[amsat-bb] Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Lee Maisel]

Any ideas on a good antenna combo for mounting on a large vehicle?  
Possibly roofrack, specifically for satellite work?


Thanks!


Lee
W5LMM

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[amsat-bb] UKube-1 Taking Shape + KN-SAT1 Video

[Trevor .]

The 3U CubeSat UKube-1 is moving towards full integration in July.

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/7636 

A TEDxKhartoum presentation on KN-SAT1 by ST2AB. It's not in English, however, 
the segment from 09:12 until 13:25 contains video showing the development of 
the KN-SAT1 CubeSat including a test of the deployment of the antennas. 

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/7680 


73 Trevor M5AKA
AMSAT-UK: http://www.uk.amsat.org/ 




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[amsat-bb] New ARISS Web page

[n4csitwo]

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has a new Web page for ARISS-US
volunteers. For more information about these opportunities, see:
http://www.arrl.org/ariss-volunteers

Dave, AA4KN
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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Clayton Coleman W5PFG]

Lee,

I have yet to find a better solution for FO-29, SO-50, and AO-27 mobile
than a combination of small UHF yagi with preamp for the downlink and a VHF
vertical for the uplink.  While the quadrifilar helix, eggbeaters, and 19"
whip all work, nothing gives me a 100% copy of all the LEO's from AOS to
LOS like the yagi/preamp combination.

I've tested the above mentioned fixed antennas for downlink across a
variety of Texas terrain and surrounding noise environments.  They all
work, some better than others, but are no where near the performance level
of a directional antenna.   Since I'm a firm believer that hearing the bird
is #1, I do not compromise with a vertical.   It's safer for me to pull my
vehicle over to a parking lot or rest area to work passes.  I have done a
few passes "in motion" with both the quad and the 19" whip and quite
frankly terrain/obstructions play such a huge role I hardly recommend even
attempting to do it unless you are on a flat, high plain.

73
Clayton
W5PFG

On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 3:02 AM, Lee Maisel  wrote:

> Any ideas on a good antenna combo for mounting on a large vehicle?
>  Possibly roofrack, specifically for satellite work?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Lee
> W5LMM
>
> __**_
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> Subscription settings: 
> http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bb
>
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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Lee Maisel]

Thanks Clayton!

Now if I could find a small commercial az-el rotator for an Arrow, that 
would be ideal!


Lee




Clayton Coleman W5PFG wrote:

Lee,

I have yet to find a better solution for FO-29, SO-50, and AO-27 
mobile than a combination of small UHF yagi with preamp for the 
downlink and a VHF vertical for the uplink.  While the quadrifilar 
helix, eggbeaters, and 19" whip all work, nothing gives me a 100% copy 
of all the LEO's from AOS to LOS like the yagi/preamp combination.  

I've tested the above mentioned fixed antennas for downlink across a 
variety of Texas terrain and surrounding noise environments.  They all 
work, some better than others, but are no where near the performance 
level of a directional antenna.   Since I'm a firm believer that 
hearing the bird is #1, I do not compromise with a vertical.   It's 
safer for me to pull my vehicle over to a parking lot or rest area to 
work passes.  I have done a few passes "in motion" with both the quad 
and the 19" whip and quite frankly terrain/obstructions play such a 
huge role I hardly recommend even attempting to do it unless you are 
on a flat, high plain.


73
Clayton
W5PFG

On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 3:02 AM, Lee Maisel > wrote:


Any ideas on a good antenna combo for mounting on a large vehicle?
 Possibly roofrack, specifically for satellite work?

Thanks!


Lee
W5LMM

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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[k4rjj]

The company that comes out with an AZ/EL unit that is about $200 is going to 
sell a million. 

- Original Message -
From: "Lee Maisel"  
To: "amsat-bb"  
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:02:39 PM 
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat 
work. 

Thanks Clayton! 

Now if I could find a small commercial az-el rotator for an Arrow, that 
would be ideal! 

Lee 




Clayton Coleman W5PFG wrote: 
> Lee, 
> 
> I have yet to find a better solution for FO-29, SO-50, and AO-27 
> mobile than a combination of small UHF yagi with preamp for the 
> downlink and a VHF vertical for the uplink.  While the quadrifilar 
> helix, eggbeaters, and 19" whip all work, nothing gives me a 100% copy 
> of all the LEO's from AOS to LOS like the yagi/preamp combination.   
> 
> I've tested the above mentioned fixed antennas for downlink across a 
> variety of Texas terrain and surrounding noise environments.  They all 
> work, some better than others, but are no where near the performance 
> level of a directional antenna.   Since I'm a firm believer that 
> hearing the bird is #1, I do not compromise with a vertical.   It's 
> safer for me to pull my vehicle over to a parking lot or rest area to 
> work passes.  I have done a few passes "in motion" with both the quad 
> and the 19" whip and quite frankly terrain/obstructions play such a 
> huge role I hardly recommend even attempting to do it unless you are 
> on a flat, high plain. 
> 
> 73 
> Clayton 
> W5PFG 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 3:02 AM, Lee Maisel  > wrote: 
> 
>     Any ideas on a good antenna combo for mounting on a large vehicle? 
>      Possibly roofrack, specifically for satellite work? 
> 
>     Thanks! 
> 
> 
>     Lee 
>     W5LMM 
> 
>     ___ 
>     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 
> 
> 

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[amsat-bb] HORYU-2 Status?

[Ford, Steve, WB8IMY]

Is anyone aware of the current status of HORYU-2? We've been attempting
to receive the telemetry at W1AW, but without success.

 

It is possible that we are using the wrong Keps (we have located two
different sets).

 

73 . . . Steve Ford, WB8IMY

 

QST Editor / Publications Manager

ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm)

225 Main Street

Newington, CT 06111

(860) 594-0200 

 

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[amsat-bb] Re: HORYU-2 Status?

[Ken Swaggart]

It was transmitting CW telemetry yesterday. Object 38340 is Horyu-2 
according to Space-Track.org, and they worked very well yesterday.


73,
Ken, W7KKE

-Original Message- 
From: Ford, Steve, WB8IMY

Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:40
To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] HORYU-2 Status?

Is anyone aware of the current status of HORYU-2? We've been attempting
to receive the telemetry at W1AW, but without success.



It is possible that we are using the wrong Keps (we have located two
different sets).



73 . . . Steve Ford, WB8IMY



QST Editor / Publications Manager

ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm)

225 Main Street

Newington, CT 06111

(860) 594-0200



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[amsat-bb] Re: HORYU-2 Status?

[Ford, Steve, WB8IMY]

We finally achieved success just a bit ago. Nice, strong CW. Thanks for your 
help, Ken. Not sure what we may have been doing wrong before.

73 . . . Steve Ford, WB8IMY

QST Editor / Publications Manager
ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm)
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 594-0200 


-Original Message-
From: Ken Swaggart [mailto:k.swagg...@charter.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:56 PM
To: Ford, Steve, WB8IMY; amsat-bb@amsat.org
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] HORYU-2 Status?

It was transmitting CW telemetry yesterday. Object 38340 is Horyu-2 
according to Space-Track.org, and they worked very well yesterday.

73,
Ken, W7KKE

-Original Message- 
From: Ford, Steve, WB8IMY
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:40
To: amsat-bb@amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] HORYU-2 Status?

Is anyone aware of the current status of HORYU-2? We've been attempting
to receive the telemetry at W1AW, but without success.



It is possible that we are using the wrong Keps (we have located two
different sets).



73 . . . Steve Ford, WB8IMY



QST Editor / Publications Manager

ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm)

225 Main Street

Newington, CT 06111

(860) 594-0200



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[amsat-bb] My first portable sat qso made today.

[Eric Knaps, ON4HF]

Hello all,

Today I made my first portable satellite qso in my backyard via SO-50.
I bought an arrow antenna from www.vpa-systems.pl and connected a 
portable to it.
I didn't know it was that easy! I worked EA7HZZ and a German station 
(forgot his call because I was to excited)

What a nice hobby we have!

73,
Eric.

--
Amateur Radio Station ON4HF
Eric Knaps
Satellite manager UBA


http://www.on4hf.be

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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Bob Bruninga]

> The company that comes out with an AZ/EL unit that 
> is about $200 is going to sell a million. 

Radioshack already does.  Its called a TV rotator, and I would buy one before 
they are no more!.  For LEO satellites one does not need elevation 98% of the 
time and with a modest beam (ARROW type) you can have a $70 system.  Tilt the 
beam up about 15 degrees so that you still have max gain on the horizon where 
satellites spend 1/3rd of all their pass times below 20 degrees.  Track then in 
AZ only.

As the satellite gets above about 30 degrees and starts to roll off a dB or so 
of beam gain, remember that at that elevation the satellite is HALF as far away 
so it is now 6 dB stronger!  This remains true up to over 45 degrees, where you 
may be down 3 dB on the beam but the signal is 10 dB closer to you!  The 
break-even point is above about 70 degrees.  BUT!  Remember, the satellite is 
only above 70 degrees less than 2% of all pass times.  Simply not worth 
spending another $700 for an elevation rotator for 1 minute a day of better 
access.

Also, do NOT be tempted to tilt above about 15 degrees or you are going to lose 
gain on the horizon where you need it most.  Lots of folks put it up higher 
because it seems logical, but they are ignoring the very significant DISTANCE 
factor at low elevations (sketched to scale on the web page). 

Please take a look at the plots on http://aprs.org/rotator1.html

Its an old page, but the drawings are always valid.

Bob, WB4APR

- Original Message -
From: "Lee Maisel"  
To: "amsat-bb"  
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:02:39 PM 
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat 
work. 

Thanks Clayton! 

Now if I could find a small commercial az-el rotator for an Arrow, that 
would be ideal! 

Lee 




Clayton Coleman W5PFG wrote: 
> Lee, 
> 
> I have yet to find a better solution for FO-29, SO-50, and AO-27 
> mobile than a combination of small UHF yagi with preamp for the 
> downlink and a VHF vertical for the uplink.  While the quadrifilar 
> helix, eggbeaters, and 19" whip all work, nothing gives me a 100% copy 
> of all the LEO's from AOS to LOS like the yagi/preamp combination.   
> 
> I've tested the above mentioned fixed antennas for downlink across a 
> variety of Texas terrain and surrounding noise environments.  They all 
> work, some better than others, but are no where near the performance 
> level of a directional antenna.   Since I'm a firm believer that 
> hearing the bird is #1, I do not compromise with a vertical.   It's 
> safer for me to pull my vehicle over to a parking lot or rest area to 
> work passes.  I have done a few passes "in motion" with both the quad 
> and the 19" whip and quite frankly terrain/obstructions play such a 
> huge role I hardly recommend even attempting to do it unless you are 
> on a flat, high plain. 
> 
> 73 
> Clayton 
> W5PFG 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 3:02 AM, Lee Maisel  > wrote: 
> 
> Any ideas on a good antenna combo for mounting on a large vehicle? 
>  Possibly roofrack, specifically for satellite work? 
> 
> Thanks! 
> 
> 
> Lee 
> W5LMM 
> 
> ___ 
> 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 
> 
> 

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[amsat-bb] Re: My first portable sat qso made today.

[Eric Knaps, ON4HF]

Thanks Alan, that's a nice suggestion.

73,
Eric.

Amateur Radio Station ON4HF
Eric Knaps
Satellite manager UBA


http://www.on4hf.be


Op 24/05/2012 21:07, Alan P. Biddle schreef:

Eric,

Congratulations!  It is indeed amazing.  A suggestion is to use a cheap
digital recorder for recording your contacts.  You can replay the QSOs
later, verify calls, and log them.  I use a "Y cord" to the earpiece and
recorder, but some recorders will pass the audio through.

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA



-Original Message-
From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Eric Knaps, ON4HF
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:50 PM
To: Amsat - BBS
Subject: [amsat-bb] My first portable sat qso made today.

Hello all,

Today I made my first portable satellite qso in my backyard via SO-50.
I bought an arrow antenna from www.vpa-systems.pl and connected a
portable to it.
I didn't know it was that easy! I worked EA7HZZ and a German station
(forgot his call because I was to excited)
What a nice hobby we have!

73,
Eric.


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[amsat-bb] Re: My first portable sat qso made today.

[Alan P. Biddle]

Eric,

Congratulations!  It is indeed amazing.  A suggestion is to use a cheap
digital recorder for recording your contacts.  You can replay the QSOs
later, verify calls, and log them.  I use a "Y cord" to the earpiece and
recorder, but some recorders will pass the audio through.

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA

 

-Original Message-
From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Eric Knaps, ON4HF
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:50 PM
To: Amsat - BBS
Subject: [amsat-bb] My first portable sat qso made today.

Hello all,

Today I made my first portable satellite qso in my backyard via SO-50.
I bought an arrow antenna from www.vpa-systems.pl and connected a 
portable to it.
I didn't know it was that easy! I worked EA7HZZ and a German station 
(forgot his call because I was to excited)
What a nice hobby we have!

73,
Eric.

-- 
Amateur Radio Station ON4HF
Eric Knaps
Satellite manager UBA


http://www.on4hf.be

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[amsat-bb] Dragon Near ISS

[B J]

http://spacecoalition.com/blog/nasa/dragon-flyby-sets-stage-for-1st-u-s-commercial-space-station-mission

View of Dragon from the ISS:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=144472261

73s

Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Lee Maisel]

I completely agree with that statement.
I'm sure there are enough smart fellers here that we can all get 
together and develop one.


Lee
W5LMM


k4...@comcast.net wrote:
The company that comes out with an AZ/EL unit that is about $200 is 
going to sell a million.



*From: *"Lee Maisel" 
*To: *"amsat-bb" 
*Sent: *Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:02:39 PM
*Subject: *[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle 
for sat work.


Thanks Clayton!

Now if I could find a small commercial az-el rotator for an Arrow, that
would be ideal!

Lee





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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Lee Maisel]

Thanks Bob

That is extremely helpful, and most likely what I will do.   Now, is 
there a computer interface somewhere for these RS rotators?


Lee
W5LMM




Bob Bruninga wrote:
The company that comes out with an AZ/EL unit that 
is about $200 is going to sell a million. 



Radioshack already does.  Its called a TV rotator, and I would buy one before 
they are no more!.  For LEO satellites one does not need elevation 98% of the 
time and with a modest beam (ARROW type) you can have a $70 system.  Tilt the 
beam up about 15 degrees so that you still have max gain on the horizon where 
satellites spend 1/3rd of all their pass times below 20 degrees.  Track then in 
AZ only.

As the satellite gets above about 30 degrees and starts to roll off a dB or so 
of beam gain, remember that at that elevation the satellite is HALF as far away 
so it is now 6 dB stronger!  This remains true up to over 45 degrees, where you 
may be down 3 dB on the beam but the signal is 10 dB closer to you!  The 
break-even point is above about 70 degrees.  BUT!  Remember, the satellite is 
only above 70 degrees less than 2% of all pass times.  Simply not worth 
spending another $700 for an elevation rotator for 1 minute a day of better 
access.

Also, do NOT be tempted to tilt above about 15 degrees or you are going to lose gain on the horizon where you need it most.  Lots of folks put it up higher because it seems logical, but they are ignoring the very significant DISTANCE factor at low elevations (sketched to scale on the web page). 


Please take a look at the plots on http://aprs.org/rotator1.html

Its an old page, but the drawings are always valid.

Bob, WB4APR

  


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[amsat-bb] PhoneSat at Maker Faire

[Trevor .]

The 2012 Bay Area Maker Faire in San Mateo took place May 19-20 and among the 
stands was one displaying the PhoneSat amateur radio satellites.

See http://www.uk.amsat.org/7696 


73 Trevor M5AKA
AMSAT-UK News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK 



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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Ted]

Lee, there is a construction article in Chap 6 of the ARRL Satellite
Handbook (too complicated for me)

But the reality is that it is easy to manually turn the RS rotor with the
control box from the comfort of your chair just following the azimuth
showing on your sat program and listening with your ear...this will get you
close enough. I have the Elk on a RS rotor with Bob's fixed elevation.
(Worked good enough for VUCC #226)  

Of course, the original question was about mobile installation, so unless
you have a long extension cord or a generator... hi hi

73, Ted, K7TRK

-Original Message-
From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Lee Maisel
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:00 PM
To: Bob Bruninga; amsat-bb
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat
work.

 Thanks Bob

That is extremely helpful, and most likely what I will do.   Now, is 
there a computer interface somewhere for these RS rotators?

Lee
W5LMM




Bob Bruninga wrote:
>> The company that comes out with an AZ/EL unit that 
>> is about $200 is going to sell a million. 
>> 
>
> Radioshack already does.  Its called a TV rotator, and I would buy one
before they are no more!.  For LEO satellites one does not need elevation
98% of the time and with a modest beam (ARROW type) you can have a $70
system.  Tilt the beam up about 15 degrees so that you still have max gain
on the horizon where satellites spend 1/3rd of all their pass times below 20
degrees.  Track then in AZ only.
>
> As the satellite gets above about 30 degrees and starts to roll off a dB
or so of beam gain, remember that at that elevation the satellite is HALF as
far away so it is now 6 dB stronger!  This remains true up to over 45
degrees, where you may be down 3 dB on the beam but the signal is 10 dB
closer to you!  The break-even point is above about 70 degrees.  BUT!
Remember, the satellite is only above 70 degrees less than 2% of all pass
times.  Simply not worth spending another $700 for an elevation rotator for
1 minute a day of better access.
>
> Also, do NOT be tempted to tilt above about 15 degrees or you are going to
lose gain on the horizon where you need it most.  Lots of folks put it up
higher because it seems logical, but they are ignoring the very significant
DISTANCE factor at low elevations (sketched to scale on the web page). 
>
> Please take a look at the plots on http://aprs.org/rotator1.html
>
> Its an old page, but the drawings are always valid.
>
> Bob, WB4APR
>
>   

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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Lee Maisel]

Thanks, Ted, and that's fine if I have to do that, but all the RS 
rotators are 110v with no 12v option.  I have searched, but can't seem 
to find a small 12v rotator.  I'd hate to use an inverter just for that, 
seems silly.


73
Lee
W5LMM


Ted wrote:

Lee, there is a construction article in Chap 6 of the ARRL Satellite
Handbook (too complicated for me)

But the reality is that it is easy to manually turn the RS rotor with the
control box from the comfort of your chair just following the azimuth
showing on your sat program and listening with your ear...this will get you
close enough. I have the Elk on a RS rotor with Bob's fixed elevation.
(Worked good enough for VUCC #226)  


Of course, the original question was about mobile installation, so unless
you have a long extension cord or a generator... hi hi

73, Ted, K7TRK
  


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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Bob Bruninga]

> all the RS rotators are 110v with no 12v option
> I'd hate to use an inverter just for that,

But a 100W inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter is only $24 or less
at Walmart.  That is much less than you would pay compared to trying to find
a 12v rotator system.  I had similar designs for 12v rotator systems, but
just got lazy and realized it is easier to simply use these cheap inverters
that are 95% efficient and just use whatever I need in the car for playing
ham radio wether it is 12v or 115v, dosn't matter.

Though watch for RFI from the inverter?

Bob, Wb4APR

Ted wrote:
> Lee, there is a construction article in Chap 6 of the ARRL Satellite
> Handbook (too complicated for me)
>
> But the reality is that it is easy to manually turn the RS rotor with the
> control box from the comfort of your chair just following the azimuth
> showing on your sat program and listening with your ear...this will get
you
> close enough. I have the Elk on a RS rotor with Bob's fixed elevation.
> (Worked good enough for VUCC #226)
>
> Of course, the original question was about mobile installation, so unless
> you have a long extension cord or a generator... hi hi
>
> 73, Ted, K7TRK
>

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[amsat-bb] Re: My first portable sat qso made today.

[i8cvs]

- Original Message - 
From: "Eric Knaps, ON4HF" 
To: "Amsat - BBS" 
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:49 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] My first portable sat qso made today.

> Hello all,
> 
> Today I made my first portable satellite qso in my backyard via SO-50.
> I bought an arrow antenna from www.vpa-systems.pl and connected a 
> portable to it.
> I didn't know it was that easy! I worked EA7HZZ and a German station 
> (forgot his call because I was to excited)
> What a nice hobby we have!
> 
> 73,
> Eric.
> 
> -- 
> Amateur Radio Station ON4HF
> Eric Knaps
> Satellite manager UBA
> 
> http://www.on4hf.be
> 

Hi Eric, ON4HF

I am very surprised that you as a "Satellite manager UBA" made your
first portable satellite contact only yersterday and you was so excited !

Congratulations!  It is indeed amazing.

73" de i8CVS Domenico
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[amsat-bb] SpaceX Dragon C2+ and the ISS CUCU Communications Orbit 29 @ 3:23 AM EST over Chelmsford, MA

[Bryce Salmi]

AMSAT-BB,

 So my dad and brother and I all decided to get up and catch the pass
over Chelmsford, MA at 3:23AM this morning of the ISS and Dragon. We were
pleasantly suprised due to the pre-dawn light when we saw a bright ISS and
not too far behind it a trailing dimmer Dragon C2+ flying overhead! We used
our normal amateur satellite setup with an Arrow handheld antenna and a
Yaesu VX-8R. At 10 seconds into the audio you hear us change the mode of
the radio to AM.

We know from the FCC papers I linked to in the sound file description that
400.5 MHz was the only SpaceX UHF licensed frequency and it was well known
that the CUCU is a UHF radio. Being 153.6 Kbps it's likely a form of spread
spectrum or similar so we only expected to hear a small portion of the
transmissions. I suggest reading the soundcloud description to get a full
sense of where to listen in the audio but there are clear data bursts in
there. CUCU and the ISS only need to transmit to each other so unlike most
amateur satellites that are designed to be heard from the ground... we're
picking up what's left of the 1.5W as it leaks past the spacecraft to the
ground. The signals are weak but enjoy!

http://soundcloud.com/kb1lqc/dragon-orbit-29-am-uhf-yagi



73's

Bryce Salmi
KB1LQC
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[amsat-bb] Re: Antenna suggestions for mounting on vehicle for sat work.

[Dave Matthews]

On 5/24/2012 9:15 PM, Bob Bruninga wrote:

all the RS rotators are 110v with no 12v option
I'd hate to use an inverter just for that,


But a 100W inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter is only $24 or less
at Walmart.  That is much less than you would pay compared to trying to find
a 12v rotator system.




I agree.  I have built a couple of 12V satellite tracker servo systems, 
and the cost is too high in small quantities to ignore the efficacy of 
the inverter solution.


Please visit http://www.lostfrogs.com/SatTrack.htm .

My first system was in the AMSAT newsletter of July/August 2009.  That 
system worked OK, but my last system was much improved with dual 
antennas and by beefier motors and gearing, and was used to make 
numerous contacts during the 2010 Field Day.


I sold that system to a eager Satellite Ham for $400; that included hand 
made gear boxes and supported by the Parallax BASIC Stamp.  I broke even 
in materials, that is all.


My current plans are for an improved system (in terms of speeds and 
accel/decel issues) based upon the Parallax Propeller.  As a hobbyist I 
will buy what I need to put the system together, but if someone is 
interested in funding an endeavor I am open to that prospect!


Incidentally the inverter problems are maybe less than the RF into the 
servo controller problems, hence the 8' boom in the current version to 
get greater distance from the antennas and the servos.


Dave KI4PSR



On 5/24/2012 9:15 PM, Bob Bruninga wrote:

all the RS rotators are 110v with no 12v option
I'd hate to use an inverter just for that,


But a 100W inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter is only $24 or less
at Walmart.  That is much less than you would pay compared to trying to find
a 12v rotator system.  I had similar designs for 12v rotator systems, but
just got lazy and realized it is easier to simply use these cheap inverters
that are 95% efficient and just use whatever I need in the car for playing
ham radio wether it is 12v or 115v, dosn't matter.

Though watch for RFI from the inverter?

Bob, Wb4APR

Ted wrote:

Lee, there is a construction article in Chap 6 of the ARRL Satellite
Handbook (too complicated for me)

But the reality is that it is easy to manually turn the RS rotor with the
control box from the comfort of your chair just following the azimuth
showing on your sat program and listening with your ear...this will get

you

close enough. I have the Elk on a RS rotor with Bob's fixed elevation.
(Worked good enough for VUCC #226)

Of course, the original question was about mobile installation, so unless
you have a long extension cord or a generator... hi hi

73, Ted, K7TRK



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