[amsat-bb] wispdde to VB.NET?

[john]

Has anyone successfully converted wispdde to Visual Basic 2008 Express?  I
need to make some code changes to drive my antenna rotors but I don't have
access to VB6.  Modifying the software for the newer version looks like a
major undertaking...

73
John - VE8EV

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[amsat-bb] Re: equal time

[John]

Additionally, I will be "net" for the four passes (2 in the AM and 2 in 
the PM) for 15 June, in celebration of my birth. Thank you all for your 
full cooperation.

>
> Please refrain from hogging the satellite every pass for multiple 
> contacts.
>
> I cant get into the satellite anymore and I am not going to use the 
> amplifier to fight everyone.
>


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[amsat-bb] Re: controller and Rotator help

[John]

Here is a link to a fellow ham who produces fantastic kits/fully 
assembled units. They are REAL reasonable priced and work just great. 
Give him a try you will be very happy with the results.
http://www.foxdelta.com/products/satellite.htm

- Original Message - 
From: "Bill Howell" 
To: "Amsat List" 
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 7:00 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: controller and Rotator help


> Myles,
>
> My friend is using a Yaesu 5400 rotor (the currently available model
> is the 5500).
>  I do not believe that he has had any problem with it, nor have I.
> He uses a controller created by Mark Spencer, WA8SME. Here is a link
> to the original QST page that describes it:
> http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ariss-kits/
> Note that the kit is no longer available through Mark or the ARRL.
> The boards are available through Far Circuits...
> http://www.farcircuits.net/control1.htm
> It is described as "SATELITE TRACKER INTERFACE FOR G-5500, G-5400,
> NOVA, SatPC32 BY WA8SME
> INCLUDES PROGRAMMED PIC AND BOARD".
>
> What you are buying is a circuit board and programmed PIC chip. You
> will have to buy miscellaneous parts to finish out the project.
>
> When used with MacDoppler, the "EasyCom" protocol is selected .
>
> I hope all the above is not too confusing.
>
> You mention a concern about not having access to the roof, once the
> rotor is installed.
>
> Keep in mind that at some point in the future, you may end up having
> to get up there and troubleshoot the unit or perhaps attend to a coax
> connector that is letting in the rain, etc.
>
> Bill Howell N5AB
>
>
>
> On Jul 5, 2009, at 5:44 AM, myles landstein wrote:
>
>
>> hi
>>
>> thank you very much for  all the info and  willingness  to ask a
>> friend about his setup
>> could you   in particular ask  what his experience was  w/the
>> rotator  was it 'trouble free' for him
>>
>>
>> my biggest  concern  is getting  a  bad  brand of   rotator
>> because   it will be  very difficult  for  me t get   the building
>> to give me access to the roof  and to hire   people  to have to
>> climb up  and replace a  rotator  so naturally  i want to make sure
>> to get the right brand, the alpha spid seems to be  double in
>> price  not chump change   so  while i don't mind  getting  one,
>> i don't want to  waste money if the yaesu is  'ok'  and so far  i
>> don't know  anyone who said they had the spid  perhaps it's
>> problematic  or just  too  $$
>>
>> excuse  my babble   and again thanks for all
>>
>> myles
>>
>>
>> On Jul 4, 2009, at 11:02 PM, Bill Howell wrote:
>>
>>> Myles,
>>>
>>> My antennas/rotor are disassembled right now, as we are trying to
>>> sell the house.
>>> When it was all together, I used an older version of MacDoppler Pro,
>>> a Mac G4 tower with a serial card,
>>> and an Endeavour Auto Tracker ( http://endeavour-usa.com/
>>> autotracker.htm ) driving a Yaesu 5400 rotor.
>>> The system worked FB.
>>>
>>> Had I to do it over, I might not choose the Endeavour interface 
>>> unit.
>>> It requires a serial port
>>> on the Mac, and I'm not sure if a serial-to USB converter would work
>>> right with it
>>> (an Imac, for instance, has no provision for a serial card).
>>>
>>> MacDoppler is an excellent program with great support.
>>> The 5400 was purchased used and has been up on my roof for a number
>>> of years with no problems.
>>>
>>> A friend of mine (who may not subscribe to this list) is using a 
>>> Mac,
>>> MacDoppler and a Yaesu 5400.
>>> I will email him and see what he is using for an interface unit (I
>>> think his Mac is USB-only), and let you know.
>>>
>>> Bill Howell N5AB
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jul 4, 2009, at 8:12 PM, myles landstein wrote:
>>>
 Since no one has  replied  thought  I might give it another  try,
 while perhaps not many  are familiar with MacDoppler software,  I
 hope  some would  be  with the  hardware and wouldn't mind 
 offering
 some  help?


 thanks

 happy 4th


 On Jul 3, 2009, at 4:47 PM, myles landstein wrote:

> Hoping to get some real world advice from those that are using
> MacDoppler and a compatible Rotor /Controller set up as this will
> be my first time getting a rotator and controller.
>
> I wanted to solicit some advice on two fronts, the rotor
> controller basically for ease of use with MacDoppler and
> rotor reliability.
>
>
> My first thoughts were towards a Yaesu 5500 and maybe the
> PrimeTec controller or maybe the LVB tracker as it's less costly.
>
> I read a few reviews but not much was out there in general but
> especially on the PrimeTec...

 Anyone using the PrimeTec?
>
> What are you using as a controller? would appreciate any
> comparisons pro's cons tips tricks you might have
>
>
> My biggest concern really is the Rotator. I am in a situation such
> that after installation, getting back to the roof for repairs
> would be rather difficult. So i am

[amsat-bb] TNC's for satellite work

[John]

All,

I'm in the process of setting up a simple 'earth station' for satellite work. 
One facet I am interested in is digital mode. Thus my question: will a 
Rigblaster Plus work as a TNC, or must I buy a dedicated TNC? My shack is 
rather small, and I'd rather have one box that would do two things vs. two that 
do one thing. 

Rig is an Icom 706MKIIG, which has the data port for packet. 

Assuming that the answer to the question I pose in the first paragraph is "no, 
a rigblaster won't serve as a TNC", are there recommendations for TNC's? From 
reviewing the literature they all seem to have about the same functionality, so 
I wonder if the $200 Kantronics unit will give as good service as would the 
$540 Timewave PK232.

Thanks!

John
KC9IKB
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[amsat-bb] Rigblaster TNC?

[John]

All,

I'm in the process of setting up a simple 'earth station' for satellite work. 
One facet I am interested in is digital mode. Thus my 
question: will a Rigblaster Plus work as a TNC, or must I buy a dedicated TNC? 
My shack is rather small, and I'd rather have one box 
that would do two things vs. two that do one thing.

Rig is an Icom 706MKIIG, which has the data port for packet.

Assuming that the answer to the question I pose in the first paragraph is "no, 
a rigblaster won't serve as a TNC", are there 
recommendations for TNC's? From reviewing the literature they all seem to have 
about the same functionality, so I wonder if the $200 
Kantronics unit will give as good service as would the $540 Timewave PK232.

Thanks!

John
KC9IKB 

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[amsat-bb] Yaesu G 5400 elevation rotator quit working

[John]

My Yaesu G 5400 Elevation rotator decided to quit working Friday morning.

I could press the up and down buttons and hear the motor running but the
antennas would not move.

After being gone out of town for two days, I decided to try it again Sunday
night.

And to my amazement, it worked.  The antenna moved.

Anybody have any clues as to why this happens and what to do to fix it?

Thanks,

John C. 

KE5GFJ

Pampa, Texas

ke5...@centramedia.net

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[amsat-bb] G5400 Elevation Rotor Opened up

[John]

I opened up the G5400 elevation rotor.

All the bearings and gears look good.

Problem found is the motor shaft spins free inside the first, small nylon
gear on the end of the shaft.

Any advice on how to replace or repair that gear?

Thx.

John KE5GFJ

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[amsat-bb] 4 Sale antennnas

[John]

Spring is here, time to change antennas. For sale 22XB and 738XB 
circular pol. antennas. 2 meter one works great but the 440 one doesn't 
seem right. Maybe needs new phasing lines. $200 for the pair. I have the 
assembly manuals and all parts seem to be there. Located in EL99bf. 
Silver Springs, FL 34488

- Original Message - 
From: "Dave" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 8:49 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] M-Squared Yagis


> Hi group-  I'm installing my 2MCP22 and 436CP42 U/G antennas and find 
> that
> the coax is hanging up on the Rohn tower sides near my G-5500 rotator 
> plate.
> How are folks keeping the coax away from the tower sides and hanging 
> up?
>
> Springs? Cable ties?
>
> I have hung it up twice and stalled the AZ/EL. I don't wanna break 
> something
> so thought I'd ask for expert advice and experience and not reinvent 
> the
> wheel.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Dave
> KA0SWT
>  _
>
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1498/3507 - Release Date: 
> 03/14/11
>
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[amsat-bb] Hand Help Portable operation

[John]

OK, I finally received the ARROW satellite antenna. I believe I have all 
necessary to make AO-51 contacts (any maybe SO-50) while I am camping in 
the Motorhome. I have a Yaesu FT-470 with Speaker Mic, the Arrow antenna 
and I approprated the camera tri-pod from my bride. Not going to worry 
about logging until I get comfortable enough receiving.

I seem to remember someone mentioning they used the tripod top plate to 
change polarity. How was that done? Do I need to poke a hole thru my New 
Arrow to attach it to the tripod? Anyone out there BTDT (been there, 
done that)?

Thanks

NS1Z / EL99bf
John Wilcox
Silver Springs, FL

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[amsat-bb] Re: Hand Help Portable operation

[John]

Duh!! I bought mine with the duplexor installed so it had the foam 
handle on the end of the boom. That's why I didn't see it. Pulled the 
foam handle off and there it was, as you described. Now to pull the 
screw on the tri-pod and replace it with a "just long enough" 
replacement. Thanks for clearing the fog!!!

- Original Message - 
From: "Zachary Beougher" 
To: "John" ; 
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Hand Help Portable operation


> Hi John,
>
> The Arrow actually come predrilled with 1/4" holes on all four sides. 
> This should fit all standard tripods.  To switch polarization using a 
> tripod, you will need to have a tripod that not only enables you to 
> move the antenna (or camera) forward and backward (up/down) as most 
> tripods do, but you will also need one that pivots 
> vertically/horizontally.  Not all camera tripods do this - it will 
> depend on what type you have.
>
>> Not going to worry about logging until I get
>> comfortable enough receiving.
>
> You should look into using a recorder (your phone might even have 
> one!). Even for the experienced handheld beam user it is a challenge 
> to log while doing a pass.  Just set your phone or recorder near you, 
> and then you can go back after the pass and log.  No hassle 
> whatsoever.
>
> 73!
>
> Zack
> KD8KSN
>
> -Original Message- 
> From: John
> Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 9:52 AM
> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Hand Help Portable operation
>
> OK, I finally received the ARROW satellite antenna. I believe I have 
> all
> necessary to make AO-51 contacts (any maybe SO-50) while I am camping 
> in
> the Motorhome. I have a Yaesu FT-470 with Speaker Mic, the Arrow 
> antenna
> and I approprated the camera tri-pod from my bride. Not going to worry
> about logging until I get comfortable enough receiving.
>
> I seem to remember someone mentioning they used the tripod top plate 
> to
> change polarity. How was that done? Do I need to poke a hole thru my 
> New
> Arrow to attach it to the tripod? Anyone out there BTDT (been there,
> done that)?
>
> Thanks
>
> NS1Z / EL99bf
> John Wilcox
> Silver Springs, FL
>
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[amsat-bb] Re: FunCube Dongle on Ebay

[John]

It's good to know that a members personal information is never released 
by unethical employees. Is this the way you would want your information 
broadcast? There are processes in place for deceptive sellers which 
should have been used. I know I won't be relying on eBays privacy policy 
any longer. I will forward your email to eBay along with my request for 
flushing my info thanks to you.

- Original Message - 
From: "Rick Tejera" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2011 7:22 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] FunCube Dongle on Ebay


> All, A few days ago I warned of a seller on Ebay who, after not 
> getting his
> hoped for price from my friend, sent him the dongle, but only after 
> taking a
> hammer to it. Just happens Chris works as a senior systems engineer 
> for
> Ebay. He gave me the guys details to post here so you can avoid him if 
> you
> are bidding on a FCD:
>
> User ID:   aaronm1
> Name:  Aaron D. McClure
> City: Fremont
> State:CA
> Country:   US
> Phone:  (510) 366-8710
> Registered Since:  Saturday, Jun 10, 2000 22:47:28 PDT
>
>
> Clear Skies
>
> Rick Tejera
> Saguaro Astronomy Club
> Phoenix, Arizona
> www.saguaroastro.org 
> saguaroas...@cox.net
> K7TEJ, AMSAT 38452
>
>
>





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[amsat-bb] Re: how did that happen

[John]

On 8/3/2011 1:55 PM, John Becker wrote:
> that a cable comes up a meter short?
>
> or is it a routing problem?
>
> But nevertheless makes for some good mid day
> TV watching  Sure beats c-span.
Re: the Sergei and Sacha show,
I'm thinking the manual wasn't translated into Russian.
Very sad,
kc8zfn
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[amsat-bb] FunCube on auction

[John]

FunCube on eBay. Works perfectly but I don't. SDR just not for me. 
Serial 0002365


NS1Z / EL99bf
John Wilcox
Silver Springs, FL

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[amsat-bb] Re: OSCAR or not OSCAR ?

[John]

Not to mention the cost of launch to HEO. No one with the capability is giving 
it away or discounting it.

John 

Sent from my iPod

On Nov 12, 2011, at 8:43 PM, Stefan Wagener  wrote:

> Thanks,
> 
> Cubesats working within the amateur radio frequency spectrum are
> commanded by licensed ham radio operators with the same rights and
> requirements as all of us. Many of them use the frequencies to
> downlink vital satellite information as well as scientific experiment
> data. All of this is well within the amateur radio service rules and a
> very positive contribution by our community to science and education.
> Your question are valid and they need to be addressed in a
> constructive, supportive environment where the community works
> together. I would encourage you attend one or more of the many annual
> cubists conferences and engage these folks. You certainly have enough
> to offer!
> 
> Now having said that, cubesats are a wonderful addition, not a threat
> and show the diversity of our community. I am always amazed by the
> ignorance displayed and self-proclaimed expert label used by some as
> an argument to deny parts of our community their right to use small
> satellites with amateur radio on board. Interestingly, none of the
> amateur radio operators working with cubesats have ever argued against
> HEOs or denied the rest of us that right by questioning how and why we
> use the spectrum!
> 
> Fortunately, AMSAT NA and AMSAT UK and many others have recognized the
> potential and the inclusiveness of the community.
> 
> Enough said,
> 
> Stefan, VE4NSA
> 
> 
> 
> On Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 3:34 PM, William Leijenaar  wrote:
>> Hi Stefan,
>> 
>> So the answer on my question if my 433MHz toy car, when I put it into space, 
>> can get an OSCAR number is YES!
>> According to the AMSAT website you mentioned of course... :-P
>> - My question was not specific if these satellites can or can't get an OSCAR 
>> number.
>> My intention was more if they should be scheduled as a ham-sat (and with 
>> that using ham frequencies).
>> 
>> I would recommend you to read the following IARU website!
>> http://www.iaru.org/satellite/prospective.html
>> (especially section VI. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES)
>> It says the following:
>> 
>> "Organisations building satellites should compare their mission plans to
>> the requirements of the amateur-satellite service. Then, they should
>> determine if it is possible to comply with the requirements of the
>> amateur-satellite service or if licensing and operation should be in
>> some other radio service which is more consistent with the nature and
>> requirements of the mission.
>> 
>> A. The purposes of an amateur satellite should be:
>> (1) To provide communication resources for the general amateur radio 
>> community and/or
>> (2) To conduct technical investigations in all respects consistent with the 
>> Radio Regulations. [See RR S1.56 and RR S1.57.]"
>> 
>> I have great doubts with many off those CubeSats, if they comply to number 
>> (1)
>> The only communication resources they provide is for themselves by a cheap 
>> downlink system, by using hams to receive data for them. This is not for the 
>> general amateur radio community as mentioned in number (1)...
>> 
>> The option they have is to go to "some other radio service which is more 
>> consistent with the nature and requirements of the mission."
>> 
>> 73 de PE1RAH, William
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> Would recommend reading the info on AMSAT's website!
>>>> http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/oscar.html >
>>> Stefan, VE4NSA
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[amsat-bb] FT847 vs TS-2000

[John]

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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[amsat-bb] Antenna resurrection

[John]

I recently picked up the Cushcraft Satellite pair: the 738XB and 22XB. 
These are circular antennas with a switch unit to change polarity. Well, 
they turned out to not be quite what was described. The switches on both 
antennas appear to be bad. I managed to remove the 2 meter unit and 
seperated the relay. The coil is burnt out. The PC board seems to be 
intact with little if any damage. Haven't had the courage to attack the 
70cm on yet.

Any source for the relay for this pair? Maybe original parts source for 
relays and the phasing harnesses. I would like to get some use out of 
this if it is possible.

Thanks for your insight.

NS1Z / EL99bf
John Wilcox
Silver Springs, FL

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[amsat-bb] Re: In School ARSSat Demos / lessons

[John]

Being an ARISS ops team member myself I think it's important to realize that 
the AMSAT folks attend the ARISS-I meeting which is the international telecon. 
The ARISS ops team meets weekly on Wednesday afternoon and we are the group 
responsible for the hands on assistance of schools making ISS contacts. The 
international team handles the big picture and in the years I have been with 
the school side I have not heard any AMSAT board folks on the ops telecon.  
AMSAT's educational direction seems to be more university level while ARISS is 
geared more to grade and high school level. 

John-AG9D

Sent from my iPod

On Nov 20, 2011, at 6:12 PM, Clint Bradford  wrote:

> I apologize to all for continuing this thread. Apparently, there is a desire 
> for "existing lesson plans for a satellite that will be gone soon," as 
> opposed to what I was thinking, "lesson plans applicable to just 'bout ANY 
> ham space project."
> 
> Clint
> 
> 
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[amsat-bb] Re: 22% votes

[John]

Gus, I understand what you are saying I share the same thoughts on the use of 
the frequencies. Maybe by their use of them it keeps them active. I don't 
presume to have the answers or the money.  I just wish I knew what a "real" ham 
is or was because no matter what part of the hobby I stick my nose into it 
seems the "good old days" are the measure.  My observation of the hobby from my 
short 12 years in is that it's a hobby terribly stuck in the past for a large 
number of folks.

John AG9D

Sent from my iPod

On Sep 19, 2012, at 10:30 PM, Gus 8P6SM <8p...@anjo.com> wrote:

> On 09/19/2012 06:09 PM, John Spasojevich wrote:
>> If you are going to push education, it's not real easy to sell someone like
>> NASA who has launchers available, that their interest in education is
>> served by launching an AO-40 replacement when it'll be full of "real hams"
>> and little opportunity for students. The road to reduced cost launches lies
>> with the education card and that is the path AMSAT-NA is on and until one
>> of the "real hams" wants to step up and head a drive to raise several
>> million dollars, I think you'll all be dead a buried before another AO-40
>> flies.
> 
> I fear you are correct.  About the likelihood of another HEO launch. But I 
> disagree about the rest.
> 
> The education card may gain us cheaper launches, but why are we bothering?  A 
> recent post here mentioned a five-satellite CubeSat launch, concluding that 
> "Four of the CubeSats carry Amateur Radio payloads..."  Excuse me?
> 
> F-1 transmits on 145.980 MHz and 437.485 MHz which are both ham frequencies.  
> But hams can't use this bird, because unless you want to look at earth images 
> (and live in the vicinity of the ground-station) or you are interested in the 
> spacecraft's obscure telemetry, there is nothing for you here.  And if you 
> ARE interested, you don't have to be a ham radio operator to "use" the 
> satellite.  All you need is the appropriate receiver and no license.
> 
> FITSAT-1 transmits on 437.250 MHz, 437.445 MHz and 5.840 GHz.  Again, all ham 
> frequencies, and again, useable by ANYONE, with or without a ham license, 
> because all you need is a receiver (seeing as all you can do is listen to 
> some more obscure telemetry).  The Hi-Brite LEDs writing CW in the sky is 
> really neet... but you won't see it unless you live near the 
> ground-station which I don't
> 
> WE-WISH (apparently) downlinks on ham frequency 437.505 MHz.  It seems to 
> have a thermal imager on it, and presumably lots more obscure telemetry.  
> Once again, non-hams can use this as easily as hams because it only requires 
> you have a receiver, no interaction being possible.
> 
> TechEdSat will allow you (and any non-ham with a receiver) to listen to the 
> obscure telemetry (hereinafter "ObsTel") on ham frequency 437.465 MHz.  Why 
> you would want to, I can't imagine.
> 
> So.  Is this the sort of "Amateur Radio Payload" that we should hope for, if 
> we continue to play the education card?  Personally, I can't see why we 
> should bother.  Judging by these satellites, the phrase "carries an amateur 
> radio payload" really means "usurps amateur radio frequencies for non-amateur 
> use for telemetry and telecommand on non-amateur satellites".
> 
> Let me make it plain.  I have no objection to (and indeed, I support) 
> satellites being launched for educational reasons.  I suppose that I really 
> don't even object to the HamSat frequencies being used for non-ham purposes, 
> seeing as WE aren't using those frequencies for anything much.  But what are 
> we gaining from playing this education card?  The hope that occasionally, we 
> can arrange the launch of some short lifespan, low range, fast pass, single 
> channel FM bird that I get to shout callsign and gridsquare at for 6-8 
> minutes at a time, on a good day?
> 
> You know, I don't have 10M to spare, to pay for a HEO launch.  If I did, I 
> would.  I might scrape together 10K to donate.  But honestly now, why should 
> I?  Apparently there will never be another AO-13 for me (and "real hams") to 
> enjoy, because such a bird will offer little opportunity for students.
> 
> But of course, I am nobody special, and not even an AMSAT member (I'll tell 
> you why, if you want me to) so you can safely ignore my post.
> -- 
> 73, de Gus 8P6SM
> The Easternmost Isle
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[amsat-bb] Re: Satellite location prediction weeks away and JOTA

[John]

That's hard to do. ISS periodically reboosts and that changes the orbit. If you 
use today's keps you could for example be off by several minutes or even more. 
If you have NOVA or SatPC32 you can do an update the week before and be close 
assuming no reboost. 

John AG9D

Sent from my iPod

On Sep 19, 2012, at 11:42 PM, James Luhn  wrote:

> Everyone has been so terrific helping me understand every aspect of Satellite 
> communications.  I have another question that may really show my ignorance of 
> this part of the hobby.  Hopefully I will not be banned from ever asking 
> another dumb question.
> 
> I will be working with a Boy Scout troop on October 20 participating with 
> JOTA (Jamboree On The Air).  Is there an easy way to predict when the various 
> satellites and ISS will be passing overhead on October 20?  It would be nice 
> to know the times and locations for October 20 weeks ahead.
> 
> I wonder if others will be participating in JOTA by demonstrating the use of 
> satellites.
> 
> Thanks and 73,
> -james
> W5AOO
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[amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 Mode A

[John]

When I started, I had a hand me down beat up yaesu ft-221R 2m all mode with an 
old cb mic with a mag mount antenna and a realistic 10m all mode radio that 
didn’t transmit and a dipole but almost everyday I was either listening to or 
working someone on RS-10…. a the life…. it was so good with those russian 
leo sats, all you needed was a tickle of a signal to work some folks, now today 
with a TS-2000LE with 23cm, all I see is that fm sats are always clobbered by 
over-powered users and transponder HOGS, no room to even try to make a contact, 
what with everyone in my area trying to over-power each other to have control 
of what little transponder room there is. What a person wouldn’t give for an 
“A” mode bird or 2 again….  sure do miss those RS birds, they were so much fun…


On Nov 6, 2013, at 7:51, Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL  wrote:

> At 06:48 PM 11/5/2013 -0800, "R.T.Liddy"  wrote:
>> I've tried AO7-A a number of times, but there's never anyone there to work.
>> 
>> Back in the glory days of the RS Birds, Mode A was very active. I sure do
>> miss them. They worked very well!
>> 
>> 73,Bob K8BL
> 
> 
> I loved the RS satellites. They're what got me hooked.  I wish
> the plan for the next LEO was a new linear mode Mode A bird for
> a starter satellite not another FM 'Grid-Lock' sat.
> 
> KB7ADL
> 
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[amsat-bb] Lituanicasat-1 not heard

[john]

Lituanicasat-1 was not heard on the 1245utc pass over the SW
United States.  It was on for that pass yesterday and N5HYP was
worked from DM43.  The current keps had it at 234KM.
73,
John K8YSE/7


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[amsat-bb] W1AW/8 Ohio Satellite Operation

[john]

K8YSE will be operating as W1AW/8 beginning at 0001z 20 August 2014
on SO-50 as well as the linear birds.  There was no satellite operation
during
the previous Ohio week in the first half of 2014.  This will be the last
chance
to work this special event station in Ohio.  I will operate on as many passes
as my schedule permits.  This will include FO-29 and AO-7B passes that
cover Europe.  Hope to work you.
73,
John K8YSE

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[amsat-bb] Presumtions.

[John Hackett]

With reference to my posts about ANUSAT.

>From the following statement ...

>The student-built 40-kg micro educational satellite 
>ANUSAT carrying an Amateur Radio payload was launched 
>on Monday April 20 from the Indian Space Research

>Organisation (ISRO) Satish Dhawan space centre.


I assumed ANUSAT to be an 'amateur satellite.

Perhaps I presumed too much.

73 John.   
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[amsat-bb] Anusat - the reply.

[John Hackett]

Trevor,
  To answer your question ...

 I followed the third link from the Southgate Amateur Radio Club bulletin
regarding ANUSAT and the quote to which you refer..

The complete text follows ... 

(According to the story, the quote is by the Vice Chancellor of the Anne 
University ... which is why I found it worthy of note).

ANUSAT being an acronym for ANne University Satellite

While not SPECIFICALLY stating exam results would be tramsmitted by 
this satellite Dr P. M. Jawahar's remarks are quoted in the same ontext 
and paragraph as the the rest of the information regarding the Anusat 
satellite, which, according the Amsat India website is an 'AMATEUR' satellite.

12 years ago we were warned by Vommander John Brannegan that we would lose
the amateur satellite bands to the universities.

It looks like Winston Churchill was on the ball as well ... this is not the 
end, it's not even the beginning of the end - but perhaps it's the end of the 
beginning. 

(With apologies to Winnie The Poo).

73 John.   

..

April 20, 2009 11:17 AM
India Launches University-built Satellite



 By P. Vijian



NEW DELHI, April 20 (Bernama) -- India successfully placed two
satellites in the sky early today, one of which was designed and built
by Anna University in Chennai -- the first satellite built by an Indian
university.


 The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C-12) soared into the sky
at 6.45am (9.15am in Malaysia) from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andra
Pradesh, in south India, lifting the two satellites, RISAT-2 and ANUSAT
-- an abbreviation for Anna University Satellite.


 "The indigenous ANUSAT was designed, built and fabricated by 10
faculty members from Anna University. It took us nearly eight years to
complete.


 "This micro satellite will help in storing and forwarding data. It
will help us send confidential data, like examination papers. This is a
proud moment for India and the university," Anna University
vice-chancellor Dr P. Mannar Jawahar told Bernama.


 The India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) funded the ANUSAT
communication satellite, weighing 40kg and costing nearly RM5 million.
It has a life span of two years.


 The Israel-designed RISAT-2 or Radar Imaging Satellite, weighing
300kg, with all-weather capability to take images of the earth, would
enhance ISRO's disaster management ability.


 "RISAT will help us in monitoring natural disasters like floods
and cyclones. It has a life span of three years. ANUSAT is the first
experimental communication satellite built by an Indian university
under the guidance of ISRO," ISRO spokesperson S. Sathis told Bernama.



 Last October, ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft that is now exploring 
the moon from lunar orbit.



To: eu-am...@yahoogroups.com
From: m5...@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:13:10 +
Subject: Re: [eu-amsat] ANUSAT - amateur satellite ??.

























  
  

> One wonders (specifically, LA2QAA) - what 'confidential data 

> like examination papers' - would be doing on an 'amateur satellite'. 



I am not aware that anyone at the University has said that confidential data 
would be passed by the satellite on an Amateur frequency. Do you have any 
University references for that quote? 



My understanding was that this was a technology demonstrator for a store and 
forward system. 



While you could in theory build a dedicated satellite for handling exam papers 
you have to ask why bother since you could use any number of far cheaper 
alternative systems. 



It sounds to me like the type of paper justication you might make to get funds 
for a demonstrator project. Bear in mind that the mass media can distort things 
that they don't understand. 



One of the students, Sidharth Balasubramanian, who was involved in the 
development of the ANUSAT communications system has some information on his 
website. No specific freqs quoted except for the 149.522 MHz command receiver, 
see 



http://bsidharth1205.googlepages.com/research 



73 Trevor M5AKA

Amateur Radio Daily RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ 







 

  


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[amsat-bb] Re: Web space

[John Heaton]

-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
Hash: SHA1

On 25 Apr 2009, at 00:44, Dave Guimont wrote:
> Roadrunner had one for years, and I've been keeping files I've
> acquired throughout the years in operating hamsats since good old  
> OSCAR..
>
> No fancy graphics, no pictures, just *.exe, *.jpg, *.zip, *. txt and
> that sort of thing using ftp
>
> Roadrunner still has the space available free, but it will not let me
> upload the above.

Some providers do restrict filetypes that may be used to propagate  
downloadable worms/virii.

Also, here at work we have normal FTP access, but discourage its use  
in favour of SFTP as userid/passwords are sent over the network in  
the clear with normal FTP.

Bye for now, John
-BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-
Version: GnuPG v1.4.3 (Darwin)

iD4DBQFJ8w1rDwhbGQHPUt0RAj3JAKCoAPmD1gLK0NkMoz+LRWkNtzIlxQCVE5Lj
/o1Uw5IyxMrQ18PjvNptKw==
=u/j/
-END PGP SIGNATURE-
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[amsat-bb] Tracking on your cellphone.

[john hackett]

To the Gentleman wondering about tracking on a cellphone.

Try this ...

<http://www.k0sm.com/_mgxroot/page_10732.html>

I've been using it 'portable' for two years now and it's an excellent little 
program which 'agrees'
totally with both NOVA and InstantTRACK - (providing you update the keps every
fortnight or so).

Several references to it can also be found on the OBSERVATIONS page at ...

 

(Observations from Norway).

I hope that helps.

I have my cellphone attached to the handle of the Arrow aerial with a standard 
car dashboard
cellphone holder so that when I wave my 'pointy stick' at the sky I can 'see' 
where to point.

What if the locals *DO* think I'm bonkers? ... who cares !!.

73 John.   

_
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http://www.live.com/getstarted.aspx
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[amsat-bb] Re: DSTAR vs AO-51

[JOHN HENGEL]

Is there a list of Sats  by all there names. Such  as AO-51  ( AMSAt ECHO )? 
John

>From the heart of 
Central Minnesota 
John P. Hengel
See my site at:
www.geocities.com/JPHENGEL/JPHENGEL
 
W0JPH  ( HAM ) MONITOR 146.94 REPEATER
WPZT205   (GMRS)MONITOR  462.675



> Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:42:47 +1000
> To: luclebla...@videotron.ca; amsat-bb@amsat.org
> From: vk3...@gmail.com
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: DSTAR vs AO-51
> 
> At 01:31 AM 4/27/2009, Luc Leblanc wrote:
> 
> >I was asking a question only to know if as AO-27 DSTAR can be pass 
> >through AO-51. I guess the answer is yes as per your offer to ask for it
> >in the monthly schedule? I choose this the last days of V/S mode to 
> >avoid "messing" with analog users.
> 
> I'm not sure that V/S is a good idea, with the extreme Doppler 
> shift.  Take Drew's suggestion and get some time scheduled on the 
> second transponder for D-STAR (preferably on mode V/U).  Having it in 
> the schedule means the rest of the world can give it a try as well. :)
> 
> 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
> http://vkradio.com
> 
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[amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT bouncing email redirections?

[john heath]

This thread gives me the opportunity to say a long overdue thank you to Paul 
for giving the satellite community such a good service with the amsat-bb.

It has been re directing my satellite mail for 5 or 6 years or more, without 
any problems.

Thanks Paul

73 john G7HIA 

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[amsat-bb] Dayton NODXA Hospitality Suite

[John Papay]

Everyone is invited to stop by the Northern
Ohio DX Association Hospitality Suite at the
downtown Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10th Floor on
Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening.  Finger
food and beverages are available and you'll
see a lot of dx'ers and hopefully satellite
types there.  Enjoy the Dayton experience!
We are all looking forward to the AMSAT
Banquet and a chance to meet Richard Garriott!

John K8YSE
Doug KD8CAO
Northern Ohio DX Association

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[amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 eclipse

[John Magliacane]

> Hello All,
> 
> It looks like AO-7 has started another eclipse
> season.  Does anyone know when it goes back
> to full sunlight?  Or better yet, point me towards
> software that will let me find out.  The charts on
> Emily's log are now out of date.
> 
> 73 de David VK5DG

David,

According to PREDICT (http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/predict.html), AO-7 will 
experience uninterrupted sunlight through Thursday May 14th.

Eclipses are expected to end on Saturday July 18th, and are not expected to 
occur again until June 2010.


73, de John, KD2BD

--
Visit John on the Web at:

http://kd2bd.ham.org/
.
.
.
.



  

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[amsat-bb] Not !!!! the Jimi Hendrix number ...

[john hackett]

Hey Joe,
I need to chuck in my two pennysworth.

Congrats mate.

73 John.   

_
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[amsat-bb] FT817

[john heath]

Hi 

A question for FT817 owners.

Is there a hidden menu option or some other way in software of preventing the 
radio going into transmit.

73 John G7HIA
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[amsat-bb] AO-51 not heard

[John Price]

Just listened to the 13:00z pass of here in FM07 and nothing heard
from the satellite. Could it have crashed again?

73's << John

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
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[amsat-bb] Fw: eggbeater rx performance

[john heath]

- Original Message - 
From: "john heath" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 8:48 AM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] eggbeater rx performance


> Hi Eric,
> 
> For the downlink on 70cm why not have a look at the paraistic Lindenblad 
> design by Anthony Monteiro AA2TX. Its small and neat, excellent omni 
> performance and has been "on air tested" with good results on all sats.
> 
> Much easier to construct than a true Lindenblad, I have built both types.
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> 73 John G7HIA
>
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[amsat-bb] All the mobile talk

[John Price]

I had not worked any satellite mobile for a good while. All the post
about mobile operation got me to thinking. So I got the 19 inch wipe
out and connected it to the 706 mk2g and tuned the D-700 to the
uplink and away I went down the road. I waited till I heard the bird
solid before calling. Heard myself right off. Worked somebody in EL97
I believe it was. I did not have a pencil and paper and could not
have logged it while driving anyway. The Icom has a built in preamp
which I found necessary to hear the bird solid. I was using a Larsen
2/70 duel band antenna for the uplink. So I guess it still works.
That was fun.

73's << John

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
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[amsat-bb] AO-51 mode ?

[John Price]

Anyone know if the bird is still in May configuration? I did not get
to work it this evening. Grandson music concert took priority

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
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[amsat-bb] Re: HF satellite?

[John Magliacane]

--- On Sat, 6/6/09, Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL  wrote:

> 
> Now that post brought back memories. :-)
> There was a robot on RS 10/11 too.
> KB7ADL
>

Here's a snippet from March 6, 1988 at 2039 UTC, 145.830 MHz up, 29.453 MHz 
down:

http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/rs11-robot.mp3

I was keying an FM rig to produce the uplink.

The downlink was received using a converted Hy-Gain CB board (used for 10-meter 
FM operation in previous years) in concert with a 455 kHz ceramic resonator as 
a narrowband IF filter.


73, de John, KD2BD

--
Visit John on the Web at:

http://kd2bd.ham.org/
.
.
.
.



  
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[amsat-bb] Got Yaesu 5400 rotor control box problem

[John Price]

I have hauled out my spare 5400 rotor for field day and found I have a
problem. The control box is not sending accurate readings to the
computer. It works fine as far as the rotor and the meter readings. I
know the problem is in the control box as the one I use for everyday
operation works fine with this rotor. I have checked the voltages at
the transformer and they are OK so I am now suspect of one or
both of the pots that adjust output voltage. I when I connect it to
just one side of the rotor I can not get it to adjust to 1023 in the
calibration routine in the software. Connecting it to the other side
shows the same result. What I do see is a value that bounces around at
random.

I guess my question is does this mean that I have two bad pots or is
there some common connection between the AZ/EL output that would
exhibit this result. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks << John

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
___
Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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[amsat-bb] Help - no antennas allowed

[john heath]

Hi Satelliters,

Moving QTH soon and expect to be in an area where there are no external 
antennas permitted.

Does anyone on the list have actual experience of working satellites with 
antennas mounted inside the roofspace?
I would be very interested to hear of your experiences and what type of 
antennas work best.

73 John G7HIA
___
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[amsat-bb] Re: Yaesu 5500

[John Price]

Hey, I called Yaseu to order the pots and have 6 coming. Why so many
you ask? I was going to order a few of the pots for the rotor as well
while I was at it and found out they no longer stock them. If you have
a 5400 I would call Yaesu and get some of the control box pots while
they are still available. I have the phone number and part number if
you need it.

73's << John

On Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 9:20 AM,  wrote:
> John,
>
> Guess I should have mentioned that I have seen a problem with a dirty 
> calibration pot. But to explain your symptoms, they would both have to be 
> dirty. If the unit was stored for a while, maybe that is the case.
>
> '73 - de Ed N8BBQ
>



-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
___
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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[amsat-bb] Re: Yaesu 5500

[John Price]

OK, Phone # 1-714-827-7600
Part #Q9000404

73's << John

On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 2:54 AM, Edward Cole  wrote:

> John,
>
> Please send me the phone number and part number.  MY B5400 has been not in
> service for a couple years and I hope it works well when I get it back up
> this summer.  But probably good insurance to have some pots.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>
> At 02:16 PM 6/15/2009, you wrote:
>
>> Hey, I called Yaseu to order the pots and have 6 coming. Why so many
>> you ask? I was going to order a few of the pots for the rotor as well
>> while I was at it and found out they no longer stock them. If you have
>> a 5400 I would call Yaesu and get some of the control box pots while
>> they are still available. I have the phone number and part number if
>> you need it.
>>
>> 73's << John
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 9:20 AM,  wrote:
>> > John,
>> >
>> > Guess I should have mentioned that I have seen a problem with a dirty
>> calibration pot. But to explain your symptoms, they would both have to be
>> dirty. If the unit was stored for a while, maybe that is the case.
>> >
>> > '73 - de Ed N8BBQ
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
>> AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
>> Email n4...@amsat.org
>> Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
>> http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/<http://home.comcast.net/%7En4qwf/site/>
>> Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
>> Amsat Member #27845
>> DXCC #33,478
>> VUCC SAT #135
>> WAS SAT #296
>> 51 on AO-51 #13
>> LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>> >From the Foothills of the Blueridge
>>
>> *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
>> arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
>> skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
>> proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
>> ___
>> 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
>>
>
>


-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a
ride!"
___
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[amsat-bb] Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?

[John Price]

Short of it is I don't know. I don't have a 5500. I would suggest you call
Yaesu @ 1-714-827-7600 and ask if part #Q9000404 is listed for that rotor.
They can answer that question for you. While you are at it as I did not
think to ask would you inquire if they have any info on who made the
potentiometer in the AZ and EL rotors for them and do they have a
manufactures part number for it. I believe they are the same part. I am sure
there are lots of folks here that would like that info.

Thanks << John

On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Peter Sils  wrote:

> Hi John,
>
> I have a 5500 - are they the same pots?
>
> Part # and price would be appreciated!
>
> TNX in advance OM!!
>
> 73 Peter
>
>
> Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:16:12 -0400
> From: John Price 
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Yaesu 5500
> To: n8...@roadrunner.com, amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Message-ID:
> <8d1b8e80906151516w34fc90edraaebbddfbd66c...@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> Hey, I called Yaseu to order the pots and have 6 coming. Why so many
> you ask? I was going to order a few of the pots for the rotor as well
> while I was at it and found out they no longer stock them. If you have
> a 5400 I would call Yaesu and get some of the control box pots while
> they are still available. I have the phone number and part number if
> you need it.
> 73's << John
>
>


-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a
ride!"
___
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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[amsat-bb] Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?

[John Price]

I looked around on the net for a substitute 500 ohm pot for the rotor. I
finally called Yaesu and got tech support after a long wait. The
potentiometer in the 5400, 5500 and 5600 are the same part. The order
department still has the old number for the 5400 which caused them to say
they did not stock them anymore.
Here is the part number and price for the pot.

#S8101823
Price $12.35

That should settle the question about fixing the control box or the rotor.
73's << John

On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:54 PM, Peter Sils  wrote:

> John,
>
> TNX 4 the info!!!
>
> 73 Peter KD0AA
>
> --- On *Tue, 6/16/09, John Price * wrote:
>
>
> From: John Price 
> Subject: Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?
> To: "Peter Sils" , amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 6:04 PM
>
> Short of it is I don't know. I don't have a 5500. I would suggest you call
> Yaesu @ 1-714-827-7600 and ask if part #Q9000404 is listed for that rotor.
> They can answer that question for you. While you are at it as I did not
> think to ask would you inquire if they have any info on who made the
> potentiometer in the AZ and EL rotors for them and do they have a
> manufactures part number for it. I believe they are the same part. I am sure
> there are lots of folks here that would like that info.
>
> Thanks << John
>
> On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Peter Sils 
> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kd...@yahoo.com>
> > wrote:
>
>>   Hi John,
>>
>> I have a 5500 - are they the same pots?
>>
>> Part # and price would be appreciated!
>>
>> TNX in advance OM!!
>>
>> 73 Peter
>>
>>
>> Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:16:12 -0400
>> From: John Price 
>> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n4q...@gmail.com>
>> >
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Yaesu 5500
>> To: 
>> n8...@roadrunner.com<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n8...@roadrunner.com>,
>> amsat-bb@amsat.org<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=amsat...@amsat.org>
>> Message-ID:
>> 
>> <8d1b8e80906151516w34fc90edraaebbddfbd66c...@mail.gmail.com<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=8d1b8e80906151516w34fc90edraaebbddfbd66c...@mail.gmail.com>
>> >
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>> Hey, I called Yaseu to order the pots and have 6 coming. Why so many
>> you ask? I was going to order a few of the pots for the rotor as well
>> while I was at it and found out they no longer stock them. If you have
>> a 5400 I would call Yaesu and get some of the control box pots while
>> they are still available. I have the phone number and part number if
>> you need it.
>> 73's << John
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
> AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
> Email 
> n4...@amsat.org<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n4...@amsat.org>
> Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
> http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/<http://home.comcast.net/%7En4qwf/site/>
> Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
> Amsat Member #27845
> DXCC #33,478
> VUCC SAT #135
> WAS SAT #296
> 51 on AO-51 #13
> LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
> From the Foothills of the Blueridge
>
> *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
> safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
> thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a
> ride!"
>
>
>


-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a
ride!"
___
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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[amsat-bb] Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?

[John Price]

No, The same part is used in the three versions of the rotor. The part in
the control box is common to all the control boxes. Better said is the part
for the rotors is S8101823 and the part for the control boxes is Q9000404.
Hope that makes it clear.

73's << John

On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 1:54 PM, Peter Sils  wrote:

> John, do I understand correctly that the same part # is used in the rotor
> as well as the control box? So, if I order 4 I shouldbe good to go?
>
> TNX AGN OM for all the work on this!!
>
> Peter
>
> --- On *Wed, 6/17/09, John Price * wrote:
>
>
> From: John Price 
> Subject: Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?
> To: "Peter Sils" , amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 12:48 PM
>
>
> I looked around on the net for a substitute 500 ohm pot for the rotor. I
> finally called Yaesu and got tech support after a long wait. The
> potentiometer in the 5400, 5500 and 5600 are the same part. The order
> department still has the old number for the 5400 which caused them to say
> they did not stock them anymore.
> Here is the part number and price for the pot.
>
> #S8101823
> Price $12.35
>
> That should settle the question about fixing the control box or the rotor.
> 73's << John
>
> On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:54 PM, Peter Sils 
> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kd...@yahoo.com>
> > wrote:
>
>>   John,
>>
>> TNX 4 the info!!!
>>
>> 73 Peter KD0AA
>>
>> --- On *Tue, 6/16/09, John Price 
>> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n4q...@gmail.com>
>> >* wrote:
>>
>>
>> From: John Price 
>> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n4q...@gmail.com>
>> >
>> Subject: Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?
>> To: "Peter Sils" 
>> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kd...@yahoo.com>>,
>> amsat-bb@amsat.org<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=amsat...@amsat.org>
>> Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 6:04 PM
>>
>> Short of it is I don't know. I don't have a 5500. I would suggest you call
>> Yaesu @ 1-714-827-7600 and ask if part #Q9000404 is listed for that rotor.
>> They can answer that question for you. While you are at it as I did not
>> think to ask would you inquire if they have any info on who made the
>> potentiometer in the AZ and EL rotors for them and do they have a
>> manufactures part number for it. I believe they are the same part. I am sure
>> there are lots of folks here that would like that info.
>>
>> Thanks << John
>>
>> On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Peter Sils 
>> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kd...@yahoo.com>
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>   Hi John,
>>>
>>> I have a 5500 - are they the same pots?
>>>
>>> Part # and price would be appreciated!
>>>
>>> TNX in advance OM!!
>>>
>>> 73 Peter
>>>
>>>
>>> Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:16:12 -0400
>>> From: John Price 
>>> http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n4q...@gmail.com>
>>> >
>>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Yaesu 5500
>>> To: 
>>> n8...@roadrunner.com<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n8...@roadrunner.com>,
>>> amsat-bb@amsat.org<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=amsat...@amsat.org>
>>> Message-ID:
>>> 
>>> <8d1b8e80906151516w34fc90edraaebbddfbd66c...@mail.gmail.com<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=8d1b8e80906151516w34fc90edraaebbddfbd66c...@mail.gmail.com>
>>> >
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>> Hey, I called Yaseu to order the pots and have 6 coming. Why so many
>>> you ask? I was going to order a few of the pots for the rotor as well
>>> while I was at it and found out they no longer stock them. If you have
>>> a 5400 I would call Yaesu and get some of the control box pots while
>>> they are still available. I have the phone number and part number if
>>> you need it.
>>> 73's << John
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
>> AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
>> Email 
>> n4...@amsat.org<http://us.mc398.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=n4...@amsat.org>
>> Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
>> http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/<http://home.comcast.net/%7En4qwf/site/>
>> Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
>> Amsat Member #27845
>> DXCC #33,478
>> VUCC SAT #135
>> WAS SAT #296
>> 51 on AO-51 #13
>> LON -79.256 LAT 

[amsat-bb] Re: [Fwd: Re: Re: John Price Re: Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?]

[John Price]

My resent experience with Yaesu has been most impressive. I called and
ordered the pots for the control box and the order department was very
helpful. I called back to today to inquire about the pot for the rotor and
the order department connected me to tech support were I was told the
5400,5500 and 5600 rotors all use the same pot. I was returned to the order
line were I ordered 3 of the 500 ohm pots. The people were as nice to chat
with as any I have ever dealt with. 5*'s to Yaesu for an excellent service
department. I encourage anyone to just ring them up if you need parts or
have questions. If anyone needs the phone number or part numbers drop me a
email.

73's << John

On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 5:09 PM, w4upd  wrote:

> Due to several comments concerning attempts to contact Yaesu have been
> met with no contact or delays, I thought I'd pass on the info I made
> available to another on this list. I have found that by using the
> email/internet approach first then following up via phone to finalize my
> purchases seem to be reasonably successful. Hopefully this will help
> others here on the list.
>
> Regards,
>
>Reid, W4UPD
>
>
>  Original Message 
> Subject:Re: [amsat-bb] Re: John Price Re: Re: Pots for 5400 or
> 5500?
> Date:   Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:02:15 -0400
> From:   w4upd 
> To: Peter 
> References:
> <967674.78237...@web39808.mail.mud.yahoo.com><
> 8d1b8e80906161604k79740d4w915a36e74ee4f...@mail.gmail.com>
> <4a3829e0.10...@bristor-assoc.com>
> <1600fe2c35ad4664987bdda7c683f...@parents>
> <4a38db6e.2070...@bristor-assoc.com>
> <000f01c9ef4a$722b79c0$56826d...@pipex.com>
>
>
>
> Directly from Yaesu. You go to sales (email) to get the part number for
> the item # in your IPB. Then when they send you the part number, you
> forward the email to parts and they give you a price. You can order via
> mail, but since you don't know the shipping and I am in the US here, I
> just finally follow up with ordering via a phone call to the parts
> department.
>
> Regards,
>Reid, W4UPD
>
> Email for part numbers:   t.fac...@vxstdusa.com   Phone:   714-827-7600
> x 1513
> Email for price: yaesupa...@vxstdusa.com <mailto:yaesupa...@vxstdusa.com>
>b.vela...@vxstdusa.com
> <mailto:b.vela...@vxstdusa.com> Phone:714-827-7600 ext 6800
>
> Excerpt from their email: (We do not sell parts internationally you can
> contact exp...@vxstd.com <mailto:exp...@vxstd.com> and they will refer
> you to the office you need to contact)
>
> Peter wrote:
> > Hello Reid
> > I obviously missed something in this thread, could you tell me where you
> > ordered the Pots from.
> >
> > Peter G0BHP
> >
> >
> > I ordered them yesterday and they are on route now.
> >
> > Item #:   17   500 ohm potentiometer.  P/N S8101823 $12.35 each.
> >
> > This is the rotator positioning pots in the rotators. The same pot is
> > used in both azimuth and elevation. The pots can do 360 degree rotation
> > and therefore are different from standard pots. I suspect the 5500 is
> > the same but I won't swear to it since I only have the 5400.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> >   Reid, W4UPD
> >
> >
> >
> > George Henry wrote:
> >
> >> - Original Message - From: "w4upd" 
> >> To: "John Price" 
> >> Cc: ; "Peter Sils" 
> >> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 6:25 PM
> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pots for 5400 or 5500?
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>> I'd be surprised if the pots were not the same as they are the same
> >>> values and size. Also, I have ordered the Elevation and Azimuth
> >>> internal position 500 ohm pots which are the same and cost $12.35
> >>> each (mine were corroded from the weather).
> >>>
> >>> Regards,
> >>>
> >>>Reid, W4UPD
> >>>
> >>>
> >> How recently did you order them?
> >> I, too, had heard that the AZ/EL position pots were NLA from Yaesu...
> >>
> >>
> >> George, KA3HSW
> >> 
> >>
> >>
> >> No virus found in this incoming message.
> >> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> >> Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.73/2180 - Release Date:
> 06/16/09
> >>
> > 07:41:00
> >
> >>
> >>
> >
> > ___
> > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinion

[amsat-bb] Thanks - attic Antennas

[john heath]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

It seems that small yagis and quagis are OK in roof spaces provided that the 
liner underneath the roof tiles is not metalised.
Contrary to my expectations, rain and snow on the roof doesn't cause problems.
DH5MK has some nice pictures of his attic antenna installation on his web site.

73 John G7HIA
___
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Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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[amsat-bb] ISS field day mode ?

[John Price]

Does anyone have information about the configuration of the D-700
during field day?

Thanks 73's << John

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
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[amsat-bb] Yaesu Rotor box repaired

[John Price]

I ordered  the voltage pots from Yaesu on Monday 6/15 and got them
today 6/19. Excellent shipping via Priority mail from California. I
installed the Elevation pot this evening and the rotor is fat and
happy again as am I. Yes fat and happy. Kodoos to Yaesu for the fine
service. I wont be in town to operate K4CQ this year but the club will
be able to run automatic control now. I will try to make some contacts
from Holden Beach N.C. portable. Should be great fun.

73's << John

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
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[amsat-bb] Field Day W8DXA

[John Papay]

KD8CAO and K8YSE will be operating satellites
from the Northern Ohio DX Association Field Day
Site in Richfield, OH with the callsign W8DXA.
We will be QRV on phone and CW, 2A OH.  Hope to
work you!

John K8YSE

John Papay
j...@papays.com

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[amsat-bb] Re: Field Day Call Signs

[John,K0QH]

n...@bellsouth.net wrote:
> Hey everyone,
> 
> How about posting the call sign you'll be using over Field Day weekend for 
> satellite contacts?
> 
> Here, I'll be providing the satellite station for the combined FD effort of 
> the Athens Amateur Radio Club and the Northeast Georgia ARC, and they have 
> obtained the special 1x1 call W4G for Field Day.
> 
> I know many of us will be using club calls over Field Day, and I'm interested 
> in know "who will be who" this weekend.
> 
> I'm also interested in CW contacts on AO-7, FO-29 and VO-52, so I hope those 
> of you who will be working those three will bring a key or paddle along. If 
> you do, please listen for W4G a few kHz below the middles of theses 
> satellites' passbands.
> 
> 73 to all, and enjoy Field Day!
> 
> Tim - N3TL
> Athens, Ga. - EM84ha
> W4G for Field Day 2009

The Ste Genevieve DX & Contest Club  call AJ0W will be trying to make 
some non-FM contacts. Hope to work you.

-- 
John,K0QH
aka AJ0W
4SQRP
SKCC# 2694
www.stgdxcc.webs.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: Richard Garriott on BBC Newsnight tonight

[John Heaton]

On 30 Jun 2009, at 22:17, Trevor . wrote:
> The show should also be available on the web at
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/newsnight
>
> Newsnights homepage is at
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsnight
>
> I've not tried accessing BBC shows from overseas so don't know if  
> they restict access. If they do I guess a Proxy Server may be one  
> way round it.

If you ask someone nicely in the UK (Mac/Linux users) they may be  
able to download a non-DRM version as an MP4 video file. I'm not  
encumbered by MrSoftee so don't know if it can be done one that.

>> I understand that it is likely that Richard Garriott is to
>> be interviewed on
>> BBC2's networked Newsnight program tonight at 22:30BST,
>> 23:30CET (In Western
>> Europe 28.2E 10773H 22000 5/6).


Bye for now, John

John Heaton
j...@manchester.ac.uk



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[amsat-bb] Re: Richard Garriott on BBC Newsnight tonight

[John Heaton]

On Tue, 2009-06-30 at 17:32 -0500, Andy MacAllister wrote:
> An mp3 file of just Garriott's part would be really good to have. Did any of 
> you get a recording??? I tried to access the broadcast, but sure enough, no 
> go from this side...

I caught the last part on the TV last night, and have listened to the
first part on iplayer this morning.  The Garriot bit wasn't on.

Bye for now, John

> 
> TNX & 73 de Andy W5ACM
> Houston, TX
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "John Heaton" 
> To: "Trevor ." 
> Cc: 
> Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:29 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Richard Garriott on BBC Newsnight tonight
> 
> 
> > On 30 Jun 2009, at 22:17, Trevor . wrote:
> >> The show should also be available on the web at
> >>
> >> http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/newsnight
> >>
> >> Newsnights homepage is at
> >> http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsnight
> >>
> >> I've not tried accessing BBC shows from overseas so don't know if
> >> they restict access. If they do I guess a Proxy Server may be one
> >> way round it.
> >
> > If you ask someone nicely in the UK (Mac/Linux users) they may be
> > able to download a non-DRM version as an MP4 video file. I'm not
> > encumbered by MrSoftee so don't know if it can be done one that.
> >
> >>> I understand that it is likely that Richard Garriott is to
> >>> be interviewed on
> >>> BBC2's networked Newsnight program tonight at 22:30BST,
> >>> 23:30CET (In Western
> >>> Europe 28.2E 10773H 22000 5/6).
> >
> >
> > Bye for now, John
> >
> > John Heaton
> > j...@manchester.ac.uk
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
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> > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
> > 
> 
> 

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[amsat-bb] Re: Kenpro-Yaesu 5400 5600B question

[John Kopala]

Bennett,

I may be a little off on the following since I do not have a schematic for the 
G-5400, but here goes:
The KR-500 elevation rotor did not have limit switches and the run cap was in 
the control box.
The G400 did not have limit switches and the run cap was in the control box.
The KR-500 and G-400 were combined to make the G-5400 which did not have the 
computer interface in the control box and did not have limit switches or run 
caps in the rotors.
The G-5400B added limit switches and the run cap to the elevation rotor, but 
not the azimuth rotor.
The G-5500 added limit switches and run caps to both rotors plus the special 
cable connector on the rotors.
The G-5600B is the same as the G-5500 but with the screw type terminal strips 
on the rotors.
I will send you PDF files for the KR-500, G-400, G-5400B/G-5600B, and G-5500 in 
a separate email.
If you get 5500 rotors, I understand the connectors are rather pricey. 
The addition of the limit switches requires that the run cap be located in the 
rotor rather than the control box.  Otherwise the motor would not run once a 
limit switch was opened.  Placing the run cap after the limit switch provides 
the phase shifted voltage/current necessary to reverse the motor when the 
switch is opened.

John Kopala
N7JK

Good day sat-guys:
I have an old Kenpro G5400 without computer interface and a newer Yaesu G5600B 
control box.
What are the differences in the motors between these 2 series other than the 
limit switches?
In case of the control boxes, I see the G5400 has starter motor caps, but the 
G5600B control box doesn't.
The old motors didn't work with the 5600B box until I added a starter cap to 
both the AZ and EL motor lines.
I am planning to use the 5600B box with LVB tracker- any other issues?
What do I need to do to use my old motors with the G5600B? Or, anyone have 5500 
motors that they wish to sell?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bennett ko2ok 

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[amsat-bb] Re: The Moon is our Future / antennas

[john hackett]

Hello David,
Principally, the same as the Fyllingsdales BMEWS steerable 
phased array, yes ??.

We have some info on it on OBSERVATIONS.

<http://www.observations.biz)

73 John.   
.


> From: g0...@aol.com
> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 19:21:08 -0400
> To: kd6...@comcast.net; amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Subject: [amsat-bb]  The Moon is our Future / antennas
> 
>  
> In a message dated 03/07/2009 20:46:44 GMT Standard Time,  
> kd6...@comcast.net writes:
> 
> Building  a prototype that works on Earth for project like this is only a 
> few percent of  the effort required. Treating it as a radio club project 
> won't be effective as  people need to sign up for a 5-year project.
> 
> 
> Hi all.
>  
> John is absolutely right in saying the complexity cannot be easily compared 
>  to a terrestrial radio project. One other thing that stands an almost zero 
>  chance of succeeding is a dish antenna that needs to point towards the 
> earth. If  NASA and the ISS have trouble with moving parts on the solar array 
> you can  imagine how much more difficult it would be on the moon.
>  
> However, how about this.
> The problem with the higher bands is power generation / path loss / antenna 
>  gain. Any higher band like 1.2, 2.4 or 5.8G would need a high gain antenna 
>  to offset the increased path loss.
>  
> But, instead of a conventional steerable dishwith its unreliable moving 
>  joints...How about an electrically steerable array of patches / dipoles / 
> or any  other type of antenna element.
>  
> But how to 'point' it?
>  
> Well. actually I think Tom Clark provided the answer for that  with his 
> proposal of a few years ago.  The principle is this: If you have 2  arrays. 
> One 
> say on 5.6G uplink and one on 5.8G downlink, then the receiving  array can 
> electrically look in different directions for a signal from the  Earth.  
> Once the receiver has identified a signal and optimised the RX  Antenna, the 
> information on the direction of the Earth i.e. the direction of the  
> strongest 
> incoming signal can be used to configure the transmit array which will  
> then beam a signal back to earth with high ERP.
>  
> Directional, high gain, and no moving parts.
>  
> Thanks
>  
> David  G0MRF
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[amsat-bb] The Moon is not our future

[john heath]

Thanks to all contributors for an enjoyable thread, with some very 
interesting ideas, however, there is a fundamental obstacle to transponders 
on the Moon. The science packages used and left on the Moon by the Apollo 
astonauts had radioactive heat sources which prevented the electronics from 
being destroyed by the extreem cold of the lunar night.

I don't believe there is any likelyhood that we can fly a radioactive source 
on an amateur radio payload.

73 John G7HIA 

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[amsat-bb] An alternative ... or ... competition !!!.

[John Hackett]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
   For those that don't know it, The chief of 
RosKosmos, the Russian Space Agency *confirmed* last week the Russian intention 
to pull the plug on the ISS in the 2015 - 2020 timeframe and to construct 
another dedicated Russian 
space station.

According to Anatoly Zak RosKosmos informed NASA of these plans 14 days ago.

The new Russian station is *NOT* intended to be a laboratory like the ISS but 
more of an in-orbit contruction platform for future Mars-like and outer space 
missions.

The station will comprise a maintainable 'ball' section with several docking 
ports 
with attachable modules.

I propose that amateur radio satellite operators get together and form a group 
to suggest/try to influence/impliment an ARISS type of project for this space 
station.

A Strela type frame could be attached to the underside of the 'ball' and since 
the station is planned for a Molinya type orbit the coverage would be suitable 
for DX.

The planned orbit would put the station predominently over Russia - as opposed 
to the current ISS equatorial orbit.

Personally, I would suggest an RS-10/11 RS-12/13 clone with a ROBOT ...
(read: propagation tester) - as these satellites were without the shadow of a 
doubt the best for recruiting newcomers.

It would, in my opinion, be a viable concept and an alternative to some of the 
latest 'ideas' of a transponder on the moon ... which wouldn't 'catch' many 
potential newcomers but would (*IN MY OPINION*) only serve a few dedicated 
'experts' ... leading to the demise of amateur satellite communications in 
general.

Comments, monies and praise to LA2QAA.

Criticisms, horsewhipping and flaming to GM1SXX.

73 John.   

Interested parties may read the following ...



The OPSEK project

  By
2008, the Russian successor to the International Space Station, ISS,
was identified as Orbitalniy Pilotiruemyi Eksperimentalniy Kompleks,
OPSEK, or Orbital Manned Assembly and Experiment Complex in English.*
Unlike previous designs of Mir, Mir-2 and the ISS,
the heart of the station would be a four-ton ball-shaped node module.
Equipped with six docking ports, this relatively small and simple
element would be the only permanent element of the station. All other
modules would come and go as their lifespan and mission requires.

  The initial architecture of the OPSEK complex could be built out of 
modules originally planned for the Russian segment
of the ISS. The exact scenario of the OPSEK assembly would depend on
the end of the ISS and the readiness of the latest Russian modules.
According to a 2008 scenario, the MLM multipurpose module, the node module and 
a pair of NEM power platforms could be first launched to the ISS in 2011, 2013 
and 2014-2015,
respectively. With the deorbiting of the ISS looming around 2020, these
modules could separate from the old outpost to form the core of the new
Russian station. Another, more controversial scenario considered the
separation of the practically entire Russian segment, including the MIM-2 
docking compartment and the Zvezda service module,
prior to the ISS deorbiting. In this case, the 20-year-old service
module would temporarily take a responsibility for the flight control
of the OPSEK, until its replacement with a 40-ton versatile core
module, UMB, launched by a next-generation rocket from yet-to-be built launch 
site in Vostochny during 2020s.

  The
separation of the Russian segment from the ISS would leave the rest of
the outpost without effective orbital maneuvering capabilities, leaving
the European ATV spacecraft
as a likely candidate to perform the tasks of attitude control and
deorbiting. To achieve this the ATV would have to be modified to enable
its docking with the US segment of the ISS.

  Depending
on the operational orbit selected for the OPSEK, it might be necessary
to change the orbital inclination of the modules departing the ISS and
forming the new station. The lowest inclination accessible from
Vostochny is 51.7 degrees, while the ISS is orbiting the Earth with the
inclination 51.6 degrees toward the Equator. It is estimated that one
or two Progress cargo ships would be necessary to push the modules from one 
inclination to another.

  From
official statements during 2008 and 2009, it is clear that the one of
the chief objectives of the OPSEK complex would be the support for
expedition to Mars. All major elements of the Martian expeditionary
complex, such as main habitation module, Mars lander and
nuclear-powered space tug would dock to the station before its
departure from the low-Earth orbit toward Mars. The Martian expedition
would at the OPSEK as well.

  The station would also play a similar role in lunar exploration. Reusable 
space tugs could link OPSEK with the Lunar Orbi

[amsat-bb] Molinya

[John Hackett]

David,
 My use of the word Molniya was ambiguous.

I should !!! have emphisised *LEO* elliptical. Let me explain ...

The word Molinya in Russian means (literally) 'lightning' but in a space 
context it is accepted to mean ELLIPTICAL ... as per their TV satellite 
orbits which are in English dialogue would be classified as *HIGHLY* elliptical.

The planned space station is envisaged in a 70 degree LEO orbit.

I apologise for my misleading remarks.

73 John.

From: g0...@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 11:32:56 -0400
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb]  An alternative ... or ... competition !!!.
To: la2...@amsat.org









In a message dated 05/07/2009 15:17:02 GMT Standard Time, 
archie.hack...@hotmail.com writes:

The 
  new Russian station is *NOT* intended to be a laboratory like the ISS but 
  
more of an in-orbit contruction platform for future Mars-like and outer 
  space 
missions.

The station will comprise a maintainable 'ball' 
  section with several docking ports 
with attachable modules.

I 
  propose that amateur radio satellite operators get together and form a group 
  to suggest/try to influence/impliment an ARISS type of project for this space 
  station.

A Strela type frame could be attached to the underside of the 
  'ball' and since the station is planned for a Molinya type orbit the coverage 
  would be suitable for DX.


Hi John.
 
Just wondering  Is a Molinya orbit highly elliptical  
??   If so, then it cant really go above 1000km high or the crew will 
get zapped by the protons in the lower van Allen belt.
 
Thanks
 
David
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[amsat-bb] Information.

[John Hackett]

Hello Dave,
   Certainly, just follow the additional information from the main 
page of ...

<http://www.russianspaceweb.com/index.html>

Have a good day.

73 John


> From: n4csi...@bellsouth.net
> To: la2...@amsat.org
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb]  An alternative ... or ... competition !!!.
> Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 16:07:08 -0400
> 
> Hi John,
> This is very interesting. Do you know the official news source of this 
> information? I would like to read more about it.
> 
> Dave, AA4KN
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "John Hackett" 
> To: 
> Cc: ; 
> Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 6:46 AM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] An alternative ... or ... competition !!!.
> 
> 
> 
> Ladies and Gentlemen,
>For those that don't know it, The chief of 
> RosKosmos, the Russian Space Agency *confirmed* last week the Russian 
> intention to pull the plug on the ISS in the 2015 - 2020 timeframe and to 
> construct another dedicated Russian
> space station.
> 
> According to Anatoly Zak RosKosmos informed NASA of these plans 14 days ago.
> 
> The new Russian station is *NOT* intended to be a laboratory like the ISS 
> but
> more of an in-orbit contruction platform for future Mars-like and outer 
> space
> missions.
> 
> The station will comprise a maintainable 'ball' section with several docking 
> ports
> with attachable modules.
> 
> I propose that amateur radio satellite operators get together and form a 
> group to suggest/try to influence/impliment an ARISS type of project for 
> this space station.
> 
> A Strela type frame could be attached to the underside of the 'ball' and 
> since the station is planned for a Molinya type orbit the coverage would be 
> suitable for DX.
> 
> The planned orbit would put the station predominently over Russia - as 
> opposed to the current ISS equatorial orbit.
> 
> Personally, I would suggest an RS-10/11 RS-12/13 clone with a ROBOT ...
> (read: propagation tester) - as these satellites were without the shadow of 
> a
> doubt the best for recruiting newcomers.
> 
> It would, in my opinion, be a viable concept and an alternative to some of 
> the
> latest 'ideas' of a transponder on the moon ... which wouldn't 'catch' many
> potential newcomers but would (*IN MY OPINION*) only serve a few dedicated 
> 'experts' ... leading to the demise of amateur satellite communications in 
> general.
> 
> Comments, monies and praise to LA2QAA.
> 
> Criticisms, horsewhipping and flaming to GM1SXX.
> 
> 73 John.   
> 
> Interested parties may read the following ...
> 
> 
> 
> The OPSEK project
> 
>   By
> 2008, the Russian successor to the International Space Station, ISS,
> was identified as Orbitalniy Pilotiruemyi Eksperimentalniy Kompleks,
> OPSEK, or Orbital Manned Assembly and Experiment Complex in English.*
> Unlike previous designs of Mir, Mir-2 and the ISS,
> the heart of the station would be a four-ton ball-shaped node module.
> Equipped with six docking ports, this relatively small and simple
> element would be the only permanent element of the station. All other
> modules would come and go as their lifespan and mission requires.
> 
>   The initial architecture of the OPSEK complex could be built out of 
> modules originally planned for the Russian segment
> of the ISS. The exact scenario of the OPSEK assembly would depend on
> the end of the ISS and the readiness of the latest Russian modules.
> According to a 2008 scenario, the MLM multipurpose module, the node module 
> and a pair of NEM power platforms could be first launched to the ISS in 
> 2011, 2013 and 2014-2015,
> respectively. With the deorbiting of the ISS looming around 2020, these
> modules could separate from the old outpost to form the core of the new
> Russian station. Another, more controversial scenario considered the
> separation of the practically entire Russian segment, including the MIM-2 
> docking compartment and the Zvezda service module,
> prior to the ISS deorbiting. In this case, the 20-year-old service
> module would temporarily take a responsibility for the flight control
> of the OPSEK, until its replacement with a 40-ton versatile core
> module, UMB, launched by a next-generation rocket from yet-to-be built 
> launch site in Vostochny during 2020s.
> 
>   The
> separation of the Russian segment from the ISS would leave the rest of
> the outpost without effective orbita

[amsat-bb] From The Twisted Pair (!).

[John Hackett]

For those who don't read 'OBSERVATIONS' ... (you should !!!, it's FREE).

73 John.   

Joint Observations
07 July 2009
GM1SXX & LA2QAA

The problem 
with Space Stations... and a possible Opportunity.

When the 
International Space Station is scrapped probably in the 2015-2018 time 
frame, a valuable space asset will be lost.  It needn't have been that way, 
and the Russians have wakened up to a new possibility, one that was sadly 
missed 
on the ISS.

ISS is built 
around MIR-2 hardware. The core, the Zvezda module,  is essentially 
unchanged from the old MIR design,  a tubular cylindrical living area with 
solar 
arrays attached to a docking 'ball' with five docking ports available.   
Once Zveda becomes  life-expired, the whole assembly is useless.  A 
more practical approach would have been to fly a 'passive' six-port docking 
ball, to which active modules can be docked. In this way, station elements 
could 
be detached and discarded as they reached the end of their design lives while 
the docking ball remains a 'permanent fixture' in space.

Enter 'Orbitalniy 
Pilotiruemyi Eksperimentalniy Kompleks', OPSEK, or the 'Orbital Manned 
Assembly and Experiment Complex'   This is a plan for a future space 
station unveiled by the Russians in 2007, and documented by Anatoly Zak on his 
web-pages.  It centres around the use of a passive 4 ton 'docking ball' 
with six ports, to which additional modules can be attached.   


Such a docking 
ball  in LEO would have the primary purpose of 'tying a space station 
together', by providing passive docking ports, but it could equally well serve 
as a 
long-lived platform for a 'parasite radio package' in the same way that the old 
RS10/11 and RS12/13  'satellites' worked. For those not old enough to know, 
these were 'parasite' transponder packages attached to spacecraft that were 
powered from the main craft.  So long as the packages antenna(s) could be 
mounted on the ball's -Z axis, it could serve as a useful radio relay 
(transponder) in LEO.  Such a package would have a fairly small physical 
footprint and would require very little driving power from the 'mother-ship' or 
solar panels (if fitted). It would obviously be desirable to derive power from 
the mother-ship in the interests of simplicity and longevity.

With launches 
becoming increasingly difficult to find on cost grounds, this would be one 
possible way to provide a future new transponder in LEO.  If the package 
was small and light enough, it could possibly be carried to the (new) space 
station by a progress cargo vehicle as freight, and attached to the docking 
ball 
structure during a space walk.  What is more, it could function for a long 
time, limited only by the overall life of the space complex.

Several people in 
the UK already have a track record in building space-rated hardware in addition 
to another amateur in Holland, who has built space qualified hardware including 
the backup transponder for HM-1 AKA VUSAT, as well as a new linear 
'Pico-Transponder'. They know who they are... you don't need to know, at least 
not right now :-)  The expertise already exists to supply space rated 
hardware to fly on such a mission. and we do feel that the possibility of 
flying 
such a mission should not be passed over.  I'm sure there are people in 
Russia (from the old RS satellite team) who would be just as keen to see this 
idea fly.  


73 AL & John

GM1SXX & LA2QAA
 


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[amsat-bb] missing a drop cord

[John Price]

Picked up my satellite station from Geep's place this afternoon. Seems
all is there except one heavy drop cord. It is black I believe and
about 25 foot long. It goes in my camper. It is #12 wire. If you have
one and don't know were it is supposed to live please let me know. If
you think of anyone else that might have had stuff to pack up please
let me know. Thanks << John

-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"
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[amsat-bb] EN86 Drummond Island MI

[John Papay]

Doug, KD8CAO, is now active from EN86, Drummond Island, MI.  He 
worked 17 stations on the last AO51 pass at 2240Z, 7 July 09.  He 
will be active soon on the ssb birds.  EN86 is a very rare grid; 
XE2AT, who is at the top of the VUCC leader board with 900 grids 
confirmed, still needs it!  Doug should be active on Wednesday from 
EN86 and will be heading back through EN76 Thursday.  He only made a 
few contacts today on his way through EN76.  He reports that he has 
no internet connection on the island but his cellphone is 
working.  He has been using his TH-D7AG and the Arrow on the FM birds 
but plans to set up the TS2000 with doppler control now that he is on 
the island.   Hope you can make a contact.

John K8YSE k8...@amsat.org 

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[amsat-bb] FM29 Delaware

[John Papay]

K8YSE/P will be operating in FM29, Delaware starting
Thursday evening.  I plan to be on every visible FM pass
on Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday morning.

I know that ND9M worked from Delaware a few weeks ago
and made a lot of contacts.  But for those that missed
him, especially those in the western States, this will
be your chance to try to work DE.  I will be on AO51,
SO50 and AO27.

Equipment is a Kenwood TM-V7A with a UPS battery and
the Arrow antenna.  I will look for locations where you
can see down low on the horizon to the west.  The power is
set very low on AO51 but I hope to be able to hear it if
I can see it.

I should have internet if there are any questions.
k8...@amsat.org

73,
John K8YSE


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[amsat-bb] Delaware Operation FM29ft

[John Papay]

Our mini WAS-pedition to Wilmington Delaware FM29
ended with the 7/12/2009 1305-1316z AO51
pass which was only 11 degrees in Delaware.
In just two days approximately 85 different
callsigns were logged (including 4 with
KD4ZGW who operated from his 18 wheeler in
DN90, EM38, EM29 and EM65).  If you were
thinking that there are only a few regulars
operating the FM birds, this should make you
rethink that notion.  For those that are
chasing grids, there are plenty of new people
showing up in grids that have not been very
active.  Many of the "regulars" were not on
during this period, but if they were the total
could have easily gone over 100 different
callsigns worked.

My operation took place from the Days Inn tree
lawn on Concord Pike just south of Naamans Rd for
western passes and the Concord Mall parking lot,
about 1000' south for eastern passes.  I was
able to make qso's to the west down to about 5
degrees or less.  The AO27 pass on 7/11 at 2041-2051z
was only 7 degrees but it did net 4 stations.  The
QRM was heavy and my signal was not strong enough
to get through the many stations that were operating.
KI6YAA was heard but could not be worked.  But on
Sunday morning, Larry was up at 6am for the AO51
pass (11 degrees for me) and a qso was easily completed.
The early bird still does get the worm.

Several stations including K7WIN and VE6AB mentioned
that Delaware was the last state they needed.  It was
great to be able to give them Delaware.  Between Jim's
(ND9M) operation and this one, Delaware should be very
low on the most wanted State list.

There will be a special QSL card for this operation.
Cards will be sent to every station that was worked.
There is no need to send a card or an SASE to me although
you can if you want to.  I'll put an announcement on the
BB and my QRZ.com page when the cards are mailed.  If you
don't get one and think you worked me, please email me.
All passes have been recorded and can be checked.

Thanks to everyone who worked me.  If you want to have some
fun on the birds, try operating from a grid away from home.
And thanks to all of you who do activate these grids and help
us with our VUCC!

73,
John K8YSE



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[amsat-bb] Amsat-UK Oscar News

[john heath]

My copy of O.N. 186 arrived today,

Thanks to Dave Johnson G4DPZ, Graham Shirville G3VZV and all contributors for a 
much improved ON. 

I well remember how Ron Broadbent used to hustle everyone for contribution 
articles, on the basis that as the editor he couldn't produce a good magazine 
with out material to work with. Lets see what we can do to support Dave and 
Graham in keeping O.N full and interesting

73 John G7HIA
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[amsat-bb] Moon Landing a Russian report

[john heath]

Hi,

Just a bit of evidence for your consideration:

Valentina Tereshkova and Valery Bykovsky were in Coventry England a few years 
ago and I was privilaged to be amongst the guests at a dinner held in their 
honour. During the after dinner conversation they were asked about the 
authenticity of the Amarican moon landings. Bykovsky said that they were 
monitoring the mission and there was no doubt in their minds that it was 
genuine.

73 John G7HIA

PS - I am also looking forward to some high resolution images so that we can 
bury the "hoax theory" once and for all.
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[amsat-bb] Rare Grids and Gridpeditions

[John Papay]

It's great to see the renewed interest in activating
"rare" grids on the birds.  If you don't have a particular grid
worked and confirmed, it is a "rare" grid.  It is important
for all of us to recognize those who are operating "portable"
in a grid away from their home.  They are only there for a
short period of time so giving them the frequency is the thing
to do.  If you hear a callsign that you have not worked before,
call that person rather than someone you just talked with on
the last pass.  We need to encourage the new people as they are
the future of the amateur space program.  Use the portable
designation if you are operating away from home so others will
know that this might be a new grid.

We have enjoyed a long stretch of AO51 being in the V/U mode on
435.300.  After the end of the month, the bird will be in sunlight
continuously and that will allow higher power and other modes to be
used.  If AO51 is in a non-V/U voice mode, as it was for a 2 week period
not long ago, grid dxpeditions are not going to be worthwhile.  If
you plan a vacation ahead of time, you might find later that the bird
will not be in a v/u voice mode during your trip.

The Operations Team sets the schedule and they do it based upon
requests from the membership for alternate modes.  Personally I think
that there should always be a 435.300/145.92 mode available.  Everyone
who is interested in chasing grids or activating grids away from their home
should email KO4MA and request that V/U voice remain on.  You cannot
plan anything if you don't know if AO51 will be in V/U voice during your
trip.  The schedule is based upon input from the membership and if we
don't make our requests, those that want the bird in other modes (both
transponders) will most likely be served.  The second transponder is fine
for other modes but there are probably some modes that cannot be activated
if V/U voice is to remain on.  Maybe Drew can clarify this for us.

There are some that would say that there are other satellites that can
be used for FM voice.  Very true, however, if you are out there trying
to activate grids, not having AO51 available is a handicap.  You spend a
lot of money to do it and then have 1/3 of your potential air time, on the
best FM satellite up there, not available to you.  It makes no sense.

I'm on L band now and will have S band RX running soon.  I enjoy setting
up for different modes.  But after you work a few stations in those modes,
and fine tune your equipment, there's not much left.  Chasing grids never
ends.  There's always one more to work.

If you are interested in working or activating new grids, please email KO4MA
and request that AO51 always have one V/U voice transponder available.  There
is no guarantee that this will always work, but if there are no emails, it is
likely that there will be more periods of non V/U voice on AO51.

John K8YSE


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[amsat-bb] Re: Rare Grids and Gridpeditions

[John Papay]

Drew,

I appreciate your comments about what AO-51 can and cannot do.
There is no problem if the v/u mode comes down on 435.150 rather
than 435.300 except for the polarization difference.  Those with
Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) will have a difficult time
hearing the Left hand (LHCP) downlink.  Those with yagi's etc won't
be affected and that includes most of the new people.  A downlink
on 435.150 is better than no UHF Voice downlink at all.

As far as dxpeditioners working ssb birds, most of us can do that.
But who are we going to work? - only the few that have ssb equipment.
The new people starting out are likely to only have a FM handheld
or mobile.  These are the people that will be going for their first
award.  As they progress, they'll start working towards their first
100 grid VUCC award and maybe Worked All States, especially if they
are on the west coast and can work Hawaii on a FM bird.  We cannot
expect everyone to invest in  L and S band equipment to work the
handful of people who operate those modes.  If it weren't for the
people that bought their radios/antennas/converters a long time ago,
even fewer would be operating L/S.

It's a lot harder to work grids now than it was years back.  If you
worked your 550 grids on birds that have the footprint of AO-51,
you're a stellar operator.  These days you have to pull out the stops
to do it and if it weren't for the grid dxpeditioners, it would be
tough to do half that amount.  Without V/U FM, you don't get to
those totals very fast, if ever, on today's birds.

There does need to be a balance between modes and AO-51 is certainly
a versatile satellite that can serve many different interests.  What
we need to keep in mind is that new people are the future of AMSAT.  If
they don't have an FM voice mode, there is no other likely entry point
for them.  And if no one is going out on grid dxpeditions because there
is so little v/u airtime per day, the organization will never grow.
There would be no interest in DXCC if there were no dxpeditions.  I think
that there would be a lot less interest in operating satellites if there
was no VUCC and grid dxpeditions to facilitate working something new on
a regular basis.  Making a contact with the same people over and over
gets old quickly.  Put someone like WD9EWK in Utah, ND9M all over the
eastern US including Delaware, KD8CAO in northeastern Michigan and Drummond
Island, KB0RZD on a 4 corner grid boundary in Missouri and even K8YSE 
in Delaware
for those that missed ND9M, and AO-51 COMES ALIVE.  XE2AT who is
at the top of the VUCC leader board with over 900 grids worked is in
there calling KD8CAO in EN86 and EN76.  There are no pileups on L/S
and the BBS.

That being said, I only ask that configurations that preclude a
FM V/U transponder be kept to a minimum.   We need to do everything we
can to encourage new people to enter the world of satellites and we
need to support those who operate from other grids and give everyone
something to work for.

I will be listening for you on AO-7 et. al.  Have a great trip.  Don't
forget to post your operating schedule on the amsat-bb so we know
when to look for you and what grids you'll be in.

John K8YSE


Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:43:03 -0400
From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" 
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Rare Grids and Gridpeditions
To: , "John Papay" 
Message-ID: <58370780f3a14122a8bb648728dfa...@andrewlaptop>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
 reply-type=original

John,

I certainly understand where you are coming from, although I disagree with
some of your positions. AO-51 is currently our only satellite with multiple
modes (other than ISS), our only S band satellite, our only BBS, our only L
band satellite, etc. Unfortunately our power budget doesn't allow us to run
every mode we want to at the same time. This problem will only get worse as
the batteries age. We are already at the point where after this extended
period of mostly full illumination, we will most likely only be able to run
one transmitter at any time, and possibly not the S band in eclipse
at -all-.

The good news is that the full illumination lasts for quite a while, and
during this period we can support two UHF transmitters at a high power
level, or one UHF at modest power and the S band transmitter. If we run
separate S and UHF, the UHF downlink will have to be on 435.150, as the
435.300 and S transmitters share an audio path.

So...that being said, do not expect us to completely forego L and S just for
more grid swapping, as fun as it is (I'm at 550 confirmed). Send your
requests in early for whatever mode you'd like, and we will try to honor
them. Meanwhile, get your S band downconverters ready for portable ops, your
817s and 706s working with SatPC32 on a laptop, and be ready to occasionally
run your grid trips on ALL the satellites. It's a real sham

[amsat-bb] Re: FX614

[John Melton]

Take a look at http://www.ka9q.net/code/ka9qnos/

Regards John g0orx/n6lyt

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[amsat-bb] Left /Right Hand polarization ...

[John Papay]

Myles,

AO51 435.300 is right hand circular polarization (RHCP).
AO51 435.150 is left hand (LHCP).  If you try to hear
a LHCP signal with a RHCP antenna that is really right
hand, you will have a drop in signal that can exceed
20db.  This will make the downlink unreadable at low
elevations.  You definitely want to have switchable
polarization on UHF if at all possible.

The reason that people have a hard time hearing SO50
when they are using RHCP is that although the antennas
are supposed to be linear polarized, they don't fare
well on RHCP throughout the pass.  I find that I have
to switch several times between right and left in order
to hear the bird throughout the pass. Before I had
switching, it was hit and miss with that bird.

The two meter side is not as important to switch unless
you plan to operate AO7 and VO52 which have downlinks on
2 meters.  If you do operate those birds, you'll be able
to do much better if you can switch.  Switching the uplink
on UHF on those birds sometimes makes a big difference too.

If you are serious about operating the birds, the investment
in polarity switching will be well worth it.

John K8YSE


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[amsat-bb] Re: Cross boom question

[John Price]

I have been using the same antennas and a metal boom since 1992. Also
do the same at field day every year. If it doesn't work please don't
tell me now. I have been to happy with the setup to wont to change.

73's << John

On Sat, Jul 25, 2009 at 4:47 PM, Kevin Groth wrote:
> I have just finished building a set of 2m and 440mhz circular polarized
> beams to work the birds.  (tired of standing in the heat and cold outside!)
> I tried to save a little bit of money by building a wood dowel inserted into
> a sched 40 uv resistant pipe.  I hung the beams on either side of the cross
> boom and it sags way too much and is ugly.  I thought about using some
> eyebolts and some nylon cording for support to the vertical mast, but I'm
> trying to keep everything as clean as possible for the neighbors.  I would
> really rather not have to purchase a fiberglass satellite boom commercially,
> but if I have to, I will.
>
>
>
> I have a bunch of 1.75" aluminum pipe that would be more than able to
> support most anything I plan to add to the antenna collection in the future
> (1.2 and 2.4 ghz).  My question is how much of a difference would it make if
> I mounted the 2m and 440 beams in an X position to the aluminum beam?  I
> have read some short answers that it would minimize the swr issue, but
> haven't really found an answer that I am comfortable with.  Also, how would
> that effect a later addition like a 1.2 or 2.4 ghz antenna.?  My current
> antennas are a KLM 2m-14c and a 435-40cx, both circular polarized and
> switchable RH and LH polarization.  Does anyone have any experience with a
> metal crossboom?
>
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Kevin
>
> N9EME
>
> Fort Worth, TX
>
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>



-- 
N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator
AO-7,AO-27,FO-29,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS
Email n4...@amsat.org
Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463
http://home.comcast.net/~n4qwf/site/
Formerly KC4AHW  VK3FEZ
Amsat Member #27845
DXCC #33,478
VUCC SAT #135
WAS SAT #296
51 on AO-51 #13
LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il
>From the Foothills of the Blueridge

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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[amsat-bb] WD9EWK's Grid Dxpedition

[John Papay]

Patrick,

First off a big thank you for making the effort to activate
all of those 14 grids.  Rather than heading off to Cancun
and lying on the beach, you spent your vacation time to give
all of us something new to work on the satellites.  You make
it sound so easy, but it is not.  Working from a single spot
in Delaware cannot be compared to the traveling you did and
the planning and execution of finding places where you could
operate on a grid boundary safely and see the sky at the same
time.  You executed on each pass to everyone's delight.

The QSL chore ahead of you cannot compare to receiving and
responding to a few qsl cards that come to each of us in the
mail.  It is time consuming and expensive.  Thank you for the
all that work that comes AFTER you get home.

Your operation is an inspiration to all of us to consider working
from a grid away from home.  Several operators have told me that
they are planning to do just that.  Some new grids will be showing
up thanks to the example you set over and over again.  Working
towards VUCC is something that interests many satellite operators.
It gives us something to work for every day.

It was nice to see my callsign at the top of your list for grids
worked.  I guess that makes me the "Satellite Hog". not unlike
the title of "DX Hog" which has also been conferred upon me.  The
title has pluses and minuses.  Everyone can decide that one for
themselves.  Speaking from personal experience, we all like to work
our friends when we are out on an expedition.  It shows that our
friends are interested in what we are doing and it provides
us the encouragement to keep doing it.  I hope you feel the same.

The writeup was so detailed that my head was spinning as I read it.
It's hard to imagine how you could do this all by yourself out in
some of the most remote territory in the United States.  Congratulations
on a very successful grid dxpedition.  I hope to work you on many more.

John K8YSE




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[amsat-bb] ballot biographies on line

[John Papay]

Some did not receive the first mailing with the
Board of Directors Candidate's Biographies.  They
can be downloaded at:

http://www.papays.com/2009amsatelection.pdf

John K8YSE

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[amsat-bb] Maine and Rhode Island Satellite Ops

[John Papay]

David (KC7USS),

N1RCN is a regular on the FM birds and he is the
most active Rhode Island Station.  Contact him,
his callsign at amsat.org

KB1RVT/1 is now in FN54 spending a week or so in
Acadia National Park.  He is active on all of the
FM birds.  That's your best bet for Maine although
others like N1AIA have been heard recently.

John K8YSE



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[amsat-bb] Re: FUNcube a UK Linear Transponder Satellite

[john heath]

Hi Bruce and the bb,

Re: Amsat-UK FUNcube

What a great name  "Space Communicators Club"

With potential worldwide participation by schools in the telemetry and 
physiscs experiments I hope that amsat-uk can come up with a receiver that 
can be mass produced and  achive an easily affordable unit for schools.

73 John G7HIA 

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[amsat-bb] Pollux tlm

[john heath]

Hi all telemetry fans

Copied just one frame from Pollux at 13:30 utc over England using my weather 
sat turnstile (no other antennas at present). 

POLLUX-1/TELEM>CQ>UI,?,F0:
SYST 159093 0 0 33 0 01b1 12f0 0002 1190  1198 0066 1110 0044 0f50  
 0158 08d0 0fc0 003e 

73 John G7HIA

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[amsat-bb] FO29 question

[John Geiger]

I have been off the satellites and the amsat reflector for a little over a 
year, but put up a dualband yagi yesterday and have already been having a blast 
getting back on the sats.  I am sorry if this question has been covered 
recently on the reflector.

I had a nice QSO today on FO29. I seem to remember that as of last year, FO29 
had been declared dead?  Am I imagining things, or did it recently come back to 
life?  If so, how long has it been operating again?
Glad to see it is back, it has always been one of my favorite satellites.

73s John AA5JG
(ex. NE0P)
EM04to-Lawton, OK


  

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[amsat-bb] Pollux Telemetry

[John Ronan]

1k2: fm POLLUX-1 to CQ via TELEM ctl UI pid=F0(Text) len 100 12:40:25
  MEMS 65802 11.440 11.440 9.668 -0.224 0.114 4.119 -3.27 17.48 4.
0040  08 16.19 16.66 16.39 2.60 4 18 48 ..


It doesn't seem to have made the APRS-IS though, I must check my  
xastir setup when I get home.

de John
EI7IG


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[amsat-bb] Re: FO-29 and VO-52

[John Papay]

Some General Guidelines to Working the Birds with Omni Antennas:
(My opinion for what it's worth; others may disagree.)

A lot of people are using omni antennas.  Some use
preamps and some do not.  The important thing to remember
when using omni antennas is that you will be getting into
the bird much better than you can hear it, if you can
hear it at all. A preamp will really help.

If you have a full duplex radio and can't hear yourself on
the ssb downlink, there's a problem.  If you can hear others,
try calling them and see if you can make a contact.  Don't
call CQ if you can't hear yourself.  You may be calling on
top of a qso and if you are not doppler controlled, you will
likely drift into a qso and cause interference.  If you hear
others on the bird, try to find yourself and determine your
offset.  Setting your uplink and downlink manually is challenging
but not impossible.  Use a program like SatPC32 to help you
determine what tx frequency corresponds to the receive frequency.
Ultimately, use the program to control your radio.  Once you calibrate
your uplink to your downlink, you will make more qso's.  Make
sure your computer clock is set to a few seconds of the correct time
and your keps are current.  If these are not set, you will not have
the proper doppler control, especially when the bird is overhead and
the frequency is changing rapidly.  If you can only manage to change
one of the frequencies, change the one that is higher (e.g. tx (UHF)
on VO-52 and rx (UHF) on FO-29).  The UHF frequency changes much
faster than the VHF frequency.

On the FM birds, don't announce yourself unless you are full
duplex, can hear yourself and there is little or no activity
on the bird.  Wait until you can hear other stations and then
call someone you can copy.  They will likely come back to you.
Once you make a qso, others will call you so pay attention.  If
you are in an inactive grid, expect a pileup.  Use a recorder
so you don't have to write anything down.  Don't disappear after
your initial qso.  Stay with it as long as you can hear.  You
will make more qso's.

There is always activity on any daylight pass of AO27 and AO51.
If you don't hear anyone, you are likely not hearing the satellite.

As the bird comes over the horizon,
adjust your fm rx frequency 10 KHz higher than the published
center frequency.  As the bird moves toward you, lower the frequency
in 5 KHz steps.  The bird should be on the center frequency when
overhead and then -5KHz as it moves away and then -10KHz as it
gets closer to the horizon.  No computer control is necessary on
the FM birds.  When the audio sounds a little distorted, it's time
to change the frequency.  Use your ears; a computer is not necessary.
It is not necessary to change your uplink (145 MHz) tx frequency.

Working the birds with omni antennas is challenging. As long as
you know your limitations and operate accordingly, you will be fine.
But don't expect to be able to hear very well.  If omni antennas
worked that well, everyone would be using them, and there would be
a lot more than 21 stations that have 350 or more grids confirmed
on satellite VUCC.

John K8YSE




>--
>
>Message: 2
>Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 13:41:27 + (UTC)
>From: aa...@comcast.net
>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: FO-29 and VO-52
>To: Jean-Fran?ois M?nard 
>Cc: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org
>Message-ID:
> 
><87800968.8532491249393287738.javamail.r...@sz0024a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
>
>
>Hello Jean-Francois,
>
>
>
>I have worked VO-52 with omni antennas and an FT-817
>
>on SSB with no problem at all. FO-29 should work?too as long
>
>as there are no high-power stations pumping the satellite AGC.
>
>
>
>73,
>
>Tony AA2TX
>
>---
>
>
>
>- Original Message -
>From: "Jean-Fran?ois M?nard" 
>To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org
>Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 8:53:17 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>Subject: [amsat-bb] ?FO-29 and VO-52
>
>Hi,
>
>I would like to know if I'm dreaming, but will it be possible for me
>to use these two satellites with my pair of FT-817 running on
>SatPC32??
>
>Am I asking too much for my 5W only radios ?? I'm using 2 Eggbeater
>antenna from M?... EB-144 and EB432 with AR? preamps on both antennas
>feed with heliax.
>
>73
>
>--
>Jean-Fran?ois M?nard
>VA2SS
>
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>AMSAT www.amsat.org / Member #37102
>ARRL ?www.arrl.org
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>
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>



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[amsat-bb] New satellite rigs?

[John Geiger]

Is anyone hearing any rumors of new satellite rigs on the horizon (pun 
intended)? The TS2000 and Icom 910H are hitting 9 years on the market, and 
Yaesu isn't currently marketing a satellite rig.

73s Jon AA5JG


  

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[amsat-bb] Re: New satellite rigs?

[John Geiger]

I think Icom already updated the Icom 718 with the Icom 7200.

73s John AA5JG

--- On Fri, 8/7/09, Sebastian  wrote:

> From: Sebastian 
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New satellite rigs?
> To: "AMSAT BB" 
> Date: Friday, August 7, 2009, 9:39 PM
> Simon please buy a used IC-910H, that
> way you can fix the Satellite  
> Module!
> 
> I'm sure you can re-sell it for about the same you pay,
> maybe more.
> 
> I personally doubt that Icom will replace the 910H any time
> soon.   
> That rig, given it's price tag and being only for
> 2m/440/1.2, must not  
> sell very well.  I would think Icom should be working
> on an enhanced  
> IC-718, which is an excellent HF rig at an extremely
> attractive price  
> range.  If they added a few things to a similar rig,
> at a similar  
> price I'm sure it would sell very well.
> 
> I'm 50 myself, and my kids better not be counting on much
> when I go (I  
> plan to enjoy myself as much as possible), but I personally
> can't see  
> myself spending $10,000 on some of the rigs out
> there.  I think we  
> need more inexpensive rigs so that the few new young hams
> can get into  
> the hobby.  Without young blood, we are doomed.
> 
> 73 de W4AS
> Sebastian
> 
> On Aug 7, 2009, at 4:32 AM, Simon (HB9DRV) wrote:
> 
> > - Original Message -
> > From: "STeve Andre'" 
> >>
> >> I'd like to think that Icom will come out with
> other radios, but  
> >> given
> >> the current economy, will they do that, I wonder.
> >>
> >
> > Look at the price of the IC-7600 - and that's selling
> well, as is the
> > IC-7700.
> >
> > There's plenty of money for radios - so many Hams are
> over 50,  
> > children have
> > fled the next, so these Hams are spending their
> childrens'  
> > inheritance. I
> > would like a good UHF-SHF radio, don't want to buy the
> IC-910H as I  
> > am sure
> > it'll be replaced the day after I buy it.
> >
> > For now I use the TS-2000...
> >
> > Simon Brown, HB9DRV
> > www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
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[amsat-bb] Grids on the Road

[John Papay]

Here are some interesting statistics on the movers
and shakers in the world of grid dxpeditions.  The
list represents cards that I have received that have
been used for VUCC filings or that will be used in a
future filing.  If you add them up, the 11 stations
that I worked and needed in 4 or more grids total up
to 100 grids, enough to file for the basic VUCC award!
This is all in the past 2-1/2 years with the vast
majority in the last year alone.  These stations have
operated from many more grids that I had already
confirmed.  Therefore, the number of grids they
operated from is much higher than what I have listed
below:

Station   Nr of New Grids
--
WD9EWK  20
ND9M16
KD4ZGW  15
KB0RZD   9
KD8CAO   8
N5AFV7
N5ZNL7
VO1ONE   6
W6GMT4
VE6AB4
WA4NVM   4

Thanks to all of you for making the effort to operate
away from home and for giving all of us many new grids.

John K8YSE


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[amsat-bb] Re: satellite WAS #309

[John Geiger]

--- On Tue, 8/11/09, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)  
wrote:

>> 
> Geography aside, a WAS award is much harder to achieve on
> any
> band than awards like DXCC or VUCC.  

I would think that DXCC would be next to impossible to achieve on the LEO 
satellites.

73s John AA5JG


  


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[amsat-bb] Yaesu FT857/897 on satellites

[John Geiger]

Is anyone on the list using a Yaesu FT897 or FT857 on the LEO satellites (both 
FM and SSB)?  I am currently using an Icom 706MKIIG with pretty good results, 
but have been thinking about "upgrading" to a Yaesu FT897D or maybe a FT857D.  
I have used some Yaesu rigs on the sats before and the 706MKIIG seems to hear 
them better, especially AO27.

I don't have a big setup-Cushcraft dualband yagi (5 elements on each band) with 
no elevation, so signals are not rockcrushing from the satellites.  The QST 
reviews show that the Icom has better sensitivity on 70cm SSB (MDS of -143 vs 
-139 dbm) and on FM (.16 vs .21 microvolts) but are those differences really 
meaningful?  Do the 897 and 857 still receive the sats really good with a 
minimal setup?

73s John AA5JG


  

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[amsat-bb] Antenna pointing

[john heath]

Hi,

I agree with the comments that  high degrees of pointing accuracy are not 
required for satellite work. 
However, if you are super keen to improve your pointing accuracy then you may 
like to consider the modern version of the "bore sight" method.

A bore sight is basically a length of tube, you look through, you only get a 
view of the target when you are accuratly lined up with it. The longer the tube 
the greater the pointing accuracy.

For an antenna boom mounted bore sight I used about six inches of  15mm copper 
water pipe with a stop end soldered onto it. I drilled a 1/8" hole in the stop 
end and  fixed  a light dependant resistor in the "eye end" Attached to the 
boom and ran wires to the shack where I had a battery and voltmeter.

Point your antenna at where the Sun should be then "hunt" backwards and 
forwards, up and down until you see a peak reading on the meter = the sun.
Its a bit of work but the benefit of this method is that its on the tower and 
you can check it anytime the Sun is out.

Practical problems, waterproofing and true alignment to the boom.

It was a lot of work but a fun project, eventially destroyed by water 
penetration.

73 John G7HIA
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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna pointing

[john heath]

Hi Tim and the list,

Thanks for the kind comments.

Its not my original idea.
I picked it up years ago, possibly from  Amsat-UK's journal OSCAR News, or 
possibly eleswhere.

Just happy to pass it on. Someone may find it usefull, or suggest a 
better/simpler implimentation of the same basic idea.

73 John G7HIA
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[amsat-bb] The future of the ISS.

[John Hackett]

Group,
  Once again, it seems that some of the Amsat-bb members have 
apparently no clue as to what goes on outside America.

The future of the ISS, discussion ...

It does appear that some of the contributors are oblivious to the fact that 
The Russians have already informed NASA that they (The Russians) intend 
to pull the plug, to concentrate on their own space station ... more than 
likely backed by The European Space Agency.

News and comments at the end of the following website. ...

<http://www.russianspaceweb.com/opsek.html> 

GM1SXX and myself wrote an article on this very subject some time ago. 

Those interested may read it at ...

<http://www.observations.biz/Joint_Observations/Joint_observations_07_07_2009.htm>

Somebody commented - "It's politics" ... that part is true, it's mainly a 
combination 
of politics and money.

My own personal opinion is that the Russians don't fancy the idea of footing 
the bill alone, and prefer to do things their own way.

73 John.   
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[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio

[John Geiger]

Will it do full duplex for the satellites, or dual receive?

73s John AA5JG

--- On Thu, 8/20/09, Simon (HB9DRV)  wrote:

> From: Simon (HB9DRV) 
> Subject: [amsat-bb]  New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
> To: "EU-AMSAT" , "AMSAT.org" 
> Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 2:17 AM
> Looks like the IC-9100 will make a
> possible sneak appearance in a few days, there's a Yahoo!
> group here:
> 
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ic9100/
> 
> This group for the new ICOM transceiver, IC-9100
> HF+VHF+UHF+(D-Star+23CM, optional), built-in HF/50MHz
> ATU(tuner), 32 bit IF-DSP, 24 bit A/D conv. HF/50MHz 100
> watts, 144MHz 50 watts, 430MHz 50 watts, optional 1200MHz 10
> watts output.
> 
> Simon Brown, HB9DRV
> www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
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[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio

[John Geiger]

Too bad that 222 and 902mhz can't be offered as optinal modules.

73s John AA5JG

--- On Sat, 8/22/09, Jeff Yanko  wrote:

> From: Jeff Yanko 
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
> To: "Simon (HB9DRV)" , amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 4:17 AM
> OK.  Wasn't sure of the VHF
> bands available in Europe.  70 mHz always stuck 
> in my mind because I recall seeing it occasionally on the
> European Packet 
> Clusters.  At first, I kept thinking somebody is
> typing in the wrong 
> frequency.  I guess not!
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Jeff  WB3JFS
> 
> 
> 
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" 
> To: "Jeff Yanko" ;
> 
> Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 2:13 AM
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
> 
> 
> > 70MHz is used but 50MHz is much more common.
> >
> > Simon Brown, HB9DRV
> > www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
> >
> > - Original Message - 
> > From: "Jeff Yanko" 
> >
> >
> >> FB on 50 Mhz.  Is the 70 mHz band used more
> in the European ham theatre?
> >
> > 
> 
> 
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[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio

[John Geiger]

Plenty of countries besides the US can use 222mhz-all of region 2 plus Somalia 
in region 1.  Not sure about 902 but I know that the US, Canada, and Somalia 
can use it.

73s John AA5JG

--- On Sat, 8/22/09, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF  wrote:

> From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF 
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 8:47 AM
> They can but as it would only be of
> use to the US market, it will need a US manufacturer to
> develop and sell them.
> The radio probably only has the internal space for one
> module so some design of intelligent outboard transverter is
> the 
> way to go.
> 
> John Geiger wrote:
> > Too bad that 222 and 902mhz can't be offered as
> optinal modules.
> > 
> > 73s John AA5JG
> > 
> > --- On Sat, 8/22/09, Jeff Yanko 
> wrote:
> > 
> >> From: Jeff Yanko 
> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF
> Radio
> >> To: "Simon (HB9DRV)" ,
> amsat-bb@amsat.org
> >> Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 4:17 AM
> >> OK.  Wasn't sure of the VHF
> >> bands available in Europe.  70 mHz always
> stuck 
> >> in my mind because I recall seeing it occasionally
> on the
> >> European Packet 
> >> Clusters.  At first, I kept thinking somebody
> is
> >> typing in the wrong 
> >> frequency.  I guess not!
> >>
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Jeff  WB3JFS
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> - Original Message - 
> >> From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" 
> >> To: "Jeff Yanko" ;
> >> 
> >> Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 2:13 AM
> >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF /
> SHF Radio
> >>
> >>
> >>> 70MHz is used but 50MHz is much more common.
> >>>
> >>> Simon Brown, HB9DRV
> >>> www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
> >>>
> >>> - Original Message - 
> >>> From: "Jeff Yanko" 
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>> FB on 50 Mhz.  Is the 70 mHz band
> used more
> >> in the European ham theatre?
> >>>
> >>
> >> ___
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> >> Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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> amateur
> >> satellite program!
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> >>
> > 
> > 
> >       
> > 
> > 
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> > 
> >
> 
> > 
> > 
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.64/2318 -
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> 
> -- 
> Nigel A. Gunn,  1865 El Camino Drive, Xenia, OH
> 45385-1115, USA.  tel +1 937 825 5032
> Amateur Radio G8IFF W8IFF (was KC8NHF),  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.
> 
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[amsat-bb] Re: MFJ/Cushcraft

[John Geiger]

I guess having MFJ take them over is better than Cushcraft going out of 
business completely.

73s John AA5JG

--- On Sat, 8/22/09, Jim Jerzycke  wrote:

> From: Jim Jerzycke 
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: MFJ/Cushcraft
> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org, "Bob" 
> Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 4:45 PM
> I just bought a Cushcraft MA5B
> "mini-beam" From Texas Towers. I joked with the sales guy
> about wanting to get one ASAP, before MFJ got their grubby
> little paws on it and "Martinized" it. He cracked up, and
> said the Laird Technologies rep had told him things were
> going to continue to be built in the same factory, to the
> same specs, by the same people "for at least the next six
> months", and that no changes would be made to their product
> line.
> So, if you want a Cushcraft product, I'd suggest ordering
> it NOW.
> 73, Jim  KQ6EA
> 
> --- On Sat, 8/22/09, Bob 
> wrote:
> 
> From: Bob 
> Subject: [amsat-bb]  MFJ/Cushcraft
> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 1:06 PM
> 
> 
> 
> I don't know if this is good or not.  We'll see. 
> 
> http://www.mfjenterprises.com/cushcraft/
> 
> 
> 73 Bob W7LRD 
> 
> 
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[amsat-bb] Re: MFJ/Cushcraft

[John Geiger]

--- On Mon, 8/24/09, Clint Bradford  wrote:

> McDonalds (mass
> production  
> of unhealthy foods, again unappreciative of their
> workforce)

McDonalds does have pretty good, healthy salads.  If you get an unhealthy meal 
there, it is your choice.

73s John AA5JG


  


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[amsat-bb] S Band Activity 08/2009

[John Papay]

me V/S or L/S from time to time. I'm
not sure, however, that an entire week should be devoted to
it considering the usage.  Maybe a few days at a time would
make more sense.  You work on your equipment and get ready
for the three day period.  If your setup doesn't work, you
figure out why and get on the next time.  Shorter sessions
would focus the activity rather than spread it out over a
week's time.

We should do things that will interest new people in working
satellites.  V/U is the entry level for newcomers and we
should make that available as much as possible.  There are
other FM birds, but nothing compares to what AO-51 does to
attract new hams to satellite technology.  It's signal level,
available time/pass and morning/evening pass schedule over
the US are ideal.

There is a lot of debate over what we should be doing for the
future.  But it is as important to debate how we should use
the resources we have available to us right now.  My hope is
that this post will inspire some constructive comments and
discussion on this subject.

John K8YSE


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[amsat-bb] AO27 life expectancy

[John Geiger]

Given that AO27 is 16 years old, how much more life are we expected to get out 
of it?  Have their been any estimates or predictions made recently?

73s John AA5JG
EM04to


  

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[amsat-bb] Re: DM19 Activated Aug 17

[John Geiger]

Got mine today as well and then worked WA8MSE from his home QTH for a new grid 
on AO27 today also!  Satellite ops are the first group I have encounted who 
will send out a direct QSL (at their expense for postage) just for an email 
request.  What an impressive group of ops.

73s John AA5JG

--- On Wed, 8/26/09, David Wing  wrote:

> From: David Wing 
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: DM19 Activated Aug 17
> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 8:55 PM
> I'll second that...thanks Mark!
> 
> David
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org
> [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org]
> On
> Behalf Of Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)
> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 6:52 PM
> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: DM19 Activated Aug 17
> 
> Hi!
> 
> WA8SME's QSL for our QSO on 17 August arrived today. 
> Thanks
> for the nice card, Mark, and for making the effort to stop
> in DM19
> last week.
> 
> 73!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
> http://www.wd9ewk.net/
> ___
> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org.
> Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur
> satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
> 
> 
> ___
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> satellite program!
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> 


  


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[amsat-bb] Fw: Re: "best" rotators

[John Heath]

- Forwarded Message 
From: John Heath 
To: apbid...@mailaps.org
Sent: Thursday, 27 August, 2009 4:29:04 PM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: "best" rotators


If you have the money the AlphaSpid is a very strong and well engineered unit. 
Probably last for many years.
The unit I got runs on AC or DC. I built a dedicated 24V AC supply for mine, 
nothing more complicated than a big toriodal transformer in a box with switch, 
fuses, and an "on"  light. Better than running it off the radio DC supply.

If its available, get the "mouse" control with it. They have used a computer 
mouse and connected to the up/down and left right controlls. Its very neat to 
use on the operating desk.

As in WA4SCA's post mine works fine with automatic satellite tracking. 

73 John G7HIA

PS - no financial involvement with the company, just a happy customer.





From: Alan P. Biddle 
To: rswa...@twcny.rr.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org
Sent: Wednesday, 26 August, 2009 6:46:27 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: "best" rotators

Randy,

Do take a look at the AlphaSpid RAK-1 rotator.  They are not cheap, but far
stronger than the Kenpro/Yaesu units, and can be controlled by the usual
computer programs.  Recently MFJ has started importing them, though they are
hard to find on the web site except in the catalog.

Alan
WA4SCA
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[amsat-bb] Water as a rocket fuel

[John Heath]

Thanks to Bob for starting an interesting thread. 

On boeard electrolysis of water to produce  Hydrogen/Oxygen rocket fuel.

An most interesting paper on the subject at 
https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/236614.pdf
It does work in space.

Could it get us from LEO to MEO?

Since Bob is a can do guy I will follow this one with great interest, way to go 
Bob.

73 John G7HIA
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[amsat-bb] Staus? ... come back next week!.

[John Hackett]

Err ... chaps,
  This evening, Sunday the 30th of August, 21:10 GMT. 

The Amsat-NA satellite status page reports FO-29 as being A-OK.

It's the 6th day of silence now - (the D.Carr page status is correct).

*NOT* very Impressive Amsat. 1 day, OK, 2 days (marginally) acceptable, 
but 6 days? ... doesn't exactly incite to impress the pitential newcomer.

Yes, I *KNOW* they're volunteers. I understand the workload. The potential 
newcomer doesn't - and he may wonder why he can't hear his downlink.

The newcomer probably doesn't subscribe to the ANS yet, and maybe has 
never even heard! of D.Carr & Bob Bruninga.

73 John.   


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[amsat-bb] Facts.

[John Hackett]

To anyone who may care.

I made Joe public - (as one gentleman referred to himself) - aware of 
some INCORRECT information on the Amsat-NA satellite status page.

I *DID NOT* critisise any particular individual - (though one member of the 
b.o.d. took it upon himself to accuse me of embarrassing HIM and that *ALL* 
my communications were criticising Americans and Amsat.

That is simply not true. 

I pointed out some INCORRECT information.

Those are are the FACTS ... nothing other was implied.

If that gets me excommunicated - then so be it - it may well be time to 
leave the organisation to the new blood.

There is a VAST difference in 'constructive criticism' (for the good of all),
even if it is satirical and intentionally tongue-in-cheek ... and the 
intentional
tearing down of someone elses efforts - (which I have NEVER done) - at least 
certainly not intentionally ... (and I would like the benefit of the doubt).

Best wishes to those older friends who used to enjoy my contributions.


73 La2qaa.   Poison Pen Hackett.  (Childish? ... you bet).

archie.hack...@hotmail.com


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[amsat-bb] FO29 status?

[John Geiger]

Is FO29 up and running again in mode J?

73s John AA5JG


  
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[amsat-bb] 1268 Helix W7LRD Antenna

[John Papay]

My 1268 setup is a W7LRD 13 turn helix fed
with a 9' 9913 jumper, 45' of 7/8" Heliax and
a 3' Superflex jumper to the TS2000X.

Ten watts is just about right for this setup.
Reducing power to 5 watts makes a very noticeable
difference; readable but noisy.  One watt works
when the bird is overhead but noisy.

Bob makes a longer Helix which I would recommend
for the extra gain without making the antenna very
much bigger.  We did use this antenna at field day
and made a L/U contact with it.  A picture of the
antenna at our field day location is on the ARRL
Contest Soapbox.  Go to arrl.org, Operating Activities,
Contests, Soapbox, select ARRL FD 2009, and then search
on W8DXA or K8YSE.  There is a closeup of the antenna
in one of the photos.  The antenna uses aluminum,
stainless and copper and is well built.  It should
have a long life.  I understand Bob is working on a
radome for it which will make things a lot better for
those of us who live where we get snow and ice.

You can also see the setup on my 30' tower on the qrz.com
page.  Click on the image to make it bigger.  The 2.4
panel antenna is also visible.

The doppler is significant at 1268 so doing it with a
handheld and a long antenna would be a challenge.  It
would be a lot easier to operate with a marginal signal
if it wasn't for the radar interference which is present
on all but the very strongest signals.  You can listen
to the 435.150 output and get a good idea of what things
sound like.   If you already have a radio with 1.2Ghz
transmit, the antenna, whether you build or buy, won't
be much of an additional cost.

73,
John K8YSE


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