[amsat-bb] RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread GW1FKY
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  
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[amsat-bb] Re: 1.2 GHZ to AO 51 with 1 watt ?

2009-09-01 Thread Alan P. Biddle
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



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[amsat-bb] G5500

2009-09-01 Thread Randy
Does the G5500 come with any rotor cable?
Or just the connectors and we have to buy cable and install the connectors?

Randy - N2CUA


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[amsat-bb] Re: G5500

2009-09-01 Thread David - KG4ZLB
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


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[amsat-bb] Re: RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread Amir Findling K9CHP
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  
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[amsat-bb] 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis

2009-09-01 Thread nachif
  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
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[amsat-bb] Re: RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread Pughkeithd
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
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[amsat-bb] Re: RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread Joseph Armbruster
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
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[amsat-bb] Re: 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis

2009-09-01 Thread Andrew Glasbrenner
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
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[amsat-bb] Re: 1.2 GHz Loop Yagis

2009-09-01 Thread Edward Cole
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
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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

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[amsat-bb] Re: RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread Dennis Griffin
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  
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[amsat-bb] Re: RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread Amir Findling K9CHP
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


   
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[amsat-bb] FO29 status?

2009-09-01 Thread John Geiger
Is FO29 up and running again in mode J?

73s John AA5JG


  
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[amsat-bb] Re: Staus? ... come back next week!

2009-09-01 Thread laura halliday

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

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[amsat-bb] Re: RE - iPod tracking software.

2009-09-01 Thread laura halliday

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

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[amsat-bb] Re: FO29 status?

2009-09-01 Thread Bruce Robertson
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



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[amsat-bb] Re: G5500

2009-09-01 Thread Rodney Waln
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
 


  
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[amsat-bb] 1268 Helix W7LRD Antenna

2009-09-01 Thread John Papay
My 1268 setup is a W7LRD 13 turn helix fed
with a 9' 9913 jumper, 45' of 7/8 Heliax and
a 3' Superflex jumper to the TS2000X.

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

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

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

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

73,
John K8YSE


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[amsat-bb] Re: G5500

2009-09-01 Thread w6zkh
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 




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[amsat-bb] 1.2ghz Gear is sold...

2009-09-01 Thread John Henderson N4NAB
1.2ghz Gear is sold...

 

 

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[amsat-bb] Quite right Laura.

2009-09-01 Thread john hackett

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
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[amsat-bb] Trolls on the -bb

2009-09-01 Thread Andrew Glasbrenner
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



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[amsat-bb] AO-51 l/u mode

2009-09-01 Thread Jeff KB2M
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


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[amsat-bb] Re: please be positive

2009-09-01 Thread Jack K.
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.

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[amsat-bb] Re: please be positive

2009-09-01 Thread Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF
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.

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[amsat-bb] Re: Trolls on the -bb

2009-09-01 Thread Dave Guimont

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... 

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[amsat-bb] My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT

2009-09-01 Thread racer5039
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
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[amsat-bb] Re: My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT

2009-09-01 Thread Andrew Glasbrenner

 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 

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[amsat-bb] Re: Trolls on the -bb

2009-09-01 Thread Rick - WA4NVM

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



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[amsat-bb] Re: 1.2 ghz antenna?

2009-09-01 Thread Norman W Osborne
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

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[amsat-bb] Re: My thoughts as somone pretty new to AMSAT

2009-09-01 Thread Glen Zook
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.


  

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[amsat-bb] AMSAT Journal

2009-09-01 Thread Ed Long
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)

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[amsat-bb] Re: please be positive

2009-09-01 Thread John Geiger
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.
 
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[amsat-bb] Re: please be positive

2009-09-01 Thread Andrew Glasbrenner
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 

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[amsat-bb] Re: Trolls on the -bb

2009-09-01 Thread Rocky Jones

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

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[amsat-bb] Re: please be positive

2009-09-01 Thread Rocky Jones

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

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