[amsat-bb] Re: Question? *ts-2000)
TS-2000 interfaces with the PC via a 9 pin serial port on the back of the rig. It is a "DC to daylight rig" All mode coverage from 160 meters up to 440MHZ or up to 1.2GHZ if it is a TS-2000X. It works fine with SatPC32. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 7/24/2010 2:41 PM, Stuart Balanger wrote: > *I was reading (BB) abt the Kenwood TS-2000, > & was wondering is the TS-2000 VHF (Dual band/All mode, > & i gather it can be interfaced w/ SatPC32? > Is it like the Kenwood TM-255A or the TM-731A? > (Which can' t be directly interfaced w/ the computer) > Will be looking for replies! 73,.Stu > * > ___ > 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 > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3025 - Release Date: 07/24/10 > 02:36:00 > > ___ 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] Dual band "cheap yagi" question ( interlacing elements?)
I'm in the process of putting together a portable FM satellite station and I intend to homebrew the antenna using the WA5VJB "cheap yagi" design. In looking at a picture in the May/June 2007 AMSAT Journal I've noticed that the so called "AMSAT demonstration antenna" that is composed of two elements on two meters and five elements on 70cm has the 70cm antenna built completely ahead of the two meter antenna on the boom. In other words, the elements for the two bands are not interlaced with each other. I'm planning to build a larger antenna with more elements as I will use it on a tripod rather than holding it by hand and I'm wondering if I can interlace the elements of the two antennas on the boom without adversely affecting performance. To build the antenna I envision in the fashion shown in the picture with one antenna built completely ahead of the other on the boom would result in an unruly boom length. Also, if I do interlace the elements, should I place them at 90 degrees orientation to each other as is done in the Arrow design? I doubt it makes any difference but just to be clear, I will be using two separate radios for TX and RX so no diplexer will be used. Yagi antennas, especially dual band designs, are not exactly my forte so I thought I'd ask this question just to be sure. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: Lithium polymer batteries
Original Message Subject:Re: [amsat-bb] Lithium polymer batteries Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:34:14 -0400 From: Michael Tondee To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Li poly batteries are perfectly safe as long as one uses common sense and follows basic safety procedures. The fire retardant bags and clay pots are a nice extra bit of insurance but I haven't found them really necessary as long as I pay attention. I charge my batteries outside mostly or if I do charge them inside I don't leave them unattended. As someone already stated, using the proper charger is the key. With the proper state of the art charger it is near to impossible to overcharge a li poly battery. I emphasize "state of the art". A very good one called the Cellpro is made by a company named FMA and is under $100 in price. I fly electric RC airplanes and helicopters with Li poly batteries. I order them online and I have never been charged any type of hazmat fee. FWIW I've had numerous hard crashes with my heli and have never ever had a li poly battery explode or catch fire. These batteries have revolutionized RC flying. Along with brushless motors, it's a whole new world. It's now possible to fly planes of the size that used to take nitromethane or "glow fuel" powered engines with clean quiet electric power. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 6/24/2010 10:01 AM, whit...@usa.net wrote: > Following up on the Lithium polymer battery mention I Googled them and was > disturbed to find: > > -high fire risk. One seller offers flame retardant bags to put the cells in > while charging them... for $25 > > -(as warned) high prices especially considering the more-unique balanced > charger / discharger devices at ~$100 and up being required in addition to > the > cells themselves > > -a hazardous materials uplift for FedEx shipment ranging from $25-$45 > depending on destination, on top of normal shipping rates > > All of that tells me they're "not ready for prime time" though the current > capacity vs weight looks very promising. > > I will wait and watch, hoping the technology matures into something safer and > less costly as time goes on. Likely it will, particularly the cheaper part, > though it appears some safety issues have to be addressed meaningfully. > > Thanks for the mention. It is interesting. > > Lowell > K9LDW > > > ___ > S ___ 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: AMSAT Board of Directors Candidates
I can't for the life of me understand the point in people using terms that tend to divide AMSAT into different groups or warring factions. The last thing in the world this organization needs right now is to be divided about anything. I don't think the people you derisively refer to as " FM'ers" would be at all upset if some type of linear transponder flew on any new bird. I think when you get right down to it, everybody wants the same thing which is a variety of sats with different mode capabilities that will interest and accommodate all sat operators. I think all of us want an HEO if at all possible. The thing is though some of us seem to be more in tune with the realities of the modern world and realize that the launches are not financially feasible. We don't live in some type of fantasy land where we think launch opportunities grow on trees. We make due with what we have and try to enjoy ourselves instead of pining away for the "good old days". We try to support the BOD in whatever endeavor or direction that they feel is best for the organization right now. Do you honestly think they are lying to you when they tell you that financially feasible HEO launches are not available at present? Or that it's not possible to include a linear transponder in a cubesat which appears to be the only viable option we have for launches right now? That must be it! It must be some kind of conspiracy that has been hatched by those dastardly scourge of the earth "FM'ers". :-) Right now I'm an "FMer" because that's all the capability I have right at present. I could have bought another TS-2000X like I used to have and be on the existing linear birds but I blew my wad on a Flex 5000 because frankly, I feel it is a far superior radio to anything else on the market. It will take me quite sometime to save the money for the upcoming V/U module that will give me linear transponder access again, maybe even a couple of years, but for now I'm I try to be happy with the capability I do have which is a portable FM sat setup. I don't think that myself or anyone else should be labeled and looked down upon for simply trying to enjoy ourselves on the birds in the best way we can. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 6/17/2010 3:06 PM, Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL wrote: > At 05:11 PM 6/16/2010 -0400, g0...@aol.com wrote: > >> In a message dated 16/06/2010 22:09:24 GMT Daylight Time, vlfis...@mcn.net >> writes: >> Why does everything always have to be FM all the time. >> KB7ADL >> >> >> But doesn't Arissat-1 include a linear transponder ?? >> >> David >> > > > Arissat will be fun, but objects launched from the ISS don't stay in orbit > all that long. The linear transponder is going to have to compete for time > with all the other downlink modes& experiments the bird can do. I'm > thinking the linear transponder probably won't be turned on much, because > it might upset the FM'ers. > > KB7ADL > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.829 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2942 - Release Date: 06/16/10 > 14:35:00 > > ___ 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: Doppler Tuning Convention Question (summary)
In a perfect world, everyone would be using full doppler control via computer. As we can see from this discussion, it's not a perfect world. During the time that I had the equipment to operate the linear birds I found hooking up in a QSO with another station who was using full doppler tuning by computer also was quite an enjoyable experience. Even "reading the mail" while two other gents were in contact on full doppler was fun. Not so if I came upon a station who was using manual tuning while I was trying to let my computer do the work. I had to chase him all over the passband and often lost stations completely that way. I didn't fare much better with manual tuning. I guess I never really learned it like some of the "old hands" have. When I can finally afford the V/U unit for my new Flex and get back on linear birds it would be my hope that everyone who was in a base station setup would be using full doppler control via computer. It baffles me why anyone wouldn't, it makes life so much easier. I do understand why portable stations like Tim would not be using full doppler and I have no problem with that. I guess I just need to learn how to manually tune in that situation. 73, Michael W4HIJ On 6/1/2010 12:14 PM, John Belstner wrote: > Thanks to everyone that responded. > For those that have been on the list for years this thread may be a dull > rerun, but as a newbie, the information is useful. > > > From everyones responses, it appears that indeed there are currently two > > conventions: > 1. Full Doppler CAT tuning > 2. Manually tuning the higher frequency while keeping the lower fixed > > I know that operators have been successfully using convention #2 for years so > this is my lack of sat operating experience talking here, but just looking at > the math it seems that it would be difficult for two stations with different > velocity vectors to the satellite to communicate without at least one of them > adjusting both TX and RX. I need to try this for myself I guess. > > One thing I did notice is that when operating Full Doppler CAT tuning I was > only able to successfully track other operators who were doing the same. > > Cheers, > > 73, John W9EN > DM13le > w...@amsat.org > > > ___ > ___ 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: 9100
I guess "about as much" is relative. Right now, based on sale prices, there is right at $300 difference in the Flex V/U module and a TS-2000. I don';t know about you but $300 is a decent chunk of change to me. Besides that, we are comparing apples to oranges. The V/U module with take advantage of all of the advantages that the Flex has over the TS-2000 to start with. Not only will it be satellite capable, it will also make the Flex 5000 a hot contender for other VHF/UHF weak signal work. I've owned a TS-2000X before and while I thought it was a fine all around general purpose rig, I never disillusioned myself into thinking that it was anything more. From everything I've seen of the Flex it is much more and will continue to evolve into much more given time. I've owned my Flex 5000A a little over a month and I don't want any other radio, satellite or otherwise cluttering up my operating desk. It might take me awhile to afford to put the V/U module in my rig and I may have lots more money in things than any other rig I've owned when I do but IMO it will be worth it. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 5/16/2010 2:59 PM, Sebastian wrote: > I sold my IC-910H recently, as I had thoughts about going with the > 9100. But at that price, I can't justify it. > > I agree that the Flex 5000 is probably a much better radio (since we > don't yet know all the technical details on the 9100). However the > cost of the V/U module for the Flex is about as much as you would pay > for a brand new TS-2000. Sure the Flex offers more, but let's face > it, with the current birds in orbit, it's overkill for the average ham > who makes occasional satellite contacts. > > Perhaps others such as DEMI, will see this as an opportunity and come > up with alternatives? > > 73 de W4AS > > On May 15, 2010, at 9:43 PM, Michael Tondee wrote: > >> I guess once I put the upcoming V/U module in my Flex 5000 I'll have >> that amount of money in it but I won't have had to spend it all at once >> and IMHO I'll have a markedly better radio. Also one that isn't outdated >> a day after I walk out of the store with it. >> I'm just not a big fan of Icom's anyway so I guess I'm pretty biased. >> 73, >> Michael, W4HIJ >> >> On 5/15/2010 7:22 PM, Mik Forsythe wrote: >>> Just left Dayton a few hours ago. Icom said that it is basically a >>> 7600 and a 910. It is bigger than the 910. It was in a display >>> case so I can't tell you what the feel was like of the weight. >>> Price is in the $4,000.00 range so that will kill a lot of the >>> satellite market if you ask me. ___ 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: Icom 9100
I guess once I put the upcoming V/U module in my Flex 5000 I'll have that amount of money in it but I won't have had to spend it all at once and IMHO I'll have a markedly better radio. Also one that isn't outdated a day after I walk out of the store with it. I'm just not a big fan of Icom's anyway so I guess I'm pretty biased. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 5/15/2010 7:22 PM, Mik Forsythe wrote: > Just left Dayton a few hours ago. Icom said that it is basically a 7600 and > a 910. It is bigger than the 910. It was in a display case so I can't tell > you what the feel was like of the weight. Price is in the $4,000.00 range so > that will kill a lot of the satellite market if you ask me. > > ___ > 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 > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.819 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2876 - Release Date: 05/15/10 > 14:26:00 > > ___ 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: Icom 9100
Ridiculous!!! Michael, W4HIJ On 5/15/2010 3:43 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: > George, > >I'm not at Dayton, but what O got from a D-Star reflector was $4000 for > bare bones and available sometime Q4. > > Dave KB1PVH > > Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID > > On May 15, 2010 3:31 PM, "Gkcarr" wrote: > > OK, Dayton folks, what is being said about the Icom IC-9100? > This fat cat is close to death from curiosity! > 73 and tnx, > George > WA5KBH > EM30 > > - > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.819 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2875 - Release Date: 05/15/10 > 02:26:00 > > ___ 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] : For sale, Yaesu VX-3R HT, ARR RF switched pre amp ( pre-amp sold)
The pre-amp is sold. The VX-3R is still available. Thanks to everyone for their interest, Michael Original Message Subject:For sale, Yaesu VX-3R HT, ARR RF switched pre amp Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:19:26 -0400 From: Michael Tondee To: amsat-bb@amsat.org I have for sale a Yaesu VX-3R dual band HT. While it is not full duplex, it works well as the RX side of a mode J handheld station. I've had it less than six months if even that long. It has never even been outside the house and is in like new condition. Of course box, manual, charger and stock rubber duck are all included. I'll also throw in a 3ft. long adapter cable that goes from the SMA jack on the radio to an SO-239 where an external antenna can be used. Price is $110.00 shipped priority mail in the lower 48. The pre amp is an Advanced Receiver Research SP432VDG with N connectors. The RF switching circuit is rated at 25 watts, I actually only ever used it on a receive only setup with the VX-3R. The pre amp has been mast mounted in a weatherproof enclosure. ARR says these units will withstand heat and cold extremes with no problem, they just have to be mounted in a waterproof enclosure if put outside. As with the HT the unit has seen very little use and is like new. Price is $85.00 shipped priority mail in the lower48. I will accept Paypal or a United States Postal Service money order as payment. Sorry, no international shipping. If you are interested, please contact me off list. Thanks for the bandwidth everyone, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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] For sale, Yaesu VX-3R HT, ARR RF switched pre amp
I have for sale a Yaesu VX-3R dual band HT. While it is not full duplex, it works well as the RX side of a mode J handheld station. I've had it less than six months if even that long. It has never even been outside the house and is in like new condition. Of course box, manual, charger and stock rubber duck are all included. I'll also throw in a 3ft. long adapter cable that goes from the SMA jack on the radio to an SO-239 where an external antenna can be used. Price is $110.00 shipped priority mail in the lower 48. The pre amp is an Advanced Receiver Research SP432VDG with N connectors. The RF switching circuit is rated at 25 watts, I actually only ever used it on a receive only setup with the VX-3R. The pre amp has been mast mounted in a weatherproof enclosure. ARR says these units will withstand heat and cold extremes with no problem, they just have to be mounted in a waterproof enclosure if put outside. As with the HT the unit has seen very little use and is like new. Price is $85.00 shipped priority mail in the lower48. I will accept Paypal or a United States Postal Service money order as payment. Sorry, no international shipping. If you are interested, please contact me off list. Thanks for the bandwidth everyone, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: Icom IC-9100 at Dayton
With the purchase of a Flex 5000A I'm pretty well set in the radio department but I'm curious. Isn't Kenwood also coming out with a new radio soon? Does it have satellite capability? Since Yaesu is apparently uninterested in producing a satellite radio at this point in time, I'm wondering if Kenwood will continue it's support of sat ops. Flex should have it's V/U module out very soon now and the more manufacturers who support this branch of the hobby the better off it will be. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 4/19/2010 1:54 PM, Clint Bradford wrote: > Icom is expecting to show the prototype of IC-9100. It will be a combination > of the IC-746Pro and IC-910H satellite rig. It will have an optional 1.2 gHz > module and an optional D-Star module available that can be added to it. > Expected availability is early Fall with more confirmed timing after we start > production. Estimated street price for the basic model should be around $3k > with more confirmed info after it is in production. Pre-release information > can found on the Icom America website. > > SOURCE: Icom's Pat Marcy > > Clint Bradford, K6LCS ___ 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: Radios for satellite operations
Hi Ed, I think the K3 is a great radio. My uncle has one and loves it. Sounds like you have made an excellent choice for your situation. I can fully understand not wanting to lug around a PC ( even a laptop) for portable work. The only comparison you make that puzzles me is cost. I haven't added up the exact prices so I could be a little off but it seems to me that the equipment you mention is going to come out about the same price wise as the Flex 5K with the V/U module added. Of course you would have to add in the cost of the PC but in my home station application I already have that here. As you say though, "each to his own choice" and I hope you enjoy your new setup. Sounds like a nice one. I agree with the comment about spending so much on ham radio. I intend for my 5k to last me the rest of my hamming days and so does my wife!! HI HI :-) 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 4/17/2010 2:44 AM, Edward Cole wrote: > Of course, each to his own choice. > > I decided on the K3/10 (10w version of the K3), with subreceiver and > transverter interface (and a few other goodies) ...total $3000 > Add a new DEMI 144/28 xvtr $500, and later a DEMI 432/28 xvtr kit > $400. These are the new design to be released in early June. > I added a ARR 50-Mhz preamp and building a 300w HF amp kit (cost $150). > > When I have fully investigated running the K3 for full duplex under > sw control I will consider letting my FT-847 go. Keeping it for now > (also because I will not get the 432 xvtr right away). > > Why not the Flex-500 + U/V? Well, cost is one, and the need to have > a computer was another. I will use my 6-lb. K3 for portable mw > operation (mainly CW) so its size, weight and ability to be fully > used without toting along a computer. > > Undoubtedly the K3 and Flex-5000 are the top radios in the amateur > market as far as performance specs. I've had my K3 for about a month > and am still learning more about it. Its a keeper. (better be as I > will never spend this much on ham radio, again) > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > > At 06:09 PM 4/16/2010, Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield wrote: > >> Again if price is no object, you should be able to do it with a K3 from >> Elecraft (using the sub receive and their transverters). >> >> 73, >> Joe kk0sd >> >> -Original Message- >> From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On >> Behalf Of Michael Tondee >> Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 8:26 PM >> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Radios for satellite operations >> >> The Kenwood TS-2000 and 2000X are still out there. They have an annoying >> birdie right smack dab on the downlink of SO-50 and AO-27 but both of >> those are FM sats. You can work around the birdie with a preamp but the >> pass time is shortened a bit because you are waiting for the receive >> frequency to get a little bit away from the birdie so you can hear. I >> don't know of any issues with SSB/CW sats though. >>Icom is coming out with a new radio that has HF plus sat capapbility >> but for the price I've heard you could just about buy a Flex 5000A and >> add the soon upcoming V/U module for not much more. >>The Flex 5000A is cutting edge technology but you have to get over >> most hams confounded affinity for knobs. I just got my 5000A today. I >> chose it over replacing the TS-2000X I used to have with another. It >> will be awhile before I can afford to add the V/U module but I'm willing >> to wait because IMHO the Flex is head and shoulders above any other >> radio on the market today. >> 73, >> Michael, W4HIJ >> On 4/16/2010 12:18 PM, Jacob Tennant wrote: >> >>> Was wondering today after searching around on the internet, what radios >>> >> are >> >>> people using for satellite operations as I noticed the ICOM IC-910H and >>> >> the >> >>> Yaesu FT-847 are now discontinued? >>> >>> >>> >>> Was hoping to get into the SSB/CW satellites but was hoping to do it on a >>> new radio, but it seems the satellite radios are disappearing from the >>> market. >>> >>> >>> >>> I do have a Yaesu FT-857D that I am getting setup to do the FM satellites >>> with and will try the SSB/CW satellites if I can do it with that radio. >>> >>> >>> >>> Jacob Tennant - K8JWT >>> >>> >>> >> >> > ___ 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: Radios for satellite operations
The Kenwood TS-2000 and 2000X are still out there. They have an annoying birdie right smack dab on the downlink of SO-50 and AO-27 but both of those are FM sats. You can work around the birdie with a preamp but the pass time is shortened a bit because you are waiting for the receive frequency to get a little bit away from the birdie so you can hear. I don't know of any issues with SSB/CW sats though. Icom is coming out with a new radio that has HF plus sat capapbility but for the price I've heard you could just about buy a Flex 5000A and add the soon upcoming V/U module for not much more. The Flex 5000A is cutting edge technology but you have to get over most hams confounded affinity for knobs. I just got my 5000A today. I chose it over replacing the TS-2000X I used to have with another. It will be awhile before I can afford to add the V/U module but I'm willing to wait because IMHO the Flex is head and shoulders above any other radio on the market today. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 4/16/2010 12:18 PM, Jacob Tennant wrote: > Was wondering today after searching around on the internet, what radios are > people using for satellite operations as I noticed the ICOM IC-910H and the > Yaesu FT-847 are now discontinued? > > > > Was hoping to get into the SSB/CW satellites but was hoping to do it on a > new radio, but it seems the satellite radios are disappearing from the > market. > > > > I do have a Yaesu FT-857D that I am getting setup to do the FM satellites > with and will try the SSB/CW satellites if I can do it with that radio. > > > > Jacob Tennant - K8JWT > > ___ 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: You Know What's Really Annoying?
This E-mail?Ding Ding Ding we have a winner! LOL!!! Michael, W4HIJ On 4/13/2010 6:26 PM, Joel Black wrote: > A lot of you incessantly bitching about the inane. Talk about taking up > bandwidth... Yeah, I just took up your BW and bitched about the inane, > but at least I realize it. > > Joel, W4JBB > ___ > 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 > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2808 - Release Date: 04/13/10 > 02:32:00 > > ___ 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: Most Hams in Space at one time?
Hi Bob, I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments. Unfortunately if you tune across the bands or surf this list and other amateur radio forums you will find that, just as in everyday life, some folks just are not happy unless they have something to complain about. Without question it does seem more prevalent in the ham ranks though. I probably won't make many friends by saying that but it's the truth. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 4/13/2010 4:16 PM, Robert Bruninga wrote: >>> Is this the most hams in space to date ... >>> >> ... I DO know it is the largest group of >> Non-Active hams in space at one time. >> > I'm tired of the lack of civility in today's times. Why is it > that so many people seem to spend their time complaining about > what others do. What happened to the golden rule? > > In an all volunteer service and individual hobby, there is never > any benefit to criticizing how one thinks others should use > their ham radio time. Its our hobby, we should do what we can > with it, and encourage and support those that are active. There > just is nothing forward serving in complaining about others. > > Do what we can, and/or get out of the way of what others want to > do. But no amount of complaining ever acomplishes anything in > ham radio other than denegrate us all. > > Bob, WB4APR > > ___ 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] Stacking satellite antennas on top of an HF beam how much separation?
I'm trying to get a Cushcraft MA5B HF mini beam back up in the air. What I'd like to do is use my azimuth rotator to rotate it and mount my elevation rotator and Homebrew 2M and 70CM "cheap yagis" up above it on the same mast. Aside form the obvious distance it will take to keep the VHF/UHF array from hitting the HF array during elevation changes, what is a rule of thumb for separation distance to keep the two systems from interacting with each other? Like so many things, this is something I used to know but seem to have forgotten in my old age. Tnx and73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: [Bod] Re: Re: Top 10 sats
Hi Bill and Drew, I'd just like to let you and the board know that I appreciate your efforts to get sats of any kind into orbit. I'm sure I'm not alone in that but maybe you guys don't hear words of appreciation often enough, it sure doesn't seem like it when I read this BB. I would dearly love to be able to operate on an HEO satellite since I have never experienced it before but I understand the reality. I don't for the life of me understand why some people seem to feel that the BOD is somehow against the concept of HEO's now. I must say that I find the term "grid sat" to be derisive. Most of us out here are just trying to have fun and if a single channel FM satellite is what's up there to do it with, and all we can do is exchange grid squares then so be it. I hope that AMSAT DL is somehow able to get P3-E launched then I will be able to experience HEO's and the guys who miss them so much will hopefully be content . Does anyone have any idea when they might receive a definite answer from their government? 73, Michael, W4HIJ Bill Ress wrote: > Hi Vince, > > Speaking as a Board member, I'm very confident the Board will commit to > building an Eagle (HEO satellite) when it can see a "clear" financial > path to building and launching it. We learned with the Eagle effort, > that satellite launches are now a very mature business enterprise and > the folks doing it are doing it make a profit. Remember we're talking > "8 plus million dollars" here just for the HEO launch costs. > > As Drew states the days of folks in high places being able to secure > free or relatively low cost launches for us is "very" over. We are now > focusing on what is affordable and realistic. > > So you can ring your hands in frustration about what was once possible, > and still most desirable, or you came out from the HEO dream and help > support what is "real" today. Every Board member would dearly love to > build and launch a HEO, but we finally realized, with the cold hard > facts before us, that we just can't do it. We hope that AMSAT-DL can get > the German government to fund the P3E launch. They're our best HEO hope > right now. > > All that being said, this Board is working very hard to continue the > pursuit of any and all launch opportunities, and who knows, maybe an > affordable HEO opportunity will appear. That's our dream wish too, but > until then, we must proceed on a realistic and affordable path "back > into space." > > Regards...Bill - N6GHz > >> wrote: >> >> >>> It's really sad that Eagle isn't on it. Can't seem to get the AMSAT-NA BOD >>> to commit to building anything but grid sats. >>> >>> >>> >>> >> I speak for myself here, and not the BOD or organization as a whole. >> Most of them are not the masochist I seem to be with regards to -bb. >> >> I don't think committing to build satellites that we CANNOT afford to >> launch is good business, and neither do my fellow BOD members. Designing >> a satellite for an unknown launcher envelope and orbit isn't very wise >> either. Or would you prefer we have -two- HEOs that no amateur effort >> could afford to launch? AMSAT members should understand the days of >> cheap and nearly free launches to anywhere are over, especially to HEO. >> ESA's past charity with the Phase 3 Ariane launches has really ruined >> all reasonable expectations. I understand your frustration, but >> directing it towards the BOD is not productive. Sometimes you have to >> suck it up and face facts. >> >> We currently have two new projects in development. One is a 1U cubesat >> known as AMSAT-Fox. 1U cubes only generate about 2w DC orbit average, >> which is not enough to run a transponder at a level of performance our >> members would expect. This is why it is a single channel system at this >> point of development. The radios will also be suitable for inclusion on >> other cubesats, as a income source for AMSAT, and as motivation to >> develop secondary amateur missions. Fox can also serve as a partial >> successor to AO-51 for about 1/5th of the cost. Without even really >> starting fundraising yet, we are well on our way to being able to pay >> for construction and launch. >> >> The other project includes a Mode U/V linear transponder as a possible >> secondary package on a host satellite going to LEO. Sorry if that >> doesn't meet your approval to be classified as a non-"grid sat". It's >> the best we can afford to do in both terms of money and volunteers. >> >> We also have a third project in cooperation with SUNY Binghamton and IBM >> to develop the frame and power systems for a 3U cubesat that will >> support good LEO comms missions. >> >> I've been beating the bushes to find ways to get us back into the >> business of building and FLYING satellites, along with the rest of the >> Engineering Task Force. I have a spreadsheet two pages long of failed >> attempts and contacts, with only a few "may happen"s. Pe
[amsat-bb] Re: Testimonial for Erich, DK1TB (SatPC32)
Yes, Hats off the Erich! This is yet another example of how accommodating he is to the users of this wonderful software. I don't know if other's asked for it as well but some while back I asked him about the absence of a countdown timer for AOS/LOS and within days he sent me a version of the program that included it. It has now been incorporated as a regular feature for quite sometime and I use it all the time. I've also been impressed with the quick responses I've gotten to any questions I've had. Thanks Erich!! 73, Michael W4HIJ Peter Sils wrote: > > > > I would like to thank Erich, DK1TB for performing a change to his program to > help me accomplish what I needed to do. > > I wanted to run my Yaesu G-5500 with my ST-1 controller (Fox Delta) with just > the AZ rotor and not use the EL rotor (antenna's in the attic so can't use > EL). The ST-1 would not continue to track AZ unless it received data from the > EL rotor. Erich sent me a modified version of SatPC32 that would output the > EL data as 0 and thus made the ST-1 function in just AZ. > > Erich has supported me with every question and now went way beyond the "call > of duty" to modify his program - for me! > > I have used other tracking software and have NEVER received support like I > have experienced from Erich! > > Whats more is that he donates his revenue from SatPC32 to AMSAT! > He does this all for nothing! > > My hat goes off to Erich for being an outstanding citizen in the AMSAT > community! > THANK YOU Erich!! > > If you have not looked at SatPC32 I recommend you do: > http://www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm > > While I am at it I would also like to thank Dinesh VU2FD - Fox Delta: > http://foxdelta.com/ > for all of his support regarding his ST-1 & 3 that I own. They are a true > value and the support is excellent from Dinesh! TNX also to Dinesh! > > I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I received my Christmas present > early from Erich! > > 73 Peter > KD0AA > > > > > ___ > > > ___ 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-40 status
Unfortunately, I wasn't ever able to partake in the joy of operating on AO-40 but I've read an awful lot about it and from what that reading leads me to believe, I don't see it magically coming to life ala AO-7. I think the best thing we can do is hope that someday a launch opportunity will come available for P3-E and in the mean time continue to support AMSAT NA in it's efforts to get any type of birds in orbit, be they LEO's MEO's or GEO's. Just my humble opinion but I think the absolute worst thing we can do is try to undermine AMSAT NA via nasty and critical post or to fight amongst ourselves about things like LEO vs. HEO or FM vs. linear transponders. I've just returned to sat operation after a hiatus of about a year and I'm very happy to see the new focus, resolve and vision of the BOD. I'm on a very tight budget these days but as soon as I can possibly afford it, I intend to re up my membership. 73, Michael, W4HIJ Jeff Yanko wrote: > Hi John, > > I would say it's pretty much dead. It's just the fact nobody wants to play > taps. Many, including myself, would just love to have it magically > re-appear and work like nothing ever happened. Unfortunately, I don't see > this occuring. I can't seem to recall if there ever was an "official > bulletin" indicating that AO-40 is indeed dead. If it hasn't, it should be, > so we can focus on current and future projects. > > > 73, > > > Jeff WB3JFS > > > > - Original Message - > From: ""John Becker, WØJAB"" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 9:32 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-40 status > > > >> Is there any thing going on with AO-40 such as a change >> in it's status? >> >> It sure was fun working it. >> >> John, W0JAB >> >> >> ___ >> 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 >> >> > > > ___ > S ___ 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: "Frustration" Solved!
Today I pulled a good one. I decided to go ahead and raise the mast up "temporarily" to see how much it improved the minimum horizon I could start to copy. I raised the mast and tightened the clamping bolt by hand. I had a guy wire a bit tight and as I started down the ladder to adjust it I thought, "You know, I should probably give that clamp bolt a turn with pliers so it doesn't let lose, Nahhh...it will be alright." Sure enough, as I'm standing there adjusting the turnbuckle, the bolt lets lose and antenna, rotators and all telescope back down into the lower mast section at a high rate of speed. Nothing was harmed but I ran out of daylight and wasn't able to free the upper mast section to raise it again. It's jammed at the moment. Should have listened to myself about tightening that bolt! When we get in a hurry we make stupid mistakes. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. 73, Michael W4HIJ Greg Dober wrote: > Michael, > > Looking forward to working you and glad the problem is solved. In pre-gray > hair days, I use to make fun of the TV instructions when the troubleshooting > section noted: Make sure TV is plugged into outlet. Not anymore!! Just > yesterday I spent a half hour wondering why my printer didn't print. When > you remove the wrong ethernet cable earlier in the day and assumed it was > the correct one for another device...well, you know the rest of the story. > > 73 > Greg > N3MVF > > -Original Message- > From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On > Behalf Of Michael Tondee > Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 6:06 PM > To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] "Frustration" Solved! > > Well, just got through listening to a pass of AO-51. As several have > suggested, it was a pointing issue with the antenna. > I can't believe my memory has gotten to the point where I couldn't > remember where North was the last time I had the antennas up. > Thing is, I actually took a compass reading the other day and > compensated for declination but I must have misread something > somewhere. I was only about 20 degrees off! Declination here is only 4 > degrees so it couldn't have been that. That's what I get for working on > stuff at dusk I guess. I'm slightly embarrassed! > BTW, I didn't mean to make anyone think that an 11 element yagi was > too narrow for LEO's. It's fine if you point the dang thing right! > Also, the reason why I went this route with the more complex antenna and > AZ/EL system is that I already had the stuff on hand from my last foray > into satellites. Only the preamp was new and I knew that everything had > worked before. I can certainly appreciate the suggestions on > simplification and I was about to do just that if I didn't have any > success today. > Now I just have to work out some of my cable issues and get something > going for transmit. My 2 meter "cheap yagi" has seen better days. Once I > get that, I'll raise the mast and get the antennas up to their normal > height. > I'm just using HT's right now but I hope to have a new TS-2000X > sometime after the first of the year. I've been quite interested in the > TS-2000 vs. IC910H thread. I know that Icom has discontinued the 910 > because of the 9100 but I was under the impression that Kenwood would > release a new rig at Dayton this year and wonder if that will mean the > demise of the TS-2000. > Thanks everyone for the suggestions and also allowing me to "vent" a > bit last night.I was getting pretty frustrated. > 73, > Michael, W4HIJ > > > > > ___ 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: Icom 910H vs Kenwood TS2000
All excellent points Bruce and I might add to any beginners out there, the reason I went the way I did with my antennas back when I had my full blown satellite rig is that I "wanted" the challenge of building a homebrew AZ/EL setup. I did enough research to know that it certainly wasn't necessary for LEO's, omni's are fine. I'm considering homebrewing some eggbeaters, groundplanes and turnstiles just to experiment with. I guess I got it from my late father ( the original W4HIJ), I like to play with antennas. :-) Michael Bruce Robertson wrote >> I'm going to elaborate on this discussion, for the benefit of >> beginners who are considering building new stations with tracking >> antennas. The narrower the beam, of course, the greater the gain when >> pointing at the bird, both transmit and receive, and -- this is the >> critical issue -- the lower the gain when you are pointed away from >> the bird. Now with LEO satellites, some of which cross the sky in say >> 15 minutes, you need to have everything spot-on if your beamwidth is >> very narrow: the station clock has to be accurate within a second, the >> keps have to be up-to-date, etc. otherwise, your computer is telling >> the rotors to point in the sky where the satellite is going to be in >> five seconds, or will be in five. Especially with high passes, you can >> be off by enough to not be able to hear the bird at all. So on >> receive, long antennas, besides the additional expense and challenge >> of mounting them, also add the challenge of getting your station >> perfectly aligned, or you'll hear zippo. >> >> On transmit, long antennas present another challenge: they >> 'concentrate' your signal so that it might well be excessively >> powerful for the satellite in question. If my homebrew 7 - element >> 70cm yagi often needs to be down around 5w xmit on VO-52 to be in the >> right range of effective power, how will I deal with things when I >> have a 40-element beam? By all rights, I should put an attenuator >> between the rig and the antenna so that I can get down under a watt! >> It is my opinion, in fact, that a significant proportion of the >> over-powered signals on our birds are from people in just this >> situation: people using HEO antenna systems that simply can't provide >> a small enough signal! >> >> In fact, LEO satellites do not require these sorts of antenna systems >> for reliable use. A beginner will be perfectly happy with, say, four >> elements on 2m and 6-7 on 70cm (assuming the use of low-noise preamps, >> which you are *crazy*to do without on long antennas, too). The beauty >> of this system is that if a high wind knocks it slightly out of whack >> in azimuth, it will not be the end of your satellite work: you'll just >> have weaker signals, not silence. The other beauty of this system is >> that it doesn't require an elevation rotor *at all*. Because the >> elevation pattern of the antennas will more-or-less fill the sky if >> you point the array up about 10-20 degrees (make it 10 if you have a >> clear horizon). Now, suddenly, you've avoided all the hassle of >> another rotor, you've made your array lighter and easier to work with, >> and you have way less of a demand on your pointing system. Heck, if >> you want to go ol' school, you can do the pointing yourself with a >> twist of the dial. >> >> These yagis do not need to be brilliantly built: mine were made with >> welding rod and pine wood. They had very strange lobes off the side, >> and all the rest, but they netted me lots of Q's and were very >> reliable. >> >> To be even more radical, I urge beginners to start with >> omni-directional antennas and low-noise preamps. A wire dipole or a >> vertical, both with almost no coax between them and the preamp, should >> hear 'stuff' really well. Not Q-5, but a start. Then use this as a >> baseline from which to compare the theoretical and real-world >> improvement you get with your yagi array. If you aren't getting >> improvement, then work out what's up. >> >> This is not an argument against long arrays. I'm building some that I >> bought from someone on this list around this time last year. I want to >> do some exotic stuff like work Russia over the pole on AO-07 or hear >> every last beep out of the newest cubesat. But I'm aware that in my >> windy region these are going to be a bear to keep in place. So I'm >> putting as much work into an omni array, too. I plan to transmit from >> the latter when things get too QRO. >> >> I guess in summary I'd say that in my opinion a big antenna array >> isn't like a high-power computer, which works the same as a >> lower-powered one, but has the umph when you need it; it is like >> buying a high-powered plane as a new pilot: significantly more >> challenging, and possibly leading to frustration. >> >> 73, Bruce >> VE9QRP >> >> ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join
[amsat-bb] "Frustration" Solved!
Well, just got through listening to a pass of AO-51. As several have suggested, it was a pointing issue with the antenna. I can't believe my memory has gotten to the point where I couldn't remember where North was the last time I had the antennas up. Thing is, I actually took a compass reading the other day and compensated for declination but I must have misread something somewhere. I was only about 20 degrees off! Declination here is only 4 degrees so it couldn't have been that. That's what I get for working on stuff at dusk I guess. I'm slightly embarrassed! BTW, I didn't mean to make anyone think that an 11 element yagi was too narrow for LEO's. It's fine if you point the dang thing right! Also, the reason why I went this route with the more complex antenna and AZ/EL system is that I already had the stuff on hand from my last foray into satellites. Only the preamp was new and I knew that everything had worked before. I can certainly appreciate the suggestions on simplification and I was about to do just that if I didn't have any success today. Now I just have to work out some of my cable issues and get something going for transmit. My 2 meter "cheap yagi" has seen better days. Once I get that, I'll raise the mast and get the antennas up to their normal height. I'm just using HT's right now but I hope to have a new TS-2000X sometime after the first of the year. I've been quite interested in the TS-2000 vs. IC910H thread. I know that Icom has discontinued the 910 because of the 9100 but I was under the impression that Kenwood would release a new rig at Dayton this year and wonder if that will mean the demise of the TS-2000. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and also allowing me to "vent" a bit last night.I was getting pretty frustrated. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: Frustration
Andrew, I definitely can heart an increase in noise when I power up the preamp and also see an S-meter response. Unfortunately I have absolutely no terrestrial repeaters within my range on 70cm. I've never been able to get into one even back in the days when I had my TS-2000X. Never been able to hear them either. Checked the preamp cables to make sure they weren't backwards also. In reference to some questions from others I've had, I am compensating for doppler on receive and I've checked all my cables except for the 40 foot piece of LMR 400 for open or short with an ohmmeter. Just for giggles I decided to see if I could copy NOAA weather on 162 Mhz band and I can. Don't know if that means anything. I will check my antenna pointing. Getting an accurate fix on true north has sort of been my achilles heel before but I've managed.There is not that much declination here. When I did happen to pick up the brief SO-50 transmission last night the rotator was making a fairly large change in Azimuth though. I may just whip up a quick little groundplane to give me a baseline as someone suggested also. Thanks for all the responses I've gotten so far. Michael Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > Do you hear a noise increase when you power up the preamp? If not, are > you sure you are getting power to it? Can you hear terrestrial > repeaters, and does the signal change when you cycle the preamp power? > > Check your ins and outs on the preamp to make sure they didn't get > reversed. Same thing for any diplexer you may be using as a high pass > filter. > > More of the obvious...sure you are tracking correctly, and at the > right time? > > I wouldn't suspect any of the cabling or adapters other than one being > flat out broken. The preamp should easily overcome any shortcomings of > the cable you've described. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.426 / Virus Database: 270.14.87/2535 - Release Date: 11/29/09 > 19:31:00 > > ___ 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] Frustration
I've been trying to get my receive setup going the last few days but I'm having horrible results. I have my 11 element 70cm "cheap yagi" back up on the mast and my homebrew SaebrTrack and OR-360 AZ/EL TV rotator system interfaced to SatPC32. I have an ARR preamp mounted at the mast fed with a seperate 12VDC feed and about a 40 foot run of JEFA brand LMR 400. Once I get into the shack there is a bit of patchwork to the cables. I'm using a Yaesu VX3 to receive and due to the SMA connector on the HT and not wanting to strain it I have a 4 foot adapter cable of LMR 100 that goes from an SMA to a SO-239. I then have to use a short length of coax with a PL-259 to N male to mate up with a N barrel connector connected to my LMR 400 coming from outside. Now obviously, I know this isn't optimum and eats up valuable RF and I intend to change it ASAP but I'm hearing absolutely nothing on AO-51 passes. Not even the hint of signals. I'm thinking with that preamp in the line I should at lest hear something discernible besides noise regardless of the patchwork of cables. Am I off base in thinking this? I did catch just a bit of discernible signal off SO-50 last night but it was almost overhead. I'm not a beginner at this but I'm frustrated. Perhaps I'm putting too much faith in the preamp to push the signals through my hodgepodge of adapters and cables? Any thoughts are appreciated. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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] Thanks to everyone for outdoor box suggestions.
I want to thank everyone who made suggestions and alerted me to cautions to take into consideration in choosing an outdoor box to house my new preamp. In the end I got to my local Lowes and got the one Drew suggested. It's a very nice quality box and it has loads of room, much more than I actually need right now but I have no idea what else I may decide to mount up there in the future so the extra room is a good thing. I'm slowly but surely plodding along on getting my station going. I was so tired I slept away most of a vacation day today and my XYL insist on dragging me to a church softball game tomorrow even though I have a nagging arm injury and can't swing a bat. She says we can "just watch". To make things worse, rain will move in late tomorrow afternoon. Oh well, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: Outdoor box for preamp?
Thanks Drew, I was going by there tomorrow to look around anyway and now I know better what I'm looking for. The online site says my local store has it so hopefully I'll be in business soon. 73, Michael Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > Michael Tondee wrote: >> Anyone have any suggestions as to what I can use? The unit is about >> 3 inches tall including the N connectors and about 4 and 5/8 >> inches wide. I need something relatively cheap that will give >> reliable protection. >> Thanks, >> Michael, W4HIJ >> > http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=10030-223-E987R-CAR&lpage=none > > > > I used one of these for years. A diplexer and the same preamp fit > inside, and I used bulkhead female to female connectors to connect > through the side of the box, and a brass bolt for DC. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.73/2514 - Release Date: 11/19/09 > 19:42:00 > > ___ 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] Speaking of Icom release dates...
What about the new Kenwood? Anyone know if it will be sat capable? I hope to have enough money after the first of the year to purchase a new radio. Unfortunately, I think both the new Icom and Kenwood rigs will be out of my reach. I've heard rumors of 3K + for the Icom price. . I liked the TS-2000X I had and was hoping to get another new one before production is discontinued. Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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] Outdoor box for preamp?
Just got my new ARR SP432VDG preamp in the mail today. Since I'm on a budget, I opted to buy this unit rather than a mast mount outdoor amp. It is still my intention to mast mount this preamp though. Advanced Receiver Research themselves say that you can do this using a NEMA outdoor electrical enclosure. The problem is that I've been looking at outdoor electrical enclosures and have yet to find one that has dimensions that the preamp will fit in. I have really only been looking at outlet type boxes. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I can use? The unit is about 3 inches tall including the N connectors and about 4 and 5/8 inches wide. I need something relatively cheap that will give reliable protection. Thanks, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: AMSAT, ITAR, More AMSAT-NA Volunteers & Such .
Interesting stuff Alex. I'm currently working on an FM satellite station as that's all I can afford at present but I hope some of the NextGen birds will carry linear transponders too. At any rate, it all sounds very exciting. 73, Michael W4HIJ Alex, N3SQ wrote: > For those following what was announced at the AMSAT Symposium, there are > two different ways AMSAT is working with the Universities: > (a) AMSAT-NA helps a University Satellite Program: This is the case with > UCF, AMSAT volunteers are helping a University with their satellites. > (b) A University helps the AMSAT-NA Satellite Program: This is the case > with Binghamton University, BU Students are helping build & launch AMSAT > satellites. > > The two ways are not mutually exclusive, each has benefits. > > The BU activity was organized to help get AMSAT back on it's engineering > feet and to provide continuing assistance. We're doing that by providing > engineering assistance and manpower to help AMSAT launch more modular > design satellites ASAP. We're at 35 students right now, that number can > grow significantly next fall at AMSAT's direction. Our goal is to get an > Engineering model of the NextGen satellite bus ready for the AMSAT booth > at the Dayton Hamvention in May 2010. Engineering model says we have the > modified spaceframe with deployable wings ready, power system ready > (with mock supercaps & solar cells) and the non-flight boards installed > - basically stuffed 'n mounted on a stand for your viewing. > > NextGen is an open-source spacecraft bus, it will provide a stable & > robust platform for any university to build an experiment to fit within > the bus. > I would personally advocate AMSAT launching up to two or three of the > NextGen-class spacecraft in different 600-800km, sun-synchronous orbits > to provide as much worldwide coverage as possible. Given the proposed > characteristics of the NextGen spacecraft bus, there is a strong > possibility of carrying an IF Matrix Switch with L/S RF capability > instead of an experiment payload. This would provide capabilities > similar to AO-51 (V/U, V/S, L/U, L/S) but using SDX with an IF Matrix > Switch. > > By using Supercapacitors instead of batteries there is a very good > chance of having a significant satellite lifespan (15+ years). > > All technology developed can be applied to other classes of AMSAT > spacecraft, just as NextGen is using modules from the ARISSat-class > spacecraft. I would expect that ARISSat-2 will most likely take > advantage of the power system modifications developed for NextGen. > > The possibilities are endless, all it takes are more people interested > in working on a module. > > Alex, N3NP > > > ___ > ___ 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] Problem with Basic Stamp based tracker box serial display
I have a a homebrew tracking box designed around a Basic Stamp. It's known as the SaebrTrack, I built it from an article on the web. The circuit uses an LED display with a serial "backpack" attached from Scott Edwards electronics to display the Azimuth and Elevation readings. The information is fed to it from the Basic Stamp. Lately the display light will start flickering at times and then the letters will fade out completely as well. It takes turning the box off and back on to bring them back up. This seems to be a sporadic occurrence and can happen when the box is turning the rotators or sitting idle. There is no rotator control box, the entire operation is handled by this unit. I just basically read the schematic and built this thing and then loaded the Stamp with the software. I'm not well versed in this technology. Could this be something as simple as voltage regulation? There is a 12V transformer that runs the DC rotator motors and a separate 6V transformer that takes care of the display and indicator lights as well as feeding voltage to the position pots on the rotators. I believe there is a 7805 regulator in the 6V circuit if memory serves. Any thoughts or ideas? I've checked for loose connections. Could the serial backpack display itself be causing this? Any help would be appreciated. It gets kind of annoying when it happens. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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
Hi Tim and everyone, AO-7 is what got me interested in satellites. I can well remember reading about it as a teenager and seeing the artist rendering of it on the cover of QST. I had yet to pass my ham test but I dreamed of operating on that satellite. It seemed so exotic and it seemed unreachable to a teenager. It would be many years later after the old girls glorious resurrection that I would score my one and only contact so far on the bird. It was Mode A because I was having problems with my 70cm antenna but the thrill was the same. All those years ago that I had dreamed of doing it and it finally came to be. Even though it took all that time to happen, she was what had planted the seed. Sometime after the first of the year, I should have CW/SSB capability back and I will be a frequent visitor there. Here's to another 35 years without interruption this go round!! Michael, W4HIJ Tim - N3TL wrote: > Hey everyone, > > Thirty-five years ago this Sunday (15 November), AO-7 reached orbit. The > following is from the AO-7 page on the AMSAT-NA Web site: > > "AMSAT-OSCAR 7 was launched November 15, 1974 by a Delta 2310 launcher from > Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California. AO-7 was launched piggyback > with ITOS-G (NOAA 4) and the Spanish INTASAT. The second phase 2 satellite > (Phase II-B). Weight 28.6 kg. Orbit 1444 x 1459 km. Inclination 101.7 > degrees. Octahedrally shaped 360 mm high and 424 mm in diameter. Circularly > polarized canted turnstile VHF/UHF antenna system and HF dipole." > > I consider it good fortune that the Grand Old Girl will be in Mode B on her > 35th birthday. According to information from Hal, ZS6WB, in South Africa, her > daily toggle between Mode A and Mode B has been occurring very close to 0445 > UTC, when at least a portion of South Africa usually is in her footprint. > > So - from 0445 UTC on 15 November to 0445 UTC on 16 November, AO-7 should be > in Mode B (UHF uplink - VHF downlink). I'm hoping she stays consistent! > > Let's celebrate her historic longevity and make Sunday a very busy day for > AO-7. I intend to work every pass I can, and I hope everyone else who has > Mode B capability will do the same. > > If you're not set up for the linear satellites but have a receiver with > CW/SSB capability on 2 meters, try listening to a pass. The middle of her > Mode B downlink passband is 145.950 mHz, and you will find most of the > activity occurring between 145.940 mHz and 145.960 mHz. Generally, you'll > hear CW operators below 145..950 and SSB operators above 145.950. > > Here is a link to the online log for AO-7: > > http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php > > Check it out. > > AO-7 has lived a historic life. As I type this, the AO-7 log shows that she > is completing orbit No. 160,155. > > Let's celebrate her birthday with as many QSOs as possible on the grandest > satellite in the current amateur fleet. That's my opinion, of course - but > I'm confident it's shared by many who have enjoyed AO-7 over the past 35 > years. > > 73 to all, > > Tim - N3TL > Athens, Ga. - EM84ha > ___ > > ___ 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: So is P3E essentially dead at this point?
Very nice to hear. I do apologize for my earlier characterization of a "a poor dead bird". Reading it over, it came out a bit harsher than I meant. I hope I didn't offend anyone. Thank you very much for your hard work and effort. 73, Michael Peter Guelzow wrote: > Hi Michael and Alan, > > I can only repeat what Alan already said... > Work on P3-E is continuing and we are busy looking for launch > possibilities and other ways for financing it, i.e. on coat-tails of the > P5 Mars Mission. > This is our top priority at the moment and that's why you may not have > heard so much about P3-E these days. > Substantial progress was recently made on the new IHU-3 and getting IPS > working on it, the S/C operating system used on all previous P3 satellites. > The new IHU-3 is not only essential for P3-E, but also for the P5-A Mars > mission.. > Due to some problems discussed here before, we had to find new people in > our own team to do the work. > We had some good articles in our past AMSAT-DL Journal, I hope > translations will find their's way into other magazines... > > 73s > Peter, DB2OS > > > Alan P. Biddle wrote: > >> Michael, >> >> AMSAT-DL, with the occasional support of other AMSAT organizations, is still >> working on getting it launched. I expect that it will find a ride, probably >> unexpectedly, as is often the case. It would be a tragedy to someday find >> the launch article in a museum somewhere. However, it is clear that >> launches beyond LEO are going to be few and far between for amateur >> satellites. Hence the shift in emphasis you have noted. >> >> Alan >> WA4SCA >> >> >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On >> Behalf Of Michael Tondee >> Sent: 09 November, 2009 18:30 >> To: Amsat BB >> Subject: [amsat-bb] So is P3E essentially dead at this point? >> >> I'm following with interest the post on FM versus linear transponders. >> Right now I'm in the middle of putting together and FM LEO station that >> can later be made SSB/CW capable with the addition of a new rig which I >> think I may be able to once again afford sometime after the first of the >> year. >> I've read all about the new direction Amsat NA is taking and I applaud >> it as I think that's what's best. >> I still wonder about Amsat DL and P3E though. I don't hear much of >> anything anymore. >> Last I heard, the figure Arianne space gave for launch was deemed beyond >> reach and Amsat DL was going to try and get their government to help. >> Just wondering what the status is. Is there still a chance we will see >> it in orbit or is it just a poor dead bird mothballed in storage >> somewhere now? >> 73, >> Michael, W4HIJ >> ___ >> ___ 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: So is P3E essentially dead at this point?
I appreciate the answer Alan. I wasn't hearing anything about it and that does get discouraging. It would indeed be tragic for it never to see space after all the work that was put into it. As I said, I do support the AMSAT NA board in what they are now trying to do. I think we should take any opportunity to get usable satellites in orbit, be it LEO or wherever. I also think it shouldn't matter whether they are FM or linear transponders, we should support all efforts.. Even though I'd like to see more linear transponders, it's tough to stomach the cynical and sarcastic attitude of some here towards the FM sats. 73, Michael, W4HIJ Alan P. Biddle wrote: > Michael, > > AMSAT-DL, with the occasional support of other AMSAT organizations, is still > working on getting it launched. I expect that it will find a ride, probably > unexpectedly, as is often the case. It would be a tragedy to someday find > the launch article in a museum somewhere. However, it is clear that > launches beyond LEO are going to be few and far between for amateur > satellites. Hence the shift in emphasis you have noted. > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > > > -Original Message- > From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On > Behalf Of Michael Tondee > Sent: 09 November, 2009 18:30 > To: Amsat BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] So is P3E essentially dead at this point? > > I'm following with interest the post on FM versus linear transponders. > Right now I'm in the middle of putting together and FM LEO station that > can later be made SSB/CW capable with the addition of a new rig which I > think I may be able to once again afford sometime after the first of the > year. > I've read all about the new direction Amsat NA is taking and I applaud > it as I think that's what's best. > I still wonder about Amsat DL and P3E though. I don't hear much of > anything anymore. > Last I heard, the figure Arianne space gave for launch was deemed beyond > reach and Amsat DL was going to try and get their government to help. > Just wondering what the status is. Is there still a chance we will see > it in orbit or is it just a poor dead bird mothballed in storage > somewhere now? > 73, > Michael, W4HIJ > ___ > > > ___ 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] So is P3E essentially dead at this point?
I'm following with interest the post on FM versus linear transponders. Right now I'm in the middle of putting together and FM LEO station that can later be made SSB/CW capable with the addition of a new rig which I think I may be able to once again afford sometime after the first of the year. I've read all about the new direction Amsat NA is taking and I applaud it as I think that's what's best. I still wonder about Amsat DL and P3E though. I don't hear much of anything anymore. Last I heard, the figure Arianne space gave for launch was deemed beyond reach and Amsat DL was going to try and get their government to help. Just wondering what the status is. Is there still a chance we will see it in orbit or is it just a poor dead bird mothballed in storage somewhere now? 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
I apologize if I asked for redundant information but googling brought up a multitude of WiFi designs. Whatever ham radio application pages there were must have been buried in all that. My query here has given me just what I was looking for, several sources of solid information and also even some offers of help. I appreciate it very much. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ Andrew Rich wrote: > You know this amsat-bb needs to collect up all the info and make a > forum web page > > Same old info over and over > ___ 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] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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] Centerfire Yagi antennas
Anyone had any experience with these? http://www.centerfireantenna.com/vhf2myagi.html They look to be a good buy and I was thinking of maybe getting one for LEO use. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: A small step back into things
Many thanks Tim and also to the others who sent me encouragement and suggestions off list. Several people suggested the WA5VJB "cheap yagi" design and I'm aware of them, in fact I already have two separate ones, an 11 element 70cm and a 4 element 2 meter one.they are left over from my original TS-2000X station along with my SaebreTrack Basic Stamp based tracking boix and OR-360 TV rotators for Az/El. I will get all that back up in the air as I'm not much for portable ops ( It was cold tonight!!) but I'll probably build a dual band version of the yagi's on the off chance I go trekking off somewhere and want to bring my gear along. Michael, W4HIJ Tim - N3TL wrote: > Congratulations Michael! I look forward to working you on the FM > satellites again soon. > > 73, > > Tim - N3TL > *From:* Michael Tondee *To:* Amsat BB > *Sent:* Saturday, October 24, 2009 6:44:23 > PM*Subject:* [amsat-bb] A small step back into things > > Those of you who have seen my post to this forum in the past know that > I've unfortunately had to sell some of my gear on and off to make ends > meet. I went from a TS-2000X to an IC-820 to no satellite stuff at all. > Just recently I had to part with my HF rig as well. > I was determined though that I wasn't going to give up and an FM LEO > capable station seemed feasible and better than not having anything at > all so I have started pursuing it. > I just got my Yaesu VX-3R HT from the UPS man Friday, it is primarily to > be my receive radio as I already have another 2 meter radio. > I have felt like a kid who couldn't play with his new toy though > because my adapter to be able to hook up an external antenna to the SMA > connector on the HT was back ordered. We have a few repeaters here but > I'm out in the sticks and the rubber ducks on these little rigs are > notoriously dreadful. > Anyway finally decided to step outside the house tonight about the 1800 > UTC pass of AO-51 and see if I could hear anything but noise. > Amazingly enough, even with just the stock rubber duck, I could hear > stations. Everything was down in the noise and not really discernible > enough to copy but I could tell people were there. > I don't think I really needed much more antenna and I probably would > have had decent copy. > It was only a small step and there is much work to do but it did make me > feel as if I had actually moved forward on getting back on the birds. > Just wanted to share, > 73, > Michael, W4HIJ > ___ > ___ 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] A small step back into things
Those of you who have seen my post to this forum in the past know that I've unfortunately had to sell some of my gear on and off to make ends meet. I went from a TS-2000X to an IC-820 to no satellite stuff at all. Just recently I had to part with my HF rig as well. I was determined though that I wasn't going to give up and an FM LEO capable station seemed feasible and better than not having anything at all so I have started pursuing it. I just got my Yaesu VX-3R HT from the UPS man Friday, it is primarily to be my receive radio as I already have another 2 meter radio. I have felt like a kid who couldn't play with his new toy though because my adapter to be able to hook up an external antenna to the SMA connector on the HT was back ordered. We have a few repeaters here but I'm out in the sticks and the rubber ducks on these little rigs are notoriously dreadful. Anyway finally decided to step outside the house tonight about the 1800 UTC pass of AO-51 and see if I could hear anything but noise. Amazingly enough, even with just the stock rubber duck, I could hear stations. Everything was down in the noise and not really discernible enough to copy but I could tell people were there. I don't think I really needed much more antenna and I probably would have had decent copy. It was only a small step and there is much work to do but it did make me feel as if I had actually moved forward on getting back on the birds. Just wanted to share, 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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: Arrow 10W Duplexer Performance Measurements
Bruce, Funny this should come up. I was doing some research on what kind of luck folks had with Ramsey preamps and came upon this link... http://www.worldwidedx.com/home-brew-mods/35101-ramsey-pr40-440mhz-preamp-kit.html I don't think this guys application used a diplexer and my 70cm antenna will be strictly receive as well but this struck me as kind of what you were talking about doing with the ARR unit. 73, Michael, W4HIJ Bruce Robertson wrote: > I'm grateful to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. > > It strikes me that the greatest improvement we could make to hand-held > yagis would be to somehow integrate a low noise preamp circuit very > close to the 70cm port. I have an indoor-style ARR preamp that I've > thought of connecting to the boom with cable ties. A powersupply using > AA batteries and a DC to DC buck-boost chip from, e.g., Maxim, would > keep the whole thing light. (Alternatively, I see that the max voltage > for my ARR is pretty high: I might get away with a pair of Nicad '9v' > batteries.) > > Like so much of amateur radio, it's more of a challenge of > construction than anything else. > > Has anyone experimented with this sort of improvement? > > 73, VE9QRP > Bruce > > On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 8:21 AM, Allan Saul wrote: > >> Quite a lot of guys are using the handy Arrow Model 10W >> duplexer for the handheld 146/437 antenna and mine arrived here >> today so I thought I would put it on the network analyser >> and see how it performs. >> >> >From the Radio cable to the 2m antenna connector an Insertion Loss of >> 0.75dB was measured with a rejection of 57dB at 70cm. The VSWR at 2m was >> 1.24:1 >> >> >From the Radio cable to the 70cm antenna connector an Insertion Loss of >> 1.2dB was measured with an attenuation of 56dB on the 2m signal. The VSWR >> at 70cm was 1.29:1 >> >> The VSWR on the 2m port was 1.21:1 and on the 70cm port was 1.20:1 >> >> For those guys wanting to look at the actual plots they can be found here >> http://www.rfdesign.co.za/default.asp?pageID=785423593&filePath=D:\SoftPage_V5\files\5645456\Download-Library\Amateur-Radio\ZS1LS\Mode-J-Filter >> >> 73's >> Allan ZS1LS >> >> >> >> >> >> ___ >> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.25/2450 - Release Date: 10/21/09 > 16:44:00 > > ___ 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: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?
Michael Tondee wrote: > Wow, interesting to see you admit you don't have a clue about > something Robert! Judging by the post I've been reading from you the > past few days, I thought you knew it all. > Michael, W4HIJ > Rocky Jones wrote: >> >> >>>> >>> On a more practical note, could there be some sort of failsafe "battery >>> went phut so disconnect it" device? I'm guessing a perfectly ordinary >>> inline fuse would be too simple, but perhaps some sort of mechanical >>> latch that would just pop the battery terminal if it lost power would >>> work. >>> >>> Gordon MM0YEQ >>> >>> ___ >>> 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 >>> >> >> that is fairly common in many spacecraft (I have checked a few >> designs) and most transport category airplanes. I dont have a clue >> why it wasnt put into AO-40 >> >> Robert WB5MZO >> >> _ >> > > ___ 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: Why do hamsats? (Or anything else...)
Mark, You hit the nail on the head right there! 73, Michael, W4HIJ Mark VandeWettering wrote > > It's a pity we can't harness the power of complaining to boost things > to orbit... > > 73 Mark K6HX > ___ > 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 > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.422 / Virus Database: 270.14.20/2441 - Release Date: 10/16/09 > 18:39:00 > > ___ 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: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?
I guess I need to go back and read the archives because what I remember reading didn't give me any hope AO-40 would ever be back. Wasn't there something about that they believed the spacecraft was leaking corrosive fuel? Doesn't sound to conducive to any type of recovery of anything where electronics are involved.. I also thought there was talk of a "catastrophic explosion". Michael, W4HIJ ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Let's Go!
I'm getting back into FM LEO's and setting up a station. I will actually be using a 70cm HT to receive the downlink but I'll be in a base station configuration. I have no desire to operate portable or "out in the yard" with a hand held Arrow or similar antenna. The use of the HT is out of financial necessity. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against portable operation and I think the manufacturers should support it. It's just not for me. What I would really like to see someone come out with commercially is something along the lines of the Genesis SDR HF radio kits. If you haven't seen them, it's a kit for an SDR all mode QRP 40 meter HF radio. I'd like to see a kit for or even a prebuilt all mode 5 watt 2m/70cm SDR satellite radio. That would be cool to me. I know there are SDR groups out there. I wonder if anyone has anything like that in the works? 73, Michael, W4HIJ Jeff Davis wrote: > I want to offer 'hearty congratulations' to the BOD for the courageous > decisions made at the recent Space Symposium. I can think of no > headline more appropriate and welcome for this organization than the > declaration, "We're going back to space". > > Perhaps this decision to move forward with what we can do will also be > what was needed to get the manufacturers to quit sitting on their > hands and INNOVATE! > > How many threads have been spawned on this BB by someone asking the > question "what handheld should I buy to use AO-51"..? > > The fact that the pat answer is that there aren't any - you need to > check eBay for a 20 year-old model speaks pitifully of the ham radio > marketplace in the 21st century. > > Given the nature of LEO, portable operations are very common and going > forward, will be even more so. Who among us wouldn't love a mobile > sized transceiver that sported true simultaneous dual-band (VHF/UHF) > operation and a continuously tunable VFO on FM in a 'satellite > operation mode'? > > What would it be worth if that radio also could record all pass data - > and had a USB port that supported a memory stick so that everything > received during a pass could stored on it for offline extraction and > study later when you're back in the shack. It wouldn't even require an > internal TNC to download telemetry data - the audio file could simply > be played back (offline) on a PC and the telemetry decoded there. > > There are bound to be hundreds of similar ideas and dreams of new > gear, antennas, and interesting things to do at LEO - let's populate > the BB with these sorts of things and look forward, not back. > > I'm more than ready to turn to a new chapter and get back to shaping > the future of ham radio in space. > > Aren't you? > > 73 de Jeff, KE9V > AMSAT-NA 28350 > ___ > 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 > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.16/2435 - Release Date: 10/14/09 > 06:33:00 > > ___ 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: AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web
Ahhh geez, here we go again. I left this list awhile back because of a certain group who chose to constantly attack the FM LEO's and the folks who operated on them. I don't remember your post being that way Luc, they didn't attack the op's who used the FM LEO's and I'm not saying you're doing that now but I'm sure someone will come along shortly to do it. We all want an HEO Luc! I never got to operate AO-40. You think I don't see some of the old articles about it and hear the talk about it and dream? Of course I do. The problem is how to pay for the likely multi million dollar launch cost of it. No one is interested in giving hams a free ride anymore or even a discounted ride for that matter. Where is P3E? Was it finished and now languishing in storage waiting for a launch that may never come? Or is it still being built? I really don't know because I never hear or see anything about it. I've seen your suggestions about how to fund it's launch before and while I think they are well intentioned, I don't believe them to be practical. You may have the kind of money you propose to contribute to spare but I don't. I'm sure there are a lot of other hams that don't either and of course there will always be those that do have it but won't contribute even though they will fully expect to be able to use the sat. In my own case, I've had to sell my linear bird capable sat rig awhile back. Then, just the other day I was forced to sell my HF rig because of unexpected family expenses. The absolute best I can mange right now is an FM LEO capable station. It's either do that or do nothing at all. I can't even afford AMSAT dues right now much less contribute but I'm not going to give up and whine about it. I'm going to do what I can and enjoy it. We all have a decision to make, we can sit around and wish for the good old days and lament the fact we don't have an HEO plus blast anyone who dares suggest we put money in another LEO or we can focus on what is within our financial capability to do right now. I applaud the board for their decision and their bold statement. 73, Michael, W4HIJ Luc Leblanc wrote: > > "The new AMSAT CubeSat's initial capability is planned to add to the popular > low-earth orbit FM transponder fleet > allowing hams to continue to use their existing handheld and portable antenna > systems. This also continues the accessible > entry path for new satellite operators to get started. The existing FM > satellites are starting to show their age." > > It was widely admitted that AO-51 was a mistake years ago as a transponder > type satellite should have been chosen instead of a single > channel satellite. > > IMHO There ia already enough capabilities with the existing fleet SO-50 AO-51 > AO-27 ISS cross band repeater for an entry class satellite > plus many cubes in the making as arisat-1. What we lack is a HEO or some > AO-07 like satellite with transponder who will make > transcontinental QSO'S possible. Theses one channel satellite are a waste of > money compare to a transponder type as many simultaneous QSO'S > can be achieved at the same time. > > But theses issues where widely discussed in the past and i'm guessing the > AMSAT symposium attendance widely clapped at this announcement!!! > > What AMSAT-NA will be in the next years " HANDHELD CLUB" as written " to > continue to use their existing handheld and portable antenna > systems." > > Wrong direction again 180 degrees of the logical course again! > > P.S. It is obvious this variation on the same subject proposal will have > plenty of time to evolved or to be put in real service only to be > replaced by other new proposals. it is the dog running after his tails > syndrome who prevail again. Bottom line is another deceptive > unrealistic proposal IMHO. > > Feel free to agree or disagree but the shrinking AMSAT-NA membership is > probably what's is triggering theses proposals a king of safety > buoy for the BOD to avoid drowning the whole crew and her ship. > "-" > > > Luc Leblanc VE2DWE > Skype VE2DWE > www.qsl.net/ve2dwe > DSTAR urcall VE2DWE > WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE > > > > ___ > 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 > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.16/2435 - Release Date: 10/14/09 > 06:33:00 > > ___ 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: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?
I'm sure you are joking with the AO-40 reference. No one is interested in helping amateurs put new sats into orbit much less fixing one of our broken ones. :-) 73, Michael, W4HIJ David - KG4ZLB wrote: > Rogue satellites to be cleared from Earth's orbit by German robots > > German-built robots are to be sent into Earth's orbit to repair 'dead > satellites' or push them into outer space, according to a report in > Sunday's Guardian newspaper. > > Robots that rescue failing satellites and push 'dead' ones into outer > space should be ready in four years, it has emerged. Experts described > the development by German scientists as a crucial step in preventing a > disaster in the Earth's crowded orbit. > > Last year it was reported that critical levels of debris circling the > Earth were threatening astronauts' lives and the future of the > multibillion-pound satellite communications industry. But senior figures > at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) told the /Observer/ they have been > given the go-ahead to tackle a crisis that will come to a head in the > next five to 10 years as more orbiting objects run out of fuel. > > Their robots will dock with failing satellites to carry out repairs or > push them into "graveyard orbits", freeing vital space in geostationary > orbit. This is the narrow band 22,000 miles above the Earth in which > orbiting objects appear fixed at the same point. More than 200 dead > satellites litter this orbit. Within 10 years that number could increase > fivefold, the International Association for the Advancement of Space > Safety has warned. > > You can read the full article / 'Rogue satellites to be cleared from > Earth's orbit by German robots'/ at: > http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/oct/11/space-robots-clear-rogue-satellites > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.9/2428 - Release Date: 10/11/09 > 06:39:00 > > ___ 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] Getting back into FM LEO sats
Well, Im back. I got frustrated sometime back with the lack of progress and bleak looking future for HEO's as well as sniping on this list about HEO's vs. LEO's so I left the list and left AMSAT. Leaving AMSAT was more of an economics issue, I couldn't afford dues. Anyway, times are hard around here and I've had to sell my HF radio so it appears if I'm going to have any radio fun at all, it's going to be with FM LEO's , ARISS and maybe listening for and tracking cubesats. Here's what I've got and what my proposed budget is... I have an older Alinco DJF1T 2 meter HT capable of 5 watts out. I still have my Orbit OR360 TV rotators with homebrew Saebrtrack basic stamp based tracking box plus SatPC32 software I also have some homebrew "cheap yagis", 4 elements on 2 meters and 11 elements on 70cm Some LMR 400 and some RG8U Also have Pacific Monolithics 2.4GHZ downconverter that I'm unsure whether it works. Also have a 12V power supply. I've got a fixed budget capped right around $200.00 I'm thinking I can pick up a new or used 70cm HT and get back on the FM LEO's and I'm talking a "base" setup not portable even though I'd be using HT's. Sound doable or am I missing something? I don't have a preamp for 70cm but maybe if I keep the cable run short I can get by. And please guys, I haven't been here in awhile and I don't know how the bb is getting on but don't turn this into some kind of merits of FM LEO's debate. I can't afford to do anything else right now and this is the only way I can see to remain in the hobby right now and have a little fun if indeed my plan is even feasible in the first place. I'm open to suggestions and advice though. And BTW, what did ever happen to P3E? Is it rotting away somewhere in storage now? Tnx and 73, Michael W4HIJ ___ 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
