[amsat-bb] VUCC FEE
My division director recommends email your concerns to Dave Patton (n...@arrl.org) and copy their Division Director as well so lets flood them Im looking to AMSAT for new awards WA4HFN Damon ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: AMSAT-UK - Next Cttee Mtg 26 March
Hi All, Here is some good news just released by the UK Space Agency about the UKube-1 project. You will see that the FUNcube system is formally part of the project. Whilst the release does not mention the FUNcube linear U/V transponder function during evenings and weekend, this functionality will be included in the same way that it is planned for the actual FUNcube-1 cubesat itself! The FUNcube development team is looking forward to the extra challenge of producing two sets of everything in the very short timescales required by both projects:) best 73 Graham G3VZV ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] UKuke-1 Announcement
Sorry this time WITH the relevant link! http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx - Original Message - From: Graham Shirville To: amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:42 PM Subject: Re: AMSAT-UK - Next Cttee Mtg 26 March Hi All, Here is some good news just released by the UK Space Agency about the UKube-1 project. You will see that the FUNcube system is formally part of the project. Whilst the release does not mention the FUNcube linear U/V transponder function during evenings and weekend, this functionality will be included in the same way that it is planned for the actual FUNcube-1 cubesat itself! The FUNcube development team is looking forward to the extra challenge of producing two sets of everything in the very short timescales required by both projects:) best 73 Graham G3VZV ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: ARISSAT-1
Today the Soyuz was moved to the launch pad - I assume with ARISSat onboard. Roll-out video from tvroscosmos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IF8V8212W0 73 Alex OZ9AEC On Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 6:58 PM, Gould Smith gould...@bellsouth.net wrote: Hello John, There is current information about ARISSat on the front page of the AMSAT Web site. We will use the AMSAT Web site as well as weekly ANS bulletins to release information about ARISSat during the next three weeks. Launch to the ISS 28 Jan 2011 EVA to deploy ARISSat on 16 Feb 2011. The transmitter will turn on 15 minutes after the safety switches are activated. The procedure is to activate the safety switches then push the satellite away from the ISS. 73, Gould, WA4SXM - Original Message - From: jcowe...@comcast.net To: Amsat Bulletin Board amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 11:39 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] ARISSAT-1 What is the projected active date for ARISSAT-1?? John Owens - N7TK Celebrating over 50 Years in Ham Radio No. 1 Honor Roll ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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-BB@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: APRS via Satellite
And this is how it looks like in the dark, in passes when it is dark outside, but when ISS is still 'flying' in sunligth: you hear see ISS on your THD7 ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSFVTN2KKog (best seen in HD, as ISS is a bright, yet tiny little dot moving in the sky) Henk, PA3GUO Which APRS satellites are active and may be reached with a Kenwood THD-72? I'm trying to get some people interested in our hobby. Well, the easiest and best is the ISS. Your normal terrestrial APRS settings should work just fine. Just listen on 145.825 during mid-day in the Northern Hemisphere and you can't miss it. I hear it every day. Of course it is moving earlier about 20 minutes a day, so use your tracking program to give you exact times. Bob, WB4APR ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] HO68 status
Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. 73s John AA5JG ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht
Good afternoon all - As I am officially hooked after my first week of operating the satellites, I am trying to gain a bit better operating setup. I love the arrow and tripod that I am using and find the Yaesu FT60 to be perfectly suitable. I am thinking that operating duplex would be a big help so that I will know if I am making it into the hectic afternoon passes of AO51. I'm not thrilled with having extra stuff to lug in and out, front yard and back etc... but I want to do what's best for making contacts. Is there a group consensus of whether 1 HT that is true duplex or running two HT's is a better formula? I's love to hear your thoughts, Zach ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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 Status
... Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. Just to be absolutely clear and accurate, the AMSAT page refers us to the official page of the project. It is the HO-68 project team's non-updating that is to be faulted, and by no means AMSAT's. I mean, if the actual project's site isn't being maintained ... we cannot fault those who point to it. Sorry, John ... I just answered another message elsewhere that demeaned AMSAT for no legitimate reason ... Clint gets a little defensive at times ... (grin) Clint, K6LCS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht
Zach, there are a lot of VUCC's out there that use exactly what you have... Most here will argue that you HAVE to be duplexa lot get by without it The way AO51 has been lately, I don't think it would matter if you were sitting on top of it trying to get in !! Good luck in the contest 73, Ted K7TRK -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of zach hillerson Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 12:20 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht Good afternoon all - As I am officially hooked after my first week of operating the satellites, I am trying to gain a bit better operating setup. I love the arrow and tripod that I am using and find the Yaesu FT60 to be perfectly suitable. I am thinking that operating duplex would be a big help so that I will know if I am making it into the hectic afternoon passes of AO51. I'm not thrilled with having extra stuff to lug in and out, front yard and back etc... but I want to do what's best for making contacts. Is there a group consensus of whether 1 HT that is true duplex or running two HT's is a better formula? I's love to hear your thoughts, Zach ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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: 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht
On 1/26/2011 4:00 PM, Ted wrote: Zach, there are a lot of VUCC's out there that use exactly what you have... Most here will argue that you HAVE to be duplexa lot get by without it No, just that it is a more productive and considerate way of operating. A lot of the congestion you hear on AO-51 is due to stations either not knowing, or not caring, that they are in competition for the uplink. Full duplex takes care of half of that. Things are also MUCH different when AO-51 is over the west coast with it's considerably lower density of hams. To answer your question Zach, it's all about your personal budget and needs. Adding a 2nd HT is probably the cheapest route, but adds more complication than a single full duplex HT. Maybe you could try borrowing an HT to try it with two? If you want to go with a single full duplex HT, there are lots of older ones out there in good condition used. I saw an FT-530 the other day with a ton of accessories going for less than a new single band. That is one of the finest full duplex radios ever made for satellites. Another trick is to take the Arrow off the tripod and hold it by hand where you can rapidly twist it to peak the signal due to polarity differences. With full duplex you can even do this while transmitting to clear up a ratty uplink. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTqjQ9xIQQE for an example of how much polarity plays in signal strength on AO-51 with an Arrow (or Elk, or any linear antenna). 73, and good luck on the air, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht
I will second Drew on the FT-530. I picked one up for under $200 that was in awesome condition and it is the best HT I have ever owned (and I have been through a bunch). If you are even luckier, you might find one with the MH-29 speaker mic that has a LCD display on it. You can adjust the downlink frequency with this mic and even see the frequency on it. I also found some massive batteries from WW manufacturing that make this radio run forever. For some other full duplex options, you might consider a Kenwood TH-D72. I haven't tried one, but I have seen good reviews on it as a full duplex handheld. It's a little pricey ($500) and unless you want the APRS in it, I would seriously consider an FT-530 or the predecessor to the D72 which is the Kenwood TH-D7A which can be picked up on eBay or elsewhere for a decent price. I would not recommend the Alinco DJ-G7 for full duplex. They are priced good and will do full duplex, but the receiver has a densense problem when you transmit on 2m. It's a good radio otherwise, but the full duplex performance is very poor unless signals are extremely strong (as in local repeater strong). I first started using two FT-60s in the beginning and I understand Zach's problem with lugging everything in and out of the house. Two HTs work just fine, but if you are really serious about satellites, I would highly recommend a full duplex HT. Good luck, Tyler Nicholas K5TDN Sent from my iPhone On Jan 26, 2011, at 3:26 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: On 1/26/2011 4:00 PM, Ted wrote: Zach, there are a lot of VUCC's out there that use exactly what you have... Most here will argue that you HAVE to be duplexa lot get by without it No, just that it is a more productive and considerate way of operating. A lot of the congestion you hear on AO-51 is due to stations either not knowing, or not caring, that they are in competition for the uplink. Full duplex takes care of half of that. Things are also MUCH different when AO-51 is over the west coast with it's considerably lower density of hams. To answer your question Zach, it's all about your personal budget and needs. Adding a 2nd HT is probably the cheapest route, but adds more complication than a single full duplex HT. Maybe you could try borrowing an HT to try it with two? If you want to go with a single full duplex HT, there are lots of older ones out there in good condition used. I saw an FT-530 the other day with a ton of accessories going for less than a new single band. That is one of the finest full duplex radios ever made for satellites. Another trick is to take the Arrow off the tripod and hold it by hand where you can rapidly twist it to peak the signal due to polarity differences. With full duplex you can even do this while transmitting to clear up a ratty uplink. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTqjQ9xIQQE for an example of how much polarity plays in signal strength on AO-51 with an Arrow (or Elk, or any linear antenna). 73, and good luck on the air, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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: UKuke-1 Announcement
That is good news. Also, I see bids are being solicited from anyone / any team who would like to form the official U-Kube ground station for the 1 year duration of the mission. There are a list of 20 requirements for the ground station at: _http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/20701.aspx_ (http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/20701.aspx) Two are fairly easy. 1) Must have full amateur radio license. 2) Antenna must have RH and LH polarisation. 73 David In a message dated 26/01/2011 17:33:32 GMT Standard Time, g.shirvi...@btinternet.com writes: Sorry this time WITH the relevant link! _http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx_ (http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx) - Original Message - From: _Graham Shirville_ (mailto:g.shirvi...@btinternet.com) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] Fwd: Re: Re: UKuke-1 Announcement
#21--must be from UK! :) http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/assets/pdf/UKUBEAOGS.pdf UK-based entities are invited to submit a proposal for Ground Segment support on this pilot mission. 73, Mark N8MH At 06:22 PM 1/26/2011 -0500, you wrote: That is good news. Also, I see bids are being solicited from anyone / any team who would like to form the official U-Kube ground station for the 1 year duration of the mission. There are a list of 20 requirements for the ground station at: _http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/20701.aspx_ (http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/20701.aspx) Two are fairly easy. 1) Must have full amateur radio license. 2) Antenna must have RH and LH polarisation. 73 David In a message dated 26/01/2011 17:33:32 GMT Standard Time, g.shirvi...@btinternet.com writes: Sorry this time WITH the relevant link! _http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx_ (http://www.ukspaceagency.bis.gov.uk/21973.aspx) - Original Message - From: _Graham Shirville_ (mailto:g.shirvi...@btinternet.com) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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: Antenna Observations/Question
a coat hanger will some what work also. But I really guess that age old saying of - you get what you pay for Best sums it up. In a Dirty Harry voice - do you want it to just work or work great? ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] FW: 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht
From: summit...@live.com To: qstick...@yahoo.com Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:01:37 -0800 Hello I too am recently addicted, I dont know exactly what you are using, I do not have a duplex rig, and am reluctant to get one considering all the controversy, and real full duplex and so on. I do know that ANY dual band antenna and ANY dual band and duplex whatever you are compromising. Try and cram everything in one rig and one antenna one coax It is just not as good as 2 seperate stations period. Unless you are gonna spend all kinds of money on one of those dream radios, you know? I wrote an article on my attemps and failures starting out with the sats, nvllrc.org FM Satellites section. A friend of mine made a little web site recently and let me put sat stuff on there. It is brand new so dont expect much, but I put all the usefull info I had at the end of the story, I will be adding a bunch of stuff this week that I found. What we use is in there, I think we spoiled ourselves with fairly good equip to start out. It is definately not great but works really well. So anyway, just thought I would give you my 2 cents. I find it really nice to have a totally different radio, ant, coax, for the receive, I can hear all the birds clear as day! But we need another SSB rig to work the big boy sats, I am dying to do that! I will be on this weekend, I didnt get your call so I dont know how far you are but I would love to try a pre aranged contact??? New Guy Kevin KF7MYK DM09 Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:19:40 -0800 From: qstick...@yahoo.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] 2 ht vs. 1-duplex ht Good afternoon all - As I am officially hooked after my first week of operating the satellites, I am trying to gain a bit better operating setup. I love the arrow and tripod that I am using and find the Yaesu FT60 to be perfectly suitable. I am thinking that operating duplex would be a big help so that I will know if I am making it into the hectic afternoon passes of AO51. I'm not thrilled with having extra stuff to lug in and out, front yard and back etc... but I want to do what's best for making contacts. Is there a group consensus of whether 1 HT that is true duplex or running two HT's is a better formula? I's love to hear your thoughts, Zach ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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] FW: Re: HO-68 Status
From: summit...@live.com To: clintbra...@earthlink.net Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: HO-68 Status Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:08:41 -0800 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2010/ho68_schedule_2301.htm I just found this one... I will be on this weekend maybe we could try a prearanged attempt on some of the birds? Kevin KF7MYK From: clintbra...@earthlink.net Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:30:39 -0800 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HO-68 Status ... Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. Just to be absolutely clear and accurate, the AMSAT page refers us to the official page of the project. It is the HO-68 project team's non-updating that is to be faulted, and by no means AMSAT's. I mean, if the actual project's site isn't being maintained ... we cannot fault those who point to it. Sorry, John ... I just answered another message elsewhere that demeaned AMSAT for no legitimate reason ... Clint gets a little defensive at times ... (grin) Clint, K6LCS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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: FW: Re: HO-68 Status
That's the 2010 schedule. HO68 had some issues last week, so I'd watch for an email from the command team for news on when it returns to service. 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone On Jan 26, 2011, at 8:09 PM, Kevin Deane summit...@live.com wrote: From: summit...@live.com To: clintbra...@earthlink.net Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: HO-68 Status Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:08:41 -0800 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2010/ho68_schedule_2301.htm I just found this one... I will be on this weekend maybe we could try a prearanged attempt on some of the birds? Kevin KF7MYK From: clintbra...@earthlink.net Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:30:39 -0800 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HO-68 Status ... Is there a webpage that shows the current on/off times for HO68? The one that you link to from the satellite status page on the AMSAT website hasn't been updated since December. Just to be absolutely clear and accurate, the AMSAT page refers us to the official page of the project. It is the HO-68 project team's non-updating that is to be faulted, and by no means AMSAT's. I mean, if the actual project's site isn't being maintained ... we cannot fault those who point to it. Sorry, John ... I just answered another message elsewhere that demeaned AMSAT for no legitimate reason ... Clint gets a little defensive at times ... (grin) Clint, K6LCS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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-BB@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-BB@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] Stardust-NExT Probe Spots Comet Tempel 1
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011-029cid=release_2011-029msource=11029tr=yauid=7683115 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] Net Statistics
Although I've been involved on the 'Net for over 20 years, in no way do I claim to understand it all. Here's a site that shows the status of several Internet resources ... engrossing statistics ... and YES, I do have a source of caffeine (coffee pot) in the home office. http://www.internetpulse.net/ Clint ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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] W6RO QSL VUCC
Hi all, After making my submission to VUCC Satellite, yes it was still a go to get this award after the surprise fees were implemented. I was told by the local card checker that the W6RO, Queen Mary, QSL was not valid due to the fact that the grid, DM03, was not to be found anywhere on the card. After looking over the card myself again, he was correct. It had all of the QSO data and the information about the Queen mary but the DM03 grid was no where to be found. Not sure if anybody else had this problem with their checker, etc. but my card checker caught it very well. I never thought to look for the grid since most cards have them on it. So if you have a W6RO waiting to be submitted and it doesn't have the grid printed on it from the person filling out the QSL, don't bother sending it in, it will be considered invalid. Upon learning about this from my card checker, I dropped the organization who operates and maintains the W6RO station and told them the situation. Hopefully, they will include the grid square on their cards in the future. DM03 is not exactly an easy one to work since most of it is in water. 73, Jeff WB3JFS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: W6RO QSL VUCC
Hi Jeff! After making my submission to VUCC Satellite, yes it was still a go to get this award after the surprise fees were implemented. I was told by the local card checker that the W6RO, Queen Mary, QSL was not valid due to the fact that the grid, DM03, was not to be found anywhere on the card. After looking over the card myself again, he was correct. It had all of the QSO data and the information about the Queen mary but the DM03 grid was no where to be found. Your card checker is incorrect, and probably confusing VUCC with DXCC and WAS in terms of the requirements of the QSL cards. Read section 7B of the VUCC rules, where you are allowed to write the grid locator in pencil on the address side of cards that do not have the grid locator on them. This is counter to the DXCC way of reviewing QSL cards, where you are not supposed to alter the card in any way. The rules appear to give some latitude with that, since it is possible a card may not have the grid locator on it. You could go as far as trying to locate the station on a map, or a site like: http://f6fvy.free.fr/qthLocator/fullScreen.php to determine what grid locator(s) the station is in. If you did that, you might want to keep a printout of that, in case the card checker or ARRL wanted to question the grid(s) for that card. Do you need another DM03 QSO in your satellite log? There are some who get on from there, or ask me in a few weeks 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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: W6RO QSL VUCC
Jeff, Here's the VUCC rule on the grid square: 7(b) For the convenience of the Awards Manager in checking cards, applicants may indicate in pencil (pencil ONLY) the grid locator on the address side of the cards that DO NOT clearly indicate the grid locator. The applicant affirms that he/she has accurately determined the proper location from the address information given on the card by signing the affirmation statement on the application. For more proof, you can simply use qrz.com. In the case of W6RO, it does not show the actual location of the ship but you can do so by using the google map for grids and find the ship on the satellite view. This will spot the lat/long and translate into a grid square. You only have to certify that you have determined the correct grid square; you don't have to prove it to the card checker. It's always good to go right to the rules when there is any question. Don't assume that the card checker always knows them. You will find that you will get other cards over time that don't have the grid square on them. Simply determine what the grid square is and follow the rule above. It's always a good idea to print out the VUCC rules and take a copy with you when you get your cards checked. 73, John K8YSE ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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
