[amsat-bb] Re: Memories of OSCAR 10

[Edward R. Cole]

At 03:08 PM 2/5/2011, Bill Dzurilla wrote:
>I've been enjoying the posts regarding our last HEO satellite, 
>AO-40.  I was inactive while AO-40 was going strong, but the posts 
>brought back memories of our first HEO, OSCAR 10, my first 
>experience with satellites until a couple of years ago.  You can't 
>find much about the glory days of AO-10 on the web, but I remember them well.
>
>Passes lasted for 8 hours.  Always Q5 copy everywhere in the huge 
>footprint, very little QRM or QRN.  I worked over 100 countries from 
>1983-85, but never got enough cards for DXCC.  My rig was a Yaesu 
>FT-726R with a Mirage D-1010 amp.  It was 70cm uplink, 2 meters 
>downlink.  I attached the antennas to a small mast on my chimney.  I 
>had a surplus cavity bandpass filter that wiped away all the 
>birdies; it was needed because I lived in EL49 in New Orleans.  The 
>antennas were small crossed-yagis (KLM?), circularly polarized, on 
>separate booms.  I can't recall the make or model.  Also must have 
>had a mast-mounted preamp and an az-el rotator, but I can't remember 
>them.  I got the tracking info from a program that ran on my 
>Commodore 64 and printed it out on my Gorilla Banana printer.
>
>Those were halycon days, with AO-10 supposed to be just the 
>beginning.  The grand plan was to put up 3 linked ham sats in 
>geosynchronous orbit, which would enable any ham to work any other 
>ham anywhere on the globe 24-7.  Will we ever see anything like that 
>again?  How did AO-10 compare with AO-40?
>
>There was a fire at my home and all my logs and QSL cards from those 
>days were lost.  If anyone out there happens to have an old AO-10 
>QSL card from me, I'd sure appreciate a copy.
>
>73, Bill NZ5N
>
>
>
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AO-10 in the mid-1980's was my first real satellite operation (I had 
been involved with AO-6).  It was the basic mode-B linear 
transponder.  Great range and lots of DX.  I worked some rare DX that 
was rare on HF standards.  The hams I worked said they were tired of 
the pileups on HF and came up on AO-10 to enjoy some nice contacts.

P3E inherits the legacy of AO-10 and AO-13, as it is very similar in 
what it is equipped to do. ARISSat-1 will be a precurser for what P3E 
would be without the high orbit.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011

[Edward R. Cole]

Excuse me for wading into this 
discussion.  Especially since I have not been active for a couple years.

But I did do some operating with a THD-7A + Arrow 
and with a FT-817 + Arrow and I can see no 
problem with the use of a audio recorder being 
used as a log (at least until one has time to 
transcribe it to a permanent log - whether paper or digital).

I did do paper but it was not "pretty" and I did 
have trouble remembering callsigns to do that (right after the pass).
In all ham radio, individual integrity is the 
bottom line for valid contacts.  If you used the 
wrong call on the air the other station should 
not credit the QSO as valid.  If you merely have 
a memory problem and the recording can provide 
backup to that...that seems reasonable.

If your personal standards find this 
unacceptable, then don't, but...I think imposing 
that standard on others is questionable (on a 
practical level).  If you are the awards log 
checker - well I can not tell you how to conduct your business.

Afterall this is NOT moonbounce.  You ask why I insert that?

For one to count a moonbounce contact as legitimate one MUST do the following:

1-copy your own callsign plus copy the other station's callsign
2-Must copy your signal report from the other station
3-Must confirm that to the other station
4-get confirmation the other station has copied his signal report
5-and usually confirm that all exchanges are complete

At minimum this is four transmissions by each station.

Aren't you glad you don't have to live by eme (moonbounce rules)? ;-)

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 12:53 PM 2/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote:
>Hi Joe and Group, I would have to say that if 
>Michael's (K4MOA) QSO was not confirmed based 
>upon remembering the call sign, 95% of the QSOs 
>in my log are not confirmed. Many of us use 
>recorders because of the obvious reason - we 
>have one hand to hold the Arrow, Elk or tripod, 
>and the other hand is busy with an HT (or in my 
>case, 2 HTs).  There is no hand available to 
>right call signs down. Another obvious reason 
>behind the recorder is that most people cannot 
>go outside and stand for a 15 minute pass, work 
>__# of stations, and then go back inside and 
>recall all the call signs, grid squares, RST 
>reports, etc. If we could all recall all of the 
>info like this, recorders would not be in 
>use.  If recorders were not being used, what 
>would we do?  You could either type it into the 
>computer, or you could write it down on 
>paper.  This brings about the question of, why 
>write it on paper?  The bottom-line reason for 
>writing it on paper is you don’t want to 
>forget it, the same reason for a recorder.  If 
>you were going to remember it, why right it 
>down?  Even after taking a memory course a few 
>months ago in college I can't go outside and 
>remember everything.  This sounds like a lot to 
>ask of someone.  Most passes are fast pace and 
>crazy.  You are not going to be able to remember 
>every station you worked, especially if you are 
>working from a boundary, etc. In my mind, a QSO 
>is confirmed when the two operators have a 
>successful relay of information between each 
>other.  Example:  "K4MOA this is WP3PZ, FK58" - 
>"WP3PZ, this is K4MOA, EM95, QSL?" - "QSL, 
>73"To me, this is a confirmed QSO.  When 
>K4MOA goes inside, if he cannot remember the 
>EXACT call of the station(s) he worked, that is 
>not an issue of the QSO was not confirmed, it is 
>an issue of K4MOA got a phone call right as he 
>walked in the door and forgot the call sign of 
>the station he worked.  I know this sounds like 
>a silly scenario, but it is reality. To me, a 
>confirmed QSO happens at the mic, not when you 
>are listening to a recording, or how good your 
>memory is.  I don't remember reading anything in 
>the Tech or General books about you must 
>remember every call sign for a QSO to be 
>confirmed. Now, if you repeated the call back to 
>the station incorrectly, then it is between you 
>and your conscience; but if you could say his 
>call back to him correctly, but just happened to 
>forget it, I would still call this 
>confirmed.  If you have a base station and have 
>the ability to sit at a desk and type it 
>directly into a computer or write them down on a 
>piece of paper, that is great, but most of the 
>portable equipment ops are going to use a 
>recorder. I apologize I am repeating the same 
>things over and over.  I would be interested to 
>hear a few other's opinions on this.  Maybe I am 
>the one that has it backwards. 73! Zack KD8KSN 
>-Original Message- From: Joe Sent: 
>Sunday, February 06, 2011 2:42 PM To: 
>amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: 
>Recorder battery died - anyone have a 
>recording?2/5/2011 Now in My MIND this was not a 
>valid QSO,,  the information was NOT all done on 
>the radio,  never mind he had the call wrong. 
>BUT even if he did work WP3T, he did not know he 
>did it it took YOU and YOUR station to

[amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011

[Edward R. Cole]

At 01:14 PM 2/6/2011, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote:
>I don't think the issue is whether or not you use a recorder, 
>packet/psk31/rtty ops are not penalised because they have
>a computer record of the contact by virtue of the technology used 
>for that mode. If a voice recorder is part of your
>shack, that's fine.
>
>The issue is having to ask others if they heard your QSO and can 
>tell you the details.
>If you chose technology to help you, fine. If your technology fails, 
>so does the QSO. It's not acceptable to expect the
>rest of the world to be your log keeper.

I agree with this!




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011

[Edward R. Cole]

Zack,

Neither Nigel or I said that.  Burden of proof of 
contact lies with the stations making the 
contact.  Use of a recorder is OK (what I said), 
but relying on others to log your contact is 
not.  The farthest one can stretch that is if the 
other station in the QSO confirms that you and 
they completed a contact.  And that is not kosher 
under eme rules (as I have pointed out).  But 
then is "ordinary" ham radio where the rules are more lenient.

But for these contacts to "count" toward awards 
such as WAS or DXCC, or in a contest, you must 
enter your log.  Asking others what they heard 
would be considered cheating.  If you operate 
satellites for personal pleasure with no regard 
to awards, standings, etc. then it matters only 
to your own personal standard of operation.

But be aware that others may not agree :-\

73, Ed

At 01:51 PM 2/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote:
>Hi Ed and Nigel,
>
>I agree this is reasonable as well.  I don’t 
>see an issue with using someone else's 
>recordings because your batteries died, as long 
>as you heard the QSO, repeated the other 
>station's call back, etc., as I said in my 
>original email.  If you aren't for sure if the 
>station came back to your call or if he 
>confirmed he heard you because you lost the bird 
>or went behind a tree, then that's a different story.
>
>I also think it's good to have a little grace - 
>we can't expect a first-timer to the sats to 
>jump on and copy and repeat all call signs 100%. 
>When I first started, all I said was a "QSL," or 
>"copy that."  I imagine I frustrated a few ops 
>who were wondering who I was QSLing. ;-)
>
>73,
>
>Zack
>KD8KSN
>
>-Original Message- From: Edward R. Cole
>Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 5:24 PM
>To: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF ; amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - 
>anyone have a recording?2/5/2011
>
>At 01:14 PM 2/6/2011, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote:
>>I don't think the issue is whether or not you use a recorder,
>>packet/psk31/rtty ops are not penalised because they have
>>a computer record of the contact by virtue of the technology used
>>for that mode. If a voice recorder is part of your
>>shack, that's fine.
>>
>>The issue is having to ask others if they heard your QSO and can
>>tell you the details.
>>If you chose technology to help you, fine. If your technology fails,
>>so does the QSO. It's not acceptable to expect the
>>rest of the world to be your log keeper.
>
>I agree with this!
>
>
>
>
>73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
>==
>BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
>EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Recorder battery died - anyone have a recording?2/5/2011

[Edward R. Cole]

Zack,

At 05:10 PM 2/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote:
>Hi,
>
>>Neither Nigel or I said that.
>
>Sorry I didn't clarify - I was referring to your opinion on the use of
>recorders in general.
>
>What has me a little confused right now is why some DO NOT think it is okay
>to use someone else's recording.  In the case of a recorder failing because
>of dead batteries, you can't blame that on the op - his recorder died.
>There is nothing wrong with WHAT recording he uses.  Why does K8YSE post all
>those recordings to his website?  I understand what everyone says about not
>using someone else's recording because your receiving was bad, you went behind
>the tree or house, or something else that is dependent upon the operators
>station, and I agree.  But a recorder going dead is no one's fault - its
>dead.  Find another recording if possible and log it.  I wouldn't consider
>using someone else's recording as they are logging it for you.

Because it didn't record what your radio 
heard.  It is not your contact if your radio does 
not do all the Tx and Rx.  How can we know if you 
heard anything?  Because you say so?  OK, then in 
that case you need to record what "you" or your 
equipment heard.  A contact is valid of your 
equipment processes the information 
communicated.  Not what someone else hears.  Are you getting the idea?


>I respect all of the opinions here - different opinions and ideas help
>develop the hobby.  We need to keep in mind this is a HOBBY - hobbies are
>supposed to be enjoyable.  There are definitely rules and regs that must be
>followed, but I don’t think it's worthwhile to get caught up in WHOSE
>recording you use, what antenna you use, how you say your call sign, etc.,
>etc.  Let's just enjoy the hobby!

Lets say your hobby is playing chess and someone 
else moves one of your chess pieces for you and 
you win.  Did you win or did you cheat?  By 
accepting a necessary piece of information (to 
complete the contact) from another source than 
your station, it's considered "cheating".  You 
didn't do all the contact by yourself.  You had assistance.

Like I said in my original post, if you are just 
enjoying making contacts and they do not count 
toward some record or award or in a contest, then 
it doesn't matter as long as it is sufficient for your enjoyment.


>With that I am going to sign with you all on this discussion.

Yeah, really not wanting to beat you up on this 
topic.  Just provide some understanding.




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
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[amsat-bb] Re: ARISSat-1 Telemetry decoding

[Edward R. Cole]

At 02:46 AM 2/10/2011, Mineo Wakita wrote:
>ARISSat-1 BPSK1000 software, ARISSatTLM  developed by KA2UPW
>https://svn.sarpeidon.net/viewvc/suitsat2/ground_station_software/ARISSatTLM
>/releases/
>https://svn.sarpeidon.net/viewvc/suitsat2/ground_station_software/ARISSatTLM
>/install-staging/
>https://svn.sarpeidon.net/viewvc/suitsat2/ground_station_software/ARISSatTLM
>/install-staging/Sample_ARISSat_Recording1.WAV
>http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/arissat2.htm
>
>JE9PEL, Mineo Wakita
>
>
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None of the link's pass Window's certificate security except the last one.

Has Amsat officially released this software or is this just gearhead 
chatter by computer geeks?



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: SatPC32 - FT-817

[Edward R. Cole]

I will have to look at that for running my FT-817 with my K3+144/28 
transverter.

Thanks,

Ed - KL7UW

At 10:21 AM 2/10/2011, David Palmer wrote:
>Hi Clint and James,
>
>I've got a full write-up on my 2 x FT-817ND system with SatPC32 on my page at:
>
>http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/2010/10/satellite-portable-station.html
>
>It includes details configuation, screenshot, cables, setup, etc.
>Same config will apply to an 817+857 install.
>
>73 de Dave KB5WIA / CM88
>
>On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 9:45 AM, Clint Bradford  wrote:
> > James Brown (no, not THAT "James Brown") needs assistance with 
> SatPC32 - Would a SatPC32 guru please answer him directly at ...
> >
> > jimki...@sbcglobal.net
> >
> > JAMES:  Wondering if you have instructions to make ft817 and 
> ft857 connect to sat32pc and how that works. I have the 857 working 
> as primary. Thanks, Jim KI6WJ
> >
> > Many thanks - I just am not that familiar with SatPC32 ...
> >
> > Clint K6LCS
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
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[amsat-bb] Re: SatPC32 - FT-817

[Edward R. Cole]

At 10:25 AM 2/10/2011, Clint Bradford wrote:
>GREAT info - MANY thanks!
>
>Clint, K6LCS
>
>On Feb 10, 2011, at 11:21 AM, David Palmer wrote:
>
>Hi Clint and James,
>
>I've got a full write-up on my 2 x FT-817ND system with SatPC32 on my page at:
>
>http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/2010/10/satellite-portable-station.html
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Nice article.  A couple questions:
1- Can one run both tracking (B5400) and tuning with SATPC32?
2- I didn't know that Yaesu needed a CAT converter to RS232.
The K3 has a RS232 port so easy to connect.  But I will have to get 
into SATPC32 to see if it will support control of the K3.
3. Does SATPC32 interface with the Unitrac2000.

I am running winXP with a computer that has a com port and USB.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Spacewalk From International Space Station Will Air On NASA TV

[Edward R. Cole]

At 02:59 PM 2/10/2011, Clint Bradford wrote:
>Confirming the time ...
>
>February 16, Wednesday
>7:45AM EASTERN / 4:45AM PACIFIC
>ISS Expedition 26 Russian Spacewalk Coverage
>
>Spacewalk begins at 8:15AM EASTERN / 5:15AM PACIFIC
>Johnson Space Center Public and Media Channels
>
>NASA TV: http://tinyurl.com/ARISSat1-deploy
>
>Clint, K6LCS
>http://www.worksatellites.com
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OK, asking a silly question but it isn't being launched for six more 
days how can someone already copy the signal?  Does it have a secret 
time machine on board and zapped back from the future?  Or is it 
possible to pick up the signal form inside the ISS?  Did they test it 
or something?  Or did the scheduled launch get bumped forward?

I told you it was a silly question!

BTW when I go to the tinyurl link a picture blips for a second and 
then it tells me it is for NASA employees and not for the public.

Another geek e-mail?  >>>delete<<<



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: ARISSat-1 test

[Edward R. Cole]

There was a posting that alluded activation on April 12 but I find 
nothing on the Russian site about ARISSat-1.  I suppose they could 
connect it to the test antenna on the ISS like they just did.

A lot of questions about the battery condition waiting for a launch 
in July.  I would suppose there was a external power jack provided 
for testing.  Could that power ARRISSat-1 from the ISS power systems 
for recharging/test transmissions?  This is a question and not based 
on any knowledge I have about what it has.

July launch gives me time to restore my tracking antenna systems 
after being damaged by wind in Dec.  I will probably get the antennas 
remounted sooner, but I still have to T/S and repair the B5400 controller.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 05:38 AM 2/13/2011, g0...@aol.com wrote:
>
>I wonder if it will sit until July?
>
>After all the Russians KEDR name reflects the upcoming anniversary of Yuri
>Gagarin's flight into space. That was 50yrs ago on 12th April.
>
>So many questions
>
>David
>
>
>
>In a message dated 13/02/2011 08:28:12 GMT Daylight Time,
>orbit...@hotmail.com writes:
>
>Interesting comments:
>
>"During the test, RSC-Energia decided  to keep the transmitter on
>until Friday morning. "
>
>Hmmm curious  about a few things but... what impact this "test" has had on
>battery life,  considering the vehicle now "sits" until at least July...
>
>Robert G.  Oler WB5MZO life member AMSAT/ARRL soon to be NAARS and
>5Nsomething
>
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Nova for Windows question

[Edward R. Cole]

At 03:04 PM 2/15/2011, Jim Sanford wrote:
>All:
>In preparation for Echoes of Apollo event this spring, I'm resurrecting
>Nova and rotors, etc.  Interesting anomaly.
>
>Background:  My desktop has Nova version 2.1v
>  My laptop (which will be used for the event)
>has Nova version 2.2b
>
>First issue is why are they different; don't remember -- though all was
>the same.
>
>More important:
>  When I launched Nova on the laptop, I had no "views" configured.
>Which I attributed to a new install following a new hard drive a year or
>so ago, but now I'm not so sure -- something may be corrupted.  Copied
>the views file from desktop to laptop and most was well.  HOWEVER, could
>not find moon or AO-51.  Rebuild data base (IAW help file and FAQ) and
>found Echo (AO-51), which I can drag into my current view and track.
>Moon shows up on list of celestial objects, but I'm not allowed to drag
>it into the tracking list -- get an error message about no keplerian
>elements available.  (Which is no surprise; I think I recall that Nova
>uses a different algorithm for moon and sun.)
>
>Question:   What do I have to do to be able to track the moon in Nova
>for Windows 2.2b?
>
>Thanks and very 73,
>Jim
>wb4...@amsat.org
>
>
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I have vers. 2.2b on my desktop and the Moon drags into a view window 
with no error flags.  You build a view clicking the view drop-down 
list and chose either new or current to open the window where you can 
set up a view configuration.

I agree with Clint to uninstall and  install a new copy.  You will 
have to download the latest keps and build a new view but that should do it.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: pre amp help..

[Edward R. Cole]

At 12:59 PM 2/16/2011, Ted wrote:
>I just sent my ARR pre amp back to ARR for repair for the 3rd time !
>
>(pretty sure I did not tx through it )
>
>What are people using for pre amps. I only see the Mirage as an alternative.
>Any other choices. I'm kind of disappointed in ARR products.
>Is there a pre amp that you can tx through preventing accidental frying?
>
>Any thoughts appreciated
>
>73, Ted, K7TRK
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Ted,

Not without relays to bypass the preamp when transmitting.  Several 
outfits make preamps with RF detect and internal relays but be 
careful not to exceed their RF power ratings.  ARR make a fine preamp 
and I have used them for years.  The mgf-1302 is the standard device 
in them but have become scarce (hard to find).  Not sure what ARR is 
using as a substitute, but you could stock up on a handful and do 
your own repairs.

I have been the beneficiary of a couple dozen H-J Fets (NE334S01) 
that drop into the ARR and have half the NF (typ. 0.24 dBNF). They 
are smaller devices so a bit harder to handle.  I just installed one 
in an old P144VDG ARR preamp and had only to substitute the 100-ohm 
resistor with a 270-ohm to supply Vds=2.4v (mgf-1302 take Vds=4v).

I will be installing it on my 2m-eme array in a couple days and will 
see how it plays.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] pre amp help

[Edward R. Cole]

Since I have a dozen NE334S01, I can repair a few ARR 144 & 432 
preamps for others.

So here's the deal.  You ship to me in a small flat-rate Priority 
Mail box (cost you $5.20) and include $30 for repair plus return 
shipping.  You can either send a money order or use PayPal for 
quickest turnaround (a check will have to clear the bank before 
shipping back).  NO VISA/Mastercard/other credit cards (sorry).

Typically, priority mail takes 3-5 days to reach me.  I will make the 
repair within 48-hours of receipt.  So turnaround could be as little 
as 8-days or as much as 12 days (not including Sunday or Postal Holidays).

I can verify operation (gain) but not able to measure noise figure or 
sensitivity.  I can only warrantee workmanship that the preamp is 
functional for 30-days.  No warrantee for transmitting into the 
preamp or reversing dc voltage connections or dropping off your 
tower.  I will not accept preamps that have been previously repaired 
by other than the manufacturer.  Replacement of other components 
beside the Fet are at cost+15% (e.g. bad voltage regulator, broken 
feedthru, etc.).  Not responsible for loss in shipment so include 
insurance if you desire that.  If preamp is unrepairable, only cost 
$5.20 shipping back to you (balance will be refunded).

This offer is good until I run out of current stock of NE334S01 devices.
PLEASE CONTACT ME via e-mail before SHIPPING!

For comparison, ARR will charge $22.50 plus shipping UPS.  I can not 
do Factory Warranty work; contact ARR for that.

If anyone objects my sending out this e-mail - then don't read it 
(LOL).  This is not a commercial business - a ham helping other hams!


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: pre amp help..

[Edward R. Cole]

What Greg is describing is an RF sensed high-power 
attenuator.  Downeast makes two products that can work to do this:

One is the AOS-144 ( $80.00) which switches RF thru a 50w attenuator 
to a factory adjusted level from 10 up to 100mw output for driving a 
transverter.  The receive side is passed thru to a common SO-239 
connector which is connected to the radio.  To use it solely for a 
preamp a 50-ohm resistor can be tied across the BNC transmit output 
connector.  This would be used in conjunction with TR relay for 
unswitched preamps like the P144VDG.

They also make the SSBT ( $65.00) safety switch bias-tee which might 
be more appropriate.  It provides dc voltage to power the preamp over 
the coax line and senses RF for protection up to 50w.  Again one 
would need TR relays for bypassing the preamp if you want to also use 
the antenna for transmitting.

But if you just want protection for a dedicated receive preamp either 
would work without need for a relay.

I know that 100w was mentioned, but these probably would withstand a 
momentary application of 100w such as the turn-on "burp" that some radios have.
http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/cat-frame.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 08:56 PM 2/16/2011, Greg D. wrote:

>As others, SSB Electronics model that is RF switched.  I *have* 
>transmitted 100+ watts into it, though not on purpose, and it works 
>just fine.  I got the RF switched model as a "just in case" bit of 
>insurance, and am glad I did.
>
>It's been reported here a few years ago  that sometimes there's a 
>little "burp" of RF that squirts out when a transceiver is powered 
>up.  Seems unlikely , but if so, maybe that did it?
>
>If I recall, the discussion was about people frying their AO-40 
>S-band down converters by accidentally transmitting into them.  An 
>somewhat less certain recollection is that someone came up with a 
>simple circuit that would clamp the RF to a more forgiving, if not 
>totally safe level.  As an alternative to an RF switched preamp 
>model, perhaps a stroll through the archives might net a different solution.
>
>Good luck,
>
>Greg  KO6TH
>
>
>
> > From: k7trkra...@charter.net
> > To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
> > Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:59:41 -0800
> > Subject: [amsat-bb]  pre amp help..
> >
> > I just sent my ARR pre amp back to ARR for repair for the 3rd time !
> >
> > (pretty sure I did not tx through it )
> >
> > What are people using for pre amps. I only see the Mirage as an 
> alternative.
> > Any other choices. I'm kind of disappointed in ARR products.
> > Is there a pre amp that you can tx through preventing accidental frying?
> >
> > Any thoughts appreciated
> >
> > 73, Ted, K7TRK
> > ___
> > Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Linear vs. switching and HV DC

[Edward R. Cole]

At 10:54 AM 2/18/2011, Bob Bruninga wrote:
> > Is there a Amsat BB favorite between switching and linear [power
>supplies]?
>
>I won't speak to noise, which is the only potential issue with switching
>power supplies, but other than that, I am writing an article for QST that
>points out how the world of power and emergency power has changed
>drastically over the last decades.  Entirely due to switching power supplies
>and regulators:
>
>PROS:
>1) A 90% reduction in size and weight
>2) Laptop supplies that can supply 12v at 5 to 10 amps
>3) Universal inputs 115V to 240V AC
>4) * also run on 150 to 330 VDC
>5) Hybrids and Electric Vehicles have Kilowatts of 150 to 330 VDC available
>6) Home grid-tie solar has Kilowatts of high voltage DC available
>7) 12VDC to 120VAC inverters are now sine and modified sine at 90%+
>efficiency
>8) * These internally run on 200 VDC or so. Easy to run great distances on
>small wire if you run them directly on HV DC derived from your Hybrid or
>Solar.
>
>CONS: with today's litigious society and general ignorance (compared to the
>vacuum tube days when even cub-scouts built 2 tube radios with High
>Voltage), it is doubtful that QST will publish the article.  They have
>rejected it before, but I keep whittling away at the details.
>
>Bottom line, is that high efficiency high voltage DC is everywhere and
>because everything runs on switching power supplies that run internally on
>HV DC and regulators that accept a wide range of input, then HV DC could be
>the new universal power source.
>
>Problem is, Hybrid and EV MFR's are not going to provide access to HV DC
>willingly due to safety an liability issues.  Same for Solar installers
>Same for QST.
>
>But you can get some of what I am writing about on this page:
>http://aprs.org/FD-Prius-Power.html
>http://aprs.org/alternative-energy.html
>
>For example, buried in a Camry Hybrid is a nice compact stand-alone 14 volt
>100 AMP DC/DC supply.  Input can be 200 to 350 volts DC (which you can get
>from 120V or 240VAC with just some diodes)..  Problem is, it is bolted to
>the $1000 salvage battery and the salvage guys won't sell it separately.
>
>The Prius 100amp 14v supply is integrated into the huge drivetrain inverter
>and inseparable from that $3000 unit (salvage cost).
>
>As we electrify transportation and anyone with good sun goes solar, HV DC
>will be something Hams will be getting used to again.
>
>Bob, Wb4APR
>
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I am rebuilding my 4.2kV PS for the 2m-8877.  Does that qualify?  QST 
still publishes high-power tube amplifier designs in their 
handbook.  What's 150-250v amongst friends?  Of course HV DC can 
badly burn or Kill you.

I was 14 years old when working on my DX-35 with 850vdc on the 6146 plate.

I agree that many hams these days aren't not trained to handle 
high-voltage with all the 12vdc solid-state electronics 
available.  But QRO sspa are running at 50vdc and higher.  There are 
rules for safe work on HV...time to review them.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Linear vs. switching and HV DC

[Edward R. Cole]

At 12:26 PM 2/18/2011, Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL wrote:
>At 12:01 PM 2/18/2011 -0900, "Edward R. Cole"  wrote:
> >I am rebuilding my 4.2kV PS for the 2m-8877.
>
>
>That'll get you into AO-51.  ;-)

Not me!  I'm not getting the blame for melting the AO-51 receiver.



> >I was 14 years old when working on my DX-35 with 850vdc on the 6146 plate.
> >
> >I agree that many hams these days aren't not trained to handle
> >high-voltage with all the 12vdc solid-state electronics
> >available.  But QRO sspa are running at 50vdc and higher.  There are
> >rules for safe work on HV...time to review them.
>
>
>I know that's true.  Even the large caps in high current 13v supplies. I
>thought I had things discharged and just to be sure before I started poking
>around with a screwdriver checking other things, I thought I would be sure
>the filter caps discharged, so I put the screwdriver across the
>terminals  .

You know arc welders run at low voltage,,,but lots of 
current.  Discharging a large filter cap is a potential welding 
unit!  Same goes for getting across the terminals of a large 
battery  (a wrench or screwdriver laying across a car battery will 
cause a lot melting and possible overheat the battery enough to explode!


>You should have seen the spark.

And a loud "bang" or "pop"?
You ought to hear what 4kV sounds like when it arcs to ground!

Watch for burn and eye damage situations if working around high 
capacity/voltage systems.

Rule of HV:  NEVER touch a HV circuit until it is verified that no 
voltage remains.  Hooking/disconnecting HV probes to measure HV is 
always done with power-off/discharged.  Connect the HV probe/meter 
and do not touch them when HV is applied.  In commercial HV systems 
there is dead-man hook: a metal hook like a shepards crook with a 
cable to ground attached to a long insulated handle.  You do not hold 
it to short HV circuits.  YOU toss it onto the circuits and step 
quickly back.  I was taught this at NASA where we had a walk in 100kV 
PS (think it was housed in a semi trailer).  It ran the anode on 20kW 
s-band klystron amps.

ALWAYS inform someone when you are about to test HV (in case you need 
medical assistance).  INSTRUCT them to NEVER touch you or  go near 
the equipment if you get shocked/electrocuted.  Show them how to shut 
down the Main Breaker on the house (but CALL 911 FIRST, because a lot 
of cordless phones quit when the power is off).  DO NOT attempt CPR 
if you are not absolutely sure that power is off.  In most 
electrocutions the heart goes into fibrillation and ordinary CPR will 
not revive a person.  It will extend life if it can be done 
safely.  Be sure to tell 911-operator that an electrical shock has occurred.

Most electrocutions above 240v are fatal.  NO SECOND CHANCE!  Sort of 
like falling off that 100-foot tower - you only do it once.




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: PVC

[Edward R. Cole]

First off,  The originator asks a very open-ended question.  His only 
use of PVC was for a vertical antenna.  So what is his intended use 
for a PVC mast?  Except for very small wind-area antenna, it will not 
likely hold up.  Why would one use inferior materials in place of 
easily obtained steel (best) or aluminum (satisfactory)?

Does he need an insulated mast?  Does he plan an antenna that has to 
be isolated from nearby metal because...?  (it would affect the pattern?)

Thick-wall fiberglass is considerably stronger than PVC and has all 
the characteristics.  But neither will have the strength of 
steel.  Adding wood inserted inside helps (somewhat).  I made a 
18-turn 432 helical beam with 1-1/4-inch wooden closet pole and it 
lasted two winters before snow-load broke it.  I was too cheap for 
metal or fiberglass.  Wood must be carefully selected for antenna 
material and probably not match using metal for strength/weight ratio.

Some antennas have used PVC tubing for part of the structure.

Perhaps a better answer would come with more details of what is to be 
supported by the PVC mast.

And re: negative nancy - she may have extensive experience to speak 
from. ;-)  I thought that was what the query was about - experiences 
by others using PVC.  Not everyone will have positive experiences with PVC.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 10:31 AM 2/24/2011, 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 Patterson"  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
> 
> 
> 
>  ___
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> 
> >>> ___
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> >>>
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> >
> >
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
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*temp 

[amsat-bb] Re: A LITTLE HAM HUMOR for a change

[Edward R. Cole]

Or when out on a Sunday drive with the XYL you point homes as "great 
ham locations!".
When shopping for a new home, antenna considerations were highest priority.
Holidays are scheduled in areas/dates with great hamfests or ham conferences.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 10:48 AM 2/24/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote:
>You Might Be (and Probably Are)
>an Amateur Radio Operator, If:
>
>
>1. You have bought black electrical tape in ten packs.
>2. You have stripped wire with your teeth.
>3. You have told your child, "One day, all this will be yours," and 
>he or she did not respond at all.
>4. You would rather help another Ham friend to hook up new 
>equipment, or to put up a new tower, than to mow your own lawn.
>5. You have grabbed the wrong end of a hot soldering iron.
>6. You have gotten an RF burn from your own antenna.
>7. You have given out RST reports while you were on the telephone.
>8. When the microphones or visual aids at a meeting did not work, 
>you rushed up to the front to fix them.
>9. You have told the XYL, when she noticed a new rig in the shack, 
>"Why, that has been there for years."
>10. You have set your watch to UTC only.
>11. You have had to patch your roof after an antenna project fell onto it.
>12. You have put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car or on the riding 
>mower, just so you could watch it on APRS.
>13. You have tapped out "CQ" or "HI" on the car horn in Morse Code 
>to another Ham.
>14. Your teenager has refused to ride in your car because it looks 
>like a porcupine.
>15. You know the Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation of your home QTH.
>16. You have gone into the local Radio Shack store, and the store 
>clerk has asked you where something is and how it works.
>17. You have answered the telephone with your call sign, and then 
>finished the conversation with "73" and your call sign.
>18. You have looked for antennas, radios, and Morse Code in movies 
>and television shows.
>19. When you look at anything made of wire or metal tubing, you 
>wonder if it could be used as an antenna.
>20. Your call sign is listed on one or more of your hats, T-shirts, 
>or other garments.
>21. You regularly carry one or more tools in your pockets at any given time.
>22. When any kinds of batteries go on sale, you get really excited.
>23. When you look at a barbecue grill, it creates ideas about ground 
>plane antennas.
>24. You have designated all your friends as Hams or Non-Hams.
>25. You have referred to your Ham friends by their call sign 
>suffixes instead of their real names.
>26. You have intentionally confused Non-Hams by telling them that 
>the only things you talk about on the air are pork products.
>27. You have intentionally scared Non-Hams with the word "RADIATION"!
>28. You have looked at telephone poles and power line towers as 
>potential antenna supports.
>29. You have thought you were still hearing CW, SSB, or SSTV tones, 
>even when your Ham radio was off.
>30. Your Go-Bag has more clothes in it than your dresser does.
>
>31. You have a SKYWARN sticker on your back window.
>
>32. Your significant other sits in the back seat, and your radios 
>ride in the front.
>
>33. Your neighbors wonder if you are a "Narc" (narcotics officer), a 
>Spy, or a Federal Agent.
>
>34. The cops pull you over because they want to see the inside of your car.
>
>This one is actually being done by Tim Clark, KB4RPV:
>
>35. Your cell-phone's ring tone is your Ham radio call sign, sent in 
>Morse Code http://www.planetofnoise.com/midi/morse2mid.php).
>
>__
>
>Thought this might be worth a little chuckle
>WA4HFN
>
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: PVC

[Edward R. Cole]

Up here ten foot of gray electrical 1-1/2-inch PVC runs about $9.95 
and ten foot of 1-1/4 ID schedule-40 aluminum about $15.  When I am 
going to mount several hundreds of dollars of antennas on a mast am I 
going to risk losing them by saving $5?

My nearly $3K 2m eme array (four antennas+H-frame+144-foot of coax+ 
elevation bracket) are supported by 3-1/2 feet of 2-inch sched-80 
steel pipe!  The 16 sq-foot wind area array has withstood >65mph 
winds sustained over a 30-hour period that stripped the ring gear on 
the Ham-III rotator (azimuth drive).  I now use Ham-IV with steel 
ring gears.  That array and mast have been up 11-years.  You would 
not do that with PVC.

The H-frame has combined aluminum and fiberglass on the vertical 
masts which support the 21-foot long 2m x-yagis.  PVC would not be 
suitable even with wood.  The fiberglass has wooden dowels inserted 
in the ends to prevent crushing the fiberglass with antenna clamps. I 
added short split lengthwise aluminum tubing to sheath the fiberglass 
at the clamp locations.

You probably are not looking at a project this big but steel and 
aluminum are not that expensive.  So is there another reason to want PVC?

Ed

At 11:32 AM 2/24/2011, Matt Patterson wrote:
>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 Patterson"  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
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
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> >
> > author.
> >
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> >
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> 
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[amsat-bb] Re: IC-9100

[Edward R. Cole]

Time will tell if the IC-9100 = IC7600+IC910.

I am about ready to let loose of my FT-847 (maybe).

I have a Elecraft-K3 (HF/6m) + 144/28 and 1296/28 
transverters.  Selling the FT-847 would allow purchase of a 432/28 
and maybe a 222/28 (but this is not part of the discussion re> sat radios).

Of course the K3 will not do cross-band duplex (yet), so for that I 
would have to bring my FT-817 into the picture.

So how does this stack up in $$$
K3/100 ($2000) + $600 x 3 = $3500 add a couple 100w amps and you have 
over the cost of a IC-9100.
How do they stack up in performance?  for satellites probably fine; 
on HF?  Any other problems (like birdies)??

Comparing the IC-9100 to non-sat radios is probably not fair.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 01:08 PM 2/25/2011, John Geiger wrote:
>It seems to be price about right.  It is a combination of the Icom 7410
>(which cost $2000) and the Icom 910 (which costs about $1800 when you add
>the filters and DSP units).  The Icom 7600 costs just a little less than
>this, and it doesn't do 2m, 70cm, or true dual receive.
>
>73s John AA5JG
>
>- Original Message -
>From: "Rob Goodson" 
>To: "Dee" 
>Cc: "AMSAT -BB" 
>Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 9:34 PM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: IC-9100
>
>
> >I will never own one at that price or likely even half that! Even if
> > donated, I'd likely flip it for say a couple of 847's or TS-2000's. Even
> > if
> > I wanted a NEW radio, It is not even in my radar as I'd prefer a
> > computer controlled  receiver and transmitter. seems the Mega raido trend
> > has made a mis-step now with this model.
> > R.Goodson
> > N2RAG
> >
> >
> > On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 1:07 PM, Dee  wrote:
> >
> >> COMMENT:  Leaves me out unless someone donates it to meMy 2 910's
> >> work
> >> great and since there is no HEO in the near future, what else do you
> >> need.?
> >> Off to an auction tonight to see if I can pick up some antennas...
> >> 73,
> >> Dee
> >>
> >> -Original Message-
> >> From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
> >> Behalf Of Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF
> >> Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 1:58 PM
> >> To: Alexandru Csete
> >> Cc: AMSAT -BB
> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: IC-9100
> >>
> >> Look further down the page, the remote control software is a penny less
> >> than
> >> ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND dollars.
> >>
> >> On 25-Feb-11 18:06, Alexandru Csete wrote:
> >> > On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 6:22 PM, Dave Webb KB1PVH
> >> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> HRO has the Icom 9100 on it's site now for the low low price of
> >> >> $3799.95
> >> >>
> >> >> http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010763
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> > Wow, when I first saw that radio some time ago I thought it was
> >> > supposed to be some kind of discount radio since they didn't even
> >> > include a color display. So, now I am wondering, what is the advantage
> >> > of one IC-9100 for $3800 over two IC-7000 for $2400?
> >> >
> >> > 73
> >> > Alex OZ9AEC
> >> > ___
> >> > 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
> >> >
> >>
> >> --
> >> Nigel A. Gunn,  1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH 45385-1115, USA.  tel +1
> >> 937
> >> 825 5032
> >> Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF 9H3GN),  e-mail ni...@ngunn.net
> >> www  http://www.ngunn.net
> >> Member of  ARRL, GQRP #11396, QRPARCI #11644, SOC #548,  Flying Pigs QRP
> >> Club International #385,
> >>Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691,  AMSAT-UK 0182, MKARS,
> >> ALC,
> >> GCARES, XWARN, EAA382.
> >>
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> >>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 340

[amsat-bb] Re: KIT

[Edward R. Cole]

Kevin,

I agree with Jeff.  The last time there were dedicated VHF radios was 
when Heath still made them.  But today you can find very nice HF 
radio kits and 2m and 70cm transceiver kits, which together make a 
fine multi-mode VHF/UHF radio.

I would recommend the K2 HF radio kit from Elecraft
http://www.elecraft.com/
and either their transceiver kits or kits from Downeast Microwave:
http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/

I have the Elecraft K3 but it is not a traditional kit that is 
assembled by soldering pc boards (but only a mechanical kit).

73, Ed
Perhaps there have been articles in QEX for building a complete radio 
for VHF.  QST does not normally offer complicated projects.
If you look thru my website you will see that I build a lot of my 
station, but not the central radio.

At 07:57 PM 3/4/2011, Jeff Moore wrote:
>Insulting people probably won't get you what you're looking for.
>
>I did a search of the QST archive and came up empty, so I doubt if there was
>an article (I could be mistaken).  Most kits out there are for HF equipment
>usually QRP (low power), I don't personally know of a 2m/70cm kit of any
>kind.  There are lots of homebrew projects but again they are mostly for HF.
>
>If you have more specific information, by all means post it here.  I'd be
>interested.
>
>As for other forums, they are too numerous to list.  Your best bet would be
>to go to Yahoo groups and do a search on applicable topics and/or equipment
>models.
>
>There are a lot of hams that still build stuff - mostly antennas, but other
>equipment as well.  There just aren't very many kits out there anymore.  If
>you run across a vhf/uhf kit of any kind, I'd be interested in learning more
>about it.
>
>Jeff Moore  --  KE7ACY
>CN94
>- Original Message - From: "Kevin Deane" 
>
>Is there another forum, because obviously everyone here just buys everything
>and maybe have forgotten what this hobby is all about!
>
>I know there is a kit out there for a receiver and or a SSB converter.
>
>2-meter/70cm SSB receiver. I heard there was an article in QST so it must
>exist.
>
>I am young, enthusiastic, and have lots of time, any help would be great. :)
>
>Kevin
>KF7MYK
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Analyzer

[Edward R. Cole]

At 11:28 AM 3/6/2011, Clint Bradford wrote:
>First, befriend a Motorola technician at your local Moto dealership 
>- if you haven't already.
>
>And you really have two price-point options: about US$400 for an 
>MFJ-269, or a true piece of bench service gear at about US$5000.
>
>If you get an MFJ-269, "use" your contact with a real service tech 
>to "compare" results. There was an issue with QC on the MFJ-269 
>(SOURCE: Personal experience, as I sold them for a couple of years). 
>So - if you get a good one - or one with consistent results, you'll 
>really enjoy it.
>
>Clint, K6LCS
>909-241-7666
>
>
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I bought mine used on e-bay and spent too much for it.  Failed the 
third day and cost me $70+shipping to get it fixed by MFJ.  I ended 
up spending more than a brand new unit ;-)  But is compares well with 
Bird43 measurements (which are 95% accurate) so good enough for ham 
use at my place.  I modified mine to operate on LF for tuning loading 
coils on those "short" LF antennas.  See my website under tech topics.

I ran it on a 4AH gel-cell for a couple years until I got tired of 
lugging around the battery (installed ten NiMH AA cells and charge it 
with the bench PS).  It is very handy for those quick checks of 
antennas or cables.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
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[amsat-bb] Fwd: Allocation of 433 – 434 MHz Band for Short Range Devices in VR2

[Edward R. Cole]

My apologies for forwarding this but I need some 
help with the answers.  You could write directly 
to Johnny or post to the reflector as is appropriate.

>Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2011 08:37:19 +0800 (HKT)
>From: Johnny Siu 
>Subject: Allocation of 433 ­ 434 MHz Band for Short
>  Range Devices in VR2
>To: "Edward R. Cole" 
>
>
>
>Hello Edward,
>
> From my reading of your messages in Elecraft 
> mail reflector, I understand you are an active 
> operator in the UHF/SHF region.  Therefore, I need to draw your expertise now.
>
>The allocation of 70cm band in Hong Kong is 
>430-431Mhz and 435-439.8Mhz - secondary amateur service.
>
>Office of Telecommunication Authority (OFTA) of 
>Hong Kong is now considering allocating 
>433-434Mhz for short range devices 
>(SRD).  Clearly, this is not to the interest of 
>the amateur radio sector in Hong Kong and 
>deviated from IARU - region 3 band plan.
>
>I will take up the matter with OFTA on behalf of 
>the amateur radio sector in VR2 to defense the 
>70cm ham specturm.  Before doing so, I would 
>like to draw some of your expertise:
>
>1.  Is it common to have short range devices 
>within the 70cm band in other countries e.g. US?
>2.  Presumably, the short range devices are of 
>low RF power so that co-existence with ham 
>operation in the same band is possible.  Is my understanding correct?
>3.  If my understanding in item 2 above is 
>positive, are there requirements for any guard 
>band between the SRD and ham channels?
>4.  Is there technical issues which I should highlight to OFTA?
>
>My ultimate aim is to demand OFTA to return the 
>band segment of 433-434Mhz to the amateur radio 
>sector (at least as secondary services) in 
>VR2.  Spot frequencies co-exist with ham 
>operation are acceptable.  Any information to 
>back up my argument will be appreciated.
>
>
>Cheers,
>
>Johnny VR2XMC
>


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==

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[amsat-bb] Re: ISS Digipeaer over Japan

[Edward R. Cole]

At 07:28 AM 3/13/2011, Bob Bruninga wrote:
>Toyo san,
>
>A few more ideas.  It is easy to manually estimate ISS pass times 
>every day once you have heard a pass.
>See: http://aprs.org/MobileLEOtracking.html
>
>1) ISS over Japan today is between about 0830 to 1830 JST.
>
>2) When you hear the first pass, then you will have additional 
>passes every 91 minutes or so that day.
>
>3) Each day a given GOOD pass is 23 minutes later.
>
>4) But overall-long-term pattern is moving earlier every other day 
>by 51 minutes.
>
>5) So in one week from now, the time window will be 0600 to 1600
>
>6)  The pass pattern is about the same.  First 2 passes peak to the 
>SE, then NW.  Then a low northern pass, then the last two passes are 
>NE and then SW.
>
>You can get EXACT pass times from http://heavens-above.com and 
>select a city.  However, this web page does not show the 1 or 2 low 
>passes each day below 10 degrees elevation.
>
>The problem with using the ISS digipeater is that the survivors in 
>the devistated area do not know the frequency (145.825).  One way to 
>solve this is to look for opportunity for someone to take a portable 
>digipeater on an airplane over devistated area.  The new TH-D72 HT 
>can digipeat now!  So have someone with a D72 catch a ride in an 
>aircraft one day.
>
>The D72 can BEACON on 144.64 a MESSAGE BULLETIN with info about the 
>ISS digipeater and the time-window.  WHile it is aloft, it can also 
>act as a digipeater on Japanese APRS channel 144.64 and can also 
>capture a list of any APRS stations or mobiles on the air.
>
>The short bulletins might say something like this:
>
>TO: BLN1
>MSG: ISS Digi on 145.825 between 0830 to 1830
>
>TO: BLN2
>MSG: Passes are 6 min long every 91 minutes
>
>TO: BLN3
>MSG: Every day, passes are 23 minutes later
>
>TO: BLN4
>MSG: Time window moves EARLIER 51m every 2 days
>
>Keep bulletins to under 45 characters to make sure that every radio 
>display can see the full bulletin (D7 screen limit).

All good suggestions except the last one.  I think the road system is 
devastated as all the relief work has been by air in the severest hit 
areas.  ~ Ed , KL7UW


>But in small area like Japan, I think it might be easier just to try 
>to drive APRS mobiles (acting as digipeaters) to nearby hill tops on 
>144.64 normal APRS Japanese Frequency and keep everyone on same 
>frequency without confusion.
>
>Bob, WB4APR
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Using Preamps In Shack

[Edward R. Cole]

Paul,

The main advantage of a preamp is increasing your sensitivity by 
lowering the noise figure of your receiving system.  You lose some of 
that  by locating the preamp in the shack.  Any coax loss between the 
preamp and antenna adds directly to the overall NF:  80-foot of 
LMR-400 is 1.2 dB loss and added to a 0.5 dB NF preamp nets you a 
system NF = 1.2+0.5 = 1.7 dB.

But it will still increase the sensitivity of most radios that have 
NF in the 6 to 12 dB range.

Recently I lost one of my eme preamps on my tower and used a preamp 
at the shack.  My normal system NF = 0.76 dB.  In the shack I had 
0.25 + 1.7 dB cable loss = 1.95 dB NF.  That lowered my sensitivity 
by about 5 dB but I still received eme signals.

I would suggest you make a comparison for yourself.  Try the preamp 
in the shack and try it near the antenna and see how much that 
affects your receiving ability.  It is not hard to enclose a preamp 
inside a plastic box for outside use (a small sandwich box works).

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 08:36 PM 3/13/2011, Paul Delaney - K6HR wrote:

>Does anyone have their preamps in the shack as opposed to mast mount?
>Any major disadvantage to having the preamps in the shack?
>I just acquired two AR2 SPxxxVDG preamps and understand they are not
>weatherproof and would need an enclosure to mount near antennas, which for
>the time being is not possible. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
>
>Paul Delaney - K6HR
>paul.hamra...@verizon.net
>http://k6hr.dyndns.org:8080
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Jet Stream

[Edward R. Cole]

At 08:37 AM 3/16/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote:
>I wonder if the Jet Stream might bring radation from Japan ouer the US
>http://squall.sfsu.edu/scripts/jetstream_model.html
>WA4HFN
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Interesting maps.

The natural circulation is west to east so possible that some 
radiation could transverse the world.  During the Chernobyl accident 
radiation was detected in Alaska.  Probably into western US, 
also.  Chernobyl impacted eastern Europe and Asia more, but was 
located in the Ukraine.  Japan is much closer to the US.

At this point the radiation release is much less than what happened 
in Chernobyl.  It is more a danger in the immediate area surrounding 
the plants.  If the reactor container has a breach then one can only 
guess the results.  So far it has been intentional release of 
radioactive steam resulting from heat of the reactor core and fuel 
rod storage area.  Unfortunately H2 gas is released in the extreme 
heat as sea water was applied for cooling and that led to explosions.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Fwd: Re: Re: AO-40 range record ??

[Edward R. Cole]

>Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:17:47 -0800
>To: "i8cvs" 
>From: "Edward R. Cole" 
>Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 range record ??
>
>At 08:40 PM 3/19/2011, you wrote:
>>- Original Message -
>>From: "P.H." 
>>To: 
>>Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2011 2:17 AM
>>Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-40 range record ??
>>
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > For a small club satellite presentation I will be mentioning the
>> > benefits of HEO over LEO and the range advantage.
>> >
>> > Can anyone tell me the distance record set when AO-40 was alive?
>> >
>> > Thanks
>> >
>> > 73
>> >
>> > 2i0VAX
>> >
>> > Pete
>>
>>Hi Pete, 2i0VAX
>>
>>My DX record on AO40 from JN70ES Naples Italy was a QSO with
>>ZL2AOX Ian Ashley in RF72MV with a distance of 18299.0 Km as you
>>can see in the following page of QRZ.com
>>
>>http://www.qrz.com/db/ZL1AOX
>>
>>The uplink was in L band and the downlink in S band
>>
>>This is why it is very important to pull for the new HEO satellite P3-E ! !
>>
>>Best 73" de
>>
>>i8CVS Domenico
>
>which is 11,370 miles.  The circumference of the earth is 40,075 km 
>(24,901 miles) so 18,299/40,075 = 45.7 %.
>
>That is darn close to half the earth in the footprint. Compare that 
>with a Leo sat footprint.  Anymore questions why we are hoping for another Heo?


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: JPL Tour

[Edward R. Cole]

At 08:10 PM 3/22/2011, Clint Bradford wrote:
>Just got back home from a day at Pasadena's JPL ... un-edited, 
>no-captions-yet photos at ...
>
>http://tinyurl.com/JPL-042211
>
>Clint

deja vu for me.  I worked there 1976-1979.  Of course lots has 
changed.  I tried to get a tour in Sept. 2001 but they were 
"locked-down" after 9-11.  I did get a tour of Goldstone, but only 
because I wrote that I was coming, in advance, and because I used to 
work there 1971-1976.  The gal that gave the tour was one of the 
trainees that took the program (in 1978) that I established in 
1974.  That was special.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Can SatPC32 track the moon?

[Edward R. Cole]

I don't currently use SatPC32 for the Moon (having both MoonSked and 
NOVA), but I did not find a folder named SuM in SatPC32.  For Moon 
az/el location, JT-65 provides that.  For controlling an antenna I 
have the Unitrac-2000 that runs with NOVA.  But my B5400 is broke at 
the moment, so Unitrac is not in use.

My SatPC32 is circa 2008 so maybe didn't have that folder back then?

73, Ed- KL7uW

At 02:31 AM 4/2/2011, you wrote:
>Thanks for the post Drew, I did not know that either...
>Joe
>KI4TZ
>
>Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
> > On 4/1/2011 9:40 PM, Bill Dzurilla wrote:
> >
> >> I've been using SatPC32 to track the ham satellites.  Lately 
> I've also been trying EME (moonbounce).  Does anyone know if 
> SatPC32 can track the moon as well as the amateur satellites?  If 
> yes, how is this done?
> >>
> >> 73, Bill NZ5N
> >>
> > There is a program in the SatPC32 folder called SuM that will do just that!
> >
> > 73, Drew KO4MA
> > ___
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> >
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Special Event April 12th

[Edward R. Cole]

if not mistaken, ARISSat is to be activated on-board ISS, and the eme 
community is holding a world-wide event along with the ARI EME Contest.

73, Ed -KL7UW

At 06:37 AM 4/2/2011, santana...@aol.com wrote:


>Hi:
>
>Since posting a query and no reponse, I've decided to do a Special 
>Event for the 50 years of the First Man in Space and 30 years of the 
>first Space Shuttle Launch. It will be on HF and locally on 2 
>meters. It has been posted on QRZ.com.
>
>Also if you know of any other activation, let me know, I assume that 
>in Russia there will be an operation of some kind.
>
>Cheers,
>Angel Santana - WP3GW
>
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: ITU Phonetics - Kilo

[Edward R. Cole]

At 10:29 AM 4/10/2011, John Becker wrote:
>There is a "STANDARD" why not use it???
>(that was a question)
>
>My navy training just rubs me the wrong way
>when I hear some of the "words" being used
>by some.
>
>Could be the "reason" your call went unanswered.
>
>John, W0JAB
>

Actually am surprised there is any debate on this topic.  The whole 
point of using a standard phonetic alphabet is for ease in 
recognition under poor reception conditions.  Only one word is used 
for one letter of the alphabet so that reduces confusion.

So saying that, everyone knows that KL7UW is KL7 "micro wave"!  LOL
In fact I chose that vanity call to bring attention to my mw 
activity.  KL7MW had been taken.
U could be construed as the greek symbol "mu"

but phonetically it is "uniform whiskey"
I'll drink to that! ;-)

73, KL7uW, ex K8MWA (many wobbly antennas) or (micro wave amateur)




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Fwd: Re: ARRISAT Initial xmsn//Pass#1 @0712AK=nada

[Edward R. Cole]

Eric, N6SPP/KL7 no reception of ARISSat at 1512utc  Next time ISS is 
visible will be 9:15utc Apr. 12  5-deg max elevation.  ARISSat will 
be turned off before the pass at 10:50utc.  Very little chance to 
observe from Alaska.



>Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:22:53 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Eric Thompson 
>Subject: Re: ARRISAT Initial xmsn//Pass#1 @0712AK=nada
>
>
>Nada here on 145.95,919, or 939..Elk  horiz.. no polarity 
>control.. +3 degrees max elev  at 0712AK...  wav file recording  ready..
>
>Eric n6spp
>
>
>From: Eric Thompson 
>Sent: Sun, April 10, 2011 11:28:35 PM
>Subject: ARRISAT Initial transmissions- Monday 11th 0700AK
>
>Hey guys-
>
>Please see the attached ISS quick-pass list.
>
>According to the latest bulletin, the timed transmissions are from 
>(BP51- AOS) 0710 AK Monday to  (BP51-AOS) 0141 AK Wednesday..
>
>If I'm reading this right, there are seven passes during this 
>period.. BP51 local pass times are 0710,0250, 0425. 0600   etc..
>
>Max elevations are 3, 5, 12,13,6,1, 9 degrees  etc..
>
>Looks like an early morning challenge.  Yow
>
>  Dale, am I on the right page? Are you going to attempt some of 
> these sigs just above the horizon?
>
>   Initial transmission downlinks:  145.95 FM  voice,telem,robot 36,bpsk.
>145.939 cw-1, 145.919 cw-2.
>
>   I'd like to make recordings and send to KA2UPW/5, but not sure if 
> I'll be awake. hi
>
> Eric  KL/N6SPP
>


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: ARRISSat Reception 14.45 UTC

[Edward R. Cole]

Not wanting to be a naysayer, but this was discussed a few weeks ago 
on Amsat-bb with the word from the mission staff that no external 
power connection was provided.  In other words it runs on 
solar-charged batteries.  Of course, we know they had some sort of 
"bench power connection" for testing.  I hope the "folks" on the ISS 
are good technicians and can "rig up" something.  There was a concern 
the batteries might drop off in storage until this summer when the 
"Main Show" is to happen.

Of course maybe they can "duck tape" it outside and let it run on the 
panels/batteries?  OK that was in jest (humor).

I only have operational is a 2m Lindenblad CP omni directional 
antenna that is probably not good enough to hear ARISSat when down at 
the horizon and at max range.  Just luck that my 2m-eme system is out 
of commission at present else I would had a excellent receiver.

GL and 73's
Ed - KL7UW

At 09:19 AM 4/11/2011, Nitin Muttin wrote:
>Nothing heard on the 16.20 UTC pass, watch the live feed from ISS from
>http://spaceflight.nasa.gov looks like the crew is working on addressing the
>issue, the last comment I heard is recharging the batteries ( Please excuse
>if I am wrong J ).
>
>
>
>73's
>
>Nitin [VU3TYG]
>
>
>
>From: Nitin Muttin [mailto:vu3...@amsatindia.org]
>Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 8:24 PM
>To: 'amsat-bb@amsat.org'
>Cc: 'amsatin...@yahoogroups.com'
>Subject: ARRISSat Reception 14.45 UTC
>
>
>
>All,
>
>
>
>Nothing heard from the ARRISSat-1 on 145.950 / 437.550 and 145.919 during
>the 14.42 UTC pass over India.
>
>
>
>73's
>
>Nitin [VU3TYG]
>
>   _
>
>No virus found in this message.
>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>Version: 10.0.1209 / Virus Database: 1500/3564 - Release Date: 04/10/11
>
>   _
>
>No virus found in this message.
>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>Version: 10.0.1209 / Virus Database: 1500/3564 - Release Date: 04/10/11
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: ARISSatTLM Software Now Available for Apple Mac

[Edward R. Cole]

At 04:21 AM 4/12/2011, JoAnne Maenpaa wrote:
>Hello everyone,
>
>Making sure this gets wider coverage than the ANS list:
>
>SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-102.02
>Mac Version of ARISSatTLM Software Now Available for Download
>
>AMSAT News Service Bulletin 102.02
> >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
>April 12, 2011
>To All RADIO AMATEURS
>BID: $ANS-102.02
>
>The Mac version of the ARISSatTLM software is now available for
>download from:
>
>http://www.arissattlm.org/download/ARISSATTLM.zip
>
>[ANS thanks the ARISSat-1 team for the above information]
>
>/EX
>
>--
>73 de JoAnne K9JKM
>k9...@amsat.org
>Editor, AMSAT News Service

I guess I missed the announcement for the PC Telemetry sw.  But found 
it and now installed.  Still remains to see if my omni antenna will 
be adequate once ARISSat-1 is operating.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: satellite average elevation

[Edward R. Cole]

Bob etal,

Your discussion has prompted me to "throw up" a yagi (2m7) quickly in 
anticipation of ARISSat-1.   Viewing ISS from Alaska is much 
simpler:  Just point due south on the horizon as ISS rises no more 
than 15 deg and usually half that angle.  Living near 61 deg N 
latitude makes the ISS 51 deg maximum sub-satellite longitude very 
low in the southern sky and at maximum range.

I even have a preamp to use.  Hoping to capture telemetry.

73, Ed - KL7uW

At 11:49 AM 4/12/2011, Bob Bruninga wrote:
> > Okay---but the 12-15 degree argument _assumes
> > that the station has a view "to the horizon"
> > that isn't tainted by trees, hills, and houses.
> > In those circumstances, 30 deg might well be
> > the better choice!... So, the 12-15 degree
> > "optimum" assumes a clear view to the horizon...right??
>
>Yes.  Correct.  But if one cannot see nor hear below 20 degrees, such a
>station is missing out on almost 70% of all the times a LEO satellite is
>above the horizon anyway.  In that case, then there is little justification
>for even having a beam, motors, tracking, and timing and a PC at all.
>
>At 30 degrees and above, signals from LEO's are 5 dB or more stronger than
>at the horizon, and a simple 1/4 wave whip over a ground plane (with a
>pre-amp) will just about hear everything with no moving parts or tracking.
>If you want even more gain, make the whip 3/4 wavelength long (still 19.5"
>at UHF) and get nearly 7 dB antenna gain in a cone above 30 degrees.  That
>plus the 5 dB closeness gives you at least 10 dB gain over what a vertical
>will hear of a satellite on the horizon.
>
>But you are correct.  If you really want to have a beam and you really want
>to have motors and tracking, and PC's and updated elements, etc, then I DO
>AGREE, tilting up to have the main lobe just over the tops of the visible
>horizon is an improvement.
>
>TO be clear.  I am not arguing against a specific angle (say 30) just
>because its 30, but I am arguing against how the choice of that angle is
>presented.  If it is presented in the absence of an appreciation of the
>significant 4 to 1 difference in signal power over the angles from 30 down
>to 0..  or does not reference the 1 to 4 times increase in VISIBILITY
>DURATION over that same drop in angle, then I think it is worth pointing
>out.
>
>I can see now that I should add a plot of visibility time versus angle as
>well as the path-gain vs angle on the web page:
>http://aprs.org/rotator1.html  By the way, that is an old page, and you can
>ignore the "how to build" a TV rotor controlled station, since no softare
>currently drives it except mine (obsolete).  But the information on the
>geometery of LEO passes is what most satellite newbee's overlook.
>
>
>Bob, WB4APR
>
>
>Mark N8MH
>
>On Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 2:24 PM, Bob Bruninga  wrote:
> >> As I said, in the "goode olde dayes" we used
> >> 30 degree up tilt and it worked well...
> >> Lessening the up tilt may increase the gain
> >> for the lower angle passes but will also decrease
> >> the gain on the higher angle passes.  So, it is a
> >> "trade off" no matter what you do!
> >
> > Sorry to sound like I am quibbling... but that last sentence implies the
> > idea of an equal "trade off".  But the tradeoff is not equal at all and
>may
> > be missing the point here.
> >
> > A LEO satellite pass does not need gain at "higher angles" because the
> > satellite is by definition 2 or 3 times closer to the ground station (+6
>to
> > +9dB stronger).  But one does need the gain at lower angles where the
> > satellite is much further away.
> >
> > An up-tilt of 30 degrees is throwing away excess gain where it is not
>needed
> > (high angles) at the expense of low angles where every single dB -is-
> > needed.  So there is no real tradeoff...  A lower angle (about 15 degrees)
> > is more-or-less optimum for LEO's with fixed tilt and modest gain beams.
> >
> > To actually quantify the exact best angle (which will depend on the actual
> > beam's own beamwidth), it is simply to up-tilt the antenna no more than
>the
> > angle at which the gain on the horizon LOSES say less than 1 dB.  Note,
>this
> > is not half the published "antenna beamwidth" which is usually a "3 dB"
> > beamwidth.  It is much less than that, less than half the 1 dB beam width.
> > You can measure this by setting the beam no higher than the upangle that
> > loses less than 1 dB to a signal on the horizon
> >
> > Something like that...
> > Bob, WB4APR
> >
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>
>
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[amsat-bb] Re: ARISSat-1 Deactivation

[Edward R. Cole]

At 03:04 PM 4/12/2011, Armando Mercado wrote:
>Hello,
>
>The ISS timeline for 4/13/2011 calls for the "Deactivation of
>Radioskaf hardware and closeout" at 10:30-10:50 UTC.
>
>http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/535242main_041311_tl.pdf
>
>73, Armando  N8IGJ
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Kind of looks like ARISSat-1 was a no-show for this event.  Now I 
have to decide whether to stay up for the April 13, 0808utc pass 
(midnight local) or give it up.  I wonder when someone is going to 
tell us anything about it.  So far its rumor and innuendo.  Nothing official.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] ARRIsat-1 - No Show

[Edward R. Cole]

It really does not instill much confidence in partnering with 
RSC-Energia for any future satellites.  I will withhold judgement of 
individuals involved till we learn more.  I certainly am not in favor 
of spending Amsat funds on such a venture, again.

But then I no longer have a voice in the matter as I have let my 
membership in Amsat lapse.  That was totally a financial decision - 
as a senior retired on social security, I have to chose what I spend 
money for.  I could continue a couple memberships that provide a 
senior/retired rate.

That also means I am retired as a field op.


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: ISS Packet using AGWPE

[Edward R. Cole]

At 01:21 PM 4/15/2011, Ng, Peter wrote:
>hey what's going on?  amsat-bb got quiet all of the suddentoo quiet! :)
>
>I'm trying to connect to ISS using AGWPE with my soundcard.  can 
>anyone help me with this?  How does one connect to the ISS 
>digipeater?  Are there documentation on the AMSAT site or 
>elsewhere?  Any help would be appreciated!
>
>73's Peter VE7NGP
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WE are all catching up our lost sleep! ;-)



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: ground plane on

[Edward R. Cole]

Greg, Dan:

One of my first antennas put up in Alaska was a simple 2m J-Pole.  I 
used the upper portion of a TV mast and used a 1/4 wave section of 
copper tubing clamped 3/4 wave length below the top end of the 
mast.  Attaching coax to the stub and mast at a point to give a 
50-ohm match.  Worked fine.  Note that the longer part of the J-Pole 
continued below where the 1/4 wave stub attached for about ten 
feet.  There was no matching problems.  What affect on the radiation 
pattern resulted is unknown, but I observed no detrimental effects.

Adding ground radials to the bottom of the J-pole should not have a 
big effect on tuning.  I think the only effect on radiation is that 
you establish a better ground for the vertical 1/2 wave dipole 
(perhaps lowering the pattern a little closer to the horizon.

I built a 6m/10m J-pole and it is mounted at ground level attached to 
a short tower set into the ground.  The tower seems to not affect the 
tuning point.  This summer I may try adding some 1/4 wave radials to 
the base to see if it has any affect.  I set it up mainly for working 
6m/10m FM, but is also usable for mode-A satellites.  I have compared 
it to my 3-element triband yagi on A07 mode-A and the beam is better.
http://www.kl7uw.com/J-Pole.htm

Sidenote:  I have re-installed satellite antennas for 2m, 70cm , and 
13cm on my short tower this weekend.  Both 2m and 70cm antennas 
working well.  I have not installed the 2.4 GHz LNA or 
downconverters, as yet.  Control wiring for the satellite antennas 
has not been connected plus the B5400 az-el rotator control unit 
still requires repair so antennas not rotatable.
http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 09:49 PM 4/17/2011, Greg D. wrote:




>Hi Dan,
>
>  On 17/04/2011, at 15:53, KF1BUZ  wrote:
>
>  > A Copper Jpole, has this been tried?
>  > Just thinking it might make my getting into the birds better.
>  >
>  > Thanks
>  > Dan
>  > KF1BUZ
>  >
>
>If I interpret this right (subject + message), you are asking if 
>adding a Ground Plane to a J-pole antenna will improve its 
>performance in a satellite ground station application.  I believe 
>the answer is no, though someone would need to do the modeling to 
>understand for sure.
>
>A J-pole is an end-fed dipole, with the "J" portion being a 1/4 wave 
>long at the frequency of the antenna.  Recalling some RF theory 
>stuff, a 1/4 wave "matching section" has a low impedance on one end, 
>and a high impedance at the other.  One end goes to the coax feed 
>line (low impedance), and the other is attached to the end (high 
>impedance) part of the dipole.  You will find that the single pipe 
>section of the J-pole antenna is about a 1/2 wave long at the 
>antenna's design frequency, and since it's connected directly to the 
>end of the matching section, it makes for an end-fed dipole.  Some 
>designs use a 5/8 wave dipole section for a little extra gain 
>towards the horizon.
>
>So a J-pole antenna is actually a pretty effective satellite 
>antenna, similar to a simple ground plane antenna but mechanically 
>more robust.  I've used both kinds.  My very first satellite contact 
>ion 1993 was using one for the uplink into RS-10, and that contact 
>was followed by many many more.  That antenna is still in service 
>nearly 18 years later.  (If you hear or use the KO6TH APRS iGate, 
>you're using it!)  I've got two SO-239-type Ground Plane antenna 
>carcases in the garage; they didn't last.  As a satellite antenna, 
>both Ground Plane and J-pole antennas do have a null directly 
>overhead, but very few satellite passes go directly overhead, and 
>when they do, they spend very little time there.  So don't sweat it.
>
>A J-pole with a 1/2 wave section on top will also work as a dual 
>band 2M / 70CM antenna, with the upper band on the antenna's 3rd 
>harmonic.  Using the antenna that way, I'm told, it has a radiation 
>pattern that is lifted somewhat from the horizon, so it should be a 
>good match for satellite work.
>
>But, back to your question...  The J-pole antenna is a totally 
>balanced system in itself, and doesn't suffer for not having a 
>ground plane below it.  What putting a ground plane some distance 
>below the end of an end-fed dipole will do to the radiation pattern, 
>however, is a modeling task for someone at a higher mental pay-grade 
>than me.  My guess is that it will depend very significantly exactly 
>where the ground plane is mounted.  You could alter both the 
>radiation pattern and the feed point impedance with that addition, 
>and maybe make things worse.
>
>Hope this helps a little,
>
>Greg  KO6TH
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-

[amsat-bb] Re: KB5WIA / P in Death Valley Next Week (DM17, etc)

[Edward R. Cole]

Wow, Dave, did you know that they close down DVNP after Easter for 
the rest of the summer?  It can reach +125F or higher at Easter so be 
prepared with lots of water.  I loved to visit Bodie and Scottie's 
Castle.  I lived in Barstow 1971-1976.  The desert was my playground 
with my old 66 GMC suburban V6.

But been there, done that, and don't miss it! ;-)  GL on the sats!

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 09:13 AM 4/21/2011, David Palmer wrote:
>Hi Everyone,
>
>Early next week (April 25th) I'll be taking my brother on a tour of
>the remote backroads of Death Valley National Park, and I'll bring my
>portable satellite station along.  This will primarily be a camping
>and sightseeing trip, but I'll try to be on a number of
>morning/evening passes of the linear and FM sats.  My tentative plan
>for now is the following locations and grids:
>
>Sun pm / Mon am:  Bodie ghost town or Mono Lake in DM08 on Sunday,
>Bishop area DM07 Monday.
>Mon pm / Tue am:  Eureka Dunes in DM17
>Tue pm / Wed am:  Racetrack Playa in DM16
>Wed pm / Thu am:  Furnace Creek in DM16
>
>My actual real-time location will be updated with the SPOT tracker,
>you can find the link on my QRZ page.
>
>73 de Dave KB5WIA
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Icom D-Star

[Edward R. Cole]

At 11:18 AM 4/24/2011, Diane Bruce wrote:
>On Sun, Apr 24, 2011 at 02:36:37PM -0400, Sebastian wrote:
> > Never heard of WSJT?
>
>Never heard of it.
>
>- 73 Diane VA3DB
>--

Diane,

I'm surprised as involved in mw as you are.

Here is a link to the software:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/

Joe Taylor, K1JT, was a professor (now emeritus) at Princeton and a 
Noble Laureate for his work with Pulsars.

He first wrote FSK-441 as a digital mode for meteor scatter which has 
essentially replaced high speed CW as the primary mode on ms.  Then 
he developed a weak-signal program for eme about 2002 (it is nearing 
ten years).  The group of programs was bundled into a suite called 
WSJT (weak-signal JT).  The prime mode for 2m eme is now JT-65; CW 
has been largely replaced.  JT-65 uses noise reduction algorithms 
taken from the Reed-Solomon sw that is used for NR on DVD's.  JT-65 
is a very narrow band digital mode occupying only 4.7 Hz, thus it 
demonstrates SNR > 10 dB over CW.  It is a synchronous digital mode 
so it requires precise timing and frequency.  Most users use internet 
sw to maintain their computer time <1 sec error.

One offshoot is the propagation beacon sw, WSPR "whisper", which is 
very popular on HF for determining band conditions.  Many stations 
only run 1w or less with the sw.
http://wsprnet.org/drupal/

Maybe you have heard of these programs but not under the name of the 
bundled suite (WSJT).



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Icom D-Star

[Edward R. Cole]

At 01:43 PM 4/24/2011, i8cvs wrote:
>- Original Message -
>From: "Edward R. Cole" 
>To: "Diane Bruce" 
>Cc: "amsat-bb" 
>Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 9:49 PM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Icom D-Star
>
>
> > The prime mode for 2m eme is now JT-65; CW
> > has been largely replaced.
> >
> > 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
>
>Hi Ed, KL7UW
>
>I am anxious about that because even on EME very soon
>nobody will be able to use by hand a CW key and copy
>Morse Code by ears.
>
>I am sorry because I like very much the CW sound in my
>ears.
>
>CW is like music for me and after to eliminate the Radio
>Officers over the ships we radio hams we actually should
>be the last frontier for the CW existence.
>
>73" de
>
>i8CVS Domenico

You can still do eme on CW, just it will take a bigger antenna array 
and 1000w to be heard.  JT-65 enables a station with a couple 10 
element yagis or one longer yagi and 150w the ability to do eme on 
2m.  That is a huge attraction.

One takes about $5,000 and the other $500-800.  You see the 10-dB 
advantage applies to the cost as well! ;-)

CW is still prevalent on eme at 1296 and above.  I still hear plenty 
of CW around 14.020.  It is the main mode used on LF and MW.  but 
digital modes are demonstrating they are superior in weak-signal as 
well as emcomm.

WSPR on 10-MHz has been copied at 120 microwatts.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Question about radios

[Edward R. Cole]

Having the FT-847 since early 1998 and observing the IC-910 I would 
recommend both over the TS-2000 or new IC-9100 on basis of bucks 
spent.  I realize both the 847 and 910 are out of production but good 
used units are available for <$900.

The TS-2000 "birdie" issue is unforgivable for the money spent 
(Unless you are not interested in satellites which the FT-857/897 
would then be my choice).  The IC-9100 is outrageously expensive and 
would only be a choice if you have no HF equipment.  It is still too 
new for a complete opinion (for what you spend you could have top 
notch transverters and a new K3*, or buy two FT-817 with amps for a lot less).

*Note: the K3 is not able to do duplex at this time, but I have an 
idea how it could by using the dual receiver IF.
My K3 with DEMI transverter is much superior to the FT-847 on 2m, but 
that is only for very weak-signal applications (satellites are on the 
strong side of weak-signal if you get my drift), and use on HF (which 
is not the question that was asked).

73, Ed - KL7UW


At 06:46 AM 5/3/2011, Dee wrote:
>Andrew,
>Being in this end of the hobby for "many" years, I have learned that
>sometimes the choice comes down to what you can afford.  While the TS2000 is
>a nice radio, with the birdie problem, it leaves a question.  Ihave had 2
>Icom 910's for many years and even have one of them adapted with the 1.2ghz
>module.  Both have worked flawless and have been more than adequate.  The
>new ICOM 9100 (which you ask about) is a bit pricey for the bands provided.
>I have been following the production of the 9100 and it has become out of an
>average hams price range.  While the specs are very good, you can achieve
>the same effect with a TS2000 - Icom 910- Yaesu 847 and even the older icom
>820 (?) -
>Once again, I have always advised sat ops to spend the money on the antennas
>and coax as this is where you'll find the most advantage for your operation.
>Good luck and go to the AMSAT website to obtain a truck load of info
>pertaining to satellite station construction and operating advice.
>73,
>Dee, NB2F
>NJ AMSAT Coordinator
>
>-Original Message-
>From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
>Behalf Of Alvaro Gaviria
>Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 4:51 PM
>To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Question about radios
>
>Hello all,
>
>
>
>Can someone tell what is better for satellite work, the Kenwood TS-2000X or
>the Icom IC- 9100 ??
>
>
>
>Best regards
>
>
>
>Andrew
>HK4MKE
>
>
>
>_
>
>http://astroretiro.260mb.com/
>
>algavi...@une.net.co
>
>
>
>
>
>___
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>
>
>___
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Question about radios

[Edward R. Cole]

Jerry provides a more complete review and more 
depth (based on his having experience with more 
satellite capable radios).  I should have 
mentioned the FT-837R, as it was the "best" 
before the advent of the new HF-light radios.  I 
traded all my components for the single radio 
concept when I bought the FT-847 (too soon after 
its introduction), but it has done very well.  I 
am still flip-flopping on whether to sell the 
FT-847 as it is still good for satellite use (and 
432-eme).  But my station is building up around 
the Elecraft K3 as core so we will see.

I do question everyone's desire to have 1.2 GHz 
in the same box.  Experienced microwavers all 
know that there is a lot of desirability to 
locate mw units near or at the antenna.  This 
becomes a fact above 1.2 GHz where coax losses 
eat you up.  My FT-847 operates on 2m for 1268 by 
using one of the (rare) DEMI 144/1268 Tx 
upconverters.  It's not installed, at present, 
since repairing wind damage from last fall, I put 
up a reduced-saze array (still not fully 
functional).  That unit produces 15w with about 
1.5w drive on 144-MHz.  It was produced for a 
short time during AO-40, and sales ended with 
AO-40's demise.  I installed it on the elevation 
crossboom with 7-8 foot of LDF4-50 (1/2-inch) hardline to the loop-yagi.

Today, one would have to purchase from db6nt 
(Kuhne Engineering) at higher cost (I think there 
might be a couple other sources for such a 
critter).  So that gives the Icom and Kenwood 
radios an advantage (of sorts).  But to get any 
reasonable RF to the antenna you will be running 
hardline, and if used for 1296, a remote 
preamp.  Well, for satellites you should have 
remote preamps, anyway (this last advice is not 
directed to the hand-waving Arrow/HT crowd).

There debate will continue as long as hams have radios ;-)

Ed - KL7UW

At 10:10 AM 5/3/2011, K5OE wrote:
>I can tell already this is an old thread that 
>will go on for a while… Money is almost never 
>“not an issue,â” so fitting the radio to the 
>user is always a matter of preferences and 
>priorities.  If you want HF + satellite in one 
>rig, the TS-2000 and the FT-847 work, but not 
>the IC-910.  If you want 23 cm in the rig, the 
>TS-2000 and the IC-910 work, but not the 
>FT-847.  If you want to power your preamp(s) 
>without any external wiring, the FT-847 and 
>IC-910 work, but not the TS-2000.  If you want a 
>built-in antenna tuner (HF), or a built-in TNC, 
>or built-in voice recorder, then only the 
>TS-2000 works.  If you want lots of 3rd party 
>software, then the FT-847 is your best bet.  I 
>agree with Ed, the IC-9100 seems priced 
>outrageously for what it is—reminiscent of the 
>IC-970H.  Maybe  I’ve just lost a sense for 
>the market—look at the priice of new cars!  For 
>a strictly satellite rig, an IC-821H is still a 
>very good radio selling for half the price of a 
>used IC-910 (and just a bit more than a 
>FT-736—the FFT-847 of a previous generation).  A 
>decade ago I bought a TS-2000 for a number of 
>reasons, including the ability to work the HF 
>satellites (RS-12/13 and AO-7) in one rig.  I 
>sold an FT-990 and an IC-820 and had money left 
>over.  I still consider it really good 
>value.  While I have never liked the controls as 
>well as my Yaesu HF rig(s), I came to really 
>appreciate the DSP functions and the CW features 
>and had great fun with the TNC on the ISS, 
>pacsats (especially UO-22, RIP), and APRS.  I 
>added 1.2 GHz when AO-40 was launched.  I scored 
>higher in HF contests with it than I ever had 
>with the non-DSP Yaesu rig.  I wasn’t bothered 
>(too much) by the infamous birdie because I 
>could tune around it with the combination of a 
>high-gain UHF antenna and a preamp, but do 
>consider it a fatal flaw to anyone considering 
>the radio for use on AO-27 or SO-50 with a 
>low-gain antenna system.  I’ll end with an 
>echo of Dee’s comment below:  spend your time 
>and money on the antennas, as almost any radio 
>will work with a good signal. 73, Jerry, K5OE 
>--- original message --- Having the FT-847 since 
>early 1998 and observing the IC-910 I would 
>recommend both over the TS-2000 or new IC-9100 
>on basis of bucks spent.  I realize both the 847 
>and 910 are out of production but good used 
>units are available for <$900. The TS-2000 
>"birdie" issue is unforgivable for the money 
>spent (Unless you are not interested in 
>satellites which the FT-857/897 would then be my 
>choice).  The IC-9100 is outrageously expensive 
>and would only be a choice if you have no HF 
>equipment.  It is still too new for a complete 
>opinion (for what you spend you could have top 
>notch transverters and a new K3*, or buy two 
>FT-817 with amps for a lot less). *Note: the K3 
>is not able to do duplex at this time, but I 
>have an idea how it could by using the dual 
>receiver IF. My K3 with DEMI transverter is much 
>superior to the FT-847 on 2m, but that is only 
>for very weak-signal applications (satellites 
>

[amsat-bb] Re: Question about radios

[Edward R. Cole]

This has been done to a certain degree by 
eme'rs.  The K3 is a dual down-conversion radio 
with a 15-KHz SDR at the second IF (first 
IF=8.215 MHz).  The K3 sub-RX is an exact 
duplicate of the main Rx which makes it the only 
commercially made radio that can be used for 
dual-channel phase-locked diversity reception.

For satellite operation, phase locking the two 
receivers is not required so any of the radios 
that have dual receivers could potentially be 
used on satellite.  However, not all can operate 
in duplex mode.  The Flex-5000 is available with 
a dual-Rx and cost about the same as the K3 
dual-Rx.  Both require VHF and UHF 
transverters.  I'm not sure the Flex can operate 
in duplex mode.  I have an idea for using the 
sub-RX in the K3 with a LP-Pan (or other SDR) to 
accomplish duplex operation (will require new 
firmware, at least).  But that is the nicety of 
SDR's: you can redesign them in sw and get a new radio.

There will be a batch of new dual-RX SDR's 
showing up in the coming year.  One offering 
dual-Rx for 144/432/1296 has just been offered by 
HB9DRI targeting the eme market.   Can it operate crossband and duplex?

73, Ed- KL7UW

At 03:06 PM 5/3/2011, nh6vb Scheller wrote:
>Ed, et al,
>
>It would be interesting to include the new generation SDR's, (FLEX RADIO's,)
>in comparison to the radio's mentioned. Just a thought. Commends anyone?
>
>Peter, NH6VB
>
> > Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 11:17:57 -0800
> > To: k...@aol.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org
> > From: kl...@acsalaska.net
> > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Question about radios
> >
> > Jerry provides a more complete review and more
> > depth (based on his having experience with more
> > satellite capable radios). I should have
> > mentioned the FT-837R, as it was the "best"
> > before the advent of the new HF-light radios. I
> > traded all my components for the single radio
> > concept when I bought the FT-847 (too soon after
> > its introduction), but it has done very well. I
> > am still flip-flopping on whether to sell the
> > FT-847 as it is still good for satellite use (and
> > 432-eme). But my station is building up around
> > the Elecraft K3 as core so we will see.
> >
> > I do question everyone's desire to have 1.2 GHz
> > in the same box. Experienced microwavers all
> > know that there is a lot of desirability to
> > locate mw units near or at the antenna. This
> > becomes a fact above 1.2 GHz where coax losses
> > eat you up. My FT-847 operates on 2m for 1268 by
> > using one of the (rare) DEMI 144/1268 Tx
> > upconverters. It's not installed, at present,
> > since repairing wind damage from last fall, I put
> > up a reduced-saze array (still not fully
> > functional). That unit produces 15w with about
> > 1.5w drive on 144-MHz. It was produced for a
> > short time during AO-40, and sales ended with
> > AO-40's demise. I installed it on the elevation
> > crossboom with 7-8 foot of LDF4-50 (1/2-inch) hardline to the loop-yagi.
> >
> > Today, one would have to purchase from db6nt
> > (Kuhne Engineering) at higher cost (I think there
> > might be a couple other sources for such a
> > critter). So that gives the Icom and Kenwood
> > radios an advantage (of sorts). But to get any
> > reasonable RF to the antenna you will be running
> > hardline, and if used for 1296, a remote
> > preamp. Well, for satellites you should have
> > remote preamps, anyway (this last advice is not
> > directed to the hand-waving Arrow/HT crowd).
> >
> > There debate will continue as long as hams have radios ;-)
> >
> > Ed - KL7UW
> >
> > At 10:10 AM 5/3/2011, K5OE wrote:
> > >I can tell already this is an old thread that
> > >will go on for a while… Money is almost never
> > >“not an issue,â” so fitting the radio to the
> > >user is always a matter of preferences and
> > >priorities. If you want HF + satellite in one
> > >rig, the TS-2000 and the FT-847 work, but not
> > >the IC-910. If you want 23 cm in the rig, the
> > >TS-2000 and the IC-910 work, but not the
> > >FT-847. If you want to power your preamp(s)
> > >without any external wiring, the FT-847 and
> > >IC-910 work, but not the TS-2000. If you want a
> > >built-in antenna tuner (HF), or a built-in TNC,
> > >or built-in voice recorder, then only the
> > >TS-2000 works. If you want lots of 3rd party
> > >software, then the FT-847 is your best bet. I
> > >agree with Ed, the IC-9100 seems priced
> > >outrageously for what it is—reminiscent of the
> > >IC-970H. Maybe I’ve just lost a sense for
> > >the market—look at the priice of new cars! For
> > >a strictly satellite rig, an IC-821H is still a
> > >very good radio selling for half the price of a
> > >used IC-910 (and just a bit more than a
> > >FT-736—the FFT-847 of a previous generation). A
> > >decade ago I bought a TS-2000 for a number of
> > >reasons, including the ability to work the HF
> > >satellites (RS-12/13 and AO-7) in one rig. I
> > >sold an FT-990 and an IC-820 and had money left
> > >over. I still consider it really good
> > >value. Wh

[amsat-bb] Re: K6LCS Contest - Follow-up

[Edward R. Cole]

At 11:05 AM 5/5/2011, Clint Bradford wrote:
>Wow ... SouthGate ARC picked up the story ...
>
>http://www.southgatearc.org/news/may2011/mr_amsat_uk.htm
>
>Let's do this again soon - this was fun!
>
>Clint
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Nice!  I recognized Martha, but did not know the Broadbents, though 
an Amsat_NA member from the early 1970's (#3212).



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Funnies

[Edward R. Cole]

At 02:40 PM 5/5/2011, Kevin Deane wrote:

>
>Since Ham Radio cartoon funnies seem to be so hard to come by, I 
>have been making my own. I was hoping I could find out from you 
>guy's what was the OLDEST and BEST sat you all got to use so I could 
>make them more interesting...Basically lookin for the oldtimers fav, 
>something before my time if you will.
>
>I know Amsat has good info on all of them, just do not know the 
>right one or one's to pick for my project.
>
>I have had good feedback on them so far, I thought I might circulate 
>them publicly seeing how postage would get a little expensive...
>
>Kevin
>KF7MYK
>
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AO-6 was the OLDEST I got to operate (actually it was the west-coast 
command station).  But BEST has to be AO-7 since it is still 
perculating!  FAVORITE was AO-40 mode US.


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Funnies

[Edward R. Cole]

I forgot to mention that the command stations were very busy in the 
first few weeks of AO-6 because we had to keep the transponder 
turned-off to save the batteries.  Unfortunately, this resulted in 
QSO's being cut in half, because the bird lit up with activity every 
time the Tx became activated.  I'm sure I was not making friends!

This was from Barstow, CA and K6HIJ's front yard.  We only ran as 
command for about two weeks.  This was probably 1972?

Ed - KL7UW

PS: Dick (K6HIJ-sk) and I were both members of sbms which made the 
2.4 GHz beacon for AO-7 (which was never turned on).  Dick was my 
boss at Goldstone.

At 02:40 PM 5/5/2011, Kevin Deane wrote:

>
>Since Ham Radio cartoon funnies seem to be so hard to come by, I 
>have been making my own. I was hoping I could find out from you 
>guy's what was the OLDEST and BEST sat you all got to use so I could 
>make them more interesting...Basically lookin for the oldtimers fav, 
>something before my time if you will.
>
>I know Amsat has good info on all of them, just do not know the 
>right one or one's to pick for my project.
>
>I have had good feedback on them so far, I thought I might circulate 
>them publicly seeing how postage would get a little expensive...
>
>Kevin
>KF7MYK
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 Data

[Edward R. Cole]

Perhaps the result will be more activity on AO-7, VO-52, FO-29 using 
SSB?  Looks like I am getting my satellite array working just in time 
to miss AO-51?  Be nice to see HO-68 again.

Hearing of Fox, when is it planned for orbit?  P3E?  any other 
lurkers about jump up into space?  oooh well,there is always Oscar-Zero ;-)

73, Ed

At 01:50 PM 5/6/2011, Clint Bradford wrote:
> >> ... you can't ... shouldn't ... don't go out any buy anything 
> just for this ...
>
>Heavy sigh.
>
>It's just that this has been such a good friend ...
>
>Guess I picked the wrong week to stop drinking Pina Coladas.
>
>Long live AO-51. I have a 67 degree elevation pass coming up in 30 mins ...
>
>Clint, K6LCS
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Live wed cast

[Edward R. Cole]

Nice video of truck on the interstate - so where is the 
hamvention?  I think all I did was sign up for mega spamming - thanks


At 06:54 AM 5/18/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote:
>http://w5kub.com/
>Log in and watch
>WA4HFN
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
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[amsat-bb] Re: Actual Eagle and P3E Status/Update

[Edward R. Cole]

The Amsat-DL 5-14-2011 Bochum presentation by DB2OS can be accessed 
on my website:
http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 04:22 AM 5/22/2011, i8cvs wrote:
>Hi Juan Carlos, CO8TW
>
>My message with file to you bounced back to me because
>(message too big for system) and Message size exceeds
>fixed maximum message size.
>
>See below
>
>Sorry !
>
>73" de
>
>i8CVS Domenico
>
>- Original Message -
>From: "Mail Delivery Service" 
>To: 
>Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 12:47 PM
>Subject: Delivery Status Notification
>
>
> > - These recipients of your message have been processed by the mail server:
> > co...@frcuba.co.cu; Failed; 5.3.4 (message too big for system)
> >
> > Remote MTA mail.frcuba.co.cu: network error
> >
> >
> >  - SMTP protocol diagnostic: 552 Message size exceeds fixed maximum
>message size
> >
>
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Thrust bearing maintenance

[Edward R. Cole]

At 04:19 AM 6/1/2011, Stephen  E. Belter wrote:
>I have an Yaesu GS-050 thrust bearing that has been installed for 
>about 15 years.  The thrust bearing turns, but requires a lot of force.
>
>I disassembled the thrust bearing to find that the grease is very 
>sticky (think candy apple sticky), and not lubricative (if that is a word).
>
>Should I take it to an auto repair shop and ask them to degrease and 
>then lubricate similar to repacking a wheel bearing?
>
>What kind of grease should be used?
>
>Thanks and 73, Steve N9IP
>--
>Steve Belter

Steve,

When I was building my tower#2 in 2008, I considered buying a Rohn 
TH-3 thrust bearing (about $200+) and was advised to look in ebay.  I 
found a nice 3-inch ball-bearing radial-thrust bearing for about $35 
(brand new).  It has a zerk fitting for a grease gun to maintain the 
lubrication (which at the slow rotation of antennas is almost 
never).  Ebay might be cheaper than a re-build.

73, Ed - KL7UW



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Fixed! Re: Landwehr 70cm preamp device question?

[Edward R. Cole]

I was not aware of these little pcb coax relays.  I think one could 
make a neat CP reversal switch using them on a pcb that could handle 
normal satellite RF levels (<100w) at a reasonable cost.  Much better 
than what is used on KLM CP antennas.

One could make switching preamps using two of them with any preamp


I use a couple CX-600NL in my 2m-eme system for polarity switching, 
but do not have enough isolation (48-dB) for preamps when 
transmitting 1000w (60dBm).  So I use two Narda relays with 80-dB 
isolation.  I am going to use one of the CX-600NL for 6m-eme 
switching 1100w where isolation is 60-dB.

73, Ed - KL7uW



At 05:33 PM 6/1/2011, Mark L. Hammond wrote:
>Hello Domenico I8CVS,
>
>I did take pictures while I had the cover off :)  You can see and 
>download them here:
>
>https://sites.google.com/site/marklhammond/hamradio
>
>Indeed, they are labeled "COAXIAL RELAYS" as you suspected.
>
>You can also see the "little white button" on the relays that I 
>mentioned previously.
>
>73!
>
>Mark N8MH
>
>At 02:42 AM 6/2/2011 +0200, i8cvs wrote:
> >Hi Mark, N8MH and All guys on the list.
> >
> >I am very happy that you solved the problem on your preamplifier and since
> >you took the cover off I would like to know if the relays are or not
> >"COAXIAL RELAYS" or just non constant impedance relays for AC or DC
> >applications.
> >
> >Can you take a picture on the inside of preamplifier and send it to me by
> >email ?
> >
> >I remember that the owner of Landwehr was a 432 MHz EME'r in the early 1973
> >and I worked him off the moon but actually I don't remember his call letter
> >from Sweden.
> >
> >I believe that he dismitted the production of the above preamplifiers many
> >years ago.
> >
> >Tanks
> >
> >73" de
> >
> >i8CVS Domenico
> >
> >- Original Message -
> >From: "Mark L. Hammond" 
> >To: "Amsat - BBs" 
> >Cc: "i8cvs" ; "Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL"
> >; "K5OE" 
> >Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 1:44 AM
> >Subject: Fixed! Re: Landwehr 70cm preamp device question?
> >
> >
> >> Hello All,
> >>
> >> You gotta love a happy ending ;)
> >>
> >> Thanks to I8CVS, Domenico; Vince, KB7ADL; and Jerry, K5OE for the advice
> >and coaching with troubleshooting my Landwehr 70 cm preamp.
> >>
> >> I took the cover off and applied 12V, and the two relays closedor did
> >they?!?
> >>
> >> One side looked good, while the other side didn't quite push the "little
> >white button" enough to make the contacts meet.  It was stuck--just a gentle
> >push with the finger, and I could tell it had become "unstuck."  Inserted
> >back in line, and bingo!  It's working just fine.
> >>
> >> I have resisted my urges to spray something down in there...figure I can
> >unstick it the same way another time, should it happen.  Looks like the
> >preamp was made in 1990, based on the dates of the relays.
> >>
> >> What I was seeing seemed like it might be a relay issue on one side (could
> >hear a rise in noise, so the relay at the output side (rig) was working--but
> >the relay on the input side (antenna) wasn't.  So, when powered, the input
> >relay didn't switch over correctly--what I was seeing now makes sense!
> >>
> >> Anyhow, it wasn't the GaAsFET after all.
> >>
> >> Thanks again for the help, guys.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Mark N8MH
> >>
> >>
> >> >>- Original Message -
> >> >>From: "Mark L. Hammond" 
> >> >>To: "Amsat - BBs" 
> >> >>Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 8:00 PM
> >> >>Subject: [amsat-bb] Landwehr 70cm preamp device question?
> >> >>
> >> >>> Hello All,
> >> >>>
> >> >>> I have an old Landwehr preamp that apparently uses the MGF1402 device
> >> >>> (does that sound right?).  It's not working so I presume it's the
> >> >>> GaAsFET.
> >> >>>
> >> >>> Can the MGF1302 be substituted for the original MGF1402?  Or can
> >> >>> anybody recommend another device for the 70 cm Landwehr?
> >> >>>
> >> >>> I need to do something...
> >> >>>
> >> >>> Thanks in advance!
> >> >>>
> >> >>> --
> >> >>> Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]
> >>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: moon bounce

[Edward R. Cole]

At 09:37 AM 6/4/2011, jerry wrote:
>Is this a good time for EME comm. ? Moon seems right for it  , but 
>never tried it . Is psk31 possible ? What freq. ? Orbitron says 
>145.000 ? Going to send cq throughout the day via PSK 31 on 145.000. 
>Maybe a waste of time .
>
>Jerry WB5LHD
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Jerry,

By your questions it appears you are interested in finding out more 
about eme (Moonbounce) but do not know very much about it.

On 2m eme is conducted in the 144.030-144.100 sub-band for CW, and on 
144.100- 144.160 for digital eme.  Psk-31 is not used and not really 
suitable.  A mode called JT-65 is used for digital eme.  It is a 
narrow-band FSK mode using software and computer soundcard to drive a 
SSB 2m radio.  An excellent article on eme is in the current ARRL 
Handbook written by Joe Taylor, K1JT, author of JT-65.  This will 
answer many of your basic questions on what eme is and how to get started.
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/
http://www.n1bug.net/operate/emebasic.html
http://www.vhfdx.info/jt65bintro.html

One cannot decide today I am doing eme.  Where do I transmit?

If you have a good satellite or terrestrial 2m yagi and at least 150w 
you have the basics to start.  But there is a lot to learn before one 
should expect to work eme.  There is the basic station 
setup.  Tracking the Moon.  Frequencies and procedures used.  As you 
get into it quite a bit to coming up the learning curve.  Give 
yourself at least a couple months to accumulate this knowledge so you 
are better equipped to try eme.

Consider subscribing to the Moon-Net e-mail reflector:
Moon-Net posting and subscription instructions are at 
http://www.nlsa.com/nets/moon-net-help.html



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: FD Mess

[Edward R. Cole]

At 07:13 AM 6/27/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote:
>It took me 5 satellite passes before I could make 1 contact There 
>were too many ops making what sounded like HI POWER multi contacts 
>.This should not have happened. Maybe someone with good writting 
>skills could send the ARRL world above 50 an artical on how to work 
>the birds during FD
>WA4HFN em55  Damon
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Good luck on that.  But if you are able to reach someone at ARRL, 
suggest that any log with more than one satellite entry have his 
100points disqualified.  Do satellite hams actually read "World Above 
50 MHz"?  Better a separate article on working satellite during 
FD.  A lot of stations working the sats on FD do not work satellites 
anytime other than that.

And BTW there are some SSB transponder satellites for use, the 
problem is the majority of satellite users today balk at obtaining 
equipment for anything but working the FM Leos.  Its the old saw: 
"you can lead a horse to water, ...".

Another old saw goes: "you asked for it, now live with it"!

One last rhetorical question: "does anyone recall the last time they 
contacted KL7UW on a satellite?"  Was it FM or SSB?
I'm back to Oscar-Zero where I use JT-65.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: How to get started on SSB birds

[Edward R. Cole]

Or Lindenblads or Quadrafillers.  Info is on the Amsat webpage for 
these, right?

73, Ed - KL7uW

At 12:09 PM 6/27/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote:
>Build  Egg beaters
>
>- Original Message -
>From: "Jeremy Widner" 
>To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 3:00:28 PM
>Subject: [amsat-bb]  How to get started on SSB birds
>
>I have been doing FM birds for a couple of years now with HTs and Arrow
>antennas.  I am ready to start messing with the other birds.  I have a
>Kenwood TS-2000 for a rig.  I do NOT currently have a tower up.  I was
>wondering antenna suggestions you guys might have to jump into the ssb birds
>without using a tower.  My preference is to build something as money is
>always an issue (insert wife).
>
>--
>73
>Jeremy Widner
>K0PDX
>http://k0pdx.us
>Secretary Raytown Amateur Radio Club - K0GQ
>http://k0gq.com/
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: How to get started on SSB birds

[Edward R. Cole]

At 03:51 PM 6/27/2011, Edward R. Cole wrote:
>Or Lindenblads or Quadrafillers.  Info is on the Amsat webpage for
>these, right?
>
>73, Ed - KL7uW
>

Sorry I should have also said I have links on my webpage for the Lindenblads:
http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm
http://www.kl7uw.com/LBant.htm



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: FD Mess

[Edward R. Cole]

OK, you want to play "Reality":

IN a mass-casualty disaster, I hope satellite users will be smart 
enough to "Restrict satellite use for emergency traffic".  Each pass 
will be strictly controlled by a Net Control with closed-net 
protocols (no calls without permission of NC).  NC WILL be traffic 
cop and it will be one at a time calling...offenders will be "visited 
by black suburbans and guys wearing sunglasses and padded suit coats"! ;-)

Seriously, under emcomm there WILL BE RULES and they will be 
ENFORCED...as they should be.

so there is there is no comparison with ham radio, as usual.

Another reality:  historically, most ham radio emcomm is passed on HF 
or terrestrial VHF.
My unsolicited opinion:  digital-comms is where satellite will be 
most useful in emergency traffic.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 11:54 AM 6/27/2011, John Geiger wrote:
>That is a good point.  I am sure that if/when the big one hits and we need
>to pass emergency communications, we will have to do it under less than
>optimal conditions or "rules" including on the satellites.  When such an
>occassion occurs, I doubt everyone will be limiting themselves to 5 watts or
>less, or only 1 QSO per satellite per day or weekend.  I think most people
>will be trying to get through any way they can to pass traffic.  We should
>get used to the pandamonium, that it what it will actually be like.
>
>73s John AA5JG
>
>On Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 2:40 PM, Bob- W7LRD  wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >  Because,  just maybe, one day you'll have to do it for real!
> >
> >
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com
==

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[amsat-bb] Re: How to get started on SSB birds (antennas)

[Edward R. Cole]

Joe,

First off the FT-817 makes a nice satellite rig even though not 
cross-band duplex.

At 04:02 PM 6/27/2011, Joe Krepps wrote:
>All,
>
>I appreciate that this topic has been brought up (especially _after_ FD,
>HiHi!!).
>
>If I may inject a question: for the seriously budget minded, is there any
>value to building a "better antenna" (i.e. more elements for improved
>gain) versus adding a pre-amp? I realize a higher gain antenna will be
>more sensitive to positioning/aiming and, unless I go the U-110 rotator
>route, I won't be doing much elevation adjustment.

IN stepping up from say HT and Arrow to a "permanent" antenna there 
are two choices:
1)  A good omni-directional antenna with preamp, or
2)  A small yagi mounted at 15-degrees elevation and rotated with a 
cheap TV rotator.

If you can afford both #2 and a preamp that is even better.


>I'll be using either my current FT-817ND or an eBay all mode 2m
>transciever, for AO-7. In Mode A, rx with the FT-817ND & tx with a "well
>loved" 2m all mode. In Mode B, rx with the 2m all mode and Tx with the
>FT-817ND. Of course, dialing the power down as often as practical!

Sounds good.  I used my 3-element 20m yagi for mode-A AO-7 quite 
well, but my 2m Lindenblad was not adequate for uplink with 50w.
For mode-B AO-7 you probably need a yagi with preamp (others more 
AO-7 experienced feel free to confirm or refute).


>(Now, I kinda' wish I could have held onto my old IC-820H, Yaesu Az/El
>rotators and "Oscar link" crossed yagis...but I needed $$ at the time.
>Now, I'm married so, by definition, I'm broke. HiHi!)

As they say" "been there, done that".


>I appreciate ALL the wisdom shared so far! :)
>
>Mny tnx & 73!
>Joe WB3CFN
>P.S. I _do_ have an Arrow but not sure how suitable it is for continuous
>outdoor use.
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: FD Mess

[Edward R. Cole]

At 05:10 AM 6/28/2011, R Oler wrote:

>What is to prevent someone from designating themselves "net 
>control"?  sorry this plan is doomed Robert Oler WB5MZO Live member 
>ARRL AMSAT NARS

Ah you are inventing problems.  The "real NC" would quickly assert 
their position.  There are lots of nets held on ham radio...how often 
do others claim to be net control...virtually never.  If you are 
saying someone will cause malicious interference, there is no cure 
other than peer pressure and official FCC action.

The way to introduce Net Controlled passes is to do it in advance of 
FD.  In fact the idea might catch on when folks find it manages the 
typical "FM chaos" that reigns currently.

I propose there be a Net Day every month on certain FM satellites 
starting with AO-51, if it is healthy enough. Good practise for a 
real "emergency comm" situation.  There are ARES Nets held regularly 
all over the nation on VHF/UHF... why not on satellite?



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Sats for emergencies

[Edward R. Cole]

At 07:59 AM 6/28/2011, jerry wrote:
>I can see it now , USA Today headlines " Ham operator successfully 
>passes ARRL RadioGram over Orbiting Satellite" .
>   As much trouble and time it takes to pass a message over much 
> more controlled frequiencies , I could not imagine trying to pass a 
> formatted message over a satellite , therefore rendering a sat as 
> useless for handling emergency traffic.
>   And I still say a net control type format would allow for many 
> more contacts on field day than just QRZ.
>
>Jerry WB5LHD
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Jerry,

Exactly why I stated that, in my opinion, digital comms is the 
practical mode for satellite emcomm.  Voice Net would be for brief 
"real-time messages" e.g.  "we need a node set up in location 
blank";  "the hospital needs a generator",  "send a helicopter we 
have x number injured", "my car is stuck and the water is rising", 
"the fire cut off our escape route, help!" ...  No 30+ word formal 
messages on voice.  Digital packet or APRS can be much more efficient 
and accurate.

Typically, voice is local VHF/UHF simplex (when all else 
fails).  Satellite for longer range coordination links which 
currently are managed on HF.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: [AMSAT-BB] ISS, what the heck happened?

[Edward R. Cole]

Wasn't going to comment, but oh heck!

I think Alex has it pegged.  I see a lot of Astronauts getting their 
ham license but figure that is probably NASA "encouraged" mainly for 
PR purposes and secondarily for emergency comms if the main systems 
fail.  It is likely many Astronauts are not particularly interested 
in ham radio, per se.  I'll admit making your first contact with 
either the shuttle or ISS is a thrill and fun, but the opportunities 
may be not that frequent, nor should any ham expect it to be so.
-
Now on a related subject, I would really favor Amsat approaching NASA 
for the installation of a linear transponder (say Mode UV) unit to be 
attached to the exterior of ISS (with remote shut-off for ISS 
critical operations).  This may be a better option to finding/paying 
for launch opportunities for free orbiting linear-transponder 
satellites.  Since there is a regular launch schedule to resupply ISS 
and no propellant/engine would be involved it would be a benign cargo item.

I do not underestimate the difficulty quotient for such a mission, 
but we do have ham gear installed on ISS, and have done Suitsat and 
ARISSat with NASA and ISS.

If no launch is forthcoming for P3E perhaps the backup unit (sans 
propellant system and solar panels) could be considered?  It would be 
in a Leo orbit but at least it would provide a long-term alternative 
to FM Leos.

Something to chew on and consider?

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 05:57 AM 6/29/2011, Alexander Sack wrote:
>On Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 7:40 AM, KM9U  wrote:
> >
> >
> >>> So I think everyone read the announcement ARRL made before FD.  Now
> >>> that FD weekend is at an end, can someone explain to me why NASA
> >>> couldn't let the astronauts have 10 minutes on the radio for one pass?
> >>>  I mean were they having issues with the radio itself?
> >
> > During Expedition 24/25, Col. Wheelock made many contacts from the ISS  in
> > the evenings and on weekends during his free time. This was not because he
> > was "scheduled" to be the radio, but rather because he enjoyed doing it.
> > I don't believe we can blame NASA for the current crew members obvious lack
> > of interest in Amateur Radio. Had Col. Wheelock (or someone as 
> enthustiastic
> > as he) been aboard the ISS on FD, NA1SS would likely not have been silent.
> >
> >> Have you never make a calculation or an estimation on how it costs a 10
> >> minutes of an astronaut activity all costs including on board of the ISS ?
>
>I don't buy it.
>
>What I do believe is the current crew isn't that interested in making
>contacts with amateur radio operators.  That's fine.  Operating the
>radio outside the educational outreach program is ertainly not part of
>their mission.  I will just have to be more patient and hope someone
>gets the ham bug up there during some mission and starts to make
>contacts.  I can wait.
>
>I DO want to state again I think it behooves NASA and the whole space
>program to try to get someone on that radio like a Col Wheelock
>(doesn't have to be as frequent as Col Wheelock) to generate the
>enthusiasm and excitement for the ISS and the whole space program
>among hams.  My 2 cents.
>
> > This brings up an interesting thought. The astronauts receive monetary
> > compensation for performing their duties while employed by NASA. So, if
> > their employer schedules them to operate amateur radio as part of their job
> > assignment, would this not violate Part 97.113 (Prohibited transmissions)
> > which specifically prohibits "Communications in which the station licensee
> > or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on
> > behalf of an employer".
> > Now, DON'T GET YOUR PANTIES IN A WAD! It is just a question.
> >
>
>There is no pecuniary interest involved as I see it.
>
>-aps (KC2ZSX)
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: CA Ham Plates - Warning!

[Edward R. Cole]

Because of the very-large roll ham radio played in the aftermath of 
the 1964 Alaska Earthquake (9.2), the legislature passed a resolution 
that any ham with ham gear installed in their vehicle would not only 
get "ham call" plates but would be exempt from registration 
costs.  WE still pay any local personal property tax that is included 
in Alaskan auto tags.

You only get one vehicle licensed with call-sign plates.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 09:44 AM 6/29/2011, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote:
>If you make too big of an issue out of this motor vehicle divisions around
>the country may begin to treat radio operator pates as vanity plates and
>charge accordingly.I would care about being charged an additional fee by the
>DVR!
>
>-Original Message-
>From: Larry Gerhardstein
>Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:02 PM
>To: George and Cheryl Abbott
>Cc: H. Vordenbaum ; Clint Bradford ; AMSAT BB
>Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
>
>George and Cheryl,
>
>So who is complaining?  You?  Harvey and I signed using our call signs.
>I've never complained about hams getting more privileges, voice, WARC
>bands, digital modes, LF, etc.  Leaves more energy to be concerned about
>hams possibly loosing privileges.
>
>73, Larry W7IN (57 years a ham op.)
>
>On 6/29/2011 7:04 AM, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote:
> > Why do you think that this is such a big deal?Sounds similar to the old
> > timers complaining about the granting of voice privileges for novices back
> > in the 80's.Get a life!
> >
> > -Original Message- From: H. Vordenbaum
> >
> > Harvey, K5HV
> > Kerrville, TX
> >
> >>
> >> Larry W7IN, Plains MT
> >
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: oops

[Edward R. Cole]

At 12:58 PM 6/29/2011, wa4...@comcast.net wrote:
>Sent the teacher joke here my mistake, well after the last 
>150  field mess  Maybe a joke is in order
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No problem.  I have a slide-rule from my college years (1962-1968), 
and am card-carrying member of Al-Gebra (BS Math 1968)!  Good for a 
laugh, forwarded to my wife ;-)



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] A Proposal for ARISS

[Edward R. Cole]

After posting some thoughts a few days ago (RE: ISS, what the heck 
happened?), I have given the idea more consideration.

Proposal (ARISS on ISS):
1)  Install a 100-KHz transponder unit on ISS, with usual digital 
beacon/engineering
2)  It would run mode-UV
3)  Installed internally in the ISS
4)  Replace most of the current ISS ham radio equipment
5)  Could be considered an upgrade/improvement to the existing ham radio on ISS
6)  Use ISS power and existing ham radio antenna infrastructure (no 
solar panels)(no thermal requirements for space environ)(perhaps less 
radiation hardening)
7)  Use batteries for stand-alone operation (recharged from ISS power)
8)  Control commanded from ground (no intervention required by astronauts)
9)  Local access for use of astronaut-hams
10)  Provide emergency back-up comms for ISS (perhaps with a separate 
FM channel)
11)  (perhaps) Use of existing ham-radio handheld on ISS on low-power 
to dedicated receiver which would activate astronaut repeater channel.
12)  This FM channel could be used as FM ham repeater when not in use 
by astronauts  (means world-wide monitoring for the astronauts as 
well as normal Leo FM activity)
13)  Modular design for future upgrades and/or repair (easy 
installation by astronauts-plug*n*play)
14)  Segmented pass-band to allow packet/APRS digipeating
15)  Transmitters able to be shut down for eva and other critical 
missions either locally on ISS or from ground.
16)  Perhaps a special Rx/Tx on ISS eva channel for cross-band repeat 
in event of loss of atmosphere emergency (help to sell the concept to 
NASA as a comms back-up).
17)  No need for orientation (spin or de-spin), rad hardening, 
thermal structures (air-cooled), no propulsion, no launch requirements.
18)  Easily maintained by supply from ground (repairs or upgrades).
19)  Long-Life

Re-direct of either Fox or P3E efforts?  (no launch requirement-rides 
as cargo to ISS)


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: FW: A Proposal for ARISS

[Edward R. Cole]

Dee,

Thanks.  Not sure this a SAREX Project but will let them decide that.

My only thought is a new satellite must find a launch and launch 
money.  MY proposal would get a ride to ISS with cargo.  I am not 
minimizing the issues for placing ham satellite on ISS, but I think 
the concept has promise.

If Fox or P3E sit on the shelf for 5-10 years for lack of a launch 
maybe better redirected for ISS.  Not my call, obviously.

73, Ed - KL7UW
PS: some of us are getting old and may not still be here in 10-years?

At 02:19 PM 7/1/2011, you wrote:
>Redirected to the SAREX group.  I do not agree with all of these point,
>however, No standing program should be de funded to do these. Get another
>satellite up ASAP is AMSAT's main goal.
>73,
>Dee, NB2F
>
>-Original Message-
>From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
>Behalf Of Edward R. Cole
>Sent: Friday, July 01, 2011 4:55 PM
>To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Subject: [amsat-bb] A Proposal for ARISS
>
>After posting some thoughts a few days ago (RE: ISS, what the heck
>happened?), I have given the idea more consideration.
>
>Proposal (ARISS on ISS):
>1)  Install a 100-KHz transponder unit on ISS, with usual digital
>beacon/engineering
>2)  It would run mode-UV
>3)  Installed internally in the ISS
>4)  Replace most of the current ISS ham radio equipment
>5)  Could be considered an upgrade/improvement to the existing ham radio on
>ISS
>6)  Use ISS power and existing ham radio antenna infrastructure (no solar
>panels)(no thermal requirements for space environ)(perhaps less radiation
>hardening)
>7)  Use batteries for stand-alone operation (recharged from ISS power)
>8)  Control commanded from ground (no intervention required by astronauts)
>9)  Local access for use of astronaut-hams
>10)  Provide emergency back-up comms for ISS (perhaps with a separate FM
>channel)
>11)  (perhaps) Use of existing ham-radio handheld on ISS on low-power to
>dedicated receiver which would activate astronaut repeater channel.
>12)  This FM channel could be used as FM ham repeater when not in use by
>astronauts  (means world-wide monitoring for the astronauts as well as
>normal Leo FM activity)
>13)  Modular design for future upgrades and/or repair (easy installation by
>astronauts-plug*n*play)
>14)  Segmented pass-band to allow packet/APRS digipeating
>15)  Transmitters able to be shut down for eva and other critical missions
>either locally on ISS or from ground.
>16)  Perhaps a special Rx/Tx on ISS eva channel for cross-band repeat in
>event of loss of atmosphere emergency (help to sell the concept to NASA as a
>comms back-up).
>17)  No need for orientation (spin or de-spin), rad hardening, thermal
>structures (air-cooled), no propulsion, no launch requirements.
>18)  Easily maintained by supply from ground (repairs or upgrades).
>19)  Long-Life
>
>Re-direct of either Fox or P3E efforts?  (no launch requirement-rides as
>cargo to ISS)
>
>
>73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: A Proposal for ARISS

[Edward R. Cole]

Well, it didn't take Amsat officials long to shoot down the proposal 
and tell me that ARISS does not stand for amateur radio use on 
ISS.  ARISS is a free use of ham radio for PR under the guise of 
educational outreach.

Probably payback for cancelling my membership after 25-years and 
resigning as Field Op (their rules).  I found that I enjoy eating and 
having a roof over my head in my retirement so had to make a choice 
on what I spend money.

This may very well be my final post on amsat-bb  ...25-years
Notice that my services are no longer free $150/hour for technical help


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: STS-135 launch

[Edward R. Cole]

At 07:45 AM 7/8/2011, n4csi...@bellsouth.net wrote:
>Incredible launch! Unfortunately, view was too obscured by clouds to 
>view from east Orlando for this final launch. God speed to the crew.
>
>Dave, AA4KN
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It was excellent coverage from NASA-TV.  I had to see the last one.

They were commenting how this is the 30th anniversary of the shuttle 
program and it occurred to me that this month is the 40th anniversary 
of when I began working at Goldstone.  I was there for the final two 
Apollo landings.

I also reflected on my 1999 visit to the Cape visitor center and 
taking the tour.  Unfortunate that was a couple weeks before a 
launch.  My parents wintered outside Orlando in those years.

Hard to believe so many years have passed.



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[amsat-bb] Re: ASISSAT-1 Returning to ISS

[Edward R. Cole]

Just confirmed by the NASA TV commenter that the UHF antenna is 
missing.  The question is whether to deploy today with diminished 
capabilility or return to inside of ISS and do a search for the 
missing antenna.  There will not be an EVA until 2012 (month?) to 
retry a deployment.

It was not clear to me if the commenter stated that the antenna 
arrived originally and was installed or was that a question.

Listening to the exercise to install the laser comm system is kind 
interesting to hear the back-n-forth conversation as it makes one 
wonder if they had practised this maneuver with all the corrections 
given in their procedure by the ground director.

I did note the VHF antenna appears a flexible tape design and it was 
flexed several times as it was bumped about.  However everything is 
weightless so this may actually be not very forcefull "bumps" and 
flexes of the antenna.  The lower side was not visible on camera very 
much but I noted it appeared to only have the cylindrical antenna 
base.  I assume this is the UHF antenna so would be shorter than the 
topside antenna.  I call the side with switches as topside.

I did see what appeared activating the switches, but hearing what was 
said was difficult on TV.  I am now listening/watching live-streaming 
video coverage and wearing headsets to listen.

I was ready to copy CW&Telemetry on 145.919 with the ARISSat tlm sw 
and stream data.  I guess we will not be doing anything today - probably?




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Today's Success

[Edward R. Cole]

I'll try to keep this short"Whose Success?"

If I were still a member of Amsat, I would be very upset with the 
handling of this project.  There is nothing for the contributions 
that ham radio members invested.  It ends up only glory for ARISS and 
the Russian's commemoration of Yuri Gagarin.

I would vote to cut the relationship between Amsat and ARISS.  It 
isn't offering anything for ham radio.  Let ARISS raise their own 
funds and build their own educational satellites.  Those that want to 
contribute to that, go ahead.  Amsat was created to build satellites 
capable of ham radio communications (and be used by hams)...this 
education outreach was added, much later.

But then I quit Amsat after 36-years.  You know what?  Keep this up 
and it could become a trend.

Ed - KL7UW
former #3212

PS:  They were right about my proposal:  It would fail.  Now you have 
the evidence. 

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[amsat-bb] TLM Rx 1579utc

[Edward R. Cole]

My system received 5 frames of Telemetry and 2 Frames of Kursk - 
while I was sleeping!

Yeah, I set the radio to 145.920 and had the telemetry program 
running, and went to bed after the utc pass over Alaska.  That 
was only a 1-degree elevation pass and I saw no signal.  I overslept 
this morning (again) and woke up eight minutes after the last pass 
LOS, but there on my screen was the data and a message from my 
anti-virus sw asking if I wanted to connect to the telemetry site.

I approved that so hopefully the frames made it.

MY station is pretty simple:
Home made "AA2TX" Lindenblad antenna with 80-feet of RG-213 coax to a 
DEMI L144-28 transverter (NF=1 dB) with Elecraft K3 IF radio 
connected to my computer via HB soundcard interconnect.  Note there 
is no preamp but the transverter has good NF.  ARISSat was at 
6-degrees elevation when the data was received.

I am using NOVA with keps:
RADIOSCAF-B
1 37772U 98067CK  11216.75158638  .00033717  0-0  40433-3 012
2 37772 051.6382 276.2984 0012892 043.5724 316.6246 15.6050112276

Next pass visible to Alaska will be 10:14utc 8-6-2011
I will set up for the linear transponder to test ability to pass 
signal on a later pass.


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
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==

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[amsat-bb] Re: ARR Preamp Help

[Edward R. Cole]

Another thing that may have gone is the RF sensing circuit that is 
probably set for 25w max.  RF switched preamps are more susceptible 
to burn-out as they rely on fast switching of the preamp bypass 
circuit.  Even a few milliseconds delay will allow enough RF energy 
to zap the delicate GasFet in the preamp.  This is why we suggest 
using a sequencer to control RF switching before RF is 
generated.  Its not done much by satellite operators but very common 
by mw and eme stations.

Some high-end radios have transmit RF delay settings available in 
their menu.  if you radio has such, add 50-100 ms delay will provide 
much more protection.

You know re-reading your comments I wonder if you transmitted 440-MHz 
thru a 144-MHz preamp?  The RF sense circuit might not detect 440 as 
well as 144 MHz.  That is why radio with separate VHF and UHF 
antennas are preferred.

Best to return to ARR for repair - it is a flat rate.
I have repaired many ARR P144VDG over the years.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 12:48 PM 8/6/2011, Zachary Beougher wrote:
>Thanks for the responses everyone.  And Dee, no, I am not a handy tech -
>obviously!  I transmitted probably 2-3 times through it using 35w, 1-2
>second each, then it blew.  Like you, Mark, I am a little surprised it blew
>so quickly, but oh well.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Zack
>KD8KSN (aka reckless preamp handler) =P
>
>-Original Message-
>From: Dee
>Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2011 3:51 PM
>To: 'Zachary Beougher' ; amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] ARR Preamp Help
>
>You have blown it--If you are not a handy tech.  - Send it back to ARR
>and they have a flat fee for repairs.  Check with them on the
>internet.
>73,
>Dee, NB2F
>
>-Original Message-
>From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org]
>On Behalf Of Zachary Beougher
>Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2011 3:40 PM
>To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Subject: [amsat-bb] ARR Preamp Help
>
>Hi All,
>
>I was monitoring some passes while mobile today, and amidst all of the
>confusion of messing with coax and frequencies, I accidently
>transmitted on 440, through the preamp, with 35w (the relay is rated
>at 25w).  I thought I had switched the VFO back to 2m, but I guess
>not.  It was only for a split second, but since that every time I turn
>the preamp on it automatically knocks out all received signal.  Does
>anyone have any idea on what I need to do/check to see what I did to
>it?  I have heard of this happening, I just need to know what path to
>take now to get it fixed.
>
>It is worth mentioning that I can receive fine with the preamp
>in-line, but the minute I throw the power switch it knocks out all
>receive (just static, no received audio).  I have not changed any of
>the connections, so having a coax hooked up backwards is not the
>issue.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Zack
>KD8KSN
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com
==

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[amsat-bb] Re: Kansas City Tracker

[Edward R. Cole]

I have my original PacardBell P100 desktop with win95 which has been 
gathering dust on a shelf.  It has ISA slots and parallel port which 
would probably be ideal for running KC Tracker.  I offer it for sale 
for $50-OBO (as-is with keyboard and mouse but no monitor) plus 
shipping (best to go parcel-post from my zip 99635).


I kept it since these old machines have little or no residual value 
in case I wanted to run some old legacy sw.  But I also have a IBM 
P90 Thinkpad with win95 for this purpose (I also use it for packet 
and a DOS cw keyboard program).


73, Ed - KL7UW

At 12:35 PM 11/3/2011, Robert McGwier wrote:

Since it has been a while since these have been up on the list, I want to
remind folks that this requires an early early early generation slot,
called an ISA slot.  The drivers for the card are STRICTLY DOS 6.2 and
earlier interrupt handlers and are zero likely to work on a modern windows
machine.

If you have an old machine with ISA slots, running DOS,  this board was one
of the engineering marvels of its time and should still work beautifully on
Yaesu rotators today. You will need Quiktrak or IT to run it (again, DOS
computer programs).

Bob
N4HY

On Thu, Nov 3, 2011 at 4:09 PM, Al Ozias  wrote:

> Surplus KCT
>
>
>
> I have at my QTH a Kansas City Tracker board with a printed manual and a
> copy of the KCT.ZIP file.  The owner of the board, George-WA5KBH, would
> like to find it a home.  To acquire it contact me (Al-N7EQF) directly by
> email. The cost of acquiring the item is to  pay for the shipping cost
> (flat rate priority mail envelope), commit a donation to AMSAT and promise
> not to ask me any questions concerning how to install, configure, or
> operate it (I do not know).  The board is un-tested and may or may not
> work, no known reason to suspect it's condition.
>
>
>
> Thanks - Al - N7EQF
>
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>



--
Bob McGwier
Facebook: N4HYBob
ARS: N4HY
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-?
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[amsat-bb] Re: ESA lunar probe

[Edward R. Cole]

At 09:11 AM 11/5/2011, R Oler wrote:

I wrote:  (and the time delay makes it well a unique form of 
transportation)..transportation should obviously be "communication".


the reality of a lunar transponder (or even a packet system) would 
be that it would encourage a lot of things that the FM sats do 
not...and discourage a lot of bad things...it wont happen I know 
because of a lot of reasons...but it would change our hobby and the 
satellite part of it for the better.  RGO WB5MZO life member AMSAT ARRL NARS


sent from my IPAD

From: orbit...@hotmail.com
To: w7...@comcast.net
CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org
Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] ESA lunar probe
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 10:59:48 -0500








Bob...its been done here a zillion times...it wont be done with an 
HT and a small yagi...it will however be possible whereas a "Mars" 
effort is really not possible for anyone except "Goldstone class" 
stations (and the time delay makes it well a unique form of 
transportation).  A small linear transponder with some horizon omni 
gain antennas would be a challenge, but it would be easier then 
moonbounce Robert G. Oler WB5MZO life member AMSAT ARRL NARS


Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 06:54:32 +
From: w7...@comcast.net
To: orbit...@hotmail.com
CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ESA lunar probe



Just for the sake of conversation and thinking.  What would the link 
budget look like for a transponder on the moon.


Bob W7LRD








From: "R Oler" 
To: "Amsat BB" 
Sent: Friday, November 4, 2011 4:10:00 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] ESA lunar probe


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15574653

to bad there cant be an amateur radio payload even a really small 
one...this probe should be "longer lived" then most as it should 
have a constant energy source...


Wonder why the Europeans are thinking of sending Phase 5A to 
Mars?  It will probably never fly and almost no hams can be a part 
of that...so well why not send it to L2 in the Earth Moon 
systems...a halo orbit...


Robert G. Oler WB5MZO Life Member AMSAT ARRL NARS



Using my MRO Calc program:
http://www.kl7uw.com/MROCalc.xls

with 10w output
6 dBi antenna on the Moon (e.g. corner reflector)
average lunar distance = 370,000 km
ground receive antenna gain = 18 dBi (e.g. M2-436CP42)
Rx NT=40K
Tsky=70K
Tant=40K
Freq. 437 MHz
bw =4.7Hz for JT-65
a signal of -23 can be seen (which is fairly good signal level for 
reception of JT-65).




73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com
==

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[amsat-bb] Re: Rooftop Antenna Labs?

[Edward R Cole]

At 04:49 PM 4/28/2010, Franklin Antonio wrote:
>At 05:25 PM 4/28/2010, Robert Bruninga wrote:
> >I may have an opportunity to begin planning for a major building
> >upgrade at my school and want to propose a modern root-top
> >antenna lab.
>
>Most antenna test labs now use anechoic chambers rather than rooftops.
>.
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In 1966 I started my career as an R&D technician (took a leave from 
school for a couple years).  We built asw weapons (i.e. sonobuoys) in 
an old brick three story factory with a flat roof.  They test dropped 
the buoys over the side of the building 30-feet into a large vat of 
water, but the roof was the antenna test range.  There I ran tests on 
VHF antennas.  Not a very sophisticated range but definitely "hands 
on", real RF, real measurements.  An engineers calculator was a slide 
rule, no computers then; fancy computer simulation was unknown.

Mostly, I did troubleshooting of the engineering prototypes and 
finding fixes.  Those went back to the engineers to fine tune their 
design.  I quit that and returned to college in summer 1968 and 
landed a job with Hughes Aircraft in CA.  1971 found me working at 
Goldstone at the Microwave Test Facility also known as the "antenna 
range".  The rest they say is history.

73, Ed


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[amsat-bb] Re: FT847 vs TS-2000

[Edward R Cole]

At 03:49 PM 5/2/2010, John wrote:
>I have owned the FT-847 for five years and tried the TS2000 extensively.
>Both are excellent rigs. The only downside I see with the TS2000 is the
>birdie. However, it has a more sensitive and quieter receiver, has an
>antenna tuner and dual receive. On the other hand, the FT847 is probably the
>most used and reliable sat radio, from my observations working other people
>on the sats. Probably because it came out first and can be bought a little
>cheaper, now. If I was starting over and had to choose, it would be REALLY
>tough to choose between them. I probably would go with the TS2000 because it
>is a little more refined, quieter, and has a few more features.  But the
>FT847 is solid, I love the rig, and you would have to pry it out of my cold
>dead hands. You can't go wrong either way.  The FT847 is great IF you get a
>newer one in really good condition. Some of the early runs had some
>problems. The TS2000 wins on bells and whistles. Man.I'm no help at all!
>
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Just to stir the mud a little:  I decided to keep my FT-847 for 
satellite operation and casual FM/SSB.  Instead of the TS2000x I 
bought a Elecraft K3/10 (10w version) and am  adding the new design 
DEMI 28/144 xvtr (ordered to arrive in June).  Eventually sw will be 
developed for the K3 for doing cross-band full-duplex and then I 
might part with the grand ole FT-847 (circa 1998).  I will have to 
add a DEMI 28/432 xvtr for that.

But in my opinion K3 (dual Rx) + DEMI is far above the TS2000x for 
near the same money.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
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==

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[amsat-bb] Re: FT847 vs TS-2000

[Edward R Cole]

At 06:51 PM 5/2/2010, James Duffey wrote:

>On May 2, 2010, at 7:38 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
>
> >
> > But in my opinion K3 (dual Rx) + DEMI is far above the TS2000x for
> > near the same money.
> >
>While I understand the K3 performance being above the TS-2000X, I 
>don't understand the "near the same money" comment?
>
>A K3/10, with sub receiver, K144XVK for 2 meters, KRX3 subreceiver, 
>KXVA3A transverter interface, preamp for 6M, a DEM 432/28 
>transverter (or Elecraft $32 Transverter), a DEM 144/1296 
>transverter,  will run you $3400 or more. It is hard to get an exact 
>number as the DEM transverters are not currently available. Throw in 
>a 100 W 2M linear and you are close to $3700. A TS2000X with the 
>same capabilities is $1850, nearly half. The TS-2000X has full 
>duplex capability for satellites now. The K3 full duplex capability 
>is not available now and it is not clear to me that Elecraft is 
>working on it, particularly as they have openly stated that it is 
>hard to do in a single box. I hope they do succeed in this, and when 
>they do, I shall purchase one.
>
>Now, granted the performance of the K3 is better than the TS-2000, 
>particularly in strong signal handling capability and the DSP 
>performance, but the price differential is a lot greater than you 
>imply. And the K3, even outfitted with 432 and 1296 transverters 
>will not do full duplex satellites out of the box.
>
>I am not an Elecraft basher, I have a K1, K2, and XV222, and am 
>reasonably happy with them, but the capability of working satellites 
>with the K3 is a ways down the road and the cost will be roughly 
>twice the TS-2000X.
>
>I bought a TS-2000X primarily for my VHF roving activities and 
>satellite work. It is nice to have all the capabilities in one box 
>and I was aware of the shortcomings going in and they are not 
>overwhelming in roving. I considered a K3 and associated 
>transverters, but it is, as they used to say, not quite ready for 
>prime time as far as satellites go. And the 100W on 2M vs the 10W on 
>2M for the K3 is a real deal swinger when it comes to roving. - Duffey
>
>
>--
>James Duffey KK6MC
>DM65tc
>Cedar Crest NM
>< jamesduf...@comcast.net >

OK, James.

I was under the impression that the TS2000 ran about $2500 without 
1.2 GHz.  So you are right I have $2800 in my K3/10 with KRX3, 
KXV3.  Add $79 for the ARR 50-MHz preamp and $479/ea. for the 
assembled DEMI 144/28 and DEMI 432/28 xvtrs.  If one can buy a new 
TD2000x with 2m/70cm/23cm for $1850 then it is clearly 
cheaper.  Without 432 I will have nearly $3800 in my radio+xvtrs.

But the K3 has way better weak signal specs due to the low phase 
noise LO's and a huge lack of birdies due to its simple dual down 
conversion architecture.  Although it will not do satellite at this 
time I suspect sw changes coming for that, given enough VHF operators 
buying one.  The K3 is rapidly becoming the microwave operators radio 
of choice.

To be fair, I did not purchase it with satellite in mind.  My prime 
objective was for a super IF for VHF-microwave and eme.  I am 
building a 300w HF PA kit for only $150.  I am hoping that it will 
operate near 100w on 6m, but that remains to be seen.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] Re: PC clock

[Edward R Cole]

At 12:07 PM 5/11/2010, i8cvs wrote:
>- Original Message -
>From: "Greg D." 
>To: 
>Cc: 
>Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:47 AM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PC clock
> >
> > Hi Larry,
> >
> > Ok, I understand the need for an accurate clock, though I believe you're
> > expectations for being able to track an overhead pass is pushing the
> > limits of orbital prediction pretty hard.  Another ham I know locally
> > tried this, and  ultimately gave up.  His issue was not one of clock
> > accuracy, but of Keps and the mathematics behind them.
> >
> >
> > Greg  KO6TH
> >
>Hi Greg, KO6TH
>
>When the software calculate the Az and the El of the satellite at the right
>time with an accurate clock then it send a command to the rotators but the
>antennas takes a certain time to go in that calculated position and when the
>antennas are finally there then the satellite is already in another position
>far advanced in it's orbital path particularly when the satellite pass is
>overhead.
>
>I dont think you want to run the motors every 5 or 10 seconds othervise your
>control relays will work as a machine-gun
>
>So the issue is not on clock accuracy or Keps or mathematics behind them but
>it is on the tracking system that we normally use to mimichaise the
>satellite position with a phase difference between the satellite calculated
>position and the actual antenna position when the traching command is sent
>to the motors.
>
>If you go over the roof and you follow the ISS by naked eye you will realize
>that your antenna pointing is always a little bit behind the ISS position in
>the sky and so a very accurate clock to track a LEO satellite is meaning
>less particularly using high gain antennas with a narrow main lobe.
>
>73" de
>
>i8CVS Domenico
>
>
>
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Good point!  I guess if we had software that could provide a position 
slightly in advance of the satellite so the tracking could be a 
series of short drifts thru the beam of the antennas...that would be 
ideal.  Also much more complicated since the lead time/angle would 
vary by satellite pass, and ground station antenna 
parameters.  Tracking Leo satellites on s-band with a two-foot dish 
can be demanding considering the narrow beamwidth.  Fortunately, one 
does not need that much gain for Leos.

When I track the Moon, manually, this is what I do.  But the Moon 
apparent motion in the sky is about 15-degrees/hour in azimuth so 
with 16-degree 2m antennas it only requires repointing 2-3 times per 
hour.  At 1296 my eme antenna beamwidth is 3-degrees so keeping 
peaked within 1-dB requires much more frequent movement (10 or more 
times/hour).  Fortunately, most auto-track sw has input for how often 
to command the rotators.

My 16-foot dish actuators rotate the dish fairly slow (90-deg/5-min), 
so it takes some time for repointing.  I can resolve 0.1 degree movement.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] Re: Icom 9100

[Edward R Cole]

Watching from the sidelines (with my FT-847 and K3).

One of the reasons I held onto my FT-847 was that with the addition 
of my DEMI 144/1296 xvtr the total outlay (when they were new) was 
$1600 + $395 ~ $2K.  And that covers 160m - 6m, 2m, 70cm, 23cm.  The 
FT-847 "IS" a satellite radio, full-duplex crossband.  Too bad they 
discontinued production (which begs one to wonder if there might be a 
new version coming?).  All radio are increasing in cost (it's called 
inflation - err, or maybe more profit?).

When I bought the K3, I struggled with considering selling the FT-847 
and buying DEMI 144/28 and 432/28 xvtrs.  I also considered buying a 
used IC910H.  But, in the end, it made more sense to keep the FT-847 
for satellite and casual VHF.  The K3 is in a whole 'nother league 
than the FT-847, as afar as receiver performance and that is why I 
bought it.  I did give in to buying a new DEMI 144/28 xvtr, so in 
time if Elecraft can come out with duplex receive sw, I may add the 
432/28 and finally say goodbye to the old FT-847.

For outright performance, either the K3 or Flex5000 own the real 
estate (note: TS-590S has been introduced as a contender at 
Dayton).  How they are incorporated for satellite full-duplex 
operation, remains.  The IC9100, TS-2000x are not in that league, sorry.

I doubt that DEMI will enter the transceiver business (but?).  I was 
hoping RFSpace would come up with a dual-Rx SDR-IQ and/or 
TCVR-IQ.  The SDR field is wide-open as where ham radio technology is 
going. "Theoretically" if you purchase a "good" SDR, you will never 
have to buy any hardware, again - just new sw.

With the unlikely launch of new Heos, it is hard for the industry to 
justify (new or existing) high-end satellite rigs.  Icom obviously 
bundled HF into the new radio to widen its appeal to those wanting a 
one-box,does-all, radio.

PS: in the risk of repeating myself, I bought the K3 to be my 
state-of-art receiver for eme, ms, mw, and general weak-signal 
stuff.  If it can eventually do satellite that would be an added frill.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 10:59 AM 5/16/2010, Sebastian wrote:
>I sold my IC-910H recently, as I had thoughts about going with the 
>9100.  But at that price, I can't justify it.
>
>I agree that the Flex 5000 is probably a much better radio (since we 
>don't yet know all the technical details on the 9100).  However the 
>cost of the V/U module for the Flex is about as much as you would 
>pay for a brand new TS-2000.  Sure the Flex offers more, but let's 
>face it, with the current birds in orbit, it's overkill for the 
>average ham who makes occasional satellite contacts.
>
>Perhaps others such as DEMI, will see this as an opportunity and 
>come up with alternatives?
>
>73 de W4AS
>
>On May 15, 2010, at 9:43 PM, Michael Tondee wrote:
>
> > I guess once I put the upcoming V/U module in my Flex 5000 I'll have
> > that amount of money in it but I won't have had to spend it all at once
> > and IMHO I'll have a markedly better radio. Also one that isn't outdated
> > a day after I walk out of the store with it.
> >  I'm just not a big fan of Icom's anyway so I guess I'm pretty biased.
> > 73,
> > Michael, W4HIJ
> >
> > On 5/15/2010 7:22 PM, Mik Forsythe wrote:
> >> Just left Dayton a few hours ago.  Icom said that it is 
> basically a 7600 and a 910.  It is bigger than the 910.  It was in 
> a display case so I can't tell you what the feel was like of the 
> weight.  Price is in the $4,000.00 range so that will kill a lot of 
> the satellite market if you ask me.
>
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[amsat-bb] Re: Icom 9100

[Edward R Cole]

At 02:38 PM 5/17/2010, tosca...@umn.edu wrote:
>On May 16 2010, Sebastian wrote:
>
> > Perhaps others such as DEMI, will see this as an opportunity and come up
> > with alternatives?
>
>Well, keep in mind that DEMI's strength is in transverters, and what is
>hard to obtain for satellite operation from most common-place existing
>equipment is a full-duplex transceiver. I don't think that DEMI is likely
>to start building transceivers, but if you had a true full-duplex
>transceiver, they would have transverters available to upgrade the radio to
>the satellite bands needed.

Completely doable with current xvtrs.  Tell them what frequencies you want.


>Here's a thought: buy two SoftRocks for a lot less than the price of the
>Flex 5000 -- one would be the v6.3Rx/Tx and the other could be the V9 Rx
>only. This would net you two independent receivers and one transmitter, and
>with clever wiring, selection of VHF & up transverters, and maybe a little
>bit of software development, you could turn that into a software-defined
>radio that would be capable of full-duplex cross-band operation. (The V9 Rx
>would be the primary receiver, the receiver in the V6.3Rx/Tx would be
>"spare" or "extra" or even ignored.) You'd need to configure the
>transverters with "split IF"

Huh? Why?  Put a xvtr for the uplink band on the Tx and another xvtr 
for the downlink for the Rx.

>, and use two coaxial relays to route the 28
>MHz SoftRock IF Rx and Tx separately to the correct receive and transmit
>transverters.

I thought you had two separate Softrocks, so why the relays?

>  A bit of innovation/homebrewing would be needed for
>convenient band-switching, since you would need to switch two different
>transverters into the correct "position" depending on the mode: V/U vs. U/V
>vs. V/S vs. U/S vs. L/S vs. L/U vs. whatever other modes you wanted to
>support. But 4 transverters (145, 435, 1269, and 2400 MHz) would give you
>lots of satellite modes.

four xvtrs would give you every conceivable combination of up and 
down link: V/U, U/V, V/L*, L/V, V/S, S/V, U/L*, L/U, U/S, S/U, L/S, S/L*
* These modes are not allowed for Amateur Radio space-coms.

If each xvtr was configured for separate Rx and Tx antenna and IF 
connections the configuration tree would be simpler.  I count nine 
configurations (excluding HF bands).
If eighteen coax relays seem a bit much, make a coax patch panel and 
use coax jumpers to configure for the mode you want.

>  Oh, don't forget there are some birds with HF
>links and the SoftRock can do HF natively too...
>
>If only I had the time to work on such a thing...
>
>Ideally, the transverters would be dual frequency, so that you could tune
>to 432 terrestrial or 435 satellite; 1269 satellite or 1296 terrestrial;
>and 2304 terrestrial or 2400 satellite.

With the newest xvtrs using PLL in place of xtal oscillators; this is 
a dc switch to shift LO's.  I am installing PLL's into my 1296 and 
3400 DEMI xvtrs.

>Newer DEMI transverters with the
>synthesized LO board can be configured that way, at least on the higher
>bands. Then you'd have not only a ki...@$$ satellite system, but also an
>outstanding weak-signal terrestrial system.

DEMI is planning for PLL from VHF up (when they can get to it).  PLL 
available now 1296 and up.


>Unfortunately, DEMI is once again revamping their lineup of products. Of
>course, this is good for us who want the latest and best, but bad for us
>who want something right NOW. Prices and specs are a little bit harder to
>obtain from DEMI right now, but I expect that the wait will be worth it.

Prices are announced on the webpage.  Some of the xvtrs are shipping 
in June (I have 144/28 ordered).  They are shipping assembled units 
first, then will offer kits later in the summer.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
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==

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[amsat-bb] Re: 'Zombie-sat' and the clever orbital dance

[Edward R Cole]

At 03:44 AM 5/27/2010, Bill Jones wrote:
>On 26 May 2010 at 23:06, Auke de Jong wrote:
>
> > If Galaxy 15's transponders are all of opposite polarities, then wouldn't
> > the potential interference be cancelled-out by around -60dB due to the
> > polarisation mis-match on both the uplink and downlink paths?
> >
> > Auke
>
>
>I think the transponders on both sats are 36MHz wide, spaced every 
>40 MHz. AMC-11
>has vertical transponders at 3720, 3760,.4120,4160  and horizontal from
>3740,3780,...4140,4180.  There is about a 4 MHz gap between each 
>transponder, but
>I am not sure just how sharp the dropoff of the bands are, and how 
>effective this
>4 MHz gap really is.  The Galaxy 15 transponders are at the same 
>places, but the
>vertical are where the AMC11 horizontal are, and visa-versa.  For narrower
>signals which aren't centered at the transponder center, are within 
>the bandwidth
>of both horizontal and vertical transponders. For example the QVC shopping
>channel is an approximately 15 MHz wide vertical signal centered at 
>3928. It's on
>the 3902-3938 "3920" transponder on AMC-11, but would also almost 
>fit into the
>3922-3958 "3940" transponder on Galaxy-15.
>Most of AMC-11's transponders however are centered on the nulls 
> between the
>Galaxy-15s transponders. I am not at all clear with respect to what 
>this would do
>to the signal. Sort of seems like the 4 MHz gaps would be like a 
>notch filter,
>and would be somewhat similar to removing the carrier when generating a SSB
>signal. These digital signals look very broad and rectangular in a spectrum
>analyzer.  Most are 20 or 30 MHz wide, and if you remove a 4 MHz wide segment
>from the middle, I assume that it would result in significant distortion,
>regardless of whether you leave the AMC-11 transponders on or off, 
>but I really
>don't understand much at all about how removing part of the envelope 
>of a broad
>digital signal like this affects the reception. Since these are 
>mostly QPSK an
>8PSK signals, it doesn't take much interference from similar symbol 
>rate signals
>to mess up the reception of these things, particularly because the 
>phases will be
>different from G-15.
>
>
>
>
>
>Bill Jones N3JLQ
>Sweden Maine
>wejo...@eskerridge.com
>http://www.megalink.net/~wejones
>
>303rdBG page
>http://www.eskerridge.com/bj/303rdbg/wwii.html
>
>
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What I recall from  installing c-band dishes in the mid-1980's is 
that adjacent satellites were parked in orbit spaced approx. 4 
degrees apart.  They then polarized even numbered channels 90-degrees 
from odd numbered channels.  The early satellite receivers had to be 
programmed for each satellite and polarity adjusted for best even and 
odd channel.  If you had polarity off, the receiver could pick up a 
transponder (channel) from an adjacent satellite.  It would not be 
clear but it would show a blurry picture and even sound.  Usually, 
once you adjusted the polarity and were pointed dead on a satellite 
the correct channel for that satellite would be received.  In some 
cases satellites had inactive channels and there would be bleed-over 
from an adjacent channel in the same satellite.  Most of these 
satellites had individual transponder amplifiers that could be 
individually adjusted in power by ground station commands.  If you 
had a smaller home dish that sometimes meant not all channels would 
be received clearly.

However, the polarity angle of one satellite would not be the same as 
another so even if they had opposite polarity channel schemes they 
might only be 45 or 60-degrees vs 90-degrees.  At 45-degrees the 
signal is only 3-dB down vs about 20-dB at 90-degrees.

Here in Alaska, the first satellite dishes had to be 14 to 16 foot 
for good reception.  Initially, only Galaxy-V "Aurora" was available 
with two channels: the RATNET (Rural Alaska TV Net) and an 
educational net.  Most rural schools put up 16-foot dishes to receive 
this (my 16-foot eme dish is a surplus one of these).  By mid 1980's 
commercial home dishes became widely available and new satellites 
were launched with enough signal in AK for 10-12 foot dishes.  In 
1985 HBO was first to scramble (encoded) their programs requiring a 
subscription and descrambler box.  In the mid-1990's Ku-band 
satellite service (Direct-TV, Dish-Net) became available but not for 
HI or AK. But enterprising AK dealers offered 6-foot dishes to 
receive the weak signal at the edge of the footprint.  Today, a 
30-inch dish is standard in AK though many opt for 1m (39-in) or 1.2m 
(4-ft) dishes to minimize rain fade.

The 4-MHz gaps in the channels were guard bands and not notched to my 
knowledge.  Often narrow-band subcarriers carried commercial data not 
viewed by ho

[amsat-bb] Re: Doppler Tuning Convention Question

[Edward R Cole]

Just a quick comment on Doppler effects.  Doppler 
offset from the resting frequency is observable 
only on the radial velocity component of the 
satellite and that is usually most significant at 
AOS or LOS.  BUT what the operator is usually 
responding is to the rate of change of Doppler 
and not the absolute value of the frequency 
offset.  Doppler rate change may occur more at mid-pass than elsewhere.

Regarding the "one true rule" that is generally 
only accomplished by software tuning both uplink 
and downlink simultaneously, the manual method of 
tuning the higher frequency will never mesh 
exactly with the other mode.  FM should be more 
forgiving of Doppler shifts due to the 15-KHz 
bandwidth of the signal.  Some radios even have 
AFC to maintain change in frequency in the FM mode.

Higher frequencies show more Doppler and the rate 
of change will also be proportional.  Thus the 
difficulty manual tuning mode LS for Leos.

73, Ed - KL7uW

At 06:49 AM 6/1/2010, Tim - N3TL wrote:
>Hi Alan,
>
>Your comments suggest that I'm the one in Bizarro World.
>
>Regarding the One True Rule - I operate under 
>the impression (which, I thought, has been 
>backed by science) that regardless of the 
>frequency pair, Doppler always will have a more 
>pronounced effect (in relative terms, of course, 
>based on the frequencies being used) on the 
>higher of the two. In a perfect world, ever 
>operator will be tuning for Doppler the same 
>way. reality, of course, is that some people 
>either can't use computer-aided Doppler tuning 
>(my situation for the first several months that 
>I worked the linear satellites) or they choose 
>not to - as I still often do. And when I do, I 
>will continue to compensate - most - for the 
>frequency being most affected by Doppler, which is the higher frequency.
>
>Regarding mid-pass - My experience suggests 
>that, while your statement about mid-pass 
>Doppler shift is accurate, it does not take into 
>account that mid-pass occurs for only a moment 
>in time during any orbit. My experience has been 
>that the lower a satellite's orbit, the more 
>significant Doppler movement will be. VO-52 is 
>the prime example, in my opinion. And here, for 
>me, the time just before and just after (say, 
>20-30 seconds on each side) mid-pass is when 
>Doppler affects the uplink frequency the most. 
>The computer and software I use often have not 
>been able to adjust my radio's frequency as 
>quickly as they need to in order to compensate 
>for Doppler. Others may not have that problem 
>with their computer-tuning system, but I believe 
>the more-rapid Doppler effect is consistent for 
>VO-52 regardless of how one is tuning. I'm 
>confident (and, actually hope) that others will 
>correct me if I'm wrong about the relative speed 
>of Doppler correlating to the relative
>  height of a satellite's orbit.
>
>Regarding pride associated with the decision to 
>not use current technology - Any measure of 
>pride I take from knowing how to routinely tune 
>for Doppler manually comes from the knowledge 
>that circumstances and situations may arise when 
>I will be asked to communicate effectively 
>through the satellites without access to 
>everything associated with current technology. 
>My station is founded in that concept. I don't 
>have an all-mode, full-duplex radio. I use two 
>radios with a diplexer connecting them to one 
>antenna. I don't have an az/el rotator; well, 
>actually I do. It has three parts - shoulder, 
>elbow and wrist. I don't have two very large, 
>high-gain antennas. The only satellite antenna I 
>own and use (other than some whips for the HTs) 
>is the Elk dual-band log periodic. All of that 
>being said, I am proud to say that I can use the 
>gear I have to work any of the current fleet of 
>single-channel-FM and linear-transponder 
>satellites from anywhere - even without
>  access to a computer or even to power. In that 
> regard, Patrick - WD9EWK - has been an 
> inspiration and mentor. His station is similar to mine.
>
>I can't comment on your last two statements 
>(about SSB vs. FM satellites and how to 
>appropriate use a Yaesu FT-736r) because I 
>didn't comment initially on either one. 
>Personally, I find the FM satellites easier to 
>work than the birds with linear transponders - 
>but the latter are easier to make contacts on 
>because they never attract nearly the number of 
>operators on a single pass as the FM satellites. 
>NONE of them are as difficult to work as I 
>believed. They represent the most fun and 
>satisfying operation I've ever done in amateur radio.
>
>73 to all ... from the EM84 chunk of Bizarro World
>
>Tim - N3TL
>
>
>
>
>From: Alan 
>To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Sent: Tue, June 1, 2010 9:31:36 AM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Doppler Tuning Convention Question
>
>Folks I've been patiently silent reading this déjà vu annual discussion and
>I'm getting a brain crap.
>
>- comments that tuning the highest frequency is the "On

[amsat-bb] Re: BP Spill

[Edward R Cole]

At 10:23 AM 6/3/2010, Clint Bradford wrote:
>Two visuals that really put the depth and breadth of the Gulf oil 
>disaster in perspective for me -
>
>A widget that converts "barrels" into gallons as it maintains a 
>running total of the spill - http://tinyurl.com/bp-widget
>
>And a site where you can "overlay" onto Google maps the size of the 
>spill - http://www.ifitwasmyhome.com/
>
>Clint "Off Topic Again" Bradford, K6LCS
>
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We in Alaska, who experienced the Exxon-Valdez Spill (many, like me, 
worked on the cleanup), are sympathetic.  I am, however amused, when 
with media statements like "there is 100-miles of shoreline 
impacted".  Exxon-Valdez spill contaminated 1100 miles of Alaska 
shoreline from Cordova to beyond Kodiak Island.

In time, the impact of the Gulf spill will easily eclipse that of the 
AK spill.  Alaska shore is almost entirely wilderness, while the Gulf 
and Atlantic coasts are mostly inhabited - fishing or resort 
industries.  Much more impact.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
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==

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[amsat-bb] Re: HELIX REFLECTOR?

[Edward R Cole]

At 04:51 PM 6/3/2010, Pete Norris, K1HZU wrote:
>Hi All:
>I am rebuilding a 440 MHZ Helix that I built several years ago . It 
>worked very well, but I would like to reduce the size of the 
>reflector to a more manageable size than I had before. The only 
>reference to reflector size I can find is, "minimum 20" ". I may be 
>looking in the wrong places. I would appreciate it, if someone would 
>steer me in the right direction.
>Thanks,
>Pete, K1HZU
>
>
>
>
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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.  His antenna was designed for 
437.1 MHz so you will want to adjust size to your operating 
frequency.  If you doubt the performance of this antenna, mike 
detected MGS at 10 Million km from earth.  MGS signal output is 
approx. 1w EIRP.
http://af9y.com/helix.htm

I made an 18-turn version of Mike's helix, but did not have my 432 
converter completed in time to receive MGS.  I used a 15-inch 
aluminum pizza pan for my reflector.  In general one uses a 0.5 to 
0.6 wavelength reflector (diameter) (13.6-16.3 inch at 440-MHz)  (Not 
withstanding W1GHZ's findings in his Antenna Book)



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] Re: Re HELIX REFLECTOR?

[Edward R Cole]

For space oriented antenna (satellite, eme, radio astronomy) that are 
elevated to the sky, the height above ground should not matter since 
ground-gain is not a factor once a minimum of elevation occurs.  Many 
antennas in these services are mounted close to ground to achieve 
several objectives:
1) mechanical stability
2) lowered exposure to man-made RF interference
3) cost
4) maintenance access
5) lower physical exposure (wind area).

The response to radiation in other than the prime direction is very 
important to reduce both interference and thermal ground noise.  F/B 
is just one of these parameters.  Sidelobe level is another.  It is 
not primarily a pursuit of maximum gain that is important for maximum 
receive sensitivity.  The parameter that measures this is called G/T 
ratio  (gain/temperature ratio).  So often some gain is sacrificed to 
achieve lower (noise) temperature.

One should be sure that the E-M field of the driven element of the 
antenna system is not affected by ground or other nearby objects that 
can either de-tune of distort the pattern.  But other than that 
height is not a factor.  Only when the antenna elevation is near the 
horizon is this not true.  Typically eme'rs see ground-gain effects 
only below about 10-degrees elevation.

73, Ed

The Ohio State Big Ear Radiotelescope reflector was mounted with the 
lower edge on the ground.  The ground between the parabolic sector 
antenna and the tiltable reflector was a conducting metallic 
surface.  But this is diverges from the original topic.



At 05:21 PM 6/5/2010, i8cvs wrote:
>Hi John,
>
>I agree with you.
>
>I have in my hands the book "RADIO ASTRONOMY" by John Kraus
>ISBN 07-035392-1
>
>This is the text of  page-200
>
>"An example of a partially steerable (meridian transit) array antenna is
>presented in Fig.6-41
>This antenna,built in 1952 at the Ohio State University radio observatory,
>consists of an array of 96 helical-beam antennas, each of 11 turns, mounted
>on a tiltable steel grounded ground plane 160 ft long (east-west) by 22 ft
>wide. At a wavelenght of 1.2 meters the beam width measured 1 degree in
>right ascension by 8 degrees in declination."
>
>My comment:
>
>As seen from the photograph 6.41 the tiltable steel ground plane seems to be
>mounted at no more than 10 to 12 ft from the ground so that when the
>reflector is very large it seems that the high of it from the ground is not
>very important both for gain and front to back ratio.
>
>In this array the tiltable steel ground plane is 160 ft long and 22 ft wide
>with 24 helices in the longer side and 4 line of helices in the wide side
>(24 x 4 = 96 helices) so that the total ground plane area is 160 x 22 = 3520
>square foot and each helix reflector takes 3520 / 96 = 37 square foot  or
>about a square surface of 6 x 6 foot or a round area of 3.4 square meters
>with a diameter of 2.08 meters.
>
>Since the operating wavelenght of the radiotelescope is 1.2 meters the
>reflector diameter for each helix antenna has been made large
>2.08 / 1.2 = 1.73 wavelenght and probably this is why a tiltable steel
>ground plane made so large can be mounted very close to the ground
>surface without affecting gain, front to back ratio and without to take
>too much noise at 290 kelvin from the ground.
>
>73" de
>
>i8CVS Domenico
>
>- Original Message -
>From: "John Belstner" 
>To: "Clare Fowler" 
>Cc: "amsat-bb" 
>Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 11:07 PM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Re HELIX REFLECTOR?
>
>
> > Just another $0.02 to add.
> >
> > You will find that the size and shape of the reflector will not affect the
> > forward gain as much as it does the F/B ratio.  It depends on what is
> > important to you and (of course) how high you are above the ground.  Even
> > for satellite operation pointing up, large back lobes reflecting off the
> > ground can adversely affect the forward pattern when the antenna is
> > mounted only 6-8 feet above ground.
> >
> > On Jun 4, 2010, at 10:13 PM, Clare Fowler wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > To add to the discussion the July/Aug 2007 Amsat Journal has an article
> > > covering some gain comparisonmeasurements I made between four
> > > 13 turn (2.88 wavelengths) 13cm antennas  with different square solid
> > > aluminum reflectors.
> > > The sizes were 0.56 wavelengths, 0.84 wavelengths, 1.0 wavelength and
> >>  1.4 wavelengths.
> > > There was no difference between the 0.84, 1.0 and 1.4 wavelengths but
> > > the antenna with the0.56 wavelength reflector had 1.5 db less gain.
> > >
> > > However for my 70cm helix antennas I followed the Satellite Handbook
> > > minimum size of 0.6 wavelengthsor slightly over 16 inches. I used 1/2
> > > inch hardware cloth mesh to keep the weight and windloading down.
> > > These antennas have performed well however it appears that they would be
> > > a bit better with a somewhat larger reflector.
> > >
> > > A brief description and picture of the 70 cm reflector is in the
> > > November/December 2005 Amsat Journal ar

[amsat-bb] Re: CP antenna from 2 WiFi panels

[Edward R Cole]

Thanks, John!

At 02:37 PM 6/7/2010, John Belstner wrote:
>Hi Domenico,
>
>The HG2414P is a linearly polarized patch.
>http://www.34t.com/PDF/hg2414p.pdf
>
>The HG2409PC is a circular polarized patch (LH or RH available).
>http://www.34t.com/PDF/hg2409pc.pdf

Just ordered one for $14.99+ shipping.  I comes with 12-inch coax 
with NF connector.  Other cables and /or connectors for $36.99


>They are about the same price too.
>
>73, John
>


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==

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[amsat-bb] Re: CP antenna from 2 WiFi panels

[Edward R Cole]

Antenna arrived today.  Shipping was $9.30 so total of $24.29.  All 
white plastic encapsulated: 4.5x4.5x1.0 inch and has four mounting 
holes on the flange.  I will mount it on a 1/8-inch thick aluminum 
plate attached to my satellite elevation crossboom using 
U-bolts.  Very nice looking workmanship.  8 dBi gain translates 
loosely to 6 dBd ( about the free-space gain of a 3-element yagi.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 06:58 AM 6/9/2010, John Belstner wrote:
>Good price Ed.  Its not worth the time trying to make something when 
>you can buy something for $15.
>Good luck and let me know how it works.
>
>73, John
>
>On Jun 8, 2010, at 10:15 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
>
> > Thanks, John!
> >
> > At 02:37 PM 6/7/2010, John Belstner wrote:
> >> Hi Domenico,
> >>
> >> The HG2414P is a linearly polarized patch.
> >> http://www.34t.com/PDF/hg2414p.pdf
> >>
> >> The HG2409PC is a circular polarized patch (LH or RH available).
> >> http://www.34t.com/PDF/hg2409pc.pdf
> >
> > Just ordered one for $14.99+ shipping.  I comes with 12-inch coax 
> with NF connector.  Other cables and /or connectors for $36.99
> >
> >
> >> They are about the same price too.
> >>
> >> 73, John
> >>
> >
> >
> > 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
> > ==
> > BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
> > EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
> > DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
> > ==
> >


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==

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[amsat-bb] Re: Dual band "cheap yagi" question ( interlacing elements?)

[Edward R Cole]

At 12:19 PM 6/30/2010, Michael Tondee wrote:
>I'm in the process of putting together a portable FM satellite station
>and I intend to homebrew the antenna using the WA5VJB "cheap yagi"
>design. In looking at a picture in the May/June 2007 AMSAT Journal I've
>noticed that the  so called "AMSAT demonstration antenna"
>   that is composed of two elements on two meters and five elements on
>70cm has the 70cm antenna built completely ahead of the  two meter
>antenna on the boom. In other words, the elements for the two bands are
>not interlaced with each other.
>   I'm planning to build a larger antenna with more elements as I will
>use it on a tripod rather than holding it by hand and I'm wondering if I
>can interlace the elements of the two antennas on the boom without
>adversely affecting performance. To build the antenna I envision in the
>fashion shown in the picture with one antenna built completely ahead of
>the other on the boom would result in an unruly boom length.
>   Also, if I do interlace the elements, should I place them at 90
>degrees orientation to each other as is done in the Arrow design? I
>doubt it makes any difference but just to be clear, I will be using two
>separate radios for TX and RX so no diplexer will be used.
>Yagi antennas, especially dual band designs, are not exactly my forte so
>I thought I'd ask this question just to be sure.
>Tnx and 73,
>Michael, W4HIJ
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Michael,

I definitely recommend you place the elements at right angles as 
there is minimum interaction between the two antennas.  Designing a 
yagi pretty much requires antenna design software.  You will find 
considerable interaction doing interlacing and only come up with a 
compromise instead of optimized antenna.  Arrow and Gulf-Alpha both 
use the right angle (or cross polar) design.  You can use the simple 
WA5VJB design with no fear of one affecting the other.  Since you do 
not plan to use a diplexer the 20+ dB isolation of this design is beneficial.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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[amsat-bb] Re: Since there's been a lot of ISS chatter recently, I thought this might be a good time to post

[Edward R Cole]

Here is what I calculate:
10 dBm  Tx power
0 dBiczero gain Tx antenna
20 dBic   Rx antenna gain
0 dB   Cross polarity loss
902 MHz
0.001 millions of km (1000km)
20 K   sky temp
40 K   Rx antenna temp
36 K   receiver noise temp
20 Hz   bandwidth

151.5 dB space loss at 1000km
-121.5 dBm  received signal level
96 K   total receive system noise temp
-125.8 dBm   EIRP
4.3 dB S/N

this was calculated using the spreadsheet I made 
for determining the signal from MRO:
http://www.kl7uw.com/raseti.htm
click on the word "calculate" to download the spreadsheet.
this works for determining any spacecraft signal reception.

A 20-db antenna will have around a 10 degree 
beamwidth so much easier to point than what hams used for AO-40 on 2.4 GHz

probably a 4 to 6 foot dish will suffice.



At 08:40 AM 7/14/2010, Robert Christ wrote:
>Hey everyone.  I'm a researcher at Cornell, and 
>this fall, our experimental, 1 inch diameter, 
>“chip satellites” are scheduled to be 
>launched on the final space shuttle flight, 
>STS-134.  They're going to be mounted on the 
>exterior of the ISS structure, and will be set 
>to transmit a 902 MHz signal.  Unfortunately, 
>we do not yet have an antenna for receiving this 
>transmission. Â After talking with Bob - Wb4APR 
>for a while, it was suggested that the fine 
>members of the AMSAT ­ BB might be able to helpp 
>us. What we’re looking for is a digital 
>capture of this 902MHz frequency (with a 
>bandwidth of about 200KHz), during at least one 
>ISS pass (only a few gigs of data, we believe). 
>Â No decommutation or other analysis of the 
>signal will be required, but actually capturing 
>the signal will require at least a 20 dbB gain 
>receive antenna (more details in a minute). If 
>any of you can help us in this experiment, or 
>are able to successfully capture the signal, not 
>only would we be incredibly grateful, but we 
>would also be prepared to add your names and 
>contributions to all of the published papers 
>that will result from this mission. Â It goes 
>without saying, though, that we’d also be 
>entirely open to suggestions if the community, 
>or a member, were aware of some manner by which 
>Cornell might be able to better avail itself to 
>the both those who help us on this project and 
>the community as a whole. So here are the 
>technical details.  There are 3 transmitting 
>antennas, all tiny, center-fed dipoles: two of 
>them use wires separated by 180 degrees, and one 
>has wires separated by 90 degrees. Â Each of 
>these dipoles is mounted a few mm from large 
>metal panels on the ISS. Â The ChipSats will 
>transmit for approximately 10ms every 1-2 
>seconds, but the signal is going to be beneath 
>the noise floor.  Detecting the signal requires 
>a pseudorandom noise (PRN) code, which Cornell 
>will handle once the dataset is in hand. Â Since 
>we can/will take care of the post processing, 
>and capture isn’t guaranteed on every ISS pass 
>(attitude alignment problems still TBD) so 
>anyone who can take a recording of this 
>frequency at this bandwidth for us, of any ISS 
>pass, would be incredibly helpful. The good news 
>is that the chips will be live and transmitting 
>almost immediately after they are installed from 
>STS-134, and they will transmit continuously 
>whenever the ISS is in sunlight. Â Additionally, 
>should they survive in their environment, they 
>are set to transmit for up to two years, which 
>should give us many chances to receive the data 
>and confirm that the ChipSats are functioning. 
>Thanks for your time, everyone, Robert Christ 
>http://www.spacecraftresearch.com/ P.S. a little 
>extra information:  Our website is 
>http://www.spacecraftresearch.com/projects.html 
>if you're interested. This mission isn't 
>explicitly mentioned there yet, but is rather a 
>proof of feasibility study for most of the 
>projects listed on that site.  Ah and lastly, 
>the ERP of the transmitter is expected to be ~10 
>dBm, though it will almost certainly be facing 
>in a poor orientation, giving us only a fraction 
>of that power.  We won't know the exact amount 
>for a few more days.  Thanks all! 
>___ 
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>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


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
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==
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[amsat-bb] Re: Since there's been a lot of ISS chatter recently, I thought this might be a good time to post

[Edward R Cole]

Sorry a labled two lines backward:
-121.5 dBm is Ps  signal level received from the s/c
-125.8 dBm is Pn  sensitivity of receive system
S/N = Ps-Pn in dB

I also ignored any squint angle for the 
transmitter on the ISS so that could add a lot more dB of loss.
But the link is not as bad as one would think reading the specs.

At 12:32 PM 7/14/2010, you wrote:
>Here is what I calculate:
>10 dBm  Tx power
>0 dBiczero gain Tx antenna
>20 dBic   Rx antenna gain
>0 dB   Cross polarity loss
>902 MHz
>0.001 millions of km (1000km)
>20 K   sky temp
>40 K   Rx antenna temp
>36 K   receiver noise temp
>20 Hz   bandwidth
>
>151.5 dB space loss at 1000km
>-121.5 dBm  received signal level
>96 K   total receive system noise temp
>-125.8 dBm   EIRP
>4.3 dB S/N
>
>this was calculated using the spreadsheet I made
>for determining the signal from MRO:
>http://www.kl7uw.com/raseti.htm
>click on the word "calculate" to download the spreadsheet.
>this works for determining any spacecraft signal reception.
>
>A 20-db antenna will have around a 10 degree
>beamwidth so much easier to point than what hams used for AO-40 on 2.4 GHz
>
>probably a 4 to 6 foot dish will suffice.
>
>
>
>At 08:40 AM 7/14/2010, Robert Christ wrote:
> >Hey everyone.  I'm a researcher at Cornell, and
> >this fall, our experimental, 1 inch diameter,
> >“chip satellites” are scheduled to be
> >launched on the final space shuttle flight,
> >STS-134.  They're going to be mounted on the
> >exterior of the ISS structure, and will be set
> >to transmit a 902 MHz signal.  Unfortunately,
> >we do not yet have an antenna for receiving this
> >transmission. Â After talking with Bob - Wb4APR
> >for a while, it was suggested that the fine
> >members of the AMSAT ­ BB might be able to helpp
> >us. What we’re looking for is a digital
> >capture of this 902MHz frequency (with a
> >bandwidth of about 200KHz), during at least one
> >ISS pass (only a few gigs of data, we believe).
> >Â No decommutation or other analysis of the
> >signal will be required, but actually capturing
> >the signal will require at least a 20 dbB gain
> >receive antenna (more details in a minute). If
> >any of you can help us in this experiment, or
> >are able to successfully capture the signal, not
> >only would we be incredibly grateful, but we
> >would also be prepared to add your names and
> >contributions to all of the published papers
> >that will result from this mission. Â It goes
> >without saying, though, that we’d also be
> >entirely open to suggestions if the community,
> >or a member, were aware of some manner by which
> >Cornell might be able to better avail itself to
> >the both those who help us on this project and
> >the community as a whole. So here are the
> >technical details.  There are 3 transmitting
> >antennas, all tiny, center-fed dipoles: two of
> >them use wires separated by 180 degrees, and one
> >has wires separated by 90 degrees. Â Each of
> >these dipoles is mounted a few mm from large
> >metal panels on the ISS. Â The ChipSats will
> >transmit for approximately 10ms every 1-2
> >seconds, but the signal is going to be beneath
> >the noise floor.  Detecting the signal requires
> >a pseudorandom noise (PRN) code, which Cornell
> >will handle once the dataset is in hand. Â Since
> >we can/will take care of the post processing,
> >and capture isn’t guaranteed on every ISS pass
> >(attitude alignment problems still TBD) so
> >anyone who can take a recording of this
> >frequency at this bandwidth for us, of any ISS
> >pass, would be incredibly helpful. The good news
> >is that the chips will be live and transmitting
> >almost immediately after they are installed from
> >STS-134, and they will transmit continuously
> >whenever the ISS is in sunlight. Â Additionally,
> >should they survive in their environment, they
> >are set to transmit for up to two years, which
> >should give us many chances to receive the data
> >and confirm that the ChipSats are functioning.
> >Thanks for your time, everyone, Robert Christ
> >http://www.spacecraftresearch.com/ P.S. a little
> >extra information:  Our website is
> >http://www.spacecraftresearch.com/projects.html
> >if you're interested. This mission isn't
> >explicitly mentioned there yet, but is rather a
> >proof of feasibility study for most of the
> >projects listed on that site.  Ah and lastly,
> >the ERP of the transmitter is expected to be ~10
> >dBm, though it will almost certainly be facing
> >in a poor orientation, giving us only a fraction
> >of that power.  We won't know the exact amount
> >for a few more days.  Thanks all!
> >___
> >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
>
>
>73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
>==
>BP

[amsat-bb] Re: pole mounting az-el system

[Edward R Cole]

John,

I built essentially the same support: 3-foot RS tripod on plywood 
square and 6-foot mast; used for roving in the back of my pickup with 
a 3-element 6m beam, 2m & 70cm & 33cm yagis.  It is high enough to 
clear the roof of the truck cab but not snag overhead wires on the 
road.  It also is very useful for tuning antennas before being 
installed on towers or other high points.  I have it for temp 
antennas if those "hurried" installations.

It may get semi-permanent use with a U100 rotor and 4-foot vertical 
loop antenna for LF/MW frequencies as a receiving antenna.

I have a second 3-foot tripod to mount a small 18-inch dish for 
microwave ham radio.

73, Ed

At 08:55 AM 7/20/2010, you wrote:
>Since I live in a rental, my mount had to be temporary.  I mounted a 
>3 ft Radio
>Shack Tripod onto a 4'x4'x3/4" plywood.  Used a super large/heavy 
>stepping brick
>to anchor it down, plus placed large river rock ontop.  Mounted my 
>G5400 Azimuth
>rotor just above the tripod, then placed 5 ft of 1-1/4" EMT mast, with the
>Elevation rotor and horizontal PVC with wooden dowel insert.  Even 
>only using an
>Arrow now, but still gives enough strength to when I'll get a "real antenna
>setup, again".  See photo
>
>John W6ZKH
>
>
>
>
>
>
>From: John Belstner 
>To: Scott Townley ; amsat-bb@amsat.org
>Sent: Tue, July 20, 2010 8:32:12 AM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: pole mounting az-el system
>
>Hi Scott,
>
>The 10' galvanized pole trick is exactly what I did in my back 
>yard.  I used a
>hand post hole digger to go down 32" (until I hit a big rock) though I had
>planned to go down 36".  The pole was cemented into the hole but I 
>did not pour
>cement into the pipe.
>
>The G-5500 sits on top with a 6' cross boom and a 7x7 432 on one 
>side and a 5x5
>146 on the other.
>
>
>73
>John
>
>Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
>-Original Message-
>From: Scott Townley 
>Sender: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org
>Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:51:05
>To: 
>Subject: [amsat-bb]  pole mounting az-el system
>
>I was planning on pole-mounting an az-el system:
> > KLM CP yagis (the shorter ones)
> > TekSharp 1.2m dish with dual-band patch feed
> > 8' fiberglass boom
> > G-5500 az-el rotator with mast brackets.
>
>The G-5500 can accept a 2-1/2" mast.  And the 2m KLM is about 13' long so I
>need to get it up at least 7' in the air.  So I was thinking of using a
>piece of electrical conduit.  Not EMT (the thin-walled stuff), but rather
>IMC, which is thicker walled (0.095" vs. 0.065") and readily available at
>home improvement stores.  2" trade size is 2.36" od so it will fit the mast
>brackets on the rotator fine.
>There is an even thicker electrical conduit GRC which is 0.146" wall, but
>at twice the price and a trip to Grainger (not out of the question but not
>convenient either) I can't help but wonder if that's overkill.
>
>The conduit comes 10' long so I'd put 3' in the ground, say a 12"x36" hole,
>filled with concrete.  Maybe filling the conduit with concrete as well.
>
>I'd appreciate any comments as to the feasibility of doing
>this...particularly the conduit size and hole size for concrete fill.
>
>
>Scott Townley NX7U
>Gilbert, AZ  DM43di
>mailto:n...@cox.net
>http://members.cox.net/nx7u
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] Re: Four Grids from one location

[Edward R Cole]

I am not sure what the requirements are for VUCC, WAS, DXCC & other 
awards but for valid contacts from rovers in ARRL VHF Contests there 
is a requirement that the rover moves a min distance between 
grids.  This is to prevent a method of shortcutting contacts called 
grid circling.  So, even with a GPS, it may be necessary to move 
physically to register the proper six digit grid.  Can you imagine 
the number of grids that intersect at the north of south pole?

FWIW
73,
Ed - KLUW

At 06:43 AM 7/21/2010, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
>Lee Ernstrom wrote:
> > Hi folks,
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone has operated from one point where four grid
> > squares meet.  There is a location just a few miles to the west of where I
> > operated portable from yesterday in Idaho where DN31, DN41, DN32, and DN42
> > meet.  The terrain looks a little rugged but in about a week or 
> so I'm going
> > to drive back up there and check it out with my GPS.  It looks like the
> > location is off the dirt road about 1/4 mile so there will be a little
> > hiking involved.
> >
> > WA7HQD
> > Lee Ernstrom
> > Syracuse, Utah DN31xb
> >
>Long time back, I worked KK5YY (now SK) from a 4 grid point in SW Texas.
>I'm scouting locations now to do the same thing during my SD trip next
>month. A snapshot of the GPS at the exact intersection is a very good idea.
>
>73, Drew KO4MA
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] was Re: Duplex HTs, radios with embedded APRS

[Edward R. Cole]

>This often requested list suggests another:

In addition to the D700, D710, TH-D7A (out of production), what other 
radios are similarly equipped with APRS texting GPS.  I have seen 
recent advertisements suggesting this and some day will upgrade to 
nice dual-band, duplex, APRS radio.

Has such a list been made?  Maybe someone can do one?



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] Re: AO27/TS2000

[Edward R. Cole]

At 11:28 AM 7/31/2010, i8cvs wrote:
>- Original Message -
>From: 
>To: "AMSAT" 
>Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 8:45 PM
>Subject: [amsat-bb] AO27/TS2000
> >
> >
> > Just installed a preamp Ar2 { Advance Reciever Research) M# MSP432DG-160
>and the birdy that the TS2000 has on AO27 recieve is now gone and I was able
>to hear the bird from start of the pass to the end.Why ,I do not know, but
>the preamp seems to kill the birdy . Has anyone found this to be the same.
> >
> > WA4HFN Damon
> > ___
>
>Hi Damon, WA4HFN
>
>The pramplifier "seems" to kill the birdy because the preamplifier gain is
>very high and so the birdy is belove the noise introduced by the
>preamplifier itself.
>
>I guess that without any signal on the band your S meter reading is well
>above S-9 only because of the preamplifier noise that is apparently killing
>the birdy.
>
>If you reduce the gain of your preamplifier to get an S-meter reading of say
>S-1 or S-2 without any signal on the band then the birdy will appear again.
>
>Best 73" de
>
>i8CVS Domenico
>
>
>
>
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Not sure this is the same explanation as Domenico gave, but, if the 
birdie is internal to the radio, running an external preamp operates 
the radio at a signal (plus noise) level above the level of the birdie.

The noise rises due to the exta gain but the noise floor actually can 
be lower due to the increase in sensitivity (lower noise 
figure).  Does this make sense?  In other words, the radio may go 
from operating at -122 dBm to operating at -110 dBm (if preceded by 
22-dB gain) and the receiver system (Rx+preamp) operate at -132 dBm 
(not necessarily what your system will do).  The birdie is not 
amplified but the signal+noise is.  This usually does not help with 
birdies external to the radio.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
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[amsat-bb] Re: AO27/TS2000

[Edward R. Cole]

That may be because the source of the birdie is near the radio and 
not necessarily coming from the radio (e.g. nearby computers).

The FT-847 is famous for its internal birdies, but they are either 
gone or diminished when I connect my eme antenna with tower-top 
preamp.  Some do not disappear so are probably being radiated from 
the neighborhood.

A good test is to terminate the radio with a dummy load and see what 
birdies remain (most likely are internally produced in the 
radio).  Then connect the antenna with preamp and see how many go 
away or are greatly reduced.  And see how many new ones show up!  a 
preamp can generate birdies from intermodulation products or 
self-oscillation.  So saying, RF is a messy business. ;-)

When I point the 2m eme array at 70-mi distant Anchorage the noise 
floor rises (slightly).  It drops if I swing in azimuth or raise 
above 10-degrees elevation.  In character the noise is not exactly 
white noise but has a faint line-noise sound.  Cities have a lot of lines. ;-)

73, Ed
PS:  I am going to be interested to observe how many birdies my 
Elecraft K3+DEMI 144/28 xvtr combo produce compared with the FT-847 
on 144 (144-144.030 is unusable due to birdies)

At 12:11 PM 7/31/2010, Bruce Robertson wrote:
>To improve the birdie issue on the TS-2000, be sure to keep your
>antennas well away from the radio. I found the birdie less serious
>recently, now that my antennas are 100' away.
>
>73, Bruce
>VE9QRP
>
>On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 4:28 PM, i8cvs  wrote:
> > - Original Message -
> > From: 
> > To: "AMSAT" 
> > Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 8:45 PM
> > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO27/TS2000
> >>
> >>
> >> Just installed a preamp Ar2 { Advance Reciever Research) M# MSP432DG-160
> > and the birdy that the TS2000 has on AO27 recieve is now gone and 
> I was able
> > to hear the bird from start of the pass to the end.Why ,I do not know, but
> > the preamp seems to kill the birdy . Has anyone found this to be the same.
> >>
> >> WA4HFN Damon
> >> ___
> >
> > Hi Damon, WA4HFN
> >
> > The pramplifier "seems" to kill the birdy because the preamplifier gain is
> > very high and so the birdy is belove the noise introduced by the
> > preamplifier itself.
> >
> > I guess that without any signal on the band your S meter reading is well
> > above S-9 only because of the preamplifier noise that is apparently killing
> > the birdy.
> >
> > If you reduce the gain of your preamplifier to get an S-meter 
> reading of say
> > S-1 or S-2 without any signal on the band then the birdy will appear again.
> >
> > Best 73" de
> >
> > i8CVS Domenico
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
> > 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!
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> >
>
>
>
>--
>http://ve9qrp.blogspot.com
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
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EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] May/June Journal

[Edward R. Cole]

I received my copy of the May/June Journal today


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT Journal

[Edward R. Cole]

Mine came with an address label.  Received last week.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 05:53 AM 9/3/2010, Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield wrote:
>My Journal arrived today
>
>
>
>Does your Journal have your address on the label?
>
>
>
>Mine has only my name and a bar code.  I'm sure the bar code must be my
>address, but my other magazines have a human readable address.
>
>
>
>Just Curious?
>
>Joe kk0sd
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: [SPAM] Re: AO-51 V/S

[Edward R. Cole]

I recently purchased the HyperGain® HG2409PCR 
flat-panel 8-dBic RHCP 2.4 GHz antenna from L-com 
to use for s-band Leo sats.  I got a good price 
but now they are listed for $28.99.  I have a 0.8 
dBNF DEMI preamp to use with my Drake 
downconverters (left-over from AO-40 era).

http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6299

73, ED - KL7UW

At 07:42 AM 9/10/2010, Matt Patterson wrote:
>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 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
> >>
> >> ___
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> >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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> >>
> >
>
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
*temp 

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[amsat-bb] Re: Mode S antenna

[Edward R. Cole]

At 06:53 PM 9/11/2010, Matt Patterson wrote:
>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
>
>&item=160477089933
>
>
>
>Plan on mounting the downconverter to the back of it.  Now to program the
>memories of both my HTs.
>
>
>
>73 Matt
>
>W5LL
>
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Described at 19-dBi is enough gain, probably linear-pol so there may 
be a bit more fading if the satellite is spinning.  I bought a 8-dBic 
RHCP wifi antenna but have yet to install it.  My B5400 controller 
needs repair so no hurry.

I imagine it will work fine...super price!



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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[amsat-bb] Re: SatPC32 Help Needed

[Edward R. Cole]

David,
I'll step in here with a brief comment which you may already have considered:

Doppler frequency offset changes throughout a pass, so if you 
transmit on a fixed frequency on the uplink, the downlink frequency 
will change due both due to Doppler effects on the uplink and 
downlink frequencies.  If this is mode-UV the amount of Doppler will 
be more on the uplink due to the higher frequency.

Another effect that many do not take into mind is that Doppler 
changes at a non-linear rate; in other words it changes faster near 
the point where Doppler goes from positive shift to negative shift in 
the rest frequency of the satellite.  I know it sounds like a lot of 
math.  But as an operator you just need only realize that this will 
happen resulting in tuning the signal over the duration of the pass 
(tune faster at mid-point of pass).

When one gets up to modes like LS, it gets more challenging because 
both Doppler and rate of Doppler change are greater.  Probably should 
consider computer tuning of the radio at this point.

Note that Leo satellites go thru faster frequency change due to the 
quicker pass overhead.  Heo's taking hours for a pass require 
retuning less often.

Others may provide more definitive help with your question.
73, Ed - KL7UW

At 11:35 AM 10/6/2010, David Palmer wrote:
>Hi Guy and Amsat-List!
>
>I'd like to know the answer to this too!  I just recently started
>using twin FT-817ND's and SatPC32 as well, and notice the exact same
>thing -- audio drifts slightly thorughout the pass, even though I have
>the dopper correction set pretty close.  For me, it only drifts a few
>hundred Hz at most, but it's still enough that I have to tweak the
>offset on the uplink.  I'm new to SSB sats so not sure as well if
>there's something I'm doing wrong.  I've got the time on the PC clock
>set within 1 second, and my lat/long within 0.01 degrees.
>
>I'm measuring the drift just roughly based on my own audio coming back
>over the downlink -- unfortunately as I've called CQ on FO-29 and
>VO-52 the last few evening's passes (0100-0500 UTC), no one else has
>been on the sats for a direct QSO!  My own audio comes back nice and
>clear (even out to 5 degrees elevation) so it's not a reception
>problem, as far as I know.
>
>Any help for those of us new to the satellites would be appreciated!
>
>Thanks,
>
>Dave KB5WIA CM88 Northern California
>2xFT817-ND, Elk Log-Periodic, MH-72 Duplexer, Samsung Netbook running SatPC32.
>
> > Is anyone else using two Yaesu FT-817
> > / 857 / 897 rigs with SatPC32?  If so, what do you think I am doing wrong
> > and what are your DOPPLER.SQF data lines for AO-7, VO-52, and 
> FO-29 (as well
> > as any other critical settings)?
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-winter?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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