Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT bb
Your message came through on amsat-bb.org! Sometimes, when I post, the message does go out but, for some reason, I don't get a copy. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.net On Tuesday, August 19, 2014 10:18 AM, Tom Lubbers K8TL k...@earthlink.net wrote: Glen, I see you have been sucessful in posting to the AMSAT BB. I have made several attempts to post a question I have about the old track box but it never appears. I have used amsat-bb@amsat.org. All indications are it goes out, doesn't appear in the undeliverable box but nothing on the daily list of messages. Used the address that worked for years in my address book, typed it by hand uppercase, lower case and it just disappears into a black hole. Used to have no problem but since things changed on the bb awhile back no luck. Any help?? 73 Tom K8TL ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] DIGEST readers
Unfortunately, a while back, Yahoo changed how multiple messages about the same subject (even to different reflectors - those are bundled into a single message) are handled and, when a reply to any of those messages is sent, all of the attached messages cannot be deleted! At least I have not found a way! The only way all the replies can be deleted is to actually retype the pertinent data into a completely new message and then type the response. This takes a LOT of time and, to be blunt, is not worth the effort because a very few persons have download problems. I know that this seems crass. However, such is one of the facts of life of the modern Internet. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Sunday, June 22, 2014 10:55 AM, John Becker w0...@big-river.net wrote: Please guys edit you digest reply to only what you are replying to. Those of us that live in the rural area only have 3 ways of getting email 1. dial up - only good to 1 mile or so from the phone company office. 2. satellite - fast but has a daily limit. once that limit is reach either must pay more or the download speed is slowed way down. Option 3 is to block offenders. and I have not problem doing so. Your choice. John ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT-BB mailing list
Yahoo changed something in how E-Mails are rejected and quite a few people have been getting such notifications from several reflectors. I got one from several including the AMSAT reflector. I just replied to the notice and, so far, everything is fine now. I use Yahoo for things like reflectors to keep SPAM away from my primary E-Mail addresses. In general, it does help although I still get some SPAM on my primary addresses. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Tuesday, June 17, 2014 5:57 AM, Nitin Muttin vu3...@yahoo.co.in wrote: I received a email that I have unsubscribed from the AMSAT-BB mailing list. I have not submitted a unsubscription request. Is this something in error or anyone else experienced the same. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG] - Forwarded Message - From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org To: vu3...@yahoo.co.in Sent: Tuesday, 17 June 2014 2:30 PM Subject: You have been unsubscribed from the AMSAT-BB mailing list ___ 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: Lessons I learned the hard way
A number of companies, in which upper management have been engineers, suffer from the fact that most engineers are not completely satisfied when products are released. When I went to work for the Collins Radio Company, right out of college at the new corporate headquarters in Richardson, Texas, Art Collins had a very bad habit of coming up with minor production changes to equipment being manufactured and insisting that these changes be made before the equipment shipped to the customer. Then, before all those changes had been made, he would come up with still other changes. This caused no equipment being shipped and, therefore, no income to the company. To get around Art's changes, every division had an Art project to keep him occupied and away from equipment that was really intended to ship to customers. The Art project items were never intended to ship. But, by keeping him away from the real production, equipment was being shipped and there was income to the company. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Monday, May 12, 2014 11:57 AM, Thomas Doyle tomdoyle1...@gmail.com wrote: When I was a young engineer working for Motorola Communication Division in Chicago I recall a meeting where the engineers met with upper level management on the release to production of a UHF mobile radio. Each engineer had some additional tests they wanted to perform before it was released to production and out of our hands. After listening to our concerns for a fairly long time he said - If it was up to you engineers we would never release anything to production and we would have nothing to sell and we would not have any money to pay you with. Never forgot that. Any engineer worthy of his salt is never 100% sure about anything that is going into an environment they can not control. The problem comes in when there is suddenly more time to do additional testing and the time is used to try out fun exciting new things rather than the much less interesting and often boring testing and refining the existing product. I do hope the hard working FOX crew takes advantage of the time they have been given to make sure everything is right with the good work they have done rather than trying out some new fun interesting things that could wind up flying without adequate testing. We need something that works not necessarily the latest trendy technology gadget. I have seen this happen with unpleasant results in other non-AMSAT projects. In any event thanks to the Fox crew for their hard work. W9KE Tom Doyle ___ 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] 2.4 GHz converter
I have a receiving converter that converts 2400 MHz to 144 MHz that is basically brand new. This is a UEK-3000 and is designed to be remotely installed. I got the converter from someone ,not local, who told me that the converter was for the 2304 MHz band. Unfortunately, when it arrived, it was for amateur radio satellites at 2400 MHz and not for the weak signal portion of the band. I did check the performance with my HP-8616 signal generator and a good level CW signal was detected at -130 dBm or 0.07-microvolts running through a 2-meter converter into a 10-meter receiver. The performance of the HP-8616 has not been verified since I obtained the signal generator about 3-months ago and I cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the attenuation pad in the unit. However, the converter definitely does work! If anyone is interested in the converter, I am definitely open for trades. Although the converter sells for a pretty good amount of money, I would rather trade because, that way, both sides are satisfied and one doesn't wonder if they paid too much or got a REALLY good deal! Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.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: K5UTD Is On The Air
I just hope their signals are clean! :) Just joking! UTD, actually UTDIRICC (University of Texas, at Dallas, in Richardson, in Collin County) is located about 1-mile, straight west, of my house. UTD is NOT located in Dallas! It is in Richardson, Texas, former home of the new corporate headquarters of the Collins Radio Company. UTD started as the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies / TAGER (The Association for Graduate Engineering Research) and when that facility became associated with the University of Texas System, J. Erik Jonsson, the top official of TAGER , was the CEO of Texas Instruments and was also a former mayor of the City of Dallas. Jonsson insisted that the new university be called the University of Texas at Dallas and not, like with other University of Texas campuses, be associated with the city in which the university is actually located. As such, the university is not the University of Texas at Richardson. The main university complex is not even in Dallas County! It is in Collin County. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Thursday, April 17, 2014 5:16 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: In the not so distant past, in a galaxy not so far away, we had college satellite night the first Thursday of the month. 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone On Apr 17, 2014, at 5:52 PM, Andrew Koenig ke5...@gmail.com wrote: Nick and Bryce, In another email, Bruce (KK5DO) mentioned trying to get all of the college stations on the air for a few passes. Let me know if you'd be interested. I suggest we time it somewhere around School Club Roundup. On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 4:35 PM, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: Hey Andrew! If your college club is active definitely check out K2GXT (Rochester Institute of Technology) http://www.rit.edu/sg/amateurradioclub/ as they are very active. Theres a semi-functional satellite station there, finding time to finish it was the hardest part. Give them an email! Congrats on the station! Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 9:05 AM, Andrew Koenig ke5...@gmail.com wrote: Hello Group! After about 6 months of work, I'm proud to say that the K5UTD Amateur Radio Club (University of Texas at Dallas) has finished setting up our satellite station. Typically it should take a weekend and a case of beer to get the job done, but this required a little more planning and involvement as we had to collect the parts from various people and build several components on our own; not to mention the fact that we get side-tracked like no other club. For example, an effort to get the rotor controller resulted in moving about four truckloads worth of gear. We're using an FT-847 for our primary radio, and a Kenpro G-5400 for our rotor system. We've interfaced the G-5400 to the computer using an Arduino. It works rather well with GPredict. The final bug in the system has to do with GPredict talking to the '847, but that should be easily fixed with an update. The antennas are on the roof of our Engineering and Computer Science building, about 20 feet off the roof, 70 feet above ground. Out of luck, we had a GlenMartin RT-936 and the associated non-penetrating mount just hanging out in our closet. Carrying the 50 cinder blocks up to the roof for that mount was not fun though. Coax wise, we have about 20 feet of Davis Bury-flex for our initial run, which then feeds some very nice ARR preamps. The final 200 foot run of coax to the shack is 1/2 Heliax. There are a few jumpers here in the shack too. I was able to make a few contacts through SO-50 today, and plan to be more active. With the help of DK3WN's SatBlog, I've had no trouble picking out some cubesats and listening to the beacons and telemetry. Telemetry collection is one of the primary goals for this station. Our other goals for this station, aside from having fun on the air, are to get club recognition on campus and to work with the William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences on upper atmospheric projects. Station photos: http://imgur.com/a/6TGOJ Also, if you know a member of the former TI club, give them a hug (or handshake) on our behalf. None of the current K5UTD projects could have been possible without them. 73! Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB Vice President, K5UTD Research Assistant, Center for Space Sciences ___ 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 -- Andrew Koenig ___ 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: K5UTD Is On The Air
Some of the newer buildings do now overlap into Dallas County. But, for decades, there was absolutely nothing outside of Collin County. You really don't need lightning arrestors on the coaxial cables. The primary thing that they do is to get the shield of the coaxial cable grounded and there are MUCH cheaper ways of doing that. Andrew, for their Heliax brand cable, used clamps to the shield with a conductor attached and nothing else. I will attach a photograph of a means to get the shields grounded that costs under $1.00 per cable in a separate E-Mail to you. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Thursday, April 17, 2014 10:14 PM, Andrew Koenig ke5...@gmail.com wrote: Greg, At this point in time, we're entirely grounded to the building's Franklin loop. Although this is probably adequate, it's not quite up to our standards. We don't have any lightning arrestors on our coax (yet), but it's on the shopping list for Ham-Com and Dayton. They're not high, but also not low priority. When we do get some, they'll likely be mounted near our preamp box. 73's de KE5GDB On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 9:28 PM, Greg D ko6th.g...@gmail.com wrote: Nice project! Just curious, what did you do for lightning protection? Greg KO6TH Andrew Koenig wrote: Hello Group! After about 6 months of work, I'm proud to say that the K5UTD Amateur Radio Club (University of Texas at Dallas) has finished setting up our satellite station. Typically it should take a weekend and a case of beer to get the job done, but this required a little more planning and involvement as we had to collect the parts from various people and build several components on our own; not to mention the fact that we get side-tracked like no other club. For example, an effort to get the rotor controller resulted in moving about four truckloads worth of gear. We're using an FT-847 for our primary radio, and a Kenpro G-5400 for our rotor system. We've interfaced the G-5400 to the computer using an Arduino. It works rather well with GPredict. The final bug in the system has to do with GPredict talking to the '847, but that should be easily fixed with an update. The antennas are on the roof of our Engineering and Computer Science building, about 20 feet off the roof, 70 feet above ground. Out of luck, we had a GlenMartin RT-936 and the associated non-penetrating mount just hanging out in our closet. Carrying the 50 cinder blocks up to the roof for that mount was not fun though. Coax wise, we have about 20 feet of Davis Bury-flex for our initial run, which then feeds some very nice ARR preamps. The final 200 foot run of coax to the shack is 1/2 Heliax. There are a few jumpers here in the shack too. I was able to make a few contacts through SO-50 today, and plan to be more active. With the help of DK3WN's SatBlog, I've had no trouble picking out some cubesats and listening to the beacons and telemetry. Telemetry collection is one of the primary goals for this station. Our other goals for this station, aside from having fun on the air, are to get club recognition on campus and to work with the William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences on upper atmospheric projects. Station photos: http://imgur.com/a/6TGOJ Also, if you know a member of the former TI club, give them a hug (or handshake) on our behalf. None of the current K5UTD projects could have been possible without them. 73! Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB Vice President, K5UTD Research Assistant, Center for Space Sciences ___ 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 -- Andrew Koenig ___ 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: why not to buy an M2 antenna Sealing Coax
Or, you can use the really cheap black plastic tape for weatherproofing. That is, the no name, UL approved, tape that is sold by places like Harbor Freight. Such tape was provided by Decibel Products, and other commercial two-way antenna manufacturers, for decades to weatherproof coaxial cable connections. Every antenna came with a roll of this tape included. Since a single roll of this tape was sufficient to weatherproof a number of connections, every tower man that I ever knew had a large box full of unused rolls of tape. The tape was just too useful to throw away. The cheap stuff congeals into a waterproof mass after a few days in the sun. More expensive tape often comes loose. One does have to cut through the mass to remove the tape. I have removed this tape from antennas that have been several hundred feet in the air, for decades, and, when removed, the connector looked just like it did when new! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:23 PM, Jim Sanford wb4...@wb4gcs.org wrote: When I lived in Hampton Roads (and was in the Nav) I eventually came on to the following algorithm: 2 layers of good electrical tape 2 layers of coax seal 2 more layers of good electrical tape, each overlapping the under layer. When I retired from the Navy and took the antennas down, connectors that had been in the air for 15 years looked brand new. An additional bennie, if I had to open one up, just a slit with a knife and I could peel the layers back get access to the connector. When done, just press back into place and cover with 2 more layers of good tape. Worked great for me. Good luck 73, Jim wb4...@amsat.org On 12/10/2013 2:21 PM, Rich/wa4bue wrote: I am not a fan of COAX Seal, it tends to migrate into the connector. In the Hampton Roads area, a NAVY town, we use the old NAVY way: * Light application of high great Silicon * Double sided electrical tape rap * Electrical tape rap * Spray lacquer over * Nylon tie on each end Great seal! - Original Message - From: WA6FWF wa6...@sbcglobal.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:54 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: why not to buy an M2 antenna 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:
[amsat-bb] Re: amsat-bb problems?
Check your SPAM folder. For some reason, at least half of the AMSAT BB get classified as SPAM on this end. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Monday, December 2, 2013 9:57 PM, Rich/wa4bue richard.s...@verizon.net wrote: Receive about 20 emails a day. Maybe your anti virus is doing something to them. God Bless Rich W4BUE - Original Message - From: Mike Lewis K4MPL k4...@nonlinearfx.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, December 02, 2013 8:26 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] amsat-bb problems? Hi All: I've not received any -bb email for a few days now ... if this is making it to the -bb would someone be kind enough to email me back ... Thanks, Mike K4MPL ___ 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: AO-7 Mode A
I haven't been on A07 for a while. But, back in the goode olde dayes, I used a horizontal 2-element 10-meter yagi with a 7-element 2-meter beam fixed 30-degrees above the horizon. That worked VERY well! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com On Wednesday, November 6, 2013 11:28 AM, R.T.Liddy k...@ameritech.net wrote: Whenever I've talked about Mode A at the AMSAT Booth at the Dayton Hamvention, all I've ever gotten was rolled eyes and/or total lack of interest. They seem to like orbiting FM Repeaters and modes/frequencies that few people are equipped for. With the old RS Mode A Birds, you could do pretty well with a 10M GP and a Ringo Ranger. IMHO.. 73, Bob K8BL (AMSAT since 1979) From: Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL vlfis...@mcn.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2013 10:51 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 Mode A At 06:48 PM 11/5/2013 -0800, R.T.Liddy k...@ameritech.net wrote: I've tried AO7-A a number of times, but there's never anyone there to work. Back in the glory days of the RS Birds, Mode A was very active. I sure do miss them. They worked very well! 73, Bob K8BL I loved the RS satellites. They're what got me hooked. I wish the plan for the next LEO was a new linear mode Mode A bird for a starter satellite not another FM 'Grid-Lock' sat. KB7ADL ___ 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: 2013 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Results Announced
The member number was assigned in the order the member first joined AMSAT. Over the years, members have come and gone. However, the membership number keeps growing. I joined AMSAT the 2nd month after it was founded. My AMSAT number is 239. When life memberships were offered, I was the 463rd to get a life membership. Therefore, my life membership is indicated by LM-463. As Martha says, the current number of paid members is a little over 3000. In terms of membership, I am among those who have been a member the longest. Glen, K9STH AMSAT-239 / LM-463 Website: http://k9sth.com From: i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it To: Martha mar...@amsat.org; l...@highnoonfilm.com; wa4...@gmail.com Cc: SAREX-BB sa...@amsat.org; AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org; Alan Biddle apbid...@mailaps.org Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 9:08 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 2013 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Results Announced - Original Message - From: Martha To: i8cvs Cc: Alan Biddle ; AMSAT-BB ; SAREX-BB Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 10:52 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: 2013 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Results Announced Domenico - AMSAT membership is approximately 3,000. -- 73- Martha Hi Martha, I trust in your figure of approximately 3,000. AMSAT-NA membership but please read on the bottom belove because I can't understand why Les Rayburn N1LF claim to be AMSAT #38965 I would like to know from Les N1LF what the above figure means..membership numbar or some other issue ? ___ 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] newsletter
Got the newsletter today. As pointed out in an E-Mail a couple of days ago, the name is definitely not correct! Also, the call sign, member number, etc., is also incorrect. I do wonder about subscription time limits, etc., that can happen with the wrong information as is now being used! I surely hope that the printer gets the mailing label software corrected by the next mailing! Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.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: newsletter
Remember, to err is human. However, it takes a computer to really foul up! I definitely was aware that the problem was not caused by AMSAT. Since the printer has several months before attempting the addressing again, I sincerely hope that they can get a handle on their software. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com From: Alan wa4...@gmail.com To: 'Glen Zook' gz...@yahoo.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: SAREX-BB sa...@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2013 3:02 PM Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] newsletter Glen, The problem was not in the information provided by AMSAT. That is correct. The problem was the printer did not properly read the data, resulting in the fields for the name and other information being offset from the address fields. They were most apologetic, and have assured us that We have put safeguards in place to double check labels before they are printed in the future. ___ 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: Help with 75 mtr Qrn problem
Not that uncommon this time of the year! Especially on 160-meters and 80/75-meters, slightly less on 40-meters, the QRN level can be pretty horrid! Much of the noise is caused by lightning that can be hundreds of miles away. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com From: Dave Larsen PhD d...@volcano.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Friday, August 2, 2013 5:23 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Help with 75 mtr Qrn problem I have 2 dipoles up at 60+ ft - one set running East-West other North South .. From 2.6 to 5 Megs I have a S-7 Qrn lev at 4 Am .. buy noon I have a 10-20 over QRN Lev .. I live on 10 acres and have turned off main power to house and still have QRN .. so not coming from anything in house .. This one has me stumped .. 6 moths ago my Qrn was a S-2 .. waiting for a G6 radio to try and track this down but does anybody else have any idea's ? ___ 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-7 Antenna Polarization
During the first year, or so, with AO-7, I used horizontal polarization with the 2-meter and 70-cm antennas elevated about 30-degrees. The 10-meter antenna was a 2-element yagi horizontally mounted. Only the azimuth was varied. Later I added an az-el rotor for the 2-meter and 70-cm antennas. However, the 30-degree elevation worked very well. Glen, K9STH Amsat 239/LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com From: Bob- W7LRD w7...@comcast.net To: edroth2006 edroth2...@sbcglobal.net Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, July 2, 2013 11:13 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 Antenna Polarization hello Ed...I have found that with AO-7 over the years...it depends... of what I am not sure..be it satellite orientation, local issues, or simply propagation gods. There are times when switching between L R on either up or down link will improve reception. My current installation is currently not wired for switching and defaults to RHCP for up and down. I do not appear to have any issues with AO-7, I do plan to connect up the switching simply because, it's there. From: edroth2006 edroth2...@sbcglobal.net Can someone tell me what type and polarization the antennas are that are currently in use on the AO-7 satellite? I've done many searches and cannot find this information anywhere I have looked. ___ 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 Website page error
No problem in Texas! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com From: Gus 8p...@anjo.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 11:20 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Website page error I know that there have been issues with the website recently, but this page: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/predict/ gives an error: *** Database Error - sql - InitDB line 14 Especially with new launches, this page is a useful resource. ___ 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 Website page error
I see what you mean. Your first message indicated that you had problems accessing the webpage. I didn't try to get a prediction! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com From: Alan wa4...@gmail.com To: 'Glen Zook' gz...@yahoo.com; 'Gus' 8p...@anjo.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 9:51 AM Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT Website page error Glen, The page itself comes up fine, though there is an error message at the bottom. Did you hit PREDICT? That should give you a blank page, except for another error message. ___ 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: Poloarization Loss
Theoretically, the loss between vertical and horizontal polarization is infinite. However, in the real world, 20 dB is the generally accepted figure. In specific cases, the loss can be at least 30 dB and occasionally greater. Where circular polarization is concerned the same theoretical infinite loss happens when right hand is used for one signal and left hand is used for the other signal. Again, in the real world, 20 dB is the generally accepted figure. Now, when the cross polarization is between circular polarization and vertical, horizontal, or any other linear polarization, the loss is 3 dB. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com From: Al Ozias aloz...@copper.net To: Amsat-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 4:38 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Poloarization Loss For line of sight communications where can I look up the signal loss due to polarization difference for a given receiving antenna polarization facing a transmitting antenna with a known different polarization? 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-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Amsat Journal?
From what I have seen, a good part of the problem is not having an ample backlog of articles suitable for publication. There are numerous reasons for this, but the biggest problem is that not enough members are submitting articles for publication! I did write an article on this very subject which was published a few issues back. Personally, I can contribute articles. Unfortunately, since I have not been on the cutting edge of technology for some time, anything that I write would have to be historical and so forth. I have been around for a LONG time! Have been a member of AMSAT since the first month it was formed. Therefore, I have seen the newsletter go through several transformations in content and format. Some of those transformations were better than others. However, since AMSAT is a voluntary organization, the quality of both the content and format of the newsletter is wholly dependent on the quality of articles submitted for publication and the work of volunteers. Basically, the higher quality the articles submitted, the higher the quality of the content. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com From: Gould Smith gould...@bellsouth.net To: ryan woods kd8...@yahoo.com; Amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 1:11 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Amsat Journal? Hello Ryan, We are aware of the lack of timely AMSAT Journals and apologize to the membership. We have had some difficulties getting the Journals put together during this transition period between editors. We discuss this every month during the executive teleconferences. We are working on a number of different approaches and will certainly discuss it again during the BoD meeting next week. Expect some word soon. Thank you for your patience. ___ 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: Dallas -FW weather..
It depends on where you are located in the area. Here on the north side, only heavy rain. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com From: Greg Higgins gs.higg...@sbcglobal.net To: Ted k7trkra...@charter.net; amsat-bb@amsat.org amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 3:55 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Dallas -FW weather.. No we're not, major damage and injurieswidespread ___ 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: CALL SIGN
Where are you located? Basically, you have to pass an examination conducted by your national authorities and obtain an amateur radio operator's license. With the license comes an assigned call sign. It is that call sign that you use when operating using the amateur satellites. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 7/12/11, N. Mahdinejad n.mahdine...@gmail.com wrote: I want to have callsign for my ground station. could you please guide what to do?is there any link fro start and what kind of information need? Any help would be gratefully appreciated. ___ 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
Back in the goode olde dayes (i.e. OSCAR VI and OSCAR VII), before elevation rotors were popular, we used a horizontally polarized yagi fixed at 30 degrees above the horizon. That worked very well even for overhead passes. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 4/12/11, Bob- W7LRD w7...@comcast.net wrote: I saw on this bb a site or note that shows the overall average elevatation. As I remember it elevation is surprisingly low for most passes. Where can I find it? ___ 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
One thing that I didn't mention is that my house is 1/2 block from the highest point in the city (less than 8 feet in elevation) and it is basically downhill in all directions. My top antenna, on my main tower, is 67 feet above ground and is visible from the freeway about a mile away. Since I have lived in this house longer than anyone else on the street all have purchased their houses knowing that the antennas are there. Several neighbors have told me that if I every sell the house I have to leave the towers! It seems the towers are the landmark by which they tell people how to find their house! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.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
Somewhere I still have an OSCAR locator. That is why several locals came up with a computer program to run on a mainframe to calculate the elevation and compile a set of tables. MUCH easier! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 4/12/11, i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it wrote: From: i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite average elevation To: Glen Zook gz...@yahoo.com, Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org, Bob Bruninga bruni...@usna.edu Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 10:32 PM - Original Message - From: Glen Zook gz...@yahoo.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org; Bob Bruninga bruni...@usna.edu Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 10:39 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite average elevation Again, back in those dayes we did not have the luxury of computer simulation and from trial and error the majority of people found that about 30 degrees above the horizontal worked the best. That is why the olde tymers recommend 30 degrees. It worked very well and we made many contacts using the LEO satellites. Glen, K9STH Hi Glen, K9STH In those days of OSCAR-6 we did not have the luxury of a PC but we used the OSCARLOCATOR.By the way for best performance on OSCAR-6 ,OSCAR-7 and OSCAR-8 an elevation motor was required and the most popular for elevation was a KR-500 allowing manual elevation traking and flipping when necessary. A 30 degrees elevation for the antennas was seldom used with OSCAR-6 ,7 and 8 resulting in marginal performance. With the actual LEO satellites like VO-52 , AO-51 and FO-29 the altitude is much lower and according to Bob Bruniga demonstration a fixed elevation of 15 to 20 degrees seems to be a good compromise but obviously using an elevation motor is much better. 73 de i8CVS Domenico ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: The Need for Phonetics
I can assure you that in basically 52 years of working DX that geographical names definitely work better in the vast majority of situations than the ICAO phonetics. Yes, eventually, the ICAO phonetics will be understood. However, the station on the other end is generally going to work stations that are the easiest to recognize and that includes what phonetics are used. Therefore, how much time you spend in the pileup depends on how well the DX station understands your transmissions. As for me, I prefer not to spend a long time in a pileup! I give up! The same arguments that are made time after time on QRZ.com for using only the ICAO phonetics are being made here. Frankly, the ICAO phonetics do NOT work well, if at all, for certain letters when the other station does not have English as their first language, especially when QRM or QSB is present. I keep saying that ICAO phonetics are fine when English is the first language of the person or if the person who does not have English as their primary language has had formal training in the proper use of the ICAO phonetic alphabet. However, when the ICAO phonetic alphabet fails, then the operator needs to have an alternate phonetic alphabet available rather than continue to attempt to get the information across using the ICAO phonetics. I am receiving numerous E-Mails from people who definitely agree that when working DX using geographical names usually works much better. But, those persons are hesitant to enter into this discussion. Basically, everyone is chasing their tail. That is, those who think that the ICAO phonetics are sacred and need to be used no matter what against those who believe that certain circumstances require using an alternative phonetic alphabet. Few persons are going to change their minds! One needs to look at the public safety arena where the ICAO phonetics are just not used. If the ICAO phonetics are so great then why is there an APCO phonetic alphabet? The basic answer is that public safety organizations have found that the ICAO phonetics just don't do a good job. Therefore, the APCO phonetic alphabet. I can assure you that this discussion will never end because those who insist that the ICAO phonetics must be used no matter what seldom realize that they are no panacea and that alternate phonetics do have a place in radio communications. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, Jeff Moore tnetcen...@gmail.com wrote: This is a bunch of baloney! Your unpublished non-standard just confuses most people. I've listened to hours of DX and the ITU alphabet gets through just fine. It's when people start throwing out their cutesy made up alphabet that it gets confusing. Stick to the standard and it will work fine. ___ 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: The Need for Phonetics
The question of proper phonetics comes up several times a month in threads on QRZ.com. Unfortunately, the ICAO phonetics (alpha, bravo, etc.) present problems when regional accents in the United States are present and even more so when the person involved does not have English as their primary language. ICAO phonetics were adopted for use on radio circuits that are usually free of QRM, QSB, etc., by trained operators. Unfortunately, amateur radio operations are often not QRM, QSB, etc., free and the vast number of amateur radio operators are not professionally trained. The ICAO phonetics were adopted by the military decades ago and generally work well for military communications. However, military operators are very well trained. Those operators who are involved in DX chasing and contest operations often use geographic names instead of the ICAO phonetics. This procedure works very well when QRM and QSB are present as well as with operators who do not have English as their primary language. When working stations that have English as their primary language I do use the ICAO phonetics for my call: Kilo Nine Sierra Tango Hotel. However, when working DX my call is very often not fully understood. Under those circumstances I use: Kilowatt Nine Spain Texas Honolulu and my call is understood the first time 99.99% of the time. Then there is the case of a local YL operator who's call ends in the letter i. She was working a DX station who just could not get the last letter in her call. She tried the ICAO India and that did not work. She tried the geographical name Italy and that did not work. Therefore she tried all sorts of words starting with the letter i and they did not work. Finally, in frustration she called out idiot! The DX station got her last letter that time! Basically, the ICAO phonetics are the standard for general amateur radio operations. Geographic names are the pseudo standard for working DX. But, as the local YL found out, you use anything that works! Glen, K9STH Head moderator QRZ.com Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sat, 4/9/11, John Papay j...@papays.com wrote: Kevin, KF7MYK, provides a great example of what happens when operators do not use phonetics. You may think you are saving time by not using them, but the fact is that unless someone is familiar with your callsign, they may copy it incorrectly. You want everyone on the bird to have your callsign correct so they can call you with the right call rather than having to ask for it again in phonetics, or worse yet, getting it wrong. ___ 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: The Need for Phonetics
Although some people say kilowatt is two words, it definitely is not. In over 50 years of using kilowatt as a phonetic I have not once had a station think it is KW. Kilowatt makes it through QRM and QSB a LOT better than kilo. Some operators do use Kansas or Korea for the letter K. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, Mark Spencer mspencer12...@yahoo.ca wrote: The use of Kilowatt as a phonetic is a pet peeve of mine especially where there is a brief pause between kilo and watt. When I hear kilo I assume the letter k is being represented, then when I hear watt I have to decide if the sender is also representing the letter w or not. It seems overly confusing to me. ___ 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
Neither are geographic names recommended by the ITU. However, geographic names do work considerably better under certain conditions. Had the FCC required that the ICAO phonetics be used such would be stated in 47 CFR Part 97. However, the identification procedures for phone operation are spelled out in 47 CFR Part 97 Section 97.119(b)(2) which reads as follows: (2) By a phone emission in the English language. Use of a phonetic alphabet as an aid for correct station identification is encouraged; Please note that the regulations suggest A PHONETIC ALPHABET, not the ICAO phonetic alphabet. There are actually several accepted phonetic alphabets in use including the APCO phonetic alphabet which is used in Public Safety communications here in the United States. That phonetic alphabet shares few phonetics with the ICAO phonetics. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, Clint Bradford clintbradf...@mac.com wrote: ... The use of Kilowatt as a phonetic is a pet peeve ... Not an ITU-approved term. K is kilo. SOURCE: ARRL Handy Ops Guide's ITU Phonetics: http://web.me.com/clintbradford/Work-Sat/Shack_Aids.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
[amsat-bb] Re: ITU Phonetics - Kilo
I agree that particular phonetics are appropriate for certain situations. Funny phonetics are best left for FM repeater operations and other certain contacts where everyone knows each other. In the world of DXing geographical names have become the defacto standard because the ICAO phonetics just don't work in many situations. For most, but not all, satellite communications I definitely believe that the ICAO phonetics are fine and should be used. However, when one of the stations does not have English as their primary language then geographical names usually do work better. Now coming up with alternates that are supposedly funny, or that are not readily recognizable, is a completely different matter. The purpose of having a phonetic alphabet is to get the information through in the most efficient manner and doing so involves use of words that have, at least try to have, a universal recognition. As I said before, this topic comes up for discussion on QRZ.com on a regular basis. There are those who absolutely insist that only the ICAO phonetics are to be used even when they don't work. There are even a few who insist that using the ICAO phonetics is a matter of FCC regulation. Then there are a very few who say anything goes. Virtually all of those who work DX and contests on a regular basis go with the geographical names. With the exception of the person who posts the original comment, virtually all of the comments are exactly the same, posted by the same individuals, that have been posted numerous times before. Sometimes I wish that the individual comments were numbered and the person could just post that number and not take up bandwidth! :) Again, I have no objections to the ICAO phonetics and use them the majority of the time. But, when the situation is changed (like working DX) I usually resort to geographical names because they convey the information much faster when the person on the other end does not speak English as their primary language. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, Clint Bradford clintbradf...@mac.com wrote: I respect most everyone here's opinions, Glen. But I think we have to agree that if could at least get folks to RECOGNIZE that there are formal phonetics that should be used while working the satellites - and the use of them - if preferable to me announcing, for example, that I am working from Dandy Michelle Zip Three. ___ 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
The problem is that the standard ICAO phonetics are problematic under certain circumstances. In the military world the operators are specially trained to use ICAO phonetics including the preferred way to pronounce the words. Unfortunately, this just doesn't exist in the amateur radio world and especially in those persons, without any formal training, who do not have English as their primary language, they have problems with the ICAO phonetics. That is why geographical names work better when working DX. For stateside use, at least in my opinion, the ICAO phonetics are definitely recommended. Again, geographical names have become the defacto standard where working DX is concerned. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, John Becker w0...@big-river.net 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. ___ 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: Part 97 sec97.119 B2
Not that I know of, at least outside of any specialized DX publications. However, here is a list of the words most usually heard: A = America B = Boston C = Canada D = Denmark E = Ecuador F = France G = Germany (some do use Guatemala) H = Honolulu (some do use Hawai'i) I = Italy J = Japan K = Kilowatt (some do use Kansas) L = London M = Mexico N = Norway O = Ontario or Ohio P = Panama Q = Quebec R = Russia S = Spain T = Tokyo U = United V = Venezuela W = Washington X = X-ray Y = Yokohama Z = Zanzibar There are a few other geographic names that are heard. But, those listed are, by far, the most common. Of course, there are a couple in the list that are not geographic names. But, for the most part, the DX phonetic alphabet consists of cities, states, or countries. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, Joe n...@mwt.net wrote: Is there a published List someplace of this Official Geographical alphabet? ___ 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: The Need for Phonetics
Actually, the NATO phonetic alphabet was NOT developed by the military. It was developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization during the 1940s. It was adopted by NATO during the 1950s. Again, my position is that the ICAO phonetics usually work very well with those who speak English as their first language. It works fairly well with those persons who do not speak English as their primary language but who have been specifically trained in the use of ICAO phonetics. It generally works very well on radio links that do not have extensive QRM or QSB. However, when dealing with untrained individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and when QSB and/or QRM is present, geographical names work considerably better. The same arguments that are being presented herein are routinely posted in the discussions on QRZ.com concerning the proper phonetic alphabet. Frankly, the majority of people have made their decision and they are not going to change how they use the phonetic alphabets. Some use the ICAO phonetic alphabet no matter what and some people do adapt to the situation and use alternate phonetic alphabets of which the geographical name version is the most used of the alternate phonetic alphabets where amateur radio is concerned. When working DX through a pileup the vast majority of time stations who use geographic names are going to get through a lot faster than those who insist on using just the ICAO phonetic alphabet. This is contrary to the opinion of those who insist that the ICAO phonetic alphabet must be used. However, for those stations who routinely work DX the vast majority do use geographical names when working DX. Now when working stateside the vast majority of those operators do use the ICAO phonetic alphabet. I have heard these same arguments numerous times before concerning the ICAO phonetic alphabet versus geographical names. A relatively few persons who have insisted on the ICAO version do realize that the ICAO phonetics are not a universal savior where communications are concerned and do change their operating habits to fit the situation. But, those who insist that the ICAO version is the only correct phonetic alphabet generally are not convinced. Frankly, these discussions go on forever and no resolution ever happens. As such, those discussions are eventually shut down and things return to normal. As for me, I will continue to use the ICAO phonetic alphabet for stateside contacts and when the other station has English as their primary language. However, I don't like to spend a lot of time in pileups when working DX stations and therefore I will continue to use geographical names and work the station generally along time before those who use ICAO phonetics get through. Now getting back to satellite communications: Generally, since the vast majority of stations worked by United States operators do have English as their primary language, I definitely agree that the ICAO phonetics should generally be used. For stations who do not speak English as their primary language then using geographical names is definitely a viable alternative. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, nh6vb Scheller nh...@msn.com wrote: From: nh6vb Scheller nh...@msn.com Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: The Need for Phonetics To: kc6...@cox.net, gz...@yahoo.com, amsat-bb amsat-bb@amsat.org, mspencer12...@yahoo.ca Date: Sunday, April 10, 2011, 3:16 PM Glen et all, Once upon a time, during WWII, the phonetic alphabet started: Abei, Baker, Dog.etc. With the advent of NATO, it was soon realized that the American version, or any ones else, was not suitable for international communication. Soon the NATO phonetic alphabet was developed by the military, and became international standard. The present international phonetic alphabet defines the letter K as KILO, not kilowatt. It would be very helpful for the amateur community to stick to established international standards and not bicker with their own cute substitutes. Citizens band has infiltrated ham radio to the point of satellite communication. Even as amateurs, let's be PAPA ROMEO OSCAR FOXTROT ECHO SIERRA SIERRA INDIA OSCAR NOVEMBER ALPHA LIMA. 73, Peter, NH6VB From: kc6...@cox.net To: gz...@yahoo.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org; mspencer12...@yahoo.ca Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:28:52 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Need for Phonetics Glen, Engineers use KW for kilowatt. That might explain my confusion using KW abbreviation as an occupation for 30 years before becoming an Amateur Radio Operator. Art, KC6UQH -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Glen Zook Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2011 9:33 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org; Mark Spencer Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Need for Phonetics Although some people say kilowatt is two words, it definitely is not. In over 50 years of using
[amsat-bb] Re: ITU Phonetics - Kilo
If you want to get technical, geographic names has been a standard much longer than the ICAO phonetics. However, it is fine with me if you insist on using the ICAO phonetics when in a DX pileup. That just means that I am generally going to work the DX first! As I keep saying, there is a place for ICAO phonetics and there is a place for geographic names. I do use ICAO phonetics when working stateside and generally with operators who speak English as their primary language. But, when in a pileup trying to work a DX station I definitely switch to geographical names because I work the DX MUCH sooner! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, John Becker w0...@big-river.net wrote: From: John Becker w0...@big-river.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ITU Phonetics - Kilo To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Sunday, April 10, 2011, 4:43 PM At 02:34 PM 4/10/2011, you wrote: Again, geographical names have become the defacto standard where working DX is concerned. So we are having a QSO and I tell you my QTH is Louisiana, Missouri and you then think to yourself say what followed be does not compute Look it up at QRZ dot com. Again there is nothing wrong with the standard I for one will never use your de facto standard when there is already one that has been in use for years and years and years. ___ 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: Proper Phonetics
As a matter of information, until relatively recently the ARRL suggested their own set of phonetics that had basically nothing to do with the ICAO or even the old military phonetics. It was closer to the still in effect APCO phonetic alphabet. In fact, they suggested at least 3 different phonetic alphabets over the years. I looked in the 1970 Handbook and the ARRL phonetic alphabet is still there along with the ICAO phonetic alphabet. I don't have a 1971 Handbook so I don't know if they were still pushing their own. However, the ARRL finally gave up and in the 1972 Handbook only the ICAO phonetic alphabet is listed. You could always tell someone who only had ARRL publications as reference because those operators were the only ones using the ARRL phonetic alphabet. Even the headquarters' staff didn't use the ARRL phonetic alphabet! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.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
With inflation, probably more like 50 cents! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 4/10/11, Bruce kk...@amsat.org wrote: King Kong Five Dream On just had to add my two cents worth as no one wanted to give me a penny for my thoughts. ___ 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 discussions,
Back in the goode olde dayes, if we didn't have an elevation rotor we would put a horizontally polarized yagi at a fixed 30 degree elevation. That allowed working the satellites for at least 95 percent of a pass and often for a complete pass. I did this for quite a while before I obtained a rotor for controlling the elevation. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sat, 3/19/11, Ellis Foley wa1...@yahoo.com wrote: Like so many before me posted, I have had gud success with linear polarized antennas. I have been using stacked 11 el vertically pol, on 2m since 1974, and recently went to 2x20 el on 432-435 mhz horizontally pol, stacked in between the vertical 2m ant, With great success. as most of you that posted have worked me on them. fixed elevation also. from 0-30 deg. off the horizons I do very well, little spotty over head, although I do need some pre-amps to work the fm birds. but I think thats more of an radio problelm than antenna. my 2 cents worth! Pics of my ant. on my QRZ spot,along with the Beast my new HB 9el 36ft boom 6m ant. ___ 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: H.R. 607
The bit about it taking up to 2 months for mail to reach your Representative or Senator is just not true these days! Two weeks ago I sent a letter to one of my Senators and got a reply in less than a week from the day I sent it. Not only was there a reply, there also was a copy of a letter from the particular federal agency that I was questioning directly addressing my concerns. Also, every Representative and Senator has at least one local office and, in the case of Senators usually several local offices, to which mail can be sent. The address of those offices can be found on the website of the Senator or Representative as well as in most telephone books. As for my particular Representative, I can hand deliver a letter in less than 10 minutes! His local office is about 1/2 mile from my house. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Wed, 3/16/11, Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net wrote: The ARRL is wisely recommending that we do NOT send letters directly to our reps (unless you have an inside contact with a legislative aide). To be most effective, we are sending signed letters/faxes to our ARRL lobbyist, Chwat Company. They will hand-carry these letters to the appropriate officials. Normal mailed letters can take up to TWO MONTHIS in is post 9/11 world to actually get to where you want it to on Capitol Hill. Complete instructions are on the ARRL's site. ___ 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 Radios on Cruises
Sorry, but International law states that when in International Waters the ship is considered to be a part of the jurisdiction of the country of registry. The captain can give permission to operate. However, the regulations concerning amateur radio operation are that of the country of registry. You MUST have authority from the country of registry to operate. The captain cannot just give his/her permission to operate. Some countries do have recriprical agreements with the United States, some countries allow CEPT operation, some countries require that you get an actual license granted by that country. These regulations are determined by the country of registry and NOT by the FCC nor by the captain of the vessel. You also have to comply with ITU regulations which changes things like frequencies available due to ITU Region. Those are Region I (Europe and Africa), Region II (North and South America), and Region III (Asia, Australia, and Oceania). If the ship is of United States registry (of which a relatively few are), then you have no problems when in International Waters. The only restriction is whether or not you have the captain's permission. When in territorial waters of another nation then you become subject to the regulations of that country. Some countries, like Mexico, require a license granted by that government (there is a substantial charge for this from Mexico), some countries allow CEPT, etc., operation, some countries do not allow any operation. Remember, once you are on board a ship that is NOT of United States registry then you are subject to the laws of the country of registry of the ship and NOT subject to the laws of the United States. Your rights as a United States citizen have absolutely no bearing when you are subject to the laws of another country. Asserting your rights can be very detrimental to your well being when dealing with the laws of other countries. Cruises are supposed to be fun. However, insisting on using your amateur radio equipment without the permission of the captain of the vessel AND / OR, especially, when not complying with the communications regulations of the country of registry of the ship, can result in penalties which can range from just a slap on the wrist to some VERY hard time situations. There are cruises aimed especially at amateur radio operators on which operation of equipment is welcomed. However, there are also cruises on which operation of equipment is not only discouraged but actually banned. You are cautioned to find out the regulations concerning amateur radio operation of the country of registry of the ship as well as working with the cruise line to obtain permission to operate. Without complying with the laws of the country of registry you can be in some very serious trouble. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 3/1/11, Donald Jacob wb5...@gmail.com wrote: I'm sorry, maybe I'm missing something. Wouldn't it be much easier to say (on web page or what ever since this topic has been address MANY MANY times) that you must check with the ships Captain and/or communications officer. Forget FCC or any other nation's communications authority, since once at sea the ship is totally under the authority of the Captain -- Maritime Law. Just seems much more logical to me than beating a dead horse! ___ 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
PVC is NOT a structural material. You can sometimes get away with using it for something like a vertical antenna without any real stress. However, using it to support something with any horizontal force is another matter. The colder the weather the more likely it is to fail. Making an A frame or T mast from wood is a much better idea, will support a lot more, and definitely will last considerably longer. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 2/24/11, Mike1234 mikef1...@buckeye-express.com 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 . ___ 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
Then what you have is a wooden structure with a PVC overcoat! The PVC is still not the real structural material. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 2/24/11, Ken Ernandes n2...@mindspring.com wrote: It works well to fill a PVC pipe with a wood dowel the size of the pipe's inner diameter. Then you just need to weatherproof the ends of the pipe with caps or otherwise. ___ 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
PVC is CHEAP! However, it has no real structural strength and, in cold weather, often gets brittle and fractures. PVC is made for carrying things like water and is definitely not made to be able to withstand any forces other than moderate pressure (i.e. water pressure). People do make things from PVC on which they do put structural forces. However, doing so is at their own risk and quite often the structure does not survive. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 2/24/11, Ng, Peter peter...@bccdc.ca wrote: curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel? ___ 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
Again, you are NOT using the PVC for structural strength. Your strength is coming from the wood! Big difference from using just PVC. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 2/24/11, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: My az-el has an 8 foot steel mast, with two 5 foot PVC and closet dowel verticals on each end. It's been up for 5 years in the Florida sun and storms, supporting a 10 element 2m yagi, 30 element 70cm CP yagi, a 35 element 23cm yagi, and a 3 foot S dish at the ends of the PVC/wood H booms. I did use the grey thick-walled PVC, not the white stuff. It's a perfectly acceptable material with the wood inside, non-conductive, non-rusting. ___ 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: Latest AMSAT Journal
You know that it still costs only 3 cents to mail a letter (same charge that was made during the Civil War). The remainder is for storage costs! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com ___ 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: Plastic weatherproof box
Look in the housewares section at Walmart, K-Mart, Target, etc. There are all sorts of plastic containers for use in refrigerators and so forth. In fact, I have found similar sized plastic containers in those $1 for everything stores. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Wed, 2/24/10, Jeff Yanko wb3...@cox.net wrote: I'm in a project which needs plastic weatherproof box. No holes in the box would be ok since I can drill them, run the cables then seal it very well. Looking for 10x10x4, 12x12x4. I've checked Home Depot and they have nothing. Does anybody know would might carry such an item? ___ 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: Convert grid to County?
Since a grid is 1 degree of latitude by 2 degrees of longitude that is going to cover a lot of counties in a single grid. Even going to the 5th and 6th place there can be several counties involved. For example, my grid is EM12px. However, that grid identification involves both Dallas County, Texas, and Collin County, Texas. Just a little west of me in EM12 there are 3 counties involved, Dallas, Denton, and Collin Counties. Going a little farther west the counties would be Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 2/21/10, Michae J. Wolthuis wolth...@msu.edu wrote: I have worked a lot of portable/handheld stations lately and have a hard time determining their county based on grid. Is there an online convert tool to go from grid to county? ___ 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: RF Adaptors
Unfortunately, the quality of the vast majority of r.f. connectors sold at Radio Shack has to improve considerably to even make a rating of dismal! For example, I have run into PL-259 connectors with over 1 dB of loss PER connector on 450 MHz. Mouser ( http://www.mouser.com ) has various adapters as well as other sources that have been given. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Dee morse...@optonline.net wrote: Before you go ordering through the mail (most efficient way) Check your local Radio Shack. I went in there and was surprised at the selection on the wall. ___ 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: Life Members
I did the calculations twice and got the same $3300 figure! However, I just redid the calculations and got the much lower figure! I did use 1970 and 2009 as the years. Frankly, I have no idea as to why the different figures! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 1/17/10, Glen Zook gz...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Glen Zook gz...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Life Members To: k...@live.com, Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org, Rocky Jones orbit...@hotmail.com Date: Sunday, January 17, 2010, 11:03 AM Having been a life member (# 463) since the very early days when life membership was first offered I would like to point out that, back then, life membership wasn't that cheap. In today's dollars, not absolute dollars, is a pretty staggering sum! Based on the consumer price index, the $50 that I spent for my life membership back around 1970 is today the equivalent of right at $3300! That is 66 times in absolute dollars. Compare that to the present life membership fee of $880. That means that we who obtained our life memberships back in the early 1970s paid 3.75 times what new life members are paying. If you don't believe these figures then do the calculations on the following website: http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/ However, the cash influx to AMSAT, at the time, was definitely needed and the benefits from the life membership fees of today's olde tymers allowed AMSAT to accomplish a lot of things which would not have been possible without the influx of cash. Therefore, I caution those who think that life members are getting a free ride to stop and think about the true situation. If it had not been for the olde tyme life membership fees the organization would not be what it is today IF the organization was still in existence! We olde tymers happily paid a premium (when compared with the present value of the dollar) to support the organization. Today, many of us are on fixed incomes and without our life memberships many of us would not be able to afford continuing our memberships. When the going was tough, the tough got going and contributed a significant amount of money in terms of what the dollar is worth today. The result is that we paid our dues (pun intended) and AMSAT is still benefiting from our monentary contributions today. We made an investment in the organization and we certainly deserve to reap any benefits from that investment. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239/LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com ___ 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: Life Membership
Had not members contributed to AMSAT back in the early to mid 1970s there would probably not even be an AMSAT today! So soon people forget their roots! As for what I have personally contributed to AMSAT lately? Obviously you haven't read the September/October 2009 issue of the AMSAT Journal! Therein you will find an article on becoming a volunteer written by me. Not every AMSAT member has discretionary funds to contribute to the organization and quite a number of the early life members are now retired and, like myself, living on basically fixed incomes. My wife and I are not destitute, but we definitely have to budget our money. Looking at your biography page on QRZ.com I see that you have been licensed for a little over 15 years. Also, looking at your photograph posted on QRZ.com, I see that you have a fair number of years remaining in the workforce before entering the world of the retired. As such, you obviously have a fair amount of discretionary funds (since you have posted your relationship to the ARRL and that you are a benefactor of AMSAT reinforces this) which allows you to make financial contributions. That is fine. When I became a life member I was gainfully employed and was definitely above average in income. In fact, I was gainfully employed until 2002 when I acquired rheumatoid arthritis and became fully disabled. I have been fighting with a major insurance company for the benefits that they are supposed to be paying me and this has been ongoing for almost 8 years. Fortunately, Social Security agreed that I was disabled and has been paying me for close to 7 years. What Social Security is paying is definitely less than what I would be paid by the private insurance company, but it is at least something. Starting next month I will officially not be disabled but then retired. Although my wife and I receive payments that are much higher than what the average person gets from Social Security, the total amount received is considerably less than when I was employed. Considering that the majority of retirees are receiving considerably less money every month that what my wife and I receive, it is pretty easy to see that those persons have a very hard time making it on a daily basis. Those persons, when gainfully employed, generally did have at least some discretionary funds and could, if desired, contribute financially to AMSAT. Today, things are very different. It is the same with a lot of younger members who have lost their jobs. Those persons are in no condition to contribute financially to AMSAT. Yet you seem to think that the ability to give money is what is important. There are those life members who have been around for a while who do have both the skills and the time to contribute to AMSAT as volunteers. However, there are also life members who no longer have the physical ability which would allow them to contribute as volunteers today. According to your way of thinking, those persons should just be eliminated, forgetting the role that those same people have played in the past, because they no longer are in a position to contribute financially. At least in my opinion, such actions are very wrong! Without the financial support that those life members contributed in the past AMSAT would definitely NOT be the organization that it is today. In fact, there is a very good chance that the organization would not have survived the 40 years that is has. Frankly, I sincerely wonder what your position is going to be when you are retired, out of a job, or some similar situation. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sun, 1/17/10, Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net wrote: ... my $50 membership thirty years ago is worth $1,000,000 in 2010 dollars ... All moot, of course. Your fifty bucks contributed years ago was exactly that - and nothing else - period. It was used back then - and any comparison to what it is worth today is valueless. What have you done for AMSAT recently? - is a much more appropriate discussion. Clint Bradford, K6LCS AMSAT President's Club member - for each of the past few years AMSAT benefactor ___ 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: ARRL Sat Article
OSCAR VI used the metal from a pocket tape measure for the 10-meter antenna. This was folded and was held in this position until the release was activated from the ground. When released, the antenna deployed, sticking straight out from two sides of the satellite. The QSL cards for receiving OSCAR VI even had the inches scale showing on the satellite graphics. This use of common items was definitely mentioned in the articles about the satellite. A tape measure is designed to hold straight until reeled in and this worked beautifully for the satellite. Not only was it functional, it was VERY inexpensive. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Wed, 12/30/09, Greg D. ko6th_g...@hotmail.com wrote: But a question that has always nagged me... Perhaps someone on the BB knows the answer? I understand that the early Oscars got their ride into space by replacing a piece of concrete (or similar dead weight material) with our satellite. That's why they have the shape that they do (looking like a segment of a ring). But what about the antenna? Was it deployed after launch, or did it ride into space already sticking out the side? An on-orbit deploy would have been excessively complicated for that era (it's even difficult today!), but I can't see something like that surviving launch intact, either. Anybody know? ___ 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: Preamp location tech question
Putting the preamplifier at the antenna and not at the equipment end overcomes the noise figure and losses of the feedline. Putting the preamplifier after the feedline adds the noise figure and losses of the feedline to the signal. Therefore, having the preamplifier at the antenna end is definitely better. However, whether or not the added complexity of having the preamplifier at the antenna end is worth the improvement in the signal to noise ratio of the signal is another matter. For things like e.m.e. every little bit helps and having the preamplifier at the antenna is worth it. For other applications one has to weigh the benefits of the placement of the preamplifier with the considerable added complexity. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Fri, 12/18/09, i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it wrote: Actually 50 feet of LMR400 adds 0.75 dB to the Noise Figure of your 144 MHz preamplifier and 1.35 dB to the Noise Figure of your 432 MHz preamplifier. Why deteriorate the Noise Figure of your receiving system adding the losses of a coax cable between the antenna and preamplifier? ___ 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: 70cm preamp
Ramsey actually has a pretty good low noise preamp for 70 cm and those are cheap. Takes about 15 minutes to assemble the kit. I do recommend replacing the fixed capacitor across the coil with a variable. That way you don't have to fiddle with bending the coil to tune it. You just set the coil and then use the variable to adjust the actual frequency. I bought one of the 70 cm kits and one of the 222 MHz kits several months ago. Both of them work very well. The 222 MHz has a slug tuned coil but the 70 cm is fixed and you are supposedly to tune it by moving the turns around. But, MUCH easier to adjust if you replace the fixed capacitor with a variable. I am almost sure that they ship internationally. The kits are less than $15 U.S. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 11/26/09, Michael Chen michael.bd...@gmail.com wrote: I am looking for a good 70cm preamp for satellite operation. Kind of urgent. Recommendations and sale are welcome. ___ 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-7 help
I haven't used AO-7 for some time (need to revise my antennas to do so again). But, back in the goode olde dayes (when the satellite first went into orbit) we didn't have any problems with Doppler. The accepted method was to leave the transmit frequency alone and keep one hand on the receiver to compensate for the frequency shift and send CW with the other hand (or hold the microphone for SSB). No one even thought of compensating for Doppler any other way. Of course at the time everyone used a separate receiver and transmitter (no transceivers) so you could keep the receiver active while transmitting. There were hundreds of QSOs made on each orbit and everyone had a ball. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Sat, 9/26/09, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: Those splits are only right when Doppler is zero. Other wise, you have around +/-7 khz shift to deal with. It's really tough to work AO-7 half-duplex with no Doppler tuning. REALLY tough. If you have a PC nearby, I'd recommend trying to use SatPC32 to control the Doppler shift during the pass. CAT cables are pretty cheap on Ebay, and really easy to set up with the 897. Also, since you are using gain antennas AND are half duplex, you should make sure you keep the power output low, like 5 watts or so, since you can't hear if you our overdriving the uplink and making the satellite FM for everyone. ___ 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: accidental satellite ops
That clears that up! Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 9/17/09, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: The July/August 2002 AMSAT Journal has a copy of the waiver on page 25, dated April 19, 1974. At the time of the construction of the satellite, there was no separate amateur satellite service. By the time of the launch, there was, and it was 435-438 only, hence the waiver. ___ 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: Mode A antennas?
In the past, I have used a 2-element 10 meter yagi. Unfortunately, a G5RV is a mediocre antenna at best for bands other than 20 meters for which it was actually designed. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Fri, 9/11/09, John Geiger aa...@yahoo.com wrote: What is the minimal antenna you can use on 10m to hear the AO7 downlink in Mode A? I have a homebrew G5RV type antenna up and can't hear AO7 on it at all. What kind of antennas are others using on 10m for mode A? ___ 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: Volunteering
I thought long and hard before replying to you. Unfortunately, it is the fault of the organization when the systems do not work. On purpose? Of course not. But, it still is within the control of the organization and therefore it definitely is the fault of the organization. There is a Catch 22. There is a need for volunteers but the prime method of volunteering is not available. Why? Because there are not enough volunteers to fix the method of volunteering. Yes, there are other ways of eventually having someone's volunteering to help being recognized. However, most individuals are not going to go through a trial and error means of finding the correct means of offering their services. Frankly, this is just not going to happen. I have submitted an article for publication in The AMSAT Journal on this very problem. Hopefully it will be published in the next edition and, again, hopefully it will help alleviate, at least in some small way, the problems that presently exist. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Wed, 9/9/09, myoung myo...@neo.rr.com wrote: So if someone wants to volunteer and they use the volunteer function of the AMSAT website and it doesn't work and someone doesn't get in touch with you... IT IS AMSAT's FAULT? Is that it? So if you order something from the AMSAT website or any website and the item never arrives... YOU JUST FORGET IT? This is a mindset of failure! A HORRENDOUS COP OUT FOLKS!!! The AMSAT office has a phone. The number is on the website, please use it! Do you really want to volunteer? PROVE IT! AND FOLLOW THRU! PROMISES DON'T GET THINGS DONE! ___ 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: Volunteering and things!
Calling blaming the website problems a cop out is not a true statement, at least in my opinion. Yes, there are other ways of exchanging information with the various persons involved with AMSAT. However, those other ways are not always apparent nor are those methods readily available to everyone. Then there is the problem of knowing just which person in the organization is responsible for the subject of the correspondence. Contacting the wrong person will at least delay the exchange and sometimes result in no exchange at all. Like it or not, in today's information age when a presence on the web is established the website becomes the focus point for the distribution of up-to-date information and when various reply functions are established on the website those functions become the principle media of information exchange. AMSAT is not the only organization that has been lacking in the maintaining of the website. There are many other groups that are just as guilty (even more guilty in many cases) of not keeping their web presence current. Often, when the website is not functioning properly, people will just ignore the website and then forget the whole thing. That goes for many things, not just where volunteering is involved. The result is that a lot of potentially beneficial things end up in Never Never Land rather than actually helping the situation. One thing that this discussion has accomplished is to bring some of the problems which have been affecting the organization into the light of day and, as such, efforts are being made to correct the problems. Probably, there have been some feelings hurt in the case of people who haven't been doing their jobs for any variety of reasons. There are all sorts of reasons why and I won't even try to list even a number of those reasons. But, it comes down to finding people who have not only the skills needed to perform certain tasks but who also have the time to accomplish those tasks as well as the desire to accomplish them. The gist of the situation is that one needs to lead, follow, or get out of the way. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Thu, 9/10/09, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: As I've been told, the submittal of the survey works now, but who the information goes to may be under revision/addition. If you are reading this and you want to help with something, just call the office, or email the officer responsible for that area, and forget about that survey until we can get it working 100%. Yes, it needs fixed, but a serious volunteer doesn't let such a silly thing get in their way. Mike is 100% correct in my opinion, blaming a faulty website is a cop-out. ___ 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: My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT
Being someone who has been a member of AMSAT since the 2nd month of the formation of the group I can say that I definitely agree with N0FJP: A couple of times recently I have tried to volunteer and, frankly, the website does not take the information. Also, there is quite a bit of information that is definitely outdated. I am quite aware that a basically volunteer organization is at the mercy of the members and, generally, there are only a very few members who are willing to put forth any real effort. However, for an organization to really last there has to be someone to take control of the various functions. Unfortunately, the website seems not to be very high on anyone's priority list. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239/LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 9/1/09, racer5039 racer5...@q.com wrote: I am pretty new to AMSAT so I can't speak to the what and why of the B.O.D. or the operation of AMSAT. What I will speak of is what I found when I first started looking at the AMSAT site. First thing I found was a lot of the information was very old and out of date. As someone new to the mode I really thought hard if I wanted to send money to an org. or CORP. that wasn't keeping things up to date. With the said. I would also like to offer some thoughts. My JA friends may look at this as I do. If there are parts of the web site that take up too much time or effort to keep up, It is Mooda, waste. Remove it so that it isn't giving the new onlooker the wrong idea of what to expect. I fully understand that to run something like AMSAT take's a lot of time. But you must also think of the image that old, out of date, data sends to other like me. There are a lot of things on the web site that are no longer of use to the here and now. If I have thrown myself under the bus, so be it. I only speak of what I know. ___ 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: MFJ/Cushcraft
The major problem with mfj products is that quality control is virtually non-existent. Hardware will be missing from one unit and then extra hardware (probably that intended for the previous unit down the production line) will be rattling around the next unit. Some solder connections will be poorly done and other connections have never even thought of having solder applied. The list of problems goes on. I believe that mfj is VERY aware of these problems because in their warranty they specifically state that repairs made by the owner will NOT violate the warranty. I always consider mfj products to be a semi-kit. That is a unit partially assembled by the factory but definitely needing further attention by the person who purchases the unit. Over the years I have acquired a number of mfj products, almost always from someone who purchased the unit expecting it to work out of the box. When the unit does not work then that person often sells it or trades it. I have bought a few items new and every one of those items had to have something done to make them work correctly except for one item that worked correctly from the get go. That item was a 24 hour clock that was built off shore and an mfj label added. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com ___ 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: Hygain antenna MFJ
I always consider mfj products to be a semi-kit. That is most of the work has been done at the factory BUT you have to do some of the assembly yourself. This means replace missing hardware, remove the extra hardware that is rattling around the cabinet (usually that which is missing from the previous item down the line), soldering connections that were not soldered in the first place or resoldering cold solder connections, etc. Then, if you do all this then the item usually works fine. Now mfj has to be aware of the problems because in the warranty statement on a lot of the equipment they say that repairs by the owner DOES NOT violate the warranty. That is, if you try to fix the item yourself they still will honor the warranty. I do have one mfj branded item that worked flawlessly out of the box. It is a 24 hour clock that was manufactured off shore and then mfj put their label on it. Everything else that I have acquired over the years had something wrong with it (usually bad soldering or missing hardware) that was traded to me because the person who bought it couldn't get the item to work correctly. Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 5/12/09, Jim Jerzycke kq...@pacbell.net wrote: I don't know anybody who's bought the satellite antennas, but I do know some guys who've bought the recent HF antennas. Quality control is typical MFJ, with parts missing, holes drilled wrong, poor instructions, etc. I tend to be gun shy with about 90% of MFJ products. I know too many people that have been burned by their stuff. Some of their products are good, but their QC is *always* suspect. My antenna analyzer works perfectly, but then I cross my fingers every time I put the batteries in it! Just my $.02 ___ 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
