[amsat-bb] Fw: echo madness
Correction Should read 2 million in VK and 70/80 million in ZL - Original Message - From: "graham mcphee" To: "nh6vb Scheller" Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 4:27 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] echo madness > Sorry about that > There was approx 200 000 sheep in VK in the hey day and 70/80 000 in ZL I > could stand to be corrected > HI HI > Graham McPhee VK2AYE > - Original Message - > From: "nh6vb Scheller" > To: > Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 10:00 AM > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] echo madness > > > > Hey Graham, you forgot to count the sheep, mate! > Kiora, Peter NH6VB (Aloha) > >> From: gemcp...@bigpond.com >> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >> Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:37:06 +1100 >> Subject: [amsat-bb] echo madness >> >> to Kevin Deane and others >> If the QRM on the sats is too much for you people to take in the northern >> hemi just move to beautiful Australia or shaky New Zealand where at the >> most >> that we get on AO51 in the evening is no more than six or seven and we >> have >> a round table discussion, not chasing grid squares as there are only >> 22million people in VK and 4 million in ZL. >> I say this with smile on my face >> Graham McPhee VK2AYE >> >> ___ >> 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 > > > > - > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1498/3536 - Release Date: 03/28/11 > ___ 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] Echo Madness
Having been on the bird on the night the recording was made (yes you can hear my feeble call sign in there a couple of times) I have to say, it was no worse than 40 meters earlier in the day with the WPX SSB contest going on. The whistles were a bit over the top. I am new to the satellites ( 3 successful passes ) so I am just learning the etiquette and procedures. It has been interesting over the past few weeks putting the station together to be able to get into the satellite. I have learned quite a bit already. The first thing I learned was that I didn't know anything about how to communicate on the satellites!!! ;-) I have enjoyed the few contacts I have made and look forward to more. I appreciate any and all assistance in the endeavor!! Thanks Ron KK7Z ___ 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] Preamp Distance from Antenna
Hi, I am in the process of getting the ARR SP432VDG preamp for my mobile setup (and just to have around), and I have read that the closer to antenna you mount the preamp, the lower noise figure you will have. My question is, what is close to the antenna – 1ft., 5ft., 10ft.? Ideally, I would probably mount it about 5-6ft. from the antenna (1/4 wave) – would this be acceptable? Any additional advice would be appreciated! Zack KD8KSN ___ 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: Lehman High School on Fox News, Austin
Just viewed the video clip Clint. Very nice to see these events come together so well. Dave, AA4KN - Original Message - From: "Clint Bradford" To: ; "AMSAT BB" Cc: "ARISS-ops OPS" Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:30 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Lehman High School on Fox News, Austin > Fox News covers Lehman event ... > > http://tinyurl.com/iss-lehman > > -or- > > http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/Lehman-HS-Students-Tal-to-Astronauts-20110329-ktbcw > > 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: Preamp Distance from Antenna
Why do you need a preamp in the mobile? Most new rigs are great at sensitivity. You must also remember that if you are mobile, Intermod is just around the corner at these high sensitivity preamps. Preamps, as a rule, should be as close to the antenna as mechanically possible. Good Luck, 73, Dee, NB2F -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Zachary Beougher Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 10:24 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Preamp Distance from Antenna Hi, I am in the process of getting the ARR SP432VDG preamp for my mobile setup (and just to have around), and I have read that the closer to antenna you mount the preamp, the lower noise figure you will have. My question is, what is close to the antenna - 1ft., 5ft., 10ft.? Ideally, I would probably mount it about 5-6ft. from the antenna (1/4 wave) - would this be acceptable? Any additional advice would be appreciated! Zack KD8KSN ___ 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: Preamp Distance from Antenna
Hi Dee, I have tried monitoring passes with the FTM-350AR, and it is just about impossible to hear anything. Granted, I was using a 5/8 wave, but I have used a 1/4 wave several times before with a different radio and experienced similar results. I will probably try it again just to make sure, but I would still like to get something to take the edge off and increase my hearing time a bit. I know a few of you here have used the ARR preamps in your mobile (or while mobile) setups - does anyone have issues with intermod? Zack KD8KSN -Original Message- From: Dee Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 10:53 AM To: 'Zachary Beougher' Cc: Amsat BB Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Preamp Distance from Antenna Why do you need a preamp in the mobile? Most new rigs are great at sensitivity. You must also remember that if you are mobile, Intermod is just around the corner at these high sensitivity preamps. Preamps, as a rule, should be as close to the antenna as mechanically possible. Good Luck, 73, Dee, NB2F -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Zachary Beougher Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 10:24 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Preamp Distance from Antenna Hi, I am in the process of getting the ARR SP432VDG preamp for my mobile setup (and just to have around), and I have read that the closer to antenna you mount the preamp, the lower noise figure you will have. My question is, what is close to the antenna - 1ft., 5ft., 10ft.? Ideally, I would probably mount it about 5-6ft. from the antenna (1/4 wave) - would this be acceptable? Any additional advice would be appreciated! Zack KD8KSN ___ 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: Echo Madness
Drew, Isn't it wonderful that the AO-51 committee responds as well as it does and STILL gets it's lumps? I read some of the threads and all I can say is "HUH?" 73, Dee, NB2F Keep up the good work while fighting those sharks off with the other hand Subject: [amsat-bb] Echo Madness Having been on the bird on the night the recording was made (yes you can hear my feeble call sign in there a couple of times) I have to say, it was no worse than 40 meters earlier in the day with the WPX SSB contest going on. The whistles were a bit over the top. I am new to the satellites ( 3 successful passes ) so I am just learning the etiquette and procedures. It has been interesting over the past few weeks putting the station together to be able to get into the satellite. I have learned quite a bit already. The first thing I learned was that I didn't know anything about how to communicate on the satellites!!! ;-) I have enjoyed the few contacts I have made and look forward to more. I appreciate any and all assistance in the endeavor!! Thanks Ron KK7Z ___ 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: -={Echo Madness}=-
At 12:22 AM 3/30/2011 +, you wrote: >There is only ONE WAY to stop the mess on AO51. Turn it off and let > Drew turn it on when he wants to make a sked with someone . LOL, Now that was funny. Made my morning. :-) Sorry you missed getting the contact though. 73 KB7ADL ___ 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: -={Echo Madness}=-
Hi Bruce! > There really is no solution to a satellite that uses a particular uplink > frequency to keep those that use the simplex frequency or are actually > trying to make a satellite contact and use poor operating practices. > > > Satellites are no different from rare DX, everyone wants a piece of it > and they want it now. As we are trying to get more and more hams > interested in the satellites, we are going to simply have more trying to > use the same space. One solution is for the experienced satellite > operators to move from the single channel FM satellites over to the SSB > birds. I generally agree with you on these points, but not completely on the point that experienced operators should move off the FM birds to the SSB birds. If all the experienced operators move off the FM birds, who would be left to help the inexperienced operators? I've heard more activity on the SSB birds lately, probably due to ND9M/MM sailing around and working those passes along with the FM passes. The increased SSB activity helped me on Saturday at the hamfest in Tucson AZ followed by my post-hamfest drive through DM52/DM53 on my way home. Three of the 4 demonstration passes at the hamfest were in SSB (2 on AO-7, one on VO-52). Later in the day, there were active FO-29 passes where I was able to make 9 QSOs on the first pass (including ND9M/MM), and 5 more on the later pass to the west. Going to a comment by WA4HFN yesterday... If there was a problem on AO-51 that required the immediate attention from a command station, by all means do what is necessary to keep the satellite in good condition. Nobody should find fault with that. From the recording posted on K8YSE's web site of the Sunday afternoon AO-51 pass in question: http://www.papays.com/sat/AO-51_27Mar2011_221636z.mp3 along with posts on here since then, it is clear that was not the case. This is exactly like the situation when K5D was on the satellites from Desecheo a couple of years ago, and the posted threat by KO4MA to shut down one of the AO-51 repeaters due to what Drew called at the time "extreme poor operating": http://amsat.org/pipermail/amsat-bb/2009-February/017442.html Since AO-51 operates on a schedule, AMSAT should keep to the schedule. It may not be pleasant to hear at times, but we are dealing with a single-channel satellite (or, at times, a two-channel satellite). There are problems from time to time, whether it is an inexperienced operator, someone using an uplink as a private simplex channel or frequency for an EchoLink/IRLP node, or whatever. We deal with this on HF, we can deal with it on the satellites. If there is a last-minute change needed in order to protect the satellite, we will understand. If a change in the schedule is needed for some reason, do what's been done in the past - publish notice of the upcoming change as is normally done and go from there. If the last-minute change is done because someone is frustrated with what is being heard, or so someone can try to work a rare station or a rare grid, that is wrong. By the way, the pass after the uplink change didn't sound very different than before the change, except for a few seconds when Drew announced the change and everyone had to change their uplink frequency. 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] FT-60R and recording?
Hello, Is anyone using a FT-60R with their Arrow and a recorder? I use a Heil Traveler headset w/boom mic. I have not been able to come up with any way to put a micro recorder in line with that set up. The radio only has 1 jack for mic/ear phone. The FT-60R is not duplex so maybe the question is moot. The best I can figure so far is to have the recorder close to me so at least I could log who I contacted (without taking paper notes) Any thoughts appreciated, 73, Ted K7TRK ___ 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: Lehman High School on Fox News, Austin
Station manager contacted regarding editing the last three seconds of the clip - they will do so today. - Clint On Mar 30, 2011, at 7:40 AM, wrote: Just viewed the video clip 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] Re: ND9M/MM Sat Ops: QRT ... for now!
Hi Sebastian! > I'm sure most on here don't know that Jim was also supplying many > non-satellite hams with very rare grids on both 2 meters and 70 cm > as his ship left the western tip of Cuba, all the way to Jacksonville > Florida. I wasn't aware he was doing that, but he did the same thing for some Mexican hams as he sailed down the Mexican Pacific coast toward the Panama Canal. It's great that he was able to take the additional time for terrestrial activity along with his already-busy schedule on the many satellite passes he's worked - and spending all that time on the helicopter deck! Jim's trip has been great for those of us chasing grids. I know I didn't log as many new grids as others, but I was getting a bunch as he approached the US west coast. Regardless of the number (the count is at home, maybe 16 or so), it's been great to get ND9M/MM in the log all those times - in FM, SSB, and even a few QSOs in CW. Thanks, Jim, for all your radio work in your spare time! It's time to get my QSL request prepared. :-) 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: FT-60R and recording
Hi Ted, I also use the FT-60. Since it is not full duplex, I do not use headphones and just have a small recorder hanging from my neck. It picks up my voice and sounds from the radio. If you want to use headphones, I suppose you could use a T adapter and plug both the phones and the recorder into the headphone jack, but then I don't think your own voice would be recorded. 73, Bill NZ5N ___ 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: Preamp Distance from Antenna
>> ... mobile installation ... preamp ... You will have better results by parking the car and attaching your Arrow Antenna to your mobile rig ... AFTER turning TX power down to 5W. Just an idea ... Clint, K6LCS -- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.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] Re: FT-60R and Recording
Don't over-think recording. Almost any Smartphone has a voice recording app built in ... You can make acceptable recordings without being physically wired to the source! Clint, K6LCS -- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.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] Re: FT-60R and recording
Gosh, I love Google... http://www.mixitproducts.com/ -- > We need a small portable, two channel mixer with low and high inputs and a > balance control. > ___ 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: FT-60R and recording
I have often wondered about this myself. I like to use headphones... I wonder if you could use a stereo recorder, and put the "speaker out" (low impedance) to one side, and an external mic (high impedance) to the other. Getting the audio to balance would be a trick. We need a small portable, two channel mixer with low and high inputs and a balance control. Otherwise you have to use an external speaker, and just pick it and your voice up over the mic. Bill W1PA ___ 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: -={Echo Madness}=-
On 3/30/2011 2:12 PM, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: > If the last-minute change is done because someone > is frustrated with what is being heard, or so someone can try to work a rare > station or a rare grid, that is wrong. Let me clear something up here. I didn't change the frequency so I could work Jim or anyone else, otherwise I'd have called him after the frequency change. I worked Jim on the next FO-29 pass. I seriously resent the implication that I intervened out of personal greed, especially from you Patrick. I changed the frequency for a number of reasons. There were multiple stations QRMing the uplink with whistles, blowing in the mike, and CQs. A lot of this was before John's recording started. If you listen to the recording, no QSOs were being made, no calls getting through, NOTHING was working. Changing the frequency and asking for a little courtesy was an attempt to make things at least somewhat useful for the remainder of that pass. Considering a few QSOs were made afterwards, I consider it at least a partial success. Again, you'll notice I wasn't among them. I'm sorry a few of you missed Jim, but you likely would have anyways, as he had already decided to QRT because of the bedlam, until I changed the uplink. For what it's worth, you and Damon are the only two who've objected. At least you were moderately polite about it. Both of the "DX" stations on that pass were understanding and did not object to my action in the emails exchanged afterwards. Several others have written in support, and I only wish more would have done so publicly. I take input from everyone, and try to be out in the public as much as possible. Take a look back at the level of interaction from the previous few VP Ops and ask if yourself why they stayed the hell away from the users. So your objection is noted, but in the end, I alone am responsible for the operation of AO-51 and our other satellites. I will continue to act in the satellite and AMSAT's best interest, as charged by the President and Board of Directors of AMSAT, in the manner I best see fit, until removed or replaced. Consider we already have two open VP positions, an open BOD alternate, and a highly complex and finicky, aging satellite, before you decide to run me out of town on a rail. A lot of the users of this satellite have NO idea the hard work it takes to keep AO-51 running. I have volunteered hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours over the past several years, in order to make AO-51 available as often, and in as many modes as possible. I've left work early, went in late, postponed personal vacations, missed family events, and spent thousands of dollars to upgrade my station, in order to be able to keep it in service so we can download and process telemetry, reload code, keep the repeater running, and promote AMSAT. Mark, Kevin, and Gould have done the same. While you guys bust tail to get on the air to work a new grid, we are there on the digital downlink trying to keep AO-51 alive, hopefully long enough to see it's replacement on orbit. I'm writing schedules for SO-67 and AO-51, emailing answers to users who've asked questions, and trying to find time to spend with my family. So before you get on the -bb and take potshots at us, whine, piss and moan, you better think of the alternative scenario without a few command stations who give a damn, or without a VP Ops. It isn't all fun and games and chasing grids for us. Disgusted, Drew Glasbrenner, 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: FT-60R and recording
Hi Bill and Ted, I have used a T-adapter just has Bill described and it worked fine. I have also used a second handheld on the receive side with headphones and a recording device wired on the T-adapter and that works well too. Finally, I have used the speaker mike with the FT60 and 'palmed' the recorder in my hand that his holding the mic...sometimes it's a bit clumsy, but it works. 73 Matt, N8MS On Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 3:25 PM, Bill Dzurilla wrote: > Hi Ted, > > I also use the FT-60. Since it is not full duplex, I do not use headphones > and just have a small recorder hanging from my neck. It picks up my voice > and sounds from the radio. If you want to use headphones, I suppose you > could use a T adapter and plug both the phones and the recorder into the > headphone jack, but then I don't think your own voice would be recorded. > > 73, Bill NZ5N > > ___ > 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] R: Re: Lehman High School on Fox News, Austin
Hello, not only the last 3 seconds but at the start of the video the HRD program is showing uplink and downlink frequencies with doppler correction. IK1SLD Claudio -Messaggio originale- Da: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] Per conto di Clint Bradford Inviato: mercoledì 30 marzo 2011 18:39 A: n4csi...@bellsouth.net; n4csi...@bellsouth.net Cc: wa...@yahoo.com; AMSAT BB; ARISS-ops OPS Oggetto: [amsat-bb] Re: Lehman High School on Fox News, Austin Station manager contacted regarding editing the last three seconds of the clip - they will do so today. - Clint On Mar 30, 2011, at 7:40 AM, wrote: Just viewed the video clip 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 ___ 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] Yuri's 50th
Hi all. Well. Hi ARISSat team actually. It's now less than 2 weeks before ARISSat-1 will be activated on board the ISS. Can anyone tell me / us, the current status of the ARISat decoding software / where it can be downloaded and the planned times of activation of the satellite please. Would be nice to have some time to load it onto the computer at a weekend and avoid the traditional last minute rush. BTW. Did it get recharged via a new lead on the last supply flight? (Will it last 24 hrs?) Thanks David G0MRF ___ 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: -={Echo Madness}=-
Drew, > Let me clear something up here. I didn't change the frequency so I could > work Jim or anyone else, otherwise I'd have called him after the frequency > change. I worked Jim on the next FO-29 pass. I seriously resent the > implication that I intervened out of personal greed, especially from you > Patrick. You didn't call him right after making the frequency change, but you did call him at least once after the change ( I heard you around 8:18 in K8YSE's recording). Had you not made even that call for Jim, and waited for that FO-29 pass or some other later pass, then I probably wouldn't have posted anything on this topic. > For what it's worth, you and Damon are the only two who've objected. At > least you were moderately polite about it. Both of the "DX" stations on that > pass were understanding and did not object to my action in the emails > exchanged afterwards. Several others have written in support, and I only > wish more would have done so publicly. "Moderately polite"? How about just saying "polite"? You should know me by now. We have had differences of opinions on other topics in the past, even here on the -BB. That happens. We have exchanged our opinions, and it has been done in a calm and respectful manner. I did not call you any names, I took issue with a decision you made during that pass, in at least one of your AMSAT positions. If what you did on Sunday was something you've done in the past, and not the first time you did that, maybe that would have been something we could expect in those situations. If my opinion is in the minority, so be it. More often than not, I am in agreement with you and whatever actions you take related to AO-51, or AMSAT in general. This time, I disagreed with your decision, and was willing to put my name to my opinion publicly. > I take input from everyone, and try to be out in the public as much as > possible. Take a look back at the level of interaction from the previous few > VP Ops and ask if yourself why they stayed the hell away from the users. So > your objection is noted, but in the end, I alone am responsible for the > operation of AO-51 and our other satellites. I will continue to act in the > satellite and AMSAT's best interest, as charged by the President and Board > of Directors of AMSAT, in the manner I best see fit, until removed or > replaced. Consider we already have two open VP positions, an open BOD > alternate, and a highly complex and finicky, aging satellite, before you > decide to run me out of town on a rail. Here you go again. When did I say or imply I wanted to run you out of town on a rail? We have had our differences, but I've never said that you should not be in the many AMSAT positions you currently hold. Once again, we don't have to share the same opinion on everything. > A lot of the users of this satellite have NO idea the hard work it takes to > keep AO-51 running. I have volunteered hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours > over the past several years, in order to make AO-51 available as often, and > in as many modes as possible. I've left work early, went in late, postponed > personal vacations, missed family events, and spent thousands of dollars to > upgrade my station, in order to be able to keep it in service so we can > download and process telemetry, reload code, keep the repeater running, and > promote AMSAT. Mark, Kevin, and Gould have done the same. While you guys > bust tail to get on the air to work a new grid, we are there on the digital > downlink trying to keep AO-51 alive, hopefully long enough to see it's > replacement on orbit. I'm writing schedules for SO-67 and AO-51, emailing > answers to users who've asked questions, and trying to find time to spend > with my family. So before you get on the -bb and take potshots at us, whine, > piss and moan, you better think of the alternative scenario without a few > command stations who give a damn, or without a VP Ops. It isn't all fun and > games and chasing grids for us. You are correct, in that many of the users don't know what is involved with keeping AO-51 on the air. I am not in that group. I know very well that it takes a lot of time and effort. I had been in the Operations Group previously, helping to answer questions that came in from users and help with preparing the AO-51 schedules. When I left that group a couple of years ago, that was when I started going out to more hamfests and other events on behalf of AMSAT. I continue to do that, and also try to do my part to support the organization financially (hoping to hear the successor to AO-51 on the air, and other satellites, in the future). I appreciate the hard work you do, and for putting yourself out here on the -BB. I disagree with what you did on Sunday, but that doesn't change my appreciation for what you do on behalf of AMSAT. Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are
[amsat-bb] Re: Preamp Distance from Antenna
Hi Zack, KD8KSN The loss in dB of the coax cable from the antenna to your preamplifier adds directly to the Noise Figure NF of your preamplifier. As an example if the loss of the coax cable is say 0.7 dB and the Noise Figure of the preamplifier is 0.55 dB as specified by the manufacturer then the overall Noise Figure of the system antenna plus preamplifier is 0.7+0.55=1.25 dB This is why to reduce the overall Noise Figure of any receiving system it is necessary to install the preamplifier as close as possible to the antenna connector. By the way the gain of a ARR SP432VDG preamplifier is 16 dB and as connected in front of your 70 cm receiver you will see an increase of noise level of about 3 S-units in your S meter but the overall Noise Figure of your receiving system will be much lover than the Noise Figure of the 70 cm receiver alone. In this condition using a preamplifier the 70 cm receiving system will be more sensitive but it will be more susceptible to intermodulation and overloading when you transmit to a satellite in the 2 meters band. If you suffer with intermod the only cure is to add a 6 dB attenuator from the preamplifier output to the 70 cm receiver input but if you use a 70 cm tranceiver don't forget to remove the attenuator before to transmit in 70 cm I hope this helps. 73" de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: "Zachary Beougher" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 4:24 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Preamp Distance from Antenna > Hi, > > I am in the process of getting the ARR SP432VDG preamp for my mobile setup (and just to have around), and I have read that the closer to antenna you mount the preamp, the lower noise figure you will have. My question is, what is close to the antenna – 1ft., 5ft., 10ft.? Ideally, I would probably mount it about 5-6ft. from the antenna (1/4 wave) – would this be acceptable? > > Any additional advice would be appreciated! > > Zack > KD8KSN > ___ > 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] Oscar 57
Has anyone ever heard an AFSK signal from Oscar 57 ? ___ 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] Today Grid EL51 on AIR
This day, on the AO-51, on 21.50z, Eduardo XE3EOL work the Grid EL51 is a difficult grid in Mexico, lucky if they listen. David Maciel XE3DX EK36 Amateur Ham Radio www.qsl.net/xe3dx/ xe...@amsat.org ___ 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: Oscar 57
The command station webpage says that transmitter is only on over Japan for command use. I'm not sure if you knew that or not... 73, Drew KO4MA Sent from my iPhone On Mar 30, 2011, at 7:25 PM, "jerry keeton" wrote: > Has anyone ever heard an AFSK signal from Oscar 57 ? > ___ > 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] Subscribers
I mentioned this BB to a fellow Sat user and he has joined. I think everyone should, I have found this a very usefull source of information. Plus you can reply to certain users without posting to everyone which I think is nice. Except of course when you hit the wrong button. Anyway seems some of the other forums are stale, year + old post and all. I saw mentioned here about not everyone reading this BB so I thought I would spread the word. This is a good thing right? Kevin KF7MYK ___ 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: -={Echo Madness}=-
>> Several others have written in support, and >> I only wish more would have done so publicly. I'll just say that I was one of the several others that wrote Drew in support. I think there's sometimes a fine balance between satellite ease-of-use and avoiding congestion. Drew took action to shift the balance away from congestion, and I appreciate his efforts in this regard. 73 de Dave KB5WIA / CM88 ___ 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] On a more positive note...
Dear fellow Satellite Ops, In contrast to the recent disastrous pass on AO-51 the other day, today it was a joy to help many operators get EK99 and ZF2AE/ZF8 into their logs. The AO-27 @ 19:35UTC and AO-51 @20:13 UTC passes were a joy to work. As a DX Station, I appreciated everyone's courtesy, good operating technique and most importantly good listening skills. I hope the newer operators got a good feel for what a busy pass can sound like but still be very productive. As many of you know I will be popping up on various satellites mostly in the afternoon/evenings. Both on FM and SSB. I cannot guarantee that I will be on a particular satellite but I will make an effort when asked. Mornings are out for me as I am out diving. Tomorrow I will make an effort to make it over to FK09. I have to rent a car a great expense (only one rental car place on the islands and they charge big bucks) to make it over to the East end for a few hours. Right now I will only be available from around 1900 UTC to 2300 UTC. This is the only time I have left unfortunately on Little Cayman. I have to check what is available. I think one AO51 and an FO29 pass, perhaps some others. I hope we will see the same discipline we saw today to allow many stations to work me in a calm and orderly fashion. I would like to thank Drew for all the hard work to keep AO-51 happy. I know it is often a thankless effort but it is appreciated by many including this operator. Finally a reminder it is very hot and very humid here. So yes I pity those that have to stand in the cold but trust me standing in the sweltering heat dripping with sweat, tuning the radios and jiggling the antennas is a big challenge too! See you on the birds. I will be going to Grand Cayman on Saturday, so plenty of opportunity to work me from there. 73, Adrian ZF2AE/ZF8 ___ 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: Yuri's 50th ARISSat-1 transmissions
Hi David and BB, We hope to release a development version of the BPSK/CW decoding software next week. We don't have the schedule specifics of the 12 April transmissions yet. These will be posted on the AMSAT and ARISSat1 web sites when available. The transmissions on the 12th will see ARISSat-1 in low power mode, this means 40-60 secs on, 2 minutes off. It should be a challenge to find and tune the CW signal then decode some BPSK data during the short on times. This mode was developed to be used when the batteries are low or the satellite is in eclipse. We will be collecting data and information to improve the BPSK demodulating, decoding and display software. FUNcube Dongle users are encouraged to capture and record the downlink signals, then send us the files for examination. More information on where to send the files next week. Additional information should be available later next week on the AMSAT and ARISSat1 web sites as well as the AMSAT BB. 73. Gould, WA4SXM - Original Message - From: To: Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 4:49 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Yuri's 50th > Hi all. > > Well. > > Hi ARISSat team actually. > > It's now less than 2 weeks before ARISSat-1 will be activated on board the > ISS. > > Can anyone tell me / us, the current status of the ARISat decoding > software / where it can be downloaded and the planned times of activation > of the > satellite please. > > Would be nice to have some time to load it onto the computer at a weekend > and avoid the traditional last minute rush. > > > BTW. Did it get recharged via a new lead on the last supply flight? > (Will > it last 24 hrs?) > > > Thanks > > David G0MRF > > > > > ___ > 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