[amsat-bb] Re: why not to buy an M2 antenna
I am breaking with my normal practise of not posting to the amsat-bb: I have a M2 436CP42 which is even larger than the 436CP30. I have had it since about 1999 as it was used for AO-40 uplink. I wired mine in RHCP without the optional polarity switching relay so I have no direct experience with the relay. My antenna has performed just fine in the 14-years it has been mounted outside so the antenna is certainly of good construction. I made no extra protection other than good sealing of coax lines. The relay in question is probably not manufactured by M2 so quality may not be up to their usual standard? The white plastic obviously was not UV resistant. Instead of bemoaning this just replace it with a good coaxial relay like the CX140 from Tohtsu (or suitable substitute) which you can buy from DEMI, RF Parts and probably many ham dealers. I wonder if M2 even stocks these relays anymore? No comment on their customer service. You should have heard back from them. I have several M2 antennas in use: four 2mXP-20 for eme, 436CP42 AND 2m7 for satellite, 420-450-11 for general purpose UHF, and several splitters and other components all which perform well for over a decade in Alaska's wx. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 09:54 AM 12/10/2013, WA6FWF wrote: Well I look my antennas over each year but they have always been relatively easy to get at even when they were on a glen martin tower on the roof, I could see every other year if it is a major undertaking but based on his call he is in New York, to think you can put a antenna up and ignore it for years in a area with snow and freezing temps stretches reason. I'm also a fan of coax seal and some sort of coating on the elements, When I look my antennas over I'm checking for loose bolts and UV damage to plastic parts and coax, out on the west coast it is the Sun and heat that is the thing to worry about. 73 Kevin WA6FWF On 12/10/2013 10:32 AM, R.T.Liddy wrote: I'm neutral on this topic, but I was curious if the M2 Manual mentioned anything about maintenance. Here are the instructions: http://www.m2inc.com/pdf_manuals/436CP30.pdf There is no mention of maintenance. Of course, it would be a good idea to check things out regularly. But, depending on where the antenna is installed, it could be quite difficult to get to it once it's put up. I can't think of anyone that actually does yearly maintenance on their antennas. My rule of thumb is to anticipate what problems could occur and do what's necessary to avoid them during the initial installation. I always use Coax-Seal and spray the heck out of everything with clear Rustoleum. GL, Bob K8BL From: WA6FWF wa6...@sbcglobal.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:01 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: why not to buy an M2 antenna Might I ask what sort of preventative maintenance did you perform each year? 73 Kevin WA6FWF On 12/10/2013 8:46 AM, Lizeth Norman wrote: Purchased a M2 436CP30. Had a failure of the switching block in less than 5 years. White plastic cracked and allowed water to ingress to the switcher. Customer service?? No return call. Pics on request. Norm n3ykf ___ 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 ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW ___ 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] Use of Elecraft K3 or KX3 with satellite sw
I very rarely post anything to this reflector, but I have a question that maybe someone has already has done and has answers. Shortly Elecraft will be offering a 2m module for its popular new SDR radio, the KX3. This will provide 2m multi-mode operation using this nice little HF/6m radio. Some years ago I sold my old satellite radios (FT-847 FT-817) so am looking into a two radio configuration for cross-band duplex satellite operation. I have a K3 with 435-437 transmit capability using a Down East Microwave transverter and would be able to receive on 145 using the new KX3-2M combo. (I also still have my s-band downconverter and L-band up converter for if/when these bands are activated). What is unknown is if there is any sw support of the Elecraft radios on any satellite tracking sw? I am primarily interested in SSB thru transponders so frequency tracking under sw control would be nice. I have both NOVA and SatPC32. I have a tracking interface to control antenna tracking using a B5400 Yaesu az-el rotator. Both these radios have computer control ports. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW ___ 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: Experimental License for Cubesats
FYI: All US operators using 472-510 KHz (so called 600 meter band) are operating with experimental licenses. Several countries have already approve ham radio for parts of this band. WRC-2012 approved this use, but each country has to initiate ham radio service for their nationals to use it as hams. Also: Many space applications are approved as experimental stations. My former employer licensed use of orbiting GPS tracking service for sea-going buoys by obtaining an experimental license to use a Canadian-French Satellite (ARGOS) which had not obtained FCC sanction (or maybe should be called type acceptance) in the 403 MHz band. Most animal tracking is by satellite these days and often is licensed as experimental for the same reason: the satellite is not US licensed so their exists no normal US licensed service to use that satellite. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 (ARRL 600m Experimental Group) I wrote the experimental license application for my former employer. At 07:19 PM 11/20/2013, Arthur Feller wrote: Hi, Bill, Go to http://www.fcc.gov and search for experimental. Strongly suggest reading Part 5 of the FCC rules first. (See: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFRsearchPath=Title+5oldPath=Title+5isCollapsed=falseselectedYearFrom=2013ycord=161. You may have to wait for Title 47 (Telecommunications) to be added to the 2013 edition, then go to Part 5.) Make sure you have the version revised this year. Some thoughts for you. To the good: Experimental stations can be assigned to any frequency. Experimental stations may be licensed for all the purposes listed in Part 5 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. Commercial ideas can be tried out. Operators may be paid. Encryption may be used. Applications can be made online. The cost is somewhere around $100. To the bad: Operation is secondary to EVERYTHING. In case of causing harmful interference, the experimental station is required to cure the problem, which usually means being ordered to shut down immediately with no recourse. In case of suffering harmful interference, it must be tolerated. (Not a good options for significant investments in time and money.) Communication is normally permitted only with stations listed on the license. Communication with regularly licensed stations (including amateur) is forbidden. International communication is normally forbidden, unless administrations made arrangements in advance. International coordination is usually required. One more thing on sharing bands allocated to the amateur-satellite service. FCC now requires IARU coordination, though they didnt give IARU notice. (This story requires several 807s.) To help out folks who had already built projects thinking (erroneously) that they could fly as amateur, IARU worked out an arrangement to provide coordination service on a TEMPORARY basis. Coordination requested in the 144-146 MHz will no longer be provided for experimental stations after mid 2014. See 2013 AMSAT Technical Symposium Proceedings. IMHO, appropriate radiocommunication services and frequency allocations are already available, can provide international status, and should be applied for, rather than amateur-satellite service frequencies. Fees will be required, but FCC might waive their fees with a justified request. ITU fees are normally required, except for amateur stations. I hope this helps. 73, art .. W4ART Arlington VA On 20-Nov-2013, at 10:34 PM, Bill Ress b...@hsmicrowave.com wrote: Art, Aaah! I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for clearing it for me anyway. Can you point me to the FCC web link where I can understand (apply) for an experimental license for a Cubesat in the Amateur bands. Regards...Bill - N6GHz On 11/20/2013 4:29 PM, Arthur Feller wrote: Hi, Bill, By special arrangement earlier this year, IARU agreed to provide coordination service for experimental stations on an temporary basis. Many of the experimental station operators are also licensed amateurs, however that has no bearing on experimental station operation. More on this in the 2013 AMSAT Technical Symposium Proceedings. See the article by Hans, ZS6AKV. 73, art .. W4ART Arlington VA On 20-Nov-2013, at 06:11 PM, Bill Ress b...@hsmicrowave.com wrote: Hi Art, Now I'm a little confused by your comment that most Cubesats are licensed as experimental. On yesterdays Minotaur launch, 17 Cubesats are operated by Amateurs and were coordinated through the IARU. Regards...Bill - N6GHz On 11/20/2013 2:50 PM, Arthur Feller wrote: One thing we learned in bureaucrat school is that jumping to conclusions is not a healthy exercise. :-) FCC licensed most of the new cubes as experimental stations and not as amateur stations. Experimental stations may be assigned to any frequency, provided they do not cause harmful interference to stations operating in
[amsat-bb] Re: A reminder - Say Hi to Juno
It is my understanding the first use of gravitational assist going from one planet onto another was on the MVM-73 (MA-10) Mission to Venus and Mercury. I was involved in part of the MA-10 mission during Venus encounter when atmospheric density was measured by transmitting two different signals, one on 2-GHz and the other on 8-GHz. Comparison of difference in LOS times as the spacecraft passed behind Venus as viewed from earth measured the differential in bending of the signal thru the atmosphere. It was again measured by AOS times when the spacecraft re-emerged minutes later. Tracking stations in Australia participated. As one of the two Rx operators at DSS-14 at Goldstone during Venus encounter, it was quite an experience to be directly involved in the experiment. That was spring of 1974 (which is 39-years ago). MA-10 went on to Mercury to obtain the first close observation of that (up to that time mysterious) planet. I do not argue who was the discoverer of the effect. 72, Ed - KL7UW At 05:00 PM 10/8/2013, i8cvs wrote: Hi Glenn, AA5PK and All on the List Just to remind that the effect flyby was discovered more than 20 year ago by Prof. Giuseppe Colombo (SK) astrophisic at the University of Padova in Italy and NASA consulting scientist. Look please for him on Google 73 de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: Glenn AA5PK aa...@suddenlink.net To: SAARC List w5qx-t...@lists.rimbachvets.org; Star-Com BB starcom...@star-com.net; AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 8:12 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] A reminder - Say Hi to Juno Say Hi to Juno NASA's Juno spacecraft will fly past Earth on October 9, 2013 to receive a gravity assist from our planet, putting it on course for Jupiter. To celebrate this event, the Juno mission is inviting amateur radio operators around the world to say HI to Juno in a coordinated Morse Code message. Juno's radio plasma wave experiment, called Waves, should be able to detect the message if enough people participate. So please join in, and help spread the word to fellow amateur radio enthusiasts! http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/hijuno/ ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW ___ 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: Helix matching
Making these matching sections is not as critical as many made them out. Here is a 1420-MHz dish feed helix I built years ago. I used the same technique for the 2.4 GHz helix feed I used for AO-40. http://www.kl7uw.com/1420helix.jpg 73, Ed - KL7UW Joe: note the KLM-11 el yagi made from a KLM-22C I got from you years ago: http://www.kl7uw.com/HF.htm scroll down to set of three photos. The KLM-11 is mounted just below the tribander At 03:05 PM 9/27/2013, Joe Fitzgerald wrote: On 9/27/2013 8:57 AM, Robert Bruninga wrote: Why dont we see simple ¼ wave 75 ohm lines used as a first step in matching a 140 Ohm Helix to 50 ohms? In my limited experience, it's easier to diddle around with a strip of brass or copper at the feed end of the Helix.. For example: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/117.html I remember building a 1/4 wave coaxial matching section out of a piece of copper pipe with brass rod down the center.I think it was from a design in the ARRL antenna book as published in the late '70's. It was a pain to build since I had to sand down the brass rod to get it to the right diameter, and I was never really sure how well it worked, since I did not have any antenna instrumentation at the time. -Joe KM1P ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW ___ 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: Phase 3
Greg, Great story - I love it! To pick a service, the Marines have what is called CAN DO attitude - they have a great history of achievement. If all you have is CAN'T DO, you won't. Certainly one must know the fights to pick and those to skip. Fortunately there are a few who didn't listen to that. Ask just about any successful person how he made it. You probably will hear the many times they were defeated before succeeding. So keep on looking for a way to achieve your dreams! Can't will not. Quit never does. Amsat needs a professional salesman! You know how many times a salesman is told NO or no thanks? If you just quit no sales will ever be made! BTW I should say sales person. So think CAN DO and keep looking and asking and selling! 73, Ed - KL7UW I am pulling for P3E, but also open to suggestions At 11:48 AM 9/21/2013, Greg D wrote: Not to single out Michael on this, but I need to chime in. Realism has its place, but it also has its dangers. Too much of it, and you just might get your way. At work, several major programs were behind schedule. The teams were working hard, but cutting-edge work is never easy, and significant problems remained to be overcome. Our engineering manager sent out the following email, to remind us of our task: - There once was a bunch of tiny frogs who got together to arrange a competition to reach to the top of the highest tower in town. As the date for the competition was announced, the news spread everywhere and crowd in large numbers gathered around the tower to see this interesting competition and cheer on the contestants. The crowd did not really believe any of these little frogs were going to make it to the top of the tower. Yet they were curious The competition began, the frogs quickly started to ascend and the crowd cheered! As a few moments passed, someone from the crowd shouted, Not a chance that they will succeed! The tower is too high! Another spectator said, Yes, they will never make it to the top. It's way too difficult! As the competition continued, some of the tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one tired exhausted But the race continued as those who still had the fight left, passionately continued to climb higher and higher In the excitement and anxiety the crowd continued to yell, It is too difficult. No one will make it! More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. They all continued to give up one by one, until there was only ONE little frog left in the competition who continued to climb higher and higher and higher This one wouldnt give up! This one tiny frog who, after a big effort was the only one who reached the top! This little soul was the winner! He made it! He got the glory! Naturally, everyone wanted to know how this one tiny frog managed to pull it off when every other contestant gave up. Everybody wanted to know how this tiny frog had found the strength to reach this goal that everyone else thought it was impossible. So, they asked questions. It turned out that the winner was deaf. The Moral Of The Story Do not pay attention to what other peoples opinions are when it comes to your dreams and goals. Focus on your goal and march in confidence. People will always have opinions and generally a negative one. Do not pay any attention to them. I am inspired. I am deaf. Are you listening :-D ? --- I believe the AMSAT organizations across the planet will launch and operate the best fleet of Amateur Satellites that can be launched. Variety, including HEO, is and has always been a goal. We collectively are a creative bunch, and I know that there are technologies and options out there that we have not yet developed or identified, that will move us towards our goal. And when the satellites come, I will use them, with thanks. Greg KO6TH p.s. The first of the above referenced products will begin Release Candidate testing on Monday... Michael wrote: Trust me, no one out there wants me to be more totally wrong about P3-E than myself but my guess is that it will never ever see space. I want to be wrong soo bad but I'm a realist. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW ___ 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: Mars Flight In 2018
At 12:14 PM 2/27/2013, B J wrote: http://moonandback.com/2013/02/27/dennis-tito-and-team-outline-audacious-plan-for-mars-trip/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ 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 This excites and inspires like the original Apollo mission. I thought we would be going much sooner after the lunar landings, but I may live to see this done. That would be terrific. Not sure there is any ham radio opportunity with the mission. No harm in thinking about that. 2019 is 50-years after Apollo-11 landing on the Moon. 73, Ed - KL7UW ___ 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: Allocations in L-band
It was AO7 and the freq was 2304 MHz and not 1260. Because the frequency was set in the weak-signal band with no allocation for space-com the system was never activated. A huge disappointment to the members of the SBMS that designed and built it. Politics! I was a member of the sbms during that time. Ed - KL7UW, ex K8MWA and ex amsat #3212 At 07:31 PM 11/20/2012, Greg D wrote: I believe it was Oscar-7. Greg KO6TH Alan wrote: Someone years ago told me that one of the early amateur satellites had a mode-L beacon, but because the rules changed, it was never turned on. I haven't been able to verify or disprove this story. Alan WA4SCA -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Trevor . Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 4:10 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Allocations in L-band --- On Mon, 19/11/12, Richard Ferrymang4...@btinternet.com wrote: Just curious - Can someone enlighten me as to why there is no allocation for satellite downlinks in L-band (at least in the bandplans I have seen). There are uplinks around 1267 to 1269 MHz. Is it due to possibility of interference with commercial/military/aeronautical systems? I believe it dates back to a WARC conference in about 1971. Prior to that the Amateur Service had I believe been able to use any Amateur Frequencies just as they can still do for that other form of Space Communication - Moon Bounce (EME). Wayne Green W2NSD does make references to the loss of satellite frequencies a few times in his column in 73 Magazine from that era, see 73 Mag archive at http://archive.org/search.php?query=73%20magazine Although a separate service, the Amateur-satellite Service, was created they were only given access a limited sub-set of the Amateur Service frequencies. For the UHF and Microwave bands the satellite segments were all remote from the terrestrial weak-signal segment meaning separate equipment had to be built to work satellites. Back in those days even 435 MHz would have seemed remote from the 432 MHz weak-signal area due to the use of 28 to 432 MHz transvertors that only covered a narrow 2 MHz segment of the band. We share 432-438 MHz with commercial SAR satellites but why in the 70's we weren't allowed to use the whole of 432-438 I do not know. Maybe no-one thought to ask for the whole segment ? The same with 1260-1270, why it's there I don't know perhaps someone can enlighten us. The band 1260-1300 MHz is used for wideband Global Positioning transmissions from Galileo, see http://www.southgatearc.org/articles/galileo.htm Do restrictions that were applied to the Amateur-satellite Service 40 years ago (but not to Moonbounce) still have any relevance today ? again I don't know. Ideally the Amateur-satellite Service should have access to the weak-signal segments of all the UHF and Microwave bands for both Earth-to-Space and Space-to-Earth so we would only need to build one set of equipment on each band for both terrestrial and satellite working. It would be good if IARU were to work towards that objective. 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 ___ 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: Launch Costs (was-re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol. 7, Issue 312)
At 10:06 AM 9/25/2012, Bill W1PA wrote: Based on the economics, those of us with aspirations of having a HEO in the near future might be better off upgrading our set-ups for the high-reliability _passive_ HEO that is available (aka EME). With absolutely no intent at sarcasm, any pointers to articles on how to take a HEO-class station up to EME-capable? Are small station-small station QSO's possible on EME, or does at least one station have to look like W5UN or Arecibo? (ok, maybe a little sarcasm) Bill W1PA (sitting on some collapsible C-band dishes) ___ 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 Bill, I will break my current policy of not contributing info to amsat-bb and answer this one -- as I am one former HEO user that migrated to eme. In truth that began before the launch of AO-40. I copied my first eme signal in the fall of 1997 from a large eme station running CW. I used half of my 20T cushcraft 2m satellite antenna (the vertical half) and my ARR preamp. In 1998-99 I began building my eme station: http://www.kl7uw.com/eme144.htm I started with two M2 XP20 (ten-element yagi), an ARR P144VDG preamp and a 120w motorola repeater PA to work W5UN and KB8RQ on CW. This grew to my current four XP20 with polarity switching and better preamps plus 1300w PA (8877). Any one that still has an AO-40 class 2m antenna (at least 10-element and 13 dBi gain) with a good 2m preamp and at least 150w amplifier can become an entry-level 2m-eme station. You still probably will not be able to contact a similar equipped station but there are many stations like mine that you can work. Az-el tracking helps but not absolutely necessary. This is possible with smaller stations due to the digital sw called JT65. JT65 enables detection of signals 10-dB weaker than CW can be copied. The old standard station for CW eme was four ten-element yagis and 600w output (typ what one got from a pair of 4CX250's under the old 1000w maximum dc input regulation). One yagi is 6-dB less than four and 150w is 6-dB less than 600w, totaling a drop of 12-dB. With two 13-dBi yagis and 400-600w one can work stations of the same size (though it may be difficult at times). JT65 is available FREE and downloaded from: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/ click the link to WSJT and download WSJT9.3 Those that are serious about trying eme should consider subscribing to the MoonNet e-mail reflector where one can find plenty of help getting started: http://www.nlsa.com/nets/moon-net-help.html The above suggestion is provided to those stations that miss HEO sats and desire more technical challenge than they experience with FM LEO (orbiting repeaters). I will reply directly to inquiries or questions but will not post further on amsat-bb. 73, Ed - KL7UW 600m - 3cm EME: 50/144/432/1296/3400 http://www.kl7uw.com/ ___ 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: Ham Spirit
Enough. I unsubscribe - there I am finally finished with anything to do with amsat. Ed - KL7UW ex-member 3212 (worked on AO-6) and now ex bb subscriber! At 02:58 PM 5/30/2012, you wrote: The interesting thing is that this issue was brought up and caused by three EU hams. Why and how this type of thing always seems to degenerate into a commentary on the general ham condition and a personal war wages between people who were not even in the original event is an interesting statement in itself. I wonder if I can get a refund on my membership. We surely do need more satellites if nothing else than to spread you guys out. John - AG9D On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 4:44 PM, Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.netwrote: Back to Eric's original question: Where is the ham spirit these days? Well, I ask, WHEN did the true spirit of ham radio CHANGE to the point where we can demean fellow hams in public message groups - WITHOUT simply contacting an offending ham privately to see if we could help them with their system? A simple email message to the offending station asking if he was able to hear the bird ... If he has had any problems with the FM birds in the past ... and find out if he knew he was accidentally stepping on another ham ... THAT'S what any responsible amateur radio licensee should have done FIRST. And THEN write up the experience here. Something like ... Hey, guys and gals. Was working SO-50 earlier this week, and booming in with a strong signal was K6LCS. That's the good news. The bad news is that he was stepping on everyone else - as if he could not hear the downlinks from the bird. I called him up (his phone number is all over his Web sites) and we both identified the problem: a shorted earpiece cable forced him to work without his normal receive audio setup. He profusely apologized ... and he is not really a repeat offender. LESSON LEARNED: Purchase quality audio accessories! Instead, the original message criticizes a fellow ham ... and two more fellow hams publicly chime in with, Way to go, Eric! - before finding out the facts of the matter. Call me old school, I guess. But I am not changing. Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm == ___ 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] Kits made by KL7UW
I am starting up a kit making service for assembling certain kits made by Downeast Microwave. For those that do not want to make their own kits, or maybe its gotten too difficult, or just don't have the time. This a one-man business so I will only be able to build a limited number per month. My price is the same as offered by DEMI assembled, plus shipping which should be medium-size flat-rate priority mail in the US. I am expecting to be able to deliver within 30 days of receipt of paid order. I am not carrying any inventory so this allows shipping time to obtain kits and any other materials, and time to test the finished product plus ship to the customer. At this time I am limiting this to the VHF/UHF 25w Transceiver kits. In a couple months I hope to add three amplifier kits from Communications Concepts, Inc. If there is a something special you want assembled contact me. Use the link in the signature line for details. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm == ___ 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: Probably a silly idea...
AS I understand there are four antennas on the ISS available for ham use. So why does a package have to go outside? It can be installed inside, use ISS power, be turned on/off by astronauts at will or even unplugged? No batteries, no rocket propulsion, dangerous chemicals, no space-rated enclosure, no EVA. Last time I propose this I was told to shut my mouth and go away. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 08:02 AM 1/18/2012, Trevor . wrote: PCSAT-2 did exactly that on the ISS in July 2005, however, it was returned to Earth Sep 2006. It requires an expensive EVA to install and there may be frequency coordination issues with the two amateur radio stations already on the ISS. I wonder what the capabilities of the Kibo Robot Arm are ? I believe it can attach payloads to the exterior Exposed Facility (EF) with the need for an EVA. 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Wed, 18/1/12, Raidel Abreu Espinet cl2...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: From: Raidel Abreu Espinet cl2...@frcuba.co.cu Subject: [amsat-bb] Probably a silly idea... To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Wednesday, 18 January, 2012, 16:06 Hi all, This is probably a silly idea but who knows ARRISat-1 was a wonderfull satellite but with a short life. The ISS instead is a wonderfull platform, of course I know how difficult is to install inside it new radios and antennas for cross-repeaters, but how difficult is really to take a small box and firmly attach it to some low risk part of the ISS, the satellite-box will use its own power solar cells and antennas and the ISS is just the carrier. It may be something silly but probably not difficult, if the astronauts made a hand launch with ARISSat-1/KEDR why can not them just hold it with latches in a low risk part of the ISS. Of course if a battery is a risk we can just design a simple system capable of work only in sun light. If you think this is a bad idea, just ignore it, if not, well who knows, may be some day an astronaut attach an small satellite in the ISS side 73, Raydel, CM2ESP Este mensaje ha sido enviado mediante el servicio de correo electronico que ofrece la Federacion de Radioaficionados de Cuba a sus miembros para respaldar el cumplimiento de los objetivos de la organizacion y su politica informativa. La persona que envia este correo asume el compromiso de usar el servicio a tales fines y cumplir con las regulaciones establecidas. ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com Coming Soon - Kits made by KL7UW == ___ 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: Probably a silly idea...
My thinking is this package could be designed as the (needed) upgrade/replacement for the existing digi-peater/ham radio equipment used in the school contact program. The advantage is a long-term orbiting transponder with much easier maintenance access. As with most of the advanced satellites being put up one would have a fully functional spare. Since the environment would be much more friendly so the unit could be built modular for additional ease in maintenance. To aid in the selling to NASA, I propose the telemetry system be provided with data-ports for connection of school experiments in support of STEM. Thus Amsat would be providing comm support in those programs. A local mic, power on/off and channel selector would enable astronaut use (both for ham and personal use). So we hams would get part of what we want while providing support of what NASA wants. Get creative on what this could do. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 09:54 AM 1/18/2012, Edward R. Cole wrote: AS I understand there are four antennas on the ISS available for ham use. So why does a package have to go outside? It can be installed inside, use ISS power, be turned on/off by astronauts at will or even unplugged? No batteries, no rocket propulsion, dangerous chemicals, no space-rated enclosure, no EVA. Last time I propose this I was told to shut my mouth and go away. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 08:02 AM 1/18/2012, Trevor . wrote: PCSAT-2 did exactly that on the ISS in July 2005, however, it was returned to Earth Sep 2006. It requires an expensive EVA to install and there may be frequency coordination issues with the two amateur radio stations already on the ISS. I wonder what the capabilities of the Kibo Robot Arm are ? I believe it can attach payloads to the exterior Exposed Facility (EF) with the need for an EVA. 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Wed, 18/1/12, Raidel Abreu Espinet cl2...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: From: Raidel Abreu Espinet cl2...@frcuba.co.cu Subject: [amsat-bb] Probably a silly idea... To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Wednesday, 18 January, 2012, 16:06 Hi all, This is probably a silly idea but who knows ARRISat-1 was a wonderfull satellite but with a short life. The ISS instead is a wonderfull platform, of course I know how difficult is to install inside it new radios and antennas for cross-repeaters, but how difficult is really to take a small box and firmly attach it to some low risk part of the ISS, the satellite-box will use its own power solar cells and antennas and the ISS is just the carrier. It may be something silly but probably not difficult, if the astronauts made a hand launch with ARISSat-1/KEDR why can not them just hold it with latches in a low risk part of the ISS. Of course if a battery is a risk we can just design a simple system capable of work only in sun light. If you think this is a bad idea, just ignore it, if not, well who knows, may be some day an astronaut attach an small satellite in the ISS side 73, Raydel, CM2ESP Este mensaje ha sido enviado mediante el servicio de correo electronico que ofrece la Federacion de Radioaficionados de Cuba a sus miembros para respaldar el cumplimiento de los objetivos de la organizacion y su politica informativa. La persona que envia este correo asume el compromiso de usar el servicio a tales fines y cumplir con las regulaciones establecidas. ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com Coming Soon - Kits made by KL7UW == ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com Coming Soon - Kits made by KL7UW == ___ 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: ESA lunar probe
At 09:11 AM 11/5/2011, R Oler wrote: I wrote: (and the time delay makes it well a unique form of transportation)..transportation should obviously be communication. the reality of a lunar transponder (or even a packet system) would be that it would encourage a lot of things that the FM sats do not...and discourage a lot of bad things...it wont happen I know because of a lot of reasons...but it would change our hobby and the satellite part of it for the better. RGO WB5MZO life member AMSAT ARRL NARS sent from my IPAD From: orbit...@hotmail.com To: w7...@comcast.net CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] ESA lunar probe Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 10:59:48 -0500 Bob...its been done here a zillion times...it wont be done with an HT and a small yagi...it will however be possible whereas a Mars effort is really not possible for anyone except Goldstone class stations (and the time delay makes it well a unique form of transportation). A small linear transponder with some horizon omni gain antennas would be a challenge, but it would be easier then moonbounce Robert G. Oler WB5MZO life member AMSAT ARRL NARS Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 06:54:32 + From: w7...@comcast.net To: orbit...@hotmail.com CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ESA lunar probe Just for the sake of conversation and thinking. What would the link budget look like for a transponder on the moon. Bob W7LRD From: R Oler orbit...@hotmail.com To: Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Friday, November 4, 2011 4:10:00 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] ESA lunar probe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15574653 to bad there cant be an amateur radio payload even a really small one...this probe should be longer lived then most as it should have a constant energy source... Wonder why the Europeans are thinking of sending Phase 5A to Mars? It will probably never fly and almost no hams can be a part of that...so well why not send it to L2 in the Earth Moon systems...a halo orbit... Robert G. Oler WB5MZO Life Member AMSAT ARRL NARS Using my MRO Calc program: http://www.kl7uw.com/MROCalc.xls with 10w output 6 dBi antenna on the Moon (e.g. corner reflector) average lunar distance = 370,000 km ground receive antenna gain = 18 dBi (e.g. M2-436CP42) Rx NT=40K Tsky=70K Tant=40K Freq. 437 MHz bw =4.7Hz for JT-65 a signal of -23 can be seen (which is fairly good signal level for reception of JT-65). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: Kansas City Tracker
I have my original PacardBell P100 desktop with win95 which has been gathering dust on a shelf. It has ISA slots and parallel port which would probably be ideal for running KC Tracker. I offer it for sale for $50-OBO (as-is with keyboard and mouse but no monitor) plus shipping (best to go parcel-post from my zip 99635). I kept it since these old machines have little or no residual value in case I wanted to run some old legacy sw. But I also have a IBM P90 Thinkpad with win95 for this purpose (I also use it for packet and a DOS cw keyboard program). 73, Ed - KL7UW At 12:35 PM 11/3/2011, Robert McGwier wrote: Since it has been a while since these have been up on the list, I want to remind folks that this requires an early early early generation slot, called an ISA slot. The drivers for the card are STRICTLY DOS 6.2 and earlier interrupt handlers and are zero likely to work on a modern windows machine. If you have an old machine with ISA slots, running DOS, this board was one of the engineering marvels of its time and should still work beautifully on Yaesu rotators today. You will need Quiktrak or IT to run it (again, DOS computer programs). Bob N4HY On Thu, Nov 3, 2011 at 4:09 PM, Al Ozias aloz...@copper.net wrote: Surplus KCT I have at my QTH a Kansas City Tracker board with a printed manual and a copy of the KCT.ZIP file. The owner of the board, George-WA5KBH, would like to find it a home. To acquire it contact me (Al-N7EQF) directly by email. The cost of acquiring the item is to pay for the shipping cost (flat rate priority mail envelope), commit a donation to AMSAT and promise not to ask me any questions concerning how to install, configure, or operate it (I do not know). The board is un-tested and may or may not work, no known reason to suspect it's condition. Thanks - Al - N7EQF __**_ 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb -- Bob McGwier Facebook: N4HYBob ARS: N4HY ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: ARR Preamp Help
Another thing that may have gone is the RF sensing circuit that is probably set for 25w max. RF switched preamps are more susceptible to burn-out as they rely on fast switching of the preamp bypass circuit. Even a few milliseconds delay will allow enough RF energy to zap the delicate GasFet in the preamp. This is why we suggest using a sequencer to control RF switching before RF is generated. Its not done much by satellite operators but very common by mw and eme stations. Some high-end radios have transmit RF delay settings available in their menu. if you radio has such, add 50-100 ms delay will provide much more protection. You know re-reading your comments I wonder if you transmitted 440-MHz thru a 144-MHz preamp? The RF sense circuit might not detect 440 as well as 144 MHz. That is why radio with separate VHF and UHF antennas are preferred. Best to return to ARR for repair - it is a flat rate. I have repaired many ARR P144VDG over the years. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 12:48 PM 8/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote: Thanks for the responses everyone. And Dee, no, I am not a handy tech - obviously! I transmitted probably 2-3 times through it using 35w, 1-2 second each, then it blew. Like you, Mark, I am a little surprised it blew so quickly, but oh well. Thanks! Zack KD8KSN (aka reckless preamp handler) =P -Original Message- From: Dee Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2011 3:51 PM To: 'Zachary Beougher' ; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] ARR Preamp Help You have blown it--If you are not a handy tech. - Send it back to ARR and they have a flat fee for repairs. Check with them on the internet. 73, Dee, NB2F -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Zachary Beougher Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2011 3:40 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] ARR Preamp Help Hi All, I was monitoring some passes while mobile today, and amidst all of the confusion of messing with coax and frequencies, I accidently transmitted on 440, through the preamp, with 35w (the relay is rated at 25w). I thought I had switched the VFO back to 2m, but I guess not. It was only for a split second, but since that every time I turn the preamp on it automatically knocks out all received signal. Does anyone have any idea on what I need to do/check to see what I did to it? I have heard of this happening, I just need to know what path to take now to get it fixed. It is worth mentioning that I can receive fine with the preamp in-line, but the minute I throw the power switch it knocks out all receive (just static, no received audio). I have not changed any of the connections, so having a coax hooked up backwards is not the issue. Thanks, Zack KD8KSN ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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] TLM Rx 1579utc
My system received 5 frames of Telemetry and 2 Frames of Kursk - while I was sleeping! Yeah, I set the radio to 145.920 and had the telemetry program running, and went to bed after the utc pass over Alaska. That was only a 1-degree elevation pass and I saw no signal. I overslept this morning (again) and woke up eight minutes after the last pass LOS, but there on my screen was the data and a message from my anti-virus sw asking if I wanted to connect to the telemetry site. I approved that so hopefully the frames made it. MY station is pretty simple: Home made AA2TX Lindenblad antenna with 80-feet of RG-213 coax to a DEMI L144-28 transverter (NF=1 dB) with Elecraft K3 IF radio connected to my computer via HB soundcard interconnect. Note there is no preamp but the transverter has good NF. ARISSat was at 6-degrees elevation when the data was received. I am using NOVA with keps: RADIOSCAF-B 1 37772U 98067CK 11216.75158638 .00033717 0-0 40433-3 012 2 37772 051.6382 276.2984 0012892 043.5724 316.6246 15.6050112276 Next pass visible to Alaska will be 10:14utc 8-6-2011 I will set up for the linear transponder to test ability to pass signal on a later pass. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: ASISSAT-1 Returning to ISS
Just confirmed by the NASA TV commenter that the UHF antenna is missing. The question is whether to deploy today with diminished capabilility or return to inside of ISS and do a search for the missing antenna. There will not be an EVA until 2012 (month?) to retry a deployment. It was not clear to me if the commenter stated that the antenna arrived originally and was installed or was that a question. Listening to the exercise to install the laser comm system is kind interesting to hear the back-n-forth conversation as it makes one wonder if they had practised this maneuver with all the corrections given in their procedure by the ground director. I did note the VHF antenna appears a flexible tape design and it was flexed several times as it was bumped about. However everything is weightless so this may actually be not very forcefull bumps and flexes of the antenna. The lower side was not visible on camera very much but I noted it appeared to only have the cylindrical antenna base. I assume this is the UHF antenna so would be shorter than the topside antenna. I call the side with switches as topside. I did see what appeared activating the switches, but hearing what was said was difficult on TV. I am now listening/watching live-streaming video coverage and wearing headsets to listen. I was ready to copy CWTelemetry on 145.919 with the ARISSat tlm sw and stream data. I guess we will not be doing anything today - probably? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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] Today's Success
I'll try to keep this shortWhose Success? If I were still a member of Amsat, I would be very upset with the handling of this project. There is nothing for the contributions that ham radio members invested. It ends up only glory for ARISS and the Russian's commemoration of Yuri Gagarin. I would vote to cut the relationship between Amsat and ARISS. It isn't offering anything for ham radio. Let ARISS raise their own funds and build their own educational satellites. Those that want to contribute to that, go ahead. Amsat was created to build satellites capable of ham radio communications (and be used by hams)...this education outreach was added, much later. But then I quit Amsat after 36-years. You know what? Keep this up and it could become a trend. Ed - KL7UW former #3212 PS: They were right about my proposal: It would fail. Now you have the evidence. ___ 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: STS-135 launch
At 07:45 AM 7/8/2011, n4csi...@bellsouth.net wrote: Incredible launch! Unfortunately, view was too obscured by clouds to view from east Orlando for this final launch. God speed to the crew. Dave, AA4KN ___ 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 It was excellent coverage from NASA-TV. I had to see the last one. They were commenting how this is the 30th anniversary of the shuttle program and it occurred to me that this month is the 40th anniversary of when I began working at Goldstone. I was there for the final two Apollo landings. I also reflected on my 1999 visit to the Cape visitor center and taking the tour. Unfortunate that was a couple weeks before a launch. My parents wintered outside Orlando in those years. Hard to believe so many years have passed. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: A Proposal for ARISS
Well, it didn't take Amsat officials long to shoot down the proposal and tell me that ARISS does not stand for amateur radio use on ISS. ARISS is a free use of ham radio for PR under the guise of educational outreach. Probably payback for cancelling my membership after 25-years and resigning as Field Op (their rules). I found that I enjoy eating and having a roof over my head in my retirement so had to make a choice on what I spend money. This may very well be my final post on amsat-bb ...25-years Notice that my services are no longer free $150/hour for technical help 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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] A Proposal for ARISS
After posting some thoughts a few days ago (RE: ISS, what the heck happened?), I have given the idea more consideration. Proposal (ARISS on ISS): 1) Install a 100-KHz transponder unit on ISS, with usual digital beacon/engineering 2) It would run mode-UV 3) Installed internally in the ISS 4) Replace most of the current ISS ham radio equipment 5) Could be considered an upgrade/improvement to the existing ham radio on ISS 6) Use ISS power and existing ham radio antenna infrastructure (no solar panels)(no thermal requirements for space environ)(perhaps less radiation hardening) 7) Use batteries for stand-alone operation (recharged from ISS power) 8) Control commanded from ground (no intervention required by astronauts) 9) Local access for use of astronaut-hams 10) Provide emergency back-up comms for ISS (perhaps with a separate FM channel) 11) (perhaps) Use of existing ham-radio handheld on ISS on low-power to dedicated receiver which would activate astronaut repeater channel. 12) This FM channel could be used as FM ham repeater when not in use by astronauts (means world-wide monitoring for the astronauts as well as normal Leo FM activity) 13) Modular design for future upgrades and/or repair (easy installation by astronauts-plug*n*play) 14) Segmented pass-band to allow packet/APRS digipeating 15) Transmitters able to be shut down for eva and other critical missions either locally on ISS or from ground. 16) Perhaps a special Rx/Tx on ISS eva channel for cross-band repeat in event of loss of atmosphere emergency (help to sell the concept to NASA as a comms back-up). 17) No need for orientation (spin or de-spin), rad hardening, thermal structures (air-cooled), no propulsion, no launch requirements. 18) Easily maintained by supply from ground (repairs or upgrades). 19) Long-Life Re-direct of either Fox or P3E efforts? (no launch requirement-rides as cargo to ISS) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: [AMSAT-BB] ISS, what the heck happened?
Wasn't going to comment, but oh heck! I think Alex has it pegged. I see a lot of Astronauts getting their ham license but figure that is probably NASA encouraged mainly for PR purposes and secondarily for emergency comms if the main systems fail. It is likely many Astronauts are not particularly interested in ham radio, per se. I'll admit making your first contact with either the shuttle or ISS is a thrill and fun, but the opportunities may be not that frequent, nor should any ham expect it to be so. - Now on a related subject, I would really favor Amsat approaching NASA for the installation of a linear transponder (say Mode UV) unit to be attached to the exterior of ISS (with remote shut-off for ISS critical operations). This may be a better option to finding/paying for launch opportunities for free orbiting linear-transponder satellites. Since there is a regular launch schedule to resupply ISS and no propellant/engine would be involved it would be a benign cargo item. I do not underestimate the difficulty quotient for such a mission, but we do have ham gear installed on ISS, and have done Suitsat and ARISSat with NASA and ISS. If no launch is forthcoming for P3E perhaps the backup unit (sans propellant system and solar panels) could be considered? It would be in a Leo orbit but at least it would provide a long-term alternative to FM Leos. Something to chew on and consider? 73, Ed - KL7UW At 05:57 AM 6/29/2011, Alexander Sack wrote: On Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 7:40 AM, KM9U arsk...@gmail.com wrote: So I think everyone read the announcement ARRL made before FD. Now that FD weekend is at an end, can someone explain to me why NASA couldn't let the astronauts have 10 minutes on the radio for one pass? I mean were they having issues with the radio itself? During Expedition 24/25, Col. Wheelock made many contacts from the ISS in the evenings and on weekends during his free time. This was not because he was scheduled to be the radio, but rather because he enjoyed doing it. I don't believe we can blame NASA for the current crew members obvious lack of interest in Amateur Radio. Had Col. Wheelock (or someone as enthustiastic as he) been aboard the ISS on FD, NA1SS would likely not have been silent. Have you never make a calculation or an estimation on how it costs a 10 minutes of an astronaut activity all costs including on board of the ISS ? I don't buy it. What I do believe is the current crew isn't that interested in making contacts with amateur radio operators. That's fine. Operating the radio outside the educational outreach program is ertainly not part of their mission. I will just have to be more patient and hope someone gets the ham bug up there during some mission and starts to make contacts. I can wait. I DO want to state again I think it behooves NASA and the whole space program to try to get someone on that radio like a Col Wheelock (doesn't have to be as frequent as Col Wheelock) to generate the enthusiasm and excitement for the ISS and the whole space program among hams. My 2 cents. This brings up an interesting thought. The astronauts receive monetary compensation for performing their duties while employed by NASA. So, if their employer schedules them to operate amateur radio as part of their job assignment, would this not violate Part 97.113 (Prohibited transmissions) which specifically prohibits Communications in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer. Now, DON'T GET YOUR PANTIES IN A WAD! It is just a question. There is no pecuniary interest involved as I see it. -aps (KC2ZSX) ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
Because of the very-large roll ham radio played in the aftermath of the 1964 Alaska Earthquake (9.2), the legislature passed a resolution that any ham with ham gear installed in their vehicle would not only get ham call plates but would be exempt from registration costs. WE still pay any local personal property tax that is included in Alaskan auto tags. You only get one vehicle licensed with call-sign plates. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 09:44 AM 6/29/2011, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote: If you make too big of an issue out of this motor vehicle divisions around the country may begin to treat radio operator pates as vanity plates and charge accordingly.I would care about being charged an additional fee by the DVR! -Original Message- From: Larry Gerhardstein Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:02 PM To: George and Cheryl Abbott Cc: H. Vordenbaum ; Clint Bradford ; AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: CA Ham Plates - Warning! George and Cheryl, So who is complaining? You? Harvey and I signed using our call signs. I've never complained about hams getting more privileges, voice, WARC bands, digital modes, LF, etc. Leaves more energy to be concerned about hams possibly loosing privileges. 73, Larry W7IN (57 years a ham op.) On 6/29/2011 7:04 AM, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote: Why do you think that this is such a big deal?Sounds similar to the old timers complaining about the granting of voice privileges for novices back in the 80's.Get a life! -Original Message- From: H. Vordenbaum Harvey, K5HV Kerrville, TX Larry W7IN, Plains MT ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: oops
At 12:58 PM 6/29/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: Sent the teacher joke here my mistake, well after the last 150 field mess Maybe a joke is in order ___ 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 No problem. I have a slide-rule from my college years (1962-1968), and am card-carrying member of Al-Gebra (BS Math 1968)! Good for a laugh, forwarded to my wife ;-) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: FD Mess
At 05:10 AM 6/28/2011, R Oler wrote: What is to prevent someone from designating themselves net control? sorry this plan is doomed Robert Oler WB5MZO Live member ARRL AMSAT NARS Ah you are inventing problems. The real NC would quickly assert their position. There are lots of nets held on ham radio...how often do others claim to be net control...virtually never. If you are saying someone will cause malicious interference, there is no cure other than peer pressure and official FCC action. The way to introduce Net Controlled passes is to do it in advance of FD. In fact the idea might catch on when folks find it manages the typical FM chaos that reigns currently. I propose there be a Net Day every month on certain FM satellites starting with AO-51, if it is healthy enough. Good practise for a real emergency comm situation. There are ARES Nets held regularly all over the nation on VHF/UHF... why not on satellite? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: Sats for emergencies
At 07:59 AM 6/28/2011, jerry wrote: I can see it now , USA Today headlines Ham operator successfully passes ARRL RadioGram over Orbiting Satellite . As much trouble and time it takes to pass a message over much more controlled frequiencies , I could not imagine trying to pass a formatted message over a satellite , therefore rendering a sat as useless for handling emergency traffic. And I still say a net control type format would allow for many more contacts on field day than just QRZ. Jerry WB5LHD ___ 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 Jerry, Exactly why I stated that, in my opinion, digital comms is the practical mode for satellite emcomm. Voice Net would be for brief real-time messages e.g. we need a node set up in location blank; the hospital needs a generator, send a helicopter we have x number injured, my car is stuck and the water is rising, the fire cut off our escape route, help! ... No 30+ word formal messages on voice. Digital packet or APRS can be much more efficient and accurate. Typically, voice is local VHF/UHF simplex (when all else fails). Satellite for longer range coordination links which currently are managed on HF. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: FD Mess
At 07:13 AM 6/27/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: It took me 5 satellite passes before I could make 1 contact There were too many ops making what sounded like HI POWER multi contacts .This should not have happened. Maybe someone with good writting skills could send the ARRL world above 50 an artical on how to work the birds during FD WA4HFN em55 Damon ___ 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 Good luck on that. But if you are able to reach someone at ARRL, suggest that any log with more than one satellite entry have his 100points disqualified. Do satellite hams actually read World Above 50 MHz? Better a separate article on working satellite during FD. A lot of stations working the sats on FD do not work satellites anytime other than that. And BTW there are some SSB transponder satellites for use, the problem is the majority of satellite users today balk at obtaining equipment for anything but working the FM Leos. Its the old saw: you can lead a horse to water, Another old saw goes: you asked for it, now live with it! One last rhetorical question: does anyone recall the last time they contacted KL7UW on a satellite? Was it FM or SSB? I'm back to Oscar-Zero where I use JT-65. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: How to get started on SSB birds
Or Lindenblads or Quadrafillers. Info is on the Amsat webpage for these, right? 73, Ed - KL7uW At 12:09 PM 6/27/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: Build Egg beaters - Original Message - From: Jeremy Widner jeremyrwid...@gmail.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 3:00:28 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] How to get started on SSB birds I have been doing FM birds for a couple of years now with HTs and Arrow antennas. I am ready to start messing with the other birds. I have a Kenwood TS-2000 for a rig. I do NOT currently have a tower up. I was wondering antenna suggestions you guys might have to jump into the ssb birds without using a tower. My preference is to build something as money is always an issue (insert wife). -- 73 Jeremy Widner K0PDX http://k0pdx.us Secretary Raytown Amateur Radio Club - K0GQ http://k0gq.com/ ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: How to get started on SSB birds
At 03:51 PM 6/27/2011, Edward R. Cole wrote: Or Lindenblads or Quadrafillers. Info is on the Amsat webpage for these, right? 73, Ed - KL7uW Sorry I should have also said I have links on my webpage for the Lindenblads: http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm http://www.kl7uw.com/LBant.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: How to get started on SSB birds (antennas)
Joe, First off the FT-817 makes a nice satellite rig even though not cross-band duplex. At 04:02 PM 6/27/2011, Joe Krepps wrote: All, I appreciate that this topic has been brought up (especially _after_ FD, HiHi!!). If I may inject a question: for the seriously budget minded, is there any value to building a better antenna (i.e. more elements for improved gain) versus adding a pre-amp? I realize a higher gain antenna will be more sensitive to positioning/aiming and, unless I go the U-110 rotator route, I won't be doing much elevation adjustment. IN stepping up from say HT and Arrow to a permanent antenna there are two choices: 1) A good omni-directional antenna with preamp, or 2) A small yagi mounted at 15-degrees elevation and rotated with a cheap TV rotator. If you can afford both #2 and a preamp that is even better. I'll be using either my current FT-817ND or an eBay all mode 2m transciever, for AO-7. In Mode A, rx with the FT-817ND tx with a well loved 2m all mode. In Mode B, rx with the 2m all mode and Tx with the FT-817ND. Of course, dialing the power down as often as practical! Sounds good. I used my 3-element 20m yagi for mode-A AO-7 quite well, but my 2m Lindenblad was not adequate for uplink with 50w. For mode-B AO-7 you probably need a yagi with preamp (others more AO-7 experienced feel free to confirm or refute). (Now, I kinda' wish I could have held onto my old IC-820H, Yaesu Az/El rotators and Oscar link crossed yagis...but I needed $$ at the time. Now, I'm married so, by definition, I'm broke. HiHi!) As they say been there, done that. I appreciate ALL the wisdom shared so far! :) Mny tnx 73! Joe WB3CFN P.S. I _do_ have an Arrow but not sure how suitable it is for continuous outdoor use. ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == ___ 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: moon bounce
At 09:37 AM 6/4/2011, jerry wrote: Is this a good time for EME comm. ? Moon seems right for it , but never tried it . Is psk31 possible ? What freq. ? Orbitron says 145.000 ? Going to send cq throughout the day via PSK 31 on 145.000. Maybe a waste of time . Jerry WB5LHD ___ 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 Jerry, By your questions it appears you are interested in finding out more about eme (Moonbounce) but do not know very much about it. On 2m eme is conducted in the 144.030-144.100 sub-band for CW, and on 144.100- 144.160 for digital eme. Psk-31 is not used and not really suitable. A mode called JT-65 is used for digital eme. It is a narrow-band FSK mode using software and computer soundcard to drive a SSB 2m radio. An excellent article on eme is in the current ARRL Handbook written by Joe Taylor, K1JT, author of JT-65. This will answer many of your basic questions on what eme is and how to get started. http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/ http://www.n1bug.net/operate/emebasic.html http://www.vhfdx.info/jt65bintro.html One cannot decide today I am doing eme. Where do I transmit? If you have a good satellite or terrestrial 2m yagi and at least 150w you have the basics to start. But there is a lot to learn before one should expect to work eme. There is the basic station setup. Tracking the Moon. Frequencies and procedures used. As you get into it quite a bit to coming up the learning curve. Give yourself at least a couple months to accumulate this knowledge so you are better equipped to try eme. Consider subscribing to the Moon-Net e-mail reflector: Moon-Net posting and subscription instructions are at http://www.nlsa.com/nets/moon-net-help.html 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Fixed! Re: Landwehr 70cm preamp device question?
I was not aware of these little pcb coax relays. I think one could make a neat CP reversal switch using them on a pcb that could handle normal satellite RF levels (100w) at a reasonable cost. Much better than what is used on KLM CP antennas. One could make switching preamps using two of them with any preamp I use a couple CX-600NL in my 2m-eme system for polarity switching, but do not have enough isolation (48-dB) for preamps when transmitting 1000w (60dBm). So I use two Narda relays with 80-dB isolation. I am going to use one of the CX-600NL for 6m-eme switching 1100w where isolation is 60-dB. 73, Ed - KL7uW At 05:33 PM 6/1/2011, Mark L. Hammond wrote: Hello Domenico I8CVS, I did take pictures while I had the cover off :) You can see and download them here: https://sites.google.com/site/marklhammond/hamradio Indeed, they are labeled COAXIAL RELAYS as you suspected. You can also see the little white button on the relays that I mentioned previously. 73! Mark N8MH At 02:42 AM 6/2/2011 +0200, i8cvs wrote: Hi Mark, N8MH and All guys on the list. I am very happy that you solved the problem on your preamplifier and since you took the cover off I would like to know if the relays are or not COAXIAL RELAYS or just non constant impedance relays for AC or DC applications. Can you take a picture on the inside of preamplifier and send it to me by email ? I remember that the owner of Landwehr was a 432 MHz EME'r in the early 1973 and I worked him off the moon but actually I don't remember his call letter from Sweden. I believe that he dismitted the production of the above preamplifiers many years ago. Tanks 73 de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: Mark L. Hammond marklhamm...@gmail.com To: Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it; Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL vlfis...@mcn.net; K5OE k...@aol.com Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 1:44 AM Subject: Fixed! Re: Landwehr 70cm preamp device question? Hello All, You gotta love a happy ending ;) Thanks to I8CVS, Domenico; Vince, KB7ADL; and Jerry, K5OE for the advice and coaching with troubleshooting my Landwehr 70 cm preamp. I took the cover off and applied 12V, and the two relays closedor did they?!? One side looked good, while the other side didn't quite push the little white button enough to make the contacts meet. It was stuck--just a gentle push with the finger, and I could tell it had become unstuck. Inserted back in line, and bingo! It's working just fine. I have resisted my urges to spray something down in there...figure I can unstick it the same way another time, should it happen. Looks like the preamp was made in 1990, based on the dates of the relays. What I was seeing seemed like it might be a relay issue on one side (could hear a rise in noise, so the relay at the output side (rig) was working--but the relay on the input side (antenna) wasn't. So, when powered, the input relay didn't switch over correctly--what I was seeing now makes sense! Anyhow, it wasn't the GaAsFET after all. Thanks again for the help, guys. 73, Mark N8MH - Original Message - From: Mark L. Hammond marklhamm...@gmail.com To: Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 8:00 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Landwehr 70cm preamp device question? Hello All, I have an old Landwehr preamp that apparently uses the MGF1402 device (does that sound right?). It's not working so I presume it's the GaAsFET. Can the MGF1302 be substituted for the original MGF1402? Or can anybody recommend another device for the 70 cm Landwehr? I need to do something... Thanks in advance! -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Thrust bearing maintenance
At 04:19 AM 6/1/2011, Stephen E. Belter wrote: I have an Yaesu GS-050 thrust bearing that has been installed for about 15 years. The thrust bearing turns, but requires a lot of force. I disassembled the thrust bearing to find that the grease is very sticky (think candy apple sticky), and not lubricative (if that is a word). Should I take it to an auto repair shop and ask them to degrease and then lubricate similar to repacking a wheel bearing? What kind of grease should be used? Thanks and 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter Steve, When I was building my tower#2 in 2008, I considered buying a Rohn TH-3 thrust bearing (about $200+) and was advised to look in ebay. I found a nice 3-inch ball-bearing radial-thrust bearing for about $35 (brand new). It has a zerk fitting for a grease gun to maintain the lubrication (which at the slow rotation of antennas is almost never). Ebay might be cheaper than a re-build. 73, Ed - KL7UW 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Actual Eagle and P3E Status/Update
The Amsat-DL 5-14-2011 Bochum presentation by DB2OS can be accessed on my website: http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW At 04:22 AM 5/22/2011, i8cvs wrote: Hi Juan Carlos, CO8TW My message with file to you bounced back to me because (message too big for system) and Message size exceeds fixed maximum message size. See below Sorry ! 73 de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: Mail Delivery Service postmas...@virgilio.it To: domenico.i8...@tin.it Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 12:47 PM Subject: Delivery Status Notification - These recipients of your message have been processed by the mail server: co...@frcuba.co.cu; Failed; 5.3.4 (message too big for system) Remote MTA mail.frcuba.co.cu: network error - SMTP protocol diagnostic: 552 Message size exceeds fixed maximum message size ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Live wed cast
Nice video of truck on the interstate - so where is the hamvention? I think all I did was sign up for mega spamming - thanks At 06:54 AM 5/18/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: http://w5kub.com/ Log in and watch WA4HFN ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: AO-51 Data
Perhaps the result will be more activity on AO-7, VO-52, FO-29 using SSB? Looks like I am getting my satellite array working just in time to miss AO-51? Be nice to see HO-68 again. Hearing of Fox, when is it planned for orbit? P3E? any other lurkers about jump up into space? oooh well,there is always Oscar-Zero ;-) 73, Ed At 01:50 PM 5/6/2011, Clint Bradford wrote: ... you can't ... shouldn't ... don't go out any buy anything just for this ... Heavy sigh. It's just that this has been such a good friend ... Guess I picked the wrong week to stop drinking Pina Coladas. Long live AO-51. I have a 67 degree elevation pass coming up in 30 mins ... Clint, K6LCS ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: K6LCS Contest - Follow-up
At 11:05 AM 5/5/2011, Clint Bradford wrote: Wow ... SouthGate ARC picked up the story ... http://www.southgatearc.org/news/may2011/mr_amsat_uk.htm Let's do this again soon - this was fun! Clint ___ 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 Nice! I recognized Martha, but did not know the Broadbents, though an Amsat_NA member from the early 1970's (#3212). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Funnies
At 02:40 PM 5/5/2011, Kevin Deane wrote: Since Ham Radio cartoon funnies seem to be so hard to come by, I have been making my own. I was hoping I could find out from you guy's what was the OLDEST and BEST sat you all got to use so I could make them more interesting...Basically lookin for the oldtimers fav, something before my time if you will. I know Amsat has good info on all of them, just do not know the right one or one's to pick for my project. I have had good feedback on them so far, I thought I might circulate them publicly seeing how postage would get a little expensive... Kevin KF7MYK ___ 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 AO-6 was the OLDEST I got to operate (actually it was the west-coast command station). But BEST has to be AO-7 since it is still perculating! FAVORITE was AO-40 mode US. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Funnies
I forgot to mention that the command stations were very busy in the first few weeks of AO-6 because we had to keep the transponder turned-off to save the batteries. Unfortunately, this resulted in QSO's being cut in half, because the bird lit up with activity every time the Tx became activated. I'm sure I was not making friends! This was from Barstow, CA and K6HIJ's front yard. We only ran as command for about two weeks. This was probably 1972? Ed - KL7UW PS: Dick (K6HIJ-sk) and I were both members of sbms which made the 2.4 GHz beacon for AO-7 (which was never turned on). Dick was my boss at Goldstone. At 02:40 PM 5/5/2011, Kevin Deane wrote: Since Ham Radio cartoon funnies seem to be so hard to come by, I have been making my own. I was hoping I could find out from you guy's what was the OLDEST and BEST sat you all got to use so I could make them more interesting...Basically lookin for the oldtimers fav, something before my time if you will. I know Amsat has good info on all of them, just do not know the right one or one's to pick for my project. I have had good feedback on them so far, I thought I might circulate them publicly seeing how postage would get a little expensive... Kevin KF7MYK ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Question about radios
Having the FT-847 since early 1998 and observing the IC-910 I would recommend both over the TS-2000 or new IC-9100 on basis of bucks spent. I realize both the 847 and 910 are out of production but good used units are available for $900. The TS-2000 birdie issue is unforgivable for the money spent (Unless you are not interested in satellites which the FT-857/897 would then be my choice). The IC-9100 is outrageously expensive and would only be a choice if you have no HF equipment. It is still too new for a complete opinion (for what you spend you could have top notch transverters and a new K3*, or buy two FT-817 with amps for a lot less). *Note: the K3 is not able to do duplex at this time, but I have an idea how it could by using the dual receiver IF. My K3 with DEMI transverter is much superior to the FT-847 on 2m, but that is only for very weak-signal applications (satellites are on the strong side of weak-signal if you get my drift), and use on HF (which is not the question that was asked). 73, Ed - KL7UW At 06:46 AM 5/3/2011, Dee wrote: Andrew, Being in this end of the hobby for many years, I have learned that sometimes the choice comes down to what you can afford. While the TS2000 is a nice radio, with the birdie problem, it leaves a question. Ihave had 2 Icom 910's for many years and even have one of them adapted with the 1.2ghz module. Both have worked flawless and have been more than adequate. The new ICOM 9100 (which you ask about) is a bit pricey for the bands provided. I have been following the production of the 9100 and it has become out of an average hams price range. While the specs are very good, you can achieve the same effect with a TS2000 - Icom 910- Yaesu 847 and even the older icom 820 (?) - Once again, I have always advised sat ops to spend the money on the antennas and coax as this is where you'll find the most advantage for your operation. Good luck and go to the AMSAT website to obtain a truck load of info pertaining to satellite station construction and operating advice. 73, Dee, NB2F NJ AMSAT Coordinator -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alvaro Gaviria Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 4:51 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Question about radios Hello all, Can someone tell what is better for satellite work, the Kenwood TS-2000X or the Icom IC- 9100 ?? Best regards Andrew HK4MKE _ http://astroretiro.260mb.com/ algavi...@une.net.co ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Question about radios
This has been done to a certain degree by eme'rs. The K3 is a dual down-conversion radio with a 15-KHz SDR at the second IF (first IF=8.215 MHz). The K3 sub-RX is an exact duplicate of the main Rx which makes it the only commercially made radio that can be used for dual-channel phase-locked diversity reception. For satellite operation, phase locking the two receivers is not required so any of the radios that have dual receivers could potentially be used on satellite. However, not all can operate in duplex mode. The Flex-5000 is available with a dual-Rx and cost about the same as the K3 dual-Rx. Both require VHF and UHF transverters. I'm not sure the Flex can operate in duplex mode. I have an idea for using the sub-RX in the K3 with a LP-Pan (or other SDR) to accomplish duplex operation (will require new firmware, at least). But that is the nicety of SDR's: you can redesign them in sw and get a new radio. There will be a batch of new dual-RX SDR's showing up in the coming year. One offering dual-Rx for 144/432/1296 has just been offered by HB9DRI targeting the eme market. Can it operate crossband and duplex? 73, Ed- KL7UW At 03:06 PM 5/3/2011, nh6vb Scheller wrote: Ed, et al, It would be interesting to include the new generation SDR's, (FLEX RADIO's,) in comparison to the radio's mentioned. Just a thought. Commends anyone? Peter, NH6VB Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 11:17:57 -0800 To: k...@aol.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org From: kl...@acsalaska.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Question about radios Jerry provides a more complete review and more depth (based on his having experience with more satellite capable radios). I should have mentioned the FT-837R, as it was the best before the advent of the new HF-light radios. I traded all my components for the single radio concept when I bought the FT-847 (too soon after its introduction), but it has done very well. I am still flip-flopping on whether to sell the FT-847 as it is still good for satellite use (and 432-eme). But my station is building up around the Elecraft K3 as core so we will see. I do question everyone's desire to have 1.2 GHz in the same box. Experienced microwavers all know that there is a lot of desirability to locate mw units near or at the antenna. This becomes a fact above 1.2 GHz where coax losses eat you up. My FT-847 operates on 2m for 1268 by using one of the (rare) DEMI 144/1268 Tx upconverters. It's not installed, at present, since repairing wind damage from last fall, I put up a reduced-saze array (still not fully functional). That unit produces 15w with about 1.5w drive on 144-MHz. It was produced for a short time during AO-40, and sales ended with AO-40's demise. I installed it on the elevation crossboom with 7-8 foot of LDF4-50 (1/2-inch) hardline to the loop-yagi. Today, one would have to purchase from db6nt (Kuhne Engineering) at higher cost (I think there might be a couple other sources for such a critter). So that gives the Icom and Kenwood radios an advantage (of sorts). But to get any reasonable RF to the antenna you will be running hardline, and if used for 1296, a remote preamp. Well, for satellites you should have remote preamps, anyway (this last advice is not directed to the hand-waving Arrow/HT crowd). There debate will continue as long as hams have radios ;-) Ed - KL7UW At 10:10 AM 5/3/2011, K5OE wrote: I can tell already this is an old thread that will go on for a while Money is almost never ânot an issue,ââ so fitting the radio to the user is always a matter of preferences and priorities. If you want HF + satellite in one rig, the TS-2000 and the FT-847 work, but not the IC-910. If you want 23 cm in the rig, the TS-2000 and the IC-910 work, but not the FT-847. If you want to power your preamp(s) without any external wiring, the FT-847 and IC-910 work, but not the TS-2000. If you want a built-in antenna tuner (HF), or a built-in TNC, or built-in voice recorder, then only the TS-2000 works. If you want lots of 3rd party software, then the FT-847 is your best bet. I agree with Ed, the IC-9100 seems priced outrageously for what it isreminiscent of the IC-970H. Maybe Iâve just lost a sense for the marketlook at the priice of new cars! For a strictly satellite rig, an IC-821H is still a very good radio selling for half the price of a used IC-910 (and just a bit more than a FT-736the FFT-847 of a previous generation). A decade ago I bought a TS-2000 for a number of reasons, including the ability to work the HF satellites (RS-12/13 and AO-7) in one rig. I sold an FT-990 and an IC-820 and had money left over. I still consider it really good value. While I have never liked the controls as well as my Yaesu HF rig(s), I came to really appreciate the DSP functions and the CW features and had great fun with the TNC on the ISS, pacsats
[amsat-bb] Re: Icom D-Star
At 11:18 AM 4/24/2011, Diane Bruce wrote: On Sun, Apr 24, 2011 at 02:36:37PM -0400, Sebastian wrote: Never heard of WSJT? Never heard of it. - 73 Diane VA3DB -- Diane, I'm surprised as involved in mw as you are. Here is a link to the software: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/ Joe Taylor, K1JT, was a professor (now emeritus) at Princeton and a Noble Laureate for his work with Pulsars. He first wrote FSK-441 as a digital mode for meteor scatter which has essentially replaced high speed CW as the primary mode on ms. Then he developed a weak-signal program for eme about 2002 (it is nearing ten years). The group of programs was bundled into a suite called WSJT (weak-signal JT). The prime mode for 2m eme is now JT-65; CW has been largely replaced. JT-65 uses noise reduction algorithms taken from the Reed-Solomon sw that is used for NR on DVD's. JT-65 is a very narrow band digital mode occupying only 4.7 Hz, thus it demonstrates SNR 10 dB over CW. It is a synchronous digital mode so it requires precise timing and frequency. Most users use internet sw to maintain their computer time 1 sec error. One offshoot is the propagation beacon sw, WSPR whisper, which is very popular on HF for determining band conditions. Many stations only run 1w or less with the sw. http://wsprnet.org/drupal/ Maybe you have heard of these programs but not under the name of the bundled suite (WSJT). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Icom D-Star
At 01:43 PM 4/24/2011, i8cvs wrote: - Original Message - From: Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net To: Diane Bruce d...@db.net Cc: amsat-bb amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 9:49 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Icom D-Star The prime mode for 2m eme is now JT-65; CW has been largely replaced. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 Hi Ed, KL7UW I am anxious about that because even on EME very soon nobody will be able to use by hand a CW key and copy Morse Code by ears. I am sorry because I like very much the CW sound in my ears. CW is like music for me and after to eliminate the Radio Officers over the ships we radio hams we actually should be the last frontier for the CW existence. 73 de i8CVS Domenico You can still do eme on CW, just it will take a bigger antenna array and 1000w to be heard. JT-65 enables a station with a couple 10 element yagis or one longer yagi and 150w the ability to do eme on 2m. That is a huge attraction. One takes about $5,000 and the other $500-800. You see the 10-dB advantage applies to the cost as well! ;-) CW is still prevalent on eme at 1296 and above. I still hear plenty of CW around 14.020. It is the main mode used on LF and MW. but digital modes are demonstrating they are superior in weak-signal as well as emcomm. WSPR on 10-MHz has been copied at 120 microwatts. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: KB5WIA / P in Death Valley Next Week (DM17, etc)
Wow, Dave, did you know that they close down DVNP after Easter for the rest of the summer? It can reach +125F or higher at Easter so be prepared with lots of water. I loved to visit Bodie and Scottie's Castle. I lived in Barstow 1971-1976. The desert was my playground with my old 66 GMC suburban V6. But been there, done that, and don't miss it! ;-) GL on the sats! 73, Ed - KL7UW At 09:13 AM 4/21/2011, David Palmer wrote: Hi Everyone, Early next week (April 25th) I'll be taking my brother on a tour of the remote backroads of Death Valley National Park, and I'll bring my portable satellite station along. This will primarily be a camping and sightseeing trip, but I'll try to be on a number of morning/evening passes of the linear and FM sats. My tentative plan for now is the following locations and grids: Sun pm / Mon am: Bodie ghost town or Mono Lake in DM08 on Sunday, Bishop area DM07 Monday. Mon pm / Tue am: Eureka Dunes in DM17 Tue pm / Wed am: Racetrack Playa in DM16 Wed pm / Thu am: Furnace Creek in DM16 My actual real-time location will be updated with the SPOT tracker, you can find the link on my QRZ page. 73 de Dave KB5WIA ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: ground plane on
Greg, Dan: One of my first antennas put up in Alaska was a simple 2m J-Pole. I used the upper portion of a TV mast and used a 1/4 wave section of copper tubing clamped 3/4 wave length below the top end of the mast. Attaching coax to the stub and mast at a point to give a 50-ohm match. Worked fine. Note that the longer part of the J-Pole continued below where the 1/4 wave stub attached for about ten feet. There was no matching problems. What affect on the radiation pattern resulted is unknown, but I observed no detrimental effects. Adding ground radials to the bottom of the J-pole should not have a big effect on tuning. I think the only effect on radiation is that you establish a better ground for the vertical 1/2 wave dipole (perhaps lowering the pattern a little closer to the horizon. I built a 6m/10m J-pole and it is mounted at ground level attached to a short tower set into the ground. The tower seems to not affect the tuning point. This summer I may try adding some 1/4 wave radials to the base to see if it has any affect. I set it up mainly for working 6m/10m FM, but is also usable for mode-A satellites. I have compared it to my 3-element triband yagi on A07 mode-A and the beam is better. http://www.kl7uw.com/J-Pole.htm Sidenote: I have re-installed satellite antennas for 2m, 70cm , and 13cm on my short tower this weekend. Both 2m and 70cm antennas working well. I have not installed the 2.4 GHz LNA or downconverters, as yet. Control wiring for the satellite antennas has not been connected plus the B5400 az-el rotator control unit still requires repair so antennas not rotatable. http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW At 09:49 PM 4/17/2011, Greg D. wrote: Hi Dan, On 17/04/2011, at 15:53, KF1BUZ kf1...@gmail.com wrote: A Copper Jpole, has this been tried? Just thinking it might make my getting into the birds better. Thanks Dan KF1BUZ If I interpret this right (subject + message), you are asking if adding a Ground Plane to a J-pole antenna will improve its performance in a satellite ground station application. I believe the answer is no, though someone would need to do the modeling to understand for sure. A J-pole is an end-fed dipole, with the J portion being a 1/4 wave long at the frequency of the antenna. Recalling some RF theory stuff, a 1/4 wave matching section has a low impedance on one end, and a high impedance at the other. One end goes to the coax feed line (low impedance), and the other is attached to the end (high impedance) part of the dipole. You will find that the single pipe section of the J-pole antenna is about a 1/2 wave long at the antenna's design frequency, and since it's connected directly to the end of the matching section, it makes for an end-fed dipole. Some designs use a 5/8 wave dipole section for a little extra gain towards the horizon. So a J-pole antenna is actually a pretty effective satellite antenna, similar to a simple ground plane antenna but mechanically more robust. I've used both kinds. My very first satellite contact ion 1993 was using one for the uplink into RS-10, and that contact was followed by many many more. That antenna is still in service nearly 18 years later. (If you hear or use the KO6TH APRS iGate, you're using it!) I've got two SO-239-type Ground Plane antenna carcases in the garage; they didn't last. As a satellite antenna, both Ground Plane and J-pole antennas do have a null directly overhead, but very few satellite passes go directly overhead, and when they do, they spend very little time there. So don't sweat it. A J-pole with a 1/2 wave section on top will also work as a dual band 2M / 70CM antenna, with the upper band on the antenna's 3rd harmonic. Using the antenna that way, I'm told, it has a radiation pattern that is lifted somewhat from the horizon, so it should be a good match for satellite work. But, back to your question... The J-pole antenna is a totally balanced system in itself, and doesn't suffer for not having a ground plane below it. What putting a ground plane some distance below the end of an end-fed dipole will do to the radiation pattern, however, is a modeling task for someone at a higher mental pay-grade than me. My guess is that it will depend very significantly exactly where the ground plane is mounted. You could alter both the radiation pattern and the feed point impedance with that addition, and maybe make things worse. Hope this helps a little, Greg KO6TH ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine
[amsat-bb] Re: ISS Packet using AGWPE
At 01:21 PM 4/15/2011, Ng, Peter wrote: hey what's going on? amsat-bb got quiet all of the suddentoo quiet! :) I'm trying to connect to ISS using AGWPE with my soundcard. can anyone help me with this? How does one connect to the ISS digipeater? Are there documentation on the AMSAT site or elsewhere? Any help would be appreciated! 73's Peter VE7NGP ___ 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 WE are all catching up our lost sleep! ;-) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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] ARRIsat-1 - No Show
It really does not instill much confidence in partnering with RSC-Energia for any future satellites. I will withhold judgement of individuals involved till we learn more. I certainly am not in favor of spending Amsat funds on such a venture, again. But then I no longer have a voice in the matter as I have let my membership in Amsat lapse. That was totally a financial decision - as a senior retired on social security, I have to chose what I spend money for. I could continue a couple memberships that provide a senior/retired rate. That also means I am retired as a field op. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: ARISSat-1 Deactivation
At 03:04 PM 4/12/2011, Armando Mercado wrote: Hello, The ISS timeline for 4/13/2011 calls for the Deactivation of Radioskaf hardware and closeout at 10:30-10:50 UTC. http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/535242main_041311_tl.pdf 73, Armando N8IGJ ___ 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 Kind of looks like ARISSat-1 was a no-show for this event. Now I have to decide whether to stay up for the April 13, 0808utc pass (midnight local) or give it up. I wonder when someone is going to tell us anything about it. So far its rumor and innuendo. Nothing official. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: ARISSatTLM Software Now Available for Apple Mac
At 04:21 AM 4/12/2011, JoAnne Maenpaa wrote: Hello everyone, Making sure this gets wider coverage than the ANS list: SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-102.02 Mac Version of ARISSatTLM Software Now Available for Download AMSAT News Service Bulletin 102.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. April 12, 2011 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-102.02 The Mac version of the ARISSatTLM software is now available for download from: http://www.arissattlm.org/download/ARISSATTLM.zip [ANS thanks the ARISSat-1 team for the above information] /EX -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9...@amsat.org Editor, AMSAT News Service I guess I missed the announcement for the PC Telemetry sw. But found it and now installed. Still remains to see if my omni antenna will be adequate once ARISSat-1 is operating. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: satellite average elevation
Bob etal, Your discussion has prompted me to throw up a yagi (2m7) quickly in anticipation of ARISSat-1. Viewing ISS from Alaska is much simpler: Just point due south on the horizon as ISS rises no more than 15 deg and usually half that angle. Living near 61 deg N latitude makes the ISS 51 deg maximum sub-satellite longitude very low in the southern sky and at maximum range. I even have a preamp to use. Hoping to capture telemetry. 73, Ed - KL7uW At 11:49 AM 4/12/2011, Bob Bruninga wrote: Okay---but the 12-15 degree argument _assumes that the station has a view to the horizon that isn't tainted by trees, hills, and houses. In those circumstances, 30 deg might well be the better choice!... So, the 12-15 degree optimum assumes a clear view to the horizon...right?? Yes. Correct. But if one cannot see nor hear below 20 degrees, such a station is missing out on almost 70% of all the times a LEO satellite is above the horizon anyway. In that case, then there is little justification for even having a beam, motors, tracking, and timing and a PC at all. At 30 degrees and above, signals from LEO's are 5 dB or more stronger than at the horizon, and a simple 1/4 wave whip over a ground plane (with a pre-amp) will just about hear everything with no moving parts or tracking. If you want even more gain, make the whip 3/4 wavelength long (still 19.5 at UHF) and get nearly 7 dB antenna gain in a cone above 30 degrees. That plus the 5 dB closeness gives you at least 10 dB gain over what a vertical will hear of a satellite on the horizon. But you are correct. If you really want to have a beam and you really want to have motors and tracking, and PC's and updated elements, etc, then I DO AGREE, tilting up to have the main lobe just over the tops of the visible horizon is an improvement. TO be clear. I am not arguing against a specific angle (say 30) just because its 30, but I am arguing against how the choice of that angle is presented. If it is presented in the absence of an appreciation of the significant 4 to 1 difference in signal power over the angles from 30 down to 0.. or does not reference the 1 to 4 times increase in VISIBILITY DURATION over that same drop in angle, then I think it is worth pointing out. I can see now that I should add a plot of visibility time versus angle as well as the path-gain vs angle on the web page: http://aprs.org/rotator1.html By the way, that is an old page, and you can ignore the how to build a TV rotor controlled station, since no softare currently drives it except mine (obsolete). But the information on the geometery of LEO passes is what most satellite newbee's overlook. Bob, WB4APR Mark N8MH On Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 2:24 PM, Bob Bruninga bruni...@usna.edu wrote: As I said, in the goode olde dayes we used 30 degree up tilt and it worked well... Lessening the up tilt may increase the gain for the lower angle passes but will also decrease the gain on the higher angle passes. So, it is a trade off no matter what you do! Sorry to sound like I am quibbling... but that last sentence implies the idea of an equal trade off. But the tradeoff is not equal at all and may be missing the point here. A LEO satellite pass does not need gain at higher angles because the satellite is by definition 2 or 3 times closer to the ground station (+6 to +9dB stronger). But one does need the gain at lower angles where the satellite is much further away. An up-tilt of 30 degrees is throwing away excess gain where it is not needed (high angles) at the expense of low angles where every single dB -is- needed. So there is no real tradeoff... A lower angle (about 15 degrees) is more-or-less optimum for LEO's with fixed tilt and modest gain beams. To actually quantify the exact best angle (which will depend on the actual beam's own beamwidth), it is simply to up-tilt the antenna no more than the angle at which the gain on the horizon LOSES say less than 1 dB. Note, this is not half the published antenna beamwidth which is usually a 3 dB beamwidth. It is much less than that, less than half the 1 dB beam width. You can measure this by setting the beam no higher than the upangle that loses less than 1 dB to a signal on the horizon Something like that... 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME:
[amsat-bb] Fwd: Re: ARRISAT Initial xmsn//Pass#1 @0712AK=nada
Eric, N6SPP/KL7 no reception of ARISSat at 1512utc Next time ISS is visible will be 9:15utc Apr. 12 5-deg max elevation. ARISSat will be turned off before the pass at 10:50utc. Very little chance to observe from Alaska. Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:22:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Eric Thompson n6...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: ARRISAT Initial xmsn//Pass#1 @0712AK=nada Nada here on 145.95,919, or 939..Elk horiz.. no polarity control.. +3 degrees max elev at 0712AK... wav file recording ready.. Eric n6spp From: Eric Thompson n6...@yahoo.com Sent: Sun, April 10, 2011 11:28:35 PM Subject: ARRISAT Initial transmissions- Monday 11th 0700AK Hey guys- Please see the attached ISS quick-pass list. According to the latest bulletin, the timed transmissions are from (BP51- AOS) 0710 AK Monday to (BP51-AOS) 0141 AK Wednesday.. If I'm reading this right, there are seven passes during this period.. BP51 local pass times are 0710,0250, 0425. 0600 etc.. Max elevations are 3, 5, 12,13,6,1, 9 degrees etc.. Looks like an early morning challenge. Yow Dale, am I on the right page? Are you going to attempt some of these sigs just above the horizon? Initial transmission downlinks: 145.95 FM voice,telem,robot 36,bpsk. 145.939 cw-1, 145.919 cw-2. I'd like to make recordings and send to KA2UPW/5, but not sure if I'll be awake. hi Eric KL/N6SPP 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: ITU Phonetics - Kilo
At 10:29 AM 4/10/2011, John Becker wrote: There is a STANDARD why not use it??? (that was a question) My navy training just rubs me the wrong way when I hear some of the words being used by some. Could be the reason your call went unanswered. John, W0JAB Actually am surprised there is any debate on this topic. The whole point of using a standard phonetic alphabet is for ease in recognition under poor reception conditions. Only one word is used for one letter of the alphabet so that reduces confusion. So saying that, everyone knows that KL7UW is KL7 micro wave! LOL In fact I chose that vanity call to bring attention to my mw activity. KL7MW had been taken. U could be construed as the greek symbol mu but phonetically it is uniform whiskey I'll drink to that! ;-) 73, KL7uW, ex K8MWA (many wobbly antennas) or (micro wave amateur) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Can SatPC32 track the moon?
I don't currently use SatPC32 for the Moon (having both MoonSked and NOVA), but I did not find a folder named SuM in SatPC32. For Moon az/el location, JT-65 provides that. For controlling an antenna I have the Unitrac-2000 that runs with NOVA. But my B5400 is broke at the moment, so Unitrac is not in use. My SatPC32 is circa 2008 so maybe didn't have that folder back then? 73, Ed- KL7uW At 02:31 AM 4/2/2011, you wrote: Thanks for the post Drew, I did not know that either... Joe KI4TZ Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: On 4/1/2011 9:40 PM, Bill Dzurilla wrote: I've been using SatPC32 to track the ham satellites. Lately I've also been trying EME (moonbounce). Does anyone know if SatPC32 can track the moon as well as the amateur satellites? If yes, how is this done? 73, Bill NZ5N There is a program in the SatPC32 folder called SuM that will do just that! 73, Drew KO4MA ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Special Event April 12th
if not mistaken, ARISSat is to be activated on-board ISS, and the eme community is holding a world-wide event along with the ARI EME Contest. 73, Ed -KL7UW At 06:37 AM 4/2/2011, santana...@aol.com wrote: Hi: Since posting a query and no reponse, I've decided to do a Special Event for the 50 years of the First Man in Space and 30 years of the first Space Shuttle Launch. It will be on HF and locally on 2 meters. It has been posted on QRZ.com. Also if you know of any other activation, let me know, I assume that in Russia there will be an operation of some kind. Cheers, Angel Santana - WP3GW ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: JPL Tour
At 08:10 PM 3/22/2011, Clint Bradford wrote: Just got back home from a day at Pasadena's JPL ... un-edited, no-captions-yet photos at ... http://tinyurl.com/JPL-042211 Clint deja vu for me. I worked there 1976-1979. Of course lots has changed. I tried to get a tour in Sept. 2001 but they were locked-down after 9-11. I did get a tour of Goldstone, but only because I wrote that I was coming, in advance, and because I used to work there 1971-1976. The gal that gave the tour was one of the trainees that took the program (in 1978) that I established in 1974. That was special. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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] Fwd: Re: Re: AO-40 range record ??
Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:17:47 -0800 To: i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it From: Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 range record ?? At 08:40 PM 3/19/2011, you wrote: - Original Message - From: P.H. bbjun...@f2s.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2011 2:17 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-40 range record ?? Hi, For a small club satellite presentation I will be mentioning the benefits of HEO over LEO and the range advantage. Can anyone tell me the distance record set when AO-40 was alive? Thanks 73 2i0VAX Pete Hi Pete, 2i0VAX My DX record on AO40 from JN70ES Naples Italy was a QSO with ZL2AOX Ian Ashley in RF72MV with a distance of 18299.0 Km as you can see in the following page of QRZ.com http://www.qrz.com/db/ZL1AOX The uplink was in L band and the downlink in S band This is why it is very important to pull for the new HEO satellite P3-E ! ! Best 73 de i8CVS Domenico which is 11,370 miles. The circumference of the earth is 40,075 km (24,901 miles) so 18,299/40,075 = 45.7 %. That is darn close to half the earth in the footprint. Compare that with a Leo sat footprint. Anymore questions why we are hoping for another Heo? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Jet Stream
At 08:37 AM 3/16/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: I wonder if the Jet Stream might bring radation from Japan ouer the US http://squall.sfsu.edu/scripts/jetstream_model.html WA4HFN ___ 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 Interesting maps. The natural circulation is west to east so possible that some radiation could transverse the world. During the Chernobyl accident radiation was detected in Alaska. Probably into western US, also. Chernobyl impacted eastern Europe and Asia more, but was located in the Ukraine. Japan is much closer to the US. At this point the radiation release is much less than what happened in Chernobyl. It is more a danger in the immediate area surrounding the plants. If the reactor container has a breach then one can only guess the results. So far it has been intentional release of radioactive steam resulting from heat of the reactor core and fuel rod storage area. Unfortunately H2 gas is released in the extreme heat as sea water was applied for cooling and that led to explosions. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Using Preamps In Shack
Paul, The main advantage of a preamp is increasing your sensitivity by lowering the noise figure of your receiving system. You lose some of that by locating the preamp in the shack. Any coax loss between the preamp and antenna adds directly to the overall NF: 80-foot of LMR-400 is 1.2 dB loss and added to a 0.5 dB NF preamp nets you a system NF = 1.2+0.5 = 1.7 dB. But it will still increase the sensitivity of most radios that have NF in the 6 to 12 dB range. Recently I lost one of my eme preamps on my tower and used a preamp at the shack. My normal system NF = 0.76 dB. In the shack I had 0.25 + 1.7 dB cable loss = 1.95 dB NF. That lowered my sensitivity by about 5 dB but I still received eme signals. I would suggest you make a comparison for yourself. Try the preamp in the shack and try it near the antenna and see how much that affects your receiving ability. It is not hard to enclose a preamp inside a plastic box for outside use (a small sandwich box works). 73, Ed - KL7UW At 08:36 PM 3/13/2011, Paul Delaney - K6HR wrote: Does anyone have their preamps in the shack as opposed to mast mount? Any major disadvantage to having the preamps in the shack? I just acquired two AR2 SPxxxVDG preamps and understand they are not weatherproof and would need an enclosure to mount near antennas, which for the time being is not possible. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Paul Delaney - K6HR paul.hamra...@verizon.net http://k6hr.dyndns.org:8080 ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: ISS Digipeaer over Japan
At 07:28 AM 3/13/2011, Bob Bruninga wrote: Toyo san, A few more ideas. It is easy to manually estimate ISS pass times every day once you have heard a pass. See: http://aprs.org/MobileLEOtracking.html 1) ISS over Japan today is between about 0830 to 1830 JST. 2) When you hear the first pass, then you will have additional passes every 91 minutes or so that day. 3) Each day a given GOOD pass is 23 minutes later. 4) But overall-long-term pattern is moving earlier every other day by 51 minutes. 5) So in one week from now, the time window will be 0600 to 1600 6) The pass pattern is about the same. First 2 passes peak to the SE, then NW. Then a low northern pass, then the last two passes are NE and then SW. You can get EXACT pass times from http://heavens-above.com and select a city. However, this web page does not show the 1 or 2 low passes each day below 10 degrees elevation. The problem with using the ISS digipeater is that the survivors in the devistated area do not know the frequency (145.825). One way to solve this is to look for opportunity for someone to take a portable digipeater on an airplane over devistated area. The new TH-D72 HT can digipeat now! So have someone with a D72 catch a ride in an aircraft one day. The D72 can BEACON on 144.64 a MESSAGE BULLETIN with info about the ISS digipeater and the time-window. WHile it is aloft, it can also act as a digipeater on Japanese APRS channel 144.64 and can also capture a list of any APRS stations or mobiles on the air. The short bulletins might say something like this: TO: BLN1 MSG: ISS Digi on 145.825 between 0830 to 1830 TO: BLN2 MSG: Passes are 6 min long every 91 minutes TO: BLN3 MSG: Every day, passes are 23 minutes later TO: BLN4 MSG: Time window moves EARLIER 51m every 2 days Keep bulletins to under 45 characters to make sure that every radio display can see the full bulletin (D7 screen limit). All good suggestions except the last one. I think the road system is devastated as all the relief work has been by air in the severest hit areas. ~ Ed , KL7UW But in small area like Japan, I think it might be easier just to try to drive APRS mobiles (acting as digipeaters) to nearby hill tops on 144.64 normal APRS Japanese Frequency and keep everyone on same frequency without confusion. 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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] Fwd: Allocation of 433 434 MHz Band for Short Range Devices in VR2
My apologies for forwarding this but I need some help with the answers. You could write directly to Johnny or post to the reflector as is appropriate. Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2011 08:37:19 +0800 (HKT) From: Johnny Siu vr2...@yahoo.com.hk Subject: Allocation of 433 434 MHz Band for Short Range Devices in VR2 To: Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net Hello Edward, From my reading of your messages in Elecraft mail reflector, I understand you are an active operator in the UHF/SHF region. Therefore, I need to draw your expertise now. The allocation of 70cm band in Hong Kong is 430-431Mhz and 435-439.8Mhz - secondary amateur service. Office of Telecommunication Authority (OFTA) of Hong Kong is now considering allocating 433-434Mhz for short range devices (SRD). Clearly, this is not to the interest of the amateur radio sector in Hong Kong and deviated from IARU - region 3 band plan. I will take up the matter with OFTA on behalf of the amateur radio sector in VR2 to defense the 70cm ham specturm. Before doing so, I would like to draw some of your expertise: 1. Is it common to have short range devices within the 70cm band in other countries e.g. US? 2. Presumably, the short range devices are of low RF power so that co-existence with ham operation in the same band is possible. Is my understanding correct? 3. If my understanding in item 2 above is positive, are there requirements for any guard band between the SRD and ham channels? 4. Is there technical issues which I should highlight to OFTA? My ultimate aim is to demand OFTA to return the band segment of 433-434Mhz to the amateur radio sector (at least as secondary services) in VR2. Spot frequencies co-exist with ham operation are acceptable. Any information to back up my argument will be appreciated. Cheers, Johnny VR2XMC 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: Antenna Analyzer
At 11:28 AM 3/6/2011, Clint Bradford wrote: First, befriend a Motorola technician at your local Moto dealership - if you haven't already. And you really have two price-point options: about US$400 for an MFJ-269, or a true piece of bench service gear at about US$5000. If you get an MFJ-269, use your contact with a real service tech to compare results. There was an issue with QC on the MFJ-269 (SOURCE: Personal experience, as I sold them for a couple of years). So - if you get a good one - or one with consistent results, you'll really enjoy it. Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666 ___ 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 I bought mine used on e-bay and spent too much for it. Failed the third day and cost me $70+shipping to get it fixed by MFJ. I ended up spending more than a brand new unit ;-) But is compares well with Bird43 measurements (which are 95% accurate) so good enough for ham use at my place. I modified mine to operate on LF for tuning loading coils on those short LF antennas. See my website under tech topics. I ran it on a 4AH gel-cell for a couple years until I got tired of lugging around the battery (installed ten NiMH AA cells and charge it with the bench PS). It is very handy for those quick checks of antennas or cables. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: KIT
Kevin, I agree with Jeff. The last time there were dedicated VHF radios was when Heath still made them. But today you can find very nice HF radio kits and 2m and 70cm transceiver kits, which together make a fine multi-mode VHF/UHF radio. I would recommend the K2 HF radio kit from Elecraft http://www.elecraft.com/ and either their transceiver kits or kits from Downeast Microwave: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/ I have the Elecraft K3 but it is not a traditional kit that is assembled by soldering pc boards (but only a mechanical kit). 73, Ed Perhaps there have been articles in QEX for building a complete radio for VHF. QST does not normally offer complicated projects. If you look thru my website you will see that I build a lot of my station, but not the central radio. At 07:57 PM 3/4/2011, Jeff Moore wrote: Insulting people probably won't get you what you're looking for. I did a search of the QST archive and came up empty, so I doubt if there was an article (I could be mistaken). Most kits out there are for HF equipment usually QRP (low power), I don't personally know of a 2m/70cm kit of any kind. There are lots of homebrew projects but again they are mostly for HF. If you have more specific information, by all means post it here. I'd be interested. As for other forums, they are too numerous to list. Your best bet would be to go to Yahoo groups and do a search on applicable topics and/or equipment models. There are a lot of hams that still build stuff - mostly antennas, but other equipment as well. There just aren't very many kits out there anymore. If you run across a vhf/uhf kit of any kind, I'd be interested in learning more about it. Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY CN94 - Original Message - From: Kevin Deane summit...@live.com Is there another forum, because obviously everyone here just buys everything and maybe have forgotten what this hobby is all about! I know there is a kit out there for a receiver and or a SSB converter. 2-meter/70cm SSB receiver. I heard there was an article in QST so it must exist. I am young, enthusiastic, and have lots of time, any help would be great. :) Kevin KF7MYK ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == ___ 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: PVC
First off, The originator asks a very open-ended question. His only use of PVC was for a vertical antenna. So what is his intended use for a PVC mast? Except for very small wind-area antenna, it will not likely hold up. Why would one use inferior materials in place of easily obtained steel (best) or aluminum (satisfactory)? Does he need an insulated mast? Does he plan an antenna that has to be isolated from nearby metal because...? (it would affect the pattern?) Thick-wall fiberglass is considerably stronger than PVC and has all the characteristics. But neither will have the strength of steel. Adding wood inserted inside helps (somewhat). I made a 18-turn 432 helical beam with 1-1/4-inch wooden closet pole and it lasted two winters before snow-load broke it. I was too cheap for metal or fiberglass. Wood must be carefully selected for antenna material and probably not match using metal for strength/weight ratio. Some antennas have used PVC tubing for part of the structure. Perhaps a better answer would come with more details of what is to be supported by the PVC mast. And re: negative nancy - she may have extensive experience to speak from. ;-) I thought that was what the query was about - experiences by others using PVC. Not everyone will have positive experiences with PVC. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 10:31 AM 2/24/2011, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, Matt Patterson mattp...@1starnet.com wrote: I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this! Matt W5LL On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote: I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel? 73's Peter VE7NGP -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better! At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote: Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out. 73, Bruce WA3SWJ At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote: Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio . Mike N8GBU ___ 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 ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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:
[amsat-bb] Re: A LITTLE HAM HUMOR for a change
Or when out on a Sunday drive with the XYL you point homes as great ham locations!. When shopping for a new home, antenna considerations were highest priority. Holidays are scheduled in areas/dates with great hamfests or ham conferences. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 10:48 AM 2/24/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: You Might Be (and Probably Are) an Amateur Radio Operator, If: 1. You have bought black electrical tape in ten packs. 2. You have stripped wire with your teeth. 3. You have told your child, One day, all this will be yours, and he or she did not respond at all. 4. You would rather help another Ham friend to hook up new equipment, or to put up a new tower, than to mow your own lawn. 5. You have grabbed the wrong end of a hot soldering iron. 6. You have gotten an RF burn from your own antenna. 7. You have given out RST reports while you were on the telephone. 8. When the microphones or visual aids at a meeting did not work, you rushed up to the front to fix them. 9. You have told the XYL, when she noticed a new rig in the shack, Why, that has been there for years. 10. You have set your watch to UTC only. 11. You have had to patch your roof after an antenna project fell onto it. 12. You have put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car or on the riding mower, just so you could watch it on APRS. 13. You have tapped out CQ or HI on the car horn in Morse Code to another Ham. 14. Your teenager has refused to ride in your car because it looks like a porcupine. 15. You know the Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation of your home QTH. 16. You have gone into the local Radio Shack store, and the store clerk has asked you where something is and how it works. 17. You have answered the telephone with your call sign, and then finished the conversation with 73 and your call sign. 18. You have looked for antennas, radios, and Morse Code in movies and television shows. 19. When you look at anything made of wire or metal tubing, you wonder if it could be used as an antenna. 20. Your call sign is listed on one or more of your hats, T-shirts, or other garments. 21. You regularly carry one or more tools in your pockets at any given time. 22. When any kinds of batteries go on sale, you get really excited. 23. When you look at a barbecue grill, it creates ideas about ground plane antennas. 24. You have designated all your friends as Hams or Non-Hams. 25. You have referred to your Ham friends by their call sign suffixes instead of their real names. 26. You have intentionally confused Non-Hams by telling them that the only things you talk about on the air are pork products. 27. You have intentionally scared Non-Hams with the word RADIATION! 28. You have looked at telephone poles and power line towers as potential antenna supports. 29. You have thought you were still hearing CW, SSB, or SSTV tones, even when your Ham radio was off. 30. Your Go-Bag has more clothes in it than your dresser does. 31. You have a SKYWARN sticker on your back window. 32. Your significant other sits in the back seat, and your radios ride in the front. 33. Your neighbors wonder if you are a Narc (narcotics officer), a Spy, or a Federal Agent. 34. The cops pull you over because they want to see the inside of your car. This one is actually being done by Tim Clark, KB4RPV: 35. Your cell-phone's ring tone is your Ham radio call sign, sent in Morse Code http://www.planetofnoise.com/midi/morse2mid.php). __ Thought this might be worth a little chuckle WA4HFN ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: PVC
Up here ten foot of gray electrical 1-1/2-inch PVC runs about $9.95 and ten foot of 1-1/4 ID schedule-40 aluminum about $15. When I am going to mount several hundreds of dollars of antennas on a mast am I going to risk losing them by saving $5? My nearly $3K 2m eme array (four antennas+H-frame+144-foot of coax+ elevation bracket) are supported by 3-1/2 feet of 2-inch sched-80 steel pipe! The 16 sq-foot wind area array has withstood 65mph winds sustained over a 30-hour period that stripped the ring gear on the Ham-III rotator (azimuth drive). I now use Ham-IV with steel ring gears. That array and mast have been up 11-years. You would not do that with PVC. The H-frame has combined aluminum and fiberglass on the vertical masts which support the 21-foot long 2m x-yagis. PVC would not be suitable even with wood. The fiberglass has wooden dowels inserted in the ends to prevent crushing the fiberglass with antenna clamps. I added short split lengthwise aluminum tubing to sheath the fiberglass at the clamp locations. You probably are not looking at a project this big but steel and aluminum are not that expensive. So is there another reason to want PVC? Ed At 11:32 AM 2/24/2011, Matt Patterson wrote: Hmmm... how about not being cheap and buy a steel or aluminum mast? That's my solution Matt W5LL On 2/24/2011 1:31 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, Matt Pattersonmattp...@1starnet.com wrote: I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this! Matt W5LL On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote: I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel? 73's Peter VE7NGP -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better! At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote: Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out. 73, Bruce WA3SWJ At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote: Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio . Mike N8GBU ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
[amsat-bb] Re: Linear vs. switching and HV DC
At 10:54 AM 2/18/2011, Bob Bruninga wrote: Is there a Amsat BB favorite between switching and linear [power supplies]? I won't speak to noise, which is the only potential issue with switching power supplies, but other than that, I am writing an article for QST that points out how the world of power and emergency power has changed drastically over the last decades. Entirely due to switching power supplies and regulators: PROS: 1) A 90% reduction in size and weight 2) Laptop supplies that can supply 12v at 5 to 10 amps 3) Universal inputs 115V to 240V AC 4) * also run on 150 to 330 VDC 5) Hybrids and Electric Vehicles have Kilowatts of 150 to 330 VDC available 6) Home grid-tie solar has Kilowatts of high voltage DC available 7) 12VDC to 120VAC inverters are now sine and modified sine at 90%+ efficiency 8) * These internally run on 200 VDC or so. Easy to run great distances on small wire if you run them directly on HV DC derived from your Hybrid or Solar. CONS: with today's litigious society and general ignorance (compared to the vacuum tube days when even cub-scouts built 2 tube radios with High Voltage), it is doubtful that QST will publish the article. They have rejected it before, but I keep whittling away at the details. Bottom line, is that high efficiency high voltage DC is everywhere and because everything runs on switching power supplies that run internally on HV DC and regulators that accept a wide range of input, then HV DC could be the new universal power source. Problem is, Hybrid and EV MFR's are not going to provide access to HV DC willingly due to safety an liability issues. Same for Solar installers Same for QST. But you can get some of what I am writing about on this page: http://aprs.org/FD-Prius-Power.html http://aprs.org/alternative-energy.html For example, buried in a Camry Hybrid is a nice compact stand-alone 14 volt 100 AMP DC/DC supply. Input can be 200 to 350 volts DC (which you can get from 120V or 240VAC with just some diodes).. Problem is, it is bolted to the $1000 salvage battery and the salvage guys won't sell it separately. The Prius 100amp 14v supply is integrated into the huge drivetrain inverter and inseparable from that $3000 unit (salvage cost). As we electrify transportation and anyone with good sun goes solar, HV DC will be something Hams will be getting used to again. 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 I am rebuilding my 4.2kV PS for the 2m-8877. Does that qualify? QST still publishes high-power tube amplifier designs in their handbook. What's 150-250v amongst friends? Of course HV DC can badly burn or Kill you. I was 14 years old when working on my DX-35 with 850vdc on the 6146 plate. I agree that many hams these days aren't not trained to handle high-voltage with all the 12vdc solid-state electronics available. But QRO sspa are running at 50vdc and higher. There are rules for safe work on HV...time to review them. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Linear vs. switching and HV DC
At 12:26 PM 2/18/2011, Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL wrote: At 12:01 PM 2/18/2011 -0900, Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net wrote: I am rebuilding my 4.2kV PS for the 2m-8877. That'll get you into AO-51. ;-) Not me! I'm not getting the blame for melting the AO-51 receiver. I was 14 years old when working on my DX-35 with 850vdc on the 6146 plate. I agree that many hams these days aren't not trained to handle high-voltage with all the 12vdc solid-state electronics available. But QRO sspa are running at 50vdc and higher. There are rules for safe work on HV...time to review them. I know that's true. Even the large caps in high current 13v supplies. I thought I had things discharged and just to be sure before I started poking around with a screwdriver checking other things, I thought I would be sure the filter caps discharged, so I put the screwdriver across the terminals . You know arc welders run at low voltage,,,but lots of current. Discharging a large filter cap is a potential welding unit! Same goes for getting across the terminals of a large battery (a wrench or screwdriver laying across a car battery will cause a lot melting and possible overheat the battery enough to explode! You should have seen the spark. And a loud bang or pop? You ought to hear what 4kV sounds like when it arcs to ground! Watch for burn and eye damage situations if working around high capacity/voltage systems. Rule of HV: NEVER touch a HV circuit until it is verified that no voltage remains. Hooking/disconnecting HV probes to measure HV is always done with power-off/discharged. Connect the HV probe/meter and do not touch them when HV is applied. In commercial HV systems there is dead-man hook: a metal hook like a shepards crook with a cable to ground attached to a long insulated handle. You do not hold it to short HV circuits. YOU toss it onto the circuits and step quickly back. I was taught this at NASA where we had a walk in 100kV PS (think it was housed in a semi trailer). It ran the anode on 20kW s-band klystron amps. ALWAYS inform someone when you are about to test HV (in case you need medical assistance). INSTRUCT them to NEVER touch you or go near the equipment if you get shocked/electrocuted. Show them how to shut down the Main Breaker on the house (but CALL 911 FIRST, because a lot of cordless phones quit when the power is off). DO NOT attempt CPR if you are not absolutely sure that power is off. In most electrocutions the heart goes into fibrillation and ordinary CPR will not revive a person. It will extend life if it can be done safely. Be sure to tell 911-operator that an electrical shock has occurred. Most electrocutions above 240v are fatal. NO SECOND CHANCE! Sort of like falling off that 100-foot tower - you only do it once. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: pre amp help..
At 12:59 PM 2/16/2011, Ted wrote: I just sent my ARR pre amp back to ARR for repair for the 3rd time ! (pretty sure I did not tx through it ) What are people using for pre amps. I only see the Mirage as an alternative. Any other choices. I'm kind of disappointed in ARR products. Is there a pre amp that you can tx through preventing accidental frying? Any thoughts appreciated 73, Ted, K7TRK ___ 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 Ted, Not without relays to bypass the preamp when transmitting. Several outfits make preamps with RF detect and internal relays but be careful not to exceed their RF power ratings. ARR make a fine preamp and I have used them for years. The mgf-1302 is the standard device in them but have become scarce (hard to find). Not sure what ARR is using as a substitute, but you could stock up on a handful and do your own repairs. I have been the beneficiary of a couple dozen H-J Fets (NE334S01) that drop into the ARR and have half the NF (typ. 0.24 dBNF). They are smaller devices so a bit harder to handle. I just installed one in an old P144VDG ARR preamp and had only to substitute the 100-ohm resistor with a 270-ohm to supply Vds=2.4v (mgf-1302 take Vds=4v). I will be installing it on my 2m-eme array in a couple days and will see how it plays. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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] pre amp help
Since I have a dozen NE334S01, I can repair a few ARR 144 432 preamps for others. So here's the deal. You ship to me in a small flat-rate Priority Mail box (cost you $5.20) and include $30 for repair plus return shipping. You can either send a money order or use PayPal for quickest turnaround (a check will have to clear the bank before shipping back). NO VISA/Mastercard/other credit cards (sorry). Typically, priority mail takes 3-5 days to reach me. I will make the repair within 48-hours of receipt. So turnaround could be as little as 8-days or as much as 12 days (not including Sunday or Postal Holidays). I can verify operation (gain) but not able to measure noise figure or sensitivity. I can only warrantee workmanship that the preamp is functional for 30-days. No warrantee for transmitting into the preamp or reversing dc voltage connections or dropping off your tower. I will not accept preamps that have been previously repaired by other than the manufacturer. Replacement of other components beside the Fet are at cost+15% (e.g. bad voltage regulator, broken feedthru, etc.). Not responsible for loss in shipment so include insurance if you desire that. If preamp is unrepairable, only cost $5.20 shipping back to you (balance will be refunded). This offer is good until I run out of current stock of NE334S01 devices. PLEASE CONTACT ME via e-mail before SHIPPING! For comparison, ARR will charge $22.50 plus shipping UPS. I can not do Factory Warranty work; contact ARR for that. If anyone objects my sending out this e-mail - then don't read it (LOL). This is not a commercial business - a ham helping other hams! 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: pre amp help..
What Greg is describing is an RF sensed high-power attenuator. Downeast makes two products that can work to do this: One is the AOS-144 ( $80.00) which switches RF thru a 50w attenuator to a factory adjusted level from 10 up to 100mw output for driving a transverter. The receive side is passed thru to a common SO-239 connector which is connected to the radio. To use it solely for a preamp a 50-ohm resistor can be tied across the BNC transmit output connector. This would be used in conjunction with TR relay for unswitched preamps like the P144VDG. They also make the SSBT ( $65.00) safety switch bias-tee which might be more appropriate. It provides dc voltage to power the preamp over the coax line and senses RF for protection up to 50w. Again one would need TR relays for bypassing the preamp if you want to also use the antenna for transmitting. But if you just want protection for a dedicated receive preamp either would work without need for a relay. I know that 100w was mentioned, but these probably would withstand a momentary application of 100w such as the turn-on burp that some radios have. http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/cat-frame.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW At 08:56 PM 2/16/2011, Greg D. wrote: As others, SSB Electronics model that is RF switched. I *have* transmitted 100+ watts into it, though not on purpose, and it works just fine. I got the RF switched model as a just in case bit of insurance, and am glad I did. It's been reported here a few years ago that sometimes there's a little burp of RF that squirts out when a transceiver is powered up. Seems unlikely , but if so, maybe that did it? If I recall, the discussion was about people frying their AO-40 S-band down converters by accidentally transmitting into them. An somewhat less certain recollection is that someone came up with a simple circuit that would clamp the RF to a more forgiving, if not totally safe level. As an alternative to an RF switched preamp model, perhaps a stroll through the archives might net a different solution. Good luck, Greg KO6TH From: k7trkra...@charter.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:59:41 -0800 Subject: [amsat-bb] pre amp help.. I just sent my ARR pre amp back to ARR for repair for the 3rd time ! (pretty sure I did not tx through it ) What are people using for pre amps. I only see the Mirage as an alternative. Any other choices. I'm kind of disappointed in ARR products. Is there a pre amp that you can tx through preventing accidental frying? Any thoughts appreciated 73, Ted, K7TRK ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Nova for Windows question
At 03:04 PM 2/15/2011, Jim Sanford wrote: All: In preparation for Echoes of Apollo event this spring, I'm resurrecting Nova and rotors, etc. Interesting anomaly. Background: My desktop has Nova version 2.1v My laptop (which will be used for the event) has Nova version 2.2b First issue is why are they different; don't remember -- though all was the same. More important: When I launched Nova on the laptop, I had no views configured. Which I attributed to a new install following a new hard drive a year or so ago, but now I'm not so sure -- something may be corrupted. Copied the views file from desktop to laptop and most was well. HOWEVER, could not find moon or AO-51. Rebuild data base (IAW help file and FAQ) and found Echo (AO-51), which I can drag into my current view and track. Moon shows up on list of celestial objects, but I'm not allowed to drag it into the tracking list -- get an error message about no keplerian elements available. (Which is no surprise; I think I recall that Nova uses a different algorithm for moon and sun.) Question: What do I have to do to be able to track the moon in Nova for Windows 2.2b? Thanks and very 73, Jim wb4...@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 I have vers. 2.2b on my desktop and the Moon drags into a view window with no error flags. You build a view clicking the view drop-down list and chose either new or current to open the window where you can set up a view configuration. I agree with Clint to uninstall and install a new copy. You will have to download the latest keps and build a new view but that should do it. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: ARISSat-1 test
There was a posting that alluded activation on April 12 but I find nothing on the Russian site about ARISSat-1. I suppose they could connect it to the test antenna on the ISS like they just did. A lot of questions about the battery condition waiting for a launch in July. I would suppose there was a external power jack provided for testing. Could that power ARRISSat-1 from the ISS power systems for recharging/test transmissions? This is a question and not based on any knowledge I have about what it has. July launch gives me time to restore my tracking antenna systems after being damaged by wind in Dec. I will probably get the antennas remounted sooner, but I still have to T/S and repair the B5400 controller. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 05:38 AM 2/13/2011, g0...@aol.com wrote: I wonder if it will sit until July? After all the Russians KEDR name reflects the upcoming anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight into space. That was 50yrs ago on 12th April. So many questions David In a message dated 13/02/2011 08:28:12 GMT Daylight Time, orbit...@hotmail.com writes: Interesting comments: During the test, RSC-Energia decided to keep the transmitter on until Friday morning. Hmmm curious about a few things but... what impact this test has had on battery life, considering the vehicle now sits until at least July... Robert G. Oler WB5MZO life member AMSAT/ARRL soon to be NAARS and 5Nsomething ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: ARISSat-1 Telemetry decoding
At 02:46 AM 2/10/2011, Mineo Wakita wrote: ARISSat-1 BPSK1000 software, ARISSatTLM developed by KA2UPW https://svn.sarpeidon.net/viewvc/suitsat2/ground_station_software/ARISSatTLM /releases/ https://svn.sarpeidon.net/viewvc/suitsat2/ground_station_software/ARISSatTLM /install-staging/ https://svn.sarpeidon.net/viewvc/suitsat2/ground_station_software/ARISSatTLM /install-staging/Sample_ARISSat_Recording1.WAV http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/arissat2.htm JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita ___ 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 None of the link's pass Window's certificate security except the last one. Has Amsat officially released this software or is this just gearhead chatter by computer geeks? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: SatPC32 - FT-817
I will have to look at that for running my FT-817 with my K3+144/28 transverter. Thanks, Ed - KL7UW At 10:21 AM 2/10/2011, David Palmer wrote: Hi Clint and James, I've got a full write-up on my 2 x FT-817ND system with SatPC32 on my page at: http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/2010/10/satellite-portable-station.html It includes details configuation, screenshot, cables, setup, etc. Same config will apply to an 817+857 install. 73 de Dave KB5WIA / CM88 On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 9:45 AM, Clint Bradford clintbradf...@mac.com wrote: James Brown (no, not THAT James Brown) needs assistance with SatPC32 - Would a SatPC32 guru please answer him directly at ... jimki...@sbcglobal.net JAMES: Wondering if you have instructions to make ft817 and ft857 connect to sat32pc and how that works. I have the 857 working as primary. Thanks, Jim KI6WJ Many thanks - I just am not that familiar with SatPC32 ... Clint K6LCS ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: SatPC32 - FT-817
At 10:25 AM 2/10/2011, Clint Bradford wrote: GREAT info - MANY thanks! Clint, K6LCS On Feb 10, 2011, at 11:21 AM, David Palmer wrote: Hi Clint and James, I've got a full write-up on my 2 x FT-817ND system with SatPC32 on my page at: http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/2010/10/satellite-portable-station.html ___ 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 Nice article. A couple questions: 1- Can one run both tracking (B5400) and tuning with SATPC32? 2- I didn't know that Yaesu needed a CAT converter to RS232. The K3 has a RS232 port so easy to connect. But I will have to get into SATPC32 to see if it will support control of the K3. 3. Does SATPC32 interface with the Unitrac2000. I am running winXP with a computer that has a com port and USB. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Spacewalk From International Space Station Will Air On NASA TV
At 02:59 PM 2/10/2011, Clint Bradford wrote: Confirming the time ... February 16, Wednesday 7:45AM EASTERN / 4:45AM PACIFIC ISS Expedition 26 Russian Spacewalk Coverage Spacewalk begins at 8:15AM EASTERN / 5:15AM PACIFIC Johnson Space Center Public and Media Channels NASA TV: http://tinyurl.com/ARISSat1-deploy Clint, K6LCS http://www.worksatellites.com ___ 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 OK, asking a silly question but it isn't being launched for six more days how can someone already copy the signal? Does it have a secret time machine on board and zapped back from the future? Or is it possible to pick up the signal form inside the ISS? Did they test it or something? Or did the scheduled launch get bumped forward? I told you it was a silly question! BTW when I go to the tinyurl link a picture blips for a second and then it tells me it is for NASA employees and not for the public. Another geek e-mail? delete 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011
Excuse me for wading into this discussion. Especially since I have not been active for a couple years. But I did do some operating with a THD-7A + Arrow and with a FT-817 + Arrow and I can see no problem with the use of a audio recorder being used as a log (at least until one has time to transcribe it to a permanent log - whether paper or digital). I did do paper but it was not pretty and I did have trouble remembering callsigns to do that (right after the pass). In all ham radio, individual integrity is the bottom line for valid contacts. If you used the wrong call on the air the other station should not credit the QSO as valid. If you merely have a memory problem and the recording can provide backup to that...that seems reasonable. If your personal standards find this unacceptable, then don't, but...I think imposing that standard on others is questionable (on a practical level). If you are the awards log checker - well I can not tell you how to conduct your business. Afterall this is NOT moonbounce. You ask why I insert that? For one to count a moonbounce contact as legitimate one MUST do the following: 1-copy your own callsign plus copy the other station's callsign 2-Must copy your signal report from the other station 3-Must confirm that to the other station 4-get confirmation the other station has copied his signal report 5-and usually confirm that all exchanges are complete At minimum this is four transmissions by each station. Aren't you glad you don't have to live by eme (moonbounce rules)? ;-) 73, Ed - KL7UW At 12:53 PM 2/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote: Hi Joe and Group, I would have to say that if Michael's (K4MOA) QSO was not confirmed based upon remembering the call sign, 95% of the QSOs in my log are not confirmed. Many of us use recorders because of the obvious reason - we have one hand to hold the Arrow, Elk or tripod, and the other hand is busy with an HT (or in my case, 2 HTs). There is no hand available to right call signs down. Another obvious reason behind the recorder is that most people cannot go outside and stand for a 15 minute pass, work __# of stations, and then go back inside and recall all the call signs, grid squares, RST reports, etc. If we could all recall all of the info like this, recorders would not be in use. If recorders were not being used, what would we do? You could either type it into the computer, or you could write it down on paper. This brings about the question of, why write it on paper? The bottom-line reason for writing it on paper is you donât want to forget it, the same reason for a recorder. If you were going to remember it, why right it down? Even after taking a memory course a few months ago in college I can't go outside and remember everything. This sounds like a lot to ask of someone. Most passes are fast pace and crazy. You are not going to be able to remember every station you worked, especially if you are working from a boundary, etc. In my mind, a QSO is confirmed when the two operators have a successful relay of information between each other. Example: K4MOA this is WP3PZ, FK58 - WP3PZ, this is K4MOA, EM95, QSL? - QSL, 73To me, this is a confirmed QSO. When K4MOA goes inside, if he cannot remember the EXACT call of the station(s) he worked, that is not an issue of the QSO was not confirmed, it is an issue of K4MOA got a phone call right as he walked in the door and forgot the call sign of the station he worked. I know this sounds like a silly scenario, but it is reality. To me, a confirmed QSO happens at the mic, not when you are listening to a recording, or how good your memory is. I don't remember reading anything in the Tech or General books about you must remember every call sign for a QSO to be confirmed. Now, if you repeated the call back to the station incorrectly, then it is between you and your conscience; but if you could say his call back to him correctly, but just happened to forget it, I would still call this confirmed. If you have a base station and have the ability to sit at a desk and type it directly into a computer or write them down on a piece of paper, that is great, but most of the portable equipment ops are going to use a recorder. I apologize I am repeating the same things over and over. I would be interested to hear a few other's opinions on this. Maybe I am the one that has it backwards. 73! Zack KD8KSN -Original Message- From: Joe Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 2:42 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011 Now in My MIND this was not a valid QSO,, the information was NOT all done on the radio, never mind he had the call wrong. BUT even if he did work WP3T, he did not know he did it it took YOU and YOUR station to let him know it. so even if the call he thought he copied was right I
[amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011
At 01:14 PM 2/6/2011, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: I don't think the issue is whether or not you use a recorder, packet/psk31/rtty ops are not penalised because they have a computer record of the contact by virtue of the technology used for that mode. If a voice recorder is part of your shack, that's fine. The issue is having to ask others if they heard your QSO and can tell you the details. If you chose technology to help you, fine. If your technology fails, so does the QSO. It's not acceptable to expect the rest of the world to be your log keeper. I agree with this! 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011
Zack, Neither Nigel or I said that. Burden of proof of contact lies with the stations making the contact. Use of a recorder is OK (what I said), but relying on others to log your contact is not. The farthest one can stretch that is if the other station in the QSO confirms that you and they completed a contact. And that is not kosher under eme rules (as I have pointed out). But then is ordinary ham radio where the rules are more lenient. But for these contacts to count toward awards such as WAS or DXCC, or in a contest, you must enter your log. Asking others what they heard would be considered cheating. If you operate satellites for personal pleasure with no regard to awards, standings, etc. then it matters only to your own personal standard of operation. But be aware that others may not agree :-\ 73, Ed At 01:51 PM 2/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote: Hi Ed and Nigel, I agree this is reasonable as well. I donât see an issue with using someone else's recordings because your batteries died, as long as you heard the QSO, repeated the other station's call back, etc., as I said in my original email. If you aren't for sure if the station came back to your call or if he confirmed he heard you because you lost the bird or went behind a tree, then that's a different story. I also think it's good to have a little grace - we can't expect a first-timer to the sats to jump on and copy and repeat all call signs 100%. When I first started, all I said was a QSL, or copy that. I imagine I frustrated a few ops who were wondering who I was QSLing. ;-) 73, Zack KD8KSN -Original Message- From: Edward R. Cole Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 5:24 PM To: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF ; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011 At 01:14 PM 2/6/2011, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: I don't think the issue is whether or not you use a recorder, packet/psk31/rtty ops are not penalised because they have a computer record of the contact by virtue of the technology used for that mode. If a voice recorder is part of your shack, that's fine. The issue is having to ask others if they heard your QSO and can tell you the details. If you chose technology to help you, fine. If your technology fails, so does the QSO. It's not acceptable to expect the rest of the world to be your log keeper. I agree with this! 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Memories of OSCAR 10
At 03:08 PM 2/5/2011, Bill Dzurilla wrote: I've been enjoying the posts regarding our last HEO satellite, AO-40. I was inactive while AO-40 was going strong, but the posts brought back memories of our first HEO, OSCAR 10, my first experience with satellites until a couple of years ago. You can't find much about the glory days of AO-10 on the web, but I remember them well. Passes lasted for 8 hours. Always Q5 copy everywhere in the huge footprint, very little QRM or QRN. I worked over 100 countries from 1983-85, but never got enough cards for DXCC. My rig was a Yaesu FT-726R with a Mirage D-1010 amp. It was 70cm uplink, 2 meters downlink. I attached the antennas to a small mast on my chimney. I had a surplus cavity bandpass filter that wiped away all the birdies; it was needed because I lived in EL49 in New Orleans. The antennas were small crossed-yagis (KLM?), circularly polarized, on separate booms. I can't recall the make or model. Also must have had a mast-mounted preamp and an az-el rotator, but I can't remember them. I got the tracking info from a program that ran on my Commodore 64 and printed it out on my Gorilla Banana printer. Those were halycon days, with AO-10 supposed to be just the beginning. The grand plan was to put up 3 linked ham sats in geosynchronous orbit, which would enable any ham to work any other ham anywhere on the globe 24-7. Will we ever see anything like that again? How did AO-10 compare with AO-40? There was a fire at my home and all my logs and QSL cards from those days were lost. If anyone out there happens to have an old AO-10 QSL card from me, I'd sure appreciate a copy. 73, Bill NZ5N ___ 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 AO-10 in the mid-1980's was my first real satellite operation (I had been involved with AO-6). It was the basic mode-B linear transponder. Great range and lots of DX. I worked some rare DX that was rare on HF standards. The hams I worked said they were tired of the pileups on HF and came up on AO-10 to enjoy some nice contacts. P3E inherits the legacy of AO-10 and AO-13, as it is very similar in what it is equipped to do. ARISSat-1 will be a precurser for what P3E would be without the high orbit. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: AO40 contacts and P3-E
At 07:17 AM 2/4/2011, Peter Guelzow wrote: Hi All, You guys are making me all teary-eyed! I loved that bird, especially for all the challenges it presented. Ughh.. this really hit's me hard and I'm getting very sentimental reading all email's to this topic. But it gives me also The launch campaign in french Guiana, were I was staying in Kourou for more than quarter of the year, and the re-birth of AO-40 on Christmas were the most exciting days in my life. I haven't made many contacts, I was more among the listeners and enjoyed the fun. It's sometimes very frustrating to me that 10 years after the launch of AO-40 we still haven't got P3-E into orbit. We have been going to many up's and down's during this time, but we are not giving up. There are new challenges we are working on presently and some of them give us a good hope of success. Indeed and I'm sorry for that, It has been very quiet about the progress of P3-E in the last year. While most mechanical work is done, there was also progress on the electronics, mostly the IHU. However, one of the biggest challenges is indeed funding and a launch we can afford. That's where we a concentrating most of our efforts and time at the moment Indeed, we need the support of the community. There will only a P3-E, if we all really want it.. If you want to support P3-E, than please visit http://www.p3e-satellite.org/?lang=en_EN and make a direct donation to the project - THANKS! 73s Peter, DB2OS Peter Gülzow President AMSAT-DL Peter, Good to hear from Amsat-DL pertaining to P3-E. I guess it is a forgone conclusion that Amsat-NA is stalled indefinitely for any Heo. So, it definitely appears that P3-E is our sole remaining hope for a Heo satellite in the heritage of AO-10, 13 and 40. I hear a rally cry to step-out and be counted in support of P3-E. Peter, hopefully you have some better launch prospects than Amsat-NA has. Could we get it hauled up to ISS and kicked out the door with orbital boost engine? I guess that would be a huge permitting battle? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Rideshare missions to GTO, $800K for 3U Cubesat
ahh the radios may last but will we? Well, I am cheering for all that endeavor for us! thanks! Ed - KL7UW At 03:54 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote: I hope that Amsat can make Fox the highest quality, longest lived Cubesat ever built. But a Cubesat in high altitude orbit will be very disappointing to most hams, only the big-gun ham stations will ever be able to work it. We need a larger satellite with a larger power budget, high gain antennas and an attitude control system to aim those antennas at the Earth. We need to build and launch multiple satellites so that a single failure will not be so devastating to the user community. Those of us who work in or near the space program are looking under every rock to find a flight opportunity to a high altitude orbit. Please don't sell your AO-40 gear just yet, I think that you will need it again someday. Dan Schultz N8FGV ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: AO40 contacts
I was on AO-40 from its launch, initially running mode US, then mode LS (I bought one of the few DEMI 1268/144 Tx converters that were made). I made several contacts after I got my s-band downlink working. Initially, I was using too small an antenna and did not have a decent preamp. Once I graduated to the 85cm (33-inch) offsst feed dish and added a MKU-232 preamp, I was able to hear anyone. I spent a long time collecting telemetry and could do so out to a squint angle of 49-degrees. It really is a shame that there was no workaround for the battery issue or even run on solar panels like AO7. But this was before AO7 reawakened to provide that insight. I lived and waited long years for AO-40 and unfortunately wasted time I could have operated on AO-13. Now I have all the stuff needed to work a Heo and hardly anywhere to use it (I bought one of the early FT-847 just for AO-40). I would say a lot of the operators of the Heo years have gone away from satellite activity (some remain lurking on Amsat-bb wishing upon a star ...or a hope and a prayer). I will return, if Murphy will leave me alone long enough! But I mainly operate Oscar-Zero now days. 73, ED - KL7UW At 11:04 AM 2/3/2011, Floyd Rodgers wrote: Did anyone manage to bag any contacts off A040 before it's sad event? ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Yaesu 5500 Rotor Problem
To T/S the meter, swap the elevation wires with the azimuth wires and see if the problem follows the swap. I hope you did not do what I did: The contacts for the motor wires lay down onto the mete wires applying 26v to the meter ckt. Taking the control unit apart doesn't look fun. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 06:39 AM 1/28/2011, Dee wrote: Bill, Alan seems to have covered all the troubleshooting areas for this rotor- Simple system. From what I have seen here on the BB, It is a toss up between poor connections and Pot probs. Good luck... Dee, NB2F -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Friday, January 28, 2011 9:51 AM To: 'Bill Gillenwater'; 'AmsatBBS' Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Yaesu 5500 Rotor Problem Bill, Start by checking the connections in the shack at the controller. If they are good, then disconnect lines 1, 2, and 3 on the elevation side and check the _cables_ with an ohm meter. You should read 500 ohms between 1 and 3, and something intermediate between 1 and 2, and between 2 and 3. If the antenna is parked, one of them will be close to 0 ohms, and the other almost 500 ohms, so it is better to point the antenna at 45 degrees or so. You can see a clear difference, and eliminate a shorted or open line. If this checks good, then the problem is inside the controller. If you don't, then you either have a bad connection in the cable or connector at the rotator, or the reference potentiometer is bad in the rotator. The easiest way to check this is to swap the connectors at the rotators. The systems are electrically identical. If the problem follows the connectors, there is a problem in the cable or connector. If not, it is in the rotator. Fixing the rotator pot is messy but straight forward, requiring only mechanical skills, and there have been several reports on how to do that. Fixing the controller depends on what is wrong. In either case, Yaesu will repair them for a modest fee. Let us know what you find. Alan WA4SCA -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bill Gillenwater Sent: Friday, January 28, 2011 8:21 AM To: AmsatBBS Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu 5500 Rotor Problem The meter for elevation on the Yaesu 5500 is not working. Any idea what might be wrong? Are there places to have them fixed if I can't shoot the bug? Thanks. Bill K3SV ___ 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: 40m EME (AMSAT 0)
It was 1/19 and 1/20/2008. I captured many screenshots of Spectran: http://www.kl7uw.com/raseti.htm bottom of the page the direct signal was 60-dB S+N/N and Moon echo was 20-dB S+N/N. Received on a 40m inverted-V with a FT-847 2.2 KHz bw in USB. Absolute signal level was affected by AGC. They ran 360MW with 180 turnstyle antennas; HAARP webpage: http://www.haarp.alaska.edu/ 73, Ed - KL7UW At 02:29 PM 1/20/2011, Jeff Yanko wrote: Hi Bob and all! I recall there was a HAARP experiment in, or near the 40 meter band. If I recall correctly, Randy, K7AGE, had recorded it for a youtube segment. I foget the power and gain at the site, but it was no doubt impressive. 73, Jeff WB3JFS - Original Message - From: Bob Bruninga bruni...@usna.edu To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 3:17 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] 40m EME (AMSAT 0) Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: FW: Re: em40 needed I misread this as something to do with 40m EME and got so distracted doing the calculations that I may as well post them. By my guess, if one could find an abandoned K mart parking lot with 160' spacing between light poles (about 30' high), one could hang 16 dipoles. If it was over GOOD swamp land, that might equal about 14 dB antenna gain. The path loss at 40m is 36 dB better than at UHF so the link would be about 0 dB SNR on a CW signal maybe. But from this one has to subtract a huge amount of noise on 40m. And it would only work at high elevations with really QUIET sun cycle. (you could point it with some phase adjustments)... But several dB of processing gain via DSP could bring it back up? These are only wild guesses. But it was fun. I'd love to see an expert's calculation just for the drill. 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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ 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: Yaesu FT-8800
At 12:17 PM 1/12/2011, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: Hi Zack! I don't mean to be the odd guy on the block, but I do not like the 8800 for satellite work. I enjoy the full duplex function, and it is very easy to maneuver through the frequencies/bands using the mic, but I do not like the receive sensitivity. Every time I have tried to use it for satellite work I feel like I fight it the entire time trying to get a strong signal. I can't exactly make a very accurate judgment on it either since I have only used it a few times. Don't apologize for posting an opinion. As you mentioned with your TH-G71As, there can be differences between two of the same model of radio. I bought two FT-8800s a year or so ago. One is in Mexico with an Elk antenna I left down there, and the other one needs to have those knobs replaced. The 8800 is my backup to that IC-2820H I mentioned in an earlier post as my full-duplex FM satellite radio. The sensitivity could be a little better, but I'm happier with it than other radios like my DJ-G7T. I probably should send it off to Yaesu to get those knobs replaced, and then try it again on the FM birds. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Just reading the mail. I wonder if anyone uses the TM-700 or TM-710 for satellite? Are they duplex? They are supposedly the mobile mate to the TH-D7 and new TH-D72. Looking at them for potential future use on both APRS and Sat as a mobile. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: TH-D7A Transmit Issues - Or Maybe Arrow Issues????
Zack, Do you have any way to measure RF output power from the radio? A power meter (or SWR meter) that indicates forward power. If you do, measure power with Arrow connected to output of the meter. Measure reflected power (or SWR). If you have a dummy load connect it to the meter and test the radio with that and compare that with what you see with the antenna connected. A duck is not a good 50-ohm load and depends on the field of the radio case to provide a good match. So connecting a duck to a power or SWR meter will not give an accurate indication. If the arrow is pointed at the repeater in the proper polarity it should indicate at least couple s-units higher received signal than a duck because the Arrow has gain and a duck actually has loss. Another thing that might get you with your simple comparison is the battery. Can you measure the voltage? Even though radios and antennas seem to be different a soft battery can drive you nuts with varying results. If you have fresh charged spare battery try it with your comparison tests. 73, Ed At 01:42 PM 1/12/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote: I did an additional test since my last email... I tried two different radios (D7 and G71) using the same battery and I CANNOT get into the local repeater now. I came inside the house, put the duck on, and I can hit the repeater fine. This would narrow it down to an issue with the Arrow. Does anyone have any ideas what might cause these symptoms? I have not changed anything with it. Zack KD8KSN From: Zachary Beougher Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 5:29 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: TH-D7A Transmit Issues - Or Maybe Arrow Issues Since we are on the subject of satellite equipment, I have a question: I was on AO51 a bit ago, and I was able to get in okay at the beginning using the THD7A for transmit, but as the pass went on it was impossible for me to get in, even when there was dead silence. I tried the D7 afterward (using the Arrow like I would for a pass) on a couple local repeaters, and I was having a hard time getting into them, when usually I could hit them with a duck. I pulled the Arrow off and stuck the duck on, and I can get into all the repeaters fine. Keeping all of that in mind, I went back to the Arrow and put a THG71A on in place of the D7 (same battery that was in the D7), and I could hit the repeater okay. I put the D7 faceplate back on, and it would not work. With the above information, I am getting indications of both an issue with the radio and/or Arrow. Any ideas as to what the issue might be Zack KD8KSN ___ Sent via amsat...@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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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] Mode-S uplinks
In the process of re-building my wind-damaged satellite antenna array and got thinking about the mode-S sats. I will be installing a 8dBic (RHCP) patch antenna (bought from L-Com) and have two different Drake downconverters to chose from depending on what the uplink band is. I am guessing that AO-51 is the only S-band sat available, currently. I have 435 and 123 MHz IF's for S-band converters depending on whether the uplink is VHF or UHF, respectively. So the question is whether mode-US or mode-VS is the norm on AO-51. I can install both downconverters with a coax switch and run two IF coax lines, but it would be simpler to have only one. Especially, since installation is at a current +3F temperature. I am installing a downsized array from what I had up: using 2/3 of my 436CP42 which I call my 436CP26, a M2-2m7 yagi, and the patch. I am not re-installing the 33-inch S-band dish or the 1268 loop-yagi this winter. The dish was probably what caused the support mast to bend over (65mph winds get some credit). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: Protocol
A satellite with 25 channels would probably help. LOL This is why a lot of the old guard satellite ops wish for the translator days with 100-KHz of bandwidth and CW/SSB. But I do NOT want to start up a RANT on this -everyone knows this. Single channel FM repeater satellites will always be saddled with this problem - too many users/one channel. Goes with the territory. that is reality. Another reality: lots of unused satellites while everyone is on a single satellite - why? 73, Ed when I get my rotating array QRV I will be on VO-52 and AO-7.., any maybe HO-68 ocassionally. On AO-51 I will be trying mode-VS At 11:53 AM 1/11/2011, mlolms...@fuse.net wrote: Having been a ham for over fifty years and having worked most modes of operation, including chasing DX and even satellite back in 1979, I totally agree that working AO-51 can get frustrating. However, if you think the mess on AO-51 is bad, try working a rare dx expedition sometime. Talk about pile-ups! As for protocols, I think I've read this same protocol discussion in just about every ham mag. and no one has come up with a workable solution that solved the problem. People are individuals and they tend to do what they want to do. I really wish I had a workable, amiable solution, but I don't, sorry. However, I don't recommend the Frequency Policemen idea, they generally just tend to make everyone more upset and the confusion gets even worse Now I'll get off my soap-box. Thanks, Merle, AA4QE ___ Sent via amsat...@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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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] Fwd: Re: Re: Sat protocol
My original post got rejected by either networkref.com or comcast.net Re: Amsat Journal - the readership of the journal probably are already aware of proper sat. protocol you want a wider readership to be published. 73, ED Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:11:51 -0900 To: rnut...@networkref.com rnut...@networkref.com, wa4...@comcast.net wa4...@comcast.net From: Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Sat protocol Cc: AMSAT amsat-bb@amsat.org May I suggest you write Joe Lynch, N6CL, editor of CQ-VHF Magazine: cq-...@cq-vhf.com Bob Witte, K0NR, is the FM columnist for CQ-VHF: b...@k0nr.com 73, Ed - KL7UW At 12:00 PM 1/10/2011, rnut...@networkref.com wrote: I have talked directly to the editor in chief of QST. I got a not interested response Ron Sent from my iPhone On Jan 10, 2011, at 1:40 PM, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: Maybe now would be a good time for someone to write an artical for QST on how to work the birds! Perhaps send an email to the new satellite ops explaining to them proper way ( BE A MENTOR ) Something needs to be done thats for sure WA4HFN Damon em55 ___ Sent via amsat...@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...@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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: Let Your Garage Charge Your Radio
Pretty good guess, David. These days newer HT come with Nickel-Metal-Hydride which do not need the kind of maintenance that NiCD do. Typically they hold charge much longer and do not develop a memory condition. At my former employment (now retired) we maintained over 200 HT batteries for immediate emergency response. It was sufficient to put the chargers on a timer to charge them for a couple hours/day (typ. at night). Batteries that had not been regularly charged held good for up to 30-days after a full charge cycle. Important to use chargers designed for the chemistry of the battery. Back in the day of NiCD we charged once/week and reconditioned monthly to extend life on batteries that had to perform but sat on the shelf for long periods of non-use. The absolutely worse thing one could do was set a HT into a charger full-time. In a response van we had a large deep-cycle 4D lead-acid battery and it was charged with the proper float charger. But not being a sealed battery, one had to check the electrolyte level periodically. I the comm center an eight-battery bank wired for 48vdc was run on float and they typ. were good for 4-years of standby use (fed industrial size UPS). The 12vdc equipment ran on another large 12v battery bank with float. That equipment was powered 24/7 with similar life-cycle of several years. Note that commercial deep-cycle batteries were used and cost 3x what the typ. car battery costs. Now I have a 6500w standby generator so battery back-up is less necessary for the home station (I do have a bank of 8AH gell-cell batteries). No HT, at present. 73, Ed - KL7UW At 01:25 AM 12/31/2010, g0...@aol.com wrote: Hi Clint. Sounds like a unique solution. Probably OK for NiCd or Lead acid. However, if it's any sort of Lithium technology in those batteries, then deep cycling and a top up charge is definately the wrong way. For maximum shelf life Lithium batteries need to be kept at 40 - 60% charge, then topped up when needed. Also, for the maximum number of cycles, the battery needs a small depth of discharge not deep cycling. Your friend is probably using NiCd bats, but I thought I would mention it just in case anyone thought this would be a good idea for Lithium batteries. Thanks es HNY David In a message dated 30/12/2010 19:20:52 GMT Standard Time, clintbradf...@mac.com writes: He also performs a cycling of his battery pack every 60 days (running the radio until it won't power on, then charging). After a year-and-a-half of this, his voltage indication is still quite high. When he performs his cycling, the pack seems to not have lost a bit of capacity. ___ Sent via amsat...@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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: Educating
At 03:59 AM 12/21/2010, Michael wrote: I was wondering what would be the best way to explain to the general public with what we do with Satellites? I was at the Doctors office and was stumbling around as I always do try to explain what we do ! Mike N8GBU ___ Sent via amsat...@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 We use our amateur radios to talk with other hams by sending our signal up to a satellite, which are built by hams, to relay our signal farther than we can normally talk. wait for the questions and answer them. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: AO-51 S-Band antenna polarization
Timely info, as I am going to rebuild my directional satellite array this week using: 144: M2 2M7 12.4-dBi (vert-pol) 432: M2 436CP24 14-dBic (est.) RHCP (rear half of 436CP42) 2401: L-com Patch 8-dBic RHCP No L-band http://www.kl7uw.com/MODSATTWR.jpg I may add pol switch to the 432 x-yagi later on. This is my minimized array to lower wind resistance and get a tracking array back up in mid-winter. I can consider restoring the fully antenna array next summer when able to lower the tower on hinge-over base using my pickup truck. At 11:10 AM 12/21/2010, Alan P. Biddle wrote: John, It is linear. You are right that the information exists, but is sometimes not readily available. A good place to look is the Weekly Satellite Report which AMSAT distributes. For many, but not all satellites, that information is just below the frequency information. For AO-51 we find: Mode and Antenna Polarization: V: Linear U: TX A (usually digital)LHCP TX B (usually analog) RHCP L: Linear S: Linear Alan WA4SCA -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of jmfranke Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 1:57 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 S-Band antenna polarization Does anyone know the polarization of the 2.4 GHz transmissions from AO-51. Are they circular? If so which polarity, RHCP or LHCP? Are they linear? If so is there a preferred receiving polarization? I have examined the AMSAT web site and many references on the Internet, but cannot seem to find the answer. Thanks, John WA4WDL AMSAT member 10211 ___ Sent via amsat...@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...@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 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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] AO7 modeA???
Nothing heard during the 0145z pass (#65.199). Did it not switch? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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] Fwd: IC 970 D
Do not write me concerning the radio. Posted as a courtesy for
KE2BP. It is listed on e-bay #110625397465 at $1300
can you be so kind to share this information with your members?
I would rather see this radio go into the hands of a licensed ham
/enthusiast.
Marc,
KE2BP
wlmailhtml:{1ABC1DBE-52A4-4EA7-B805-DC038C55C36B}mid://0006/!x-usc:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110625397465ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IThttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110625397465ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
*temp not in service
___
Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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[amsat-bb] DEMI has 1268 transverter
I was scanning the DEMI catalog when I noticed that DEMI is offering a xtal for their 1296 transverter which put it on 1268-MHz. The transverter is offered in 25w or 50w: 25w: assembled $590 50w: assembled-only $800 1.5w: kit for $395 (might be adequate for satellite if mounted right at the antenna). You can order either 28 or 144 MHz IF and several configurations (see the website) My point is to inform that this is another source for mode-L (25w is adequate). I have one of them in the 1296/28, 25w configuration for eme. Verrry Nice! I special ordered mine with the A32 PLL which locks to a 10-MHz external freq. ref. Holds freq. to 1Hz. Since I already have one of the rare DEMI 1268/144 Tx converters (made for AO-40) I do not need a freq. switch. There is a very long lead-time on orders (mine took 4-months). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: Educate the Manufacturers
At 08:40 PM 12/16/2010, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: On 12/17/2010 12:09 AM, Greg D. wrote: I believe this is the operative statement. I haven't tried it in a while (years), but I recall that my Alinco DR-610T mobile rig was not able to receive on 70cm while I was keyed up on 2m for a satellite contact. I remember this because it's frustrating when you can't hear what's going on. Haven't tried V/U satellite mobile since (and that was while parked in my driveway). The DR-610T is definitely capable of Cross-band Repeat, however. Greg KO6TH The 610 was definitely full duplex; see the second bullet at http://www.alinco.com/Products/DR-610T.shtml. I used a 605 extensively on satellite, and a friend has a 610 still. Just think about how a cross band repeater works, and you'll realize that any radio that does that must by design be capable of full duplex. 73, Drew KO4MA To repeat it has to receive while transmitting (that is duplex), but the DR-610T probably does not provide receive audio to the speaker when in cross-band mode. That means it is less useful for satellite work. It gets tricky to avoid audio feedback in that situation. Most repeaters do not have either mics or speakers, but certainly operate duplex. They often have connection for both for testing, however. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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: AO7 Post Script
Thinking about this a little more, I can install a 2-foot stub tube on the existing satellite tower this winter and install the 2m yagi and half the 436CP42 for adequate Leo performance. All the wiring has been run so it makes sense to re-install something there. I have to lower the hinge-over tower to do a full restoration and I cannot get the truck onto the lawn in winter with over a foot of snow. I use the truck to raise and lower the tower. So I will first remove the existing antennas and equipment; and then remove the broken mast. Then Install antennas pre-mounted on the az-el rotator and, using a gin-pole, set them as a unit on a short stub mast affixed to the tower. I will not install the 1268 Tx and loop-yagi, and the dish. I will add the 8-dBi 2.4-GHz patch with preamp and install one drake (2.4G/123-MHz). That ought to provide a good variety of operating modes (V/U/S). The satellite equipment enclosure is currently installed on the tower with all cabling. It hasn't been used because I shorted the indicator electronics in the Yaesu B5400 control box so I was unable to rotate antennas. I will have the control unit to repair before I can use anything. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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] AO7 Post Script
Few more comments: Running 50w into the Lindy works the middle of the pass, OK on AO7-mode A. I need my 8-element 2m yagi to do better. Since the support tower is out of commission until spring, I could move the B5400 and 2m/70cm antennas to a tripod mounted mast that I have used temporarily when roving or other things. I could mount the UHF part of the Arrow and the 8-element M2 2m yagi for a low impact set up that would probably still work mode O/V and mode-A OK. I will think about setting this up in the next couple weeks. This would resemble my old satellite setup at the old house on the flat roof (in a minimalist fashion). I will not set up the 1268 loop-yagi or 33-inch dish (KISS). I could set up the 2.4GHz panel antenna with LNA and drake converter. I'm back! 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp not in service ___ Sent via amsat...@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
