callsign lookup). But in any case, you can overwrite it. I think I read that the most recent LOTW can deal better with a roving logger, but I'm not sure if MacLogger has incorporated that yet. I'm sure Don is thinking about it :-) Oh, I just re-read. Do you mean a partner that is on a grid line/corner? I don't go after grids that much, so I have not had this to worry about to be honest. Sorry. On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 3:33 PM Bryan Green wrote: > Burns, how do you handle roving QSOs with multiple grid squares in the log > entry? > > -- bag > > Bryan KL7CN/W6 > bryan at kl7cn.net > > > On Jun 19, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > ?Hi Richard, > > > > I switched to using a Mac in my station a couple years ago when I > > remembered that I had an old Mac Mini--so old that it could not even be > > updated to the latest OSX. But what the heck, I tried it. I am using > > MacDoppler to run both my tuning (IC9700 and before that a TS-2000) and > my > > rotator (G5500 with AMSAT LVB Interface). It works VERY well. I also > like > > that I can buy MacLogger and the two integrate so that I can log on > > MacDoppler and it automatically gets the satellite, time, frequency, etc. > > > > Don, at Dog Park Software gives excellent support and has helped me > several > > times. There are a few irritating things about the UI, but it is mostly > > just a nice piece of software. And believe me, I don't intend to > disparage > > SatPC32 either. I also have that, used it for quite some time, and also > > got used to its quirks just as I did with MD. > > > > And yes, the Mac is not perfect--especially Apple is a real pain about > Java > > (for FoxTelem) but with my old Mac Mini, I don't have to worry about > > updates :) > > > >> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:06 PM Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < > >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and > >> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an > >> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using > >> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. > >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From rhyolite at leikhim.com Fri Jun 19 19:41:50 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:41:50 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Message-ID: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> Ok ; Now that I have your attention; I want this to be a positive thread. If it goes somewhere it provides a selling tool for potential stakeholders, donors, commercial entities, etc. There are 3,440 members of AMSAT, not huge by any means. ARRL has 161,000 members. Add some of the other groups, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPR,? any others? Sure there is some overlap, but those members will be more likely to contribute.? How many would contribute to a GEO program? 35,000? if the average were $300, if collected over 4 years, a small amount. $10,500,000. The project would have to be well spelled out and provide interest to a wide number of experimenters. The funds would have to be earmarked for the project. Can we leverage on huge success of the QO-100??? ............................. The Spacecraft; A commercial ride along. This would solve a lot of problems such as: 1. Orbital Debris Mitigation 2. Solar Power 3. Redundancy 4. Thermal Control 5. Longevity (Please feel free to add problems _solved_. Lets be positive for once) ........................... The transponder: 1. Qatar-OSCAR 100 design sure seems achievable! It is proven to Amateur and commercial community. When can we sign the order? 2. 2.4 GHz S band uplink 10 GHz X band downlink 3. Bent pipe VS digital argument:? Why not do both?? NB side stays analog, WB side digital like P4XT proposal ................. Who benefits:? 1. Most importantly, boomers like me who have SSB equipment need only to build one or two transporters. Not really that hard. 2. Newbies techs who want to experiment and communicate digitally 3. SAR and EM teams can actually have 365/24/7 emergency satellite transponders both analog and digital without the huge monthly outlay. 4. Universities, ARISS, etc can up link from LEO satellites and ISS via OSCAR-2024 to simple ground stations. Uplink Doppler could be controlled by having those space terminals monitor a polling/beacon from a ground station and adjusting accordingly. Similarly experiments deployed in jungles can use the satellite. With coordination and MOU with Qatar-OSCAR 100, both satellites and hemispheres could each benefit from a wider footprint of both satellites. 5. AMSAT ARRL, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPREtc through increased interest in satellites, digital experimentation and ham radio in general 6. Commercial entities gaining recognition by providing in-kind services. Elon Musk SpaceX, etc. Who else benefits? Those who benefit will donate. Again _positive _comments right now. Problems can be fixed later. ................. -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From bryan at kl7cn.net Fri Jun 19 19:45:54 2020 From: bryan at kl7cn.net (Bryan Green) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:45:54 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <70D1CBDB-397A-460F-95EB-A4D9292192F9@kl7cn.net> I do mean the remote rovers who are in more than one grid. And if that doesn?t matter so much, no problem! Your first post made me go look for it. 73! -- bag Bryan KL7CN/W6 bryan at kl7cn.net > On Jun 19, 2020, at 12:39 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: > > ? > You mean ME roving, or THEM roving? For me, I don't do it that often. For the partner, I don't remember if you have to fill in the grid anyway, or if it defaults to the grid in QRZ (where it does the callsign lookup). But in any case, you can overwrite it. > > I think I read that the most recent LOTW can deal better with a roving logger, but I'm not sure if MacLogger has incorporated that yet. I'm sure Don is thinking about it :-) > > Oh, I just re-read. Do you mean a partner that is on a grid line/corner? I don't go after grids that much, so I have not had this to worry about to be honest. Sorry. > >> On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 3:33 PM Bryan Green wrote: >> Burns, how do you handle roving QSOs with multiple grid squares in the log entry? >> >> -- bag >> >> Bryan KL7CN/W6 >> bryan at kl7cn.net >> >> > On Jun 19, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> > >> > ?Hi Richard, >> > >> > I switched to using a Mac in my station a couple years ago when I >> > remembered that I had an old Mac Mini--so old that it could not even be >> > updated to the latest OSX. But what the heck, I tried it. I am using >> > MacDoppler to run both my tuning (IC9700 and before that a TS-2000) and my >> > rotator (G5500 with AMSAT LVB Interface). It works VERY well. I also like >> > that I can buy MacLogger and the two integrate so that I can log on >> > MacDoppler and it automatically gets the satellite, time, frequency, etc. >> > >> > Don, at Dog Park Software gives excellent support and has helped me several >> > times. There are a few irritating things about the UI, but it is mostly >> > just a nice piece of software. And believe me, I don't intend to disparage >> > SatPC32 either. I also have that, used it for quite some time, and also >> > got used to its quirks just as I did with MD. >> > >> > And yes, the Mac is not perfect--especially Apple is a real pain about Java >> > (for FoxTelem) but with my old Mac Mini, I don't have to worry about >> > updates :) >> > >> >> On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 8:06 PM Richard Lawn via AMSAT-BB < >> >> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: >> >> Every now and then I get sick of dealing with Windows updates and >> >> particularly the dreaded updates and think about going back to using an >> >> Apple computer. I'd be interested in learning how many of you are using >> >> Apple computers with Apple software. Let me hear from you please. >> >> 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From zmetzing at pobox.com Fri Jun 19 19:49:26 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:49:26 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Please Help Fund the Creation of Thrusters for Cubesats and PocketQube Satellites In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7da5dc79-2d46-b78e-0c87-418e0a9c9a24@pobox.com> On 06/19/20 13:06, Bruce Perens via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Donate at GoFundMe Note that you can go directly to Michael's website and donate via PayPal, if you wish. Just adjust your donation up by 2.9% to cover the fees that they charge him, which allows us to put more money in Michael's engineering bucket and less into GoFundMe. I think this project is awesome! Donated. --- Zach N0ZGO From rhyolite at leikhim.com Fri Jun 19 19:47:32 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:47:32 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] eShail Qatar-OSCAR 100 Message-ID: Zach; I would rather motivate the folks I vote for! They have far better credentials than I! ">/I really just hear excuses when others ask the same question, why no HEO? / You could always run for a seat on the AMSAT board. A highly motivated, enthusiastic member, such as yourself, might be able to help achieve more HEO launches. --- Zach N0ZGO" -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From k0jm.mark at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 20:21:53 2020 From: k0jm.mark at gmail.com (Mark Johns, K0JM) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:21:53 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux WXtoImg support? Message-ID: Does anyone know of an online support community or discussion group for people playing around with the Linux version of WXtoImg? Are people talking somewhere about receiving NOAA weather satellite images with Raspberry Pi and an RTL-SER dongle? If so, where are they hiding??? Thanks in advance. 73 -- Mark D. Johns, K?JM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain From jeff30339 at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 20:30:09 2020 From: jeff30339 at gmail.com (Jeff Johns) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:30:09 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux WXtoImg support? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The /amateursatellites sub on Reddit normally has a fair bit of discussion regarding this. W4AQT uses her Raspberry Pi and a NoElec dongle and a pair of TV rabbit ears here that make a great dipole. Once it?s all set-up, the entire process is quite automated. Jeff WE4B > On Jun 19, 2020, at 3:24 PM, Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Does anyone know of an online support community or discussion group for > people playing around with the Linux version of WXtoImg? Are people talking > somewhere about receiving NOAA weather satellite images with Raspberry Pi > and an RTL-SER dongle? If so, where are they hiding??? > > Thanks in advance. 73 > -- > Mark D. Johns, K?JM > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > ----------------------------------------------- > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > ---Mark Twain > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From rjlawn at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 21:04:42 2020 From: rjlawn at gmail.com (Richard Lawn) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:04:42 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs Message-ID: Thanks to everyone for their replies. There were many more replies than there used to be which is a positive sign for the Mac community. I used them for decades before switching in retirement but after looking at some of the features that Don's software now supports, I might just convert back to a Mac this fall/winter. My WIndows PC is probably getting a little long in the tooth anyway. I was surprised to learn that there are a few responses I received from the EME community, though most of them are Windows folks. TNX, 73 and stay safe! Rick, W2JAZ From diehl.mike.a at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 21:10:46 2020 From: diehl.mike.a at gmail.com (Mike Diehl) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:10:46 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> References: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> Message-ID: You said you wanted this thread to stay positive so I will refrain from making any comments about getting 35,000 hams to shell out $300. 73, Mike Diehl W8LID/VE6LID > Now that I have your attention; I want this to be a positive thread. If it goes somewhere it provides a selling tool for potential stakeholders, donors, commercial entities, etc. > > There are 3,440 members of AMSAT, not huge by any means. ARRL has 161,000 members. > > Add some of the other groups, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPR, any others? > > Sure there is some overlap, but those members will be more likely to contribute. How many would contribute to a GEO program? 35,000? if the average were $300, if collected over 4 years, a small amount. $10,500,000. The project would have to be well spelled out and provide interest to a wide number of experimenters. The funds would have to be earmarked for the project. > > Can we leverage on huge success of the QO-100??? > > ............................. > > The Spacecraft; A commercial ride along. This would solve a lot of problems such as: > > 1. Orbital Debris Mitigation > 2. Solar Power > 3. Redundancy > 4. Thermal Control > 5. Longevity > > (Please feel free to add problems _solved_. Lets be positive for once) > > ........................... > > The transponder: > > 1. Qatar-OSCAR 100 design sure seems achievable! It is proven to > Amateur and commercial community. When can we sign the order? > 2. 2.4 GHz S band uplink 10 GHz X band downlink > 3. Bent pipe VS digital argument: Why not do both? NB side stays > analog, WB side digital like P4XT proposal > > ................. > > Who benefits:? > > 1. Most importantly, boomers like me who have SSB equipment need only > to build one or two transporters. Not really that hard. > 2. Newbies techs who want to experiment and communicate digitally > 3. SAR and EM teams can actually have 365/24/7 emergency satellite > transponders both analog and digital without the huge monthly outlay. > 4. Universities, ARISS, etc can up link from LEO satellites and ISS via > OSCAR-2024 to simple ground stations. Uplink Doppler could be > controlled by having those space terminals monitor a polling/beacon > from a ground station and adjusting accordingly. Similarly > experiments deployed in jungles can use the satellite. With > coordination and MOU with Qatar-OSCAR 100, both satellites and > hemispheres could each benefit from a wider footprint of both > satellites. > 5. AMSAT ARRL, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPREtc through increased interest > in satellites, digital experimentation and ham radio in general > 6. Commercial entities gaining recognition by providing in-kind > services. Elon Musk SpaceX, etc. > > Who else benefits? Those who benefit will donate. Again _positive _comments right now. Problems can be fixed later. > > ................. > > > > > > > > > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From rhyolite at leikhim.com Fri Jun 19 21:13:27 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:13:27 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <30822dc2-448a-9510-213b-0e9b68dc116a@leikhim.com> By my estimation, they have already spent that amount on the newest model BaoFeng radios . On 6/19/2020 5:10 PM, Mike Diehl wrote: > You said you wanted this thread to stay positive so I will refrain from making any comments about getting 35,000 hams to shell out $300. > > 73, > Mike Diehl > W8LID/VE6LID > >> Now that I have your attention; I want this to be a positive thread. If it goes somewhere it provides a selling tool for potential stakeholders, donors, commercial entities, etc. >> >> There are 3,440 members of AMSAT, not huge by any means. ARRL has 161,000 members. >> >> Add some of the other groups, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPR, any others? >> >> Sure there is some overlap, but those members will be more likely to contribute. How many would contribute to a GEO program? 35,000? if the average were $300, if collected over 4 years, a small amount. $10,500,000. The project would have to be well spelled out and provide interest to a wide number of experimenters. The funds would have to be earmarked for the project. >> >> Can we leverage on huge success of the QO-100??? >> >> ............................. >> >> The Spacecraft; A commercial ride along. This would solve a lot of problems such as: >> >> 1. Orbital Debris Mitigation >> 2. Solar Power >> 3. Redundancy >> 4. Thermal Control >> 5. Longevity >> >> (Please feel free to add problems _solved_. Lets be positive for once) >> >> ........................... >> >> The transponder: >> >> 1. Qatar-OSCAR 100 design sure seems achievable! It is proven to >> Amateur and commercial community. When can we sign the order? >> 2. 2.4 GHz S band uplink 10 GHz X band downlink >> 3. Bent pipe VS digital argument: Why not do both? NB side stays >> analog, WB side digital like P4XT proposal >> >> ................. >> >> Who benefits:? >> >> 1. Most importantly, boomers like me who have SSB equipment need only >> to build one or two transporters. Not really that hard. >> 2. Newbies techs who want to experiment and communicate digitally >> 3. SAR and EM teams can actually have 365/24/7 emergency satellite >> transponders both analog and digital without the huge monthly outlay. >> 4. Universities, ARISS, etc can up link from LEO satellites and ISS via >> OSCAR-2024 to simple ground stations. Uplink Doppler could be >> controlled by having those space terminals monitor a polling/beacon >> from a ground station and adjusting accordingly. Similarly >> experiments deployed in jungles can use the satellite. With >> coordination and MOU with Qatar-OSCAR 100, both satellites and >> hemispheres could each benefit from a wider footprint of both >> satellites. >> 5. AMSAT ARRL, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPREtc through increased interest >> in satellites, digital experimentation and ham radio in general >> 6. Commercial entities gaining recognition by providing in-kind >> services. Elon Musk SpaceX, etc. >> >> Who else benefits? Those who benefit will donate. Again _positive _comments right now. Problems can be fixed later. >> >> ................. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> Joe Leikhim >> >> >> Leikhim and Associates >> >> Communications Consultants >> >> Oviedo, Florida >> >> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >> >> 407-982-0446 >> >> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. > https://www.avg.com > -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From w7lrd at comcast.net Fri Jun 19 21:25:17 2020 From: w7lrd at comcast.net (73 Bob W7LRD) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:25:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <30822dc2-448a-9510-213b-0e9b68dc116a@leikhim.com> References: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> <30822dc2-448a-9510-213b-0e9b68dc116a@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <2097963108.5436.1592601917595@connect.xfinity.com> The Chinese put up the XW birds maybe they'll put up a AO-40 (sobsob) type bird. Tongue firmly in cheek. 73 Bob W7LRD > On 06/19/2020 2:13 PM Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > By my estimation, they have already spent that amount on the newest > model BaoFeng radios . > > > On 6/19/2020 5:10 PM, Mike Diehl wrote: > > You said you wanted this thread to stay positive so I will refrain from making any comments about getting 35,000 hams to shell out $300. > > > > 73, > > Mike Diehl > > W8LID/VE6LID > > > >> Now that I have your attention; I want this to be a positive thread. If it goes somewhere it provides a selling tool for potential stakeholders, donors, commercial entities, etc. > >> > >> There are 3,440 members of AMSAT, not huge by any means. ARRL has 161,000 members. > >> > >> Add some of the other groups, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPR, any others? > >> > >> Sure there is some overlap, but those members will be more likely to contribute. How many would contribute to a GEO program? 35,000? if the average were $300, if collected over 4 years, a small amount. $10,500,000. The project would have to be well spelled out and provide interest to a wide number of experimenters. The funds would have to be earmarked for the project. > >> > >> Can we leverage on huge success of the QO-100??? > >> > >> ............................. > >> > >> The Spacecraft; A commercial ride along. This would solve a lot of problems such as: > >> > >> 1. Orbital Debris Mitigation > >> 2. Solar Power > >> 3. Redundancy > >> 4. Thermal Control > >> 5. Longevity > >> > >> (Please feel free to add problems _solved_. Lets be positive for once) > >> > >> ........................... > >> > >> The transponder: > >> > >> 1. Qatar-OSCAR 100 design sure seems achievable! It is proven to > >> Amateur and commercial community. When can we sign the order? > >> 2. 2.4 GHz S band uplink 10 GHz X band downlink > >> 3. Bent pipe VS digital argument: Why not do both? NB side stays > >> analog, WB side digital like P4XT proposal > >> > >> ................. > >> > >> Who benefits:? > >> > >> 1. Most importantly, boomers like me who have SSB equipment need only > >> to build one or two transporters. Not really that hard. > >> 2. Newbies techs who want to experiment and communicate digitally > >> 3. SAR and EM teams can actually have 365/24/7 emergency satellite > >> transponders both analog and digital without the huge monthly outlay. > >> 4. Universities, ARISS, etc can up link from LEO satellites and ISS via > >> OSCAR-2024 to simple ground stations. Uplink Doppler could be > >> controlled by having those space terminals monitor a polling/beacon > >> from a ground station and adjusting accordingly. Similarly > >> experiments deployed in jungles can use the satellite. With > >> coordination and MOU with Qatar-OSCAR 100, both satellites and > >> hemispheres could each benefit from a wider footprint of both > >> satellites. > >> 5. AMSAT ARRL, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPREtc through increased interest > >> in satellites, digital experimentation and ham radio in general > >> 6. Commercial entities gaining recognition by providing in-kind > >> services. Elon Musk SpaceX, etc. > >> > >> Who else benefits? Those who benefit will donate. Again _positive _comments right now. Problems can be fixed later. > >> > >> ................. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Joe Leikhim > >> > >> > >> Leikhim and Associates > >> > >> Communications Consultants > >> > >> Oviedo, Florida > >> > >> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > >> > >> 407-982-0446 > >> > >> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > --- > > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. > > https://www.avg.com > > > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From bwilkins at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 21:25:24 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:25:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux WXtoImg support? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mark I have set up a station before with a V dipole from the RTLSDR Kit with a Raspberry pi 3B. I managed to capture images of Dorian last year. I can point you in the right direction. Also captured on Windows and controlled the dongle with Orbitron On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 4:33 PM Jeff Johns via AMSAT-BB wrote: > The /amateursatellites sub on Reddit normally has a fair bit of discussion > regarding this. W4AQT uses her Raspberry Pi and a NoElec dongle and a pair > of TV rabbit ears here that make a great dipole. Once it?s all set-up, the > entire process is quite automated. > > Jeff WE4B > > > On Jun 19, 2020, at 3:24 PM, Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > ?Does anyone know of an online support community or discussion group for > > people playing around with the Linux version of WXtoImg? Are people > talking > > somewhere about receiving NOAA weather satellite images with Raspberry Pi > > and an RTL-SER dongle? If so, where are they hiding??? > > > > Thanks in advance. 73 > > -- > > Mark D. Johns, K?JM > > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > > ----------------------------------------------- > > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > > ---Mark Twain > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From ve3nxk at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 21:27:06 2020 From: ve3nxk at gmail.com (Bill Booth) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:27:06 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux WXtoImg support? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <27b77a48-770a-efbe-c4e9-922b5428e403@gmail.com> On 2020-06-19 4:21 p.m., Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB wrote: > discussion group for Linux version of WXtoImg? Maybe try this group as they are mostly WX people. https://groups.io/g/GEO-Subscribers -- 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 mountain.michelle at gmail.com Fri Jun 19 21:50:49 2020 From: mountain.michelle at gmail.com (Michelle Thompson) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:50:49 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> References: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> Message-ID: Thank you for the positive thread. Open Research Institute received news today about an additional $15,000 grant. This will help pay for work on GEO/HEO/Lunar payload transmit chain. This brings the Phase 1 fundraising total to $65,000. All of the work product is donated without charge to the general public. This means primarily AMSAT and ARISS/AREx. ORI has started on Phase 2 fundraising. The goal is $400,000 and will finance multiple end-to-end engineering models. Phase 3 is space-rated hardware. Phase 4 is any costs related to any launch. There is a path forward. Yes it's hard, but it's not impossible. Besides, things worth doing are rarely easy! -Michelle W5NYV On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 12:54 PM Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Ok ; > > Now that I have your attention; I want this to be a positive thread. If > it goes somewhere it provides a selling tool for potential stakeholders, > donors, commercial entities, etc. > > There are 3,440 members of AMSAT, not huge by any means. ARRL has > 161,000 members. > > Add some of the other groups, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPR, any others? > > Sure there is some overlap, but those members will be more likely to > contribute. How many would contribute to a GEO program? 35,000? if the > average were $300, if collected over 4 years, a small amount. > $10,500,000. The project would have to be well spelled out and provide > interest to a wide number of experimenters. The funds would have to be > earmarked for the project. > > Can we leverage on huge success of the QO-100??? > > ............................. > > The Spacecraft; A commercial ride along. This would solve a lot of > problems such as: > > 1. Orbital Debris Mitigation > 2. Solar Power > 3. Redundancy > 4. Thermal Control > 5. Longevity > > (Please feel free to add problems _solved_. Lets be positive for once) > > ........................... > > The transponder: > > 1. Qatar-OSCAR 100 design sure seems achievable! It is proven to > Amateur and commercial community. When can we sign the order? > 2. 2.4 GHz S band uplink 10 GHz X band downlink > 3. Bent pipe VS digital argument: Why not do both? NB side stays > analog, WB side digital like P4XT proposal > > ................. > > Who benefits:? > > 1. Most importantly, boomers like me who have SSB equipment need only > to build one or two transporters. Not really that hard. > 2. Newbies techs who want to experiment and communicate digitally > 3. SAR and EM teams can actually have 365/24/7 emergency satellite > transponders both analog and digital without the huge monthly outlay. > 4. Universities, ARISS, etc can up link from LEO satellites and ISS via > OSCAR-2024 to simple ground stations. Uplink Doppler could be > controlled by having those space terminals monitor a polling/beacon > from a ground station and adjusting accordingly. Similarly > experiments deployed in jungles can use the satellite. With > coordination and MOU with Qatar-OSCAR 100, both satellites and > hemispheres could each benefit from a wider footprint of both > satellites. > 5. AMSAT ARRL, AMRAD, SVHFS, AMRAD, TAPREtc through increased interest > in satellites, digital experimentation and ham radio in general > 6. Commercial entities gaining recognition by providing in-kind > services. Elon Musk SpaceX, etc. > > Who else benefits? Those who benefit will donate. Again _positive > _comments right now. Problems can be fixed later. > > ................. > > > > > > > > > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From pinoleronica at hotmail.com Fri Jun 19 23:22:52 2020 From: pinoleronica at hotmail.com (Rafael Pena) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 23:22:52 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] 2m / 70cm ssb electronics In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Replying to myself. It seems that the 2m amp is sure enough amplifying the signals heard (including mine!). I can hear even ants walking around the satellite!! I have been able to figure it out and tune properly for my signal clarity. I will not touch those rascals. Go SSB electronics!!! ________________________________________ De: Rafael Pena Enviado: viernes, 19 de junio de 2020 08:51 a. m. Para: amsat-bb at amsat.org Asunto: 2m / 70cm ssb electronics I've been using the 70cm pre-amp for a little while and a few days ago added a brand new 2m one. Both of them are installed on a small Glen Martin tripod at roof top. GM holds the Leo pack which connects to Icom 9100. Each ant has surge arrestors from Array Solutions Could they live happy each other in that close range? I noticed something strange with my hearing my voice yesterday that I've never experience before. At some point, I sounded muddy but not to the other person. It looks like I will have some good passes today. I will be able to hear it again or not. Rafael / NN3RP From royldean at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 00:30:10 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:30:10 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Linux WXtoImg support? Message-ID: > > Does anyone know of an online support community or discussion group for > people playing around with the Linux version of WXtoImg? Are people talking > somewhere about receiving NOAA weather satellite images with Raspberry Pi > and an RTL-SER dongle? If so, where are they hiding??? Thanks in advance. > 73 > -- > Mark D. Johns, K?JM There are also some discussions (occasionally) on the QRZ and SatNOGS forums. I think after people get them up and running, they lose interest after a few hundred captures. I had an automated station that would forward pictures to a web server and after a couple of weeks I decided I had better things to do with that RPi.... I think that one turned into a satnogs station. But I still have WXtoIMG on my shack computer and will capture images occasionally with my big antennas (I'm using Ubuntu 18.04). Do you have any specific questions? --Roy K3RLD From ke4al at yahoo.com Sat Jun 20 02:47:25 2020 From: ke4al at yahoo.com (Robert Bankston) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 02:47:25 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: <798ab09c-1be6-7f87-f0c8-92bf6153a7f8@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <772836950.1040691.1592621245422@mail.yahoo.com> One thing that has not been discussed is regulatory restrictions.? Raising the necessary funds to develop, build, and launch a satellite into MEO, HEO, or GEO is not enough. One, if not the biggest hurdle to reaching beyond LEO is the U.S. regulatory environment.? AMSAT VP of Engineering, Jerry Buxton, N0JY, has brought this up several times on this forum and in his AMSAT Engineering Updates, but, unfortunately, it seems to fall on deaf ears.? Every time this conversation reemerges, it always comes back to money. ?? Space, as it turns out, is not that big, especially in relationship to the part of it surrounding Earth.? ?The proliferation of spacecraft and space debris orbiting our planet will soon be unmanageable.? Governments around the World are enacting orbital debris mitigation regulations that are making it harder to operate in space, and the U.S. is leading the charge. ? ? THis is our greatest risk.? AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, has been leading the AMSAT effort to address the pending regulatory actions on orbital debris mitigation at the FCC. ?Look for a more comprehensive update from Paul in the May/June edition of The AMSAT Journal. ? ? Orbits above 600 kilometers are facing increased scrutiny, with required flight-proven low-risk transfer orbit, long-term reentry, and/or improved move-away-and-stay-away storage options for orbital lifespans more than 25 years. However, proving you can get there and operate responsibly is not enough.? Every mission is closely evaluated to ensure it serves the greater benefit of all, which, at this time, strongly favors commercial and scientific interests. ? ? Anyone who has been to space knows that there is way more to it than just having a dream and a pocket full of money.? There are too many amateur satellite projects left on the drawing board or wasting away in a storeroom or garage, because those in charge did not take into account everything that it takes to get there.? It takes a comprehensive understanding of our regulatory challenges, a reputation built on flight-proven experience, and established relationships with all key players in the space industry.? AMSAT has that, and, more importantly they have a plan to get us there.? ? ? The first step is GOLF-TEE, whose sole purpose is to demonstrate the necessary equipment to operate above LEO.? GOLF is more than just a catchy acronym for greater orbit larger footprint.? It is a commitment to return to greater orbits.? It will not happen today, or even tomorrow, but it will happen. ? ? 73,? Robert, KE4AL From dtabor52 at icloud.com Fri Jun 19 21:07:10 2020 From: dtabor52 at icloud.com (Douglas B Tabor) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:07:10 -0600 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs Message-ID: <16719111-D4B3-4ACF-8BE7-F7DB75F5B037@icloud.com> A comment about Java on Macs was made ? I find using the G0KLA tracker application quite easy and very useful. No problems running this Java app. Someday when my Tuit changes to circular, I?ll play with FoxTelem and maybe then feel the same about Apple?s interpretation of Java. 73, Doug, N6UA Douglas Tabor dtabor52 at icloud.com From mat_62 at charter.net Sat Jun 20 03:55:21 2020 From: mat_62 at charter.net (Michael Tondee) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2020 23:55:21 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GEO sats Message-ID: Rather than respond to the other thread and have it construed as negativity or "whining" I'll just put this here. Honestly, while I recognize the emcomm value of a Ham Geosat, I have absolutely no interest in it otherwise. Why? Although not active in it now, I got into this side of the hobby for the challenge. At one time I much enjoyed building my own tracking device and rotator and interfacing them to my PC and radio. I also enjoyed building? and experimenting with a variety of homebrew antennas. I even enjoyed the challenge of doppler tuning! Somehow, the point the antenna once and forget about it nature of a Geo sync satellite just doesn't appeal to me and I don't think it ever will. I also used to bristle at the term "Easysat" and the constant efforts by AMSAT to convince rank and file amateurs how "easy" it is to work FM sats. "Easy" isn't why I got into this. Unfortunately I missed AO-40 and it appears P3-E will never fly but I think that part of sats is where my passion will always lie. Something along the lines of "We choose to got to the moon....not because it's easy....but because it's hard" is what drives me. Just my two cents, I mean to each their own, and all that being said, I did buy an SDR Play awhile back with the idea of begrudgingly getting back on the FM sats and being active in this part of the hobby again despite being extremely unhappy with the direction of AMSAT over at least the last decade. I guess I'm coming back, but I'm coming back kicking and screaming...LOL 73, Michael, W4HIJ From rhyolite at leikhim.com Sat Jun 20 04:01:14 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:01:14 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Message-ID: Robert; AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary regulatory issues/problems.? This idea has been proposed before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From rhyolite at leikhim.com Sat Jun 20 04:20:24 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:20:24 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GEO sats Message-ID: <934506f6-9e82-d3c7-c407-4147d420a609@leikhim.com> Michael; I have no particular interest in EMCOMM, but is silly to think that LEO satellites have much value for that. A GEO would in fact be useful for EMCOMM. I have built an earth station, worked all sorts of satellites AO-10, AO-13, etc. negotiating Doppler etc. In my station had no automatic positioning of the rotors. It was up to me to point to the correct AZ EL. I only more recently got controllers and really it was for the challenge of making them work. So I was pretty busy when there was a pass. But then, those satellites had an apogee where they appeared to stand still and the band would open up for a long time. It was bliss. I never did get to work AO-40. I did have the pleasure of hearing its engineering beacon full quieting on a tiny Standard C508 inside my car on a road trip. Lets be honest, none of that work putting an earth station together is as challenging as putting together AO-40 or any of the predecessor satellites.? But those days and those folks are gone. AMSAT in my opinion is in a rut of negative thinking. I have seen the same cycle of projects for years since AO-40. There are a ton of reasons why we cannot do something which is why I want that thread to be a positive one. -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From n8hm at arrl.net Sat Jun 20 04:20:45 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:20:45 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Joe, It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Robert; > > AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. > > The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial > satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary > regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but > convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has > always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is proven > hardware and it should be considered. > > Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. > > Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. > > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From rhyolite at leikhim.com Sat Jun 20 05:01:48 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 01:01:48 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <0930becb-71ae-309f-7bff-8237263c7f7c@leikhim.com> References: <0930becb-71ae-309f-7bff-8237263c7f7c@leikhim.com> Message-ID: <32188b44-c518-db6a-d624-2f752475669a@leikhim.com> Paul; I fully understand that the transponder is commercial item, which I point out in the thread. Though there is contention from others that the transponders or TWT's are not "spares". I really don't know. The point is, it was done, it works, it is a success and therefore it can be done again. There can be no objection that it is not proven design. Why the negativity that it is not an "amateur (built?)? payload? Maybe the next GEO amateur satellite can shoehorn some custom experiment? I anticipated that my words "baby steps" might rankle some. But that indeed is how this return to HEO is being described. Nothing wrong with that, but why not do both? I am trying to blast through this mindset that we cannot do this or that because of debris mitigation, ITAR, money, politics etc. AO-40 was the last big effort in 16 years. There has been really no project approaching the capabilities of AO-40 or any of the P3. AO-40 was audacious and impressive. I got to see it in the clean room in Orlando. it was huge. It was a super car in the world of amateur satellites.? It was exciting, I sent a few bucks toward the project, don't tell my wife. For some of us a cubesat is just not enough. On 6/20/2020 12:20 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: > Joe, > > It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. > The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares > modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the > risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. > > The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need > millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a > year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the > years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a > price that?s remotely reasonable. > > I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as > ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large > amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and > will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous > work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur > community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, > our volunteers deserve better than that. > > If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. > AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making > this happen for the community. > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Executive Vice President > AMSAT > > On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB > > wrote: > > Robert; > > AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. > > The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial > satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the > necessary > regulatory issues/problems.? This idea has been proposed before but > convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload > has > always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is > proven > hardware and it should be considered. > > Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. > > Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. > > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > Virus-free. www.avg.com > > > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From rhyolite at leikhim.com Sat Jun 20 05:41:18 2020 From: rhyolite at leikhim.com (Joe Leikhim) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 01:41:18 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Message-ID: <2ee8b8ee-40f3-18be-c45b-e9d0d0edf151@leikhim.com> Thank you! "Thank you for the positive thread. Open Research Institute received news today about an additional $15,000 grant. This will help pay for work on GEO/HEO/Lunar payload transmit chain. This brings the Phase 1 fundraising total to $65,000. All of the work product is donated without charge to the general public. This means primarily AMSAT and ARISS/AREx. ORI has started on Phase 2 fundraising. The goal is $400,000 and will finance multiple end-to-end engineering models. Phase 3 is space-rated hardware. Phase 4 is any costs related to any launch. There is a path forward. Yes it's hard, but it's not impossible. Besides, things worth doing are rarely easy! -Michelle W5NYV" -- Joe Leikhim Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida JLeikhim at Leikhim.com 407-982-0446 WWW.LEIKHIM.COM From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Sat Jun 20 08:29:35 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 08:29:35 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Paul, With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 An: Joe Leikhim Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Joe, It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Robert; > > AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. > > The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial > satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary > regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but > convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has > always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is > proven hardware and it should be considered. > > Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. > > Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. > > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From lucio.i0lyl at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 11:00:53 2020 From: lucio.i0lyl at gmail.com (Lucio I0LYL) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 13:00:53 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <30cda8e9-1168-3bc5-b3ed-8615e279e5bb@gmail.com> Hi Paul, I believe Amsat-DL cannot respond due to an NDA. As far as I could follow as a user, there is no risk that Es'HailSat will "take over" the transponders. They were donated to the radio amateurs community when the satellite was still in the planning stage. The whole project for the amateur part was followed, planned and coordinated by Amsat-DL. There are at least 600 kg of materials built by Amsat-DL in the ground control station of the Es'HailSat-2 satellite. In China, radio amateurs are held in high regard and supported by universities and public bodies. This is just an example. http://lilacsat.hit.edu.cn/wp/?page_id=844 The problem, forgive me, concerns only the United States, public and private bodies, which no longer believe in the contribution of radio amateurs in social life. Radio amateurs have always had an edge. Fior of technicians were trained thanks to amateur satellites. Experiences and skills that are then brought back to the commercial world. Either American commercial companies and public bodies believe in this contribution or do not believe it. Donations are important, but without public / private contributions, you don't go anywhere. 73, Lucio I0LYL Il 20/06/2020 06:20, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB ha scritto: > Joe, > > It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The > two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to > tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the > spares may be needed for commercial service some day. > ... > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Executive Vice President > AMSAT > > On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > >> Robert; >> >> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >> >> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary >> regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but >> convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has >> always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is proven >> hardware and it should be considered. >> >> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >> >> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >> >> >> -- >> Joe Leikhim >> >> >> Leikhim and Associates >> >> Communications Consultants >> >> Oviedo, Florida >> >> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >> >> 407-982-0446 >> >> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From propgrinder at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 12:44:46 2020 From: propgrinder at gmail.com (Bob Hammond) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 05:44:46 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <2ee8b8ee-40f3-18be-c45b-e9d0d0edf151@leikhim.com> References: <2ee8b8ee-40f3-18be-c45b-e9d0d0edf151@leikhim.com> Message-ID: Yes indeed, thank you Robert! Bob W7OTJ On Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 10:43 PM Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Thank you! > > "Thank you for the positive thread. > > Open Research Institute received news today about an additional $15,000 > grant. This will help pay for work on GEO/HEO/Lunar payload transmit chain. > > This brings the Phase 1 fundraising total to $65,000. > > All of the work product is donated without charge to the general public. > This means primarily AMSAT and ARISS/AREx. > > ORI has started on Phase 2 fundraising. The goal is $400,000 and will > finance multiple end-to-end engineering models. > > Phase 3 is space-rated hardware. > > Phase 4 is any costs related to any launch. > > There is a path forward. Yes it's hard, but it's not impossible. Besides, > things worth doing are rarely easy! > > -Michelle W5NYV" > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > > Leikhim and Associates > > Communications Consultants > > Oviedo, Florida > > JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From pgprendergast at yahoo.com Sat Jun 20 12:56:03 2020 From: pgprendergast at yahoo.com (Pgprendergast) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 08:56:03 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HEO Satellite References: <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196.ref@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196@yahoo.com> I?ve enjoyed AO10 tremendously. I have zero interest in a GEO satellite. I liked the challenge of an elliptical orbit and the long chats I could have. The LEO satellites are a bit boring. A two second exchange of grid squares yuck. I?d be happy to contribute to a HEO satellite or a shared commercial amateur payload as a life member of AMSAT I?m interested in it succeeding but I lose interest in these LEO cube says quickly. I echo the concerns that AMSAT is not lobbying Space X or Virgin for support. Please stop saying if your TSgt interested join us.... why should I need to your already in the leadership role responsible for just such activities. Please help us I understand why this isn?t already happening???? Peter W2PP Sent from my iPhone From n8hm at arrl.net Sat Jun 20 13:08:54 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:08:54 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HEO Satellite In-Reply-To: <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196@yahoo.com> References: <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196.ref@yahoo.com> <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196@yahoo.com> Message-ID: We are 100% committed to returning to HEO. That is the goal of AMSAT GOLF. Please donate at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ if you?d like to see it happen. As far as soliciting corporate support, conversations do occur, but have not been fruitful. 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 08:56 Pgprendergast via AMSAT-BB wrote: > I?ve enjoyed AO10 tremendously. > I have zero interest in a GEO satellite. I liked the challenge of an > elliptical orbit and the long chats I could have. The LEO satellites are a > bit boring. A two second exchange of grid squares yuck. I?d be happy to > contribute to a HEO satellite or a shared commercial amateur payload as a > life member of AMSAT I?m interested in it succeeding but I lose interest in > these LEO cube says quickly. I echo the concerns that AMSAT is not lobbying > Space X or Virgin for support. > Please stop saying if your TSgt interested join us.... why should I need > to your already in the leadership role responsible for just such > activities. Please help us I understand why this isn?t already happening???? > Peter > W2PP > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Sat Jun 20 13:13:52 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:13:52 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] HEO Satellite In-Reply-To: <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196@yahoo.com> References: <9E81D4C2-D7A2-45A0-8837-8F21C81D6196@yahoo.com> Message-ID: > On Jun 20, 2020, at 8:57 AM, Pgprendergast via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?I echo the concerns that AMSAT is not lobbying Space X or Virgin for support. We (AMSAT) has been in touch with SpaceX, as has AMSAT-DL. We launched a satellite on their first dedicated rideshare mission. SpaceX is a business, and they don?t launch anyone for free. We?ve tried, at multiple levels including directly to Elon, multiple times. We are also manifested on Virgin?s first operational mission, thanks to NASA?s CLSI program. Virgin is a LEO only launch provider BTW. Rest assured that this Officer and Director is beating the bushes for any free or affordable ride available, but it is not as easy as perusing the -bb would suggest. I will not however stand in front of a crowd again and announce a project that is not much closer to a sure thing than in the past. We?ve swung and missed too many times by promising things too soon. Remember Eagle? Intelsat rideshare? P3E? P4B? That being said, we?ve had multiple inquires in the past year for shared missions beyond LEO, and are pursuing each to its end as we go along. It?s difficult and frustrating work; a roller coaster of optimism and reality. Meanwhile, engineering continues to chug along on Golf, with two launches earned but not yet manifested, and is deserving of your time and/or monetary support. 73, Drew KO4MA From camsat at vip.163.com Sat Jun 20 14:15:32 2020 From: camsat at vip.163.com (Alan Kung) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 22:15:32 +0800 (CST) Subject: [amsat-bb] CAMSAT CAS-6 Status Message-ID: <42f14a37.735e2.172d215a21c.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> Hello, The CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Due to some OBC failures, CW beacon and GMSK telemetry are not working properly. At present, only the carriers are transmitted on the two frequencies, the linear transponder has been put into operation. We will then try to diagnose and then determine whether the CW and telemetry data stream transmission can be recovered. ? CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910MHz ? AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890MHz ? U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925MHz, 20kHz bandwidth, Inverted ? U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280MHz TLE: CAS-6(2019-093C) 1 44881U 19093C 20170.81187924 -.00001118 00000-0 -13581-3 0 9991 2 44881 97.9575 246.8556 0015830 36.2280 323.9959 14.81412013 26893 73! Alan Kung, BA1DU From camsat at vip.163.com Sat Jun 20 14:11:03 2020 From: camsat at vip.163.com (Alan Kung) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 22:11:03 +0800 (CST) Subject: [amsat-bb] CAMSAT CAS-6 Status Message-ID: <4b9ea1b5.735d2.172d21187a7.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> Hello, The CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Due to some OBC failures, CW beacon and GMSK telemetry are not working properly. At present, only the carriers are transmitted on the two frequencies, the linear transponder has been put into operation. We will then try to diagnose and then determine whether the CW and telemetry data stream transmission can be recovered. ? CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910MHz ? AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890MHz ? U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925MHz, 20kHz bandwidth, Inverted ? U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280MHz TLE: CAS-6(2019-093C) 1 44881U 19093C 20170.81187924 -.00001118 00000-0 -13581-3 0 9991 2 44881 97.9575 246.8556 0015830 36.2280 323.9959 14.81412013 26893 73! Alan Kung, BA1DU From bruninga at usna.edu Sat Jun 20 14:46:09 2020 From: bruninga at usna.edu (Robert Bruninga) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 10:46:09 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Fwd: APRS Op needed at Mt Greylock and Mt Washington (amsat) In-Reply-To: References: <3787.1592658653796828490@groups.io> Message-ID: For the annual Appalachian GOlden Packet Event on 18 July (manning 15 mountains from Maine to Georgia), we have two holes in the 15 Hop packet link. Anyone in those area want to join the fun for about 4 hours (plus travel times)? All you need is a kenwood APRS radio that will digipeat (and probably a good bandpass filter). ---------- Forwarded message --------- Subject: Re: [atgp] Upcoming Event: AT Golden Packet 2020 - Sat, 07/18/2020 Hello ATGP Folks: >From a look at the latest 2020 ATGP spread sheet, linked on Bob's ATGP web site, ( http://aprs.org/at-golden-packet.html ) two observations: 1. Greylock-11 has been removed and so is not man'ed !?! 2. Mt Washington-13 is not man'ed yet !?! This apparently leaves Mt Equinox-12 isolated, without (from past experience) the ability to reach Mt St Joe's or Mt Katahdin to the north, or Sams Point to the south. Thanks, -- Jeff Marden/N1JCM Equnox-12 _._,_._,_ From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 14:50:24 2020 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 18:50:24 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> Mattias, Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Paul, > > With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 > > You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." > The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. > The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. > Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). > > You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." > Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver > The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. > In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. > Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. > > So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. > But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. > > In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. > QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB > Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 > An: Joe Leikhim > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > Joe, > > It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. > > The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. > > I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. > > If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. > > 73, > > Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > Executive Vice President > AMSAT > > On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > >> Robert; >> >> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >> >> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary >> regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but >> convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has >> always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is >> proven hardware and it should be considered. >> >> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >> >> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >> >> >> -- >> Joe Leikhim >> >> >> Leikhim and Associates >> >> Communications Consultants >> >> Oviedo, Florida >> >> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >> >> 407-982-0446 >> >> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From n8fgv at usa.net Sat Jun 20 06:08:27 2020 From: n8fgv at usa.net (Daniel Schultz) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 02:08:27 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Message-ID: <867yFTgHb4336Set.1592633307@web08.cms.usa.net> "I would rather motivate the folks I vote for! They have far better credentials than I!" The only credential you need to work for AMSAT is a willingness to work your ass off. The board members and other volunteers already have much more motivation than the people who shout their suggestions from the sidelines but don't want to roll up their sleeves and get to work. "Commercial entities gaining recognition by providing in-kind services. Elon Musk SpaceX, etc." I get a weird sort of chuckle from the people who think the only reason we haven't gotten a free launch from Space-X is because we haven't offered Elon a free AMSAT tee shirt. It sort of reminds me of a six year old child who makes an obvious suggestion and smiles as if he was the first person in the history of the world to think of it. Elon already has about as much recognition as he will ever need, and he is busy launching astronauts to the ISS and putting 30,000 satellites in orbit so everybody can access Facebook. (by my calculation, with 58 satellites per launch it will only take 517 Falcon launches to populate a 30,000 piece constellation). We need to come up with a compelling answer to the rest of the world when they ask "why do you need to use your ham radio when you could just use a cellphone or the internet to communicate?" Dan Schultz N8FGV I really should refrain from making postings at 2:00am but sometimes I just can't help it. From robertgast at comcast.net Sat Jun 20 14:34:31 2020 From: robertgast at comcast.net (Bob) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:34:31 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs (Douglas B Tabor) Message-ID: I have used MacDoppler for the past 9 months. It installed easily and works quite well. The Doppler correction is excellent. I use a Yaesu G-5500 az-el rotator and the Yaesu serial interface unit. Highly recommended Sent from my iPad From ray.hoad at mypbmail.com Sat Jun 20 15:35:53 2020 From: ray.hoad at mypbmail.com (Ray Hoad) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 10:35:53 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] CAS-6 - AMSAT-NA Interim Update TLE Message-ID: <001e01d64718$7ca19600$75e4c200$@mypbmail.com> CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Equipment issues still remain, but here is the latest TLE set. See Alan Kung AMSAT-BB message of Jun 20, 2020 at about 10:16 entitled "CAMSAT CAS-6 Status for details. CAS-6 1 44881U 19093C 20172.43294612 -.00001345 00000-0 -16484-3 0 9991 2 44881 97.9577 248.4654 0015737 31.3898 328.8253 14.81406070 27134 Ray Hoad WA5QGD AMSAT-NA Orbital Elements Manager From paulopv8dx at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 16:12:14 2020 From: paulopv8dx at gmail.com (Paulo PV8DX) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 12:12:14 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] CAMSAT CAS-6 Status In-Reply-To: <42f14a37.735e2.172d215a21c.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> References: <42f14a37.735e2.172d215a21c.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> Message-ID: <2663df90-beec-0e7e-c0bf-a8603ff3d993@gmail.com> Hi Listened here with a max of 7 degrees now. Transponder ON But, with many cuts. Two or 3 words goes OFF and returns. I heard some HAM on CQ CW. Unable to identify. ON ~ OFF 73? de Paulo PV8DX FJ92pt Em 20/06/2020 10:15, Alan Kung via AMSAT-BB escreveu: > Hello, > > > > The CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Due to some OBC failures, CW beacon and GMSK telemetry are not working properly. At present, only the carriers are transmitted on the two frequencies, the linear transponder has been put into operation. We will then try to diagnose and then determine whether the CW and telemetry data stream transmission can be recovered. > > > > ? CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910MHz > > ? AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890MHz > > ? U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925MHz, 20kHz bandwidth, Inverted > > ? U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280MHz > > > > TLE: > > CAS-6(2019-093C) > > 1 44881U 19093C 20170.81187924 -.00001118 00000-0 -13581-3 0 9991 > > 2 44881 97.9575 246.8556 0015830 36.2280 323.9959 14.81412013 26893 > > > > > 73! > > Alan Kung, BA1DU > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From charlieray at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 16:25:05 2020 From: charlieray at gmail.com (Charles Reiche) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 12:25:05 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] CAMSAT CAS-6 Status In-Reply-To: <2663df90-beec-0e7e-c0bf-a8603ff3d993@gmail.com> References: <42f14a37.735e2.172d215a21c.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> <2663df90-beec-0e7e-c0bf-a8603ff3d993@gmail.com> Message-ID: Here is a recording of the east coast North America pass around 1550z. The satellite transponder shuts off after about 2 seconds of being on, and comes back on again after 5 seconds. http://n3crt.net/sat_recordings/2020-06-20_1550_CAS-6.mp3 Thanks, Charles Reiche On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 12:14 PM Paulo PV8DX via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Hi > Listened here with a max of 7 degrees now. Transponder ON > But, with many cuts. > Two or 3 words goes OFF and returns. > I heard some HAM on CQ CW. > Unable to identify. ON ~ OFF > > > 73 de Paulo PV8DX > FJ92pt > > > Em 20/06/2020 10:15, Alan Kung via AMSAT-BB escreveu: > > Hello, > > > > > > > > The CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Due to some OBC > failures, CW beacon and GMSK telemetry are not working properly. At > present, only the carriers are transmitted on the two frequencies, the > linear transponder has been put into operation. We will then try to > diagnose and then determine whether the CW and telemetry data stream > transmission can be recovered. > > > > > > > > ? CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910MHz > > > > ? AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890MHz > > > > ? U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925MHz, 20kHz bandwidth, > Inverted > > > > ? U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280MHz > > > > > > > > TLE: > > > > CAS-6(2019-093C) > > > > 1 44881U 19093C 20170.81187924 -.00001118 00000-0 -13581-3 0 9991 > > > > 2 44881 97.9575 246.8556 0015830 36.2280 323.9959 14.81412013 26893 > > > > > > > > > > 73! > > > > Alan Kung, BA1DU > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From camsat at vip.163.com Sat Jun 20 16:49:41 2020 From: camsat at vip.163.com (Alan Kung) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 00:49:41 +0800 (CST) Subject: [amsat-bb] CAMSAT CAS-6 Status In-Reply-To: References: <42f14a37.735e2.172d215a21c.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> <2663df90-beec-0e7e-c0bf-a8603ff3d993@gmail.com> Message-ID: <68fa9119.73710.172d2a2c42b.Coremail.camsat@vip.163.com> Hi Charles, We will analyze this phenomenon to try to find out the cause of the failure. Thank you! Alan, BA1DU At 2020-06-21 00:25:05, "Charles Reiche" wrote: Here is a recording of the east coast North America pass around 1550z. The satellite transponder shuts off after about 2 seconds of being on, and comes back on again after 5 seconds. http://n3crt.net/sat_recordings/2020-06-20_1550_CAS-6.mp3 Thanks, Charles Reiche On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 12:14 PM Paulo PV8DX via AMSAT-BB wrote: Hi Listened here with a max of 7 degrees now. Transponder ON But, with many cuts. Two or 3 words goes OFF and returns. I heard some HAM on CQ CW. Unable to identify. ON ~ OFF 73 de Paulo PV8DX FJ92pt Em 20/06/2020 10:15, Alan Kung via AMSAT-BB escreveu: > Hello, > > > > The CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Due to some OBC failures, CW beacon and GMSK telemetry are not working properly. At present, only the carriers are transmitted on the two frequencies, the linear transponder has been put into operation. We will then try to diagnose and then determine whether the CW and telemetry data stream transmission can be recovered. > > > > ? CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910MHz > > ? AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890MHz > > ? U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925MHz, 20kHz bandwidth, Inverted > > ? U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280MHz > > > > TLE: > > CAS-6(2019-093C) > > 1 44881U 19093C 20170.81187924 -.00001118 00000-0 -13581-3 0 9991 > > 2 44881 97.9575 246.8556 0015830 36.2280 323.9959 14.81412013 26893 > > > > > 73! > > Alan Kung, BA1DU > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From red at redwilloughby.com Sat Jun 20 16:09:30 2020 From: red at redwilloughby.com (Red Willoughby) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 11:09:30 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] CAMSAT CAS-6 Status Message-ID: <0LxhYD-1ipAjh2kkl-017FwY@mrelay.perfora.net> I heard CAS-6, but it required a couple of seconds of transmitting for the transponder to turn on. Then it would only stay on for a couple of seconds. It sounded like AO-7 getting knocked out by too much RX signal strength. I reduced power real low and that seemed to help, but there were others on the transponder who may not have been experimenting with power levels. I will have another pass in an hour or so. Thanks for the new bird! Red KC4LE From royldean at gmail.com Sat Jun 20 19:20:04 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 15:20:04 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem uninstall/re-install Message-ID: Trying to install the newest version of FoxTelem in my K3RLD-RPi raspberry pi station, but it won't start because it keeps looking for a logfile from an old install (which I have deleted). How can I force an entirely new install? Or where are the "pointers" to this non-existant logfile located so that I can delete them? Any help is appreciated. --Roy K3RLD From w2kj at bellsouth.net Sat Jun 20 20:58:46 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 16:58:46 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronic SP200 preamp References: Message-ID: Howdy Gang. Putting my meager satellite station back up and need an SSB-Electronic SP200 preamp. Unit must be in very good condition and working FB. Photos and phone number required, as I was just scammed by seller about this preamp. Many thanks for any assistance. 73, Joe W2KJ From satop at protonmail.com Sat Jun 20 22:03:28 2020 From: satop at protonmail.com (satop) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 22:03:28 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronics preamps Message-ID: <8QS7ZAfLen9-THqP7eEfKMLmQQ5EOLp-F4Anfy1KbWHo2zj135mZwyo-cSslvd7rxvhitFrgz6b6xm1COYtJ5ikUdeZ6FoNSTKik8C743oc=@protonmail.com> Joe, lots of good ideas provided for clamping your SSB Electronic pre amp to your satellite setup. I've got the same pre amp and mounted it on the mast pipe with hardware provided. The clamp is is not a U shaped one, the U is squared off and goes between the two holes, out and away from the body of the amp. Then two straight clamping jaws, facing each other, are placed on the studs sticking out from the pre amp with two lock washers and nuts to secure it in place. Sure is a different design. If it would help, let me know and I can send you photo's of mine. Regards, Gary/N8AYY Sent with [ProtonMail](https://protonmail.com) Secure Email. From ki7unj at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 00:00:00 2020 From: ki7unj at gmail.com (KI7UNJ Tucker) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-173 AMSAT New Service Weekly Bulletin Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-173 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT, 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 commun- icating 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: * AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2020 Board of Directors Election * AMSAT Announces GridMaster Award * CAS-6 Online * Amicalsat - Aurora Pictures * Raspberry Pi FUNcube Satellite Telemetry Decoder Now Available * ORI Announces ARRL Foundation Grant Award * ORI Announces YASME Foundation Grant Award * 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event * Upcoming Satellite Operations * ARISS News * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-173.01 ANS-173 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 173.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE June 21, 2020 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-173.01 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMSAT office is closed until further notice. For details, please visit https://www.amsat.org/amsat-office-closed-until-further-notice/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2020 Board of Directors Election The nomination period for this year's AMSAT Board of Directors election ended June 15. The following candidates have been found to have their membership in good standing and their nomination credentials in order: Howard DeFelice, AB2S Mark Hammond, N8MH Jeff Johns, WE4B Robert McGwier, N4HY Bruce Paige, KK5DO Paul Stoetzer, N8HM This year, AMSAT will be electing three voting members of the Board of Directors. These will go to the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes. In addition, there will be two alternates chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received. Further details regarding the mechanics of the election will appear in ANS in the near future. Ballots will be mailed to the AMSAT membership by July 15th based on a membership list that will be generated as early as July 1. Members are encouraged to use the AMSAT Membership Portal at launch.amsat.org to verify that their membership is in good standing and their mailing address is correct. [ANS thanks Brennan Price, N4QX, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Announces GridMaster Award Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director and Contest and Awards Manager, announced AMSAT is now the official sponsor of the GridMaster Award, effective June 15, 2020. This award was first introduced in 2014 by the Star Comm Group. AMSAT thanks Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, for not only developing and sponsoring this award since its inception, but, also, entrusting AMSAT with the honor of carrying on this important award for the benefit of the entire AMSAT community. The GridMaster Award is available to all amateurs worldwide who submit proof with written confirmation of contacts with each of the 488 maidenhead grids located within the 48 contiguous United States of America. Two-way communication must be established via amateur satellite with each grid. There is no minimum signal report required. Contacts must be made from the same location, or from locations no two of which are more than 200 kilometers apart. The applicant?s attestation in the award application serves as affirmation of abidance to the distance rule. There are no endorsements and no recognized tiers of progression; however, amateur operators may apply for and be granted multiple GridMaster awards, when operating from separate and unique 200-kilometer circles. A numbered and dated certificate will be awarded to each person who qualifies for the award at no cost. In addition, awardees may purchase an engraved plaque to commemorate their achievement. Since its introduction, ten amateur satellite operators have claimed the title of Grid Master: 01 John Papay, K8YSE 02 Doug Papay, KD8CAO 03 Rick Tillman, WA4NVM 04 Glenn Miller, AA5PK 05 Clayton Coleman, W5PFG 06 Alvaro De Leon R., XE2AT 07 Fernando Ramirez, NP4JV 08 Ron Oldham, N8RO 09 Randy Kohlwey, WI7P 10 Frank Westphal, K6FW So, who will be awarded AMSAT's GridMaster Certificate No. 11? Are you up for the challenge? Please visit amsat.org/gridmaster/ for further details. [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- CAS-6 Online The CAS-6 V/UHF antenna has been deployed today. Due to some OBC failures, CW beacon and GMSK telemetry are not working properly. At present, only the carriers are transmitted on the two frequencies, the linear transponder has been put into operation. We will then try to diagnose and then determine whether the CW and telemetry data stream transmission can be recovered. CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910MHz AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890MHz U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925MHz, 20kHz bandwidth, Inverted U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280MHz TLE: CAS-6(2019-093C) 1 44881U 19093C 20170.81187924 -.00001118 00000-0 -13581-3 0 9991 2 44881 97.9575 246.8556 0015830 36.2280 323.9959 14.81412013 26893 [ANS thanks Alan Kung, BA1DU for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE ? a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Amicalsat - Aurora Pictures The Vega rocket (VV16) was scheduled to launch from Kourou on 19 June 2020 01:51:10 GMT with 53 satellites on board. Due to wind conditions this launch has been delayed until at least 21 June. One of the satellites that will be leaving is the Amicalsat satellite built by the CSUG (Centre Spatial Universitaire Grenoblois). The measurements made by the satellite will be available to all. They will allow radio amateurs to use them for propagation predictions. The project's website (in English) has just been put online: http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/. The Amsat-Francophone supported this project: http://site.amsat-f.org/amicalsat/ Software (Linux & Windows) is provided for decoding the telemetry and sending it to the database (SatNogs). The user manual is available (in English) https://tinyurl.com/Amicalsat-User-Manual *Beacon* *Frequency* *Modes* *Callsign* UHF 436.1 MHz AFSK 1200 RS17S S band 2,415.3 MHz GFSK 1000 kb/s http://amsat-f.org/AMSATLIST/SatellitePage/UK/0Amicalsat.html Reports are welcome. Thank you for your help. [ANS thanks Christophe Mercier, AMSAT-F Chairman for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Purchase AMSAT Gear on our Zazzle storefront. 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Raspberry Pi FUNcube Satellite Telemetry Decoder Now Available The FUNcube Team has announced the availability of FUNcube CubeSat sat- ellite telemetry decoder software for the popular Raspberry Pi computer board. The original FUNcube telemetry decoder and Dashboard was designed to run on Windows devices and the FUNcube team did publish the telemetry format in accordance with the Amateur Satellite Service traditions and requirements. The Team had planned to opensource the Telemetry Decoder and provide an implementation on Linux, but several new missions after the original FUNcube-1 delayed their plans somewhat. Late 2019, the Team had the opportunity to develop a low power/low im- pact ground station, based on Docker containers, for use at the Neu- mayer III Antarctic base at DP0GVN. This led us to evolve the code such that it would run on a Raspberry Pi. The Linux implementation is suitable for use on Raspberry Pi versions from 2B+ to 4 and with a FUNcube dongle (Pro or Pro+). The software will tune a dongle to search for and track all three FUNcube compatible spacecraft currently operational. The Telemetry Decoder is configured with five active decoders operating concurrently so it can deal with situations where more than one of the spacecraft are overhead at the same time. The decoder and warehouse uploader run as a Docker container for con- venience shell scripts have been provided to launch the container in one of two modes: ? ?Interactive Mode? is when the Telemetry Decoder operates in the fore- ground , when FUNcube compatible telemetry is received, the correspond- ing hex data is displayed on the terminal screen. ? ?Background Mode? allows the telemetry decoder to run as a Docker image in the background where it operates much like any other back- ground service on Linux. This mode allows for the automatic restarting of the telemetry decoder after a shutdown or reboot of the Raspberry Pi, therefore making it suitable for a remote deployment situation. *Both modes, when connected to the internet, will upload the received data to the FUNcube Data Warehouse and the totals displayed on the Ranking Page in the normal manner. *Uploading to the warehouse requires online registration with the FUN- cube Data Warehouse. All the code for the telemetry decoder, and the scripts to build the Docker images, are now published online under a GPL Open Source License at the FUNcube-Dev GitHub account https://github.com/funcube-dev Alternatively, it possible to buy a pre-formatted microSD card for the Pi from the AMSAT-UK shop at https://shop.amsat-uk.org/ Full instructions PDF can be downloaded from https://tinyurl.com/RPi-FUNcube-Decoder FUNcube Data Warehouse http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk/missions [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ORI Announces ARRL Foundation Grant Award ORI, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to open source research and development in amateur radio, has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the ARRL Foundation. This grant, the maximum amount, will be immediately applied to Phase 1 of the Digital Multiplex Transponder research and development program. This grant allows hardware prototypes for broad- band microwave digital payloads to proceed much more quickly. Established in 1973 by the American Radio Relay League, Inc. (ARRL) as an independent and separate 501(c)(3) organization, the ARRL Foundation administers programs to support the Amateur Radio community. Funded entirely by the generous contributions of radio amateurs and friends, ARRL Foundation administers programs for Amateur Radio award scholarships for higher education, award grants for Amateur Radio projects, and award special Amateur Radio program grants for The Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program and The Jesse A. Bieberman Meritorious Membership Program. [ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NVY, CEO and Director, ORI for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ORI Announces YASME Foundation Grant Award ORI, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to open source research and development in amateur radio, has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Yasme Foundation. This grant completes the Phase 1 fundraising campaign and allows ORI?s communications prototype work for geosynchronous and interplanetary amateur radio satellites to proceed. The Yasme Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to support scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio, including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and promotion of amateur radio in developing countries. Yasme supports various projects relating to amateur radio, with an emphasis on developing amateur radio in emerging countries and encouraging youth participation in amateur radio. The Yasme Foundation makes supporting grants to individuals and organizations providing or creating useful services for the amateur radio community. Regardless of originality or novelty, Yasme supports these programs in order to further the development of amateur radio around the world. [ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NVY, CEO and Director, ORI for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Moving to Virtual Event The 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting in-person event scheduled to be held in Bloomington, Minnesota has been canceled. The event will be shifted to a virtual, online platform. This comes after a decision made between AMSAT's Senior Leadership and Board of Directors in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While AMSAT recognizes the national challenges related to recent events in Minneapolis, they have no bearing on the Symposium decision whatsoever. We anticipate holding the 2021 Annual Space Symposium at the previously announced 2020 venue. The in-person event was scheduled to occur Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18. As the 2020 virtual event plans are developed, they will be announced via the usual AMSAT channels. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations + Quick Hits DN65/66 (Sunday 6/22/2020) N7EGY + Major Roves: DL88: Ron (@AD0DX) and Doug (@N6UA) are making another run at the elusive DL88 in Big Bend National Park, TX. As we know they tried this grid back in March, and due to the mud couldn't get to the grid, so never ones to quit, off they go again. Today the tentative date is Monday July 6, 2020. They will be using the K5Z call sign. More information is available at the K5Z QRZ Page. https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/ Please submit any additions or corrections to ke4al (at) amsat.org [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS News ARISS lets students worldwide experience the excitement of talking directly with crew members of the International Space Station, inspir- ing them to pursue interests in careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and engaging them with radio science technology through amateur radio. No upcoming events reported The ARISS team continues to test and firm up a plan to transform ARISS contacts and how ARISS interacts with youth and education institutions. ARISS will provide distance learning with every student and staff mem- ber in their own homes (even quarantined). [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events Want to see AMSAT in action or learn more about amateur radio in space? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. Due to COVID-19, many hamfest and events around the United States have been canceled or postponed. While we make every effort to ensure the information contained below is correct, there may be some that we missed. We wish all of you safekeeping and hope to be at a hamfest near you soon. *No events currently scheduled A copy of the AMSAT hamfest brochure is available for download from: https://bit.ly/2ygVFmV This color brochure is designed to be printed double-sided and folded into a tri-fold handout. To include your upcoming AMSAT presentation and/or demonstration, please send an email to ambassadors (at) amsat (dot) org. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT VP-User Services, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Diwata-2 (PO-101) has been active daily to provide emergency access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check https://twitter.com/Diwata2PH for the daily activation schedule [ANS thanks DIWATA-2 Ground Team for the above information] + The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed From this week's AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution: 1KUNS-PF - NORAD Cat ID 43466 (Decayed from orbit June 11, 2020 per Space-Track). + A new organization, the National Radio Society of Ireland (NRSI) has has been newly founded this year, 2020. Membership is open to all amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners who are either full- time residents or who have, in the past, spent a minimum of two months in Ireland as a visitor. NRSI became member association of the European Radio Amateurs' Organization (EURAO) on June 11. For details, see https://www.nrsi.ie [ANS thanks EURAO 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 and Remember to help keep amateur radio in space, This week's ANS Editor, Casey Tucker, KI7UNJ ki7unj at amsat dot org From bwilkins at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 00:05:57 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 20:05:57 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Up a Single FT-817ND for Satpc32 CAT Control Message-ID: All I spent this afternoon reading through the Satpc32 documentation and compiling information and understanding on how to perform CAT control of a single FT817ND. Charlie N3CRT helped me get oriented and setup with Doppler updates so I will publish a how to on that topic as well. Anyways hope these steps help someone in the future. If I missed anything then send me a private note and I?ll update the article https://ko4aqf.blogspot.com/2020/06/setting-up-single-ft-817nd-for-satpc32.html -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Sun Jun 21 13:45:43 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 09:45:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem uninstall/re-install In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I think what may be going on here, Roy, is that the directory/folder needs to be there and FoxTelem will create the files it needs within it. To answer your question, the directory for the log files comes from two different places: 1) First if you start FoxTelem with no arguments, then the log file is in a default location. I don't recall what that location is--it differs depending on the OS. But it does create a hidden file or folder with properties including the location. This hidden folder is typically in your login directory. In Linux and Windows, I think that folder is called .FoxTelem (notice the dot, which by default makes it hidden in Linux). 2) Did you get the code for this initially from either my download on burnsfisher.com/AMSAT or from the AMSAT store? If so, then there is a script file called "StartFoxTelem.sh" on the desktop. That passed the log location as an argument, and that location should be Documents/FoxTelemetryData. In any case, if the startup error tells you where the file is that is missing, creating the directory is probably the easiest fix. If this does help, please contact me privately with a screen shot and more details. Sorry for the trouble! 73, Burns WB1FJ On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 3:21 PM Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Trying to install the newest version of FoxTelem in my K3RLD-RPi raspberry > pi station, but it won't start because it keeps looking for a logfile from > an old install (which I have deleted). How can I force an entirely new > install? Or where are the "pointers" to this non-existant logfile located > so that I can delete them? Any help is appreciated. > > --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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 15:38:14 2020 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 19:38:14 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> References: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> Message-ID: <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> Dear All, Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. My 1 cent additional input to the subject. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: > > Mattias, > > Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. > > Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. > > That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: > > In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. > > To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). > > In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. > > I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. > > 73 > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> >> Paul, >> >> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >> >> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >> >> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >> >> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >> >> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >> An: Joe Leikhim >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> Joe, >> >> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >> >> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >> >> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >> >> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >> Executive Vice President >> AMSAT >> >> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >> wrote: >> >>> Robert; >>> >>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>> >>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary >>> regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but >>> convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has >>> always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is >>> proven hardware and it should be considered. >>> >>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>> >>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Joe Leikhim >>> >>> >>> Leikhim and Associates >>> >>> Communications Consultants >>> >>> Oviedo, Florida >>> >>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>> >>> 407-982-0446 >>> >>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Sun Jun 21 15:58:02 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:58:02 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> References: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com>, <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> Message-ID: <20200621155801.6180948.40841.495458@dd1us.de> Hi Jean-Marc, Very good point. Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de Originalnachricht Von: Jean Marc Momple Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 An: Matthias Bopp Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Dear All, Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. My 1 cent additional input to the subject. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: > > Mattias, > > Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. > > Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. > > That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: > > In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. > > To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). > > In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. > > I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. > > 73 > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> >> Paul, >> >> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >> >> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >> >> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >> >> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >> >> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >> An: Joe Leikhim >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> Joe, >> >> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >> >> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >> >> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >> >> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >> >> 73, >> >> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >> Executive Vice President >> AMSAT >> >> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >> wrote: >> >>> Robert; >>> >>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>> >>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary >>> regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but >>> convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has >>> always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is >>> proven hardware and it should be considered. >>> >>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>> >>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Joe Leikhim >>> >>> >>> Leikhim and Associates >>> >>> Communications Consultants >>> >>> Oviedo, Florida >>> >>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>> >>> 407-982-0446 >>> >>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From w2kj at bellsouth.net Sun Jun 21 17:28:50 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 13:28:50 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB-Electronic SP200 References: <423DFD46-B5BA-4672-AD42-6D7B0D6751B7.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <423DFD46-B5BA-4672-AD42-6D7B0D6751B7@bellsouth.net> Howdy Gang. Putting my meager satellite station back up and need an SSB-Electronic SP200 preamp. Unit must be in very good condition and working FB. Photos and phone number required, as I was just scammed by seller about this preamp. Many thanks for any assistance. 73, Joe W2KJ From bwilkins at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 19:26:21 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:26:21 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf Message-ID: For setting the uplink and downlink frequencies in doppler.sqf, do I set it to one of the many frequencies starting with the AOS and the software will adjust from there? For example, using ke0pbr frequency cheat sheet for XW-2F, if I wanted to stay approx center, in Doppler.SQF, I would set the file to 435330.0 for uplink LSB and downlink I would set it to 145990.0 If on another pass I wanted to start somewhere else, I could set it to 435340.0 and 145980.0. In example 1, the software would adjust from 435330.0 to 435350.0 as the satellite passes over me. (AOS to LOS). -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From royldean at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 19:29:55 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:29:55 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem uninstall/re-install Message-ID: > > In any case, if the startup error tells you where the file is that is > missing, creating the directory is probably the easiest fix. If this does > help, please contact me privately with a screen shot and more > details. Sorry for the trouble! 73, Burns WB1FJ Burns, First of all, no apology is necessary. Had I actually thought it would be as easy as a hidden ./FoxTelem folder in my user root directory, I wouldn't have asked. I found the setup files and removed them, and then just attempted to launch FoxTelem as usual and it went through the normal setup stuff that I was expecting. The original location for the logfiles was in a older version of FoxTelem's run folder - which I had deleted. So now I've created a special logfile folder which will never get thrown out (like the baby with the bathwater). This was not a "Fox-in-a-Box" install, only because I've been running this pi for a few years and I don't want to add all the other junk that's on it. So the current install was downloaded directly from http://amsat.us/FoxTelem/Linux/. Thanks for the help, and I apologize for not digging a little further (I had actually checked a bunch of the system config folders for just such a folder - I guess I dug too deep without scratching the surface first). --Roy K3RLD From kb1pvh at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 19:35:33 2020 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:35:33 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Brian, Typically the frequencies in the doppler.sqf are center of the passband. Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Sun, Jun 21, 2020, 3:28 PM Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > For setting the uplink and downlink frequencies in doppler.sqf, do I set it > to one of the many frequencies starting with the AOS and the software will > adjust from there? > > For example, using ke0pbr frequency cheat sheet for XW-2F, if I wanted to > stay approx center, in Doppler.SQF, I would set the file to 435330.0 for > uplink LSB and downlink I would set it to 145990.0 > > If on another pass I wanted to start somewhere else, I could set it to > 435340.0 and 145980.0. > > In example 1, the software would adjust from 435330.0 to 435350.0 as the > satellite passes over me. (AOS to LOS). > -- > Brian Wilkins > KO4AQF > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From bernd1peters at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 20:02:41 2020 From: bernd1peters at gmail.com (bernd1peters at gmail.com) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 13:02:41 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <31d501d64806$ec2a09f0$c47e1dd0$@gmail.com> And you move around the passband with your VFO, you don't change the .sqf file. 73, Bernd - KB7AK -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Dave Webb KB1PVH via AMSAT-BB Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 12:36 PM To: Brian Wilkins KO4AQF Cc: AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf Brian, Typically the frequencies in the doppler.sqf are center of the passband. Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Sun, Jun 21, 2020, 3:28 PM Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > For setting the uplink and downlink frequencies in doppler.sqf, do I > set it to one of the many frequencies starting with the AOS and the > software will adjust from there? > > For example, using ke0pbr frequency cheat sheet for XW-2F, if I wanted > to stay approx center, in Doppler.SQF, I would set the file to > 435330.0 for uplink LSB and downlink I would set it to 145990.0 > > If on another pass I wanted to start somewhere else, I could set it to > 435340.0 and 145980.0. > > In example 1, the software would adjust from 435330.0 to 435350.0 as > the satellite passes over me. (AOS to LOS). > -- > Brian Wilkins > KO4AQF > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From bwilkins at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 20:08:40 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 16:08:40 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf In-Reply-To: <31d501d64806$ec2a09f0$c47e1dd0$@gmail.com> References: <31d501d64806$ec2a09f0$c47e1dd0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: I?m in a unique situation with 1 cat controllable radio (817) and another that can?t be CAT controlled. Maybe this is non standard. I think it is probably equivalent to using a SDR for receive and a 817 for TX. I don?t think I can leverage the power of tuning around and the software adjusting for me. I will stay parked in the center On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 4:05 PM Bernd Peters via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > And you move around the passband with your VFO, you don't change the .sqf > file. > > 73, > Bernd - KB7AK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Dave Webb KB1PVH > via AMSAT-BB > Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 12:36 PM > To: Brian Wilkins KO4AQF > Cc: AMSAT BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf > > Brian, > > Typically the frequencies in the doppler.sqf are center of the passband. > > Dave-KB1PVH > > > Sent from my Galaxy S9 > > On Sun, Jun 21, 2020, 3:28 PM Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > For setting the uplink and downlink frequencies in doppler.sqf, do I > > set it to one of the many frequencies starting with the AOS and the > > software will adjust from there? > > > > For example, using ke0pbr frequency cheat sheet for XW-2F, if I wanted > > to stay approx center, in Doppler.SQF, I would set the file to > > 435330.0 for uplink LSB and downlink I would set it to 145990.0 > > > > If on another pass I wanted to start somewhere else, I could set it to > > 435340.0 and 145980.0. > > > > In example 1, the software would adjust from 435330.0 to 435350.0 as > > the satellite passes over me. (AOS to LOS). > > -- > > Brian Wilkins > > KO4AQF > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to > all > interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Sun Jun 21 20:39:09 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 16:39:09 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] FoxTelem uninstall/re-install In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: No apologies necessary from you either. I'm glad you found it! On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 3:32 PM Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > > In any case, if the startup error tells you where the file is that is > > missing, creating the directory is probably the easiest fix. If this does > > help, please contact me privately with a screen shot and more > > details. Sorry for the trouble! 73, Burns WB1FJ > > > Burns, > > First of all, no apology is necessary. Had I actually thought it would be > as easy as a hidden ./FoxTelem folder in my user root directory, I wouldn't > have asked. I found the setup files and removed them, and then just > attempted to launch FoxTelem as usual and it went through the normal setup > stuff that I was expecting. > > The original location for the logfiles was in a older version of FoxTelem's > run folder - which I had deleted. So now I've created a special logfile > folder which will never get thrown out (like the baby with the bathwater). > > This was not a "Fox-in-a-Box" install, only because I've been running this > pi for a few years and I don't want to add all the other junk that's on > it. So the current install was downloaded directly from > http://amsat.us/FoxTelem/Linux/. > > Thanks for the help, and I apologize for not digging a little further (I > had actually checked a bunch of the system config folders for just such a > folder - I guess I dug too deep without scratching the surface first). > > --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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc Sun Jun 21 20:41:35 2020 From: wb1fj-bb at fisher.cc (Burns Fisher) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 16:41:35 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf In-Reply-To: References: <31d501d64806$ec2a09f0$c47e1dd0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Just to clarify a bit more, the value in the doppler.sqf file is the frequency that the satellite will be receiving or sending. So when you look up the satellite and it says the passband is from x to y, then you put it in the middle of this range. Ignore doppler and let the software do it for you, at least on the radio that you can do CAT with. On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 4:12 PM Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > I?m in a unique situation with 1 cat controllable radio (817) and another > that can?t be CAT controlled. Maybe this is non standard. I think it is > probably equivalent to using a SDR for receive and a 817 for TX. I don?t > think I can leverage the power of tuning around and the software adjusting > for me. I will stay parked in the center > > On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 4:05 PM Bernd Peters via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > And you move around the passband with your VFO, you don't change the .sqf > > file. > > > > 73, > > Bernd - KB7AK > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Dave Webb > KB1PVH > > via AMSAT-BB > > Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 12:36 PM > > To: Brian Wilkins KO4AQF > > Cc: AMSAT BB > > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf > > > > Brian, > > > > Typically the frequencies in the doppler.sqf are center of the passband. > > > > Dave-KB1PVH > > > > > > Sent from my Galaxy S9 > > > > On Sun, Jun 21, 2020, 3:28 PM Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB < > > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > > For setting the uplink and downlink frequencies in doppler.sqf, do I > > > set it to one of the many frequencies starting with the AOS and the > > > software will adjust from there? > > > > > > For example, using ke0pbr frequency cheat sheet for XW-2F, if I wanted > > > to stay approx center, in Doppler.SQF, I would set the file to > > > 435330.0 for uplink LSB and downlink I would set it to 145990.0 > > > > > > If on another pass I wanted to start somewhere else, I could set it to > > > 435340.0 and 145980.0. > > > > > > In example 1, the software would adjust from 435330.0 to 435350.0 as > > > the satellite passes over me. (AOS to LOS). > > > -- > > > Brian Wilkins > > > KO4AQF > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > > > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to > > all > > interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > > expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions > > expressed > > are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > -- > Brian Wilkins > KO4AQF > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kb2mjeff at att.net Sun Jun 21 20:47:29 2020 From: kb2mjeff at att.net (kb2mjeff at att.net) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 16:47:29 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf In-Reply-To: References: <31d501d64806$ec2a09f0$c47e1dd0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <028501d6480d$2e59a550$8b0ceff0$@att.net> You don't need to stay parked in the center. Most people who don't use cat control or operate half duplex come up with an offset that is NOT in the center of the passband, but off to the side. Staying parked off to the side is less of a problem for everyone else trying to use the bird... 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 16:09 To: AMSAT-BB at amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in Doppler.sqf I?m in a unique situation with 1 cat controllable radio (817) and another that can?t be CAT controlled. Maybe this is non standard. I think it is probably equivalent to using a SDR for receive and a 817 for TX. I don?t think I can leverage the power of tuning around and the software adjusting for me. I will stay parked in the center On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 4:05 PM Bernd Peters via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > And you move around the passband with your VFO, you don't change the > .sqf file. > > 73, > Bernd - KB7AK > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Dave Webb > KB1PVH via AMSAT-BB > Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 12:36 PM > To: Brian Wilkins KO4AQF > Cc: AMSAT BB > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Setting Doppler for SSB Satellites in > Doppler.sqf > > Brian, > > Typically the frequencies in the doppler.sqf are center of the passband. > > Dave-KB1PVH > > > Sent from my Galaxy S9 > > On Sun, Jun 21, 2020, 3:28 PM Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > For setting the uplink and downlink frequencies in doppler.sqf, do I > > set it to one of the many frequencies starting with the AOS and the > > software will adjust from there? > > > > For example, using ke0pbr frequency cheat sheet for XW-2F, if I > > wanted to stay approx center, in Doppler.SQF, I would set the file > > to > > 435330.0 for uplink LSB and downlink I would set it to 145990.0 > > > > If on another pass I wanted to start somewhere else, I could set it > > to > > 435340.0 and 145980.0. > > > > In example 1, the software would adjust from 435330.0 to 435350.0 as > > the satellite passes over me. (AOS to LOS). > > -- > > Brian Wilkins > > KO4AQF > > _______________________________________________ > > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum > > available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 > -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and 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 From ik5nax at radioteknos.it Sun Jun 21 20:53:41 2020 From: ik5nax at radioteknos.it (Lapo Pieri) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 22:53:41 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unable to even call cq on CAS-6 Message-ID: <20200621205341.GA7474@debian> Hi, during last pass over Europe of CAS-6 (2020-06-21 ~20:30Z) I've experienced the problem already reported here few days ago: even with 10-15W EIRP after a couple of seconds in TX trasponder cut off my signal. I'm quite sure to be not over beacon level. The beacon appares unmodulated. Heard few station calling but get only part of callsign for the same problem. 73, Lapo IK5NAX From scott23192 at gmail.com Sun Jun 21 21:23:31 2020 From: scott23192 at gmail.com (Scott) Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2020 17:23:31 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unable to even call cq on CAS-6 In-Reply-To: <20200621205341.GA7474@debian> References: <20200621205341.GA7474@debian> Message-ID: Here is a screen shot of my RX waterfall showing the pattern of CAS-6's downlink... it's a challenge to say the least, but at least if you know the pattern it's possible to TX at just the right time. https://twitter.com/scott23192/status/1274537862843826176 ... I have to confess that if this pattern of extremely brief operational windows continues, I'm going to be awfully tempted to see if anyone would like to try some satellite MSK144. But I know it's early and hopefully the situation will improve for voice comms. -Scott, K4KDR ================== On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 5:12 PM Lapo Pieri via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Hi, > during last pass over Europe of CAS-6 (2020-06-21 ~20:30Z) I've > experienced the problem already reported here few days ago: even > with 10-15W EIRP after a couple of seconds in TX trasponder cut off my > signal. I'm quite sure to be not over beacon level. The beacon appares > unmodulated. > Heard few station calling but get only part of callsign for the same > problem. > > 73, Lapo IK5NAX > From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Mon Jun 22 16:43:12 2020 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2020 20:43:12 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <20200621155801.6180948.40841.495458@dd1us.de> References: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> <20200621155801.6180948.40841.495458@dd1us.de> Message-ID: Mathias, Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: > > Hi Jean-Marc, > > Very good point. > > Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. > > To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > Originalnachricht > Von: Jean Marc Momple > Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 > An: Matthias Bopp > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > > Dear All, > > Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. > > This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. > > My 1 cent additional input to the subject. > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > >> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >> >> Mattias, >> >> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >> >> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >> >> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >> >> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >> >> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >> >> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >> >> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >> >> 73 >> >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> >>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>> >>> Paul, >>> >>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>> >>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>> >>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>> >>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>> >>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> Matthias >>> >>> www.dd1us.de >>> >>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>> An: Joe Leikhim >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>> >>> Joe, >>> >>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>> >>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>> >>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>> >>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>> Executive Vice President >>> AMSAT >>> >>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Robert; >>>> >>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>> >>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the necessary >>>> regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed before but >>>> convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach unproven payload has >>>> always been an negative argument. No longer, because OSCAR-100 is >>>> proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>> >>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>> >>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Joe Leikhim >>>> >>>> >>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>> >>>> Communications Consultants >>>> >>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>> >>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>> >>>> 407-982-0446 >>>> >>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Mon Jun 22 17:15:31 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:15:31 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> <20200621155801.6180948.40841.495458@dd1us.de> Message-ID: Hi Jean Marc, It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- Von: Jean Marc Momple Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 An: Matthias Bopp Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Mathias, Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: > > Hi Jean-Marc, > > Very good point. > > Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. > > To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > Originalnachricht > Von: Jean Marc Momple > Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 > An: Matthias Bopp > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > > Dear All, > > Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. > > This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. > > My 1 cent additional input to the subject. > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > >> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >> >> Mattias, >> >> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >> >> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >> >> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >> >> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >> >> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >> >> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >> >> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >> >> 73 >> >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> >>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>> >>> Paul, >>> >>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 >>> hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>> >>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>> >>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>> >>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>> >>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> Matthias >>> >>> www.dd1us.de >>> >>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>> An: Joe Leikhim >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>> >>> Joe, >>> >>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>> >>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>> >>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>> >>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>> Executive Vice President >>> AMSAT >>> >>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Robert; >>>> >>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>> >>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed >>>> before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach >>>> unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No longer, >>>> because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>> >>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>> >>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Joe Leikhim >>>> >>>> >>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>> >>>> Communications Consultants >>>> >>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>> >>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>> >>>> 407-982-0446 >>>> >>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>> https://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: >>> https://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: >>> https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > From ik5nax at radioteknos.it Mon Jun 22 20:49:06 2020 From: ik5nax at radioteknos.it (Lapo Pieri) Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2020 22:49:06 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Unable to even call cq on CAS-6 In-Reply-To: References: <20200621205341.GA7474@debian> Message-ID: <20200622204906.GB1388@debian> Hi, 17:23 Sun 21 Jun 20 , Scott via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Here is a screen shot of my RX waterfall showing the pattern of CAS-6's > downlink... it's a challenge to say the least, but at least if you know the > pattern it's possible to TX at just the right time. > > https://twitter.com/scott23192/status/1274537862843826176 Hmmm... very difficult to use. But is it due to excess of our tx power or is just a mulfunction? > ... I have to confess that if this pattern of extremely brief operational > windows continues, I'm going to be awfully tempted to see if anyone would > like to try some satellite MSK144. Really I don't figure out HOW dopller matter for MSK144 Lapo, IK5NAX From mrbillmac at mac.com Mon Jun 22 23:35:25 2020 From: mrbillmac at mac.com (Bill Howell) Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:35:25 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite Users on Macs Message-ID: <15928B56-FB21-47E2-80C4-FE89B0816518@mac.com> I?ve been using MacDoppler for quite a few years. Right now, it?s running on a 9 year old iMac. I also have MacDoppler running on an older (pre Intel) Mac PowerBook G4. I?m only using the program to control the 5400 rotor. I?ve found the program easy to use... update keps using the apps? pull-down menu, select a satellite, and operate. Bill N5ALO From zmetzing at pobox.com Tue Jun 23 03:35:29 2020 From: zmetzing at pobox.com (Zach Metzinger) Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2020 22:35:29 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellites with 2.4GHz (13cm) In-Reply-To: References: <5e97fe0a.1c69fb81.9e34d.95ec@mx.google.com> <6261EE31-3BA5-4A98-B355-C42BDBBC1A85@gmail.com> <011c01d61440$325b1220$97113660$@cox.net> Message-ID: On 05/21/20 19:45, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB wrote: > DTUSAT-2 at 2401.850 MHz. > > Usually a CW beacon. On Thu, May 21, 2020 at 20:43 Pete vk2pet via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Does anyone know of known good satellites with either telemetry or > beacon between 2.400GHZ & 2450GHZ? (subject line slightly altered to include more search keywords) Over the years of amsat-bb, the topic to 13cm operation has come up several times. Out of curiosity, what does the noise floor look like when pointed at the sky? Is 2.4 GHz a good band for satellite downlinks, or is it impossible to get away from the 802.11 wlan traffic in an urban setting? --- Zach N0ZGO From vk2pet at internode.on.net Tue Jun 23 05:33:12 2020 From: vk2pet at internode.on.net (Pete vk2pet) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:33:12 +1000 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellites with 2.4GHz (13cm) In-Reply-To: References: <5e97fe0a.1c69fb81.9e34d.95ec@mx.google.com> <6261EE31-3BA5-4A98-B355-C42BDBBC1A85@gmail.com> <011c01d61440$325b1220$97113660$@cox.net> Message-ID: <5764cb43-617a-9b86-215f-9fa272f5b4dc@internode.on.net> Zach, Unfortunatly DTUSAT-2 didn't work for me. The noise floor is quite high & you are correctin the 802.11 wlan traffic, it smashes the 2.4ghz signal. Lucky where I do the sat work as it's in the country areas of New South Wales in Aust, even being isolated this still picks up the 802.11 wlan traffic. You will need to turn off all computers/phones & anything with WIFI in it if you are the receiver. There are only a couple private satellites that have the ITU coordinated filing for S band. 73 Pete On 23/06/2020 1:35 pm, Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB wrote: > On 05/21/20 19:45, Paul Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> DTUSAT-2 at 2401.850 MHz. >> >> Usually a CW beacon. > > On Thu, May 21, 2020 at 20:43 Pete vk2pet via AMSAT-BB > wrote: >> Does anyone know of known good satellites with either telemetry or >> beacon between 2.400GHZ & 2450GHZ? > > (subject line slightly altered to include more search keywords) > > Over the years of amsat-bb, the topic to 13cm operation has come up > several times. > > Out of curiosity, what does the noise floor look like when pointed at > the sky? Is 2.4 GHz a good band for satellite downlinks, or is it > impossible to get away from the 802.11 wlan traffic in an urban setting? > > --- 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Tue Jun 23 17:24:05 2020 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 21:24:05 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> <20200621155801.6180948.40841.495458@dd1us.de> Message-ID: <113D7E08-0A97-4CD2-B7C4-427C52256796@gmail.com> Roger and QSL, Mathias, Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely many others. I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) and get support from some sponsors. Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go nowhere... 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: > > Hi Jean Marc, > > It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... > > Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. > > I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. > > I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. > Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. > I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many > hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. > > I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: Jean Marc Momple > Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 > An: Matthias Bopp > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > Mathias, > > Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. > > I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. > > All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. > > Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. > > 73 > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >> >> Hi Jean-Marc, >> >> Very good point. >> >> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. >> >> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> >> Originalnachricht >> Von: Jean Marc Momple >> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 >> An: Matthias Bopp >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> >> Dear All, >> >> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. >> >> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. >> >> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >>> >>> Mattias, >>> >>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >>> >>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >>> >>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >>> >>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >>> >>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >>> >>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >>> >>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> >>> >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>> >>> >>> >>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>>> >>>> Paul, >>>> >>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than 48 >>>> hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>>> >>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>>> >>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>>> >>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>>> >>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>>> >>>> Kind regards >>>> >>>> Matthias >>>> >>>> www.dd1us.de >>>> >>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>>> An: Joe Leikhim >>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>> >>>> Joe, >>>> >>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>>> >>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>>> >>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>>> >>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> >>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>>> Executive Vice President >>>> AMSAT >>>> >>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>>> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Robert; >>>>> >>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>>> >>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed >>>>> before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach >>>>> unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No longer, >>>>> because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>>> >>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>>> >>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Joe Leikhim >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>>> >>>>> Communications Consultants >>>>> >>>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>>> >>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>>> >>>>> 407-982-0446 >>>>> >>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>>> https://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: >>>> https://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: >>>> https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>> >> > From aj9n at aol.com Tue Jun 23 18:04:09 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:04:09 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Griffith Observer Magazine article on ALBERTASAT CubeSat References: <1215351309.1796822.1592935449655.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1215351309.1796822.1592935449655@mail.yahoo.com> Hi all, I don't know how many of you are a member of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles but I am and I just received the latest copy of their Griffith Observer magazine.? Volume 84, Number 7 July 2020, has a nice article on the University of Alberta's (ALBERTASAT) efforts with building a CubeSat.? Their first satellite was called EX-ALTA 1 (it deorbited on November 14, 2018).? This is article is entitled CubeSats: The People's Satellites and is written by Dr. Annie Prud'homme-G?n?reux and was awarded First Prize in the annual Joan and Arnold Seidel Griffith Observer Science Writing Contest. I don't see any direct reference to any AMSAT efforts but the article does mention that CubeSats were pioneered in 1999 by Jordi Puig-Suari of the California Polytechnic State University and Bob Twiggs of Stanford University.? There is also mention that the beacon was first heard by hams in Japan. The article explains what the students went through in developing their CubeSat.? And since their first one has returned to earth, they discuss their future efforts in building and funding version 2. More info can be found at: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/programs/observer.htmlOrder forms for getting a reprint of the magazine can be found on this page. 73,Charlie Sufana AJ9NOne of the ARISS mentors From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Tue Jun 23 19:32:00 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:32:00 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <113D7E08-0A97-4CD2-B7C4-427C52256796@gmail.com> References: <47E8C809-10BE-49EE-A45B-DB59A4B9E580@gmail.com> <3F38091B-9236-4EE7-9884-A494EA0FF0EA@gmail.com> <20200621155801.6180948.40841.495458@dd1us.de> <113D7E08-0A97-4CD2-B7C4-427C52256796@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi Jean Marc, If remember right, Sigi DG9BFC and Sandor DM4DS were the first who modified the Pluto using a better TCXO and for sure they helped a lot of other HAMs to get it done or even did the modification for them. Simon not only enabled us to use SDR-Technology in a nice ready-made software package but also added satellite tracking capabilities to his software. And for sure Mike, Daniel, Andrej and several others are providing a great service to our Ham Radio Community with their software and by sharing their experience. It is all about learning from each other as life is too short to do all on our own. The Cubesat frame structure, quite some components and even the deployment systems have been successfully standardized and thus it got much easier to build and get them launched. Still each successful deployment of them is a remarkable accomplishment by the teams behind. I am afraid that developing and building a HEO or GEO-payload and getting a launch for it is a world of difference. But of course, one can learn from the Cubesat projects. Standardizing the frame structure and the subsystems might be one of the key factors to make your dream true and to succeed with a constellation of such satellites. I agree the chances should be much higher to accomplish this ambitious goal if cooperating across countries and continents. I am not so familiar with the international Ham Radio organizations and thus I cannot judge whether IARU is a suitable organization to facilitate such an international effort. In my humble opinion the main challenge is to find an appropriate launch opportunity for a HEO respectively a rideshare for a GEO. For sure it is nowadays not easier than at the times of AO10, AO13 and AO40. Also here leveraging international resources and relationships should help. Maybe we can find another sponsor like Es'hailSat. Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- Von: Jean Marc Momple Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 19:24 An: Matthias Bopp Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Roger and QSL, Mathias, Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely many others. I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) and get support from some sponsors. Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go nowhere... 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: > > Hi Jean Marc, > > It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... > > Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. > > I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. > > I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. > Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. > I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 > months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. > > I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: Jean Marc Momple > Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 > An: Matthias Bopp > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > Mathias, > > Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. > > I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. > > All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. > > Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. > > 73 > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >> >> Hi Jean-Marc, >> >> Very good point. >> >> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. >> >> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> >> Originalnachricht >> Von: Jean Marc Momple >> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 >> An: Matthias Bopp >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> >> Dear All, >> >> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. >> >> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. >> >> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >>> >>> Mattias, >>> >>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >>> >>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >>> >>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >>> >>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >>> >>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >>> >>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >>> >>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> >>> >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>> >>> >>> >>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>>> >>>> Paul, >>>> >>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than >>>> 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>>> >>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>>> >>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>>> >>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>>> >>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>>> >>>> Kind regards >>>> >>>> Matthias >>>> >>>> www.dd1us.de >>>> >>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>>> An: Joe Leikhim >>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>> >>>> Joe, >>>> >>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>>> >>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>>> >>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>>> >>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> >>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>>> Executive Vice President >>>> AMSAT >>>> >>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>>> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Robert; >>>>> >>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>>> >>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed >>>>> before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach >>>>> unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No longer, >>>>> because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>>> >>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>>> >>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Joe Leikhim >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>>> >>>>> Communications Consultants >>>>> >>>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>>> >>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>>> >>>>> 407-982-0446 >>>>> >>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>>> https://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: >>>> https://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: >>>> https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>> >> > From chibill110 at gmail.com Tue Jun 23 19:49:49 2020 From: chibill110 at gmail.com (Bill Gaylord) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 14:49:49 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> What about putting a larger Cubesat (multiple U) into a highly elliptical orbit? > On Jun 23, 2020, at 2:42 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Hi Jean Marc, > > If remember right, Sigi DG9BFC and Sandor DM4DS were the first who modified the Pluto using a better TCXO and for sure they helped a lot of other HAMs to get it done or even did the modification for them. > > Simon not only enabled us to use SDR-Technology in a nice ready-made software package but also added satellite tracking capabilities to his software. And for sure Mike, Daniel, Andrej and several > others are providing a great service to our Ham Radio Community with their software and by sharing their experience. It is all about learning from each other as life is too short to do all on our own. > > The Cubesat frame structure, quite some components and even the deployment systems have been successfully standardized and thus it got much easier to build and get them launched. > Still each successful deployment of them is a remarkable accomplishment by the teams behind. > > I am afraid that developing and building a HEO or GEO-payload and getting a launch for it is a world of difference. > > But of course, one can learn from the Cubesat projects. Standardizing the frame structure and the subsystems might be one of the key factors to make your dream true and to succeed with a constellation of such satellites. > I agree the chances should be much higher to accomplish this ambitious goal if cooperating across countries and continents. I am not so familiar with the international Ham Radio organizations and thus I cannot judge > whether IARU is a suitable organization to facilitate such an international effort. > > In my humble opinion the main challenge is to find an appropriate launch opportunity for a HEO respectively a rideshare for a GEO. For sure it is nowadays not easier than at the times of AO10, AO13 and AO40. > Also here leveraging international resources and relationships should help. Maybe we can find another sponsor like Es'hailSat. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: Jean Marc Momple > Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 19:24 > An: Matthias Bopp > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > Roger and QSL, Mathias, > > Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. > > Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). > > That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely many others. > > I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). > > We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) and get support from some sponsors. > > Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go nowhere... > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >> >> Hi Jean Marc, >> >> It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... >> >> Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. >> >> I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. >> >> I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. >> Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. >> I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 >> months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. >> >> I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> >> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >> Von: Jean Marc Momple >> Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 >> An: Matthias Bopp >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> Mathias, >> >> Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. >> >> I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. >> >> All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. >> >> Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. >> >> 73 >> >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> >>>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >>> >>> Hi Jean-Marc, >>> >>> Very good point. >>> >>> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. >>> >>> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> Matthias >>> >>> www.dd1us.de >>> >>> >>> Originalnachricht >>> Von: Jean Marc Momple >>> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 >>> An: Matthias Bopp >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>> >>> >>> Dear All, >>> >>> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. >>> >>> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. >>> >>> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>> >>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >>>> >>>> Mattias, >>>> >>>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >>>> >>>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >>>> >>>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >>>> >>>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >>>> >>>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >>>> >>>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >>>> >>>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >>>> >>>> 73 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Paul, >>>>> >>>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than >>>>> 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>>>> >>>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>>>> >>>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>>>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>>>> >>>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>>>> >>>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>>>> >>>>> Kind regards >>>>> >>>>> Matthias >>>>> >>>>> www.dd1us.de >>>>> >>>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>>>> An: Joe Leikhim >>>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>>> >>>>> Joe, >>>>> >>>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>>>> >>>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>>>> >>>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>>>> >>>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>>>> >>>>> 73, >>>>> >>>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>>>> Executive Vice President >>>>> AMSAT >>>>> >>>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>>>> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Robert; >>>>>> >>>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>>>> >>>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed >>>>>> before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach >>>>>> unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No longer, >>>>>> because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>>>> >>>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Joe Leikhim >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>>>> >>>>>> Communications Consultants >>>>>> >>>>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>>>> >>>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>>>> >>>>>> 407-982-0446 >>>>>> >>>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>>>> https://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: >>>>> https://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: >>>>> https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From n8hm at arrl.net Tue Jun 23 19:57:53 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:57:53 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> References: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> Message-ID: That is exactly what AMSAT's GOLF project is designed to lead to. There are lots of things required to be successful at such a mission: attitude determination and control, microwave transponders for best communications performance, and potentially propulsion and deorbit systems. For more information, check out this page: https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-amsat-golf-program/ 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 3:51 PM Bill Gaylord via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > What about putting a larger Cubesat (multiple U) into a highly elliptical > orbit? > > > On Jun 23, 2020, at 2:42 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > > > > ?Hi Jean Marc, > > > > If remember right, Sigi DG9BFC and Sandor DM4DS were the first who > modified the Pluto using a better TCXO and for sure they helped a lot of > other HAMs to get it done or even did the modification for them. > > > > Simon not only enabled us to use SDR-Technology in a nice ready-made > software package but also added satellite tracking capabilities to his > software. And for sure Mike, Daniel, Andrej and several > > others are providing a great service to our Ham Radio Community with > their software and by sharing their experience. It is all about learning > from each other as life is too short to do all on our own. > > > > The Cubesat frame structure, quite some components and even the > deployment systems have been successfully standardized and thus it got much > easier to build and get them launched. > > Still each successful deployment of them is a remarkable accomplishment > by the teams behind. > > > > I am afraid that developing and building a HEO or GEO-payload and > getting a launch for it is a world of difference. > > > > But of course, one can learn from the Cubesat projects. Standardizing > the frame structure and the subsystems might be one of the key factors to > make your dream true and to succeed with a constellation of such satellites. > > I agree the chances should be much higher to accomplish this ambitious > goal if cooperating across countries and continents. I am not so familiar > with the international Ham Radio organizations and thus I cannot judge > > whether IARU is a suitable organization to facilitate such an > international effort. > > > > In my humble opinion the main challenge is to find an appropriate launch > opportunity for a HEO respectively a rideshare for a GEO. For sure it is > nowadays not easier than at the times of AO10, AO13 and AO40. > > Also here leveraging international resources and relationships should > help. Maybe we can find another sponsor like Es'hailSat. > > > > Kind regards > > > > Matthias > > > > www.dd1us.de > > > > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > > Von: Jean Marc Momple > > Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 19:24 > > An: Matthias Bopp > > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > > > Roger and QSL, Mathias, > > > > Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with > the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not > remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. > > > > Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate > him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a > commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all > of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and > hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a > beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further > improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that > everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many > other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) > such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of > TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are > great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). > > > > That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO > to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide > community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and > possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is > required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a > thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely > many others. > > > > I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a > great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks > them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). > > > > We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try > hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage > across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we > can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) > and get support from some sponsors. > > > > Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go > nowhere... > > > > 73 > > > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > > > > >> On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp > wrote: > >> > >> Hi Jean Marc, > >> > >> It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you > can possibly repair one or the other ... > >> > >> Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. > >> > >> I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. > Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. > >> > >> I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and > the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. > >> Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR > working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. > >> I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 > >> months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in > testing the various beta-versions from Simon. > >> > >> I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- > >> > >> Kind regards > >> > >> Matthias > >> > >> www.dd1us.de > >> > >> > >> > >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > >> Von: Jean Marc Momple > >> Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 > >> An: Matthias Bopp > >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > >> > >> Mathias, > >> > >> Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is > kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and > therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but > waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. > >> > >> I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), > anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the > Lime. > >> > >> All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and > open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing > only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various > organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, > even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. > >> > >> Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified > quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the > Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on > QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the > GEO sync. > >> > >> 73 > >> > >> > >> > >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) > >> > >> > >> > >>>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp > wrote: > >>> > >>> Hi Jean-Marc, > >>> > >>> Very good point. > >>> > >>> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based > free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. > >>> > >>> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF > or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. > >>> > >>> Kind regards > >>> > >>> Matthias > >>> > >>> www.dd1us.de > >>> > >>> > >>> Originalnachricht > >>> Von: Jean Marc Momple > >>> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 > >>> An: Matthias Bopp > >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > >>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > >>> > >>> > >>> Dear All, > >>> > >>> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of > setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that > the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or > Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total > cost is less than US$ 400. > >>> > >>> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest > means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may > be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is > really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real > Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further > experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the > globe. > >>> > >>> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. > >>> > >>> 73 > >>> > >>> > >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) > >>> > >>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple < > jean.marc.momple at gmail.com> wrote: > >>>> > >>>> Mattias, > >>>> > >>>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong > perceptions. > >>>> > >>>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio > Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. > >>>> > >>>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: > >>>> > >>>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we > are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was > somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the > activities. > >>>> > >>>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave > (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life > (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on > these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of > feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). > >>>> > >>>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to > us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age > when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of > various components to build the QO-100 station. > >>>> > >>>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham > GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. > >>>> > >>>> 73 > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > >>>>> > >>>>> Paul, > >>>>> > >>>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than > >>>>> 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 > >>>>> > >>>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur > payload at all." > >>>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did > participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to > build the transponders themselves. > >>>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of > AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a > professional company. > >>>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as > an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from > AMSAT-NA). > >>>>> > >>>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit > commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." > >>>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot > simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver > >>>>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to > be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. > >>>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial > satellites. > >>>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is > true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused > are the TWT PAs. > >>>>> > >>>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the > published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the > responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. > >>>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no > clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. > >>>>> > >>>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than > 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. > >>>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave > bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, > learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz > downlink. > >>>>> > >>>>> Kind regards > >>>>> > >>>>> Matthias > >>>>> > >>>>> www.dd1us.de > >>>>> > >>>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > >>>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul > >>>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB > >>>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 > >>>>> An: Joe Leikhim > >>>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > >>>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > >>>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > >>>>> > >>>>> Joe, > >>>>> > >>>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. > The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified > to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the > spares may be needed for commercial service some day. > >>>>> > >>>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need > millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year > to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no > one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely > reasonable. > >>>>> > >>>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as > ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of > money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us > back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the > full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that > support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than > that. > >>>>> > >>>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. > AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this > happen for the community. > >>>>> > >>>>> 73, > >>>>> > >>>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM > >>>>> Executive Vice President > >>>>> AMSAT > >>>>> > >>>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB > >>>>> > >>>>> wrote: > >>>>> > >>>>>> Robert; > >>>>>> > >>>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial > >>>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the > >>>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been proposed > >>>>>> before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to attach > >>>>>> unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No longer, > >>>>>> because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> -- > >>>>>> Joe Leikhim > >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Leikhim and Associates > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Communications Consultants > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Oviedo, Florida > >>>>>> > >>>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com > >>>>>> > >>>>>> 407-982-0446 > >>>>>> > >>>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: > >>>>>> https://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: > >>>>> https://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: > >>>>> https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Tue Jun 23 22:51:21 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 22:51:21 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> References: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi Bill, Your question is difficult to answer as there are so many trade-offs which can be made (including but not limited to frequency bands, modulation schemes, propulsion systems etc.). If you look how AO10, AO13 and AO40 were constructed they had specific shapes and sizes to accommodate for the various necessary feature of a HEO mission carrying and analog transponder. Especially the propulsion systems for getting a satellite from geostationary transfer orbit to a high elliptical orbit were rather big. Getting a satellite into a geostationary orbit by its own propulsion system will be even worse. It also depends how you want to stabilize the satellite in orbit. AO13 was using a magnetorquing system, AO40 was using momentum wheels with magnetic bearings. In a HEO orbit you can avoid saturation of the momentum wheels by using the magnetic field of the earth while passing perigee. As far as I know in a GEO orbit you need again a propulsion system for this as the magnetic field in a distance of 36000km is too small. With respect to the link budget on VHF and UHF to a satellite in HEO orbit you need quite some space for appropriate antennas. The free space loss for a distance of about 40000 kms (one way) is quite significant (168dB on VHF and 177dB on UHF) and thus you want as much gain for the VHF/UHF antennas on the satellite as feasible to reduce the effort on the ground station. I suppose that the GOLF team has a good plan how to do this, which is certainly a challenge. As far as I know they will be first in getting a V/U transponder in a HEO orbit with a 3U Cubesat. For sure it would be great to see another Phase 3 satellite ! Maybe someone from the GOLF can step in and provide some more details. Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Bill Gaylord via AMSAT-BB Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 21:50 Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) What about putting a larger Cubesat (multiple U) into a highly elliptical orbit? > On Jun 23, 2020, at 2:42 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Hi Jean Marc, > > If remember right, Sigi DG9BFC and Sandor DM4DS were the first who modified the Pluto using a better TCXO and for sure they helped a lot of other HAMs to get it done or even did the modification for them. > > Simon not only enabled us to use SDR-Technology in a nice ready-made > software package but also added satellite tracking capabilities to his software. And for sure Mike, Daniel, Andrej and several others are providing a great service to our Ham Radio Community with their software and by sharing their experience. It is all about learning from each other as life is too short to do all on our own. > > The Cubesat frame structure, quite some components and even the deployment systems have been successfully standardized and thus it got much easier to build and get them launched. > Still each successful deployment of them is a remarkable accomplishment by the teams behind. > > I am afraid that developing and building a HEO or GEO-payload and getting a launch for it is a world of difference. > > But of course, one can learn from the Cubesat projects. Standardizing the frame structure and the subsystems might be one of the key factors to make your dream true and to succeed with a constellation of such satellites. > I agree the chances should be much higher to accomplish this ambitious > goal if cooperating across countries and continents. I am not so familiar with the international Ham Radio organizations and thus I cannot judge whether IARU is a suitable organization to facilitate such an international effort. > > In my humble opinion the main challenge is to find an appropriate launch opportunity for a HEO respectively a rideshare for a GEO. For sure it is nowadays not easier than at the times of AO10, AO13 and AO40. > Also here leveraging international resources and relationships should help. Maybe we can find another sponsor like Es'hailSat. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: Jean Marc Momple > Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 19:24 > An: Matthias Bopp > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > Roger and QSL, Mathias, > > Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. > > Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). > > That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely many others. > > I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). > > We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) and get support from some sponsors. > > Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go nowhere... > > 73 > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > >> On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >> >> Hi Jean Marc, >> >> It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... >> >> Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. >> >> I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. >> >> I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. >> Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. >> I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 >> months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. >> >> I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> >> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >> Von: Jean Marc Momple >> Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 >> An: Matthias Bopp >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> Mathias, >> >> Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. >> >> I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. >> >> All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. >> >> Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. >> >> 73 >> >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> >>>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >>> >>> Hi Jean-Marc, >>> >>> Very good point. >>> >>> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. >>> >>> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> Matthias >>> >>> www.dd1us.de >>> >>> >>> Originalnachricht >>> Von: Jean Marc Momple >>> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 >>> An: Matthias Bopp >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>> >>> >>> Dear All, >>> >>> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. >>> >>> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. >>> >>> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>> >>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >>>> >>>> Mattias, >>>> >>>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >>>> >>>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >>>> >>>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >>>> >>>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >>>> >>>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >>>> >>>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >>>> >>>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >>>> >>>> 73 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Paul, >>>>> >>>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than >>>>> 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>>>> >>>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>>>> >>>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>>>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>>>> >>>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>>>> >>>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>>>> >>>>> Kind regards >>>>> >>>>> Matthias >>>>> >>>>> www.dd1us.de >>>>> >>>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>>>> An: Joe Leikhim >>>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>>> >>>>> Joe, >>>>> >>>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>>>> >>>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>>>> >>>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>>>> >>>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>>>> >>>>> 73, >>>>> >>>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>>>> Executive Vice President >>>>> AMSAT >>>>> >>>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>>>> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Robert; >>>>>> >>>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>>>> >>>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been >>>>>> proposed before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to >>>>>> attach unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No >>>>>> longer, because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>>>> >>>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Joe Leikhim >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>>>> >>>>>> Communications Consultants >>>>>> >>>>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>>>> >>>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>>>> >>>>>> 407-982-0446 >>>>>> >>>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>>>> https://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: >>>>> https://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: >>>>> https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From tjschuessler at verizon.net Wed Jun 24 01:59:41 2020 From: tjschuessler at verizon.net (tjschuessler at verizon.net) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:59:41 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Countdown applet not displaying in SatPC32 References: <016e01d649cb$203c74b0$60b55e10$.ref@verizon.net> Message-ID: <016e01d649cb$203c74b0$60b55e10$@verizon.net> I blew away a no longer used laptop to a default installation of Windows 10. I have a version of SatPC32 on a different desktop PC. I did a "Data Backup" of files from that registered version of SatPC32 running on my desktop PC. I searched for all the .SQF files on that desktop PC that had a path statement pointing to data directories. After the Windows install on this other laptop, I installed a fresh version of SatPC32, (Latest version on Eric's DK1tB web site). Then I did a Restore of data to the new program from the entire folder that was generated on the desktop PC and brought over on a thumb drive. Before I started the program for the first time, I went in and modified all the above mentioned path statements in the restored data directory so they pointed to the current user path. SatPC32 then opened properly and it looked like all my settings were there just fine. My problem is though that the countdown applet will not appear at all when selected from the menu, or when slated to start at startup. Has anybody seen this issue on a new install and is there some setting that might not be correct that I need to fix. I Believe there is a .SQF file that has the position data for the config applet, but am not sure what it's name is and what I should modify it to be to make the applet show up. Thanks for the communities help. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP EM12ms From marklhammond at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 02:52:16 2020 From: marklhammond at gmail.com (Mark Hammond) Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 22:52:16 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 in L/v at 0251utc for 24 hrs 24 June 2020 Message-ID: <9632db96-59ae-96f0-5aa4-ce89cd9e3088@gmail.com> Happy L-band! -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] From n4ufo at yahoo.com Wed Jun 24 09:46:17 2020 From: n4ufo at yahoo.com (Kevin M) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:46:17 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award References: <107001705.2327298.1592991977849.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <107001705.2327298.1592991977849@mail.yahoo.com> You can view the award by clicking on Services, then Awards. You will find the Application, Grid Schedule and sample of the required LoTW verification (of course, paper QSL's are still accepted). ----I saw this and started filling out all the paperwork to submit my 488 grids, when I realized... I recycled most all of my QSL cards before leaving NC. I had submitted all the cards to ARRL for DXCC/VUCC award credit and was moving away from the grid, so I figured, no need to keep them. (I kept only memorable/pretty cards to show my niece in Arkansas.) Oh, well. =^( From jean.marc.momple at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 16:38:51 2020 From: jean.marc.momple at gmail.com (Jean Marc Momple) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:38:51 +0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: References: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> Message-ID: <19389FEE-05BB-4D52-9F7A-528E2797CFFF@gmail.com> Dear All, See trailing mails below, it is quite encouraging to see the very positive comments, technical input and suggestions about the subject. Hopefully, more will contribute and eventually we will under the leadership and collaboration of all the AMSAT?s organisations globally have a roadmap to achieve a global coverage. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 24, 2020, at 2:51 AM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Hi Bill, > > Your question is difficult to answer as there are so many trade-offs which can be made (including but not limited to frequency bands, modulation schemes, propulsion systems etc.). > > If you look how AO10, AO13 and AO40 were constructed they had specific shapes and sizes to accommodate for the various necessary feature of a HEO mission carrying and analog transponder. > > Especially the propulsion systems for getting a satellite from geostationary transfer orbit to a high elliptical orbit were rather big. Getting a satellite into a geostationary orbit by its own > propulsion system will be even worse. > > It also depends how you want to stabilize the satellite in orbit. AO13 was using a magnetorquing system, AO40 was using momentum wheels with magnetic bearings. In a HEO orbit you can avoid > saturation of the momentum wheels by using the magnetic field of the earth while passing perigee. As far as I know in a GEO orbit you need again a propulsion system for this as the magnetic field > in a distance of 36000km is too small. > > With respect to the link budget on VHF and UHF to a satellite in HEO orbit you need quite some space for appropriate antennas. The free space loss for a distance of about 40000 kms (one way) > is quite significant (168dB on VHF and 177dB on UHF) and thus you want as much gain for the VHF/UHF antennas on the satellite as feasible to reduce the effort on the ground station. > > I suppose that the GOLF team has a good plan how to do this, which is certainly a challenge. As far as I know they will be first in getting a V/U transponder in a HEO orbit with a 3U Cubesat. > For sure it would be great to see another Phase 3 satellite ! > > Maybe someone from the GOLF can step in and provide some more details. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Bill Gaylord via AMSAT-BB > Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 21:50 > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > What about putting a larger Cubesat (multiple U) into a highly elliptical orbit? > >> On Jun 23, 2020, at 2:42 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> >> ?Hi Jean Marc, >> >> If remember right, Sigi DG9BFC and Sandor DM4DS were the first who modified the Pluto using a better TCXO and for sure they helped a lot of other HAMs to get it done or even did the modification for them. >> >> Simon not only enabled us to use SDR-Technology in a nice ready-made >> software package but also added satellite tracking capabilities to his software. And for sure Mike, Daniel, Andrej and several others are providing a great service to our Ham Radio Community with their software and by sharing their experience. It is all about learning from each other as life is too short to do all on our own. >> >> The Cubesat frame structure, quite some components and even the deployment systems have been successfully standardized and thus it got much easier to build and get them launched. >> Still each successful deployment of them is a remarkable accomplishment by the teams behind. >> >> I am afraid that developing and building a HEO or GEO-payload and getting a launch for it is a world of difference. >> >> But of course, one can learn from the Cubesat projects. Standardizing the frame structure and the subsystems might be one of the key factors to make your dream true and to succeed with a constellation of such satellites. >> I agree the chances should be much higher to accomplish this ambitious >> goal if cooperating across countries and continents. I am not so familiar with the international Ham Radio organizations and thus I cannot judge whether IARU is a suitable organization to facilitate such an international effort. >> >> In my humble opinion the main challenge is to find an appropriate launch opportunity for a HEO respectively a rideshare for a GEO. For sure it is nowadays not easier than at the times of AO10, AO13 and AO40. >> Also here leveraging international resources and relationships should help. Maybe we can find another sponsor like Es'hailSat. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >> Von: Jean Marc Momple >> Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 19:24 >> An: Matthias Bopp >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> Roger and QSL, Mathias, >> >> Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. >> >> Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). >> >> That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely many others. >> >> I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). >> >> We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) and get support from some sponsors. >> >> Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go nowhere... >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> >>> On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >>> >>> Hi Jean Marc, >>> >>> It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... >>> >>> Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. >>> >>> I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. >>> >>> I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. >>> Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. >>> I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about 3 >>> months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. >>> >>> I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> Matthias >>> >>> www.dd1us.de >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>> Von: Jean Marc Momple >>> Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 >>> An: Matthias Bopp >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>> >>> Mathias, >>> >>> Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. >>> >>> I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. >>> >>> All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. >>> >>> Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> >>> >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>> >>> >>> >>>>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi Jean-Marc, >>>> >>>> Very good point. >>>> >>>> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. >>>> >>>> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. >>>> >>>> Kind regards >>>> >>>> Matthias >>>> >>>> www.dd1us.de >>>> >>>> >>>> Originalnachricht >>>> Von: Jean Marc Momple >>>> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 >>>> An: Matthias Bopp >>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>> >>>> >>>> Dear All, >>>> >>>> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. >>>> >>>> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. >>>> >>>> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. >>>> >>>> 73 >>>> >>>> >>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>>> >>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Mattias, >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >>>>> >>>>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >>>>> >>>>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >>>>> >>>>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >>>>> >>>>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >>>>> >>>>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >>>>> >>>>> 73 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Paul, >>>>>> >>>>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than >>>>>> 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on QO-100 >>>>>> >>>>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>>>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>>>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>>>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>>>>> >>>>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>>>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver >>>>>> The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>>>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>>>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>>>>> >>>>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>>>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>>>>> >>>>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>>>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>>>>> >>>>>> Kind regards >>>>>> >>>>>> Matthias >>>>>> >>>>>> www.dd1us.de >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>>>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>>>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>>>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>>>>> An: Joe Leikhim >>>>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>>>> >>>>>> Joe, >>>>>> >>>>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>>>>> >>>>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>>>>> >>>>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>>>>> >>>>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>>>>> >>>>>> 73, >>>>>> >>>>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>>>>> Executive Vice President >>>>>> AMSAT >>>>>> >>>>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>>>>> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Robert; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been >>>>>>> proposed before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to >>>>>>> attach unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No >>>>>>> longer, because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> Joe Leikhim >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Communications Consultants >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>>>>> >>>>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 407-982-0446 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>>>>> https://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: >>>>>> https://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: >>>>>> https://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: https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From twjones85 at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 16:46:16 2020 From: twjones85 at gmail.com (Tanner Jones) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 11:46:16 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 for Field Day Message-ID: <41D967E4-B85E-4CD8-8849-53A9F34044C0@gmail.com> Are there any plans to flip -92 for FD for another mode on Saturday evening? 73, Tanner W9TWJ Sent from my iPhone From w2kj at bellsouth.net Wed Jun 24 17:15:21 2020 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joseph Trombino, Jr) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:15:21 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO7 References: <8D1D1AF6-CE23-49DB-A85B-02AEB3A67277.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <8D1D1AF6-CE23-49DB-A85B-02AEB3A67277@bellsouth.net> Howdy Gang. Is there any way to know what mode AO7 will be in prior to a pass? Thanks for any info. 73, Joe W2KJ From kb1pvh at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 17:42:49 2020 From: kb1pvh at gmail.com (Dave Webb KB1PVH) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:42:49 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO7 In-Reply-To: <8D1D1AF6-CE23-49DB-A85B-02AEB3A67277@bellsouth.net> References: <8D1D1AF6-CE23-49DB-A85B-02AEB3A67277.ref@bellsouth.net> <8D1D1AF6-CE23-49DB-A85B-02AEB3A67277@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: Joe, This should give you a good idea. https://www.amsat.org/status/ Dave-KB1PVH Sent from my Galaxy S9 On Wed, Jun 24, 2020, 1:24 PM Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote: > Howdy Gang. > > Is there any way to know what mode AO7 will be in prior to a pass? > > Thanks for any info. > > 73, Joe W2KJ > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From glasbrenner at mindspring.com Wed Jun 24 18:22:58 2020 From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com (Andrew Glasbrenner) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:22:58 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 for Field Day In-Reply-To: <41D967E4-B85E-4CD8-8849-53A9F34044C0@gmail.com> References: <41D967E4-B85E-4CD8-8849-53A9F34044C0@gmail.com> Message-ID: <00e801d64a54$7d6a38f0$783eaad0$@mindspring.com> Not this year. U/v all weekend. Have fun. 73, Drew KO4MA -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Tanner Jones via AMSAT-BB Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 12:46 PM To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 for Field Day Are there any plans to flip -92 for FD for another mode on Saturday evening? 73, Tanner W9TWJ 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From twjones85 at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 18:24:46 2020 From: twjones85 at gmail.com (Tanner Jones) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:24:46 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 for Field Day In-Reply-To: <00e801d64a54$7d6a38f0$783eaad0$@mindspring.com> References: <00e801d64a54$7d6a38f0$783eaad0$@mindspring.com> Message-ID: <1D8865B3-7EFF-4A14-A3F0-66E13CAB0CFD@gmail.com> Thanks, Drew. Just wanted to confirm! 73! Tanner W9TWJ Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 24, 2020, at 1:22 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > > ?Not this year. U/v all weekend. Have fun. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > -----Original Message----- > From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Tanner Jones via > AMSAT-BB > Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 12:46 PM > To: AMSAT BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 for Field Day > > Are there any plans to flip -92 for FD for another mode on Saturday evening? > > 73, > Tanner > > W9TWJ > > > > 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From kk5do at amsat.org Wed Jun 24 18:26:02 2020 From: kk5do at amsat.org (Bruce) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:26:02 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award In-Reply-To: <107001705.2327298.1592991977849@mail.yahoo.com> References: <107001705.2327298.1592991977849@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Give me until this evening when I get home. I think I have two solutions that will be so much easier than sending 488 screen shots from LoTw. Even I would not submit for an award that was more difficult to submit than it was to earn. 73...bruce Sent from my iPhone On Jun 24, 2020, at 8:56 AM, Kevin M via AMSAT-BB wrote: ?You can view the award by clicking on Services, then Awards. You will find the Application, Grid Schedule and sample of the required LoTW verification (of course, paper QSL's are still accepted). ----I saw this and started filling out all the paperwork to submit my 488 grids, when I realized... I recycled most all of my QSL cards before leaving NC. I had submitted all the cards to ARRL for DXCC/VUCC award credit and was moving away from the grid, so I figured, no need to keep them. (I kept only memorable/pretty cards to show my niece in Arkansas.) Oh, 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From bwilkins at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 18:47:15 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins KO4AQF) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:47:15 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award In-Reply-To: References: <107001705.2327298.1592991977849@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Tanner is working on a solution IIRC On Wed, Jun 24, 2020 at 2:37 PM Bruce via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Give me until this evening when I get home. I think I have two solutions > that will be so much easier than sending 488 screen shots from LoTw. Even I > would not submit for an award that was more difficult to submit than it was > to earn. > > 73...bruce > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jun 24, 2020, at 8:56 AM, Kevin M via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > > ?You can view the award by clicking on Services, then Awards. You will > find the Application, Grid Schedule and sample of the required LoTW > verification (of course, paper QSL's are still accepted). > ----I saw this and started filling out all the paperwork to submit my 488 > grids, when I realized... I recycled most all of my QSL cards before > leaving NC. I had submitted all the cards to ARRL for DXCC/VUCC award > credit and was moving away from the grid, so I figured, no need to keep > them. (I kept only memorable/pretty cards to show my niece in Arkansas.) > Oh, 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From twjones85 at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 19:06:41 2020 From: twjones85 at gmail.com (Tanner Jones) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:06:41 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4161C2FB-A374-44AE-BA8C-E555A9AE4F2E@gmail.com> Yes, I am. I have successfully took all my current screenshots - but my initial approach takes a little time. With the help of Casey (KI7UNJ), Chris (K7TAB), and Kevin (KK4YEL) we are trying to streamline it for a faster approach and over multiple platforms. It will probably take a few more weeks with Field Day this weekend and the holiday following but I?m getting there. Certainly open to the alternate solutions. 73, Tanner W9TWJ Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 24, 2020, at 1:56 PM, Brian Wilkins KO4AQF via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Tanner is working on a solution IIRC > >> On Wed, Jun 24, 2020 at 2:37 PM Bruce via AMSAT-BB >> wrote: >> >> Give me until this evening when I get home. I think I have two solutions >> that will be so much easier than sending 488 screen shots from LoTw. Even I >> would not submit for an award that was more difficult to submit than it was >> to earn. >> >> 73...bruce >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On Jun 24, 2020, at 8:56 AM, Kevin M via AMSAT-BB >> wrote: >> >> ?You can view the award by clicking on Services, then Awards. You will >> find the Application, Grid Schedule and sample of the required LoTW >> verification (of course, paper QSL's are still accepted). >> ----I saw this and started filling out all the paperwork to submit my 488 >> grids, when I realized... I recycled most all of my QSL cards before >> leaving NC. I had submitted all the cards to ARRL for DXCC/VUCC award >> credit and was moving away from the grid, so I figured, no need to keep >> them. (I kept only memorable/pretty cards to show my niece in Arkansas.) >> Oh, 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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > -- > Brian Wilkins > KO4AQF > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From royldean at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 19:13:43 2020 From: royldean at gmail.com (Roy Dean) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:13:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award Message-ID: > > Certainly open to the alternate solutions. 73, > Tanner W9TWJ Can't you give a screenshot of the LOTW "VUCC Satellite" list? Of course, not all of those contacts will count towards GridMaster, but you could just cross those out with any image editor. --Roy K3RLD (still 300+ contacts away from GridMaster) From framirezferrer at gmail.com Wed Jun 24 19:24:44 2020 From: framirezferrer at gmail.com (Fernando Ramirez) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:24:44 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: That's how I submitted my 488's in 2017. Plus scanned copies of two QSLs for grids confirmed on paper. 73 Fernando KF7R On Wed, Jun 24, 2020, 12:16 PM Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > > > Certainly open to the alternate solutions. 73, > > Tanner W9TWJ > > > Can't you give a screenshot of the LOTW "VUCC Satellite" list? Of course, > not all of those contacts will count towards GridMaster, but you could just > cross those out with any image editor. > > --Roy > K3RLD > (still 300+ contacts away from GridMaster) > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 > From kk5do at arrl.net Thu Jun 25 01:48:28 2020 From: kk5do at arrl.net (Bruce) Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:48:28 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] GridMaster Award In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5b61f00f-a344-02dd-f341-ca1945a5dcf7@arrl.net> This looks like it will be an evolving project until we get it to the point that will be the easiest for the users. The first way and probably the less difficult will be to go to your LoTW account Click on Awards and then VUCC Next click on VUCC Satellite Choose All Credits and click Select VUCC Award to View to display ALL your VUCC credits Hold down the CTRL key and hit the minus button several times. Each time, the data gets smaller. Make it so you can still read it and take a screen shot. This should allow you to get about 50 on a page about 9 or 10 screen shots minimum and maybe 15-20 if you have a lot of grids and you are done (remember, on my end, I can expand it if it is too small to read) Do not worry if you have a lot of grids that are not in the states. I am going to scroll until i find the first, like CN and look from there. Someone asked when they saw mine about "Legacy VUCC Credit". If you were around prior to LoTW and submitted for VUCC, the ARRL only marked that you had a particular grid confirmed, they did not keep the call of the station you worked. When they moved everything to LoTW, they had to put something in the Call Sign field and "Legacy VUCC Credit" seemed appropriate. You still get credit for those grids. Okay, the next method, get to the same screen however, instead of doing screen shots, you let Firefox or Chrome do the work for you. Get to the same screen with a list of your QSO's like indicated above. Only now, instead of doing screen shots, you click on File, then Save Page As. Select a directory on your hard drive, give the file a name and hit save. You will get a directory named (whatever you entered for the file name) and a bunch of files in that directory. You will also get a file in the main directory with that file name. Send me the file name.html as well as all the files in the sub-directory. This is also pretty simple to do. In fact this might be 100% less work than taking all the screen shots. You do not have to send me everything zipped. You can send all the files as long as you do not alter the name of the html file. I can create the sub-directory on my computer and throw the files in there. Hopefully, we will get a few more painless suggestions to make it easier. I also need either the one of the Excel spread sheets that lists all the possible grids and the call you worked. I can then compare them to one of the above lists. 73...bruce On 6/24/2020 2:13 PM, Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> Certainly open to the alternate solutions. 73, >> Tanner W9TWJ > > Can't you give a screenshot of the LOTW "VUCC Satellite" list? Of course, > not all of those contacts will count towards GridMaster, but you could just > cross those out with any image editor. > > --Roy > K3RLD > (still 300+ contacts away from GridMaster) > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 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 n8hm at arrl.net Thu Jun 25 15:44:43 2020 From: n8hm at arrl.net (Paul Stoetzer) Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:44:43 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Now Available to AMSAT Members Message-ID: I am pleased to announce that all editions of the AMSAT Symposium Proceedings dating back to 1986 are now available as a benefit of AMSAT membership via the Member Resources section of our new membership portal at launch.amsat.org. If you're a current member and have not yet logged on to the portal, please do so to ensure that your information is accurate in the database and check out the online resources we have made available to all members, including Proceedings, all issues of The AMSAT Journal dating back to 2014, and a printable frequency chart listing currently available amateur satellites. If you're not a current member, now is a great time to sign up. Visit https://launch.amsat.org/ today! 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Executive Vice President AMSAT From briaandy at gmail.com Thu Jun 25 20:01:11 2020 From: briaandy at gmail.com (Andy Brian) Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2020 22:01:11 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Orbitron SDR# Message-ID: Hi, I set Orbitron and SDR# together successfully for doppler control ountil I tried to listen linear transponders likeRS44. How to set DDE to listen on frequency where I click inside SDR# any suggestions are welcome not jump alway on frequency of Orbitron selected? Andy From kk5do at arrl.net Fri Jun 26 15:51:51 2020 From: kk5do at arrl.net (Bruce) Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2020 10:51:51 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Congratulations to first AMSAT issued GridMaster Award References: Message-ID: Yes, as soon as we announced the award, someone was waiting in the wings to apply. I have finished checking Drew, KO4MA, application and he has been awarded the first AMSAT issued GridMaster Award #11. I am working on another that should be issued shortly. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 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 mountain.michelle at gmail.com Fri Jun 26 18:46:42 2020 From: mountain.michelle at gmail.com (Michelle Thompson) Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2020 11:46:42 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] San Diego Microwave Group - Let's talk about microwave digital broadband on ISS Message-ID: Here's an invite to the San Diego Microwave Group zoom meeting to be held this upcoming Monday evening (US Pacific 7pm). I will talk about putting ORI work (payload) on ISS at the meeting to get advice and feedback. This affects ground stations and testing for the payload equipment. This work directly benefits all AMSAT organizations. Being on the ISS was raised as a possibility this past week from the ARISS/AREx hardware summit meetings. The San Diego Microwave Group meeting is a regular technical roundtable on amateur microwave activities, questions, operations, and experiments. You don't have to make a presentation to be part of the call. If you want to be on the SDMG email reflector, send me an email at w5nyv at arrl.net and I will make sure it happens. Please forward to anyone you think would be interested. -Michelle W5NYV Topic: San Diego Microwave Group Time: Jun 29, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81927112936?pwd=UzROZ3MrQnFnTTdFVHgrNjlqaTZ1dz09 Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 Password: 487697 One tap mobile +16699006833,,81927112936#,,,,0#,,487697# US (San Jose) +12532158782,,81927112936#,,,,0#,,487697# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 Password: 487697 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcZzwZUYc5 -Michelle W5NYV "Potestatem obscuri lateris nescis." From jeff30339 at gmail.com Fri Jun 26 19:43:18 2020 From: jeff30339 at gmail.com (Jeff Johns) Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:43:18 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] San Diego Microwave Group - Let's talk about microwave digital broadband on ISS In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <60FD351E-697B-4125-B61A-E45544B1C791@gmail.com> Very cool! Please keep us posted! Jeff WE4B > On Jun 26, 2020, at 1:51 PM, Michelle Thompson via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > ?Here's an invite to the San Diego Microwave Group zoom meeting to be held > this upcoming Monday evening (US Pacific 7pm). > > I will talk about putting ORI work (payload) on ISS at the meeting to get > advice and feedback. This affects ground stations and testing for the > payload equipment. This work directly benefits all AMSAT organizations. > > Being on the ISS was raised as a possibility this past week from the > ARISS/AREx hardware summit meetings. > > The San Diego Microwave Group meeting is a regular technical roundtable on > amateur microwave activities, questions, operations, and experiments. You > don't have to make a presentation to be part of the call. > > If you want to be on the SDMG email reflector, send me an email at > w5nyv at arrl.net and I will make sure it happens. > > Please forward to anyone you think would be interested. > > -Michelle W5NYV > > Topic: San Diego Microwave Group > Time: Jun 29, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) > > Join Zoom Meeting > https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81927112936?pwd=UzROZ3MrQnFnTTdFVHgrNjlqaTZ1dz09 > > Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 > Password: 487697 > One tap mobile > +16699006833,,81927112936#,,,,0#,,487697# US (San Jose) > +12532158782,,81927112936#,,,,0#,,487697# US (Tacoma) > > Dial by your location > +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) > +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) > +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) > +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) > +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) > +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) > Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 > Password: 487697 > Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcZzwZUYc5 > -Michelle W5NYV > > "Potestatem obscuri lateris nescis." > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed > are solely those of the author, and 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 From wandtosborne at gmail.com Sat Jun 27 04:03:29 2020 From: wandtosborne at gmail.com (Wendy and Terry Osborne) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 16:03:29 +1200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Next rocket Lab Launch Message-ID: <74640d1b-4b6a-44e0-60c2-0b41fc194862@gmail.com> Hi Folks, The next Rocket Lab launch window starts 3 July 21:13 UTC (4th July 09:13 NZST). Expect streaming from their web site from about 21:00 UTC. See: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/ 73, Terry Osborne ZL2BAC From christophe.mcr at gmail.com Sat Jun 27 07:36:20 2020 From: christophe.mcr at gmail.com (christophe.mcr) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 09:36:20 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Friendlysat next attempt Sunday ! Message-ID: The winds at high altitude over Guyana are always very turbulent. The lVEga Launch is now scheduled for Sunday, June 28. However, confirmation will only be given 3 hours before. In the case of a flight delay, the schedule will be longer because interventions on the payloads will be necessary. The TLEs for Sunday are as follows for a launch at : 01:51:00 GMT June 28, 2020 1 74001U 20999A 20180.14839409 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 03 2 74001 97.4083 254.9751 0002442 66.7128 315.5488 15.10021540 03 The first 5 people to receive a decodable packet from AmicalSat will win a gift. Submissions can be made by sending the packet to satellite at adri38.fr or in the SIDS of satnogs (via the AmicalsatDecoder software or a Satnogs station). For AmicalsatDecoder see user manual : https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/master/ApplicationAmicalsat/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md 73 Christophe Mercier Amsat-f Chairman Garanti sans virus. www.avast.com <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> From m5aka at yahoo.co.uk Sat Jun 27 08:00:27 2020 From: m5aka at yahoo.co.uk (M5AKA) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 08:00:27 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellite talks streaming today References: <1855421473.7826914.1593244827807.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1855421473.7826914.1593244827807@mail.yahoo.com> The HamRadio Online 2020 event starts today at 9am BST (0800 GMT) and is being streamed live on YouTube. There are several Amateur Satellite talks, see the schedule at? https://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.com/news/2020/ham-radionline/ Stream:?https://youtube.com/watch?v=n4uKq1i0FzI 73 Trevor M5AKA From quadpugh at bellsouth.net Sat Jun 27 10:51:42 2020 From: quadpugh at bellsouth.net (Nick Pugh) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 05:51:42 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] driver help References: <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$@bellsouth.net> Hello AMSAT-rs I have an old usb to serial converter. The new drivers won't work Can you point me to where I can download the old drivers that will work under Windows 10? nick Cell 337 258 2527 Helping UL become a world Class Engineering and Educational School Disagree I Learn From wa4sca at gmail.com Sat Jun 27 12:29:49 2020 From: wa4sca at gmail.com (Alan) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 07:29:49 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] driver help In-Reply-To: <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$@bellsouth.net> References: <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$.ref@bellsouth.net> <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <001f01d64c7e$a7bcb200$f7361600$@gmail.com> It would be helpful if you would give some information on which device you have, chipset, etc. 73, Alan WA4SCA <-----Original Message----- References: <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$.ref@bellsouth.net> <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$@bellsouth.net> <001f01d64c7e$a7bcb200$f7361600$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Very likely a Prolific chipset, which Windows deprecated in 10. Perhaps you can google it with that info. Or get a new USB/serial converter with an FTDI chipset. On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 8:32 AM Alan via AMSAT-BB wrote: > It would be helpful if you would give some information on which device you > have, chipset, etc. > > 73, > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > <-----Original Message----- > > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > <_______________________________________________ > AMSAT- > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > From k9jkm at comcast.net Sat Jun 27 13:57:40 2020 From: k9jkm at comcast.net (JoAnne K9JKM) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 08:57:40 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] driver help In-Reply-To: References: <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$.ref@bellsouth.net> <123301d64c70$f21997e0$d64cc7a0$@bellsouth.net> <001f01d64c7e$a7bcb200$f7361600$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5EF75054.3050207@comcast.net> This site has the ancient drivers that pre-date the "you're not running a genuine prolific cable" test: https://miklor.com/COM/UV_Drivers.php I have the 3.2.0.0 drivers working on a Win7 and Win10 box. Keep in mind that these are old drivers, no updates offered, sometimes windows update might overwrite them when a microsoft update is perhaps being "too helpful". On 6/27/2020 8:16 AM, Burns Fisher via AMSAT-BB wrote: > Very likely a Prolific chipset, which Windows deprecated in 10. Perhaps > you can google it with that info. Or get a new USB/serial converter with > an FTDI chipset. > > On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 8:32 AM Alan via AMSAT-BB > wrote: > >> It would be helpful if you would give some information on which device you >> have, chipset, etc. >> >> 73, >> >> Alan >> WA4SCA >> >> >> <-----Original Message----- >> > > > >> > < >> > < >> > < >> > > > -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org From n3cal at md.metrocast.net Sat Jun 27 14:19:12 2020 From: n3cal at md.metrocast.net (Cal Spreitzer) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 10:19:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event Message-ID: <000001d64c8d$eec6bd30$cc543790$@metrocast.net> The 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event (Independence Week Celebration) starts Wednesday, July 1, 2020 -1300 UTC and runs through Wednesday, July 8, 2020 (0400 UTC) This will be my second year representing Maryland as "K2F" from FM18. I will be working most FM and Linear birds throughout the week. If you need Maryland feel free to drop me a line for a particular schedule or just tune in. 73, Cal/N3CAL FM18 From k0jm.mark at gmail.com Sun Jun 28 00:01:00 2020 From: k0jm.mark at gmail.com (Mark Johns, K0JM) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 19:01:00 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-180 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins Message-ID: AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-180 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT, 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 commun- icating 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: * AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Now Available to AMSAT Members * Ham Talk Live Episode on Satellite Etiquette * ASEE Presentation on CubeSatSim * CAS-6 Becomes TO-108, Added to AMSAT TLE Distribution * AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2020 Board of Directors Election * ARISS Volunteer VK5ZAI Named Member of the Order of Australia * Upcoming Satellite Operations * ARISS News * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-180.01 ANS-180 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 180.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE 2020 June 28 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-180.01 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMSAT office is closed until further notice. For details, please visit https://www.amsat.org/amsat-office-closed-until-further-notice/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Now Available to AMSAT Members All editions of the AMSAT Symposium Proceedings dating back to 1986 are now available as a benefit of AMSAT membership via the Member Resources section of our new membership portal at launch.amsat.org. If you're a current member and have not yet logged on to the portal, please do so to ensure that your information is accurate in the database and check out the online resources we have made available to all members, including Proceedings, all issues of The AMSAT Journal dating back to 2014, and a printable frequency chart listing currently available amateur satellites. If you're not a current member, now is a great time to sign up. Visit https://launch.amsat.org/ today! (ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Ham Talk Live Episode on Satellite Etiquette Popular internet podcast "Ham Talk Live!" this past week featured an episode on Satellite Etiquette. The podcast, which uses the format of a radio call-in show, streams live on Thursdays at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (0100z in the current Daylight Time regimine), can be replayed on You- Tube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1FnCczwUikw1aKsTqMR9g as Episode 218. Podcast host, Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, conducted interviews with Kevin Zari, KK4YEL and Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President - User Services about basic satellite operating etiquette as well as how to conduct satellite operations special event stations, such as roamers and during events such as Field Day. [ANS thanks @HamTalkLive on Twitter for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ CAS-6 Becomes TO-108, Added to AMSAT TLE Distribution The CAS-6 (TQ-1) microsatellite was launched December 20, 2019 on a CZ-4B launch vehicle from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China. CAS-6 (TQ-1) was developed by the Chinese Amateur Satellite Group (CAMSAT) and in cooperation with China?s commercial satellite manufac- turer. CAMSAT completed the design and manufacture of the amateur radio payload, and manages the on-orbit operation of the payload. The satel- lite carries CW and digital telemetry beacons and a linear transponder. The deployment of the amateur antennas was delayed due technical and COVID-19 issues, but was completed on June 20, 2020. Currently the beacons are carriers only, and the transponder operates with about 2 seconds on and 5 seconds off. At the request of CAMSAT and the CAS-6 team, AMSAT hereby designates CAS-6 (TQ-1) as TQ-OSCAR 108 (TO-108). We congratulate the owners and operators of TO-108, thank them for their contribution to the amateur satellite community, and wish them continued success on this and fu- ture projects. Frequencies for the intended radio amatuer mission are: ? CW Telemetry Beacon: 145.910 MHz ? AX.25 4.8kbps GMSK Telemetry: 145.890 MHz ? U/V Linear Transponder Downlink: 145.925 MHz, 20 kHz bandwidth ? U/V Linear Transponder Uplink: 435.280 MHz, Inverted Operator reports indicate that the transponder is active only for brief intervals of about 2 seconds, spaced approximately seconds apart. With patience, and quick transmissions, QSOs have been completed. CAS-6 (NORAD Cat ID 44881) has been added to the AMSAT distributions of Two Line Element (TLE) sets beginning from June 25, 2020. Watch for possible future changes to the satellite name in future TLEs. [ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations & OSCAR Number Administrator; Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager; and Alan Kung, BA1DU, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ASEE Presentation on CubeSatSim At this week's American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) virtual national conference, AMSAT's VP of Educational Relations, Alan Johns- ton, Ph.D., KU2Y, presented a paper on the use of the AMSAT CubeSatSim in the classroom. His paper "The CubeSat Mini Project: Experiences with an Introductory Freshman Electrical and Computer Engineering Course" described the use of the CubeSatSim in the spring of 2019 at Villanova University. In addition to building CubeSatSims, the students also built tape mea- sure Yagi-Uda antennas, tracked amateur radio satellites, and listened to morse code telemetry using SDRs. The CubeSatSim is a low cost sat- ellite emulator that runs on solar panels and batteries, transmits UHF radio telemetry, has a 3D printed frame, and can be extended by addi- tional sensors and modules. It can be built for about $200. Details about the design and use of the simulator are in a series of articles in the AMSAT Journal. More information on the AMSAT CubeSatSim is available at https://cubesatsim.org or by contacting Alan at ku2y at amsat dot org or on Twitter @alanbjohnston. [ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP Educational Relations for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2020 Board of Directors Election The nomination period for this year's AMSAT Board of Directors election ended June 15. The following candidates have been found to have their membership in good standing and their nomination credentials in order: Howard DeFelice, AB2S Mark Hammond, N8MH Jeff Johns, WE4B Robert McGwier, N4HY Bruce Paige, KK5DO Paul Stoetzer, N8HM This year, AMSAT will be electing three voting members of the Board of Directors. These will go to the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes. In addition, there will be two alternates chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received. Further details regarding the mechanics of the election will appear in ANS in the near future. Ballots will be mailed to the AMSAT membership by July 15th based on a membership list that will be generated as early as July 1. Members are encouraged to use the AMSAT Membership Portal at launch.amsat.org to verify that their membership is in good standing and their mailing address is correct. [ANS thanks Brennan Price, N4QX, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS Volunteer VK5ZAI Named Member of the Order of Australia Veteran Amateur Radio on the International Radio Station (ARISS) volun- teer Tony Hutchison, VK5ZAI, has been honored as a Member of the Order of Australia in Queen Elizabeth?s Birthday Honours List. Hutchison was recognized ?For significant service to amateur radio, particularly to satellite and space communication.? The Australian Government?s Depart- ment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet noted that Hutchison is one of 10 official ARISS telebridge stations to the International Space Sta- tion, as well as a HamTV ground station. Hutchison?s station has served as the ham radio contact point for ISS crew members to speak with schools and groups on Earth via ham radio, when a contact location is not within the footprint of an ISS pass. The students connect via a teleconference line from their school to the telebridge station, and then with the astronaut using ham radio. Hutchison provided communication support for contacts with Australian astronaut Andy Thomas, VK5JAT/VK5MIR, during Thomas?s tour on the Rus- sian Mir space station, and he enabled the first school contact with Mir in 1993. As part of ARISS, he helped 65 schools prepare for ARISS contacts and used his telebridge station for 58 ARISS contacts through- out the world. He is a member of AMSAT-VK. ?Tony?s been an ARISS mentor for years, and was lead of Australia?s mentors,? ARISS-International Secretary Rosalie White, K1STO, said. ?He enjoyed talking to the Mir crews long before.? White said that Hutchison, who is in his early 80s, remains involved in the ARISS pro- gram. Licensed in 1960, Hutchison became interested in satellite com- munication in 1965 with OSCAR-3. ?Although I received the honour, I would like to share it with all team members I work with,? Hutchison said. ?If it wasn?t for the work that all the ARISS-International volunteers do, this award would never have been given.? An investiture ceremony is tentatively set for this fall. [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team men- tors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Upcoming Roves: Quick Hits: CM86, 6/26. W6KSR: Will be on a few passes on Friday from CM86, EM19, 6/27 & 6/28 KE9AJ : Will be at the farm with FM and Linear gear. FM25 and Maybe FM26, @KM4LAO Now though 6/28. Ruth will be at the beach, no schedule yet! EM58/EM59, 6/29 @KX9X will be heading out to the grid line between 14:00 and 22:00. Watch his twitter feed for updates. <- Updated EM57 & EM67 (Saturday 7/11 & 7/12) N4DCW <-Change of grids! FN45 & FN46, VE2FUA, 7/12 & 7/13: Chris is heading out to a little known state (to rovers at least) called Maine. Might want to get him while he is there. Major Roves: @WY7AA is heading out again!!! Starting July 13th DN63 (Some Day passes) DN64 fir a few days of fly fishing then DN55 ? DN68, and getting home on July 31st?. DL88: Ron (@AD0DX) and Doug (@N6UA) are making another run at the elu- sive DL88 in Big Bend National Park, TX. As we know they tried this grid back in March, and due to the mud couldn?t get to the grid, so never ones to quit, off they go again. Today the tentative date is Monday July 6th, 2020. They will be using the K5Z call sign. More in- formation is available at the K5Z QRZ Page. Please submit any additions or corrections to Ke0pbr (at) gmail.com [ANS thanks Paul Overnfor, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events Want to see AMSAT in action or learn more about amateur radio in space? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meet- ings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. Due to COVID-19, many hamfest and events around the United States have been cancelled or postponed. While we make every effort to ensure the information contained below is correct, there may be some that we missed. We wish all of you safekeeping and hope to be at a hamfest near you soon. Current schedule: * Shelby NC Hamfest (Contact N4HF for info or if you want to help.) Phil Jenkins, N4HF, is planning to present a forum ? and set-up/man an info table ? at the Shelby NC Hamfest Friday/Saturday Sept 4 & 5. (the ?fest runs Sept 4-6, but he?ll probably only be there Friday and Saturday). Demos possible if additional volunteers step up. A copy of the AMSAT hamfest brochure is available for download from: https://bit.ly/2ygVFmV This color brochure is designed to be printed double-sided and folded into a tri-fold handout. To include your upcoming AMSAT presentation and/or demonstration, please send an email to ambassadors (at) amsat (dot) org. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT VP-User Services for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Rohit Bokade, VU3OIR, has started a petition requesting a change to the Amateur Radio license in India to permit all grades of license to use the amateur radio satellites. In India, holders of the Restricted grade of license (VU3 prefix) are not permitted to use amateur radio satellites or communicate with the International Space Station. (ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information) + NASA's Perseverance rover is getting ready to launch to Mars in July, and it'll carry some very special messages with it. We already knew about the 11 million names and the statement "explore as one" writ- ten in Morse code. NASA revealed last week it'll also take a tribute to health care workers all the way to the red planet. The Persever- ance team installed a small aluminum plate showing Earth on top of a serpent-wrapped rod, a nod to the ancient Rod of Asclepius symbol for medicine. NASA said the plaque commemorates the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic and pays tribute to the perseverance of health care work- ers around the world. (ANS thanks cnet.com for the above information) + NASA has agreed to allow its astronauts to fly on reused Crew Dragon spaceships and Falcon 9 boosters beginning as soon as SpaceX?s third launch of a crew to the International Space Station, a mission expec- ted to launch next year. The space agency has modified its contract with SpaceX to permit reuse of spacecraft and rocket hardware. NASA had not previously approved the use of previously-flown spacecraft and rockets on missions carrying the agency?s astronauts into orbit. NASA said the contract modification allows for the extension of the Crew Dragon?s Demo-2 test flight ? which launched May 30 with astro- nauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, KE5GGX ? from two weeks to up to 119 days. (ANS thanks SpaceflightNOW for the above information) + NASA announced this week that it will rename its Washington headquar- ters after its first black female engineer, Mary Jackson, whose story was told in the hit film "Hidden Figures." Jackson was a research mathematician who was later promoted to become the agency's first black female engineer. The move by NASA comes as weeks of protests in the United States have sparked a national reckoning about systemic racism and racial inequality. (ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information) + Congratulations to Drew Blasbrenner, KO4MA, who has been awarded the first AMSAT issued GridMaster Award (#11)! The GridMaster award is available to all amateurs worldwide who submit proof with confirma- tion of contacts with each of the 488 maidenhead grids located within the contiguous United States of America. Contacts must be confirmed in writing, preferably in the form of QSL cards or via Logbook of the World (LoTW). This award was first introduced by Star Comm Group in 2014. AMSAT thanks Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, for not only sponsoring this award since its inception, but, also, entrusting AMSAT with the honor of carrying on this important award for the benefit of the entire AMSAT community. (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director, Contests & Awards, for the above infor- mation) + The San Diego Microwave Group will hold a Zoom meeting this Monday, June 29 at 7 p.m. U.S. Pacific Time (0200 UTC on June 30) with a pre- sentation by Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, concerning challenges of plac- ing an amateur microwave payload in space. Microwave on the ISS was raised as a possibility this past week from the ARISS/AREx hardware summit meetings. The San Diego Microwave Group meeting is a regular technical roundtable on amateur microwave activities, questions, op- erations, and experiments. Join Zoom Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 using Password: 487697. (ANS thanks AMSAT Board Member Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, for the above information). + Congrats to Joe Werth, KE9AJ, and Burt Demarcq, FG8OJ, for setting a new distance record on XW-2B on June 20. This was also the longest QSO recorded on any of the XW-2 series of satellites. FG8OJ located at FK96ig17, to KE9AJ at DM79IQ47 is 4,978 km. (ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, AMSAT Executive Vice-President, 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 and Remember to help keep amateur radio in space, This week's ANS Editor, Mark D. Johns, K0JM k0jm at amsat dot org From wd9get at amsat.org Sun Jun 28 03:12:24 2020 From: wd9get at amsat.org (Keith E. Brandt, WD9GET) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 22:12:24 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellites on N1MM? Message-ID: Working FD, logging via N1MM, but I don't see a way to shoehorn in my satellite contacts-- anyone broken the code? From erich.eichmann at t-online.de Sun Jun 28 09:27:49 2020 From: erich.eichmann at t-online.de (Erich Eichmann) Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 11:27:49 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] Modified Doppler.SQF Message-ID: Hi, I have uploaded a ZIP file, containing: a) a? modified? Doppler.SQF file (initially for testing and complementing before it replaces the present one in the SatPC32 setup file ). The file extends the previous data with the data from the Doppler.SQF file from JE9PEL. This excellent file contains the radio data for almost all satellites important for radio amateurs. To be compatible with other files I replaced the satellite names used in the file? by their AMSAT names (names used in nasa.all, nasabare.txt etc.). The modified file therefore manages a significantly larger number of satellites, especially newer ones than the previous one, already upon installation. The user doesn't need to add the satellites to Doppler.SQF himself. b) a modified AmsatNames.txt file. The file is required for use of Doppler.SQF with Space Track/Celestrak Keps files due to their? different satellite names. The file contains the satellite 'identifiers' for all satellites contained in the Keps file nasa.all (approx. 200 ) and the assigned AMSAT names of these satellites. c) ?the tool CreateAmsatNames.exe. The little program creates and updates AmsatNames.txt from nasa.all via mouseclick. The ZIP file can be downloaded here: www.dk1tb.de/NewDoppler.ZIP If you want to test the files it will be best to unzip Doppler.SQF and AmsatNames.txt into the sub folders CfgIII or CfgIV of the SatPC32 data folder (path shows up in the footline of menu 'Satellites'. Since the folder AppData in the path is hidden by default make hidden files and folders visible). Then they can be tested with the SatPC32 configurations 3 or 4 and 1 and 2 remain unchanged. To keep the present files you may rename them. Unzip CreateAmsatNames.exe into the SatPC32 program folder and start it with the File Explorer or add an entry to aux. file Programs.SQF. 73s, Erich, DK1TB From kk5do at arrl.net Sun Jun 28 20:29:18 2020 From: kk5do at arrl.net (Bruce) Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 15:29:18 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Field Day Results References: <01511c46-8f98-a573-b104-bea9428bce13.ref@arrl.net> Message-ID: <01511c46-8f98-a573-b104-bea9428bce13@arrl.net> I hope everyone had a good time for field day. Now the real fun begins. Submitting your score towards AMSAT Field Day. I worked 6 different satellites. A couple had only 2-3 of us on as other satellites were also passing over at the time. Here are some reminders. As the ARRL relaxed the rules allowing 1D stations to work everyone including other 1D stations and submit their score towards their club's score as well as their personal score, the scoring is going to be interesting. If you worked from home and you include the name of a club on your submission, the club will need to aggregate all the contacts and make sure there are no duplicate contacts. For example, home station K1XXX worked K2AAA on RS-44, EO-88 and CAS-4B. Home station K3AAA also worked the same 3 stations on the same 3 satellites. The club would not be able to claim the same stations twice. However, each of the home stations can submit the same 3 contacts as their own personal score unless they worked the same stations again on the same satellite with the same mode. Remember, only 1 contact per FM satellite is allowed. If your club had contacts from 10 members that submitted towards the club's score and they all worked the available FM satellites, you can only score one contact per satellite. Each of the home stations can submit one contact per FM satellite towards their personal score. All club's submitting a score this year need to submit their log. I would rather ask for this now than have to get them later. It will make it easier for me. I would prefer digital format, Excel spread sheet, ADIF, Word document, but not a PDF as they are not as easily searchable. Finally, all submissions need to be in to me no later than 11:59 PM Central Time on Friday, July 17, 2020. Send to either kk5do at amsat.org or kk5do at arrl.net or both. I will reply that I have received your submission. Include stories and pictures to make the journal article more interesting. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020 ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 athttp://www.amsatnet.com Podcast athttp://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/amsat From mrtoburen7 at gmail.com Sun Jun 28 21:02:15 2020 From: mrtoburen7 at gmail.com (MrToby) Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 16:02:15 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Satellites on N1MM? Message-ID: I edited the cabillo file with my SAT QSOs. Used the transmit frequency as the log frequency. Marshall, AA0FO From christophe.mcr at gmail.com Sun Jun 28 21:06:08 2020 From: christophe.mcr at gmail.com (christophe.mcr) Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 23:06:08 +0200 Subject: [amsat-bb] VEGA V116 new attempt early 29/06/20 Message-ID: Dear A new attempt on June 29th. The TLEs that can be used for Amicalsat are : 1 74001U 14999A 20181.14829195 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 08 2 74001 97.4083 254.9750 0002456 34.4284 347.2671 15.09685390 05 see http://amicalsat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/pages/contribute 73 Christophe Mercier AMSAT-F Chairman From ks1g04 at gmail.com Mon Jun 29 01:00:11 2020 From: ks1g04 at gmail.com (Stephan Greene) Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 21:00:11 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event Message-ID: Speaking of 13 Colonies, I'll be representing Virginia as "K2B" from FM18, and possibly FM19 or FM08 on 7/3 and 7/4 (TBD). I plan to prioritize the linear satellites but will give FM a try if the pass is not too crazy. I expect to be on late afternoon/evenings on the work days and more frequently on July 3 and 4. (July 5 looks to have a lot of family activity, so "staycation mode"). I will try to announce plans on Twitter (hashtags #13Colonies #amsat #K2B). Likely QRG will be 5kHz ABOVE passband center (+/- QRM), computer-controlled. On AO-7, around 145.438-.440 unless there is a rover operating (I'll move up). More info on the event at http://13colonies.us (note new URL from prior years). This will be my first year representing 13 Colonies instead of chasing the stations on HF. All QSL (they have a very nice design for 2020) is through each state's QSL manager (link from 13 Colonies or each call's qrz.com page). If you need my grid or Virginia on LOTW, please tell me, and I'll switch to my own call so we can log it. If you are in one of the 13 Colonies states, it's not too late to contact your state coordinator and join the fun! 73 Steve KS1G FM18 --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Cal Spreitzer To: Cc: Bcc: Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 10:19:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event The 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event (Independence Week Celebration) starts Wednesday, July 1, 2020 -1300 UTC and runs through Wednesday, July 8, 2020 (0400 UTC) This will be my second year representing Maryland as "K2F" from FM18. I will be working most FM and Linear birds throughout the week. If you need Maryland feel free to drop me a line for a particular schedule or just tune in. 73, Cal/N3CAL FM18 From matthias.bopp at dd1us.de Mon Jun 29 10:06:47 2020 From: matthias.bopp at dd1us.de (Matthias Bopp) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:06:47 +0000 Subject: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) In-Reply-To: <19389FEE-05BB-4D52-9F7A-528E2797CFFF@gmail.com> References: <21497E65-C180-4A10-9202-2DEF0C01CD4A@gmail.com> <19389FEE-05BB-4D52-9F7A-528E2797CFFF@gmail.com> Message-ID: Dear all, Last weekend the traditional Ham Radio Fair in Friedrichshafen/Germany had to be held as a virtual conference "HAM RADIO ONLINE". There were many interesting presentations also about the QO-100satellite which are still online. This is the agenda: https://www.darc.de/fileadmin/filemounts/gs/oeffentlichskeitsarbeit/Veranstaltungen/HAMRADIOnline/HAMOnline_Sendeplan_200627_03.pdf Here are some of the links: Youtube video with several presentations about QO-100: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4uKq1i0FzI from 1:25:40 until 2:01:00 interview with Peter DB2OS (president of AMSAT-DL) Status of QO-100 from 3:00:30 until 4:35:00 presentation of Charly DK3ZL DXpedition in southern Africa activating Namibia, South Africa and Botswana via QO-100 from 11:30:20 until 11:54:55 presentation of Patrick DO8PAT How to get started on QO-100 Charly25 project team: Charly25SDR goes ES'Hail2 - QO100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEU9zeXtinE DARC YL Steffi DO7PR Contact with Antarctica via QO-100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7I8RGmKa5s&feature=youtu.be Severin DL9SW QO-100 - how to get QRV -concepts and instructions how to build your station https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTok1zE_fJU&feature=youtu.be Heiner DD0KP School stations for QO-100 donated by AMSAT-DL and DARC to various schools https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOCprzjJU-k&feature=youtu.be Andreas OE3DMB LoRA based APRS via QO-100 with omni antenna and very low power https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZQ13fAXcs8&feature=youtu.be Wolfgang OE1WBS and Nicolas OE1NBS Frequency Sync Box for QO-100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jerbwNb4TVI&feature=youtu.be Kind regards Matthias www.dd1us.de -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- Von: Jean Marc Momple Gesendet: Mittwoch, 24. Juni 2020 18:39 An: Matthias Bopp Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, whining....(Was need HEO..please..) Dear All, See trailing mails below, it is quite encouraging to see the very positive comments, technical input and suggestions about the subject. Hopefully, more will contribute and eventually we will under the leadership and collaboration of all the AMSAT?s organisations globally have a roadmap to achieve a global coverage. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Jun 24, 2020, at 2:51 AM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > Hi Bill, > > Your question is difficult to answer as there are so many trade-offs which can be made (including but not limited to frequency bands, modulation schemes, propulsion systems etc.). > > If you look how AO10, AO13 and AO40 were constructed they had specific shapes and sizes to accommodate for the various necessary feature of a HEO mission carrying and analog transponder. > > Especially the propulsion systems for getting a satellite from > geostationary transfer orbit to a high elliptical orbit were rather big. Getting a satellite into a geostationary orbit by its own propulsion system will be even worse. > > It also depends how you want to stabilize the satellite in orbit. AO13 > was using a magnetorquing system, AO40 was using momentum wheels with > magnetic bearings. In a HEO orbit you can avoid saturation of the momentum wheels by using the magnetic field of the earth while passing perigee. As far as I know in a GEO orbit you need again a propulsion system for this as the magnetic field in a distance of 36000km is too small. > > With respect to the link budget on VHF and UHF to a satellite in HEO > orbit you need quite some space for appropriate antennas. The free space loss for a distance of about 40000 kms (one way) is quite significant (168dB on VHF and 177dB on UHF) and thus you want as much gain for the VHF/UHF antennas on the satellite as feasible to reduce the effort on the ground station. > > I suppose that the GOLF team has a good plan how to do this, which is certainly a challenge. As far as I know they will be first in getting a V/U transponder in a HEO orbit with a 3U Cubesat. > For sure it would be great to see another Phase 3 satellite ! > > Maybe someone from the GOLF can step in and provide some more details. > > Kind regards > > Matthias > > www.dd1us.de > > > > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- > Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Bill Gaylord > via AMSAT-BB > Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 21:50 > Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org > Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, > whining....(Was need HEO..please..) > > What about putting a larger Cubesat (multiple U) into a highly elliptical orbit? > >> On Jun 23, 2020, at 2:42 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >> >> ?Hi Jean Marc, >> >> If remember right, Sigi DG9BFC and Sandor DM4DS were the first who modified the Pluto using a better TCXO and for sure they helped a lot of other HAMs to get it done or even did the modification for them. >> >> Simon not only enabled us to use SDR-Technology in a nice ready-made >> software package but also added satellite tracking capabilities to his software. And for sure Mike, Daniel, Andrej and several others are providing a great service to our Ham Radio Community with their software and by sharing their experience. It is all about learning from each other as life is too short to do all on our own. >> >> The Cubesat frame structure, quite some components and even the deployment systems have been successfully standardized and thus it got much easier to build and get them launched. >> Still each successful deployment of them is a remarkable accomplishment by the teams behind. >> >> I am afraid that developing and building a HEO or GEO-payload and getting a launch for it is a world of difference. >> >> But of course, one can learn from the Cubesat projects. Standardizing the frame structure and the subsystems might be one of the key factors to make your dream true and to succeed with a constellation of such satellites. >> I agree the chances should be much higher to accomplish this >> ambitious goal if cooperating across countries and continents. I am not so familiar with the international Ham Radio organizations and thus I cannot judge whether IARU is a suitable organization to facilitate such an international effort. >> >> In my humble opinion the main challenge is to find an appropriate launch opportunity for a HEO respectively a rideshare for a GEO. For sure it is nowadays not easier than at the times of AO10, AO13 and AO40. >> Also here leveraging international resources and relationships should help. Maybe we can find another sponsor like Es'hailSat. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Matthias >> >> www.dd1us.de >> >> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >> Von: Jean Marc Momple >> Gesendet: Dienstag, 23. Juni 2020 19:24 >> An: Matthias Bopp >> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >> >> Roger and QSL, Mathias, >> >> Yes, seems that the Pluto is quite popular on QO-100 particularly with the TXCO modification posted on the WEB (sorry to the author I do not remind his call and name), positive feedback received from many. >> >> Yes, Simon did a great job and I take this opportunity to congratulate him for same, his baby is being used by so many guys now that if it was a commercial venture he would be very rich selling it. So, I believe that all of us using his software, which has taken surely took a lot of effort and hard work, should somehow contribute and compensate him with at least a beer or something for his starving dog to motivate him for further improvement of his superb soft as most of us tend to believe that everything should be free of charge on the net. This also applies to many other HAMs devoting a lot time and hard work for the community (over years) such as my friends Mike (DK3WN) and Daniel (EA4GPZ) who both wrote a lot of TLM decoders for many birds, also Andrei (UZ7HO) for his modems which are great, just to mention a few (as there are many more). >> >> That said I really believe that if we want more birds such as HEO or GEO to have a truly global coverage we need to think big as a worldwide community and also contribute to it (each one within its own means and possibilities), however a common focus vision and goal across the globe is required to make it happens. Our leaders globally may wish to give it a thought) and work together a strategy/plan. I am ready do help and surely many others. >> >> I really appreciate the effort and work of all the ones doing such a great job of putting us in space and also wish to also congratule /thanks them for their hard work (some were mentioned on this topic). >> >> We need to think big (with unfortunately shallow pockets) but if we try hard we may succeed with a constellation of birds and 24 hrs coverage across the globe, just a dream I wish to share to all, it is possible if we can federate all HAM organization around the planet (may be through IARU?) and get support from some sponsors. >> >> Just thinking aloud and dreaming this side, but with no dreams we go nowhere... >> >> 73 >> >> >> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >> >> >> >>> On Jun 22, 2020, at 9:15 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >>> >>> Hi Jean Marc, >>> >>> It is a pity that your Minitiouner and Pluto are damaged. I hope you can possibly repair one or the other ... >>> >>> Actually, I prefer the Lime-USB for narrowband operations on QO-100. >>> >>> I modified the Pluto for external reference and thus it is also stable. Yet I use it mostly for DATV-TX. >>> >>> I agree that SDR-Console is a great tool for operations via QO-100 and the majority of the QO-100 operators are meanwhile using it. >>> Simon has spent a lot of work on getting the Lime-SDR and Pluto-SDR working fine including locking the RX chain to the PSK beacon. >>> I remember in the "hot phase" of his development which lasted about >>> 3 months several Beta-Testers including myself spent many hours in testing the various beta-versions from Simon. >>> >>> I am looking forward to talk to you again on QO-100- >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> Matthias >>> >>> www.dd1us.de >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>> Von: Jean Marc Momple >>> Gesendet: Montag, 22. Juni 2020 18:43 >>> An: Matthias Bopp >>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>> >>> Mathias, >>> >>> Yes, the Minitiouner is really great for ATV, unfortunately mine is kaput due to an accidental short circuit cause by my dog (hi!) and therefore less active on ATV these days. I need to order another one but waiting for commercial opening of the airways to Europe. >>> >>> I prefer the Lime as the Pluto drift is annoying (but manageable), anyway my Pluto also kaput due to same incident stated above so using the Lime. >>> >>> All these relatively cheap hardware and a computer makes it so easy and open such great experiments. As a matter of fact with a RTL SDR costing only US$24 I uploaded more than a million of Telemetry frames to various organisations such as Satnogs, Funcube, AMSAT (Foxtelem), Universities, even to Harbin for the Lunar bird, etc. >>> >>> Also to share, made many experiment with LNB?s for QO-100, modified quite a few LNB?s, tested many from the most expensive such as the Bullseye, Octagon, to the cheapest Chinese PLL (at US$ 3), all work fine on QO-100 with SDR Console (thanks to Simon Brown G4ELI) particularly with the GEO sync. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> >>> >>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>> >>> >>> >>>>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Matthias Bopp wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi Jean-Marc, >>>> >>>> Very good point. >>>> >>>> Actually if you use a Pluto you can use it also with a software based free solution to receive the WB Transponder without additional cost. >>>> >>>> To receive the WB Transponder I prefer the Minitiouner kits from REF or BATC for about 100 Euros which is still a very cost effective solution. >>>> >>>> Kind regards >>>> >>>> Matthias >>>> >>>> www.dd1us.de >>>> >>>> >>>> Originalnachricht >>>> Von: Jean Marc Momple >>>> Gesendet: Sonntag, 21. Juni 2020 17:38 >>>> An: Matthias Bopp >>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>> >>>> >>>> Dear All, >>>> >>>> Forgot to say a major positive about QO-100 which is the cost of setting up a Ground Station for narrow the band transponder, assuming that the PC is already available and that one use a Tx/Rx such as the Pluto or Lime SDR,s a few Chinese WiFi booster, a PLL LNB and a 80cm dish, the total cost is less than US$ 400. >>>> >>>> This is really attractive to students and for all Ham?s with modest means compared with buying any commercially available transceiver (or may be 2 actually) for satellite operations, thus cost of entry in QO-100 is really affordable to newbies, more these guys may immediately jump in real Dx QSO?s and learn the trade, this surely motivate them for further experimentation. Particularly in remote Islands like us in that part of the globe. >>>> >>>> My 1 cent additional input to the subject. >>>> >>>> 73 >>>> >>>> >>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>>> >>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 6:50 PM, Jean Marc Momple wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Mattias, >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for having corrected the matter which may have created wrong perceptions. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks to AMSAT DL, QARS and the sponsors who made such a great Radio Amateur bird possible, again congratulations for that. >>>>> >>>>> That said I wish to confirm/comment your last paragraph, as follows: >>>>> >>>>> In the Indian Ocean FR (mainly Reunion Island and 3B* Mauritius) we are only a few Hams. With HF not going through these days the hobby was somehow left on the side by some and QO-100 has really revived the activities. >>>>> >>>>> To share my personal case I was able to experiment microwave (2.4/10GHz) and modes such as ATV for the first time in my Ham life (licensed since 1977) as there was no-one around to be able to contact on these bands and modes. Now building a 3m dish experiment different types of feeds etc.. (some other local guys also and even students). >>>>> >>>>> In a nutshell a new world (or at least a half one) made available to us, many experimentations and learnings. I feel like again being 16 (age when I got my licence) as building antennas again, feeds, assembly of various components to build the QO-100 station. >>>>> >>>>> I just hope the ones not in coverage presently will get a in a Ham GEO coverage soon and hopefully will fully understand what it means really. >>>>> >>>>> 73 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Jean Marc (3B8DU) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On Jun 20, 2020, at 12:29 PM, Matthias Bopp via AMSAT-BB wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Paul, >>>>>> >>>>>> With all due respect. I already tried to explain to you less than >>>>>> 48 hours ago: this is not just a simple retuned hardware on >>>>>> QO-100 >>>>>> >>>>>> You stated "It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all." >>>>>> The payload was specified by AMSAT and during the design AMSAT did participate in all critical design reviews. AMSAT indeed first intended to build the transponders themselves. >>>>>> The owner of the satellite did trust the technical knowhow of AMSAT but for safety and insurance reasons the hardware was built by a professional company. >>>>>> Of course, QO-100 was coordinated via IARU and fully qualifies as an amateur satellite (payload). Therefore, it got the number 100 (from AMSAT-NA). >>>>>> >>>>>> You stated "The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies." >>>>>> Let me explain it in simple words so you understand: you cannot >>>>>> simply retune a WCDMA cellphone and use it as a 2m FM handheld transceiver The hardware in commercial satellite transponders is not meant to be a linear transponder with an AGC etc. >>>>>> In addition, there are no 2.4GHz/10GHz transponders on commercial satellites. >>>>>> Thus, the hardware had to be custom built for QO-100. The same is true for the uplink and downlink antennas. The only parts which are reused are the TWT PAs. >>>>>> >>>>>> So please, if you need help to understand the architecture or the published block diagram of the amateur payload please contact the responsible people of AMSAT-DL and they will be happy to help you. >>>>>> But please stop commenting about a satellite you have apparently no clue about or you do not understand the underlying technology. >>>>>> >>>>>> In any case, meanwhile there more than 1000 happy users in more than 100 countries who are enjoying QO-100 using many different operating modes. >>>>>> QO-100 has stimulated a lot of technical activities in the microwave bands and a lot of radio amateurs, who never used the microwave bands, learned how to build and operate a station with 13cm uplink and 10 GHz downlink. >>>>>> >>>>>> Kind regards >>>>>> >>>>>> Matthias >>>>>> >>>>>> www.dd1us.de >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht----- >>>>>> Von: AMSAT-BB Im Auftrag von Paul >>>>>> Stoetzer via AMSAT-BB >>>>>> Gesendet: Samstag, 20. Juni 2020 06:21 >>>>>> An: Joe Leikhim >>>>>> Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org >>>>>> Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] GeoSat OSCAR-2024 Positive comments, no, >>>>>> whining....(Was need HEO..please..) >>>>>> >>>>>> Joe, >>>>>> >>>>>> It?s important to note that QO-100 is not an amateur payload at all. The two transponders in amateur use are on-orbit commercial spares modified to tune to amateur frequencies. And, of course, there?s the risk that the spares may be needed for commercial service some day. >>>>>> >>>>>> The issue is that to get an American company to do this, you need millions of dollars up front and then probably millions of dollars a year to support it. It?s been looked into multiple times over the years and no one is willing to just give that away or even quote a price that?s remotely reasonable. >>>>>> >>>>>> I do take issue with your choice of words in describing GOLF-TEE as ?baby steps.? GOLF is a project that AMSAT has committed a large amount of money and man-hours to. It is a very significant project and will lead us back to HEO. Our engineering team is doing tremendous work and deserves the full support and encouragement of the amateur community. Sadly, I feel that support is often lacking and, frankly, our volunteers deserve better than that. >>>>>> >>>>>> If you want a HEO, support AMSAT and GOLF in any way that you can. AMSAT is 100% committed and I am personally 100% committed to making this happen for the community. >>>>>> >>>>>> 73, >>>>>> >>>>>> Paul Stoetzer, N8HM >>>>>> Executive Vice President >>>>>> AMSAT >>>>>> >>>>>> On Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 00:01 Joe Leikhim via AMSAT-BB >>>>>> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Robert; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> AMSAT has been in HEO before and can get there again. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The idea of my proposal is to piggy back on a willing commercial >>>>>>> satellite. The owner of that satellite would be handling the >>>>>>> necessary regulatory issues/problems. This idea has been >>>>>>> proposed before but convincing a commercial satellite owner to >>>>>>> attach unproven payload has always been an negative argument. No >>>>>>> longer, because OSCAR-100 is proven hardware and it should be considered. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Meanwhile GOLF-TEE can continue to take baby steps. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Looking for ideas to promote this idea. Be positive. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> Joe Leikhim >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Leikhim and Associates >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Communications Consultants >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Oviedo, Florida >>>>>>> >>>>>>> JLeikhim at Leikhim.com >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 407-982-0446 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> WWW.LEIKHIM.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: >>>>>>> https://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: >>>>>> https://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: >>>>>> https://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: >> https://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: https://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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From propgrinder at gmail.com Mon Jun 29 12:10:24 2020 From: propgrinder at gmail.com (Bob Hammond) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 05:10:24 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT opportunity? Message-ID: https://thespaceperspective.com/for-immediate-release/fly_to_edge_of_space/ Bob W7OTJ From kb2mjeff at att.net Mon Jun 29 14:23:56 2020 From: kb2mjeff at att.net (kb2mjeff at att.net) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:23:56 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <050801d64e20$ecfcd180$c6f67480$@att.net> Hi Cal and Steve. I won't be participating this year as a representative for NJ and DE(and even PA in the past to try to keep it going) as I'm still at my winter home in Florida. Over the last couple of years I wasn't successful in getting operators from ALL 13 colonies signed up. So to me it was a no show. With all the new 9700 linear operators , and large growing group of FM birders I would think this year that all 13 colonies might possibly be on the sats for the 13 colonies event? Let us all know.... 73 Jeff kb2m -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB On Behalf Of Stephan Greene via AMSAT-BB Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2020 21:00 To: Amsat-bb Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event Speaking of 13 Colonies, I'll be representing Virginia as "K2B" from FM18, and possibly FM19 or FM08 on 7/3 and 7/4 (TBD). I plan to prioritize the linear satellites but will give FM a try if the pass is not too crazy. I expect to be on late afternoon/evenings on the work days and more frequently on July 3 and 4. (July 5 looks to have a lot of family activity, so "staycation mode"). I will try to announce plans on Twitter (hashtags #13Colonies #amsat #K2B). Likely QRG will be 5kHz ABOVE passband center (+/- QRM), computer-controlled. On AO-7, around 145.438-.440 unless there is a rover operating (I'll move up). More info on the event at http://13colonies.us (note new URL from prior years). This will be my first year representing 13 Colonies instead of chasing the stations on HF. All QSL (they have a very nice design for 2020) is through each state's QSL manager (link from 13 Colonies or each call's qrz.com page). If you need my grid or Virginia on LOTW, please tell me, and I'll switch to my own call so we can log it. If you are in one of the 13 Colonies states, it's not too late to contact your state coordinator and join the fun! 73 Steve KS1G FM18 --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Cal Spreitzer To: Cc: Bcc: Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2020 10:19:12 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event The 12th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event (Independence Week Celebration) starts Wednesday, July 1, 2020 -1300 UTC and runs through Wednesday, July 8, 2020 (0400 UTC) This will be my second year representing Maryland as "K2F" from FM18. I will be working most FM and Linear birds throughout the week. If you need Maryland feel free to drop me a line for a particular schedule or just tune in. 73, Cal/N3CAL FM18 From aj9n at aol.com Mon Jun 29 15:14:46 2020 From: aj9n at aol.com (aj9n at aol.com) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:14:46 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-29 15:30 UTC References: <777484143.3734181.1593443686480.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <777484143.3734181.1593443686480@mail.yahoo.com> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-29 15:30 UTC ? Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: ? Don Bosco Haacht Technisch en Beroepsonderwijs, Haacht, Belgium, Multi-point telebridge via AB1OC (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS (***) The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Contact is go for: Fri 2020-07-10 10:49:51 UTC 27 deg (***) ? ? ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. ************************************************* ? ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates.? ? The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:? ? Postponed: No additional schools ? Cancelled: No additional schools ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? ? Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also. ? ? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? ? 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?2020-06-29 15:30 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. ? https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt ? ? The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-06-16 16:00 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf ? ? ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ??? ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ??? Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. ? ? Message to US Educators ? ARISS Contact Applications (United States) ? The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed. ? For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. ? Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education at gmail.com. ? 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 ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) 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. ? ******************************************************************************** ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) ? Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email to:? school.selection.manager at ariss-eu.org ? ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) ? Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. ? For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd at gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss at iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ ? ? ****************************************************************************** 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 https://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?? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts.? ? 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 ? ? The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ ? ? **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: ? Francesco IK?WGF with 140 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138 Sergey RV3DR with 133 Gaston ON4WF with 123 ? **************************************************************************** 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. ? ? ? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1390. Each school counts as 1 event.?????????????????????????????????? Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1323. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. ? A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. https://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: South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ? QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ? ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS ? **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts ? https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** ? Exp. 62 now on orbit Chris Cassidy KF5KDR Anatoli Ivanishin Ivan Vagner ? SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit Bob Behnken KE5GGX Doug Hurley ? **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie?Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ? ? ? ? ? ? ? From dave at g4dpz.me.uk Mon Jun 29 19:40:18 2020 From: dave at g4dpz.me.uk (David Johnson) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:40:18 +0100 Subject: [amsat-bb] FUNcube Warehouse problem In-Reply-To: <9h9Q.1593430830113837466.aqqN@groups.io> References: <9h9Q.1593430830113837466.aqqN@groups.io> Message-ID: <04927F65-6FE1-4DAF-A05B-10C449B3FA47@g4dpz.me.uk> Hi, A DNS change has occurred that is pointing data.amsat-uk.org to another machine. http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk is an alias and is working fine. I am trying to find out who did it and change it back. 73 Dave, G4DPZ From bwilkins at gmail.com Tue Jun 30 02:54:34 2020 From: bwilkins at gmail.com (Brian Wilkins) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 22:54:34 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-27 Message-ID: I may have missed a notice. AO-27 has not been heard. Did FD do it in or just taking a break? -- Brian Wilkins KO4AQF From saguaroastro at cox.net Tue Jun 30 03:00:20 2020 From: saguaroastro at cox.net (saguaroastro) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:00:20 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-27 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20200630030025.2878587DD@lansing182.amsat.org> I was going to ask the same question.?I hope not, it was nice having her back.73Rick Tejera (K7TEJ)Saguaro Astronomy ClubWww.saguaroastro.orgThunderbird Astronomy ClubWww.w7tbc.org -------- Original message --------From: Brian Wilkins via AMSAT-BB Date: 6/29/20 19:55 (GMT-07:00) To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-27 I may have missed a notice. AO-27 has not been heard. Did FD do it in orjust taking a break?-- Brian WilkinsKO4AQF_______________________________________________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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb From mountain.michelle at gmail.com Tue Jun 30 15:48:39 2020 From: mountain.michelle at gmail.com (Michelle Thompson) Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2020 08:48:39 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] San Diego Microwave Group - Let's talk about microwave digital broadband on ISS In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thank you to everyone attending San Diego Microwave Group's 29 June 2020 Zoom meetup. Part of the discussion was about the possibility of the AREx broadband digital microwave design being potentially deployed on the International Space Station. Since we've focused heavily on high earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and the lunar opportunity with Gateway, the challenges of low earth orbit (ISS) now need to be addressed. This will be an ongoing process. Here's what participants recommended at SDMG: Since there are LEO constellations up to and including Ka band, the tracking and doppler have been done. It's just a question of learning the requirements, design patterns, limitations, and techniques. We already incorporate the near-space communications recommendations from CCSDS, so we're in good shape there. HamTV on ISS is at 2.4 GHz, which while lower than our 5/10 GHz, has all the other aspects of broadband digital. There is plenty to be learned from there, and meetings are being set up to begin to collaborate with the principals of HamTV on deeply appreciated advice & next steps. Strong advice to eliminate antenna pointing. Use an antenna system in space and on the ground that does not require tracking, and that would dramatically increase adoption. With Adaptive Coding and Modulation, all sorts of systems can be accommodated. Meaning, a ground station that does track can use a directional antenna with a lot more gain, and get a much higher bitrate, while a station with a 120 degree field of view would get a lower bitrate, but would not have to track at LEO. This needs thorough link budgeting. We have several link budgets in Jupyter Notebook in progress at https://github.com/phase4space/payload-dmt If you are interested in helping here, welcome aboard. Testing for human rated spacecraft incurs a substantial increase in engineering, paperwork, and time requirements. Putting the equipment outside instead of inside does not eliminate the testing requirements. This is going to require advice/direction from ARISS. Space heritage of this type, where we are an external payload only requiring power, makes hosted payload options easier to negotiate. There are 5-6 GEO missions going up in the next 3 years that we could and should target. Doppler is a factor here, and we received strong recommendations about talking with particular ARISS team members with experience. We will be learning from and incorporating their advice in the very near future. Thank you all for supporting this project and being generous with your time, talent, and treasure. We are making excellent progress while providing all of our work to the general public, with AMSAT as a primary beneficiary, at no cost. Next meeting scheduled is an AREx technical team followup (from last Thursdays ARISS International review) on Thursday 2 July 2020. -Michelle W5NYV (One of your AMSAT Directors) On Fri, Jun 26, 2020 at 11:46 AM Michelle Thompson < mountain.michelle at gmail.com> wrote: > Here's an invite to the San Diego Microwave Group zoom meeting to be held > this upcoming Monday evening (US Pacific 7pm). > > I will talk about putting ORI work (payload) on ISS at the meeting to get > advice and feedback. This affects ground stations and testing for the > payload equipment. This work directly benefits all AMSAT organizations. > > Being on the ISS was raised as a possibility this past week from the > ARISS/AREx hardware summit meetings. > > The San Diego Microwave Group meeting is a regular technical roundtable on > amateur microwave activities, questions, operations, and experiments. You > don't have to make a presentation to be part of the call. > > If you want to be on the SDMG email reflector, send me an email at > w5nyv at arrl.net and I will make sure it happens. > > Please forward to anyone you think would be interested. > > -Michelle W5NYV > > Topic: San Diego Microwave Group > Time: Jun 29, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) > > Join Zoom Meeting > https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81927112936?pwd=UzROZ3MrQnFnTTdFVHgrNjlqaTZ1dz09 > > Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 > Password: 487697 > One tap mobile > +16699006833,,81927112936#,,,,0#,,487697# US (San Jose) > +12532158782,,81927112936#,,,,0#,,487697# US (Tacoma) > > Dial by your location > +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) > +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) > +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) > +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) > +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) > +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) > Meeting ID: 819 2711 2936 > Password: 487697 > Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcZzwZUYc5 > -Michelle W5NYV > > "Potestatem obscuri lateris nescis." > > From kk5do at amsat.org Tue Jun 30 17:33:37 2020 From: kk5do at amsat.org (Bruce) Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:33:37 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Field Day submissions References: <8D620C44-EC5B-4763-8294-31F1DE96F088.ref@amsat.org> Message-ID: <8D620C44-EC5B-4763-8294-31F1DE96F088@amsat.org> There will be a slight delay in both processing submissions and replying to email submissions. My computer SSD drive died during the night. Everything is backed up to NAS hourly and should not have lost anything. Will try the cloned drive first and then restore the latest files. Of course with an 8-10 year old PC this is a wonderful opportunity to upgrade to a newer PC. I do not like responding I received your submission from my phone because if there is an issue loading it on the PC then you will not be included. I always make sure it is on the PC first. 73...bruce Sent from my iPhone