[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 reception report
Reid, I refer you to ANS-340 posted recently to the -bb. The FLIP experiment has been a success. Additionally, A number of positives and negatives have resulted from the experiment. Positives. AO-51 has increased its spin rate. Reception in the Southern Hemisphere is much improved. Negatives The antennae are not favouring the Northern Hemisphere, hence signals are down. The flip has introduced a significant precession component that is affecting reception in the Northern Hemisphere, through fading and polarisation changes. The Command Team are waiting for AO-51 to stabilise, prior to executing another FLIP, to return AO-51 to its normal attitude. 73 Colin VK5HI. Member - AO51 Control Team. > -Original Message- > From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org]on > Behalf Of w4upd > Sent: Sunday, 6 December 2009 09:11 > To: amsat-bb > Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 reception report > > > Since the changes made to AO-51 the other day, it appears I am having > more difficulty in copying the bird than others on this list server. > Tonight during the 22:22UTC pass which was at an maximum elevation of 60 > degress I was not able to hear the bird as well as I have in the past. > The signals had more fade and were about 1/3 of what they use to be. > Again, my present antennas have a lot to be desired as I am using a 2 > meter homebrew ground plane for the 435.300 reception. Before the > changes, this worked reasonable well, now it appears I'll need to do > something different and improve the reception antenna. I am assuming the > downlink power is still reasonable. > > Just a report of how I seem to fair (or not) with the recent orientation > changes of AO-51. > > Reid, W4UPD > > ___ > 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: G5400 Elevation Rotor Opened up
Hi John, KE5GFJ The small nylon gear on the end of the shaft has inside a friction disc wich is probably wear out or it is sliding because there is oil or grease in between. Dip the gear assembly into absolute alcohol or spry into it a dry solvent for contac-cleaner. I have experienced the same problem few years ago. 73" de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: "John" To: Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 5:04 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] G5400 Elevation Rotor Opened up > I opened up the G5400 elevation rotor. > > All the bearings and gears look good. > > Problem found is the motor shaft spins free inside the first, small nylon > gear on the end of the shaft. > > Any advice on how to replace or repair that gear? > > Thx. > > John KE5GFJ > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] AO-51 report
On the 1210 UTC last western pass i found similar signal but a steady 18 seconds (aprox) cycle one deep fade with a couple of small ones. The western pass are usually not my best ones but i was able to work the satellite from AOS to LOS with some part of the pass with no signal but i was able to hear something just at the noise floor. It will be interresting to check the S and L band in this attitude reversal? Rig here: Yaesu ft-847 with with KLM-14C VHF and 25 elements UHF K1FO style linear yagi plus RX Icom ag preamp "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE ___ 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] WTB: Kenwood TS-711A
Am looking for a Kenwood TS-711A to go with my TS-811A I got the other day, to complete my SSB /CW linear setup. Must have TU-5 Encode Tone board. Anyone have such a critter that they would part with at a reasonable price? Also other rigs like Icom IC-271A/H if need be. Please respond by email. Thanks, John W6ZKH ___ 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: WTB: Kenwood TS-711A
Thanks to Phil N4HF for putting me onto that TS-711A on QRZ this morning. I have phoned the fellow and "check is in the mail" so to speak to him down in San Diego. So, again for the folks who also sent leads. John W6ZKH - Original Message - From: w6...@comcast.net To: "amsat-bb" Sent: Sunday, December 6, 2009 8:45:35 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] WTB: Kenwood TS-711A Am looking for a Kenwood TS-711A to go with my TS-811A I got the other day, to complete my SSB /CW linear setup. Must have TU-5 Encode Tone board. Anyone have such a critter that they would part with at a reasonable price? Also other rigs like Icom IC-271A/H if need be. Please respond by email. Thanks, John W6ZKH ___ 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: G5400 Elevation Rotor Opened up
F.Y.I. The G5400 elevation rotator comes in two flavors depending on its age. I ran into this when trying to order parts and my manual showed the parts break down for the original version but I had a newer version. The early model has a light small motor with a simple felt friction disk and a pressed fitted nylon gear. Either the felt needs to be lubricated (clutch style) and the nylon gear is cracked (it is pressed fitted on the shaft). The motor part number for the old unit is: M2190010 is runs about $85.00. If you have the newer unit like I have, the motor is larger and has a free spinning nylon gear with a notched cam that engages the nylon gear. The motor part number is: M2190021 and runs $207.17 needless to say I found my own way to re- engineer the nylon gear retainer problem. It is very important to determine the correct model of elevation rotator (mine is G500B) as the potentiometers, some of the mounting hardware is quite different and caused my problems when ordering. If you describe the part, they (Yaesu) only look up one model unless you give the actual model you have in hand. Good example is that potentiometers are 360 degree versions which run $20 each. They'll send you standard 270 degree versions that are about $5.00 each unless you state otherwise. They have the parts but you have to be clear and sure of what you are ordering from them. Good luck on your repairs. Reid, W4UPD John wrote: > I opened up the G5400 elevation rotor. > > All the bearings and gears look good. > > Problem found is the motor shaft spins free inside the first, small nylon > gear on the end of the shaft. > > Any advice on how to replace or repair that gear? > > Thx. > > John KE5GFJ > > ___ > ___ 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 bbs
Hello Any one know how to acess to Ao-51 BBS . Any spetial soft.? Best 73 ! Pedro Cruz - CU2JX ___ 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] Successful G-5500 AZ repair
Hi All, In recent weeks I asked about the AZ resistor pot for my G-5500. The unit is 9 years old. The observation was a "bad spot" that appeared to be in the area of 150-220 degs. But it was sporadic...not the same all the time. I suspected a worn spot on the wire contact of the resistor pot...I was wrong! This weekend I opened it up (azimuth) and was "pleased" to see that the "only" problem was a broken black wire that runs from the center/back of the pot to the middle contact/red wire. Such a simple problem that makes your $600 rotor system basically worthless! The wire contacts in the pot looked like new. At first glance I didn't even realize the wire was supposed to be connected to anything, since the break was so clean. Thanks to KD4APP for posting the a picture of his setup: http://www.sunsunsun.net/kd4app/amsat/g5500.htm and http://www.sunsunsun.net/kd4app/images/g5500-pot.JPG After I soldered the black wire, I put some electrical tape around the pot to give some strain relief to the wire. It was amazingly clean inside, but North Carolina weather is pretty decent year round. Of course I cleaned/regreased the bearings (I should have used a bucket as suggested by Alan WA4SCA :) ) with some marine trailer bearing grease; it's thick and sticky enough to help hold them onto the races during reassembly. Only the "bottom" bearings showed any rust, and it was light. A rub with a rag and they were clean. Hint for next time--do NOT stop the unit at 0 deg AZ before taking it apart. Rather, use 90 or 180 or 360 deg (since the unit does 450 deg, avoid 0 and 450). You'll want to avoid the "end stops" since the little lever gets in the way and won't let you put it back together quite right... In the end, a satisfying repair. 73, Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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] SO-67 recordings North America 05-06Dec2009
The SO-67 recordings from 05 and 06 December are on my webserver: http://www.papays.com/SO-67_05Dec2009_125403z.mp3 This pass was only 1 degree so it is short. But you can get an idea of how strong this satellite is, even at low elevations. East is not a good direction for me but SO-67 burns its way through the trees. http://www.papays.com/SO-67_05Dec2009_142508z.mp3 This is a 54 degree pass. The time stamp on the audio files are not necessarily the beginning of the audio clip. That's because my recorder turns on at AOS and SO-67 is not turned on for 1-2 minutes after I can see it. Therefore I have deleted the beginning of the audio file because it only contains noise. http://www.papays.com/SO-67_05Dec2009_155930z.mp3 This was a 10 degree western pass for me. http://www.papays.com/SO-67_06Dec2009_140452z.mp3 This was a 28 degree eastern pass for me. http://www.papays.com/SO-67_06Dec2009_153840z.mp3 This was a 17 degree western pass for me. I was not at home during this pass. SO-67 continues to be difficult to work for some because of not adjusting for the particular operating parameters of this bird, especially the 3 second tail timer. Once you learn to take this into account, the bird is easier to work. Full duplex makes it much easier to work this bird since you can determine when you are in or out. You can hear an example by listening to VE2DWE. He transmits during the tail, but since he is full duplex he knows when the transmitter goes off and he unkeys and then keys and continues with his exchange. SO-67 is in virtually continuous use when over North America. If it is possible to change the way it operates, it would be best for it to have the transmitter on continuously over North America (based on a schedule) with no "tail," similar to how AO-27 operates. It would not stress the transmitter as much since it would not be constantly going on and off. I have included another audio file taken from AO-27, 6December2009 at 2031z. AO-27 is on for 7 minutes over North America with the transmitter on continuously, no CTCSS required for access. If you work this bird it pays to watch the clock to see when the end of the pass is eminent. I use a software timer and start it when the data goes off at the beginning of the pass. If someone calls you at the end of the 7 minute period, you know how long you have to respond. No sense in being surprised. http://www.papays.com/AO-27_06Dec2009_203103z.mp3 73, John K8YSE EN91dh ___ 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 - After the Change
I thought I read we were supposed to experience degraded performance from AO-51 since last week's re-orientation of the bird. I just worked the 5:04PM Pacific Standard Time / 01:04 GMT pass from DM03. Worked three countries along the West Coast, in addition to working Texas to the East. Elaborate station equipment involved ... -handheld radio at 2.0W -handheld dual-band Yagi Performance seems just fine out here, folks! Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Help with SO-67 and Nova
I am unable to see SO-67 listed amongst the satellites for the Nova tracking program. Can anyone help and let me know how I can add this satellite to the list? Gopal VU2GMN Gopal Madhavan "Shreyas Apartments" 128 (old 63) Greenways Road R A Puram Chennai- 600 028, India Tel: +91 44 2493 7724/ 42303129 Mob: +91 94440 18452 E-mail: gopal.madha...@gmail.com ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change
I tried again tonight on a 30 deg pass... no luck for me... Eggbeater, preamp, heliax gee ! It is really different ! 73 2009/12/6 Clint Bradford : > I thought I read we were supposed to experience degraded performance > from AO-51 since last week's re-orientation of the bird. > > I just worked the 5:04PM Pacific Standard Time / 01:04 GMT pass from > DM03. Worked three countries along the West Coast, in addition to > working Texas to the East. Elaborate station equipment involved ... > > -handheld radio at 2.0W > -handheld dual-band Yagi > > Performance seems just fine out here, folks! > > Clint Bradford, K6LCS > http://www.work-sat.com > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- Jean-François Ménard VA2SS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= AMSAT www.amsat.org / Member #37102 ARRL www.arrl.org =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change
I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist. At higher elevations, the fades are hardly noticeable here. At low elevations, the drop outs are similar to SO-50. It makes me wish I did have polarity switching. 73 Glenn AA5PK DM91 - San Angelo, TX - Original Message - From: "Clint Bradford" To: Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 7:59 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 - After the Change >I thought I read we were supposed to experience degraded performance > from AO-51 since last week's re-orientation of the bird. > > I just worked the 5:04PM Pacific Standard Time / 01:04 GMT pass from > DM03. Worked three countries along the West Coast, in addition to > working Texas to the East. Elaborate station equipment involved ... > > -handheld radio at 2.0W > -handheld dual-band Yagi > > Performance seems just fine out here, folks! > > Clint Bradford, K6LCS > http://www.work-sat.com > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change
>> ... I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist ... That phenomenon is not evident now - nor has it ever been - for me on AO-51. I know the engineers say I am supposed to be increasing or decreasing my signal strength by 22 or 23db by merely twisting my Yagi 90 degrees. But I have hundreds of witnesses during dozens of demonstrations who will tell you that when the Yagi is turned 90 degrees, there's no discernible change in the signal. This is not a scientific approach to the subject, of course. Just what my aging ears can hear. I have heard fellow AMSAT members describe AO-51's "signal fading due to the satellite tumbling in space," too. I am not using elaborate equipment, but have no idea what they are talking about. Just my firsthand observations. Guess I could be wrong ... we are a little different - I am told - out hre on the West Coast of the US. Clint Bradford, K6LCS ___ 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: Help with SO-67 and Nova
Hi Gopal, It is very much there in the "celestrack TLE" under the group "Amateur" as "SUMBANDILA (SO-67)". When you update your Nova TLE with latest "amateur" file, you should able to find it on you Nova data base. Update can be done either manually or auto update through net. Down load the latest keps and just click auto update. 73 de Mani VU2WMY Quoting Gopal Madhavan : > I am unable to see SO-67 listed amongst the satellites for the Nova tracking > program. Can anyone help and let me know how I can add this satellite to the > list? > > > > Gopal VU2GMN > > > > Gopal Madhavan > > "Shreyas Apartments" > > 128 (old 63) Greenways Road > > R A Puram > > Chennai- 600 028, India > > Tel: +91 44 2493 7724/ 42303129 > > Mob: +91 94440 18452 > > E-mail: gopal.madha...@gmail.com > > > > ___ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > Mani, VU2WMY Secretary & Station-In-Charge Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC ISRO Satellite Centre Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017. Phone:(O)91-80-2508 2054/2192/2537 Mobile: 91-80-98803 41456 E-mail ID: w...@isac.gov.in vu2wmy_m...@yahoo.com isroh...@yahoo.com ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] WD9EWK at the Superstition hamfest (Mesa AZ) and DM32/DM42 on Saturday
Hi! More fun on the satellites yesterday. Between the Superstition Amateur Radio Club's annual hamfest and a quick afternoon/evening road trip south of Phoenix to an unusual grid, it was a good day. Lots of interested people at the hamfest, and lots of QSOs for those hoping to work the rarely-heard grid DM32 later in the day. Superstition Amateur Radio Club hamfest, at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona (grid DM43bj) This hamfest is the first one of the Phoenix-area hamfest "season", as the weather turns cooler and the winter visitors - "snowbirds" - from other colder parts of North America make their way back to central and southern Arizona. When I showed up at the hamfest around 0515 local time (1215 UTC), there were already more people setting up than in the past couple of years. Good weather also helps with that, of course. Although cool by local standards (36F/2C at that hour), no rain was seen. I set up my AMSAT table, and prepared for the first of 6 passes I would use for on-air demonstrations. The first two passes of the morning, at 1254 and 1434 UTC, were on AO-51. These were the first passes I worked since the satellite was flipped around and its antennas were not favoring the Northern Hemisphere. Once the satellite was up from the horizon, there was little noticeable difference compared to previous passes. Near the horizon, it was tougher to hear - but not impossible. As usual, there were lots of stations on the pass toward the east. I was able to make 8 contacts with stations across the USA and in southern Mexico. One of those QSOs was with Bob WA7DXZ, who let me know he would be coming to the hamfest in a couple of hours. He showed up as promised, stopping by to say "hello" a couple of hours after we made that QSO. The second pass to the west had fewer stations on, and only 3 QSOs went in the log. The next pass I planned to try for a demonstration was on AO-7. It was in mode B at 1448-1510 UTC, coming almost directly over my head (81 degrees maximum elevation). This was the first time I attempted a demonstration using this satellite. Unfortunately, I had some local QRM to deal with on the SSB downlinks - generators with lots of noise audible on my receiver (one of my FT-817NDs). Thankfully, the noisy generators were north of me, and pointing my antenna away from that direction reduced the noise. Thanks to AA5PK, KC7MG (he was not too far away from me, in Casa Grande south of the hamfest site), WC7V, and XE1AO for the SSB QSOs. In fact, XE1AO said that his QSO with me was his first on AO-7. Maybe we'll hear more activity from Mexico on that satellite in the near future. Later in the morning, I had two VO-52 passes and an SO-50 pass where I had demonstrations. Again, I made contacts with 4 stations on the first VO-52 pass to the east at 1618-1630 UTC, and two on the western pass at 1754-1806 UTC. In between these two passes was the SO-50 pass I worked at 1730-1742 UTC, with 6 QSOs. When I wasn't on the radio, I had a steady stream of traffic around the AMSAT table. All of the demonstrations draw nice crowds, and the AO-7 demonstration in particular brought out the largest crowd. The longer pass time meant people stuck around longer, including many who had been on the satellites in the past. Some of those were active on AO-7 in the 70s and early 80s during its first life. I apologize to those who were waiting for me on passes where I didn't show up until 3 or 4 minutes into the pass, as I was chatting with people around the table and I was not watching the clock closely. This hamfest also turned out to be a nice get-together for satellite operators currently active on satellites. A nice roundup: Bob WA7DXZ Ed N7EDK John N7JK Larry WA6DIR Leo W7JPI Larry drove in from California, Ed and Leo came up from southern Arizona, and Bob and John live in the Phoenix area. A nice get-together for those of us that get on from the southwestern USA. Many others who are occasionally on also stopped by throughout the morning, including a couple from northern Mexico. Thanks to the Superstition Amateur Radio Club for providing me a space for AMSAT at the hamfest, and all of the stations across North America that made contacts with WD9EWK during the demonstrations. But this would not be the end of my day on the satellites... Southeast of Maricopa, Arizona, in Pinal County (grids DM32xx and DM42ax) 32 59.960 N 112 0.000 W A few days before the hamfest, I mentioned I would also make a trip to the rarely-heard grid DM32 in the afternoon after the hamfest. Less than 45 minutes away from the hamfest is the northeast corner of DM32, a grid that has no resident satellite operators and most of it is off-limits due to an Air Force bombing range and several wilderness areas in the grid. The southwest corner of the grid crosses into northern Mexico. I have gone to this area on many occasions in the last couple of years, putting both
[amsat-bb] Fade compensation
Aloha All Just a note on my personal Arrow experience. With many satellites, ie, AO-51, SO-50, Cubesats Prism, SEEDS, etc., I have found that a "twist" of the wrist" can make the difference between a "clean" signal and no signal at all! This is a common phenomena that I experienced less than 2 hours ago on AO-51. The AO-51 pass was noisy at 14 degs max. el. using my Arrow and HT. Antenna "adjustment" helped significantly. Having only been on 51 a handfull of times during the past week I cannot pass any judgment regarding recent downlinks in Hawaii. My impression is that AO-51 is a very dependable, fantastic FM bird. The same goes for it's Operations team and those I regularly hear on the mainland. Tonite's "noise" may be been an anomoly or perhaps the current orientation of AO-51 has shifted some signal strength in favor of the southern hemisphere. I did did have several clear QSOs. I will continue to evaluate AO-51's signal quality. 73 to everybody Respectfully- robert, NH7WN Honolulu, Hawaii ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change
I experience this drastic polarity changing here ever since the change, and like SO-50, have to keep one finger on the polarity switch.maybe my aging ears arent as good as my aging KLM's? Will be glad when they can reverse what they did afew weeks back. Also I notice the signal is not as strong now, as instead of picking up the bird at 1-2 degs above horizon, it is now 6-8 degrees. John W6ZKH on the Left Coast of the Sierras - Original Message - From: "Clint Bradford" To: "Glenn AA5PK" Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, December 6, 2009 7:15:19 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change >> ... I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist ... That phenomenon is not evident now - nor has it ever been - for me on AO-51. I know the engineers say I am supposed to be increasing or decreasing my signal strength by 22 or 23db by merely twisting my Yagi 90 degrees. But I have hundreds of witnesses during dozens of demonstrations who will tell you that when the Yagi is turned 90 degrees, there's no discernible change in the signal. This is not a scientific approach to the subject, of course. Just what my aging ears can hear. I have heard fellow AMSAT members describe AO-51's "signal fading due to the satellite tumbling in space," too. I am not using elaborate equipment, but have no idea what they are talking about. Just my firsthand observations. Guess I could be wrong ... we are a little different - I am told - out hre on the West Coast of the US. Clint Bradford, K6LCS ___ 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: AO-51 - After the Change
Clint, Rotating a linear polarized Yagi in a circularly polarized field should result in less than a few dB of change, no change if the circular antenna is perfectly circularly polarized. When using a linear antenna ground effects including reflections will cause a larger change. Using circular on both ends will result in less fading from the ground effects and no change in signal for antenna rotation on the S/C side providing the S/C antenna has a good pointing angle. Losses of 22 +dB are reserved for cross polarization of antennas H-V and LH to RH. Art, KC6UQH -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 7:15 PM To: Glenn AA5PK Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change >> ... I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist ... That phenomenon is not evident now - nor has it ever been - for me on AO-51. I know the engineers say I am supposed to be increasing or decreasing my signal strength by 22 or 23db by merely twisting my Yagi 90 degrees. But I have hundreds of witnesses during dozens of demonstrations who will tell you that when the Yagi is turned 90 degrees, there's no discernible change in the signal. This is not a scientific approach to the subject, of course. Just what my aging ears can hear. I have heard fellow AMSAT members describe AO-51's "signal fading due to the satellite tumbling in space," too. I am not using elaborate equipment, but have no idea what they are talking about. Just my firsthand observations. Guess I could be wrong ... we are a little different - I am told - out hre on the West Coast of the US. Clint Bradford, K6LCS ___ 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 __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4664 (20091206) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4665 (20091206) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] (no subject)
I have seen this topic being debated on previous occasions. Each and every time I have used AO51 I experience the same. If one uses a hand held linear polarized Yagi for the down link the signal difference by "twisting" the wrist is enormous. I have not made a point of measuring the difference as such, but the down link signal varies from being full quieting to virtually inaudible. This was so before the flip and still so now after the flip. 73, Pierre ZS6BB -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: 07 December 2009 05:15 To: Glenn AA5PK Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change >> ... I think the handheld ops have less trouble with the polarity switching because tend to compensate more quickly with a twist of the wrist ... That phenomenon is not evident now - nor has it ever been - for me on AO-51. I know the engineers say I am supposed to be increasing or decreasing my signal strength by 22 or 23db by merely twisting my Yagi 90 degrees. But I have hundreds of witnesses during dozens of demonstrations who will tell you that when the Yagi is turned 90 degrees, there's no discernible change in the signal. This is not a scientific approach to the subject, of course. Just what my aging ears can hear. I have heard fellow AMSAT members describe AO-51's "signal fading due to the satellite tumbling in space," too. I am not using elaborate equipment, but have no idea what they are talking about. Just my firsthand observations. Guess I could be wrong ... we are a little different - I am told - out hre on the West Coast of the US. Clint Bradford, K6LCS ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 - After the Change
Art - What you wrote (and correct me if I misinterpreted) is that me - and others with mere handheld Yagi antennas - are achieving better results on the FM birds than those with more sophisticated linear antennas. Clint On Dec 6, 2009, at 10:31 PM, Art McBride wrote: Clint, Rotating a linear polarized Yagi in a circularly polarized field should result in less than a few dB of change, no change if the circular antenna is perfectly circularly polarized. When using a linear antenna ground effects including reflections will cause a larger change. Using circular on both ends will result in less fading from the ground effects and no change in signal for antenna rotation on the S/C side providing the S/C antenna has a good pointing angle. Losses of 22 +dB are reserved for cross polarization of antennas H-V and LH to RH. ___ 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
