[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS, MM
MM wrote: > Hi Tim: > Thank you for your comments. > > I am always open to new ideas and I welcome your questions and observations. > I plan on posting some suggestions on how to use the Existing Hardware on ISS > to try to please as many hams and SWL as possible. > > We can’t make everyone happy. > > Just a few comments: 1. Drop the BBS packet system. Using APRS more people can use the system and in multiple ways. For me living in No(r)way using the BBS is probably not even able to enter a message before ISS is "gone". APRS i have much more success via ISS but as its not 24/7 i tend to forget to check if it's active. I have three passes where i can operate it but only one is a 80% success as long as theres little traffic from europe. 24/7 as a APRS digipeater. Now people can send/receive messages i.e using "ALL" "CQ" or BLN. You can send e-mail via ISS as long as a IGATE hear the packet. 2. SSTV? yes more please. I have received a few of those images and this is fun. More fun if the picture is live from both outside an inside. I have used the VC-1 from Kenwood but also MixW. Is there other methods? i.e like the weather sats? 3. The x-band on the TM-D700 is not the best thing. There are a few mods for fixing the audio, not sure if this is enough. Kai Gunter LA3QMA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
It appears that it will - so it's a sort of IC-910H + HF radio in one box :) Glad I didn't buy a new IC-910H, Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com - Original Message - From: "Nitin Muttin [VU3TYG]" > Not sure if this will be having the functions of 910H. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
And here's a big shiny picture - note the Satellite button :) http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/ic9100/IC-9100_prerelease.pdf Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com - Original Message - From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" > It appears that it will - so it's a sort of IC-910H + HF radio in one box > :) ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
In line with the TS-2000(X). Not sure if it has the 6 meter band. 73, Jeff WB3JFS - Original Message - From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" To: Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 1:29 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio > And here's a big shiny picture - note the Satellite button :) > > http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/ic9100/IC-9100_prerelease.pdf > > Simon Brown, HB9DRV > www.ham-radio-deluxe.com > > - Original Message - > From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" > > >> It appears that it will - so it's a sort of IC-910H + HF radio in one box >> :) > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
It does - 1.8MHz to 70cms included, 23 cms optional (no 70MHz or 220MHz though). Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com - Original Message - From: "Jeff Yanko" To: "Simon (HB9DRV)" ; > In line with the TS-2000(X). Not sure if it has the 6 meter band. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
FB. No 220 mHz on the TS-2000 either, but 50 mHz is included. So the IC-9100 pretty much is a shack in a box, just lacking 50 mHz. Not a bad setup. 73, Jeff WB3JFS - Original Message - From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" To: "Jeff Yanko" ; Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 1:46 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio > It does - 1.8MHz to 70cms included, 23 cms optional (no 70MHz or 220MHz > though). > > Simon Brown, HB9DRV > www.ham-radio-deluxe.com > > - Original Message - > From: "Jeff Yanko" > To: "Simon (HB9DRV)" ; > > >> In line with the TS-2000(X). Not sure if it has the 6 meter band. > > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
Sorry - misunderstanding, it *does* have 50MHz. Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com - Original Message - From: "Jeff Yanko" > FB. No 220 mHz on the TS-2000 either, but 50 mHz is included. So the > IC-9100 pretty much is a shack in a box, just lacking 50 mHz. Not a bad > setup. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
FB on 50 Mhz. Is the 70 mHz band used more in the European ham theatre? 73, Jeff WB3JFS - Original Message - From: "Simon (HB9DRV)" To: "Jeff Yanko" ; Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 2:04 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio > Sorry - misunderstanding, it *does* have 50MHz. > > Simon Brown, HB9DRV > www.ham-radio-deluxe.com > > - Original Message - > From: "Jeff Yanko" > > >> FB. No 220 mHz on the TS-2000 either, but 50 mHz is included. So the >> IC-9100 pretty much is a shack in a box, just lacking 50 mHz. Not a bad >> setup. > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: 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? ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
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? > > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Piraja's You Tube video
If you have not watched (PS8RF) Piraja's video of the audio received from ZS2ACP on AO-7 do not miss it. It is an excellent presentation and hopefully will encourage others to work AO-7 DX: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meMa0zz5v4k 73, Jay, AA4FL __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4357 (20090821) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
On Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 10:35:29PM -0500, Rocky Jones wrote: > > Bruce...so we are doing satellites now for their educational not > communicative value? Why not? If it isn't obvious to *everyone* yet, the world of amateur satellites is changing. It isn't like this is the script we would have chosen for this movie, but it is the hand we are being dealt. The days when an AMSAT member could get us a cheap/free ride through his "employer" are about as distant as the Pony Express and we would do well to accept that, tough as it may be to swallow. I realize that much of the AMSAT brain trust has long-ago fled this list, but the bottom line is that the organization needs to fix the still broken and misleading mission statement, and we all need to look for new and *interesting* things to do at LEO. And that doesn't always require two-way communication to be successful. In case you haven't noticed, some of the more interesting things in ham radio these days don't necessarily require two-way comms -- like WSPR. We are of course radio hams, and we want to play with our radios, but AMSAT has always been about more than that of necessity. Best I recall, our most talented satellite builders from back in the day had little or no interest in radio -- they were interested in building satellites. Frankly, my interest in AMSAT is that it serves to connect me with space. Be that downloading telemetry from a Cubesat, downloading on orbit pictures, making a few contacts with an FM repeater in LEO, working the ISS and talking to an astronaut -- reading the AMSAT Journal and learning more about all these things, and attending conferences where we get to meet like minded souls and share ideas and notions about space late into the night over a cold beer... If I were a billionaire, I would love to donate the funds so we could have a global network of amateur satellites at HEO. But I'm not and so far none have come along and made that offer. Lacking that, or the ability to get that, if I want to talk to my friends on another continent I use Skype and the sun still comes up every morning. We aren't going back to HEO and we likely aren't going to raise enough funds to build a highly sophisticated LEO craft. But we have an excellent model for the cards we've been handed in this second decade of the 21st century in the Cubesats. They are relatively inexpensive to build and launch, and with a little effort we can get Universities to build and launch them for us, and if one launch fails we don't lose the entire freaking farm. There are only two things we lack: the imagination required to come up with truly innovative and interesting things to do with them, and the ability to jettison this member fetish for an HEO dream that will not come to pass for at least two more decades, and maybe never. -- Jeff, KE9V ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Piraja's You Tube video
Yes, indeed - this one is a keeper! Thanks to Piraja for taking the time to put togther this presentation. I hope everyone takes a minute to check it out. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL From: Dr. Jay Garlitz To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 6:14:37 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Piraja's You Tube video If you have not watched (PS8RF) Piraja's video of the audio received from ZS2ACP on AO-7 do not miss it. It is an excellent presentation and hopefully will encourage others to work AO-7 DX: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meMa0zz5v4k 73, Jay, AA4FL __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4357 (20090821) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
On Sat, Aug 22, 2009 at 12:35 AM, Rocky Jones wrote: > > > >> I offered three classes in a local Middle School after SS-1 was >> launched. The details were posted in this letter: >> http://128.54.16.15/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/200602/msg00877.html As I >> noted then, it was a great success: the idea of communicating with an >> object pushed out of humanity's current only outpost in space was not >> lost to the students. I can honestly say that they found it >> considerably more engaging than other classes I have given on >> s >> >> 73, Bruce >> VE9QRP > > Bruce...so we are doing satellites now for their educational not > communicative value? Rocky -- Thanks for your reply. I think you are positing a false dichotomy: I hadn't meant to suggest that these goals are exclusive. In fact, I hoped I'd suggested that the communication role of the bird would enhance its educative one. Moreover I'm likely to spend an order of magnitude more time communicating through SS-2 than teaching by means of it. I was responding to the implication in the original post that SS-2 would lack educational purpose. > Years ago when the twins were in High school they gave a demonstration to > their class of "chatting it up" with people in space, some of which they > latter got to come to their class (Houston) and have a follow up. > > Proud parents aside...I dont see how the next one is going to be all that > more interesting then the "Sputnik" revival (which got little attention)... I guess I was trying to give experience-based evidence to the contrary: SS-1 was, as I said, *very* popular with the kids when I used it as a means of supplementing our province's gr. 7/8 orbital mechanics and radio theory. I expect SS-2 to be equally so. > and while NASA pushes the long term "invest in our youth" stick, they do it > because they have nothing else to sell. > > sorry the "we have to look after the kids thing" doesnt impress me much (of > course now the twins are being slung off of the Ronald Reagan...) You obviously have more experience and knowledge of the inner workings of NASA than I do. I don't mean to make a larger argument on behalf of it, or any such slogan above. Rather, I was just attempting to rebut the contention that SS-2 will have little educative value. 73, Bruce VE9QRP ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] ZD8DC Active on FO-29
Dean, ZD8DC is currently active from Ascension Island on FO-29 and possibly also AO-51 and SO-50. So far he has been worked in South Africa on FO-29 by ZS1LS and ZS6WB. In both cases the contact has been on a weekend morning ascending pass when he was heard calling CQ around 435.843 MHz SSB. His activity will probably be mostly on weekends as he works during the week but he could have some good common windows on FO-29 into Africa, South America and Western Europe. If you are in these areas watch for him especially on 23-29-30 August. He will complete his work assignment on Ascension and return to the U.S. on 02 September. Hal ZS6WB ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
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? > > > > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
No buttons for 144, 432, 1296? On Sat, Aug 22, 2009 at 9:27 AM, 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? > > > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > > satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
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? >>> >> >> ___ >> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. >> Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur >> satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > > > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.64/2318 - Release Date: 08/21/09 > 18:06:00 > -- 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. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
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? > >>> > >> > >> ___ > >> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > >> Opinions expressed are those of the author. > >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur > >> satellite program! > >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.64/2318 - > Release Date: 08/21/09 18:06:00 > > > > -- > 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. > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS, MM
Hi Miles, Thank you for this response - especially for the persoective it provides. As I mentioned in my last post, I was off the air and totally away from amateur radio for more than 15 years. As a result, I had no knowledge of how operations from Mir occurred. I appreciate having this information because it helps me to understand how things have progressed in terms of amateur communications with various manned orbiting stations. Because I haven't been active throughout the entire time frame, I can only draw on my personal experiences over the past 14 months when it comes to overall interest in communications with the ISS. I am having a tough time accepting the veracity of your statement that interest in communication with and through the ISS has diminished. I have made 116 voice contacts with and through the ISS since Richard's visit to the station last October. I and others have commented among ourselves at the significant number of calls we have heard only through the ISS voice repeater. I believe interest remains strong, and dare say that oportunities for two-way contacts are the reason. We are on different sides of the SSTV fence; and, of course, neither of us will change the other's mind about the relative merits of one mode over the other when there is only one radio station aboard the ISS for use in amateur communications. I cannot personally support the plans you propose because I do not believe they represent the most effective use of the communications gear available on the ISS. The kind of exchanges you described between the ISS and a ground station - both set up for SSTV - inevitably will decrease opportunities for two-way contacts because of the time each SSTV transmission consumes. Given its lower orbit and resulting smaller footprint, ISS passes are inherently the shortest-duration passes of all the amateur satellites we have available. SSTV represents the longest-duration mode of operation to and from the ISS in terms of completing a two-way contact - and a one-way transmission, as far as that goes. In that regard, it is the most inefficient mode available for use. I can't support proposals that advocate using what precious time is available for amateur radio communication via the ISS to enable a mode that inarguably decreases the opportunity for contacts, either among amateur ground stations (via the repeater) or among ground stations and the crews. I will continue to participate in ARISS activities regardless of their form. I would prefer that form not include significant SSTV activity for reasons I've stated here and in my earlier email. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL From: MM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org; Tim Lilley Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 9:56:04 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS, MM Hi Tim: Thank you for your comments. I am always open to new ideas and I welcome your questions and observations. I plan on posting some suggestions on how to use the Existing Hardware on ISS to try to please as many hams and SWL as possible. We can’t make everyone happy. I feel there has been a loss of interest in ISS amateur Radio. Our ham projects over the past 10 years have not grabbed very much public or ham interest (with the exception of School Schedules). To restore interest in ISS we need to have more than 1 project running at a time. We also need projects that are exciting to a larger audience. If we continue to use our valuable launches to ISS for Short-term projects, then ISS will say a dull boring and wasted platform for amateur radio experimentation. The project that will generate the most positive press and public enthusiasm is SSTV. Of course I am going to push this project, not just because it’s a Marex project, but because of the great news stores we received during the Mir version of SSTV. SSTV will generate good Press and TV new clips. SSTV will generate interests from the SWL (and they out number ham by at least 10 to1) Mode Change to SSTV: I do not believe that switching from packet to SSTV would reduce the number of random public voice contacts. On the contrary, from my experience with previous Mir and ISS crews running SSTV, the number random public voice contacts increased. Commander Pavel Vinogradov in July August 2006 would be on Voice, asking “Did you seem my SSTV pictures”? During Richard Garriott’s Mission in October 2008, he used both Voce and SSTV. He was often interested in knowing how well people liked his images. He would have sent more images, however he had technical difficulties with the Vox box causing the TM-D700 too repeatedly get stuck transmitting. He also said there was a shortage of AA batteries for the Kenwood Communicator VCH1. In my experience with multiple SSTV crews, SSTV will increased your opportunity to talk to the crews on Voice. Ideally I would like to see SpaceCam1 SSTV activated for 3-4 consecutive months in a row. I
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
I think there is actually a list to discuss the IC-9100 and its capabilities. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ic9100/ 73, Jeff - K7WIN -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of John Geiger Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 6:57 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org; Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio 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? > >>> > >> > >> ___ > >> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > >> Opinions expressed are those of the author. > >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur > >> satellite program! > >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the > amateur satellite program! > > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.64/2318 - > Release Date: 08/21/09 18:06:00 > > > > -- > 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. > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] SS-2
I agree with "the Bobs" and others that you have to play the cards you're dealt and be part of the solution. Allot of people put many hours of time, effort and their own money into AMSAT and I certainly thank them all. I disagree that we should abandon the "HEO fetish" as it was put. At the moment it seems unlikely there will ever be another AO-40 but there could be opportunities for ride shares to higher orbits. But for that to remain even a remote possibility, we need to "be in the game". By continuing to be a visible member of the space community we enhance our chances of finding new opportunities for transport to space. We must continue to be flexible and adapt to whatever opportunity comes along. I think that is exactly where AMSAT has been moving. This may be a dum question but, since so much effort has gone into building SuitSat-2, why are we throwing it out the ISS door? It appears we have multiple unused antenna ports on the ISS. If we connected SS-2 to one of those it will stay in orbit a long time, we don't need to repackage it to survive space or put in batteries. I'm sure there would be a process to make that happen not to mention maybe install an antenna. Even if it took another year to make happen, wouldn't it be worth it? Howie AB2S _ Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you. http://www.bing.com/cashback?form=MSHYCB&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MSHYCB_BackToSchool_Cashback_BTSCashback_1x1 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: SS-2
Howie, I don't know all of the obstacles involved, but your suggestion is the best one I've heard during the course of the SuitSat-2 discussion this week. The trade-off, of course, will be a lower orbit/smaller footprint, with passes that are a couple of minutes shorter than those of the current FM LEO satellites. Here, I em definitely willing to accept that to have another amateur-communications platform with multiple operation modes go active with the probability that it would stay active for at least a few years. Thank you for this post. 73 to all, Tim - N3TL From: Howie DeFelice To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 10:33:17 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SS-2 I agree with "the Bobs" and others that you have to play the cards you're dealt and be part of the solution. Allot of people put many hours of time, effort and their own money into AMSAT and I certainly thank them all. I disagree that we should abandon the "HEO fetish" as it was put. At the moment it seems unlikely there will ever be another AO-40 but there could be opportunities for ride shares to higher orbits. But for that to remain even a remote possibility, we need to "be in the game". By continuing to be a visible member of the space community we enhance our chances of finding new opportunities for transport to space. We must continue to be flexible and adapt to whatever opportunity comes along. I think that is exactly where AMSAT has been moving. This may be a dum question but, since so much effort has gone into building SuitSat-2, why are we throwing it out the ISS door? It appears we have multiple unused antenna ports on the ISS. If we connected SS-2 to one of those it will stay in orbit a long time, we don't need to repackage it to survive space or put in batteries. I'm sure there would be a process to make that happen not to mention maybe install an antenna. Even if it took another year to make happen, wouldn't it be worth it? Howie AB2S _ Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you. http://www.bing.com/cashback?form=MSHYCB&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MSHYCB_BackToSchool_Cashback_BTSCashback_1x1 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
Yaesu has had at least a notional design for a replacement to the FT-847 for some time, but has been holding off going forward until there are new satellites which will increase demand. If this does well, perhaps Yaesu will reconsider. Alan WA4SCA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
A couple of years ago while working the AMSAT booth at the Boxboro Mass hamfest, I was chatting with Chip Margelli (who at the time still worked for Yaesu). I asked him when is Yaesu going to come out with a new satellite rig? Being Chip, he quickly replied with a question of his own. When are you guys going to launch another satellite? I think this answers your question on a new Sat rig from Yaesu! I think it's great that Icom is coming out with a replacement for the 910 with IF DSP. I might consider picking one up, but my main interest right now is in the upcoming FLEX-5000 VHF/UHF full duplex Upgrade. This will be the ultimate satellite rig. 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 12:02 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio Yaesu has had at least a notional design for a replacement to the FT-847 for some time, but has been holding off going forward until there are new satellites which will increase demand. If this does well, perhaps Yaesu will reconsider. Alan WA4SCA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
Jeff, Actually, the question I asked is whether the "Chip Doctrine" might now be changed, not the least reason being that Chip has moved on. Also, I count more than a few satellites launched recently, though none are P3. However, like you, I am holding out for the Flex rig. Had a great discussion with them at the recent Huntsville hamfest, and in particular what accommodations they need from a software control standpoint. It looks as if they will be at the AMSAT Symposium this fall, so there should be plenty of room for discussion! Alan WA4SCA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
> Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:53:11 + > From: k...@sdf.lonestar.org > To: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal) > > On Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 10:35:29PM -0500, Rocky Jones wrote: > > > > Bruce...so we are doing satellites now for their educational not > > communicative value? > > Why not? > -- > Jeff, KE9V because if we do satellites for educational purposes then the effort is non sustainable. you can already see that in the trends in the US. the most popular birds (the FM birds) are ones for whom commercial equipment from the antenna to the radio is available and is relatively user friendly. the more "esoteric" the communication platform gets the less used it is. The less people who can use a platform then the less people there are to contribute to building new ones...and the less people there are then the less likely it is that manufactors will build equipment which will allow more people to use the platform. It is a negative feedback in a gain loop and to use a phrase "the oscillation" stops. That is what makes the decisions on AO 40 so lame. Instead of building a satellite which would provide Oscar 10/13 communications (with maybe something at 2.4 ghz which could become reliable) they had to go build a super sat which was going to do things that were simply out of reach of all but a very few hams (40ghz? or whatever it was) .. it got more and more complicated, obviously to complicated for the people who were building it...and now it and the money that built it are gone. I'll bet you money that if the truth came out, what happened with Suitsat 2 and the suits is that the project grew so "complicated" that the folks building it just missed various deadlines ie they couldnt get the thing built.Who knows if they will be able to meet the next deadline (ie for a 2010 early lift) of if it will work or not, the first one a much simpler system was a pretty solid failure. If "educating our youth" (a tired NASA phrase) starts becoming the foundation for anything in ham radio...then before long we will find there is no ham radio. This of course follows NASA in general. They have failed to make human spaceflight relevant to the rest of America in anything but pretty tired phrases...and if you have not noticed there are big changes ahead. Robert WB5MZO _ Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you. http://www.bing.com/cashback?form=MSHYCB&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MSHYCB_BackToSchool_Cashback_BTSCashback_1x1 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
On Sat, Aug 22, 2009 at 1:51 PM, Rocky Jones wrote: > > > >> Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:53:11 + >> From: k...@sdf.lonestar.org >> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal) >> >> On Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 10:35:29PM -0500, Rocky Jones wrote: >> > >> > Bruce...so we are doing satellites now for their educational not >> > communicative value? >> >> Why not? > >> -- >> Jeff, KE9V > > because if we do satellites for educational purposes then the effort is non > sustainable. I wonder what you and others think of my contention that this is a false dichotomy. Must it be impossible for a satellite to have both a communication and a educative role in some proportion? Similarly, does not something like Delfi C3 have combined research and communication roles? While smaller Cubesat projects educate their builders and groundstation crews, but provide us amateurs with new challenges: during COMPASS's troubles a year ago, I was thrilled to be entrusted, like the rest of us in AMSAT, with the responsibilities of a command station. > you can already see that in the trends in the US. > the most popular birds (the FM birds) are ones for whom commercial equipment > from the antenna to the radio is available and is relatively user friendly. > the more "esoteric" the communication platform gets the less used it is. The > less people who can use a platform then the less people there are to > contribute to building new ones...and the less people there are then the less > likely it is that manufactors will build equipment which will allow more > people to use the platform. > > It is a negative feedback in a gain loop and to use a phrase "the > oscillation" stops. I can't see how this theory accounts for the prevalence of linear transponders in the upcoming satellites: Kiwisat, Funsat, etc. It ought to predict that these birds would focus on FM alone, and in high power. > That is what makes the decisions on AO 40 so lame. Instead of building a > satellite which would provide Oscar 10/13 communications (with maybe > something at 2.4 ghz which could become reliable) they had to go build a > super sat which was going to do things that were simply out of reach of all > but a very few hams (40ghz? or whatever it was) .. it got more and more > complicated, obviously to complicated for the people who were building > it...and now it and the money that built it are gone. Concentrating on the future, it should be reiterated here that the money to build satellites is not what we lack; it is the money now required to launch to HEO. P3E is well in hand, as I understand it; but the $10m is nowhere in sight. What we lost in AO-40 was the last free ride. > I'll bet you money that if the truth came out, what happened with Suitsat 2 > and the suits is that the project grew so "complicated" that the folks > building it just missed various deadlines ie they couldnt get the thing > built. Who knows if they will be able to meet the next deadline (ie for a > 2010 early lift) of if it will work or not, the first one a much simpler > system was a pretty solid failure. I'm afraid we again take the opposite view of these matters. Even if your opinion of the timeline were correct, I would prefer that we do something innovative and something which will form that basis for our further work in space at the cost of complete timeliness. Moreover, I find it rather frustrating that you conclude your discussion with an assessment that SS-1 was a 'failure' when my previous letter was meant to indicate that from one standpoint, education, and in one locale, mine, it was most decidedly not. > If "educating our youth" (a tired NASA phrase) starts becoming the foundation > for anything in ham radio...then before long we will find there is no ham > radio. This of course follows NASA in general. They have failed to make > human spaceflight relevant to the rest of America in anything but pretty > tired phrases...and if you have not noticed there are big changes ahead. > > Robert WB5MZO I think we can set aside this dire prediction because AMSAT has not declared 'educating our youth' as its foundation. However much I enjoy discussing satellites with young people, I'm not sure I would endorse it formally doing so. Returning to the idea that our projects have many complementary purposes, perhaps we can just agree that this is a worthy activity among many that our AMSAT dues and gifts support in some measure and that some of us pursue more vigorously than others? I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these matters openly and in a friendly manner, Robert. 73, Bruce VE9QRP ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
On Sat, Aug 22, 2009 at 11:51:19AM -0500, Rocky Jones wrote: > > because if we do satellites for educational purposes then the effort is non > sustainable. Your logic is flawed in several places here. First of all, you are making the same mistake as many on this BB that whatever choices that we have are somehow "options". Given the "option" we would build several million dollar satellites and then spend $8 million US a piece to get them into a suitable transfer orbit. Fine. All we need is $25 million US and we can begin that construction tomorrow... Another flaw in your argument is this common thread that somehow it was the sophistication of AO-40 that led to its demise. The notion that such a thing exists as a "simple" HEO satellite needs desperately to be exorcised from the thinking of all AMSAT members. There ain't no such animal. It continues to fall on deaf ears that the entire P3 program consisted of P3A (blew up on launch), P3B (malfunction on release even though AO-10 gave a lot of people a lot of joy it was not at all a 100% success), P3C was nearly perfect except that its life was terminated much sooner than it should have been due to an orbital miscalculation. And then there was P3D and we all know its story. Four launches; one success and three not so successful launches. That's it. 1-4 is our thirty-year record at HEO. The failures were not for lack of trying, effort, or intelligence on our part, but rather, indicate what a daunting task it is to build a satellite "in a garage" that includes an onboard propulsion system and some sort of attitude control -- along with a communication package that doesn't piss off half the members because it will require them to invest another $200 in a new transverter... Your point about educational projects being non-sustainable is questionable. By encouraging, mentoring, and working with Universities to produce Cubesat type projects and payloads, we will be exposing amateur radio to a number of students who are presumably studying for a career in science and aerospace. Some of these will go on to become the engineering managers for the spate of commercial launch companies that will very soon arrive on the scene. And maybe, just maybe, one of them will one day have the opportunity to recommend an amateur radio project for one of those "spare" lifts to GTO that you and others think might some day exist and that we need to be ready to take advantage of... The truth is, we have arrived at a place in history where given the circumstances, we very likely will not be returning to HEO anytime soon, if ever. We can kick and scream and lay down and die, or we can dust ourselves off, take what we have and move forward. Of course its just my opinion, but we've cried in our beer long enough and we need to get over it and get moving. Quite frankly, the future for amateur radio in space for the next twenty-years is at LEO. AMSAT can choose to embrace that and make progress or ignore it and become totally irrelevant. AMSAT can ignore LEO but radio amateurs will not. We will keep playing with whatever assets appear on orbit with or without AMSAT but then given that scenario, who needs AMSAT? -- Jeff, KE9V AMSAT-NA AMSAT-DL ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] MFJ/Cushcraft
I don't know if this is good or not. We'll see. http://www.mfjenterprises.com/cushcraft/ 73 Bob W7LRD ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] if it's there use it
With all the bruhaha over satsuit, heo, meo, leo, sstv, fm,ssb/cw etc. Not being "tuned" in to the politics etc of building, launching satellites. I (and most of us should) just contribute ($), use and enjoy what we have when we have it. Strap a handheld to a brick and throw it over my house and I'll try to work it! 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: MFJ/Cushcraft
Bob wrote: > I don't know if this is good or not. We'll see. > > http://www.mfjenterprises.com/cushcraft/ > Too bad to see another good company get bought by MFJ. From what I hear (I only have experience with Mirage), they pretty much have gone down hill shortly after MFJ bought them. -- 73 - Jim Walls - K6CCC j...@k6ccc.org Ofc: 818-548-4804 http://home.earthlink.net/~k6ccc AMSAT Member 32537 - WSWSS Member 395 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: MFJ/Cushcraft
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 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal?
Hi, I have problems in making the LVB tracker circuit run. I have built the LVB tracker ver. PCB v1.2, Firmware v0.7, Programmer v0.2, Documentation v1.9, 7 Dec 2004, by G6LVB. The firmware was flashed successfully with IC-PROG v 1.06B, a homebrewed interface for LPT, and an old PC with LPT1 running win98. The LVB circuit requires a 4 MHz XTAL for the PIC 16F876A. I tried with a 10MHz, and a 3,5795MHz as I haven't a 4MHz. No success. No LCD, no serial communication at all. Does anybody know if the problem could be in having installed a different xtal (i.e.: does the firmware takes care about the frequency of the clock?)? Regards, Stefano Simonetti (IW1RDZ) - Italy. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: MFJ/Cushcraft
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 > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. > Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur > satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: lvb tracker circuit -- xtal?
Crystal probably sets the serial bit rate but I wouldexpect the display to still work. Stefano Simonetti wrote: > Hi, I have problems in making the LVB tracker circuit run. > > I have built the LVB tracker ver. PCB v1.2, Firmware v0.7, Programmer v0.2, > Documentation v1.9, 7 Dec 2004, by G6LVB. > > The firmware was flashed successfully with IC-PROG v 1.06B, a homebrewed > interface for LPT, and an old PC with LPT1 running win98. > > The LVB circuit requires a 4 MHz XTAL for the PIC 16F876A. > > I tried with a 10MHz, and a 3,5795MHz as I haven't a 4MHz. No success. No > LCD, no serial communication at all. > > Does anybody know if the problem could be in having installed a different > xtal (i.e.: does the firmware takes care about the frequency of the clock?)? > > Regards, Stefano Simonetti (IW1RDZ) - Italy. > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.64/2318 - Release Date: 08/21/09 > 18:06:00 > -- 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. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: lvb tracker circuit -- xtal?
I 've read now the .c file included in the lvb distribution, I noticed that xtal frequency surely affects the baud rate. I will find a 4 Mhz xtal, sorry for BW. Da: Stefano Simonetti A: amsat-bb@amsat.org Inviato: Sabato 22 agosto 2009, 23:45:29 Oggetto: [amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? Hi, I have problems in making the LVB tracker circuit run. I have built the LVB tracker ver. PCB v1.2, Firmware v0.7, Programmer v0.2, Documentation v1.9, 7 Dec 2004, by G6LVB. The firmware was flashed successfully with IC-PROG v 1.06B, a homebrewed interface for LPT, and an old PC with LPT1 running win98. The LVB circuit requires a 4 MHz XTAL for the PIC 16F876A. I tried with a 10MHz, and a 3,5795MHz as I haven't a 4MHz. No success. No LCD, no serial communication at all. Does anybody know if the problem could be in having installed a different xtal (i.e.: does the firmware takes care about the frequency of the clock?)? Regards, Stefano Simonetti (IW1RDZ) - Italy. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] AO-7 TLM Beacon
Is anyone able to hear the AO-7 beacon on: 145.9775 MHz CW? I just tried without any luck, from Orlando FL. Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-7 TLM Beacon
AO-7 is in continuous illumination right now, and the spacecraft toggles between Mode A and Mode B every 24 hours. Check http://oscar.dcarr.org/ to see which mode it is in at present. Looks like tonight it was in Mode A, with a 29 MHz downlink. Hope that helps some. 73, Drew KO4MA - Original Message - From: "Joseph Armbruster" To: "AMSAT-BB@amsat.org" Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 7:27 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-7 TLM Beacon > > Is anyone able to hear the AO-7 beacon on: 145.9775 MHz CW? > > I just tried without any luck, from Orlando FL. > > Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Orbitron-Wispdde
I am trying to put together a computer controlled az-el rotator system with BS2 processor control like KO6TH using U-100 rotors. With Orbitron for satellite prediction and Wispdde comunication I do not get data display on the LCD display. The display works for other program titles. I tried Nova (demo) thinking the BS2 needed different input but still nothing to display. I used Free Serial Port Monitor and could see ASCI output that looked like what I wanted with satellite name, AZ and EL with numbers but the values did not match the satellite tracking program, they never changed! This was true with both Orbitron and Nova. I am using Orbitron 3.71, Wispdde 4.2, 4.3.0.7 and 4.3.0.2 modified by AD5JN. I have tried all the Wispdde programs at 1200 and 9600 baud. My radio is a FT726 so there is no CAT control there to confirm operation of other equipment. I have tried BS2 programs off the web from KO6TH and SAEBRTrack with out success. My BS2 is rev G and I am using a SC-IOREL4 relay board to mount the BS2. Demo display and relay programs run fine. I do not understand why the data into the BS2 isn't the same showing on Wisp panel. Any thoughts? Gary AB3ID Snow Hill, MD ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: lvb tracker circuit -- xtal?
Yes, depending on the software the xtal rate could affect both serial comms and lcd display operation. If you can't find a 4 mhz crystal quickly, let me know. 73, Steve W5ZAShreveport, La. - Original Message - From: "Stefano Simonetti" To: Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 5:36 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? I 've read now the .c file included in the lvb distribution, I noticed that xtal frequency surely affects the baud rate. I will find a 4 Mhz xtal, sorry for BW. Da: Stefano Simonetti A: amsat-bb@amsat.org Inviato: Sabato 22 agosto 2009, 23:45:29 Oggetto: [amsat-bb] lvb tracker circuit -- xtal? Hi, I have problems in making the LVB tracker circuit run. I have built the LVB tracker ver. PCB v1.2, Firmware v0.7, Programmer v0.2, Documentation v1.9, 7 Dec 2004, by G6LVB. The firmware was flashed successfully with IC-PROG v 1.06B, a homebrewed interface for LPT, and an old PC with LPT1 running win98. The LVB circuit requires a 4 MHz XTAL for the PIC 16F876A. I tried with a 10MHz, and a 3,5795MHz as I haven't a 4MHz. No success. No LCD, no serial communication at all. Does anybody know if the problem could be in having installed a different xtal (i.e.: does the firmware takes care about the frequency of the clock?)? Regards, Stefano Simonetti (IW1RDZ) - Italy. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.13.58/2309 - Release Date: 08/17/09 06:08:00 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Semi-remoting the controller for a Yaesu G5400
Hi Jim, Yes, that would be a possibility. The "in between" is indeed a garage - technically attached to our home but as far as cabnle paths go, somewhat removed to to an obfuscated connection between respective attics. A spare, old PC is not scarce... may consider. Besides, who doesn't have CAT5 in their garage... or close to it? ;-) Another has suggested I just go ahead and home run the standard cables all the way to the shack / office so as to have manual control in addition to PZC control... and a simpler intermediate step. That will mean an additional splice block but can be done as long as the rotors are happy with a lengthier run... which was part of my initial concern. Thanks, Lowell -- Original Message -- Received: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:00:36 PM CDT From: Jim Walls To: Amsat-BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Semi-remoting the controller for a Yaesu G5400 > Lowell White wrote: > > My Yaesu G-5400 rotor pair is about 150' from my shack. > > > > I am wanting to gauge the feasibility of putting the rotor controller within > > 100' (due to on-hand control cable lengths) of the antennas (in a garage). > > > > I would then run a separate (on-hand) PC-controller cable (fewer conductors as > > using the DIN interface on the back of the controller) to the rotor controller > > box from a PC and adapter / interface (if needed) in my shack (approx. 50'). > > > > Is it crazy to consider or should I just pony up for more of the (dual) rotor > > control cable and run the control box itself in my shack? > > > > What would I need to do at the PC end to appropriately 'signal' the > > 'semi-remote' control box. > > > > I am making an assumption, that may not be the case. I am assuming that > there is a protected location closer to the tower. For example the > tower is next to the garage and the shack is in the house. If that is > the case, what I would do is run the remote control PC at the remote > location, and control it over your LAN with a remote desktop program > such as VNC (http://www.realvnc.com/). That does make the assumption > that you have an extra PC floating around, but for most of us the > question is not IF we have one, but rather which of of the several > should I use... It also assumes that you have a house LAN - although if > you don't, most PCs these days have a network connection already built > in so it would be easy to implement. > > -- > 73 > - > Jim Walls - K6CCC > j...@k6ccc.org > Ofc: 818-548-4804 > http://home.earthlink.net/~k6ccc > AMSAT Member 32537 - WSWSS Member 395 > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Orbitron-Wispdde
I am trying to put together a computer controlled az-el rotator system with BS2 processor control like KO6TH using U-100 rotors. With Orbitron for satellite prediction and Wispdde comunication I do not get data display on the LCD display. The display works for other program titles. I tried Nova (demo) thinking the BS2 needed different input but still nothing to display. I used Free Serial Port Monitor and could see ASCI output that looked like what I wanted with satellite name, AZ and EL with numbers but the values did not match the satellite tracking program, they never changed! This was true with both Orbitron and Nova. I am using Orbitron 3.71, Wispdde 4.2, 4.3.0.7 and 4.3.0.2 modified by AD5JN. I have tried all the Wispdde programs at 1200 and 9600 baud. My radio is a FT726 so there is no CAT control there to confirm operation of other equipment. I have tried BS2 programs off the web from KO6TH and SAEBRTrack with out success. My BS2 is rev G and I am using a SC-IOREL4 relay board to mount the BS2. Demo display and relay programs run fine. I do not understand why the data into the BS2 isn't the same showing on Wisp panel. Any thoughts? Gary AB3ID Snow Hill, MD ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: New ICOM VHF / UHF / SHF Radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h7Z7pEKkpg Karl R. Sandstrom, K5MAN Greenwell Springs, Louisiana ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Best source for current satellite status
Is the AMSAT status page the best source for ALL possible Amateur radio satellites that we can access? I got a new 440 yagi and cant find a satellite to test on .. I know AO-51 would be good, but not in that mode untiul Monday. And I heard that some of the older satellites only run off the solar array So nitetime passes are unusable? My capability here is only 2 meter / 70 cm FM. ( for now anyways. ) Thanks for help and input.. Randy ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Best source for current satellite status
Randy, you could do SO 50 or AO 27. I will forward you the weekly bulletin offline Mark Lunday WD4ELG Hillsborough, NC - FM06kb wd4...@arrl.net http://wd4elg.net http://wd4elg.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Randy Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 10:00 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Best source for current satellite status Is the AMSAT status page the best source for ALL possible Amateur radio satellites that we can access? I got a new 440 yagi and cant find a satellite to test on .. I know AO-51 would be good, but not in that mode untiul Monday. And I heard that some of the older satellites only run off the solar array So nitetime passes are unusable? My capability here is only 2 meter / 70 cm FM. ( for now anyways. ) Thanks for help and input.. Randy ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] ANS-235 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-235 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-edi...@amsat.org *** * 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 9-11 * * Four Points Sheraton Hotel at the Baltimore Washington Airport * * Details - http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2009/index.php * In this edition: * SuitSat-2 Gets A New Name * AMSAT Ballot Deadline Approaching * Wallops Suborbital Launch With APRS * ARISS Status - 17 August 2009 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-235.01 SuitSat-2 Gets A New Name AMSAT News Service Bulletin 235.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 23, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-235.01 The SuitSat-2 project now has a new name to go with its new shape, ARISSat-1 . Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, the ARISS Chairman announced the new name for the satellite and project this week. The project team is moving ahead using the same hardware that was to fly in the Russian Orlan suit. The team is re-configuring some of the modules to fit into the new structure being designed by Bob Davis, KF4KSS and his team. [ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-235.02 AMSAT Ballot Deadline Approaching AMSAT News Service Bulletin 235.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 23, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-235.02 The deadline for returning the gold "corrected" ballot to the AMSAT office is September 15th. If you need biographical information on the candidates, it can be found on the AMSAT website. [ANS thanks Martha for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-235.03 Wallops Suborbital Launch With APRS AMSAT News Service Bulletin 235.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 23, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-235.03 There will be a launch to 300+ km of an APRS payload on a sounding rocket out of Wallops Island VA, this fall. Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, says, "I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, but they said I could give this heads up". More details will be posted when available. It is only 300 milliiwatts and will be on the National APRS frequency 144.39 to make sure everyone can track it. The total mission duration is on the order of 10 minutes from launch to re-entry. AMSAT stations with beams in the mid-Atlantic states will be valuable. APRS stations with Igates with beams will be even better so the student builders half way across the country can get their packets live via the APRS-IS (internet)... OMNI antennas in quiet locations should be able to hear the packets direct, so nearby Igates with omni's probably need no enhancement. [ANS thanks Bob, WB4APR, for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-235.04 ARISS Status - 17 August 2009 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 235.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. August 23, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-235.04 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been approved for Tension Woods College in Mount Gambier, South Australia. The contact is scheduled for Monday, August 24 at 07:19 UTC via telebridge station W6DUE in Maryland. The contact will be integrated into the curriculums astronomy and physics units through participation in hands-on activities. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Volkssterrenwacht Urania in Hove, Antwerp, Belgium on Monday, August 24 at 10:22 UTC via telebridge station W6SRJ in California, assuming STS-128 launches on August 24. (If STS-128 is delayed, the contact will be rescheduled for Monday, August 24 at 11:30 UTC through telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia.) Urania is a public observatory that raises public awareness of astronomy, meteorology and astronautics. A range of activities and services are available: lessons for beginners and the experienced, guided tours of the observatory, an extended documentation center, various publications, stargazing evenings, conferences, Urania Mobile (Flanders' first mobile observatory) and the astroshop. This "Space Talk" will boost activities at the start of the new season. 2. ARISS Contact Between Robert Thirsk and Ottawa Sports Camp On Tuesday, August 11, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was held between Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut Robert Thirsk, VA3CSA and Ottawa South United Sports Camp held at the Walter Baker Sports Centre in Ontario, Canada. Telebridge station W6SRJ in
[amsat-bb] Re: Orbitron-Wispdde
Hi Gary, Thanks for considering my humble controller design for your system. I'm a little confused on what is working and what is not. Are you getting serial data out of the computer but not recognized by the STAMP? If so, one of the quirks I found with the STAMP processors is that they're not terribly fast, and the serial communication needs to have 2 stop bits in order to have the character strings be recognized reliably. I am driving mine from my Linux system with Predict, but I modified it to force the extra stop bit when opening the serial port. (I also modified it to create the properly formatted az/el string too.) I've just got it spitting out the position every second, and the controller looks for the position to change by more than a click (6 degrees az) before taking action. So, if the serial port settings can be tweaked, is there a place to set the number of stop bits? Hope this helps, Greg KO6TH > Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:05:35 -0700 > From: gary_lockhar...@yahoo.com > To: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Orbitron-Wispdde > > I am trying to put together a computer controlled az-el rotator system with > BS2 processor control like KO6TH using U-100 rotors. With Orbitron for > satellite prediction and Wispdde comunication I do not get data display on > the LCD display. The display works for other program titles. I tried Nova > (demo) thinking the BS2 needed different input but still nothing to display. > I used Free Serial Port Monitor and could see ASCI output that looked like > what I wanted with satellite name, AZ and EL with numbers but the values did > not match the satellite tracking program, they never changed! This was true > with both Orbitron and Nova. I am using Orbitron 3.71, Wispdde 4.2, 4.3.0.7 > and 4.3.0.2 modified by AD5JN. I have tried all the Wispdde programs at 1200 > and 9600 baud. My radio is a FT726 so there is no CAT control there to > confirm operation of other equipment. I have tried BS2 programs off the web > from KO6TH and SAEBRTrack with out success. My BS2 is rev G and I > am using a SC-IOREL4 relay board to mount the BS2. Demo display and relay > programs run fine. I do not understand why the data into the BS2 isn't the > same showing on Wisp panel. Any thoughts? > Gary AB3ID > Snow Hill, MD > > > > > ___ > 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 _ With Windows Live, you can organize, edit, and share your photos. http://www.windowslive.com/Desktop/PhotoGallery ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Don't Fly SuitSat2 to ISS (rebuttal)
The worldwide amateur radio community must interface with one unified voice to the various space agencies that form the ISS partnership. The ARISS organization, whatever its flaws may be, was created by the efforts of a lot of hard working hams in many countries to provide that interface. Without it ham radio would have no access to the manned space program, and as a child of the 1960's who grew up with the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions, I am thrilled that we hams have such access. I could easily imagine a world where this was not allowed. The fact that we are able to launch anything to the ISS, given the astronomical value of every kilogram of payload mass on the Progress or the Shuttle, and every minute of astronaut and cosmonaut time on orbit, is truly amazing. The recent complaints on the BB remind me of the hams who bash the ARRL without understanding that without the ARRL, amateur radio would have been abolished long ago by the powers that be. We hams need to understand that whatever disagreements exist between us are not nearly as serious as the external threats to our amateur radio avocation. Whatever your beef is, please work within the organization to make it better, and not tear it down in public view. Writing “open letters” addressed to the world’s space agencies is not helpful to this effort or to your fellow hams. Moving on another amsat-bb thread, AO-40 was designed and built to take advantage of what turned out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to launch a very large amateur payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Had we chosen not to build it, I can imagine lots of people complaining on amsat-bb about how Amsat management had dropped the ball and squandered an amazing launch opportunity. The presence of exotic transponders on AO-40 is not what caused its failure. The 24 GHz payload was contributed by an Amsat member organization and was built because they believed strongly enough in its value that they committed their effort and their funds to get it built. There were transponders on AO-40 to serve every interest, from VHF to UHF to S-band to millimeter wave. Hams MUST push their technical limits and explore new frontiers, it is one of the reasons amateur radio still exists. Critics cried about the "complexity" of the S-band downlink and then some clever hams took some cheap off the shelf TV down converters, made some slight mods to retune the input frequency, and got a lot of hams active with 2.4 GHz receive capability for very little money. I agree with the letter in this month's QST (September issue, page 24), suggesting that those who complain that the amateur radio has gotten "too technical" might better enjoy reading People Magazine instead. Dan Schultz N8FGV ___ 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
