[amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Good reading material Bob! Everyone should bookmark this page. Back when I had a sat station I had my antennas fixed at 45 degrees. The reason why is first I didn't know any better and second I built my mast out of PVC and 2 45 degree elbows were all I could find locally. It worked well enough for me to make contacts. Then I had to move my antennas and never got around to putting everything back up again. If I ever do it again, I will cut off the 45 degree elbows and do it right. 73 Matt W5LL EM23 On 5/28/2013 3:48 PM, Robert Bruninga wrote: I found my old web page with graphics that shows the exact geometry of passes and elevations. See http://aprs.org/LEO-tracking.html 70% of all pass times are below 22 degrees. After the discussion a few weeks ago, I sat down today to begin building a web page on the topic and when I went to save it, there was a page already there that I had made years ago! So there it is. Bob, Wb4aPR -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Rolf Krogstad Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 4:17 PM To: Bill (W1PA) Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op Bill, You should find something in the reflector archives from 3 or 4 weeks ago where there was a discussion of what percentage of passes were overhead. It is an extremely low percentage. If I recall, most are at a an elevation of 33 degrees or less. Because of the wide beam width of my antenna, tilting the antenna at an angle of 20 to 25 degrees works well for me. I can copy the satellite beacons down to the horizon. And only on the high angle passes do I have a any drop out And because of the beam width of the antenna I don't need to keep a hand on the rotor control all the time. But it takes some practice to remember to look at the azimuth reading on the computer and to adjust the rotor accordingly every couple of minutes. The problem comes on the more overhead passes. Because the bird is closest to my location at that time it seems to accelerate as it gets overhead. On those, though, it doesn't seem to be as critical that the rotor be adjusted anywhere close to the indicated azimuth. I can hear the signal starting to fade and it is a reminder to check the azimuth. I would definitely run a number of passes with the setup before Field Day to make sure that everything works and that you can remember to do all the things that your three hands need to do during a pass! 73 from another newbie, Rolf NR0T On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA)w...@hotmail.com wrote: Let me ask this another way... Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a single rotor well enough for QSO’s? (single rotor control in one hand, VFO/Doppler on my other) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: J-Pole Antenna
Back when I was on the FM sats I used a small yagi for 2m and another one for 70cm. I built a mast out of some 2 PVC that came out to a T and had 45 degree elbows on it. I then mounted the antennas on the elbows so that they were pointed roughly 45 degree up. The whole thing was mounted to a cheap radio shack rotator. The rotator was mounted to a metal fence post (t-post). The antennas were maybe 7' off the ground at the highest point. I could work just about all passes with this setup. Using one radio for RX and another radio for TX. Only passes I couldn't work were either real low or I would loose signal for a few minutes when I had overhead pass. Do a google on my callsign and you'll find several recordings I made of suitesat with this setup that I have uploaded to Soundcloud. 73 Matt W5LL On 5/13/2013 1:02 PM, Werner, HB9BNK wrote: Thank you for your advice - very much appreciated. The beauty of the J-Pole, I have in mind, is, that it contains both 2m and 70cm Systems on one mast - so I could simply attach the two cables going to the IC910 directly hi The little yagi, I used, has a gain of 5.5 dBd for 2 meters and 8 dBd for 70 cm. So, I guess, you say, investing time for the defunct rotor is better spent than trying omni. Yes, I must find a solution for this. Am 13.05.2013 19:12, schrieb Robert Bruninga: The antenna, that I want to build, is described in a paper (probably 20 years old) by Dick, WD4FAB, titled 'Antennas for microsat ground stations', and the paper describes the large time, a LEO remains at low elevations - about 76 % below 20 degrees - and then concludes, that this is fine for a J-Pole. Absolutely true with respect to the*antenna pattern* but the current batch of LEO satelltes even though they are in the main beam of the omni antenna at the horizon, are -too-far-away- to be heard with only 2.1 dB of omni dipole antenna gain. So yes, those are good satellite antennas for omni coverage, but they wont hear anything that low because the satellites are 3000km away and the current crop of satliltes mostly operate in the 1/2 watt or less area. The only thing you will hear down to the horizon with these antetnnas is the ISS that is operating at 10 watts or more. You are better off simply giving up on the horizon (for an omni) and increasing your gain higher up. And a 1/4 wave whip over a ground screen will give you 5.1 dBi instead of 2.1 dBi. And then you may begin to hear things above about 15 degrees or so (and 3 dB better than you would hear on any antenna optimized for the horizon.. And it is even better to go to a 3/4 wave vertical over a ground screen and then you get almost 7 dBi gain starting around 30 degrees. You wont hear the low satellites (you can't anyway on an omni) but you will hear them much better when they do get above about 25 degrees... (but notice, this is less than 1/4th of all passes). ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Smartphone app antenna pointing???
Satellite AR works like goggle sky maps with the point and identify feature. I played with it a while ago and just downloaded it again. It's free and in the Android market. Maybe it will work for you. I'm not sure if it's all that you want... Matt, N8MS On Dec 28, 2012 11:39 PM, tosca...@umn.edu wrote: I am not aware of such an app for the Android platform, at least not for artificial communications satellites. Google Sky Map will do that for the Moon, but Oscar Zero moves through the sky much more slowly than the Ham sats (as you well know). And even though having the phone point you to a slow moving satellite like the Moon is much easier computationally yhan tracking a fast-moving LEO, I have been a little dissappointed with the pointing accuracy of Google Sky Map using my Samsung Galaxy S2. When the phone figures out which way it is being pointed, it gives a beautifully accurate map of celestial objects in its line of view, but sometimes it seems like the phone's internal compass function is out of calibration. Bottom line -- it should be doable and has, in principle, been done with the Moon as the satellite of interest, but has not, AFIK, been done for Ham sats. I agree it could be a handy Android app if it worked well. 73 de W0JT/5 John P. Toscano EL09ro October-May EN34js June-September On Dec 28 2012, Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-717-1197 wrote: It seems to me that some smartphones have sensors for elevation and azimuth, and the capacity to calculate those for satellite passes. Has anyone combined all that so that one could just attach the 'phone to the antenna boom and have it indicate where to point it? This would be particularly useful for the analog sats, since very little attention would need to be paid to antenna pointing. 73, doug __**_ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb __**_ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Thank you
Thank you to all of the hams that helped to make the ARRL Teachers' Institute II a success. I had 8 teachers this past week at the Dayton Amateur Radio Assoc. club house learning how to set up and operate a satellite station, and by the first part of Day 3 all 8 had made their first satellite qso! By the week's end many had made multiple contacts with the satellite community. Thank you for your patience and stick-with-it-ness with this group. They are very excited to get home and set up their station, and even more excited to share satellites with their students. 73 Matt, N8MS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] SatPC32 12.8b and Win7
While working with the 8 teachers at Teachers' Institute II, I had a variety of computer operating systems. We had some odd behavior with the Win7 machines, but I am not sure if this was a fluke or a pattern. We were using SatPC32 v12.8b with the SAEBRTrackBox setting in the software, and the students with issues were running Win7. The G5500's did not always respond as expected. For example, if we commanded it to move to 45 degrees elevation, it would, but if we manually entered 179 degrees it would drop down to about 25 degrees. The fix seemed to be to set the turning point of azim rotor under the 'Rotor Setup to S instead of N. I am running v12.8a and have not trouble with the exact same set up and I am set to 'N. Has anyone else experienced this? In my trouble shooting, I believe I was able to trace it back to the computers/software. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. Matt, N8MS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: SatPC32 12.8b and Win7
A Sat688 rotor interface. Matt On Fri, Jul 13, 2012 at 9:13 PM, Jim Jerzycke kq...@verizon.net wrote: What rotor interface are you using? Jim KQ6EA On 07/14/2012 12:02 AM, Matt Severin wrote: While working with the 8 teachers at Teachers' Institute II, I had a variety of computer operating systems. We had some odd behavior with the Win7 machines, but I am not sure if this was a fluke or a pattern. We were using SatPC32 v12.8b with the SAEBRTrackBox setting in the software, and the students with issues were running Win7. The G5500's did not always respond as expected. For example, if we commanded it to move to 45 degrees elevation, it would, but if we manually entered 179 degrees it would drop down to about 25 degrees. The fix seemed to be to set the turning point of azim rotor under the 'Rotor Setup to S instead of N. I am running v12.8a and have not trouble with the exact same set up and I am set to 'N. Has anyone else experienced this? In my trouble shooting, I believe I was able to trace it back to the computers/software. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. Matt, N8MS __**_ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb __**_ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Teachers' Institute 2--Space in the Classroom
Hi all, Next week, July 9-12, I will be instructing the ARRL Teachers' Institute 2 in Dayton, OH. We'll have 8 teachers learning how to set up and operate ground stations that they will be able to take back to their schools to use in their classrooms. Support from ARRL ETP donors, the Dayton Amateur Radio Association, and Yaesu have made this endeavor possible. We will be operating from about 1200 utc to 2000 utc each day, give or take a few hours. Our primary amateur radio satellites will be AO27, SO50, FO29, and VO52, plus we will try to capture data and telemetry from the many cubesats currently operating. Hopefully you'll have a moment to say hello and work a few of the teachers in my group. 73, Matt, N8MS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Satpc32 question
Hi Tony, I think I have a possible solution. I am able to reproduce your situation by doing the opposite of my suggestion below. See if this fixes it. If not, maybe someone else can pin it down for you. Go to 'Satellites' in the menu bar and check the list of satellites in the 'selected [standard]' window. Do your FM birds have a star ( * ) to their left? If not, click on the satellite so it highlights in blue and chose the button show on/off. This will put a star next to the satellite name. Choose OK and see if that resolved it. You might need to restart SatPC32 before the changes occur (but I don't think so). I hope this helps. Good luck and 73 Matt, N8MS On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:53 PM, ANTHONY JAPHA tjja...@earthlink.netwrote: After a few months of inactivity, SATpc32 is showing a funny but unfortunate feature: out of the 6 sats I have active (no change from previous use), only the linear birds show up on the screen. They are shown in the normal way, with the outline of their footprint always visible. The FM birds don't show up at all until they are clicked on in the A, B, C, etc. list at the bottom of the screen. When they are clicked, the inside of the footprint is shown and illuminated, but without the outline around the footprint. And only 1 of those birds can be shown at any time. The linear birds continue to be shown properly. Any ideas would be appreciated. Tnx and 73, Tony, N2UN LM 183 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] ARISSAT-1 Voice Telemetry
0233Z Latest voice telemetry plus a couple SSTV transmission... http://soundcloud.com/matthewpatt/arissat-1-rs01s-w5ll-08142011 73 Matt W5LL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] ARISSat-1 Recordings
In case someone is interested I am archiving all my ARISSat-1 recordings on Soundcloud. You can find them here if someone wants to listen. http://soundcloud.com/matthewpatt 73 Matt W5LL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] TLM format
As I am thinking about how to use ARISSat in my school this year, I'm looking at the CSV file that was produced by the ARISSatTLM software. I am seeing some pretty nice looking data (very cyclic and symmetrical graphs). Can someone point me to the format of the CSV data...e.g. what are the column headers? It's probably in a very obvious place, but I have not found it. Here is a little excerpt from my data from this morning: Column one is obvious (date time stamp); what are the others? 2011/08/04-12:23:13 84 81 11 0 0 72 105 44 32 84 104 105 115 32 105 115 32 65 By the way, we are very excited about this project at my school. I had a group of kids that 'flew a file' on ARISSat, and they are geeked that they are now in orbit! 73. Matt Severin, N8MS Dowagiac Middle School, principal EN61 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: WD9EWK @ DM51/DM52 now...
Nice to work you Patrick! 73 Matt W5LL -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick STODDARD Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2011 2:57 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] WD9EWK @ DM51/DM52 now... Hi! I am at the DM51/DM52 boundary now, and will be on AO27 shortly And other passes this afternoon. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Portable satellite antenna
Back when I used to get on the ISS APRS all I used was a j-pole antenna. It might not be the best but I never had a problem getting in. 73 Matt W5LL On 5/5/2011 7:06 AM, Bob Bruninga wrote: The issue is an antenna. I live in an antenna restricted area so I am not sure what to do. My goal is to work minimally the ISS! :-) I own a Kenwood TH-D72A Walk outside during a pass. Have the radio configured and working for normal APRS. Then just change from 144.39 (APRS) to 145.825 and you should see everything from the ISS. No need for anything other than the rubber duck antenna. You can confirm the ISS is in APRS mode by checking the age of packets on this site: www.ariss.net. As of right now, it appears the packets are less than an hour old, so clearly the ISS APRS downlink is on and working. You can try to send a few packets, but with the rubber-duck you won't make it in. With a full sized 19 whip you can make it (but only if you have the uplink all to yourself). Of course, the arrow antenna should do it fine. But there are two other approaches. 1) A simple dipole held horizontal 18 above a ground plane of some kind. Chicken wire, rabbit fencing, should be about 4' square or so. This should give you about 5 dBi gain. Then you should be able to get in during the center 2 minutes of the overhead pass each day. 2) Use the same ground plane above, and install a 58 vertical whip antenna on it. That antenna will give almost 7 dBi gain when the ISS is above 30 degrees (center 2 minutes of an overhead pass). When you TX and see the radio flash MY POSITION, then you know you got in and everyone else saw you too. Or send an email to yourself using the APRS message feature. Good luck! Bob, WB4aPR ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] FS: Downconverter and antenna
Would anyone be interested in a California Amplifier 2.4Ghz downconverter with the bias t and patch antenna? I put this together for AO-51 downlink but I've never gotten to use it. It's just setting here and I haven't been on the birds in quite a while so I thought I'd see if someone else could use it. E-mail me off list and we can discuss and perhaps make a deal. Comes with all connectors and terminates into a male BNC for easy connection to a HT. 73 Matt W5LL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: FS: Downconverter and antenna
Equipment has been sold pending receipt of payment. Thanks to all who inquired! 73 Matt W5LL -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Matt Patterson Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 8:02 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] FS: Downconverter and antenna Would anyone be interested in a California Amplifier 2.4Ghz downconverter with the bias t and patch antenna? I put this together for AO-51 downlink but I've never gotten to use it. It's just setting here and I haven't been on the birds in quite a while so I thought I'd see if someone else could use it. E-mail me off list and we can discuss and perhaps make a deal. Comes with all connectors and terminates into a male BNC for easy connection to a HT. 73 Matt W5LL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FT-60R and recording
Hi Bill and Ted, I have used a T-adapter just has Bill described and it worked fine. I have also used a second handheld on the receive side with headphones and a recording device wired on the T-adapter and that works well too. Finally, I have used the speaker mike with the FT60 and 'palmed' the recorder in my hand that his holding the mic...sometimes it's a bit clumsy, but it works. 73 Matt, N8MS On Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 3:25 PM, Bill Dzurilla billdz@yahoo.com wrote: Hi Ted, I also use the FT-60. Since it is not full duplex, I do not use headphones and just have a small recorder hanging from my neck. It picks up my voice and sounds from the radio. If you want to use headphones, I suppose you could use a T adapter and plug both the phones and the recorder into the headphone jack, but then I don't think your own voice would be recorded. 73, Bill NZ5N ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Revised schedule AO-51 Feb-March 2011
Good thing I just happened to check the website before walking out the door today and noticed conflicting schedules. According to the original schedule I had planned on working V/S this afternoon which was the only day that I would have been able to give it a try. Now it's scheduled during the week and none of the passes work for my schedule... bummer... Beginning to think I should just sell my equipment. 73 Matt W5LL EM23 -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mark L. Hammond Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2011 7:41 AM To: AMSAT-BB Cc: ao51-mo...@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Revised schedule AO-51 Feb-March 2011 As suspected, we're changing the schedule (due to a lack of full sun and to support the school contacts previously arranged in Alaska). The current schedule is below. We may need to adjust again; changes will be communicated at the AO-51 website and here. AO-51 Mode Change Schedule February 21 (~2145 UTC) [Eclipses should end around Feb. 24/25] Dual Voice Repeaters : Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FM Downlink 435.150 MHz FM March 1 (~1005 UTC) Mode V/S Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM Downlink 2401.200 MHz FM March 4 (~0945 UTC) Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U PacSat BBS Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FSK 9k6 baud Downlink 435.150 MHz FSK 9k6 baud March 6 (~2115 UTC) Mode L/SU FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 1268.703 MHz FM Downlink1 2401.200 MHz FM Downlink2 435.300 MHz FM (low power) March 11 (~1000 UTC) [Eclipses return around March 12/13] Mode V/U FM Voice Repeater (no PL tone needed) Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM Downlink 435.300 MHz FM Mode L/U PacSat BBS Uplink: 1268.703 MHz 9k6 baud Downlink 435.150 MHz 9k6 baud As always, command stations may need to reconfigure modes in order to collect telemetry as needed. Remember that power management may be running, and the transmitter(s) will shut OFF during periods of eclipse and/or low battery voltage. 73, Mark N8MH AO-51 Command Team Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: PVC
I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this! Matt W5LL On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote: I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel? 73's Peter VE7NGP -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better! At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote: Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out. 73, Bruce WA3SWJ At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote: Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio . Mike N8GBU ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: PVC
Hmmm... how about not being cheap and buy a steel or aluminum mast? That's my solution Matt W5LL On 2/24/2011 1:31 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, Matt Pattersonmattp...@1starnet.com wrote: I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this! Matt W5LL On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote: I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than steel? 73's Peter VE7NGP -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Semple Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little better! At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote: Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out. 73, Bruce WA3SWJ At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote: Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place of steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to the winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio . Mike N8GBU ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Radios in carry on luggage
I've done this a few times now, within the states I've had no issues. I did almost lose an ft-60, ic-706mkiig, arrow 2 and vertical when going through dubai. It took hours of hand-waving and begging to get them to bring to an emirates crew to check for me. On the way out through dubai it was fine. The way back? They decided that radio gear and _any cables_ were a security risk :) I laid it all out in the open for them both times. Fun. :) Matt -Original Message- From: n...@lavabit.com Sender: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:19:49 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Radios in carry on luggage I have always laid the big ones (FT-817, CCRadio) out in a tub for them to look at, the first couple of times having not done so wound up with a swab and a some questions. Having them exposed seems to have eliminated that so far. The HTs and wall warts and such I left in my radio bag, nothing has been said about them although it gets the random swab or peek once in a great while. Jerry NØJY I am planning a couple of grid expeditions that will involve commercial flights, and wonder what experiences others have had with taking radios in their carry on luggage. Does TSA get very involved in this? Did you have to take it out of the case? Demonstrate it? Was it a bunch of hoops to jump through, or very smooth sailing? 73s John AA5JG ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Arissat-1
This was posted on ARISSAT-1 twitter this afternoon. I don't think I have seen that anyone has posted this on the bb yet the crew will connect the ARISSat-1 transmitter to an ISS external antenna and perform a test of the satellite transmissions Thursday 10 Feb http://twitter.com/Arissat1 73 Matt Severin, N8MS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] nanosail over Europe, aftenoon - no receive
Hallo Did anybody received NANOSAIL over Europe today aftenoon? Maybe my 70cm receiving set up has poor sensitivity. SQ7DQX ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: RAX Decode
Hi Enzo, We are glad to hear you are interested in tracking RAX! RAX beacons sound just like the noise you'd hear if you opened your squelch wide open. Beacon intervals are normally every 20 seconds. RAX is experiencing some power problems right now, so are keeping the beacon off most of the time to conserve battery life for the year ahead. I notified the BB earlier this month that I will post a message when we are beaconing regularly again. The software to auto-decode beacons can be found on our website at http://rax.engin.umich.edu. Mike Rupprecht (DK3WN) also has his own version at http://www.dk3wn.info/software.shtml. 73, Matt Bennett KF6RTB RAX Project Manager --- On Wed, 12/29/10, Vincenzo Mone vim...@alice.it wrote: From: Vincenzo Mone vim...@alice.it Subject: [amsat-bb] RAX Decode To: Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2010, 12:44 PM Hello, i would like to receive the RAX Satellite. as i read on the Amsat web it is GMSK 9600 BPS. I would like to know what to hear. Should i hear the noise like the AO-51 bird? What do i need to decode it? Thanks in advance 73 de Enzo IK8OZV EasyLog 5 BetaTester EasyLog PDA BetaTester WinBollet BetaTester D.C.I. CheckPoint Regione Campania Skype: ik8ozv8520 ** *** GSM +39 338 9749786 *** ** SMS +39 338 9749786 ** * FAX +39 328 7244294 * *** 2nd e-mail: vim...@tin.it *** * ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: no signals from RAX-1 heard
Hi All, RAX is recovering from a low battery charge condition. We observed an anomaly last week that has severely reduced RAX's power generation capability on her remaining three panels (the first being shorted out). The only two safe operating modes for RAX in this condition are infrequent beacons (every 1-2 minutes) or beacons off to regain energy spent on engineering diagnosis tests. I can't discuss the reason for the fault at the moment, but I can tell you our team is converging on the cause at this time. We can provide more info when we are certain of the cause, and will also speak to the impact on the mission. In the meantime, I will send occasional updates as to when the beacon will be on for those listening. Thanks and 73. Matt KF6RTB --- On Sun, 12/19/10, P.H. bbjun...@f2s.com wrote: From: P.H. bbjun...@f2s.com Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: no signals from RAX-1 heard To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Sunday, December 19, 2010, 4:50 AM I heard it at approx 04:05 UTC however I was wondering if there was something wrong, the beacons were very infrequent, I think I only heard 3 during the whole pass. Unfortunately I don't have 9600bps hardware at present, so I can't provide any tlm from them. Pete MI3EPN On Sun, Dec 19, 2010 at 10:07 AM, Alan Cresswell alancressw...@xtra.co.nz wrote: Nothing from RAX over ZL on the 0959 UT pass Alan ZL2BX _ From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mike Rupprecht Sent: Sunday, 19 December 2010 07:36 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: 'James Cutler' Subject: [amsat-bb] no signals from RAX-1 heard All, nothing heard from RAX this morning over Europe . :-( 73, Mike DK3WN ___ 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 message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1170 / Virus Database: 426/3324 - Release Date: 12/18/10 ___ 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 ___ 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] DM07 / mammoth mtn operating
Hi all, I'm hoping to catch the SO-50 pass, 11/24, 20:51-21:05 UTC pass from the top of mammoth mtn, grid locator DM07LP. Going to listen for and try to work ISS approx 20min before that. Will then be on the AO-51 pass at 00:00-00:15 UTC from the nearby flatlands, DM07MP. I haven't worked SO-50 yet so we'll see how it goes :) 73 Matt Wilbur NM6W ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 reloaded and operational
I agree, THANK YOU very much to the AO-51 team for your efforts. Based on this news, I'll be operating from S7 (LI75rj) on AO-51 tonight/tomorrow on three AO-51 passes, the first at 07/0106utc, at 07/1154utc, and 07/1333utc. 73, Matt Wilbur NM6W / S79RC (through 8nov) On 11/6/2010 8:22 PM, Rick Tejera wrote: Mark, Thanks to you and your team for your efforts at keeping this bird available for all of us to enjoy. Sent from my iPod Rick Tejera Editor, SACnews Saguaro Astronomy Club www.saguaroastro.org K7TEJ On Nov 6, 2010, at 6:32, Mark L. Hammondmarklhamm...@gmail.com wrote: Hi All, Thanks to a great team effort, we have the AO-51 repeater back up and operational. It will be several more hours before the PBBS is open for public access, but we expect it will be open around 2100utc today. We usually get asked, What caused the crash? We honestly don't know. It is unlikely to be related to the power budget; it would have just turned a transmitter OFF in that case. We often suspect the South Atlantic Anomaly as the cause, and based on the time frame of the crash this time, it is a plausible hypothesis. On behalf of the AO-51 Command Team, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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 ___ 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] international SAT contacts
Hi all, I sent a note a few weeks ago about a trip to Kauai and the potential for satellite contacts. It was pretty comical, the only chance I had to actually hit a pass was one where a satellite went directly overhead. I ran out, got full quieting, was all kinds of excited, and .. well.. I was the only guy in the footprint :-) I'm heading to Seychelles tomorrow (LI75RJ, out in the indian ocean) for an 8 day trip and bringing my HT and Arrow2. Am I being overly hopeful that I'll have anyone to talk to if I can catch few passes? I'm a new ham and new to satellite contacts so just not sure if it's worth the trouble to try. ?? thanks Matt NM6W (S79RC from 31Oct-8Nov) ___ 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] Possible Hawaii contacts next week
Hello For the first time in years, my employer is sending me somewhere nice on travel. I'll be on Kuaui Mon-Fri next week and in my free time there I hope to catch as many passes as I can. I'll be in BL01, only working FM using my FT-60R HT with either AL-800 or my Arrow if I can make it fit in my luggage. Still very new to this so if no one cares, I apologize-- but I'll still be trying :) 73 Matt NM6W ___ 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] Downconverters on Ebay
Just found a person selling several downconverters on Ebay that look like they could be used for AO-51 mode S. (with modifications) No Bias T or power supplies though. http://shop.ebay.com/the_consumer_rebellion/m.html?_nkw=_armrs=1_from=_ipg=_trksid=p4340 73 Matt W5LL ___ 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: FM Birds
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php AO-51 - Check status page to see what mode it's in... http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php SO-50 - http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/satInfo.php?satID=4retURL=/satellites/status.php AO-27 - http://www.ao27.org/AO27/index.shtml SO-67 - Activation Schedule... http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ ARISS - Has on board FM repeater. Also voice contacts possible with Astronauts. http://www.issfanclub.com/ 73 Matt W5LL On 9/15/2010 6:51 AM, Arlon Nelson wrote: Hi All Been away awhile, I'm wondering what FM satellites are being used now. Thanks, Nels W0TUP North Dakota DN98if ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: ao51 up link ??
I'm going to be trying V/S when it's turned on in a couple of weeks. Matt W5LL -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Tom Schuessler Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 8:25 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ao51 up link ?? Glen, Do note that starting this month, the AO51 team is keeping the main V/U crossband repeater constant but is doing weekly hanges of modes and operating patterns for the second, low power repeater. I personally will be trying the second QRP repeater when it is turned on to V/U FM next week. It is explained in the link. Lots of opportunities to experiment. Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5...@arrl.net Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:40:37 -0500 From: Glenn AA5PK aa...@suddenlink.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ao51 up link ?? To: Ted k7trkra...@charter.net Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 63a6ea202d1b4e31b7f483ee138b9...@radioshack Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original 145.92 http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php - Original Message - From: Ted k7trkra...@charter.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 7:22 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] ao51 up link ?? Doing some troubleshooting my radio and noticed on the AO51 web site that there are 2 uplink frequencies listed. Are we on 145.880, no PL or 145.920 w/PL Tnx, Ted ___ 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 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Mode S antenna
Just won this antenna on ebay for my portable V/S setup. Hope it will work for what I'm wanting to do. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=160477089933 item=160477089933 Plan on mounting the downconverter to the back of it. Now to program the memories of both my HTs. 73 Matt W5LL ___ 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-51 V/S
Hi, Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. It looks like I have found a downconverter. Next question... Does anyone have any ideas on a cheap and easy homebrew antenna? Would a cantenna work for a small portable setup? I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible as AO-51 isn't in this mode very often. 73 Matt W5LL ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 V/S
Hi Drew, It's a California Microwave unit that has already been modified. The plan right now is for portable use. Two HTs, a 5/8 wave mag mount on my truck for the uplink and whatever antenna I can come up with for the downlink. I have a small gell cell battery that will power the downconverter. 73 Matt W5LL On 9/10/2010 9:15 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: Matt Patterson wrote: Hi, Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. It looks like I have found a downconverter. Next question... Does anyone have any ideas on a cheap and easy homebrew antenna? Would a cantenna work for a small portable setup? I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible as AO-51 isn't in this mode very often. 73 Matt W5LL Hi Matt, Which downconverter did you find? Do you intend to work the satellite portable, or mount the 2.4Ghz antenna on a rotor? Let me know, and I'll make a recommendation or two. 73, Drew KO4MA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 V/S
Hi Rick, I know Kent's site very well. Used to do a lot of VHF rovering and just about all my antennas were cheap yagis. They work great and you can't beat the cost. Anyway, I'm in need of a 2.4GHz antenna for S mode downlink on AO-51. Kent's cheap yagi antenna designs don't go up that high. 73 Matt W5LL On 9/10/2010 10:28 AM, saguaroas...@cox.net wrote: Matt, Try Kent Britain's (WA5VJB) Site. I made my 144/435 Antenna from his plans for under $20.00. Works like a charm easy to build. He's got plans for various bands including 1296Mhz. A good resource. http://www.wa5vjb.com/yagi-pdf/cheapyagi.pdf 73 Rick K7TEJ Matt Pattersonmattp...@1starnet.com wrote: Hi, Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. It looks like I have found a downconverter. Next question... Does anyone have any ideas on a cheap and easy homebrew antenna? Would a cantenna work for a small portable setup? I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible as AO-51 isn't in this mode very often. 73 Matt W5LL ___ 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
[amsat-bb] EM24
Curious if there's any interest in a possible EM24 activation? I'm new to satellites but I suspect this one may be a semi-rare grid. 73 Matt W5LL ___ 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-51 mode V/S
I'm wanting to try this mode but haven't had much luck finding a downconverter. What does everyone use? Any leads as to where a downconverter can be purchased would be much appreciated. 73 Matt W5LL ___ 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: GPS for dx-expedition
Zack, I used to have a old Garmin GPSIII that would display maidenhead grids. Used it when I would rover in the VHF contests. Very simple to use and very very cheap now on the used market. It's OLD technology but I don't think anyone will fault you for using it even if it isn't as accurate. It'll get you close enough and to me as long as it shows the grid that you are passing out on the screen then you've made a good faith effort to do things right. BTW: Nice to work you on SO-50 the other night. QSL will be in the mail. 73 Matt W5LL On 9/2/2010 8:27 AM, Zachary Beougher wrote: What is this 'GPSMAP76S'??? If I am understanding correctly, it plots grids on the GPS screen? If so, is this software or a separate GPS receiver? I have a Garmin Venture HC, would it be applicable to it? It would be a lot easier to look down and see what grid you are in on the display rather than calculate it using lat/lon. 73, Zack KD8KSN -- From: Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)amsat...@wd9ewk.net Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 1:33 AM To:amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: GPS for dx-expedition Hi Rick! The number of satellites isn’t the main factor in accuracy, it’s the sat geometry. A position fix with 4 birds spaced evenly and at a higher altitude will give a better position than 8 birds near the horizon bunched around the same area of the sky. I understand that. I was only stating that about the VX-8GR as a reason why I don't use that device for establishing my location when working on grid boundaries etc. When I drove out to the DM23/DM24 grid boundary a couple of weekends ago, I was able to easily get the VX-8GR and GPSMAP 76S to line up on the grid boundary line (34 degrees North). In fact, my VX-8GR was chirping away with APRS data on the boundary as I was taking the photos with the GPSMAP 76S sitting with my radios for the VUCC documentation (and the QSL cards). I also have a photo or two of the VX-8GR with 34 degrees North on its display, as additional proof I was out there. That being said, once SA was turned off in 2000, I’ve rarely had a position error greater than 20 feet, even with my older Garmin II+. My HCx, easily get under 10’ most times. You're right again. It should be easy to get that 20-foot accuracy, and this is stated in the VUCC rules. If the GPS is in good working order, and you're not concerned about having all the latest bells and whistles, an older GPS is certainly capable of meeting the VUCC documentation requirements. My GPSMAP 76S is 7 years old, and I don't have any need to replace it. Its firmware has been updated to the final version released by Garmin before it was discontinued, and the only thing I have to do with it is periodically replace the 2 AA batteries that power it. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ ___ 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 ___ 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-50
Excellent pass over North America 0340Z and no one to talk to. L Matt W5LL ___ 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-51 recording 1140Z this morning
Hi Everyone, Still getting used to working the sats and was curious if someone happened to be recording the latest AO-51 pass over North America. For me AOS started at around 1140Z. If you do have a recording, would you mind sharing with me? Curious to see how I sound on the other end. 73 Matt W5LL ___ 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-50
Was listening for the SO-50 pass @ 22:58Z and didn't hear anything. A check of the Oscar status website reveals that it was active a couple hours ago. Did anyone else hear it during the latest pass? I finally got setup to start recording the birds with my computer and was going to use SO-50 as a test. 73 Matt W5LL ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 Down
It was having intermittent problems last night. At first I thought it was a cable issue on my end. 73 Matt W5LL On 8/18/2010 7:51 AM, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote: I did lose it on the 09:34 UTC pass this morning, just thought the cable for the Elk finally failed. Dave - KB1PVH Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID On Aug 18, 2010 8:33 AM, Rick - WA4NVMwa4...@comcast.net wrote: GM All, I haven't seen any post about AO-51 shutting down during it's last pass. We all hope it's a fast fix. Good luck to the control team. 73 all, Rick WA4NVM ___ 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 ___ 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: TM-D710 Satellite programming
This isn't going to help you much but I use two seperate radios so I can have full duplex capability. Plus you don't have to fiddle with duplexers and all that good stuff. 73 Matt W5LL On 8/17/2010 12:31 PM, Kai Gunter Brandt wrote: On 08/17/2010 04:50 PM, Reid Crowe wrote: I am trying to program some satellite frequencies into my TM-D710. Has anyone had any luck with programming a cross band split into the memory? I was able to do this with my VX-7R and assumed that all radios would support this. If not possible, how do the D710 users in the group operate the birds? I'm using both VFOs as in uplink on left side and downlink on right side. Kai Gunter LA3QMA ___ 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
[amsat-bb] FT-897 and SatPC32
Is anyone using using SatPC32 to steer an FT-897? I am trying to isolate an issue that I am having with my setup and I am wondering if someone could contact me off list to troubleshoot my set up. Thank you in advance. Matt, N8MS ___ 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] SatPC32 Subtones
Good morning, I am hoping someone can help answer a question. I am running SatPC32 12.8a and controlling my Yaesu FT 897 as my uplink radio. Everything works fine except that I cannot get the subtones to update. I am using the following data in my SubTones.SQF file (as recommended in the help files) AO-51,67.0,$3F,1 SO-50,67.0,$3F,1 SO-50,74.4,$3E,3 SO-67,233.6,$01,36 HO-68,67.0,$3F,1 I'm running Windows XP and my baud rate is 9600, although I have varied it to see if that would resolve my issue. Everything thing updates on the radio as it should (including the radio turning the tones 'on' and going into split mode); the only issue is that the tone is not updated, it will stay on the last tone used. For example if I use our local repeater, the radio will still use that tone. Thanks in advance for any help or ideas. 73 Matt Severin, N8MS ___ 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-51
Sorry, it was not heard because it wasnt over Europe ... I miss 1 hour on my computer clock again. SQ7DQX ___ 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] Arecibo EME
I know that it is not EME gropup but: 204600 1 -8 3.1 19 3 # SQ7DQX KP4AO FK68 OOO 1 10 50W TS 2000 and 30m coax, 21 el. DK7ZB pointed to horizon with moon el. 13.6 deg :-) file: http://www.enduro.idl.pl/KP4AO_100418_204600.wav 21 DK7ZB is a part of my sat system :) ___ 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: COMPASS-1 Close Approach
Hi Mike, 14:32 utc on Jan 22, 2010 we copied the beacon from Sister Lakes Elementary school in Southwest Michigan (EN62). We had a maximum elevation of 10.5°. My third grade students were excited to listen today to see if Compass-1 survived. The boys and girls let out a cheer when we heard the beacon! 73 Matt, N8MS From: m...@mike-rupprecht.de To: ja...@tsm.bbiq.jp; cjhu...@bigpond.net.au; ja0...@rose.ocn.ne.jp; duken...@pixi.com; k...@kunz.biz; tka...@nifty.com; archie.hack...@hotmail.com; ham...@iae.nl; mccormickd...@googlemail.com; w...@myfairpoint.net; alancressw...@xtra.co.nz; compass1cube...@googlemail.com; jimst...@comcast.net; werner_nunwei...@freenet.de; doug.pa...@gmail.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:07:12 +0100 CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] COMPASS-1 Close Approach All, United States Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) has identified predicted close approach between COMPASS-1 (#32787) and SICH-1 (#23657). Jan 22 14:27 UTC - predicted distance: 429 m (overall) Can someone listen to the COMPASS-1 beacon (437.275 MHz CW) after this time, please? It’s the first US East-Coast pass on this day. Any reports are very appreciated. Thanks in advance! 73, Mike DK3WN ___ 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 _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390710/direct/01/ ___ 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
