[amsat-bb] OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Hello AMSATs, As we all know OSCAR is the abbreviatie of Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. To my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies. Can someone tell me how it is possible that many of the newer small satellites get a license to use ham radio satellite frequencies for only broadcasting data ? Many of these satellite missions are even not ham related, and those satellites only have a broadcast (downlink) radio onboard. Is this nowadays seen as amateur radio communication ? The word Education I read in many of the university CubeSat projects. Doing experiments on ham radio frequencies is like education, and I fully support this even when it is only available as a downlink at a CubeSat. When it comes to the education of building a satellite, with no ham related experiments, and where the amateur frequencies and the amateur community is used to collect only none ham payload data, I don't see this as a ham satellite. Then a 433MHz remote control toy-car should also be named a ham radio. We just ask one of those ISS astronauts to throw this toy-car out of the space station and we have another amateur satellite :o) I just wonder where is the border between an OSCAR and a satellite that uses ham radio frequencies for downloading its (none ham) payload data ? 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
William, you have a good point there, that needs some discussion indeed. Actually I do support the participation of radio amateurs in this kind of scientific effort. I find it very interesting and I am willing to spend some time and even money on it. However, I am frequently quite frustrated because these projects are often not well documented. So me and many others waste a lot of time just by finding out the signal parameters, modulation, how to decode, etc. It is often difficult to find TLEs and up-to-date information about the project and the status of the satellite. I think some of the project teams should pay more attention to provide as accurate as possible information and documentation to the amateur radio community. They have endless opportunities for that on the internet. Cheers Edgar DF2MZ Am 12.11.2011 12:32, schrieb William Leijenaar: Hello AMSATs, As we all know OSCAR is the abbreviatie of Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. To my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies. Can someone tell me how it is possible that many of the newer small satellites get a license to use ham radio satellite frequencies for only broadcasting data ? Many of these satellite missions are even not ham related, and those satellites only have a broadcast (downlink) radio onboard. Is this nowadays seen as amateur radio communication ? The word Education I read in many of the university CubeSat projects. Doing experiments on ham radio frequencies is like education, and I fully support this even when it is only available as a downlink at a CubeSat. When it comes to the education of building a satellite, with no ham related experiments, and where the amateur frequencies and the amateur community is used to collect only none ham payload data, I don't see this as a ham satellite. Then a 433MHz remote control toy-car should also be named a ham radio. We just ask one of those ISS astronauts to throw this toy-car out of the space station and we have another amateur satellite :o) I just wonder where is the border between an OSCAR and a satellite that uses ham radio frequencies for downloading its (none ham) payload data ? 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] This weekends ISS Shadow-Beacon Plasma Experiment
Only just seen this, hadn't realised there was a Space Plasma experiment using the 145.825 MHz packet system Space plasma experiment Shadow onboard International Space Station (ISS) with participation of radio amateurs http://knts.tsniimash.ru/Shadow/en/Overview.aspx Schedule http://knts.tsniimash.ru/Shadow/en/NewView.aspx?NewId=6ad52670-4421-4860-934b-2722cab3c97c 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: This weekends ISS Shadow-Beacon Plasma Experiment
Only just seen this, hadn't realised there was a Space Plasma experiment using the 145.825 MHz packet system http://knts.tsniimash.ru/Shadow/en/Overview.aspx I couldnt find the details about how they are going to capture data. Is it by Hams manually capturing files and then emailing them in? At first blush one would consider having all the APRS ground statis be IGates and send it all in, but that will not work, because the APRS Internet system (APRS-IS) filters out all dupes and only forwrds one copy. So when 20 statiosn receive the same thing (desired for this experiment) only one copy makes it through the internet. Maybe they have a different plan... But otherwise an interesting expriment. Bob, Wb4APR ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] ISS HF Antenna
The diagrams at http://knts.tsniimash.ru/Shadow/en/FAQ.aspx remined me that there is an HF antenna on the ISS for 10m http://www.ariss-eu.org/2002_01_26.htm Has the antenna ever been used and are there any plans for it ? 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: This weekends ISS Shadow-Beacon Plasma Experiment
Trevor mentioned: Only just seen this, hadn't realised there was a Space Plasma experiment using the 145.825 MHz packet system http://knts.tsniimash.ru/Shadow/en/Overview.aspx Bob mentioned: I couldn't find the details about how they are going to capture data. I was just on 145.825 MHz for the 76 degree elevation pass over Chicago. I noticed some subjective observations I could describe as the downlink seemed weaker than usual for a portion of the pass. This dear reader will continue to try to determine what kind of signal report will be most helpful for the experiment. It sounds interesting and I already have the equipment set up. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9...@amsat.org ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: This weekends ISS Shadow-Beacon Plasma Experiment
They explain it on their website. Results are submitted by e-mail Cheers Edgar Am 12.11.2011 15:25, schrieb Bob Bruninga: Only just seen this, hadn't realised there was a Space Plasma experiment using the 145.825 MHz packet system http://knts.tsniimash.ru/Shadow/en/Overview.aspx I couldnt find the details about how they are going to capture data. Is it by Hams manually capturing files and then emailing them in? At first blush one would consider having all the APRS ground statis be IGates and send it all in, but that will not work, because the APRS Internet system (APRS-IS) filters out all dupes and only forwrds one copy. So when 20 statiosn receive the same thing (desired for this experiment) only one copy makes it through the internet. Maybe they have a different plan... But otherwise an interesting expriment. Bob, Wb4APR ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website! http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html Stefan, VE4NSA On Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 6:13 AM, DF2MZ edgar.kai...@t-online.de wrote: William, you have a good point there, that needs some discussion indeed. Actually I do support the participation of radio amateurs in this kind of scientific effort. I find it very interesting and I am willing to spend some time and even money on it. However, I am frequently quite frustrated because these projects are often not well documented. So me and many others waste a lot of time just by finding out the signal parameters, modulation, how to decode, etc. It is often difficult to find TLEs and up-to-date information about the project and the status of the satellite. I think some of the project teams should pay more attention to provide as accurate as possible information and documentation to the amateur radio community. They have endless opportunities for that on the internet. Cheers Edgar DF2MZ Am 12.11.2011 12:32, schrieb William Leijenaar: Hello AMSATs, As we all know OSCAR is the abbreviatie of Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. To my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies. Can someone tell me how it is possible that many of the newer small satellites get a license to use ham radio satellite frequencies for only broadcasting data ? Many of these satellite missions are even not ham related, and those satellites only have a broadcast (downlink) radio onboard. Is this nowadays seen as amateur radio communication ? The word Education I read in many of the university CubeSat projects. Doing experiments on ham radio frequencies is like education, and I fully support this even when it is only available as a downlink at a CubeSat. When it comes to the education of building a satellite, with no ham related experiments, and where the amateur frequencies and the amateur community is used to collect only none ham payload data, I don't see this as a ham satellite. Then a 433MHz remote control toy-car should also be named a ham radio. We just ask one of those ISS astronauts to throw this toy-car out of the space station and we have another amateur satellite :o) I just wonder where is the border between an OSCAR and a satellite that uses ham radio frequencies for downloading its (none ham) payload data ? 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
- Original Message - From: William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 12:32 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] OSCAR or not OSCAR ? On Saturday, November 12, 2011 12:32 PM, William Leijenaar wrote: Hello AMSATs, As we all know OSCAR is the abbreviatie of Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. To my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies. Can someone tell me how it is possible that many of the newer small satellites get a license to use ham radio satellite frequencies for only broadcasting data ? Many of these satellite missions are even not ham related, and those satellites only have a broadcast (downlink) radio onboard. Is this nowadays seen as amateur radio communication ? The word Education I read in many of the university CubeSat projects. Doing experiments on ham radio frequencies is like education, and I fully support this even when it is only available as a downlink at a CubeSat. When it comes to the education of building a satellite, with no ham related experiments, and where the amateur frequencies and the amateur community is used to collect only none ham payload data, I don't see this as a ham satellite. Then a 433MHz remote control toy-car should also be named a ham radio. We just ask one of those ISS astronauts to throw this toy-car out of the space station and we have another amateur satellite :o) I just wonder where is the border between an OSCAR and a satellite that uses ham radio frequencies for downloading its (none ham) payload data ? 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar Hi William, PE1RAH Yes, I agree with you, but you and I we are talking always to the same people and some of them probably with their own interest as they are closely connected to some CubeSat projects. Most of them have no satellite ham spirit since they did not make the experience we did with OSCAR-6-7-8 + the RS + the FO and than with OSCAR-10, OSCAR-13 and AO40 My experience is, that they even don't want our support and advise.. from experience here in Italy, they don't trust and know everything better anyway.. they even don't trust other Universities within the same country, they see it more as a competition rather than a cooperation.. Every time I writeto my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate two way communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies I get insult from the above people because probably you and I we are considered as two of those old RF dinosaurs that like to experiment into space RF circuits building equipments and antennas from the VHF to Microwave. I believe that things will change only when a HEO satellite will be in orbit, hopefully P3E, because everyone will switch to it abandoning the actual non ham payloads and will stop to collect telemetry data for no ham related experiments. Best 73 de i8CVS Domenico ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] SatPC32, Gpredict etc.
There are a huge number of tracking/station control programs out there. We eventually pick one that meets our needs and learn how to use it. My main interest is in the user interface and ease of use. When we use any program for a long time it starts to seem to seem to be intuitively obvious how to use it in much the same way a carpenter finds it intuitively obvious that the next mark on the ruler past 19/32 is 5/8. Here is a short video showing parts of my feeble attempt. There might be an idea or two in there that you can use or a nit or two that you can pick. It will look a bit better if you select 480P and use full screen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et65kkqPvZY -- Sent from my computer. 73 W9KE tom ... ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Uplink power for working ARISSat-1?
Hi, Thought I would give the ARISSat transponder a try. Any recomendations from those that have worked it. I have available a 9 element yagi and about 20W at the feed point Is this likely to work or do I need a few kW ? Thanks John G7HIA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Just my 2 cents worth, Whichever side of the debate you happen to be on, and I can see both sides, there is one thing to be said in favour of the so called beep sats They keep our frequencies warm whilst we wait for bigger and better satellites 73 John G7HIA From: i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it To: William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com; Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, 12 November, 2011 19:55:25 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ? - Original Message - From: William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 12:32 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] OSCAR or not OSCAR ? On Saturday, November 12, 2011 12:32 PM, William Leijenaar wrote: Hello AMSATs, As we all know OSCAR is the abbreviatie of Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. To my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies. Can someone tell me how it is possible that many of the newer small satellites get a license to use ham radio satellite frequencies for only broadcasting data ? Many of these satellite missions are even not ham related, and those satellites only have a broadcast (downlink) radio onboard. Is this nowadays seen as amateur radio communication ? The word Education I read in many of the university CubeSat projects. Doing experiments on ham radio frequencies is like education, and I fully support this even when it is only available as a downlink at a CubeSat. When it comes to the education of building a satellite, with no ham related experiments, and where the amateur frequencies and the amateur community is used to collect only none ham payload data, I don't see this as a ham satellite. Then a 433MHz remote control toy-car should also be named a ham radio. We just ask one of those ISS astronauts to throw this toy-car out of the space station and we have another amateur satellite :o) I just wonder where is the border between an OSCAR and a satellite that uses ham radio frequencies for downloading its (none ham) payload data ? 73 de PE1RAH, William Leijenaar Hi William, PE1RAH Yes, I agree with you, but you and I we are talking always to the same people and some of them probably with their own interest as they are closely connected to some CubeSat projects. Most of them have no satellite ham spirit since they did not make the experience we did with OSCAR-6-7-8 + the RS + the FO and than with OSCAR-10, OSCAR-13 and AO40 My experience is, that they even don't want our support and advise.. from experience here in Italy, they don't trust and know everything better anyway.. they even don't trust other Universities within the same country, they see it more as a competition rather than a cooperation.. Every time I writeto my opinion the function of OSCAR satellites is to facilitate two way communication between amateur radio stations using amateur radio frequencies and/or do experiments on those radio frequencies I get insult from the above people because probably you and I we are considered as two of those old RF dinosaurs that like to experiment into space RF circuits building equipments and antennas from the VHF to Microwave. I believe that things will change only when a HEO satellite will be in orbit, hopefully P3E, because everyone will switch to it abandoning the actual non ham payloads and will stop to collect telemetry data for no ham related experiments. Best 73 de i8CVS Domenico ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Uplink power for working ARISSat-1?
John, I hear my signal back very well with an 18 el crossyagi and 40 W TRX output. However so far nobody came back to CQ. I think your setup should work. Try CW. How about a sked tomorrow for the passes around 10:07 and/or 11:42? Cheers Edgar DF2MZ Am 12.11.2011 21:44, schrieb John Heath: Hi, Thought I would give the ARISSat transponder a try. Any recomendations from those that have worked it. I have available a 9 element yagi and about 20W at the feed point Is this likely to work or do I need a few kW ? Thanks John G7HIA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Hi Stefan, So the answer on my question if my 433MHz toy car, when I put it into space, can get an OSCAR number is YES! According to the AMSAT website you mentioned of course... :-P - My question was not specific if these satellites can or can't get an OSCAR number. My intention was more if they should be scheduled as a ham-sat (and with that using ham frequencies). I would recommend you to read the following IARU website! http://www.iaru.org/satellite/prospective.html (especially section VI. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES) It says the following: Organisations building satellites should compare their mission plans to the requirements of the amateur-satellite service. Then, they should determine if it is possible to comply with the requirements of the amateur-satellite service or if licensing and operation should be in some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. A. The purposes of an amateur satellite should be: (1) To provide communication resources for the general amateur radio community and/or (2) To conduct technical investigations in all respects consistent with the Radio Regulations. [See RR S1.56 and RR S1.57.] I have great doubts with many off those CubeSats, if they comply to number (1) The only communication resources they provide is for themselves by a cheap downlink system, by using hams to receive data for them. This is not for the general amateur radio community as mentioned in number (1)... The option they have is to go to some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. 73 de PE1RAH, William Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website! http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html Stefan, VE4NSA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
I would like to first say that yes, many of these Cubesats projects do a really poor job of providing information about themselves and they have a lot of room for improvement. Second that amateur bands are used not only for the fact that there are already established ground stations, but because getting licensed on some other piece of spectrum is a substantial investment of time and money, and many of the student projects simply don't have excessive reserves of either. Granted many of them would love to move off amateur bands, find a little open spectrum in the GHz range where they can blast data down at some incredible speed, in which case they could move more data in a few seconds then they could collect in a day, which makes things many design issues much easier. Alas when you tell a student to start filling out paperwork that may get a response before they graduate, and until then there isn't much they can do until they can lock down that parameter, chances are if they are smart they will run off to do something else like build a race car, or a robot and you loose someone else in the next generation of rocket scientist. Thirdly I have been reading the AMSAT-BB's for several months and I can see why there wouldn't be many people working on CubeSats hanging around. In order for anything productive to come of discussions like this, people from the CubeSat community need to be more involved but they aren't going to be inclined to do so when the conversations reads like dialog from Grumpy Old Men. Nano and Pico Satellites aren't a simple evolution of existing technologies but a large paradigm shift, one which I don't think anyone even now fully understands. When you don't have thoughtful discussions between both sides issues don't get addressed, and everyone's feelings get hurt. I would suggest using cubesat.org as a starting point. Anthony Odenthal KE7OSN President Amateur Radio Club at OSU On Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 13:34, William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi Stefan, So the answer on my question if my 433MHz toy car, when I put it into space, can get an OSCAR number is YES! According to the AMSAT website you mentioned of course... :-P - My question was not specific if these satellites can or can't get an OSCAR number. My intention was more if they should be scheduled as a ham-sat (and with that using ham frequencies). I would recommend you to read the following IARU website! http://www.iaru.org/satellite/prospective.html (especially section VI. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES) It says the following: Organisations building satellites should compare their mission plans to the requirements of the amateur-satellite service. Then, they should determine if it is possible to comply with the requirements of the amateur-satellite service or if licensing and operation should be in some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. A. The purposes of an amateur satellite should be: (1) To provide communication resources for the general amateur radio community and/or (2) To conduct technical investigations in all respects consistent with the Radio Regulations. [See RR S1.56 and RR S1.57.] I have great doubts with many off those CubeSats, if they comply to number (1) The only communication resources they provide is for themselves by a cheap downlink system, by using hams to receive data for them. This is not for the general amateur radio community as mentioned in number (1)... The option they have is to go to some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. 73 de PE1RAH, William Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website! http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html Stefan, VE4NSA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Uplink power for working ARISSat-1?
Hi John, With the antenna that you have I am sure that you should have no problem hearing your own downlink and maybe getting someone to respond to your calls. I had confirmed contacts earlier in the season when ARRISat-1 was first making passes and active during daylight hours here in the UK. My set up is just an Elk antenna mounted on a well made tripod, I put together a unit with a motor for rotation and tracking via any of the usual forms of software available - Mainly use SatPC-32. I have tried my Kenwood TS2000 or FT 736 and also an FT857 ( this does not have duplex operation) In terms of power which was your main question - I am using around 20 watts from the transmitter on UHF for the uplink on SSB. This is also my set up for many other contacts and operation and also use a Kenwood THD 7 for AO-51. During the past week while ARRIS -1 has once again been in good favour for daylight hours I have made regular CQ calls and heard my own downlink but sadly had no response from anyone. The very short time that you get of course with the satellite switching off makes it harder to get into the bird I listen for the rapid rise in the level of noise generated then use CW to look for my downlink ( around 145.290 Mhz)The signal level varies around S5 -S6 at best. Need to make the most of the current favourable conditions for this part of the world as with shorter hours of daylight and with regression it won't be long before loose operation for a spell. I wish you luck and look forward to hopefully hearing you active so that I can get another confirmed contact in my log. Congratulations to you on your success with the decoding of the BPSK - Maybe I should also be looking at following in your footsteps. Regards Ken Eaton GW1FKY ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] ANS-317 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-317 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-edi...@amsat.org In this edition: * 2011 AMSAT Symposium Wrap Up * This Week 50 Years Ago: OSCAR 1 Announcement * UKube-1 Final Design Approved * Strong Signals Received From Explorer-1 Prime Cubesat * ESA Sponsors Students to Attend the European CubeSat Symposium * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status - 7 November 2011 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-317.01 2011 AMSAT Symposium Wrap Up AMSAT News Service Bulletin 317.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. November 13, 2011 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-317.01 2011 Symposium Proceedings in Stock in AMSAT Store -- AMSAT Online Store Manager, Bruce Paige, KK5DO has added the Proceedings of the AMSAT-NA 29th Space Symposium and AMSAT-NA Annual Meeting to the AMSAT online store in the Publications Department: http://www.amsat-na.com/store/item.php?id=100190 If you were unable to attend the Symposium, this is your chance to get a copy of the Proceedings. Copies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $25.00. Symposium Media Post Processing --- Gould Smith, WA4SXM is writing an article for the Journal about the 2011 Symposium. Please email Gould any photos or links to your online image storage to include in the article to wa4...@amsat.org. Dan Schultz, N8FGV is requesting help from someone with professional grade sound editing software who is willing to invest a few hours in a project of importance to AMSAT's historical archives. Please contact Dan if you can help.: n8...@amsat.org. [ANS thanks the 2011 Symposium Committee for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-317.02 This Week 50 Years Ago: OSCAR 1 Announcement AMSAT News Service Bulletin 317.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. November 13, 2011 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-317.02 The AMSAT News Service is re-running the Project OSCAR Newsletters to commemorate the 50th anniversary of OSCAR 1. During the November/ December 2011 time frame you will be able to share the excitement of the launch campaign that started it all 50 years ago. The Newsletters were hand-typed back in 1961. Thanks to Don Ferguson, KD6IRE for scanning the original documents announcing OSCAR 1. - Project OSCAR Newsletter November 15, 1961 at 1345 PST First News Release, U. S. RADIO AMATEURS T0 LAUNCH PIGGY-BACK SATELLITE SUNNYVALE, CALIF. -- A hitch-hiking radio transmitter that will speak to thousands of amateur radio operators throughout the world is scheduled to be launched into space orbit next month, announced the American Radio Relay League. Weighing only 10 pounds, the satellite has been designed, built and tested by a group of California (Peninsula) radio amateurs organized as the Project Oscar Association of the League. OSCAR stands for Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. The radio ham's transmitter beacon will be carried into space aboard a scheduled space vehicle and will radiate signals in a world-wide amateur frequency band of 2-meters, radio amateur M. C. Towns, Jr. (Saratoga, Calif.) announced today. Transportation into space will be provided by an Air Force vehicle to be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Once in orbit, the Air Force vehicle will kick away the piggy-back radio amateur satellite, leaving it to follow its own course around the earth. The mother satellite will then continue to perform the experiments for which it was intended. Radio Amateur Towns, the Oscar Association Chairman, stressed that Project Oscar is a serious, civilian, non-commercial effort to obtain information from outer space, and to introduce radio amateurs and lay scientists to new concepts in outer space communication. This miniature radio transmitter will be tracked and observed by radio amateurs and all interested observers throughout the world. It will serve to instruct the radio amateur in the art of observing and tracking a moving space object. In addition, the mass of data gained from world-wide observations will provide information unobtainable by any other means. There are an estimated 300,000 licensed radio amateurs in the world, and the American Radio Relay League hopes a large number of these hobbyists will participate in the forthcoming experiments. Towns noted that the radio amateur has, in the past, been a pioneer in various fields of radio communication, and that hundreds of U. S. radio amateurs are now engaged in space research and other space activity. The 10-pound Oscar satellite consists of a low-power beacon transmitter contained in
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Thanks, Cubesats working within the amateur radio frequency spectrum are commanded by licensed ham radio operators with the same rights and requirements as all of us. Many of them use the frequencies to downlink vital satellite information as well as scientific experiment data. All of this is well within the amateur radio service rules and a very positive contribution by our community to science and education. Your question are valid and they need to be addressed in a constructive, supportive environment where the community works together. I would encourage you attend one or more of the many annual cubists conferences and engage these folks. You certainly have enough to offer! Now having said that, cubesats are a wonderful addition, not a threat and show the diversity of our community. I am always amazed by the ignorance displayed and self-proclaimed expert label used by some as an argument to deny parts of our community their right to use small satellites with amateur radio on board. Interestingly, none of the amateur radio operators working with cubesats have ever argued against HEOs or denied the rest of us that right by questioning how and why we use the spectrum! Fortunately, AMSAT NA and AMSAT UK and many others have recognized the potential and the inclusiveness of the community. Enough said, Stefan, VE4NSA On Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 3:34 PM, William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi Stefan, So the answer on my question if my 433MHz toy car, when I put it into space, can get an OSCAR number is YES! According to the AMSAT website you mentioned of course... :-P - My question was not specific if these satellites can or can't get an OSCAR number. My intention was more if they should be scheduled as a ham-sat (and with that using ham frequencies). I would recommend you to read the following IARU website! http://www.iaru.org/satellite/prospective.html (especially section VI. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES) It says the following: Organisations building satellites should compare their mission plans to the requirements of the amateur-satellite service. Then, they should determine if it is possible to comply with the requirements of the amateur-satellite service or if licensing and operation should be in some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. A. The purposes of an amateur satellite should be: (1) To provide communication resources for the general amateur radio community and/or (2) To conduct technical investigations in all respects consistent with the Radio Regulations. [See RR S1.56 and RR S1.57.] I have great doubts with many off those CubeSats, if they comply to number (1) The only communication resources they provide is for themselves by a cheap downlink system, by using hams to receive data for them. This is not for the general amateur radio community as mentioned in number (1)... The option they have is to go to some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. 73 de PE1RAH, William Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website! http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html Stefan, VE4NSA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR Acronym?
... OSCAR stands for Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio ... Why was it changed to OrbitING Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio? Did Orbital just sound too geeky for the masses? YES - the early citations from the 1960s had it as Orbital. WHO changed it to Orbiting ??? Clint, K6LCS Husband of the woman who owns the domain, thegrammarbitch.com ... (grin) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR Acronym?
On 11/12/11 21:49, Clint Bradford wrote: ... OSCAR stands for Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio ... Why was it changed to OrbitING Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio? Did Orbital just sound too geeky for the masses? YES - the early citations from the 1960s had it as Orbital. WHO changed it to Orbiting ??? I don't think it was changed so much as someone used a different word. The words orbital and orbiting are very close to each other. So close that I'll bet most people would not readily discern the difference. I learned it with orbital. I'd probably use that if talking with people, but hardly think that orbiting is bad. So use either. Orbital is better--or more historically accurate-- but not worth fights over (not implying you were thinking that). --STeve Andre' wb8wsf en72 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Not to mention the cost of launch to HEO. No one with the capability is giving it away or discounting it. John Sent from my iPod On Nov 12, 2011, at 8:43 PM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: Thanks, Cubesats working within the amateur radio frequency spectrum are commanded by licensed ham radio operators with the same rights and requirements as all of us. Many of them use the frequencies to downlink vital satellite information as well as scientific experiment data. All of this is well within the amateur radio service rules and a very positive contribution by our community to science and education. Your question are valid and they need to be addressed in a constructive, supportive environment where the community works together. I would encourage you attend one or more of the many annual cubists conferences and engage these folks. You certainly have enough to offer! Now having said that, cubesats are a wonderful addition, not a threat and show the diversity of our community. I am always amazed by the ignorance displayed and self-proclaimed expert label used by some as an argument to deny parts of our community their right to use small satellites with amateur radio on board. Interestingly, none of the amateur radio operators working with cubesats have ever argued against HEOs or denied the rest of us that right by questioning how and why we use the spectrum! Fortunately, AMSAT NA and AMSAT UK and many others have recognized the potential and the inclusiveness of the community. Enough said, Stefan, VE4NSA On Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 3:34 PM, William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi Stefan, So the answer on my question if my 433MHz toy car, when I put it into space, can get an OSCAR number is YES! According to the AMSAT website you mentioned of course... :-P - My question was not specific if these satellites can or can't get an OSCAR number. My intention was more if they should be scheduled as a ham-sat (and with that using ham frequencies). I would recommend you to read the following IARU website! http://www.iaru.org/satellite/prospective.html (especially section VI. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES) It says the following: Organisations building satellites should compare their mission plans to the requirements of the amateur-satellite service. Then, they should determine if it is possible to comply with the requirements of the amateur-satellite service or if licensing and operation should be in some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. A. The purposes of an amateur satellite should be: (1) To provide communication resources for the general amateur radio community and/or (2) To conduct technical investigations in all respects consistent with the Radio Regulations. [See RR S1.56 and RR S1.57.] I have great doubts with many off those CubeSats, if they comply to number (1) The only communication resources they provide is for themselves by a cheap downlink system, by using hams to receive data for them. This is not for the general amateur radio community as mentioned in number (1)... The option they have is to go to some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. 73 de PE1RAH, William Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website! http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html Stefan, VE4NSA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?
Stefan, I wholeheartedly support your comments. We made a conscious decision many years ago, that in retirement, we would support the Cubesat Program by downloading their telemetry, to give something back to the hobby. Being licensed nigh on 50 years ago and being part of the Amateur Satellite Service for most of those, I would like to think that these young Cubesat designers may become the Amateur Satellite builders of the future, but I doubt I that may be around to reap their rewards. Then again I have been mistaken before. Personally I do not care if a satellite has an OSCAR moniker, we just download whatever telemetry is available from the current Cubesat satellites to assist them in their ongoing analyses. This is not the first time this has been raised, as I remember a few years back, Bob Bruninga raising the topic in respect to one of the satellites he was involved in. Best regards, Colin VK5HI. -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Stefan Wagener Sent: Sunday, 13 November 2011 13:14 To: William Leijenaar Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ? Thanks, Cubesats working within the amateur radio frequency spectrum are commanded by licensed ham radio operators with the same rights and requirements as all of us. Many of them use the frequencies to downlink vital satellite information as well as scientific experiment data. All of this is well within the amateur radio service rules and a very positive contribution by our community to science and education. Your question are valid and they need to be addressed in a constructive, supportive environment where the community works together. I would encourage you attend one or more of the many annual cubists conferences and engage these folks. You certainly have enough to offer! Now having said that, cubesats are a wonderful addition, not a threat and show the diversity of our community. I am always amazed by the ignorance displayed and self-proclaimed expert label used by some as an argument to deny parts of our community their right to use small satellites with amateur radio on board. Interestingly, none of the amateur radio operators working with cubesats have ever argued against HEOs or denied the rest of us that right by questioning how and why we use the spectrum! Fortunately, AMSAT NA and AMSAT UK and many others have recognized the potential and the inclusiveness of the community. Enough said, Stefan, VE4NSA On Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 3:34 PM, William Leijenaar pe1...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi Stefan, So the answer on my question if my 433MHz toy car, when I put it into space, can get an OSCAR number is YES! According to the AMSAT website you mentioned of course... :-P - My question was not specific if these satellites can or can't get an OSCAR number. My intention was more if they should be scheduled as a ham-sat (and with that using ham frequencies). I would recommend you to read the following IARU website! http://www.iaru.org/satellite/prospective.html (especially section VI. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES) It says the following: Organisations building satellites should compare their mission plans to the requirements of the amateur-satellite service. Then, they should determine if it is possible to comply with the requirements of the amateur-satellite service or if licensing and operation should be in some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. A. The purposes of an amateur satellite should be: (1) To provide communication resources for the general amateur radio community and/or (2) To conduct technical investigations in all respects consistent with the Radio Regulations. [See RR S1.56 and RR S1.57.] I have great doubts with many off those CubeSats, if they comply to number (1) The only communication resources they provide is for themselves by a cheap downlink system, by using hams to receive data for them. This is not for the general amateur radio community as mentioned in number (1)... The option they have is to go to some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission. 73 de PE1RAH, William Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website! http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html Stefan, VE4NSA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions
