Ok, all is a little clearer right now! I wasn't aware that the sat relied on volatile memory to store the main software. Was there a particular reason why this was chosen over non-volatile or was it just an oversight that this issue would eventually happen when the batteries became exhausted?
Just curious! Think now is a good time to remind everyone that an extra few dollars into the Amsat Fox fund wouldn't do any harm :-) 73 Pete 2i0VAX On Fri, May 6, 2011 at 6:18 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbren...@mindspring.com> wrote: > > Hi Pete, > > We can actually get all of the really important files up in an optimum pass, > but since all of that is stored in volatile memory, when it comes around > again it's gone. AO-51 requires the software to be running to do much of > anything, as all the audio and control is run through the IHU. Even if we > could upload everything in one pass, there is nothing to keep it from > resetting right away during the next eclipse. We've not given up, but it's > looking really grim right now. > > Let me point out that AMSAT-NA has been learning from our past (and present) > experiences. The current design for Fox, seen as a replacement for AO-51 by > many, includes what the team has been referring to as "zombiesat" mode. In > this mode, Fox will operate without the IHU, and maybe even without the > batteries while illuminated. We would still retain the ability to command the > transmitter off if need be. As I understand it, the design also includes > non-volatile memory for some systems, which would really be useful right now > on 51. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > AMSAT-NA VP Operations > > -----Original Message----- >>From: "P.H." <pholmes...@gmail.com> >>Sent: May 6, 2011 12:46 PM >>To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 troubles >> >>Hi Drew & all, >> >>I'm not 100% sure how the software uploads take place, however I have >>a suggestion. >> >>Would there be any benefit having one uplink station on the west coast >>and another on the East coast, purely to allow the complete upload to >>take place before an eclipse? >> >>Perhaps the users of AO-51 would donate to a road-trip fund to send >>one of the command stations /portable to a location of benefit to >>assist ? >> >>Just trying to think outside the box :-) >> >>good luck with the uploads, >> >>73 >> >>Pete >> >>2i0VAX > > > > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
