[amsat-bb] RE - iPod tracking software.
Hi all, Please accept my sincere apologies regarding my posting on the Pocketsat3 tracking software for the iPod. I have been contacted to advise that unlike the PDA software there is NOT an unregistered version that can be downloaded. Not having an iPod I had not tried to follow up any down load etc and was therefore unaware of the need to get it via an iTunes store without a trial ! Sorry for my ignorance and error in the posting of the information. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat - UK Amsat NA ___ 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: 1.2 GHZ to AO 51 with 1 watt ?
Most people find that 10 watts to a gain antenna is workable, but get much better results with a brick amp to bump that up to ~70 watts. And while doable, working without active Doppler control is equally painful for you and the stations you are TRYING to work. My recent acquisition, an Alinco DJ-G7, while a pretty nice rig for normal terrestrial operations, has been a disappointment for satellite use. However, it is the only rig I have with which I can monitor my mode-L uplink, so it is useful in that respect. ;) 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] G5500
Does the G5500 come with any rotor cable? Or just the connectors and we have to buy cable and install the connectors? Randy - N2CUA ___ 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: G5500
Randy, No; Yes; Yes! :-D -- David KG4ZLB www.kg4zlb.com Randy wrote: Does the G5500 come with any rotor cable? Or just the connectors and we have to buy cable and install the connectors? Randy - N2CUA ___ 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: RE - iPod tracking software.
iPod/iPhone owners should just go to the app store and search for satellite tracker and you'll find several ranging from free to $9.99. I've been playing around with the free one and it seems to give good data for individual satellites, but the $1.99 version of the same has reviews bad enough for me not to even consider it, although it has more features that I could use. But there are others that seem pretty good and worth their price. * 73 de K9CHP Amir Findling, Member ARRL, ARRL/ W5YI VE, WAC, WAS, DXCC * www.K9CHP.net http://www.k9chp.net Blog: http://k9chp.blogspot.com http://k9chp.blogspot.com/ * Senior K9 Handler * K9 Certification Tester, NYS Federation of SAR Teams * 1st Special Response Group (1SRG) gw1...@aol.com wrote: Hi all, Please accept my sincere apologies regarding my posting on the Pocketsat3 tracking software for the iPod. I have been contacted to advise that unlike the PDA software there is NOT an unregistered version that can be downloaded. Not having an iPod I had not tried to follow up any down load etc and was therefore unaware of the need to get it via an iTunes store without a trial ! Sorry for my ignorance and error in the posting of the information. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat - UK Amsat NA ___ 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] 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis
BODY { font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px; } Has anyone used 1.2 GHz loop yagis on AO-51 or any other satellites before? Was it worth? Would you recommend? Any comment? 73, Luciano PT9KK ___ 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: RE - iPod tracking software.
I am a new iPhone user and wanted a good satellite tracking program for it. Before I could try any of the others, I noticed PocketSat3. Being a long time satisfied user of PocketSat+ in my PDA, I paid my money and took my chances. I have not been disappointed! It is an excellent program and has definitely improved upon an already good package for the Palm and the Microsoft PDAs. 73 - Keith, W5IU ___ 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: RE - iPod tracking software.
Herm. I just got my free iTouch with my macbook and am getting registered to start hacking at the SDK. Are any of these apps OSS? I'll probably search around tonight a bit to see if I can find any. Joe On Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 10:05 AM, pughkei...@cs.com wrote: I am a new iPhone user and wanted a good satellite tracking program for it. Before I could try any of the others, I noticed PocketSat3. Being a long time satisfied user of PocketSat+ in my PDA, I paid my money and took my chances. I have not been disappointed! It is an excellent program and has definitely improved upon an already good package for the Palm and the Microsoft PDAs. 73 - Keith, W5IU ___ 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: 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis
I used a Directive Systems loop yagi for quite a while. Other than polarity fades, it worked fine. 73, Drew KO4MA - Original Message - From: nac...@terra.com.br To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 10:06 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis BODY { font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px; } Has anyone used 1.2 GHz loop yagis on AO-51 or any other satellites before? Was it worth? Would you recommend? Any comment? 73, Luciano PT9KK ___ 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: 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis
At 06:06 AM 9/1/2009, nac...@terra.com.br wrote: BODY { font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px; } Has anyone used 1.2 GHz loop yagis on AO-51 or any other satellites before? Was it worth? Would you recommend? Any comment? 73, Luciano PT9KK ___ 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 I have the 45 element loop-yagi from Directive Systems that I worked AO-40 with 9.5w (at the antenna). It has 20-dBi of gain and is 12-foot long. For satellite use you want the 1268 model not the 1296 model. I tried stacking one of each and had bad SWR as a result. I removed the 1268 model last weekend to install on my short tower for satellite (with B5400 az-el rotor). I have a 15w 1268/144 Tx convertor which will be mounted on the elevation crossboom with a short run of 1/2-inch hardline. The 1296 model will remain on my 50-foot tower mounted inside my four 2m-eme yagis for tropo operation with 60w in the shack. I also have a loop-yagi for 927.5 MHz use. For AO-40, my experience indicated that 15-25w would have worked better, but then AO-40 ranged out to 65,000 km range. For Leos, one of these loop-yagi should suffice with 10w. KL7XJ has a Helix that he uses with 10w in the shack on AO-51. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm ___ 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: RE - iPod tracking software.
I have used PocketSat+ on Palm devices for years and have been very pleased with it. It has helped me have many visual ISS, occasional Shuttle sightings and listen in on some school contacts. I installed GoSatWatch on my iPhone shortly after it came out and have been pleased with it as well. Since I have $9.95 invested in GoSatWatch and since it is highly unlikely that Jim Berry will be able to offer a crossgrade discount for PocketSat 3, due to the App Store constraints, I'll continue to use PocketSat+ on my Palm TX GoSatWatch on my 3gs, although I expect PocketSat would run appreciably better on the iPhone than the Palm. If he offers a special price, I would say go for it. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC sent from my iPhone On Sep 1, 2009, at 6:51, Amir Findling K9CHP sarl...@gmail.com wrote: iPod/iPhone owners should just go to the app store and search for satellite tracker and you'll find several ranging from free to $9.99. I've been playing around with the free one and it seems to give good data for individual satellites, but the $1.99 version of the same has reviews bad enough for me not to even consider it, although it has more features that I could use. But there are others that seem pretty good and worth their price. * 73 de K9CHP Amir Findling, Member ARRL, ARRL/ W5YI VE, WAC, WAS, DXCC * www.K9CHP.net http://www.k9chp.net Blog: http://k9chp.blogspot.com http://k9chp.blogspot.com/ * Senior K9 Handler * K9 Certification Tester, NYS Federation of SAR Teams * 1st Special Response Group (1SRG) gw1...@aol.com wrote: Hi all, Please accept my sincere apologies regarding my posting on the Pocketsat3 tracking software for the iPod. I have been contacted to advise that unlike the PDA software there is NOT an unregistered version that can be downloaded. Not having an iPod I had not tried to follow up any down load etc and was therefore unaware of the need to get it via an iTunes store without a trial ! Sorry for my ignorance and error in the posting of the information. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat - UK Amsat NA ___ 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: RE - iPod tracking software.
I still have my iPaq from way back when and it is still working (well batteries don't charge very well nor last long) but PocketSAt+ is the only application I still use this dinosaur for. I've been very happy with PocketSat+ so I guess the new version, for the iPod is even better. Now the price is a little steep and checking the website, I did not see any breaks for owners of older versions. I guess I'll have to ask and/or try the competition... * 73 de K9CHP Amir Findling, Member ARRL, ARRL/ W5YI VE, WAC, WAS, DXCC * www.K9CHP.net http://www.k9chp.net Blog: http://k9chp.blogspot.com http://k9chp.blogspot.com/ * Senior K9 Handler * K9 Certification Tester, NYS Federation of SAR Teams * 1st Special Response Group (1SRG) Dennis Griffin wrote: I have used PocketSat+ on Palm devices for years and have been very pleased with it. It has helped me have many visual ISS, occasional Shuttle sightings and listen in on some school contacts. I installed GoSatWatch on my iPhone shortly after it came out and have been pleased with it as well. Since I have $9.95 invested in GoSatWatch and since it is highly unlikely that Jim Berry will be able to offer a crossgrade discount for PocketSat 3, due to the App Store constraints, I'll continue to use PocketSat+ on my Palm TX GoSatWatch on my 3gs, although I expect PocketSat would run appreciably better on the iPhone than the Palm. If he offers a special price, I would say go for it. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC sent from my iPhone ___ 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] FO29 status?
Is FO29 up and running again in mode J? 73s John AA5JG ___ 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: Staus? ... come back next week!
I just put my software testing hat on, went to the offending web page, and noted that while there is a link to report bugs, there is no link to report outdated information. While this *is* an option when you follow the report a bug link, my idea of a bug on a web page is wonky layout on Safari (a common problem, alas...) or a graphic that doesn't load. Outdated information is not a bug. Laura Halliday VE7LDH Que les nuages soient notre Grid: CN89mg pied a terre... ICBM: 49 16.05 N 122 56.92 W - Hospital/Shafte _ Nouveau : connexion à Messenger par MSN http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9677413 ___ 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: RE - iPod tracking software.
I encourage people to develop open source applications for this and other functions. At first it was impossible to do so on iPhone/iPod Touch and not violate the Apple developer agreement, but they have since revised it. If you jailbreak and use the open toolchain, you can do whatever you want. Celestial is slick for playing media files, but you have to use AudioQueue for sample-level audio synthesis (e.g. Morse, PSK31). Ugh. Developer access (which you need to develop apps and run them on a real device) costs money, but it's pretty nominal, and Apple give basic support to anybody who asks nicely. Be advised that the SDK downloads are huge, and take a while even over fast connections. Laura Halliday VE7LDH Que les nuages soient notre Grid: CN89mg pied a terre... ICBM: 49 16.05 N 122 56.92 W - Hospital/Shafte _ Une connexion rapide à Messenger? C'est par ici! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9677417 ___ 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: FO29 status?
At present, the best way to answer questions like this is to consult http://oscar.dcarr.org/, which provides reporting around the world. I note a series of 'not heard' reports, with a few reports of 'heard' over Japan in the last days of last month. Of course, it is helpful if we add to this resource, too. Recent emails from Mineo suggest that they are working on it and having some success. 73, Bruce VE9QRP On Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 12:29 PM, John Geigeraa...@yahoo.com wrote: Is FO29 up and running again in mode J? 73s John AA5JG ___ 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: G5500
i just got one last week new, you get; the rotor the control unit the connectors and some cheep instructions, i used 2 x18 gauge /6wire thermostat wire 25 feet, i got it working how ever, i have have the problem of when i first turn the unit on the AZ pegs or a few minutes and flick the left switch and then it read's ok but moves around some and is not very accurete, also the Fox delta ST-1 get stuck on UP and locks up the computer, i think it is the computer? help trouble shooting??? please Rodney kc0zhf ___ 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] 1268 Helix W7LRD Antenna
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 ___ 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: G5500
Hi Rod..well, I picked up an old G5400 this past weekend, and just got it up about 15 minutes ago. Being used, I was abit skeptical that it would still work, as it had been sitting outside, upside down for years, yet it still worked. I too used 6 conductor thermostat wire. Only complaint sofar is that the accuracy of the meters is something to be desired. Now to get a controller/tracker, and am looking at the ST-2 at the moment. John W6ZKH DM06 - Original Message - From: Rodney Waln kc0...@yahoo.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 9:47:22 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: G5500 i just got one last week new, you get; the rotor the control unit the connectors and some cheep instructions, i used 2 x18 gauge /6wire thermostat wire 25 feet, i got it working how ever, i have have the problem of when i first turn the unit on the AZ pegs or a few minutes and flick the left switch and then it read's ok but moves around some and is not very accurete, also the Fox delta ST-1 get stuck on UP and locks up the computer, i think it is the computer? help trouble shooting??? please Rodney kc0zhf ___ 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] 1.2ghz Gear is sold...
1.2ghz Gear is sold... ___ 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] Quite right Laura.
I agree Laura, Incorrect information is not a 'bug'. For what it's worth, there were 7 replies in yesterday's mailbox commenting on the somewhat crass reply from the b.o.d. member concerned - good job they didn't see the private! one ... and just one, Gentleman commenting on tearing things down (???) - based on an obvious incorrect opinion. I also note that Mr Glasbrenner referred he whom enquired about AO-7's status, to the D.Carr page. Wasn't that rather inopportune after making such a fuss about the Amsat page being updated?. Please note that I *DIDN'T* criticise either an American, nor the Amsat organisation - (as Mr Glasbrenner accused me of doing in - (his words) ... every time he saw my callsign ... (in his mail to me direct). For those old enough to remember, there are many instances where I've praised Americans - (operating proceedure) and the Amsat organisation (full of clever, and often very helpful indivuduals). My friends Stateside are too numerous to mention individually but they know who they are. I'd hardly call Bill Tynan's plaque to LA2QAA as proof of concept of my criticising Americans or the Amsat organisation - however, if a current member of the b.o.d. gets his rocks off by a tantrum ... good luck! to him, I've faced slightly more wrath than that. The the 'tearing down' Gentleman ... if you find 6 days of incorrect information on your organisation's website as acceptable, and the reaction shown for pointing it out, fine. Personally, like I mentioned in my original mail, a couple of days I find acceptable, due to various commitments etc - but 6 days is, in my personal opinion rather lax - volunteer or not. That Mr Glasbrenner was a good deal rattier direct, was probably due to him confusing satire with criticism on a previous occasion ... and no, eventual satire has *NEVER* been directed at an individual. That, as they say - is it. I felt I needed to justify myself for anyone 'just wondering' where all that temper came from. I apologise for the bandwidth if you think it's misused. In my opinion, no permanent harm done. Worse things happen at sea!. 73 John. LA2QAA. archie.hack...@hotmail.com ... From: marsga...@hotmail.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 08:31:29 -0700 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Staus? ... come back next week! I just put my software testing hat on, went to the offending web page, and noted that while there is a link to report bugs, there is no link to report outdated information. While this *is* an option when you follow the report a bug link, my idea of a bug on a web page is wonky layout on Safari (a common problem, alas...) or a graphic that doesn't load. Outdated information is not a bug. Laura Halliday VE7LDH Que les nuages soient notre Grid: CN89mg pied a terre... ICBM: 49 16.05 N 122 56.92 W - Hospital/Shafte _ Nouveau : connexion à Messenger par MSN http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9677413 ___ 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 _ Drag n’ drop—Get easy photo sharing with Windows Live™ Photos. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/products/photos.aspx ___ 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] Trolls on the -bb
People often ask me why more of the AMSAT leadership doesn't participate on the AMSAT-BB. I think that over the last few weeks we have seen ample reason why. We've been accused of stupidity, malfeasance, sloth, and called out at every opportunity. I've about had it with the trolling and the bickering and the internet commandos cruising for reactions. They've caused it to cease being fun or even interesting to participate in this email list. I'd like each and every one of you to consider how you'd feel if you gave several hours a day for free to an organization to only get sarcastic, bitter criticism at your efforts in return? Sit back and think where the organization would be today if all the current volunteers decided they'd rather sit behind a keyboard and tear someone else's work down rather than analyze telemetry, plan schedules, maintain webpages, solder circuit boards, mail ballots, test batteries, process renewals, inquire about new opportunities, mentor a beginner or a cubesat project, write an article, schedule an ARISS QSO, etc? Next time you feel that urge to criticize or even hurt AMSAT in public, remember that behind every thing AMSAT does is someone who decided to volunteer rather than do something more selfish with their time, and those folks have feelings and egos and frailties. Push them too hard and you might find they pack their bags and leave. I know AMSAT has had it's issues over it's long history, and we are all disappointed that HEOs seem to be almost out of reach for us now. We are all human and we all make mistakes, especially when it involves rocket engines, building spacecraft on hobby store budgets, and getting all past our benefactor launch agency trials and schedules. We have also learned from our mistakes, and it is time to move ahead. Our officers and our BOD is almost entirely different from just 5 years ago. I think if we can quit flinging mud at each other for a few moments, you'll see that there are some good things just around the corner for AMSAT, and those good things may lead to great things. But we need your support and understanding, not your slings and arrows. What have you done for your AMSAT lately? If a member has a problem with or suggestion for how a volunteer is doing their job, contact them through the website regardless of what your interpretation of bug is, or directly via email or even a phone call. Be prepared to back up your complaint with an offer of help. Sometimes it will work, and sometime it won't. But please, for the sake of the organization, keep the sarcasm, the bitter jabs, and the trolling and bickering off the -bb. 73, Drew KO4MA lowly AMSAT servant ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] AO-51 l/u mode
I'm running the same config file I always use in SATpc32 with l/u mode on AO-51 and for some reason the u/l has gone up by 3 or 4k. Anyone else notice this? 73 Jeff kb2m ___ 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: please be positive
I could not agree with you more... There is constructive and destructive criticism. The problem I have seen or more precisely - read. Is that some people seem to lump them both together and don't want to read any criticism unless of course it blends in with their own bias. To my way of thinking, if a person have a complaint, it should be aired and in all fairness investigated and if need be, changes made. All to often I have read on this BBS statements that lead me to believe - or to more properly state my feelings - that unless you are one of the elitist few, then your complaints will often be denigrated or you ~ as the author ~ will be politely told you have no idea of what you speak, which usually in the long run is the root of the problem. The writer does not know and the information is not readily at hand. I will give you an example... The only energies I see being spent at this time and projected into the future are for more LEOS of one kind or another. The argument I have seen advanced is that this is because it is all we can do... It would seem to me there would be a HEO project moving along (under design at least) against the day that this becomes a possibility. However whenever someone mentions a HEO, rather than being encouraged to join a discussion group, a plans and engineering group or something of this ilk, I see the denigration begin. To me it is this short sighted and to my way of thinking, stifling mindset that is AMSATS largest shortcoming and perhaps even its downfall. Perhaps there is a planning group for a HEO, but if so, it is well hid. DE KD1PE - Original Message - From: OZ1MY oz...@privat.dk To: Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 4:20 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] please be positive Hi -bb, I do not know if I speak for a large number of receivers from the amsat - bb - but it is sometimes difficult to read and understand the finer details of such a conversation as has taken place over the last days. That is when our first language is not English/American. ___ 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: please be positive
The biggest problem is that a significant number or those here seem unable to read AND UNDERSTAND what has been said BEFORE thay open their mouths. Jack K. wrote: I could not agree with you more... There is constructive and destructive criticism. The problem I have seen or more precisely -- 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: Trolls on the -bb
People often ask me why more of the AMSAT leadership doesn't participate on the AMSAT-BB. I think that over the last few weeks we have seen ample reason why. We've been accused of stupidity, malfeasance, sloth, and called out at every opportunity. I've about had it with the trolling and the bickering and the internet commandos cruising for reactions. They've caused it to cease being fun or even interesting to participate in this email list. Please hang in there, Drew...for every one of the idiot whiners, there are probably several hundred of us that deplore them, but they'll dry up and blow away, just like a cloud of bad gas!! This has had many a repeat performance in the past, and the names always change 73, Dave, WB6LLO dguim...@san.rr.com Disagree: I learn Pulling for P3E... ___ 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] My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT
I am pretty new to AMSAT so I can't speak to the what and why of the B.O.D. or the operation of AMSAT. What I will speak of is what I found when I first started looking at the AMSAT site. First thing I found was a lot of the information was very old and out of date. As someone new to the mode I really thought hard if I wanted to send money to an org. or CORP. that wasn't keeping things up to date. With the said. I would also like to offer some thoughts. My JA friends may look at this as I do. If there are parts of the web site that take up too much time or effort to keep up, It is Mooda, waste. Remove it so that it isn't giving the new onlooker the wrong idea of what to expect. I fully understand that to run something like AMSAT take's a lot of time. But you must also think of the image that old, out of date, data sends to other like me. There are a lot of things on the web site that are no longer of use to the here and now. If I have thrown myself under the bus, so be it. I only speak of what I know. Marv. N0FJP ___ 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: My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT
My JA friends may look at this as I do. If there are parts of the web site that take up too much time or effort to keep up, It is Mooda, waste. Remove it so that it isn't giving the new onlooker the wrong idea of what to expect. Wise words, and exactly what I've suggested be done several times in the past. AMSAT is SO much more than a webpage, but that's what everyone keys on. 73, Drew KO4MA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Trolls on the -bb
Drew well said! I have read all the comments the last few weeks and wonder to myself the biggest grippers on the BB, I have never even heard on a satellite in the last 18 months. (I have kept a spread sheet for over 18 months - 1350+ entries of all the operators heard) I often remember the phrase Praise in public, criticize in private. And. put your money where your mouth is! Folks. they are volunteers... What have you done to make things better? LEO, HEO, hey, launch a pie pan to bounce a signal off I'll be a happy camper. Let's move forward and work to get something in space. My two cents, Rick - WA4NVM, LM 1339 People often ask me why more of the AMSAT leadership doesn't participate on the AMSAT-BB. I think that over the last few weeks we have seen ample reason why. We've been accused of stupidity, malfeasance, sloth, and called out at every opportunity. I've about had it with the trolling and the bickering and the internet commandos cruising for reactions. They've caused it to cease being fun or even interesting to participate in this email list. I'd like each and every one of you to consider how you'd feel if you gave several hours a day for free to an organization to only get sarcastic, bitter criticism at your efforts in return? Sit back and think where the organization would be today if all the current volunteers decided they'd rather sit behind a keyboard and tear someone else's work down rather than analyze telemetry, plan schedules, maintain webpages, solder circuit boards, mail ballots, test batteries, process renewals, inquire about new opportunities, mentor a beginner or a cubesat project, write an article, schedule an ARISS QSO, etc? Next time you feel that urge to criticize or even hurt AMSAT in public, remember that behind every thing AMSAT does is someone who decided to volunteer rather than do something more selfish with their time, and those folks have feelings and egos and frailties. Push them too hard and you might find they pack their bags and leave. I know AMSAT has had it's issues over it's long history, and we are all disappointed that HEOs seem to be almost out of reach for us now. We are all human and we all make mistakes, especially when it involves rocket engines, building spacecraft on hobby store budgets, and getting all past our benefactor launch agency trials and schedules. We have also learned from our mistakes, and it is time to move ahead. Our officers and our BOD is almost entirely different from just 5 years ago. I think if we can quit flinging mud at each other for a few moments, you'll see that there are some good things just around the corner for AMSAT, and those good things may lead to great things. But we need your support and understanding, not your slings and arrows. What have you done for your AMSAT lately? If a member has a problem with or suggestion for how a volunteer is doing their job, contact them through the website regardless of what your interpretation of bug is, or directly via email or even a phone call. Be prepared to back up your complaint with an offer of help. Sometimes it will work, and sometime it won't. But please, for the sake of the organization, keep the sarcasm, the bitter jabs, and the trolling and bickering off the -bb. 73, Drew KO4MA lowly AMSAT servant ___ 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: 1.2 ghz antenna?
Thanks to all who left their comments and suggestions for mode L. 73, Norman On Mon, Aug 31, 2009 at 5:19 PM, Norman W Osborne ve3...@gmail.com wrote: Hello to all, After reading some of the postings on the bbs discussing AO-51 1.2 ghz mode, I am wondering what antennas are being used, commercial and homebrew. 73, Norman ___ 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: My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT
Being someone who has been a member of AMSAT since the 2nd month of the formation of the group I can say that I definitely agree with N0FJP: A couple of times recently I have tried to volunteer and, frankly, the website does not take the information. Also, there is quite a bit of information that is definitely outdated. I am quite aware that a basically volunteer organization is at the mercy of the members and, generally, there are only a very few members who are willing to put forth any real effort. However, for an organization to really last there has to be someone to take control of the various functions. Unfortunately, the website seems not to be very high on anyone's priority list. Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239/LM 463 Website: http://k9sth.com --- On Tue, 9/1/09, racer5039 racer5...@q.com wrote: I am pretty new to AMSAT so I can't speak to the what and why of the B.O.D. or the operation of AMSAT. What I will speak of is what I found when I first started looking at the AMSAT site. First thing I found was a lot of the information was very old and out of date. As someone new to the mode I really thought hard if I wanted to send money to an org. or CORP. that wasn't keeping things up to date. With the said. I would also like to offer some thoughts. My JA friends may look at this as I do. If there are parts of the web site that take up too much time or effort to keep up, It is Mooda, waste. Remove it so that it isn't giving the new onlooker the wrong idea of what to expect. I fully understand that to run something like AMSAT take's a lot of time. But you must also think of the image that old, out of date, data sends to other like me. There are a lot of things on the web site that are no longer of use to the here and now. If I have thrown myself under the bus, so be it. I only speak of what I know. ___ 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] AMSAT Journal
Hi Gang, Just letting you know that the July/August Journal was uploaded to the printer's ftp site this past weekend. Again a slow trickle of articles slowed down publication. It's a good issue with BoD minutes, some more history of AMSAT (we're 40 you know) and other interesting articles on Field Day and a portable antenna pointing system plus more. Hope you enjoy it and sorry for the delay. I do have a great group helping me now with the Journal and they are working hard to get more articles in so we can keep the Journal on schedule. Look at the upper right of the front cover and you'll see who they are. Thanks for your understanding and patience with all the delays! A personal comment (so please bear with me or skip this if you want): I'll bet you guys and gals didn't know this, but I've been the Journal editor now since late 2003 (6 years) and I have never made a satellite contact on my own equipment. You've never heard my voice on the satellites except once on someone else's equipment at the Dayton Hamvention three years ago (thanks Keith!). I did buy a nice dish and downconverter for S-band right before AO-40 went tits up (sorry - a British expression I learned a few years ago on one of my many trips to England). It's too unwieldy to use with AO-51. Imagine my disappointment. I have an Arrow and adequate radios and preamps, but my job as a senior executive for my company keeps me busy and traveling with little time for radio other than the Journal and some low band work occasionally. It frosts me when I ask someone to write something for the Journal (and I've done that a lot) and I'm told I don't have time. Not much of an excuse guys and gals. The point of this blather is if I, someone who has never made a satellite contact, can volunteer for the organization why can't you do something? Not being self-righteous here, but I think it's a good question. Thinking about all this reminds me of an expression that came from the villain in the movie The Fifth Element which was If you want something done - do it yourself!!. If you don't like something find a way to fix it somehow. I like to think I fixed the Journal with its new look (now a few years old) and I've been trying to get more technical content into it. After all, we're supposed to be rocket scientists. Another example - have you seen what William Leijenaar, PE1RAH, is doing all by himself? It's awesome! Check it out on YouTube. Quit talking and get busy Force someone to take you on as a volunteer by persisting. Don't just write one e-mail and then give up. Many people are busy like I am and can't always get back to you immediately. Wanna be a Web master? I think we might have an opportunity here because I feel sure Rick is tired of doing it (maybe I'm wrong). And so on .. there's plenty to do. Wanna be VP of Engineering? That's open too, although I would think the person that fills those shoes would have to have some engineering experience. You get the idea. Wishing you 73 and a somewhat bickering free evening, Ed Long WA4SWJ Editor, The AMSAT Journal Belleview, FL (A volunteer - sorry just had to add that given the recent postings) ___ 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: please be positive
And judging by the working of some ads I see on QTH.COM and QRZ.COM, it is better than the English of plenty of native English speakers here. 73s John AA5JG --- On Tue, 9/1/09, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF ni...@ngunn.net wrote: From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF ni...@ngunn.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: please be positive To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 5:56 PM And your English far better than most peoples mastery of ANY other language used here. OZ1MY wrote: Hope this e-mail is understandable. My native language is Danish. 73 OZ1MY -- 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: please be positive
Let me address this one paragraph. I will give you an example... The only energies I see being spent at this time and projected into the future are for more LEOS of one kind or another. The AMSAT engineering task force was involved with a detailed proposal put together by Tom Clark for a GEO rideshare package last year. Unfortunately that did not work out, but it did lead us to develop a modular construction strategy where we may be able to quickly respond to some opportunity. Any effort put into a LEO package has direct applications to a HEO spacecraft, or educational aspects, or usually both. The argument I have seen advanced is that this is because it is all we can do... It would seem to me there would be a HEO project moving along (under design at least) against the day that this becomes a possibility. Let me remind you that AMSAT-DL has a 90% constructed HEO waiting for a way to pay for a launch. Until they find and pay for a launch, they don't have a viable HEO program either. Unfortunately, and this is my opinion, I believe the size and shape of that HEO severely restricts how it can get to orbit. I'm not criticizing the German effort, I support it. I merely am pointing out a problem that we must avoid. We do indeed learn as we go. As an example of the issue: Say we have our physical Eagle spacecraft which has been through 3 or 4 iterations, but damn it we built it anyways. Let's say we replicated AO-13, like P3E. So we manage to find a few million to launch as a secondary and we decide ULA is the launch agency. Take a look at http://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/product_sheet/SmallSpacecraftProductCard.pdf . Would our spacecraft fit in anything other than the largest, most expensive space? Did we design it to take the G forces of launch while stowed vertically, horizontally, or inverted? What seperation system did we build into the spacecraft? Does it even fit in the space allowed? This problem is present no matter the launch vehicle or agency. Many of us have come to the conclusion that it is a bit fruitless to build a spacecraft without knowing the size, shape and orientation of the ride we are taking to orbit. That's why we are developing a modular approach to be able to react quickly, with space proven hardware even, to a short fuse opportunity to LEO, HEO, MEO, or GEO. However whenever someone mentions a HEO, rather than being encouraged to join a discussion group, a plans and engineering group or something of this ilk, I see the denigration begin. To me it is this short sighted and to my way of thinking, stifling mindset that is AMSATS largest shortcoming and perhaps even its downfall. Perhaps there is a planning group for a HEO, but if so, it is well hid. AMSAT-BB is a giant discussion group. Talk about related items as much as you want. Identify some launch or funding opportunities. Write a paper for the symposium. If your ideas are good, you do what you say you will do, and you are a team player, sooner or later you will find yourself asked to participate at higher and higher levels. Listen, I own stock in Ford, drive three different Ford vehicles, but I know that I'm not going to get to design the next F150 just because I had a comment on an email list. I'm not trying to be flippant, I just am pointing out that you have to actively prove yourself to be part of that level of volunteering for AMSAT. I didn't go from suggesting ideas on the -bb right to the BOD or a VP slot. I busted tail at hamfests for years, hawking books and t-shirts and doing the Arrow dance. We always need active Area Coordinators. I didn't like what I saw happening with the first version of the Echo Ops group, and got volunteered after showing up at a BOD meeting and making a strong argument for a better way. For two years I helped with scheduling and events, and when Mike resigned I was asked to do the job of VP Ops. I did that for a time before deciding to run for the BOD. I've picked up other responsibilities here and there when no one else would do them or when I was the best qualified (I think that's happened once!). That is how you make things happen in AMSAT, and that is the type of volunteers we need more of. Nothing in AMSAT is well hid. Something may be lost from time to time, but never hid. To be hid means it was done intentionally. Sometimes there just isn't enough volunteers to go around. Enough for tonight. I hope I've managed to express at least some of my views on the topic. What I've said may not match up 100% with AMSAT policy, but there it is. 73, Drew KO4MA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Trolls on the -bb
Andrew...come back from a few days on the boat and here is this. I have to tell you that this is either one of the most hubris filled missives I have read or you are suffering from a bad case of volunteer burnout (see last years Texas Monthly Bum steer issue where they go through the stages of burnout). Maybe it is both of them... As best I can tell your missive boils down to three categories. 1. If someone ask questions or doesnt accept my answers on their face then they are being sarcastic or a troll or their question isnt legitimate. 2. If I (or the rest of the volunteers) stop volunteering then the entire organization turns to crap. 3. While we have had some bad things happen some due to serious errors...we alone have learned the lessons so we are invaluable. You really should stop volunteering or even working for money because unless you are Barrack Obama (or George Bush before him) there are few jobs where almost everything one does is not picked apart by the rest of the folks...particularly when one is underperforming. (see Dick Cheney's response to no WMD). My real job is testing the airplanes people like you sit back in comfort and ride in and I can assure you that during such an effort the kibbitzing from the audience is fairly high. If you are volunteering at an organization then you are doing it for the members of the organization and about the worst thing one can do, is minimize the input of those members. As for there being no volunteers unless you (generic) do it...lol When I left on my last assignment there was a guy at our church (lets call him Jim) who was the ultimate volunteer. He started managing the coffee between sunday school and church and by the time I left a few years ago, he was doing everything from managing the Communion to the parking volunteers..he even had his own little office. The line from everyone was If Jim doesnt do it, who will? While I was gone we had a minister change and the new person tired pretty quickly of Jim...and pretty much reduced his role back to the coffee stand. Jim quit even that. Odd, there are other people who volunteer for every single duty and it actually runs a lot better because Jim was pretty much stifling new blood. I've never got a straight answer from anyone as to how the Suitsat 2 deployment was missed and why. I have friends in station ops at JSC...I'll bet you money that the effort got so complex that it just missed the dates. I will find out! I know even thinking that is trolling! LOL Robert WB5MZO _ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_SB_online:082009 ___ 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: please be positive
Until they find and pay for a launch, they don't have a viable HEO program either. Unfortunately, and this is my opinion, I believe the size and shape of that HEO severely restricts how it can get to orbit. I'm not criticizing the German effort, I support it. I merely am pointing out a problem that we must avoid. We do indeed learn as we go. Andrew, it all depends on how you define Program. If you want to build a homebuilt airplane and have all the drawings and schematics/plans etc...then you could say I have a program... on the other hand if you have a 90 percent built airplane in your garage...well I am quite sure the only way for P3E to get to orbit is Ariane. That is also the mechanism through which the money is going to come. If suitsat 2 is any indication, if Elon Musk told Amsat tomorrow you could have space on his Falcon 9, probably couldnt make it with Amsat's record. Robert WB5MZO _ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_SB_facebook:082009 ___ 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