[amsat-bb] Re: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports
Mark, In the case where there is an eclipse during part of the pass, would you prefer to have the report that you heard it, or that you didn't (signal lost) ? Frank KK5XX On Tue, Jan 4, 2011 at 5:40 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > Thanks, Reid. One of the challenges for the command stations is that > sometimes we're working on the digital side of the bird (435.150) and > therefore can't easily tell what is going on with the 435.300 side. So > reports are very helpful. > > Yes, we figure people will like the 1.47 Watt signals! It spoils > you...that's up from around 500 mW a few days ago. That's the benefit of > running one transmitter at a time...there is quite a bit of power available > when you don't have to share the available current between 2 transmittters :) > > Again, thanks for the report. > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > At 06:13 PM 1/4/2011 -0500, w4upd wrote: >>I worked a number of stations here in Melbourne, Florida during that >>pass. AO-51 was coming quite good and I didn't even have my 70cm preamp >>on during the entire pass while working the stations with omni antennas >>that are not the same. The 70cm downlink was copied using a 2 meter >>$2.50 homebrew groundplane for the 70cm downlink. >> >>Reid, W4UPD >> >> >> >>On 1/4/2011 5:59 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: >>> Thanks to our many friends for their posts about AO-51 activity! It is >>> very helpful. I think our international colleagues are winning by a >>> landslide... >>> >>> I must admit a bit of disappointment though that many passes over the East >>> coast of the US go without a report...*please* consider posting that AO-51 >>> was active. Just one report is helpful and confirms that the bird remains >>> active. >>> >>> Did anybody work AO-51 during the 4:45pm pass today?? >>> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> Mark N8MH >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> At 03:50 PM 12/30/2010 -0500, Mark L. Hammond wrote: Hell All, The command team could really use your help. If you work AO-51 (or hear it) and there isn't a recent entry, please make a report entry here http://oscar.dcarr.org/ so we know all is well. Things are touch-and-go now that we are experiencing eclipses, and reports on the OSCAR Status Page that the bird is up and functional are extremely helpful. We do expect the transmitter to go OFF during eclipse, but eclipses are only a couple minutes or less at the moment. Thanks for your help! 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 >>> >>> 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 >>> >> >>___ >>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 > > > 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 > ___ 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] Mix W
Trevor M5AKA I use MixW to recieve packet from Fastrac .1200bps. Often , I hear the signal , but it doesn't print . Tonight I had a 57 Degree pass and copied very well. Jerry WB5LHD ___ 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: HO-68 comments.
- Original Message - From: "John Hackett" To: Cc: Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 10:50 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] HO-68 comments. > > Once again, I note the whinging about HO-68's orbit not being suitable for a particular station ... or two. > > I'd like to remind the gentlemen concerned that HO-68's on time is NOT designed to favour one particular area. Please remember, it's a Chinese satellite and we should abide by and respect their decision of when to activate the transponder. > > For my own use,the HO-68 late afternoon GMT 'on' times are optimum. > > Conversly, I 'could' complain about the ISS orbit - (but I don't) -only 'seeing it at max 6 degrees for 90 seconds every 2 days - (read: unworkable from my QTH), dirro SO-50, AO-27 and VO-52. > > What may be poor for one operator could be optimum for another. > > Please remember, the world consists of more than The United States Of America and Southern Europe. > > 73 John. > Hi John, LA2QAA I don't agree with you because there are many and many HO-68 orbits with the satellite transponder OFF despite the elevation is very hight for South Europe and North Europe i.e. for you and for me as well for South USA and North USA The problem is that in the above orbits HO-68 cannot be very well monitored by the only one command station in China and they prefere to switch OFF the transponder. The pobleme is that the Chinese HO-68 should have more control stations around the the world instead of only one in China.The roule is that many control station are needed for a LEO satellites and only two or maximum tree for a HEO satellite. Same problem arise with JAMSAT with only one control station in Japan for FO-29 AMSAT China and AMSAT Japan don't like to share the command of their satellites with AMSAT's command stations in different continents. Conversly you should remember that in the early 1974 AMSAT had control stations for OSCAR-6 in USA ,in North Africa (Algeria) and Australia so that the satellite was continuously monitored and during all orbits it was operational. I abandoned HO-68 for the better and reliable as well in all orbits available transponder of VO-52 73" de i8CVS Domenico ___ 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] HO-68 orbit comments.
Hello Dom, You are of course right. I have been in contact with Alan Kung regarding various aspects of HO-68 but as you correctly state, The Chinese don't seen to want to share the workload. I went as far as offering donations to help Amsat China but was politely refused (!) ... the implication being that subscriptions would require reciprocating with 'information' - (which was NOT my intention). I think your comments will give people a better understanding of why the orbits are not always otimum for certain times/areas. 73 John. CC'd to the group and the Amsat-bb for general information purposes. . > Hi John, LA2QAA > > I don't agree with you because there are many and many HO-68 orbits with the > satellite transponder OFF despite the elevation is very hight for South > Europe and North Europe i.e. for you and for me as well for South USA and > North USA > > The problem is that in the above orbits HO-68 cannot be very well monitored > by the only one command station in China and they prefere to switch OFF the > transponder. > > The pobleme is that the Chinese HO-68 should have more control stations > around the the world instead of only one in China.The roule is that many > control station are needed for a LEO satellites and only two or maximum tree > for a HEO satellite. > > Same problem arise with JAMSAT with only one control station in Japan for > FO-29 > > AMSAT China and AMSAT Japan don't like to share the command of their > satellites with AMSAT's command stations in different continents. > > Conversly you should remember that in the early 1974 AMSAT had control > stations for OSCAR-6 in USA ,in North Africa (Algeria) and Australia > so that the satellite was continuously monitored and during all orbits it > was operational. > > I abandoned HO-68 for the better and reliable as well in all orbits > available transponder of VO-52 > > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > > ___ 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: Need Advice for SDR choice
As someone else who owns an ICOM R-7000 receiver, I've never been impressed by its receive specs. I used mine in the receive chain for AO-40, with a 30" BBQ Grill, Drake 2880 downconverter, and Khune preamp on the roof, and seldom ever got the S-meter to move off the left-hand peg. Still made plenty of contacts, but it was never arm-chair copy. I haven't seen the specs on the FCD, but I bet it's the better receiver. Couldn't possibly be worse... Greg KO6TH > From: w...@bellsouth.net > Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2011 10:07:06 -0500 > To: marklhamm...@gmail.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice > > For someone who already owns an Icom R-7000, a $20 Softrock kit with the > appropriate crystal for 10.7 MHz, connected to the IF output and a good sound > card, will be able to display a 96 kHz bandwidth. The Softrock in this case > would basically be a slave to the R-7000, whatever mode or frequency the > R-7000 can use, the Softrock would display on a monitor and output the audio. > A very inexpensive, yet very desirable addition to a station. > > There will soon (in a matter of weeks) be a UHFSDR available, which is a low > power TRANSCEIVER, at about the same price as the FCD, however that won't be > as simple as a plug and play USB device. > > There is also a $74 Softrock HF 1 watt transceiver available; I have one on > my bench which will be my next project. And there are also inexpensive > (under $100) kits for amplifiers with around 20 watts output available from > TAPR. > > Using these inexpensive devices, along with free software such as SDR-Radio > (by the same author of Ham Radio Deluxe) is an eye opening experience when > compared with many of today's expensive HF rigs. > > There are also 'beta' Softrocks that cover up to 144 MHz. The near future > certainly holds a lot of promise for even better inexpensive SDR > transceivers. The FCD looks like a great deal, and I plan to order one when > they become available again. > > 73 de Sebastian, W4AS > > > On Jan 4, 2011, at 7:21 AM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > > > I think the most significant difference between the FCD and the Softrocks > > is FREQUENCY, isn't it? Are there Softrocks that will do 64-1700 MHz? > > > > I don't remember for sure, but I thought the Softrocks are good only up to > > 30 or 50 MHz. The FCD is from 60-ish to 1.7GHz. That makes them apples > > to oranges in comparison. > > > > So, if I have this right, I would need a Softrock and what---two or three > > downconverters?--to cover just 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm. Oh, add a sound card. > > That's more than the cost of a FCD shipped to the US... > > > > If you're using an IF of a receiver, you need the receiver!! and the > > Softrock. And a sound card. > > > > I have three Softrock kits sitting on the bench right now, for those exact > > reasons above. The FCD is a one piece, plug and play solution for the > > bands I wanted to work (VHF, UHF). There really isn't a better option, > > far as I can tell... > > > > 73, > > > > Mark N8MH > > > > > > > > > > > > At 05:19 AM 1/4/2011 +, you wrote: > >> He could go with a 10.7 MHz fixed IF Softrock for about $30 (with the > >> special crystal) instead of $175 for the FCD and maybe have a chance at > >> getting one sooner than later if he really wanted to use it with the ICOM. > >> > >> A soundcard is needed for a softrock, but I have used a $50 USB one in the > >> past from China no problem if he can't use the built in one (like on a > >> laptop). > >> > >> Fred > >> > >> Jan 3, 2011 06:26:01 PM, amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org wrote: > >> > >> === > >> > >> > >> > >> > >>> Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 14:26:55 -0700 > >>> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org > >>> From: vlfis...@mcn.net > >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice > >>> > >>> At 06:25 PM 1/2/2011 -0500, marklhamm...@gmail.com wrote: > >>> > >>> I'm going to look into SDR. My Icom r-7100 has an IF out jack I could > >>> feed > >>> into a unit. > >>> > >> > >> That was my first thought too, but R-7000 receiver's IF is at 10.7 MHz and > >> the FCD only goes down to 64 MHz. > >> > >> On the other hand, the R7000's tuning range isn't that different from the > >> FCD, and I bet the FCD has better specs, so why bother with the receiver? > >> > >> Greg KO6TH > > > ___ > 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: Keeping Track of HO-68 et. al.
This also works very well with the AO-27 Java schedule lister... Unlike the AO-27 website, the schedule lister allows you to look at, or print, the satellite's operating schedule for any FUTURE date. Just print out a WinAOS schedule of visible passes and a scheduler list for each day, and you can quickly see which visible passes the satellite will turn "on" for your location. (While my son & I have happily made the schedule lister available for free, if you find it useful, please consider making a reasonable donation to AMSAT as a "thank you") George, KA3HSW AO-27 Java Schedule Lister available at http://sites.google.com/site/ao27satellitescheduler - Original Message - From: "John Papay" To: Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 3:27 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Keeping Track of HO-68 et. al. >I thought this might be helpful to those trying to > determine when HO-68 is workable from your qth. > > Every week on Sunday I use the program WinAOS in the > Programs Menu of SatPC32 to generate a list of visible > passes for all satellites that I operate. I set the > date for each day, starting at UTC. I set the > duration for just one day. The printer font is set so > one day fits on one page. I repeat this for each day > of the week. When I'm done I have a piece of paper for > each day of the week showing the satellites and the > times/elevation/azimuth for LOS/AOS. Then I go through > the list and underline certain passes I want to be on. > If there's an expedition, I mark the passes that seem > optimum. > > When the HO-68 schedule comes out, it is a simple matter > to run down through the times and match them up with the > passes on my visible list printout. I mark if it is linear > or FM and make any notes as to what might be on a particular > pass. The pass times are fairly consistent so you know right > away which ones will be on for your area. There is usually > one morning pass and two afternoon passes for EN91. > > WinAOS is just one of the many nice features of SatPC32. WinListen > will allow you to determine if there is a mutual window between two > locations. This is the way you get a contact with that distant > station. Determine the mutual windows and send them an email to > hopefully arrange a schedule. > > SatPC32 is sold by AMSAT and helps support the organization. DK1TB > is the author and donated the program to AMSAT. He provides updates > and excellent technical support. The program can run for weeks unattended > and never crash. This and the other programs like WinAOS and WinListen > are great reasons to be using it at your station. > > 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: K6LCS Site Validity
eHam is notorious for anonymous cowards. I would *never* write an article for them, as I don't feed the trolls! Anybody who knows you, knows the good you do to promote AMSAT. Jim KQ6EA On 01/05/2011 03:53 AM, Clint Bradford wrote: > Someone just visited the LINKS section on eHam, found my satellite site, and > entered this comment: > > "Question site validity that the funds actually go to. URL doesn't match > AMSAT at all." > > That person obviously knows little about me. And less about the AMSAT fund > raising widget program. The widget's script is what AMSAT sent to me, of > course. > > And, of course, those "Links" comments are all entered anonymously. > > So, you ignorant moron, please call AMSAT's home office to verify "where my > funds go." Since you do not trust me, just find the phone number yourself. It > is posted on the AMSAT-NA Web site. You can also find email contact info > there, too, for all current AMSAT board members. > > Un-freakin'-believable. > > 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] K6LCS Site Validity
Someone just visited the LINKS section on eHam, found my satellite site, and entered this comment: "Question site validity that the funds actually go to. URL doesn't match AMSAT at all." That person obviously knows little about me. And less about the AMSAT fund raising widget program. The widget's script is what AMSAT sent to me, of course. And, of course, those "Links" comments are all entered anonymously. So, you ignorant moron, please call AMSAT's home office to verify "where my funds go." Since you do not trust me, just find the phone number yourself. It is posted on the AMSAT-NA Web site. You can also find email contact info there, too, for all current AMSAT board members. Un-freakin'-believable. 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] Re: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports
Mark, I routinely work AO-51, AO-27, SO-50, HO-68 (FM) & SO-67 on my HT with. Homebrew dualband Yagi. Hope to work you soon. Sent from my iPod Rick Tejera Editor, SACnews Saguaro Astronomy Club www.saguaroastro.org K7TEJ On Jan 4, 2011, at 18:09, "Andrew Rich" wrote: > I have been out of the loop for a while > > Can someone help me with what birds I can pick up on a HT ? > > - Andrew VK4TEC - > > > - Original Message - > From: "Mark L. Hammond" > To: "w4upd" ; > Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 9:40 AM > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports > > >> Thanks, Reid. One of the challenges for the command stations is that >> sometimes we're working on the digital side of the bird (435.150) and >> therefore can't easily tell what is going on with the 435.300 side. So >> reports are very helpful. >> >> Yes, we figure people will like the 1.47 Watt signals! It spoils >> you...that's up from around 500 mW a few days ago. That's the benefit of >> running one transmitter at a time...there is quite a bit of power >> available when you don't have to share the available current between 2 >> transmittters :) >> >> Again, thanks for the report. >> >> 73, >> >> Mark N8MH >> >> At 06:13 PM 1/4/2011 -0500, w4upd wrote: >>> I worked a number of stations here in Melbourne, Florida during that >>> pass. AO-51 was coming quite good and I didn't even have my 70cm preamp >>> on during the entire pass while working the stations with omni antennas >>> that are not the same. The 70cm downlink was copied using a 2 meter >>> $2.50 homebrew groundplane for the 70cm downlink. >>> >>> Reid, W4UPD >>> >>> >>> >>> On 1/4/2011 5:59 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: Thanks to our many friends for their posts about AO-51 activity! It is very helpful. I think our international colleagues are winning by a landslide... I must admit a bit of disappointment though that many passes over the East coast of the US go without a report...*please* consider posting that AO-51 was active. Just one report is helpful and confirms that the bird remains active. Did anybody work AO-51 during the 4:45pm pass today?? Thanks, Mark N8MH At 03:50 PM 12/30/2010 -0500, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > Hell All, > > The command team could really use your help. If you work AO-51 (or > hear it) and there isn't a recent entry, please make a report entry > here http://oscar.dcarr.org/ so we know all is well. > > Things are touch-and-go now that we are experiencing eclipses, and > reports on the OSCAR Status Page that the bird is up and functional are > extremely helpful. > > We do expect the transmitter to go OFF during eclipse, but eclipses are > only a couple minutes or less at the moment. > > Thanks for your help! > > > > > 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 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 >>> >>> ___ >>> 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 >> >> >> 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 > > ___ > 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] Res: Receiving Packet using MixW?
Hi Trevor, If my memory does not fail, try this: Make sure you check the sound card configurations, check the level of line-in is a good level audio, based on the waterfall with the radio on and the open squelshe. Also check the connection between audio output of radio and line-in PC. Go to "Mode", select "Packet", still in "Mode" go to "Settings Mode" in "General" tab, "Incomings MyCalls" putting your call sign. In the tab "Modem" choice "VHF 1200 baud (Standard 1200/2200Hz)", click OK to finish. To connect a station go to "Mode", "Connect" in the "My Call" put your call, in the "Remote" put the call of the desired station, Click the "Connect", is done. VY 73 de Carlos Paoli - PY2FFZ De: Trevor . Para: amsat-bb@amsat.org Enviadas: Terça-feira, 4 de Janeiro de 2011 18:40:13 Assunto: [amsat-bb] Receiving Packet using MixW? Hi, I'm trying to receive 1200bps FM packet using the MixW program but am unable to get it to decode anything. If anyone has had success with this program or can point me to an idiots guide to setting it up please contact me off-list. 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ 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: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports
I have been out of the loop for a while Can someone help me with what birds I can pick up on a HT ? - Andrew VK4TEC - - Original Message - From: "Mark L. Hammond" To: "w4upd" ; Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 9:40 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports > Thanks, Reid. One of the challenges for the command stations is that > sometimes we're working on the digital side of the bird (435.150) and > therefore can't easily tell what is going on with the 435.300 side. So > reports are very helpful. > > Yes, we figure people will like the 1.47 Watt signals! It spoils > you...that's up from around 500 mW a few days ago. That's the benefit of > running one transmitter at a time...there is quite a bit of power > available when you don't have to share the available current between 2 > transmittters :) > > Again, thanks for the report. > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > At 06:13 PM 1/4/2011 -0500, w4upd wrote: >>I worked a number of stations here in Melbourne, Florida during that >>pass. AO-51 was coming quite good and I didn't even have my 70cm preamp >>on during the entire pass while working the stations with omni antennas >>that are not the same. The 70cm downlink was copied using a 2 meter >>$2.50 homebrew groundplane for the 70cm downlink. >> >>Reid, W4UPD >> >> >> >>On 1/4/2011 5:59 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: >>> Thanks to our many friends for their posts about AO-51 activity! It is >>> very helpful. I think our international colleagues are winning by a >>> landslide... >>> >>> I must admit a bit of disappointment though that many passes over the >>> East coast of the US go without a report...*please* consider posting >>> that AO-51 was active. Just one report is helpful and confirms that the >>> bird remains active. >>> >>> Did anybody work AO-51 during the 4:45pm pass today?? >>> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> Mark N8MH >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> At 03:50 PM 12/30/2010 -0500, Mark L. Hammond wrote: Hell All, The command team could really use your help. If you work AO-51 (or hear it) and there isn't a recent entry, please make a report entry here http://oscar.dcarr.org/ so we know all is well. Things are touch-and-go now that we are experiencing eclipses, and reports on the OSCAR Status Page that the bird is up and functional are extremely helpful. We do expect the transmitter to go OFF during eclipse, but eclipses are only a couple minutes or less at the moment. Thanks for your help! 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 >>> >>> 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 >>> >> >>___ >>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 > > > 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 ___ 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: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports
Thanks, Reid. One of the challenges for the command stations is that sometimes we're working on the digital side of the bird (435.150) and therefore can't easily tell what is going on with the 435.300 side. So reports are very helpful. Yes, we figure people will like the 1.47 Watt signals! It spoils you...that's up from around 500 mW a few days ago. That's the benefit of running one transmitter at a time...there is quite a bit of power available when you don't have to share the available current between 2 transmittters :) Again, thanks for the report. 73, Mark N8MH At 06:13 PM 1/4/2011 -0500, w4upd wrote: >I worked a number of stations here in Melbourne, Florida during that >pass. AO-51 was coming quite good and I didn't even have my 70cm preamp >on during the entire pass while working the stations with omni antennas >that are not the same. The 70cm downlink was copied using a 2 meter >$2.50 homebrew groundplane for the 70cm downlink. > >Reid, W4UPD > > > >On 1/4/2011 5:59 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: >> Thanks to our many friends for their posts about AO-51 activity! It is very >> helpful. I think our international colleagues are winning by a landslide... >> >> I must admit a bit of disappointment though that many passes over the East >> coast of the US go without a report...*please* consider posting that AO-51 >> was active. Just one report is helpful and confirms that the bird remains >> active. >> >> Did anybody work AO-51 during the 4:45pm pass today?? >> >> Thanks, >> >> Mark N8MH >> >> >> >> >> At 03:50 PM 12/30/2010 -0500, Mark L. Hammond wrote: >>> Hell All, >>> >>> The command team could really use your help. If you work AO-51 (or hear >>> it) and there isn't a recent entry, please make a report entry here >>> http://oscar.dcarr.org/ so we know all is well. >>> >>> Things are touch-and-go now that we are experiencing eclipses, and reports >>> on the OSCAR Status Page that the bird is up and functional are extremely >>> helpful. >>> >>> We do expect the transmitter to go OFF during eclipse, but eclipses are >>> only a couple minutes or less at the moment. >>> >>> Thanks for your help! >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> 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 >> >> 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 >> > >___ >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 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] Re: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports
I worked a number of stations here in Melbourne, Florida during that pass. AO-51 was coming quite good and I didn't even have my 70cm preamp on during the entire pass while working the stations with omni antennas that are not the same. The 70cm downlink was copied using a 2 meter $2.50 homebrew groundplane for the 70cm downlink. Reid, W4UPD On 1/4/2011 5:59 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > Thanks to our many friends for their posts about AO-51 activity! It is very > helpful. I think our international colleagues are winning by a landslide... > > I must admit a bit of disappointment though that many passes over the East > coast of the US go without a report...*please* consider posting that AO-51 > was active. Just one report is helpful and confirms that the bird remains > active. > > Did anybody work AO-51 during the 4:45pm pass today?? > > Thanks, > > Mark N8MH > > > > > At 03:50 PM 12/30/2010 -0500, Mark L. Hammond wrote: >> Hell All, >> >> The command team could really use your help. If you work AO-51 (or hear it) >> and there isn't a recent entry, please make a report entry here >> http://oscar.dcarr.org/ so we know all is well. >> >> Things are touch-and-go now that we are experiencing eclipses, and reports >> on the OSCAR Status Page that the bird is up and functional are extremely >> helpful. >> >> We do expect the transmitter to go OFF during eclipse, but eclipses are only >> a couple minutes or less at the moment. >> >> Thanks for your help! >> >> >> >> >> 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 > > 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 > ___ 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: Helped needed--AO-51 activity reports
Thanks to our many friends for their posts about AO-51 activity! It is very helpful. I think our international colleagues are winning by a landslide... I must admit a bit of disappointment though that many passes over the East coast of the US go without a report...*please* consider posting that AO-51 was active. Just one report is helpful and confirms that the bird remains active. Did anybody work AO-51 during the 4:45pm pass today?? Thanks, Mark N8MH At 03:50 PM 12/30/2010 -0500, Mark L. Hammond wrote: >Hell All, > >The command team could really use your help. If you work AO-51 (or hear it) >and there isn't a recent entry, please make a report entry here >http://oscar.dcarr.org/ so we know all is well. > >Things are touch-and-go now that we are experiencing eclipses, and reports on >the OSCAR Status Page that the bird is up and functional are extremely helpful. > >We do expect the transmitter to go OFF during eclipse, but eclipses are only a >couple minutes or less at the moment. > >Thanks for your help! > > > > >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 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] An explanation of the word whinging - from an Englishman's perspective.
Sir, Herewith, an explanation of the term whinging ... Some dictionaries give the definition of whinging as complaining while others derine it as complaining in a continual whining manner ... the keyword being 'continual'. The colloquial 'Manchester' definition of whinging is a repetitive comment - as has been noted several times on various reflectors --- (ergo - 'continual'). One particular station stated he resented being referred to as a whinger ... No offence was intended on my part but if offence was inadvertantly taken, I sincerely apologise. 73 John. NB. Despite the LA callsign, I am! a Limey from Manchester so perhaps I should have chosen my words a little more carefully, again ... no offence was intended. ___ 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] Keeping Track of HO-68 et. al.
I thought this might be helpful to those trying to determine when HO-68 is workable from your qth. Every week on Sunday I use the program WinAOS in the Programs Menu of SatPC32 to generate a list of visible passes for all satellites that I operate. I set the date for each day, starting at UTC. I set the duration for just one day. The printer font is set so one day fits on one page. I repeat this for each day of the week. When I'm done I have a piece of paper for each day of the week showing the satellites and the times/elevation/azimuth for LOS/AOS. Then I go through the list and underline certain passes I want to be on. If there's an expedition, I mark the passes that seem optimum. When the HO-68 schedule comes out, it is a simple matter to run down through the times and match them up with the passes on my visible list printout. I mark if it is linear or FM and make any notes as to what might be on a particular pass. The pass times are fairly consistent so you know right away which ones will be on for your area. There is usually one morning pass and two afternoon passes for EN91. WinAOS is just one of the many nice features of SatPC32. WinListen will allow you to determine if there is a mutual window between two locations. This is the way you get a contact with that distant station. Determine the mutual windows and send them an email to hopefully arrange a schedule. SatPC32 is sold by AMSAT and helps support the organization. DK1TB is the author and donated the program to AMSAT. He provides updates and excellent technical support. The program can run for weeks unattended and never crash. This and the other programs like WinAOS and WinListen are great reasons to be using it at your station. 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] Receiving Packet using MixW?
Hi, I'm trying to receive 1200bps FM packet using the MixW program but am unable to get it to decode anything. If anyone has had success with this program or can point me to an idiots guide to setting it up please contact me off-list. 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ 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: first 1000 QSOs
just a test of Reply function ___ 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] Satellite Presentation at Murray State University, KY
AMSAT area coordinator Clint Bradford, K6LCS, will be presenting his "Working Amateur Satellites With Your HT" session at the February 1, 2011 meeting of the Murray State University Amateur Radio Club. ALL are welcome to attend. "MSUARC has been serving their region for fifty years," writes Clint. "I am really looking forward to meeting the group!" (Wait a sec - isn't Clint in California? What is he doing in Kentucky? Too many frequent flier miles?) Clint's out in Southern California - but has prepared a custom slideshow for MSUARC, which will be displayed as Skype handles the session's audio. "I'd much rather be there in person - but this arrangement has worked quite successfully in the past. We'll have a great time!" Attendees should visit Clint's Web site ahead of time at ... http://www.work-sat.com ... and download the four-page .pdf tutorial. And he welcomes pre- presentation questions - call him at 909-241-7666 (cell) or send email to cl...@clintbradford.com . /end/ ___ 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] K5VGUs Portable EM67 Results
Just a small note to say a BIG thanks for all the contacts while I was on vacation (working portable) in Kentucky for Christmas. I had a good time and the bad weather held off until Christmas - we had a white Christmas on top of it all. I was able to work 5 passes on AO-27 and SO-50 combined ( four on 12/23 and 1 on 12/25 ) and successfully made 27 contacts. The pass on 12/25 was straight TH-F6A HT and its Diamond SRH77CA antenna. The others were worked via my "replica" arrow and mobile rigs in my truck. Thanks to all operators that QSOd with me...I had a blast, as usual! I have started sending out QSL cards for these contacts, so, IF you need EM67, please email me the details of our QSO so that I can be sure not to leave you out. Already have N8RO, AA5CK, and KE4KOL on my list. Finally, I did NOT make it to EM68 this trip, but will be in EM67 several times throughout the year, so I anticipate getting to EM68 at some point. I will provide details when the time comes. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL. See you on the birds. 73 de K5VGU Globe Life Insurance $1* Buys $50,000 Life Insurance. Adults or Children. No Medical Exam. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4d235e27c69a2a27720st01duc ___ 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: HO-68 comments.
I resent being called a whinger! An observation was given and I concurred. I have no problem with them doing what they want since it is their satellite and I think everyone else feels the same. I stated a fact, and may help others hoping to hear certain areas of the country on the bird and not understand why they are not hearing them. We have many other satellites to use and I endeavor to use them when I can. Regards, Reid, W4UPD Amsat: 17002 On 1/4/2011 4:50 AM, John Hackett wrote: > Once again, I note the whinging about HO-68's orbit not being suitable for a > particular station ... or two. > > I'd like to remind the gentlemen concerned that HO-68's on time is NOT > designed to favour one particular area. Please remember, it's a Chinese > satellite and we should abide by and respect their decision of when to > activate the transponder. > > For my own use,the HO-68 late afternoon GMT 'on' times are optimum. > > Conversly, I 'could' complain about the ISS orbit - (but I don't) -only > 'seeing it at max 6 degrees for 90 seconds every 2 days - (read: unworkable > from my QTH), dirro SO-50, AO-27 and VO-52. > > What may be poor for one operator could be optimum for another. > > Please remember, the world consists of more than The United States Of America > and Southern Europe. > > 73 John. > ___ 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: ISS visable
I have the same set-up and problem. I haven't tried it yet but a wise and trusted friend told me the issue was a saggy power supply in the controller. When the motors were running there was less voltage to the end of the pot for position information and when the motors stop more voltage and bang position error that needs to be corrected. motors back on etc. He suggested large electrolytics on the dc rail and smaller caps on the position voltage. all external to the controller so easy to try but too busy to play right now. Another alternative was additional voltage regulation on the ends of the pots. If it works please let me know. John KN4GE From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] on behalf of Jim Jerzycke [kq...@verizon.net] Sent: 04 January 2011 00:03 To: gerhardst...@montana.com Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ISS visable What tracking program are you running? I know in the "Rotor Setup" of SatPC32 there are parameters that you can adjust that will 'smooth out' a lot of the start/stop jerkiness. You can command the rotor to move at specified time intervals, or when the tracked object changes position by an adjustable number of degrees. You also have to consider the pattern of your antenna. If the 3dB points of your antenna are 30*, it makes _no_ sense to move them every 5*. The first time I ran a PC controlled Az/El setup I was using one of the "Ultimate Charger" controllers, and I didn't think to 'open up' the dead-band setting. I thought the antennas were going to shake themselves (and the tower!) apart. I don't recall the settings I'm using with SatPC32 and my Fox Delta LVB 'clone', but it tracks very smoothly. with little antenna shake. Jim KQ6EA On 01/04/2011 01:00 AM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: > My 5500 az/el does the same thing. > > Larry W7IN > > On 1/2/2011 6:53 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote: > >> Happy New Year >> >> I just watched the ISS pass over Seattle. Always glad to help! I was >> watching my satellite array track the ISS and noticed how "jerky" it is >> every time it increments. I have a 5400 az/el with LVB tracker. Made me >> wonder if I could get more life out of the rotors if there were a "soft >> start" of sorts for the rotors. The bouncing back and forth with each >> adjustment made me think the gears are getting a workout. >> >> 73 Bob W7LRD >> >> Seattle >> ___ >> Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> > ___ > 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] HO-68 comments.
Once again, I note the whinging about HO-68's orbit not being suitable for a particular station ... or two. I'd like to remind the gentlemen concerned that HO-68's on time is NOT designed to favour one particular area. Please remember, it's a Chinese satellite and we should abide by and respect their decision of when to activate the transponder. For my own use,the HO-68 late afternoon GMT 'on' times are optimum. Conversly, I 'could' complain about the ISS orbit - (but I don't) -only 'seeing it at max 6 degrees for 90 seconds every 2 days - (read: unworkable from my QTH), dirro SO-50, AO-27 and VO-52. What may be poor for one operator could be optimum for another. Please remember, the world consists of more than The United States Of America and Southern Europe. 73 John. ___ 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: Need Advice for SDR choice
For someone who already owns an Icom R-7000, a $20 Softrock kit with the appropriate crystal for 10.7 MHz, connected to the IF output and a good sound card, will be able to display a 96 kHz bandwidth. The Softrock in this case would basically be a slave to the R-7000, whatever mode or frequency the R-7000 can use, the Softrock would display on a monitor and output the audio. A very inexpensive, yet very desirable addition to a station. There will soon (in a matter of weeks) be a UHFSDR available, which is a low power TRANSCEIVER, at about the same price as the FCD, however that won't be as simple as a plug and play USB device. There is also a $74 Softrock HF 1 watt transceiver available; I have one on my bench which will be my next project. And there are also inexpensive (under $100) kits for amplifiers with around 20 watts output available from TAPR. Using these inexpensive devices, along with free software such as SDR-Radio (by the same author of Ham Radio Deluxe) is an eye opening experience when compared with many of today's expensive HF rigs. There are also 'beta' Softrocks that cover up to 144 MHz. The near future certainly holds a lot of promise for even better inexpensive SDR transceivers. The FCD looks like a great deal, and I plan to order one when they become available again. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jan 4, 2011, at 7:21 AM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > I think the most significant difference between the FCD and the Softrocks is > FREQUENCY, isn't it? Are there Softrocks that will do 64-1700 MHz? > > I don't remember for sure, but I thought the Softrocks are good only up to 30 > or 50 MHz. The FCD is from 60-ish to 1.7GHz. That makes them apples to > oranges in comparison. > > So, if I have this right, I would need a Softrock and what---two or three > downconverters?--to cover just 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm. Oh, add a sound card. > That's more than the cost of a FCD shipped to the US... > > If you're using an IF of a receiver, you need the receiver!! and the > Softrock. And a sound card. > > I have three Softrock kits sitting on the bench right now, for those exact > reasons above. The FCD is a one piece, plug and play solution for the bands > I wanted to work (VHF, UHF). There really isn't a better option, far as I > can tell... > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > > > > > At 05:19 AM 1/4/2011 +, you wrote: >> He could go with a 10.7 MHz fixed IF Softrock for about $30 (with the >> special crystal) instead of $175 for the FCD and maybe have a chance at >> getting one sooner than later if he really wanted to use it with the ICOM. >> >> A soundcard is needed for a softrock, but I have used a $50 USB one in the >> past from China no problem if he can't use the built in one (like on a >> laptop). >> >> Fred >> >> Jan 3, 2011 06:26:01 PM, amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org wrote: >> >> === >> >> >> >> >>> Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 14:26:55 -0700 >>> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >>> From: vlfis...@mcn.net >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice >>> >>> At 06:25 PM 1/2/2011 -0500, marklhamm...@gmail.com wrote: >>> >>> I'm going to look into SDR. My Icom r-7100 has an IF out jack I could feed >>> into a unit. >>> >> >> That was my first thought too, but R-7000 receiver's IF is at 10.7 MHz and >> the FCD only goes down to 64 MHz. >> >> On the other hand, the R7000's tuning range isn't that different from the >> FCD, and I bet the FCD has better specs, so why bother with the receiver? >> >> Greg KO6TH ___ 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: Need Advice for SDR choice
I would echo Mark's comments regarding the FCD. I was also lucky enough to receive one of the first batch and have been experimenting ever since. The device is excellent, its stability and performance is remarkable throughout its intended operating range. If you enjoyed Softrock at HF then for VHF and above this little unit is your next step. And of course it's supporting the Funcube Project. David G8OQW http://www.funcubedongle.com/ http://funcube.org.uk/ -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mark L. Hammond Sent: 04 January 2011 12:21 To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice I think the most significant difference between the FCD and the Softrocks is FREQUENCY, isn't it? Are there Softrocks that will do 64-1700 MHz? I don't remember for sure, but I thought the Softrocks are good only up to 30 or 50 MHz. The FCD is from 60-ish to 1.7GHz. That makes them apples to oranges in comparison. So, if I have this right, I would need a Softrock and what---two or three downconverters?--to cover just 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm. Oh, add a sound card. That's more than the cost of a FCD shipped to the US... If you're using an IF of a receiver, you need the receiver!! and the Softrock. And a sound card. I have three Softrock kits sitting on the bench right now, for those exact reasons above. The FCD is a one piece, plug and play solution for the bands I wanted to work (VHF, UHF). There really isn't a better option, far as I can tell... 73, Mark 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] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice
I think the most significant difference between the FCD and the Softrocks is FREQUENCY, isn't it? Are there Softrocks that will do 64-1700 MHz? I don't remember for sure, but I thought the Softrocks are good only up to 30 or 50 MHz. The FCD is from 60-ish to 1.7GHz. That makes them apples to oranges in comparison. So, if I have this right, I would need a Softrock and what---two or three downconverters?--to cover just 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm. Oh, add a sound card. That's more than the cost of a FCD shipped to the US... If you're using an IF of a receiver, you need the receiver!! and the Softrock. And a sound card. I have three Softrock kits sitting on the bench right now, for those exact reasons above. The FCD is a one piece, plug and play solution for the bands I wanted to work (VHF, UHF). There really isn't a better option, far as I can tell... 73, Mark N8MH At 05:19 AM 1/4/2011 +, you wrote: >He could go with a 10.7 MHz fixed IF Softrock for about $30 (with the special >crystal) instead of $175 for the FCD and maybe have a chance at getting one >sooner than later if he really wanted to use it with the ICOM. > >A soundcard is needed for a softrock, but I have used a $50 USB one in the >past from China no problem if he can't use the built in one (like on a laptop). > >Fred > >Jan 3, 2011 06:26:01 PM, amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org wrote: > >=== > > > > >> Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 14:26:55 -0700 >> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >> From: vlfis...@mcn.net >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice >> >> At 06:25 PM 1/2/2011 -0500, marklhamm...@gmail.com wrote: >> >> I'm going to look into SDR. My Icom r-7100 has an IF out jack I could feed >> into a unit. >> > >That was my first thought too, but R-7000 receiver's IF is at 10.7 MHz and the >FCD only goes down to 64 MHz. > >On the other hand, the R7000's tuning range isn't that different from the FCD, >and I bet the FCD has better specs, so why bother with the receiver? > >Greg KO6TH > > >___ >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 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
