[amsat-bb] Re: My first AMSAT demo at a Hamfest.
Good luck... Remember to have handouts ready and hopefully you will have someone at the table while you demo... 73, Dee, NB2F -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Tom Schuessler Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 11:10 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] My first AMSAT demo at a Hamfest. Hi all, I will be running a table at the Irving, Texas ARC 9th annual Hamfest this Saturday, March 12 representing AMSAT, my first effort doing this. Would like to invite any hams in general from the Dallas/Ft. Worth or North/Central Texas area to come out and see us. Information at http://irvingarc.org. I will attempt only one satellite demo which will be an SO-50 pass starting my 1350Z. This will be just prior to the doors opening so hopefully I will have a good and captive audience. Please call N5HYP and give a shout out to the folks in attendance. 73 de Tom, N5HYP Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5...@arrl.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 ___ 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: IC-821H Frontend Overload?
Hi Mark, N8MH Our friend Paul K6HR is worry about to overload the receiver front end using in front of it a preamplifier and as per his question he want to know if in front of his receiver IC 821H a preamplifier SP432 with 24 dB gain is better or not then a SP432 model with a gain of only 15 dB In his question Paul is not considering the Noise Figure but only the gain of a preamplifier and this is not enough for a correct analysis. In addition our friend Paul K6HR is considering preamplifiers model SP 432 so that he need a preamplifier for 70 cm and not for 2 meters. This is why I first converted the receiver IC 821 H sensitivity specifications into a Noise Figure value of 4 dB and then I have explained to him that following my calculations a preamplifier SP432VDG with NF= 0.55 dB and a Gain of 16 dB into the frequency range 420-450 MHz is recommended to increase the overall sensitivity without to overload his receiver. The model for 70 cm SP432VDG needed by Paul K6HR has a Noise Figure of 0.55 dB and a gain of 16 dB as specified in the bottom line here: http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page7.html 73" de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: "Mark L. Hammond" To: "i8cvs" ; "Paul Delaney - K6HR" ; "Amsat - BBs" Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 12:11 AM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: IC-821H Frontend Overload? > I don't think this statement is correct: "Since the NF of a > AR SP432VDA is 0.55 dB and the gain is 15 dB if the > coax..." > > The 2meter VDA has a noise figure great than 1, stated to be about 1.1 dB > NF; the difference is more than just gain. > > Thus the reason I suggest that he get the 2 meter VDG model with 0.55 dB > NF :) > > http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page7.html > > > > Mark N8MH > > >At 07:01 PM 3/10/2011 +0100, i8cvs wrote: > > > >Hi Paul, K6HR > > > >The SSB and CW sensitivity of an IC 821H in 70 cm is less than 0.11uV > >for a Signal to Noise ratio S/N= 10 dB > > > >Converting the above data into Noise Figure NF in dB we get: > > -6 2 > > ( Vin x 10) x 20 > >NF= 10 log [ ] + 174 > >dB 10BW x S/N > > > >Where: > > > >Vin = input signal = 0.11 uV (microvolt) > >BW = Band Width for SSB = 2400 Hz > >S/N = Signal to Noise ratio = 10 dB i.e. 10 time in power ratio > > > > -6 2 > > ( 0.11 x 10 )x 20 > >NF= 10 log [ --- ] + 174 = 4 dB > >dB102400 x 10 > > > > Showing a NF= 4 dB the IC 821 H seems to be a very good sensitive > > receiver but if you want to improve the overall Noise Figure using an > > antenna mounted preamplifier the Noise Figure of it must be less than > > 1 dB and infact the Noise Figure of a AR SP432VDG is NF= 0.55 dB > > and the only change between two models is only the gain because model > > VDG has a gain of 24 dB while the model VDA has a gain of 15 dB > > > > The important thing here adding an antenna mounted preamplifier to a > > receiver is not to overload the receiver with a very high noise coming > > from the preamplifier gain. > > > > Addind RF stages in cascade the rule of thumb is the following one: > > > > "When adding a preamplifier if the noise increases by 10 dB than the > > overall noise of the receiving system is not deteriorated " > > > > Since the NF of a AR SP432VDA is 0.55 dB and the gain is 15 dB if the > > coax cable between the output of your preamplifier and receiver input is > > not too long and lossy then you will not overload the IC 821 H because > > the S meter reading with the preamplifier ON will be only about two S > > units of more noise but the overall Noise Figure of your receiver system > > will be in the range between 0.55 dB and 1 dB so that you will get a > > consistent improvement in sensitivity. > > > > About the above matter also please read the following letters : > > > > http://www.db0anf.de/app/bbs/messages/show-AMSATBB4673 > > > > 73" de > > > > i8CVS Domenico > > > >- Original Message - > >From: "Paul Delaney - K6HR" > >To: > >Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 7:11 PM > >Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-821H Frontend Overload? > > > > > >> I'm setting up for satellite operation and considering the AR2 SP432VDG > >>24db preamp. A friend suggests this will likely overload the frontend of > >>the radio (an 821H) The antennas are M2 eggbeaters. Would the SP432VDA > >>15db be a better choice? > >> > >> Can anyone using these preamps give me some feedback on the 15db vs. > >> 24db preamps and which might be the best way to go considering the > >> radio and antennas I have? > >> > >> Paul Delaney > >> paul.hamra...@verizon.net > >> http://k6hr.dyndns.org:8080 > >> ___ > >> Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the > >> author.
[amsat-bb] Re: My first AMSAT demo at a Hamfest.
Hi Tom! > I will be running a table at the Irving, Texas ARC 9th annual Hamfest this > Saturday, March 12 representing AMSAT, my first effort doing this. Would > like to invite any hams in general from the Dallas/Ft. Worth or > North/Central Texas area to come out and see us. Information at > http://irvingarc.org. > > I will attempt only one satellite demo which will be an SO-50 pass starting > my 1350Z. This will be just prior to the doors opening so hopefully I will > have a good and captive audience. Please call N5HYP and give a shout out to > the folks in attendance. I will be at a hamfest in Scottsdale AZ tomorrow morning, and hope to work you with an audience on my end to hear you at your hamfest. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - still in California 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] Escondido CA presentation/demo last night
Hi! Last night's presentation and VO-52 demonstration at the Escondido Amateur Radio Society's meeting was a great time for all. Including the pre-meeting pizza dinner (that was a restaurant called World's Best Pizza, and I can't argue with that one), it wrapped up a busy yet fun day. I left Phoenix around 1300 UTC, and made the drive to San Diego in 5.5 hours. After stopping by the local HRO store and meeting another local ham for lunch (thanks Dan WD8PFS), I met up with John W9EN club vice president, and program chairman) at his office. I had a nice tour of that complex, then we prepared for the dinner and meeting. VO-52 was passing by about 20-25 minutes before the start of the meeting, and that was the satellite I used for the demonstration. Thanks to Ron N8RO, Leo W7JPI and Jim ND9M for showing up and saying hello to me and the crowd. Then, the meeting and presentation. One of those in attendance drove in from Palm Springs for the meeting, about 2 hours' driving time each way! Thanks again to the club and W9EN for the invitation. Other than impromptu presentations/demostrations in Mexicali I've done in 2009 and 2010, this was the first time I gave a presentation and formal demonstration somewhere away from Arizona. I will return home later today, so I can be out at the hamfest in Scottsdale AZ (east-side suburb of Phoenix) tomorrow morning with an AMSAT table and more demonstrations on different satellites. Even though gasoline prices are no fun (around $4/gallon in most of the San Diego area), this has been a fun trip. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK - Valley Center, California (north of San Diego) 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] BJ8TA Amateur Radio EME & Satellites Expedition
BJ8TA Amateur Radio EME & Satellites Expedition AMSAT-China is organizing some enthusiasts from its members to come to southwest China for experiments of EME and amateur satellite communications. The expedition team will use special technology experiments amateur radio call sign BJ8TA. BJ8TA team will be Shangri-La County(NL97ut), Yunnan Province of China during March 20-23. it will be the first time amateur radio EME communications in grid NL, the communications scheme on the 6m, 2m and 70cm bands, using Yagi antennas with PA of one kilowatt. And then, the team will move to Yunnan Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Chengjiang county, it is located in grid OL14kq. The EME communications will use eleven meters diameter radio telescope antenna with gain of 29dbi on 70cm band. operations will be from March 28 to April 1. BJ8TA team will be also active on the available satellites, including AO-51, VO-52, AO-7, AO-27, FO-29, SO-50, SO-67 etc, during the expedition period. BJ8TA Amateur Radio EME & Satellites Expedition is supported by the Bureau of Radio Regulation of China and Yunnan Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. BJ8TA team members: VIP operator: Xie Feibo/BA1XIE, Director General of the Bureau of Radio Regulation of China. VIP operator: Yin Hu/BD1AZ, Land Service Department of the Bureau of Radio Regulation of China. VIP operator: Chen Ping/BA1HAM, Deputy Secretary General of the Amateur Radio Committee of Chinese Radio Association. VIP: Li Jian, Land Service Department of the Bureau of Radio Regulation of China. Team leader: Fan/BA1EO Operators: Alan/BA1DU, Wang/BA4RN, Wang/BH4REQ, Zhao/BH4RLO, Jin/BA4TA, Michael/BD5RV and Chen/BA7CK Logistics: Zhu/BG5FCB, Zhang/BG8SF QSL manager: Alan/BA1DU (P.O.Box 8091, Beijing 100088, CHINA). 73! Alan Kung, BA1DU Chief Executive Officer AMSAT-China ___ 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] Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? )
Hi All, I would like to know if after the terrific earthquake in Japan the tsunami reached the west coast of USA. I am worry about because my son is part of the crew on board the ship "SPIRIT" sailing the coast of California and Mexico Tank you for any information. 73" de i8CVS Domenico ___ 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] Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? )
Domenico, I have been watching Fox News all morning. The wave has reached the west coast and damaged boats and harbors in Crescent City, CA., Santa Cruz, CA and harbors and marinas in the LA area. The damage does not appear to go inland like it did in Japan nor do I see any indication of HUGE waves at sea. In fact, they are saying boats are better off if they are off shore somewhat instead of close to shore. Have not heard of it hitting Mexico, but the 'wave' seems to diminish as it goes south. Hope this helps. Maybe ND9M can give us some info from the San Diego area 73, Ted K7TRK -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of i8cvs Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:11 AM To: AMSAT-BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? ) Hi All, I would like to know if after the terrific earthquake in Japan the tsunami reached the west coast of USA. I am worry about because my son is part of the crew on board the ship "SPIRIT" sailing the coast of California and Mexico Tank you for any information. 73" de i8CVS Domenico ___ 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: Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? )
I live in Long Beach, and the surge was about 3' here, causing no problems. 73, Jim KQ6EA On 03/11/2011 07:45 PM, Ted wrote: > Domenico, > > I have been watching Fox News all morning. The wave has reached the west > coast and damaged boats and harbors in Crescent City, CA., Santa Cruz, CA > and harbors and marinas in the LA area. The damage does not appear to go > inland like it did in Japan nor do I see any indication of HUGE waves at > sea. In fact, they are saying boats are better off if they are off shore > somewhat instead of close to shore. Have not heard of it hitting Mexico, but > the 'wave' seems to diminish as it goes south. > > Hope this helps. Maybe ND9M can give us some info from the San Diego area > > 73, Ted K7TRK > > -Original Message- > From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On > Behalf Of i8cvs > Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:11 AM > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? ) > > Hi All, > > I would like to know if after the terrific earthquake in Japan the tsunami > reached the west coast of USA. > > I am worry about because my son is part of the crew on board the ship > "SPIRIT" sailing the coast of California and Mexico > > Tank you for any information. > > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico > ___ > 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] (no subject)
Hello Domenico, I am on a ship close to San Diego in southern California. There was very little effect from the tsunami when it reached this area. As a precaution, my ship left the coast and sailed out a few miles to deeper waters, but it turned out to be unnecessary, and we have already returned to where we had been. We were safe at all times. If your son's ship is in this region, I am sure he is safe as well. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid DM13 > Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:11:09 +0100 > From: "i8cvs" > Subject: [amsat-bb] Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? ) > To: "AMSAT-BB" > Message-ID: <002001cbe020$14cc4de0$0401a8c0@b3o7f1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" > > Hi All, > > I would like to know if after the terrific earthquake in Japan the tsunami > reached the west coast of USA. > >I am worry about because my son is part of the crew on board the ship >"SPIRIT" sailing the coast of California and Mexico > >Tank you for any information. > > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico ___ 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: Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? )
Hi All, Tank to all who responded to my query about the tsunami on the west coast of USA and particularly to Jim ,ND9M that is on board a ship close to San Diego and infact my son is on board of ship SPIRIT sailing in the same area between San Diego southern California and San Lucas Mexico ! 73" de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: Clary, James T, Civilian To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: domenico.i8...@tin.it Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 9:33 PM Hello Domenico, I am on a ship close to San Diego in southern California. There was very little effect from the tsunami when it reached this area. As a precaution, my ship left the coast and sailed out a few miles to deeper waters, but it turned out to be unnecessary, and we have already returned to where we had been. We were safe at all times. If your son's ship is in this region, I am sure he is safe as well. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid DM13 > Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:11:09 +0100 > From: "i8cvs" > Subject: [amsat-bb] Off topics ( tsunami on the west coast of USA ? ) > To: "AMSAT-BB" > Message-ID: <002001cbe020$14cc4de0$0401a8c0@b3o7f1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" > > Hi All, > > I would like to know if after the terrific earthquake in Japan the tsunami > reached the west coast of USA. > >I am worry about because my son is part of the crew on board the ship >"SPIRIT" sailing the coast of California and Mexico > >Tank you for any information. > > 73" de > > i8CVS Domenico ___ 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] Cubesats in NASA's future
FYI http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/centennial_challenges/nano_satellite/index.html CharlieKI4RDT ___ 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] Mini Grid Expedition CP29/CP39
Wow ! Just at the last minute or 2 of the 21:54 and 23:03 passes! Thanks, John. 73, John, K6YK On Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:15:26 -0700 (MST) "John Boudreau" writes: > I managed to get in and out of Paulatuk (CP79) this week without > freezing > to death. With the wind chill the temp went down as low as -60F! > Thanks > to everyone for all the contacts. > > Tomorrow (Friday) will be travelling by ice road up to the coast. > Not > many good passes but I'll be on for the these ones: > > AO27 20:30z from CP39 > AO51 21:26z from CP39 > SO50 21:54z from CP39 > > AO51 23:03z from CP29 > > 73 > John - VE8EV/P > > ___ > 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 > $65/Hr Job - 25 Openings Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d7aca01d4b68cd89fst06vuc ___ 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] ND9M/MM Op Sked: 13 March and Rare Grid DM02
We're wrapping up our assignment in the San Diego area. Thankfully, the tsunami that resulted from the earthquake in Japan was pretty much a non-event for us, but it was interesting to witness all the different types of alerts (government, military, and civil) that went out in the local area. We are scheduled to depart our local anchorage this coming Sunday, 13 March, at 1500Z and head for the Panama Canal. We're due to arrive there and transit the Canal on the 23rd and then finish up the trip at Jacksonville on the 29th. I asked the ship's captain to detour the ship a few miles once we get underway so that we would sail southbound through DM02, and he agreed to the request. This is one of the rarest grids to get for those trying to work all 488 grids in the Continental USA. San Clemente Island is located partially in DM02, but the island is controlled by the Navy, which only allows military personnel and contractors to come to the island. Also, quite a bit of the grid square is covered by areas used for testing things that go boom. (The ARRL offers the "Fred Fish Memorial Award" for working all 488 grid squares on 6 meters only. There's currently no award for working all 488 grids by satellite, but efforts are being made to get one going.) That's the good part of the detour. The bad part is that the four hours or so that we'll be in DM02, there will be only two satellite passes available to work the grid. One is AO27 which will favor the eastern states and provinces but will only be 6 degrees for me. Since I set up my gear on the ship's flight deck which is a bit more than 100 feet above the water line, I can usually hear AO27 throughout its entire 7-minute window when it's available to me even at low satellite elevations like this pass will be. The other pass that I'll be on from DM02 will be either VO52 starting at 13/1712Z or the second AO27 pass that turns on at about 13/2111Z. Neither of those two passes hits the eastern areas. We'll cross into DM01 after that and turn southeast to follow the Baja coastline toward DM11 and DM10 and on down towards Panama. Our general direction of travel will be southeast which will typically take us through three different grids each day and probably a fourth and sometimes a fifth. I'll be on from as many grids as I can, including in the middle of the night when it's necessary. Here is the planned sked: VO52 - 13/1712Z - DM13 or DM03 or DM02 AO27 - 13/1930Z - Approx turn on time - DM02 AO27 - 13/2111Z - Approx turn on time - either DM02 or DM01 AO7 - 14/0040Z - if in Mode B - DM01 or DM11 VO52 - 14/0229Z - Probably DM00 or DM10 AO7 - 14/0236Z - if in Mode B - Probably DM00 or DM10 FO29 - 14/0938Z - Looks like DL09 or DL19 AO7 - 14/1440Z - DL18 ? Will try to hit these: AO27 - 13/2251Z - Approx turn on time - DM01 or DM11 AO51 - 13/2314Z - DM01 or DM11 FO29 - 13/2331Z - DM01 or DM11 Maybe: VO52 - 14/0402Z My work sked is from 0800-1700 ship's time every day, including weekends. Starting Sunday when Daylight Savings Time begins, those hours translate to 1500-0200Z. Other than my lunch period which is very flexible, I'll hit passes during my work hours if possible. As we approached the States last month, I was able to get in quite a few passes during that time frame; hopefully I'll be as lucky as we head towards the East Coast. 73, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC Grid DM13 ___ 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
