[amsat-bb] Re: amsat-bb] AO-73 sometimes hard to access
Make your computer clock is synchronized with WWV exactly. I've noticed the time sync problem on VO-52 (LEO) and especially doing downlink telemetry from MASAT-1 (LEO). The satellite is moving very fast so if your computer clock is off, your antennas will not be at the correct position. Since FO-29 and AO-7 are higher, they moving slower across the sky and are more forgiving with this time issue. Check regularly for updated Keps as they are changing for AO-73. AO7 and FO-29 have been around a while so their Keps are pretty stable. AO-73's Keps are still unsettled and so the resulting Doppler problems. LEOs seems to need their Keps updated more regularly then FO-29 and AO7. Again, I found this out when doing telemetry down loading on MASAT-1. And again, AO-73's circuits maybe not quite stable yet. GL, have fun, Mike, K9QHO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Crushcraft A144-10T VHF Twist Antenna
Joe, I agree with Stefan's email below (VE4NSA). Set it up for LHCP. VO-52 seems very LHCP as well as AO7. I used LHCP on 2 meters and RHCP on 70 cm for years with good success. I recently added polarization switching to my old KLM. I didn't have success on the first try. Compared with my reference signal before and after, the project at first attenuated the signal. GL Mike (K9QHO) -- Message: 2 Date: Fri, 4 Oct 2013 08:28:10 -0500 From: Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com To: Joe n...@mwt.net Cc: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Crushcraft A144-10T VHF Twist Antenna Message-ID: caku8khbnxrl_wmknsrqts_d+4mpf_q+uaekqwxt0ozz1vxu...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 To make a long story short. Try it before you spend more money. It probably will be a good antenna for your attic. No water issues at that location. Set it up for LHCP and with the current satellites it will work most of the times just fine. Why pay big bucks for a newer one if this will work for you. 73, Stefan VE4NSA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: G-5500 frozen
Is your drainage hole plugged? I'm sure going to check mine now. Good Luck! Mike K9QHO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: new station cn87 and Kenwood TH-F6A
My mind is running wild. I received an email some time back from a ham (I think it was Jarred) who said he copied my CW on FO-29 using the TH-F6A or similar hand held. My immediate thought was that Kenwood could add a miniature CW jack and turn this rig into a rig that operates on both the linear and FM birds. Very little engineering cost to implement this. Just Thinking, Mike K9QHO Message: 6 Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:14:11 -0700 From: KERRY LA*DUKE kladuke1...@msn.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] new station cn87 Message-ID: bay171-ds2543207d63daff50db93b7bc...@phx.gbl Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 All, Had a great qso and first contact for WA7GNP this morning on SO-50. Jarred is running a Kenwood TH-F6A and home brew yagi's on a tripod. Jarred has also been listening on the analog birds. 73 WC7V Kerry ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: satellite antenna photos oa4o
Norm, Norm, After many years, I homebrewed polarity switching into my old 2 meter KLM antenna. The switching/matching system is made up of the matching coax, relay, printed circuit board (PCB), and the baluns. Here are several options. 1. Try to save the old hardware. 2. Split the antennas. 3. Set circular polarization permanent. 4. Rebuild the polarization switching using the original relay design. 5. Rebuild the polarization switching using a coaxial relay design. 1. The 4/1 baluns seem to survive the weather relatively well. The damage is more severe to the matching coax, relay, and especially the PCB. If the PCB can be saved, then the relay cover can be removed and the relay inspected and powered. If a new relay and coax is considered, the matching coax is RG-59. The relay is a Guardian 1365PC-2C-12D priced at $56.00 from Allied Electronics. 2. Each antenna is 50 ohms and can be used one at a time using a coax relay switching between verticle and horizontal, In today's satellite enviroment, switching between vertical and horizontal is a simple solution and a good option. Or forget the relay and use only one antenna 3. Make a matching harness (RG59) and set the circular polarization permanent either RH or LH. I used this method for many years with my KLM set LHCP. Since this method requires no relays or DC power out at the antenna, it can be built quickly and get you on the air while you are building the polarization switching system. When completed, you can change them out. 4. This requires a PCB to be made. I you decide on this option, contact me. I can help you. Trying to duplicate a manufacture's design especially KLM's PCB can invite problems. 5. Some are using the Tohtsu CX-120 coaxial relay with success. It's cheaper than the Guardian relay priced at $35.00. I think a simple one sided PCB could be etched easily and the relay could be mounted near or between the dipole terminals. This would be much simpler thatn the two sided KLM PCB. I hope this gives you some ideas. Please email me if I can help. One last thing. If you are going to do this, mount all your hard work in a weather proof box. All the best from Indiana. 73, Mike, K9QHO Message: 1 Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:32:33 -0500 From: Lizeth Norman normanliz...@gmail.com To: Mike Seguin N1JEZ n1...@burlingtontelecom.net Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: satellite antenna photos oa4o Message-ID: cajuhctnhsl06jzyeckop6cs8o_zpn7y3rk4omrd+woya+_1...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Bill, John and Mike, I would love copies of the manuals. Please forward them on as I will pass them along. What era are these antennas? The 70cm one tests good. The rest need work. Has anyone done anything to rehab these? Norm ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] General Radio 1309-A
Does anyone out there have a operation/service manual or schematic for the General Radio 1309-A Oscillator. I have a unit that outputs a square wave instead of a sine. Thanks, Mike K9QHO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Ft-847, SO-50
I found on my FT-847 that the strength of the sub audibles got weak as frequency decreased. I normally work all linear sats, but I had a request to work another ham through SO-50. I could not bring SO-50 up with my FT-847. I listened to the 847's output with a handy talkie and sure enough when I got down to 67 Hz, the tone was not there. The high frequencies worked OK but started loosing strength as I programmed the 847 downward. I used the handy talkie to make the QSO. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: FO-29
Rick, FO-29 has a strong CW beacon at 435.795 +/- Doppler. It's down there by itself and easy to find. Also most downlink signals are concentrated and very strong around 435.850 +/- 10 midway in the pass band. Are you working or hearing any other sats? GL Mike K9QHO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Satellite Solar Power (indoors) and out
What's funnier is the 35 million spent on solar panels at the Emmett J. Bean Federal Center in Indianapolis. It saves $475k a year so that means it will take 70 years to break even even though the the panels have a lifetime of 30 years. I think that savings is probably based on every day being sunny. Indiana is not what I would call a great place to operate solar panels. Many cloudy days and in winter, it's possible for ice to cover objects for long stretches of time. K9QHO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Delphi-C3 (DO-64) 4 years in orbit.
Raydel, Delphi-C3 with its fold out solar panels is a great satellite and probably one of the most interesting cube sats ever launched. I made many QSOs through it before its amateur transponder quit. 145.870 USB will work. Its signal is very strong, you cant miss it. It has no batteries so operates only in sun light. It will shut off at times as it starts its North American pass (even in sunlight). You will hear it at AOS for a short time then it suddenly shuts off. At other times, it's on the entire pass. When receiving, try to get the tuning indicator to stay at 1200 Hz. The no sync indicator will change to sync and turn green. It's interesting to watch the sats performance and the data come in. Having up to date Keps and your computer clock synchronized helps a lot. GL, Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] AubieSat-1
I've been struggling to hear AubieSat-1. I've heard the antenna didn't deploy. The only previous copy was a very short period on a high pass. However, this AM its signals were strong from 22 down to 5 degrees. Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: FT 847 vs. IC-910H
Ted, Stephan gives some great comments on all three radios. As for the 847 on HF, I think there is a audio clip on the internet comparing the 847 and TenTec Corsair II receivers. I have both of these rigs and the difference is very clear. Listening to my 847 on HF is not a pleasurable experience as the receiver is very noisy. For this reason, my old Corsair II does all HF work at least until I get a new HF rig. Eham reviews on the Corsair attest to its great receiver. As for satellite operations, the 847 is a tough and a great rig. Mine has been running since the beginnings of AO-40 with no problems. It has some engineering mistakes like the AF gain not being linear along with other quirks but I've gotten my investment back many times over. If you've got the cash, I would read the QST review on the 9100 and make an executive decision. GL Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 7, Issue 95
rg -- On Fri, Mar 23, 2012 3:00 PM EDT amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org wrote: Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb@amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-ow...@amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest... Today's Topics: 1. Student-selected GRAIL Images (Clint Bradford) 2. MoonLam Links (Clint Bradford) 3. SatPC32 - New Program Feature - Doppler (John Papay) 4. Re: SatPC32 - New Program Feature - Doppler (i8cvs) 5. Successful Launch Of Eduardo Amaldi (B J) 6. IC-9100 Confirmations (Tom Lubbers K8TL) 7. IC-9100 Confirmations (Angelo Glorioso) 8. Re: SatPC32 - New Program Feature - Doppler (Alan P. Biddle) 9. USA East Coast Balloon Launch Friday 3/23 (JoAnne Maenpaa) 10. More On Edoardo Amaldi (B J) -- Message: 1 Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:45:51 -0700 From: Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Student-selected GRAIL Images Message-ID: 6b1af4f9-98d5-4e75-9099-7cf519c35...@earthlink.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii March 22, 2012 RELEASE: 12-093 NASA'S GRAIL MOONKAM RETURNS FIRST STUDENT-SELECTED LUNAR IMAGES WASHINGTON -- One of two NASA spacecraft orbiting the moon has beamed back the first student-requested pictures of the lunar surface from its onboard camera. Fourth grade students from the Emily Dickinson Elementary School in Bozeman, Mont., received the honor of making the first image selections by winning a nationwide competition to rename the two spacecraft. The image was taken by the MoonKam, or Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students. Previously named Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) A and B, the twin spacecraft are now called Ebb and Flow. Both washing-machine-sized orbiters carry a small MoonKAM camera. Over 60 student-requested images were taken aboard the Ebb spacecraft from March 15-17 and downlinked to Earth on March 20. MoonKAM is based on the premise that if your average picture is worth a thousand words, then a picture from lunar orbit may be worth a classroom full of engineering and science degrees, said Maria Zuber, GRAIL mission principal investigator from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. Through MoonKAM, we have an opportunity to reach out to the next generation of scientists and engineers. It is great to see things off to such a positive start. GRAIL is NASA's first planetary mission to carry instruments fully dedicated to education and public outreach. Students will select target areas on the lunar surface and request images to study from the GRAIL MoonKAM Mission Operations Center in San Diego. The MoonKAM program is led by Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, and her team at Sally Ride Science in collaboration with undergraduate students at the University of California in San Diego. More than 2,700 schools spanning 52 countries are using the MoonKAM cameras. What might seem like just a cool activity for these kids may very well have a profound impact on their futures, Ride said. The students really are excited about MoonKAM, and that translates into an excitement about science and engineering. Launched in September 2011, Ebb and Flow will answer longstanding questions about the moon and give scientists a better understanding of how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., manages the GRAIL mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. GRAIL is part of the Discovery Program managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver built the spacecraft. To view the student-requested images, visit: http://images.moonkam.ucsd.edu For more information about MoonKAM, visit: https://moonkam.ucsd.edu For more information about GRAIL, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/grail -end- Sent from my iPod touch. -- Message: 2 Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:06:19 -0700 From: Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] MoonLam Links Message-ID: 55b1ccee-182d-4b29-855d-8669e4941...@earthlink.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Wow ... Servers overloaded at the MoonKam links cited in my last message ... Thanks for your interest! Try them in a couple hours! Sent from my iPod touch. -- Message: 3 Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:20:51 -0400 From: John Papay j...@papays.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb]
[amsat-bb] E1P data upload
Am I the only one still having trouble uploading data to the E1P webstite or is it still messed up? Is there is a valid website, what's the address? TU Mike K9QHO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Things
Having learned my lesson, I try to keep my comments to the technical issues, but here goes. Has anyone been able to copy AUBIE? If so, tell me how you do it. I want to publicly thank Ed Long for his job as AMSAT Journal Editor. His guidance sure made things easy for article submissions. Delfi-n3Xt is good news. The linear transponder on the non-battery Delfi-C3 worked well until its failure. I still download packets from its scientific mode as it has excellent signals on 145.870. The JAVA based software is easy to load up and run needing only an audio link from the radio to a computer sound card. Hopefully n3Xt's design has a fail safe circuit so the battery won't take it down like so many, and it will operate on solar just like C3 and AO7. Merry Christmas Everyone, Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Best guess keps for AubieSat-1, Dice, Rax-2, M-Cubed, and Exp-1
See: http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/ Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Etching a KLM RHCP/LHCP PCB
I've completed and etched one side#1 of the PCB with Press and Peel. Side#2 needs to be etched. the artwork is very basic and can be completed by hand and Rub-On Etch Resist. I had to drill 8 alignment holes to help line up the artwork to each side. Question #1: I don't want the etching solution to leach through the holes. I had some donuts to cover the holes, but they are so old that the glue is no good. Is there anything that can temporarily fill or cover the holes until side #2 is completed? Question #2: Has anyone used clear packing tape to cover the areas where the copper is to be protected or will the etching solution just eat it up with the copper? You have to admit this isn't a typical AMSAT-BB question. In projects before this, I just used side #2 as the ground plane. 73, Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Apology
Joe (K3SZH), I'm sorry. Will you forgive me? Life is short, and this hobby should be enjoyed to its fullest. 73, Mike (K9QHO) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] AO-40/AO-10
Last time I worked AO-10 was Nov/Dec 2001 - QSL cards from OM5CM and F6BEG. Both CW QSOs. Best QSO/QSLs on AO-40. Found TA1D calling CQ(SSB) at 8 degrees with elevation decreasing fast. Called him on CW and he replied on CW. My only Turkey QSL. QSO/QSL with 4Z1WS Multitude of QSO/QSLs from Australia, New Zealand, and many many from Japan. Rare ones that were 3AM sleep interrupters. TZ6RD, 7P8NK On a good day, it was Europe in the AM, North/South American mid day and Japan, Australia etc. in the PM. Boy it was fun. Ran 4X20 turn helixs on 2.4 GHz, 11 turn helix on 435, and FT-847. Mike K9QHO, Indiana ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Ao51 Protocol ?
Domenico, I8CVS said: To solve the above problem the only way is to use satellites with linear transponder like VO-52. OSCAR-7 and FO-29 with several QSO on CW and SSB at the same time without QRM in the same passband. - These multiple QSOs at the same time can also be full duplex. 73, Mike Williams, K9QHO ___ 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: LVB Tracker Problem
Bob, I built the LVB tracker up from one of Howard's early bare boards. I had these problems interfacing to an old Wilson 550 rotor. I added relay circuits inside the old rotor box. The relay coils had supression diodes. The relays were switching 120 VAC which I think was the root cause. I started this project with the LVB tracker's power supplied from the rotor. I eventually gave the LVB tracker its own supply. Then I added supression circuirtry inside the LVB Tracker cabinet. I finally solved the problem and ran for years until the rotor just gave out mechanically. The spikes would stop the tracker in a pass when there was relay activity. Sometimes I could just power down/up and the LVB tracker everything would be OK. Sometimes reload SATPC32, and occassionally it would corrupt the calibration constants so I had to reload. One thing is certain, the LVB Tracker is a tough one. When the rotor gave out, I purchased a 5500. No problems using the 5500. Food for thought, and I don't want to send you down the wrong path. Listen to Howard. Good luck with your problem. Mike K9QHO ___ 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: pole mounting Az-El sysetm
Scott, This is how I did it. I purchased a 6 in. X 6 in. X 8 ft. treated wood post and put 3 ft. into the ground without concrete. If I move, I can pull the post out and just fill the hole with dirt. The az rotor rests directly on the top of the post. It is held by four 90 degree (6 in.) angle brackets which bolt to the rotor's bottom and then secure to each side of the post. The 5500 was purchased with a separation kit so a 32 in. mast separates the rotors. This puts the horizontal boom and rotor at about 8 ft. If you like this idea, I can send pictures. GL Mike (K9QHO) ___ 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: Helix Reflector
Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 said: You might be interested in the Helical Beam that Mike Cook designed in 1996 for reception of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS). He used a 10.66 inch diameter loop Reflector. I have built two 70 cm helix antennas using the loop reflector. The first one was an exact copy of AF9Y's at 11 turns. My first helix build. The second is an 18 turn also with the loop reflector but uses aluminum wire for the helix and the 10.66 in. loop reflector is 1/4 inch copper tubing. I'm going to remove it soon and change to a screen reflector to try out Claire's (VE3NPC) matching system. I'm working up an article on helix building and what I've been able to put together is that the reflector can be .6 to 1.1 wavelength. The ARRL Satellite Experimenters Handbook specifies .6 wavelength in their chart. GL Mike (K9QHO) ___ 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] LVB
And G6LVB said: Yes, I can vouch for it being rather good too. 73, Howard G6LVB I never thought that watching an AO-40 demo in the parking lot of the Dayton Hamvention could be informative but also humorous. I remember it very well, and it's good to know you still have that humor. It's good to hear from you. All the best from Indiana. Mike K9QHO ___ 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 have built several 13 cm antennas from the site of G6LVB and WK4R all using PVC. It doesn' get any simpler than WK4R's design. 1 inch sch. 40 PVC and some #14 house wiring. Check out this site. http://wk4r.com/ If you need some tips, email me. I'll be glad to help. Here are some other good websites for 2.4GHz helix antennas. 2. http://ve2zaz.net/ Select 2.4 GHz helix. 3. www.g6lvb.com/ Select quadruple helix for AO-40. 4. www.qsl.net/ve3cvg/antennas/2400/ 73, Mike K9QHO ___ 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: What others are doing.
Joel. For the 847, try this method to hear your down-link without using the CAT menu. With good reception of the satellite, pick a clear receive spot on the transponder, i.e. 148.885 MHz on VO-52. Put 847 in CW mode with SatPC32(select C+). Press VFO/M button ( this will switch your up-link (transmit)VFO to the center tuning dial. Hold the CW key down and start tuning the Transmit VFO (Large dial) usually downward. You should hear your up-link signal cross the downlink frequency. When you find it note the frequencies of both VFOs. When you zero beat your downlink, usually the VFOs are synced by the software at this point and your up-link and down-link will stay together for the remainder of the pass. Press HOME button on the 847. this will move your receiver to the large dial. Send a test V. If you can hear your signal you are good for the entire pass. You can now tune your receiver anywhere in the pass band and the software will sync your receive/transmit with Doppler correction. This method can be used manually (without SatPC32) to find your down-link. However, you will have to manually tune your up-link VFO (with the Sub-Tune) to maintain a constant down-link frequency. But in the end, the proper way is to use the CAT menu to sync your up-link/down-link together. See the instructions how to do this, once this is done, you are set up permanently no matter how many times your computer is booted or the 847 is turned off. For SatPC32 to work properly, make sure your computer clock is accurate to the exact time and your Keps are kept up to date. If I can be of any help, please email. Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589 - Message: 8 Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:15:03 -0500 From: Joel Black jbbl...@charter.net Subject: [amsat-bb] What Are Others Using To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 4ad7acf7.6020...@charter.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Years ago, when I first started operating the satellites, I used an IC-821. I graduated up to an FT-847. I don't ever remember using software to tune the rig (the IC-821 or FT-847) only software to steer the antennas. For the life of me, I cannot seem to find my downlink using the FT-847 and *any* tuning software with the linear birds (AO-7 and VO-52). It works fine with the fixed freq FM birds which, understandably, is easier for it to track. I am just wondering, does *anyone* use tuning software with the linear birds or do you just tune it manually? 73, 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
[amsat-bb] LVB Tracker
Howard, Let me assure you. Your LVB tracker Version 1.2 is still doing a fine job. The very stripped down version I built with only the PIC16F876, MAX232 and 2N3904s just sits inside a ordinary Radio Shack box (no buttons, no display) and does its job day in a day out. Thank you for a fun home brew project. Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589 ___ 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
Tim N3TL said: I also don't share your view of?satellite operation using a handheld or otherwise portable station, which is less than positive. Again, I mean no disrespect - but I find very little challenge and even less satisfaction in making a satellite contact running 50-100 watts into?a pair of long, multi-element yagis being controlled for az/el by computers - and using a radio being computer controlled for Doppler.? Of course, many more satellite operators share views closer to yours than mine - or, at least, it seems that way. Point taken, but there are two ways to enter the satellite section of this hobby. 1. The linear satellite way (FO-29, AO7 and VO-52). This was the way I selected. My early goal was to operate AO-40, and the station was constructed for this AMSAT project. 2. The second way is via the FM satellites. Both ways are valid. It all depends which way a person came to make that first satellite contact. It's still a thrill either way. Respectively Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589 ___ 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: FO-29 Operation
This is probably the most important email about FO-29. I've high lighted and underlined the most important parts of the message. I looks like FO-29 will not be in full operation until the first part of 2010. At this moment it is only commanded on over Japan as noted in the schedule. With the issue of the batteries, it seems JAMSAT would consider similiar operations as it is now doing when FO-29 enters long periods of darkness in the future. This would possibly allow a longer life for this great bird. Thanks to JE9PEL for this important infornation. Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589 --- On Wed, 9/9/09, WILLIAMS MICHAEL k9qho6...@sbcglobal.net wrote: From: WILLIAMS MICHAEL k9qho6...@sbcglobal.net Subject: FO-29 Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2009, 11:06 PM Start of FO-29 article:- FO-29 status in 2009 FO-29 launched in August 1996 and has been working 14 years. FO-29 is planning to operate the consecutive use with the analog transponder until the end of August 2009, but it was confirmed that a transponder stopped on August 25. In the later pass, the transponder operation is confirmed when we sent a command of transponder ON from the control station, but we stopped transponder temporarily now. We had the a similar symptom of stopping the transponder in the spring of 2007 . FO-29 is in the high shade rate period now. Both of the transponder stop in the spring of 2007 and this time are thought that by this high shade rate and by the rise of the internal resistance of the deterioration of the battery and by the influence of the temperature of the battery. The power control system FO-29 (PCU) watches a terminal voltage of the battery and turns off the power supply of the transmitter automatically if it becomes less than the setting voltage. In addition, When FO-29 enters the sunshine area and it recovers to the setting voltage by sun battery power, it is designed to turn on a transmitter automatically. However malfunction occurred for this function in 2007. Because of transmitter was not turned on automatically, We made an operation schedule plan from the summer of 2007 and managed 1-2 times on in a day. This management operation worked well. The electricity income and expenditure restored or it was cured spontaneously.The transponder has been worked without control command from control station from summer of 2008. The power supply circumstances of current FO-29 is almost same situation as stop period spring of 2007, scheduled operation period, the consecutively operative period from the summer of 2008 and it is in a high shade rate. This transponder off is supposed to be a similar situation as when transponder stopped in the spring of 2007. ***From this , We decided that we make the operation schedule plan, and manage the limit of the operative number of times in one day like last time to keep the electricity income and expenditure untill improve the shade rate which is in January, 2010. --- Thanks control team JA1COU Yutaka Murata Message: 7 Date: Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:25:03 +0900 From: Mineo Wakita ei7m-...@asahi-net.or.jp Subject: [amsat-bb] FO-29 schedule Sep. and Oct. To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 10ca3077029eecei7m-...@asahi-net.or.jp Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii FO-29 still has some trouble. Therefore it is examination use for a while only over Japan. We do not yet understand when it recover. There are the reception report from South America and Europe. You may listen to CW with luck over your area. Control station says that you may be listen in Australia, South America, North America, and Europe in particular. Control station says more as follows. The transmitter becomes OFF by UVC automatically in the eclipse. The station confirmed the moment when the transmitter became OFF please inform it of the date and time at the following address. lab (at) jarl.or.jp The below * is a predicted pass that command work take time. And please consent to be a possibility that we cannot turn ON the transponder by the state of the line. - September, UTC 11 21:37 12 12:21*, 22:26 13 11:30 14 22:23 15 None 16 12:15*, 22:20 17 None 18 12:03*, 22:15 19 11:15, 21:20 20 12:05* 21 12:55*, 22:58 22 10:10, 22:10 23 12:50 24 None 25 10:58, 22:50 26 11:50*, 21:55 27 12:36* 28 21:50 29 12:35*, 22:45 30 11:40*, 21:45 October, UTC 1 12:30*, 22:35 2 11:35, 21:45 3 12:25, 22:28 4 11:28 5 22:25 6 13:08, 21:33 7 12:10, 22:23 8 13:05, 21:35 9 None 10 11:12, 23:08 11 12:05*, 22:12 12 11:08 13 None - JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita -- ___ 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] FO-29
When posting to AMSAT-BB, the high lighting and underlining must have been stripped. Here is what I high lighted and underlined. 1. FO-29 is in the high shade rate period now. 2. high shade rate and by the rise of the internal resistance of the deterioration of the battery and by the influence of the temperature of the battery. 3.it is designed to turn on a transmitter automatically. However malfunction occurred for this function in 2007. 4. The transponder has been worked without control command from control station from summer of 2008. 5. ***From this , We decided that we make the operation schedule plan, and manage the limit of the operative number of times in one day like last time to keep the electricity income and expenditure untill improve the shade rate which is in January, 2010. 6. The transmitter becomes OFF by UVC automatically in the eclipse. All the best, Mike (K9QHO) ___ 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] LVB
I built my LVB up from the bare board which I ordered from G6LVB direct in the early days. It was a fun home brew project. Mine is bare bones. It has no display and no buttons. It just sits inside a Radio Shack box and does its thing day after day. If you look at my unit, the PCB just has enough of the components on it to do the job which it does well. I would highly recommend the LVB, it works well and is supported well. GL Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT33589 --- On Sat, 7/11/09, amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org wrote: From: amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org Subject: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 334 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009, 3:00 PM Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to amsat-bb@amsat.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to amsat-bb-requ...@amsat.org You can reach the person managing the list at amsat-bb-ow...@amsat.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest... Today's Topics: 1. Re: LVB (Jeff KB2M) 2. Re: PacComm information for PSK-1 and PSK-1T (Greg Beat) 3. Re: PacComm information for PSK-1 and PSK-1T (Mark L. Hammond) 4. Last few days to get FD Summary Sheets in (Bruce) 5. Re: LVB (w7...@comcast.net) -- Message: 1 Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:07:42 -0400 From: Jeff KB2M k...@comcast.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LVB To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 004101ca0239$56eb19c0$04c14d...@net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii The $200 is a great deal. I helped sell every one we had on hand at the AMSAT booth in Dayton. Another perspective, about 2 years ago I replaced my ISA bussed motherboard for a new one. The only ISA bussed mobo I could find(that was under $500) cost $190. Other then the two ISA slots, it had the comparable performance of a $35 mobo! My next computer upgrade for my sat control system will use an LVB to control rotors. The Kansas City tracker ISA card will be heading to the Smithsonian Institution 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mark L. Hammond Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2009 10:38 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org; myles.landst...@gmail.com Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LVB Hi Myles, Simply stated---this is a very functional and easy to use track box, with exceptional attention to construction detail when purchased already assembled by AMSAT (thanks, Mike Young!). It's a very fair price at US$200. (Price out the parts to build one up...it's a deal). It's essentially plug in, calibrate, then play! 73, Mark N8MH -- Message: 2 Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:17:44 -0500 From: Greg Beat gregory.b...@comcast.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PacComm information for PSK-1 and PSK-1T To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 87cf40bbdbef450fb59c6e4aeec33...@compaqevo Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252 John -- I think Greg means the 8-pin DIN, not the mini-DIN No. The PSK-1 RS-232 port to the Computer is J10, which is a mini-8 DIN on rear panel. I am looking at the back panel of my PSK-1 here in workbench! The PSK-1 also has 8-pin DIN (J2) for the TNC Modem Connection (via 20-pin TAPR disconnect header on Tiny-2 or TAPR TNC-2); and three 5-pin DIN connections: TNC Radio Connection (J4); VHF Radio (J1); UHF Radio (J3) --- the separate VHF and UHF radio connections were useful for the Icom VHF/UHF radios (271/471; 275/475) of that era. The PSK-1 and PSK-1T modems do have different rear panel connector types! LOOK at the REAR PANEL (eBay auction # 320392587069 has a rear panel photo) On the PSK-1T, there is an 8-pin Mini-DIN marked CONTROL (RS-232), I assume that Gywn kept the pin out the same as the PSK-1 and would connect this to a PC serial port (RS-232) that is running a terminal emulation or control program. To the left is a Male DB-9 marked PACKET (RS-232) ... A manual for the PSK-1T will confirm its usage/connections. As I remember, and W3IO probably has a better memory, PacComm introduced the PSK-1 for the PacSats launched at that time. Later, Gywn reintroduced the PSK-1T with some updates and suggested modifications. I first saw a PSK-1T at the 1995 AMSAT meeting in Orlando (1995) --- shown in preparation for AO-40. Greg -- You apparently outbid me for these items on eBay, assuming you recently obtained them ;-) ) I've been using it to command AO-16... I don't know about the DFM unit, other than I think it is probably 1200 and 9600 baud capable. Mark, I was watching that eBay auction (# 320392587069), but did not bid on these items -- I already have one! There were two PacComm PSK-1 and DFM TNC combinations for sale on QRZ a couple of weeks ago
[amsat-bb] (no subject)
It looks like I have a copy of VR-85. Please let me know if you need a copy. I'll have to fire up the C-128. I need to check it out anyway. Mike (K9QHO) ___ 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: Dual Band (144/430) antenna.
Look at: www.cubex.com Scorpion 88 8el 2M, 8 El 70cm quad Yellow Jacket -46 4 el 2M, 6 el 70 cm quad Mike (K9QHO) AMSAT 33589 ___ 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] AO-10
Has anyone heard the AO-10 beacon? The sat is in full sunlight until July 24. Is the beacon signal a very slow QSB as was the downlink? Mike K9QHO AMSAT 33589 ___ 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
