[amsat-bb] An exciting afternoon on the birds!!!
Hello to all! It was an exciting afternoon on the birds! First, I worked Patrick, WD9EWK on SO-50 in a new grid for me (FN56). Patrick, thanks very much for the great QSO and new grid! Then, I had my first contact on satellites with France. Michael, F6GLJ in IN94qs and I completed a great QSO on FO-29. We had a maxim elevation of 0.5 degree at our ends. I believe it is the first contact between Cuba and France on FO-29! It is a 7508 Km contact! Our first attempt was on July 18 but Michael was not able to get a solid copy of my signal. Fortunately, FO-29 offered us another opportunity, we made a schedule again and I decided to use the ELK antenna instead of the ARROW which I used in the first attempt. I was operating portable from a tall building (45m over the ground), I had a great horizon visibility. I was running half - duplex with my FT-817nd, a homebrew 50W power amplifier and a homebrew preamplifier. Everything was supplied by a 12V 7A gel battery. Michael, thanks very much for the great contact, new grid and new country! 73! Hector, CO6CBF / KF5YXV El92sd ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] 432 10-13 -Element Antenna?
You could look at a 12 element ZL Special 1.1M long and gives 14dBd gain. In the UK they are made by Moonraker Steve G6UIM -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Jim Jerzycke Sent: 21 July 2014 05:38 To: l...@highnoonfilm.com; AMSAT Mailing List; Star-Com BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 432 10-13 -Element Antenna? Hi, Les I've been using an M2 420-50-11 for satellite use for years now, and it works great. Not as much gain as the old KLM 30-element CP antenna I have, but then it's not 10' long either! Check it out at the M2 website: http://www.m2inc.com/index.php?ax=amateurpg=103 73, Jim KQ6EA On 07/21/2014 04:18 AM, Les Rayburn wrote: I'm limited to indoor antennas for all my amateur operations, including satellite operation. Right now, I'm running a 6 element 2 Meter yagi, along with the 7 element 432 beam (part of an arrow antenna). I have room to rotate a larger, and longer 432 antenna, and I'd love to have more gain. Most of the commercial antennas seem to be either small and portable, like the Arrow or much longer intended for weak signal operations. Is anyone aware of something in between, such as a 10 to 13 element antenna available commercially. No time or interest in homebrewing one right now. Even better, does anyone have one that is surplus to their needs that they'd like to sell? ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] 432 10-13 -Element Antenna?
Gulf Alpha has a 7 x 7 element 2 meter with a 10 x 10 element 70cm antenna on one boom. I would love to hear from someone with one of those. http://gulfalphaantennas.com/ I have one of his earlier / smaller antennas, and it performs very well and is the most sturdily built antenna like this I have ever seen. 73, Joe kk0sd -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Les Rayburn Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2014 11:19 PM To: AMSAT Mailing List; Star-Com BB Subject: [amsat-bb] 432 10-13 -Element Antenna? I'm limited to indoor antennas for all my amateur operations, including satellite operation. Right now, I'm running a 6 element 2 Meter yagi, along with the 7 element 432 beam (part of an arrow antenna). I have room to rotate a larger, and longer 432 antenna, and I'd love to have more gain. Most of the commercial antennas seem to be either small and portable, like the Arrow or much longer intended for weak signal operations. Is anyone aware of something in between, such as a 10 to 13 element antenna available commercially. No time or interest in homebrewing one right now. Even better, does anyone have one that is surplus to their needs that they'd like to sell? -- -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz Light ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
On 07/21/2014 01:57 AM, Phil Karn wrote: On 07/20/2014 08:00 PM, Gus wrote: I'd hazard to guess that the 'average' shack has multi-mode HF capability, along with VHF/UHF FM. Some lesser number of 'average' shacks will have multi-mode VHF/UHF, or could readily acquire that capability without too much expenditure in resources (time, effort, money). When DirecTV designed their satellite broadcast system, did they worry about backward compatibility with the multitude (or so it probably seemed) of existing C-band BUD (Big Ugly Dish) owners? All of whom were then receiving analog FM, I might add. If not, then why are they still in business? Probably because they didn't design a satellite. They designed an entire system including ground station components as well as flight hardware. The ground system components were made available such that their target audience was able to upgrade their BUD installations with only reasonable expenditures of time, effort and money. But that's just a guess in my part. I'd love to chat with you on the new digital hamsat, but if it's going to require I spend $5k+ on hard-to-source, esoteric components and cobble them together with duct tape, then it'll be a while before I'm QRV. So, the first few days after launch those 60 DV channels may be a little quiet. -- Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle ___ 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] K4AMG FD AMSAT 2014 report
K4AMG Memorial Amateur Radio Club, Inc operated as the GOTA station for the Chesapeake Amateur Radio Service (W4CAR). As to be expected we had our share of problems but had a great time. These are the SATCOM Qs from K4AMG: DATETIME CALL SAT CLASS SECTION 28 June 2014 2249 W9CCU VO 52 4A IL 28 June 2014 2317 K0FBXFO 292A IA 28 June 2014 2319 N8HM FO 291B MDC 28 June 2014 2321 KB4FBT FO 294A AL 28 June 2014 2324 W3T FO 293A EPA 28 June 2014 2324 W8DXA FO 292A OH 28 June 2014 2325 K4ZTT FO 295A GA 29 June 20141033 N1RAK FO 291D RI 29 June 20141038 WB2JSMFO 293A NLI 29 June 20141040 W1NY FO 29 5A WMA 29 June 20141216 K2AA FO 296A SNJ 29 June 20141218 AA5PK FO 29 1D WTX 29 June 2014 1222 N5ZNL FO 29ID MS June 29 2014 1223 W6YX FO2910F SCV 73 R W4BUE ___ 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] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Although her desires were to be at work with other systems and sub-systems working normal as per the latest telemetry received, the on-board computer recurring to ‘Reset’ mode due to the failure of batteries is preventing her to do so. Hence, it is decided not to expect any more meaningful and reliable services from HAMSAT VO-52. Since 11th July, every best possible effort has been put in by the spacecraft controllers here in ISTRAC Bangalore to revive her back to life and to help her with work load, so she won’t be swamped when she returns, but with no luck. Though it is hard, the HAMSAT VO-52 designers and controllers insist that the time has come to let the little angel free in space to go drifting on her own from their care and custody. Thus, today 21st July 2014, ISRO have decommissioned 'HAMSAT-VO52' officially. We all here in ISRO do definitely hope that ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ worked tirelessly and was a good friend to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity’ around the World. We are sure that HAMSAT was loved by all who worked through her. Though, we are deeply saddened by the loss of HAMSAT VO-52, but she will never be forgotten and far from our hearts, minds and memories. HAMSAT VO-52 will always be remembered by all of us here in ISRO as one of the greatest satellites of ours. Dear ‘HAMSAT’, looking at the sky, we all say ‘Good Bye’ to you. You’ll be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Nevertheless, at this point of time, on behalf of the World Amateur Radio Fraternity, we thank each and everyone who contributed to the great success of ‘HAMSAT’. Particularly, our sincere thanks to the Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, past chairmen Dr. Kasthurirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Director-ISAC Dr. S.K.Shiva Kumar, past ISAC Directors Dr. P.S. Goel, Dr. Shankara, Dr. T.K. Alex, Director-ISTRAC Shri. B.S. Chandrasekhar, scientific secretary Dr. Koteshwar Rao, Project Director-Shri. J.P. Gupta, Deputy project Directors, Mission Director-Shri. R.Suresh, Operations Director-Shri. Parimalarangan and each and every person directly or in-directly contributed. At this point of time, we also thank AMSAT-India and in particular, late Shri. Nagesh Upadhyaya-VU2NUD, Shri. B.S. Gajendra Kumar-VU2BGS, Shri. Prathap Kumar-VU2POP, Air Commodore. Subramanian-VU2UV, Shri. V.P. Sandlas-VU2VP, Dr.R. Ramesh-VU2RMS, Shri. Nitin-VU3TYG, Mr. Williams Leijenaar PE1RAH and each and every member. Pasted below is the message from Mr. R. Suresh, Mission Director: HAMSAT, the first small satellite by ISRO has been Decommissioned after nearly a decade of service to the World Ham community. A true masterpiece among small satellites, designed for one year mission life, but exceeded all expectations by serving for almost 10 years. A truly autonomous satellite, with “Zero maintenance“ in terms of Mission operations, it provided a springboard to test many new concepts such as BMU. LI-ion based power system, automatic Spin rate control and Auto SAOC for maintaining the Satellite attitude without any ground commanding. HAMSAT known as “OSCAR-52” among the Amateur HAM operators has been very popular because of its high sensitivity receiver and strong transmitter. Indian Radio Amateurs on many occasions conveyed to us that they have been greatly honored to share the adulations showered on ISRO and INDIA by the International Radio Amateur for gifting this wonderful satellite HAMSAT. I take this opportunity to applaud the HAMSAT teams at ISAC, ISTRAC and other centre for their efforts and support, which has made ISRO proud among the HAM users across the globe. R,SURESH MISSION DIRECTOR HAMSAT --- Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] Secretary Station-In-Charge Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC ISRO Satellite Centre HAL Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017. Phone:(Office)91-80-25082598/25082054/25082192 Mobile: 91-9880 341 456 E-mail ID: w...@isac.gov.in vu2wmy_m...@yahoo.com isroh...@yahoo.com -- Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
Re: [amsat-bb] [amsatindia] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
What a wonderful asset the satellite has been built by good people it accomplished the goal we should all be part of, of extending the hobby to others. I'll keep listening on occassions...you never know eventually it might do an Oscar 7 Congrats to all who built her. Robert G. Oler WB5MZO Sent from my iPad On Jul 21, 2014, at 10:05, 'Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS]' w...@isac.gov.in [amsatindia] amsatin...@yahoogroups.com wrote: Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Although her desires were to be at work with other systems and sub-systems working normal as per the latest telemetry received, the on-board computer recurring to ‘Reset’ mode due to the failure of batteries is preventing her to do so. Hence, it is decided not to expect any more meaningful and reliable services from HAMSAT VO-52. Since 11th July, every best possible effort has been put in by the spacecraft controllers here in ISTRAC Bangalore to revive her back to life and to help her with work load, so she won’t be swamped when she returns, but with no luck. Though it is hard, the HAMSAT VO-52 designers and controllers insist that the time has come to let the little angel free in space to go drifting on her own from their care and custody. Thus, today 21st July 2014, ISRO have decommissioned 'HAMSAT-VO52' officially. We all here in ISRO do definitely hope that ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ worked tirelessly and was a good friend to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity’ around the World. We are sure that HAMSAT was loved by all who worked through her. Though, we are deeply saddened by the loss of HAMSAT VO-52, but she will never be forgotten and far from our hearts, minds and memories. HAMSAT VO-52 will always be remembered by all of us here in ISRO as one of the greatest satellites of ours. Dear ‘HAMSAT’, looking at the sky, we all say ‘Good Bye’ to you. You’ll be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Nevertheless, at this point of time, on behalf of the World Amateur Radio Fraternity, we thank each and everyone who contributed to the great success of ‘HAMSAT’. Particularly, our sincere thanks to the Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, past chairmen Dr. Kasthurirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Director-ISAC Dr. S.K.Shiva Kumar, past ISAC Directors Dr. P.S. Goel, Dr. Shankara, Dr. T.K. Alex, Director-ISTRAC Shri. B.S. Chandrasekhar, scientific secretary Dr. Koteshwar Rao, Project Director-Shri. J.P. Gupta, Deputy project Directors, Mission Director-Shri. R.Suresh, Operations Director-Shri. Parimalarangan and each and every person directly or in-directly contributed. At this point of time, we also thank AMSAT-India and in particular, late Shri. Nagesh Upadhyaya-VU2NUD, Shri. B.S. Gajendra Kumar-VU2BGS, Shri. Prathap Kumar-VU2POP, Air Commodore. Subramanian-VU2UV, Shri. V.P. Sandlas-VU2VP, Dr.R. Ramesh-VU2RMS, Shri. Nitin-VU3TYG, Mr. Williams Leijenaar PE1RAH and each and every member. Pasted below is the message from Mr. R. Suresh, Mission Director: HAMSAT, the first small satellite by ISRO has been Decommissioned after nearly a decade of service to the World Ham community. A true masterpiece among small satellites, designed for one year mission life, but exceeded all expectations by serving for almost 10 years. A truly autonomous satellite, with “Zero maintenance“ in terms of Mission operations, it provided a springboard to test many new concepts such as BMU. LI-ion based power system, automatic Spin rate control and Auto SAOC for maintaining the Satellite attitude without any ground commanding. HAMSAT known as “OSCAR-52” among the Amateur HAM operators has been very popular because of its high sensitivity receiver and strong transmitter. Indian Radio Amateurs on many occasions conveyed to us that they have been greatly honored to share the adulations showered on ISRO and INDIA by the International Radio Amateur for gifting this wonderful satellite HAMSAT. I take this opportunity to applaud the HAMSAT teams at ISAC, ISTRAC and other centre for their efforts and support, which has made ISRO proud among the HAM users across the globe. R,SURESH MISSION DIRECTOR HAMSAT --- Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] Secretary Station-In-Charge Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC
Re: [amsat-bb] [VUHams] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
Thanks Mani for posting the latest update about VO52. It is sad to hear that the satellite cannot be reviewed due to the issues with the batteries, it has served the amateur radio fraternity very well and the reports I have received from our friends shows how popular this satellite was. I wish to thank all at ISRO for providing us with this wonderful satellite and all the efforts they made to restore the satellite. 73 Nitin [VU3TYG] Secretary, AMSAT INDIA From: 'Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS]' w...@isac.gov.in [vuhams] vuh...@yahoogroups.com To: BB, AMSAT amsat-bb@amsat.org; AMSAT-INDIA amsatin...@yahoogroups.com; VUHAMS vuh...@yahoogroups.com Cc: HAMS, ISRO isroh...@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, 21 July 2014 8:33 PM Subject: [VUHams] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Although her desires were to be at work with other systems and sub-systems working normal as per the latest telemetry received, the on-board computer recurring to ‘Reset’ mode due to the failure of batteries is preventing her to do so. Hence, it is decided not to expect any more meaningful and reliable services from HAMSAT VO-52. Since 11th July, every best possible effort has been put in by the spacecraft controllers here in ISTRAC Bangalore to revive her back to life and to help her with work load, so she won’t be swamped when she returns, but with no luck. Though it is hard, the HAMSAT VO-52 designers and controllers insist that the time has come to let the little angel free in space to go drifting on her own from their care and custody. Thus, today 21st July 2014, ISRO have decommissioned 'HAMSAT-VO52' officially. We all here in ISRO do definitely hope that ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ worked tirelessly and was a good friend to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity’ around the World. We are sure that HAMSAT was loved by all who worked through her. Though, we are deeply saddened by the loss of HAMSAT VO-52, but she will never be forgotten and far from our hearts, minds and memories. HAMSAT VO-52 will always be remembered by all of us here in ISRO as one of the greatest satellites of ours. Dear ‘HAMSAT’, looking at the sky, we all say ‘Good Bye’ to you. You’ll be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Nevertheless, at this point of time, on behalf of the World Amateur Radio Fraternity, we thank each and everyone who contributed to the great success of ‘HAMSAT’. Particularly, our sincere thanks to the Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, past chairmen Dr. Kasthurirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Director-ISAC Dr. S.K.Shiva Kumar, past ISAC Directors Dr. P.S. Goel, Dr. Shankara, Dr. T.K. Alex, Director-ISTRAC Shri. B.S. Chandrasekhar, scientific secretary Dr. Koteshwar Rao, Project Director-Shri. J.P. Gupta, Deputy project Directors, Mission Director-Shri. R.Suresh, Operations Director-Shri. Parimalarangan and each and every person directly or in-directly contributed. At this point of time, we also thank AMSAT-India and in particular, late Shri. Nagesh Upadhyaya-VU2NUD, Shri. B.S. Gajendra Kumar-VU2BGS, Shri. Prathap Kumar-VU2POP, Air Commodore. Subramanian-VU2UV, Shri. V.P. Sandlas-VU2VP, Dr.R. Ramesh-VU2RMS, Shri. Nitin-VU3TYG, Mr. Williams Leijenaar PE1RAH and each and every member. Pasted below is the message from Mr. R. Suresh, Mission Director: HAMSAT, the first small satellite by ISRO has been Decommissioned after nearly a decade of service to the World Ham community. A true masterpiece among small satellites, designed for one year mission life, but exceeded all expectations by serving for almost 10 years. A truly autonomous satellite, with “Zero maintenance“ in terms of Mission operations, it provided a springboard to test many new concepts such as BMU. LI-ion based power system, automatic Spin rate control and Auto SAOC for maintaining the Satellite attitude without any ground commanding. HAMSAT known as “OSCAR-52” among the Amateur HAM operators has been very popular because of its high sensitivity receiver and strong transmitter. Indian Radio Amateurs on many occasions conveyed to us that they have been greatly honored to share the adulations showered on ISRO and INDIA by the International Radio Amateur for gifting this wonderful satellite HAMSAT. I take this opportunity to applaud the HAMSAT teams at ISAC, ISTRAC and other centre for their efforts and support, which has made ISRO proud among the HAM users across the globe. R,SURESH MISSION DIRECTOR
Re: [amsat-bb] [amsatindia] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
We will all miss her, but thanks to all who were involved in the project. It served us well over the past 9+ years and served as an excellent gateway to linear satellite operations with it's excellent downlink signal. I remember fumbling through my first full-duplex linear satellite QSO just under two years ago on VO-52. That success eventually got me hooked! Carrying the first Mode B linear transponder launched and activated since AO-13 in 1988, the popularity of VO-52 has led to the launch of Mode B linear transponders on AO-73, EO-79, and UKube-1, so her legacy will continue to live on. 73, Paul, N8HM On Mon, Jul 21, 2014 at 11:07 AM, R Oler orbit...@hotmail.com wrote: What a wonderful asset the satellite has been built by good people it accomplished the goal we should all be part of, of extending the hobby to others. I'll keep listening on occassions...you never know eventually it might do an Oscar 7 Congrats to all who built her. Robert G. Oler WB5MZO Sent from my iPad On Jul 21, 2014, at 10:05, 'Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS]' w...@isac.gov.in [amsatindia] amsatin...@yahoogroups.com wrote: Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Although her desires were to be at work with other systems and sub-systems working normal as per the latest telemetry received, the on-board computer recurring to ‘Reset’ mode due to the failure of batteries is preventing her to do so. Hence, it is decided not to expect any more meaningful and reliable services from HAMSAT VO-52. Since 11th July, every best possible effort has been put in by the spacecraft controllers here in ISTRAC Bangalore to revive her back to life and to help her with work load, so she won’t be swamped when she returns, but with no luck. Though it is hard, the HAMSAT VO-52 designers and controllers insist that the time has come to let the little angel free in space to go drifting on her own from their care and custody. Thus, today 21st July 2014, ISRO have decommissioned 'HAMSAT-VO52' officially. We all here in ISRO do definitely hope that ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ worked tirelessly and was a good friend to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity’ around the World. We are sure that HAMSAT was loved by all who worked through her. Though, we are deeply saddened by the loss of HAMSAT VO-52, but she will never be forgotten and far from our hearts, minds and memories. HAMSAT VO-52 will always be remembered by all of us here in ISRO as one of the greatest satellites of ours. Dear ‘HAMSAT’, looking at the sky, we all say ‘Good Bye’ to you. You’ll be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Nevertheless, at this point of time, on behalf of the World Amateur Radio Fraternity, we thank each and everyone who contributed to the great success of ‘HAMSAT’. Particularly, our sincere thanks to the Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, past chairmen Dr. Kasthurirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Director-ISAC Dr. S.K.Shiva Kumar, past ISAC Directors Dr. P.S. Goel, Dr. Shankara, Dr. T.K. Alex, Director-ISTRAC Shri. B.S. Chandrasekhar, scientific secretary Dr. Koteshwar Rao, Project Director-Shri. J.P. Gupta, Deputy project Directors, Mission Director-Shri. R.Suresh, Operations Director-Shri. Parimalarangan and each and every person directly or in-directly contributed. At this point of time, we also thank AMSAT-India and in particular, late Shri. Nagesh Upadhyaya-VU2NUD, Shri. B.S. Gajendra Kumar-VU2BGS, Shri. Prathap Kumar-VU2POP, Air Commodore. Subramanian-VU2UV, Shri. V.P. Sandlas-VU2VP, Dr.R. Ramesh-VU2RMS, Shri. Nitin-VU3TYG, Mr. Williams Leijenaar PE1RAH and each and every member. Pasted below is the message from Mr. R. Suresh, Mission Director: HAMSAT, the first small satellite by ISRO has been Decommissioned after nearly a decade of service to the World Ham community. A true masterpiece among small satellites, designed for one year mission life, but exceeded all expectations by serving for almost 10 years. A truly autonomous satellite, with “Zero maintenance“ in terms of Mission operations, it provided a springboard to test many new concepts such as BMU. LI-ion based power system, automatic Spin rate control and Auto SAOC for maintaining the Satellite attitude without any ground commanding. HAMSAT known as “OSCAR-52” among the Amateur HAM operators has been very popular because of its high sensitivity receiver and strong transmitter. Indian Radio Amateurs on many occasions conveyed to us that they have been
Re: [amsat-bb] [amsatindia] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
Unfortunatty this day arrived, I will keep my records and memories of a lot of fun doing amazing QSO´s. Thank you ALL the Team. Now we need to look forward to the next bird. RIP VO-52 and thank you for all. 73 Fabiano Moser CT7ABD On Mon, Jul 21, 2014 at 4:07 PM, R Oler orbit...@hotmail.com wrote: What a wonderful asset the satellite has been built by good people it accomplished the goal we should all be part of, of extending the hobby to others. I'll keep listening on occassions...you never know eventually it might do an Oscar 7 Congrats to all who built her. Robert G. Oler WB5MZO Sent from my iPad On Jul 21, 2014, at 10:05, 'Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS]' w...@isac.gov.in [amsatindia] amsatin...@yahoogroups.com wrote: Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Although her desires were to be at work with other systems and sub-systems working normal as per the latest telemetry received, the on-board computer recurring to ‘Reset’ mode due to the failure of batteries is preventing her to do so. Hence, it is decided not to expect any more meaningful and reliable services from HAMSAT VO-52. Since 11th July, every best possible effort has been put in by the spacecraft controllers here in ISTRAC Bangalore to revive her back to life and to help her with work load, so she won’t be swamped when she returns, but with no luck. Though it is hard, the HAMSAT VO-52 designers and controllers insist that the time has come to let the little angel free in space to go drifting on her own from their care and custody. Thus, today 21st July 2014, ISRO have decommissioned 'HAMSAT-VO52' officially. We all here in ISRO do definitely hope that ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ worked tirelessly and was a good friend to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity’ around the World. We are sure that HAMSAT was loved by all who worked through her. Though, we are deeply saddened by the loss of HAMSAT VO-52, but she will never be forgotten and far from our hearts, minds and memories. HAMSAT VO-52 will always be remembered by all of us here in ISRO as one of the greatest satellites of ours. Dear ‘HAMSAT’, looking at the sky, we all say ‘Good Bye’ to you. You’ll be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Nevertheless, at this point of time, on behalf of the World Amateur Radio Fraternity, we thank each and everyone who contributed to the great success of ‘HAMSAT’. Particularly, our sincere thanks to the Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, past chairmen Dr. Kasthurirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Director-ISAC Dr. S.K.Shiva Kumar, past ISAC Directors Dr. P.S. Goel, Dr. Shankara, Dr. T.K. Alex, Director-ISTRAC Shri. B.S. Chandrasekhar, scientific secretary Dr. Koteshwar Rao, Project Director-Shri. J.P. Gupta, Deputy project Directors, Mission Director-Shri. R.Suresh, Operations Director-Shri. Parimalarangan and each and every person directly or in-directly contributed. At this point of time, we also thank AMSAT-India and in particular, late Shri. Nagesh Upadhyaya-VU2NUD, Shri. B.S. Gajendra Kumar-VU2BGS, Shri. Prathap Kumar-VU2POP, Air Commodore. Subramanian-VU2UV, Shri. V.P. Sandlas-VU2VP, Dr.R. Ramesh-VU2RMS, Shri. Nitin-VU3TYG, Mr. Williams Leijenaar PE1RAH and each and every member. Pasted below is the message from Mr. R. Suresh, Mission Director: HAMSAT, the first small satellite by ISRO has been Decommissioned after nearly a decade of service to the World Ham community. A true masterpiece among small satellites, designed for one year mission life, but exceeded all expectations by serving for almost 10 years. A truly autonomous satellite, with “Zero maintenance“ in terms of Mission operations, it provided a springboard to test many new concepts such as BMU. LI-ion based power system, automatic Spin rate control and Auto SAOC for maintaining the Satellite attitude without any ground commanding. HAMSAT known as “OSCAR-52” among the Amateur HAM operators has been very popular because of its high sensitivity receiver and strong transmitter. Indian Radio Amateurs on many occasions conveyed to us that they have been greatly honored to share the adulations showered on ISRO and INDIA by the International Radio Amateur for gifting this wonderful satellite HAMSAT. I take this opportunity to applaud the HAMSAT teams at ISAC, ISTRAC and other centre for their efforts and support, which has made ISRO proud among the HAM users across the globe. R,SURESH MISSION DIRECTOR HAMSAT
Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
On 21-07-2014 17:03, Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] wrote: Hi Mani, Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Sad news, it is one of my favourite satellites and she will be missed. I want to thank all the people that made and supported this Satellite for all there effort and hope as others already mentioned that maybe she will come back one day. 73 Jan PE0SAT -- With regards PE0SAT Internet web-page http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/ DK3WN SatBlog http://www.dk3wn.info/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
Re: [amsat-bb] [Starcom-bb] 432 10-13 -Element Antenna?
Have you looked at the Myers quadrifilar helix from US Antennas? I use one exclusively for 70 cm receive and am installing one in the garage for winter sat operation. Brad KC9UQR Sent from Brad's iPod On Jul 20, 2014, at 11:18 PM, Les Rayburn l...@highnoonfilm.com wrote: I'm limited to indoor antennas for all my amateur operations, including satellite operation. Right now, I'm running a 6 element 2 Meter yagi, along with the 7 element 432 beam (part of an arrow antenna). I have room to rotate a larger, and longer 432 antenna, and I'd love to have more gain. Most of the commercial antennas seem to be either small and portable, like the Arrow or much longer intended for weak signal operations. Is anyone aware of something in between, such as a 10 to 13 element antenna available commercially. No time or interest in homebrewing one right now. Even better, does anyone have one that is surplus to their needs that they'd like to sell? -- -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz Light ___ Starcom-bb bulletin board starcom...@star-com.net http://lists.star-com.net/listinfo/starcom-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
Re: [amsat-bb] An exciting afternoon on the birds!!!
On Sun, Jul 20, 2014 at 09:37:05PM -0400, Hector, CO6CBF wrote: It was an exciting afternoon on the birds! First, I worked Patrick, WD9EWK on SO-50 in a new grid for me (FN56). Patrick, thanks very much for the great QSO and new grid! Then, I had my first contact on satellites with France. Michael, F6GLJ in IN94qs and I completed a great QSO on FO-29. We had a maxim elevation of 0.5 degree at our ends. I believe it is the first contact between Cuba and France on FO-29! It is a 7508 Km contact! Our first attempt was on July 18 but Michael was not able to get a solid copy of my signal. Fortunately, FO-29 offered us another opportunity, we made a schedule again and I decided to use the ELK antenna instead of the ARROW which I used in the first attempt. Congratulations on your contacts! That's awesome work! 73, Eric W4OTN ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
It is very sad news!! VO-52 was the satellite that brought me into the linear birds. I will certainly miss her, good bye dear friend. Thanks to all who helped fund, design, build, launch, command and operate VO-52. It's 9+ year mission has been wonderful! It was fun!! Memories and stories will be around forever. Looking forward to FOX-1 and other AMSAT projects worldwide! 73! Hector, CO6CBF / KF5YXV De: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] En nombre de Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] [w...@isac.gov.in] Enviado el: lunes, 21 de julio de 2014 11:03 a.m. Para: BB, AMSAT; AMSAT-INDIA; VUHAMS CC: HAMS, ISRO Asunto: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Although her desires were to be at work with other systems and sub-systems working normal as per the latest telemetry received, the on-board computer recurring to ‘Reset’ mode due to the failure of batteries is preventing her to do so. Hence, it is decided not to expect any more meaningful and reliable services from HAMSAT VO-52. Since 11th July, every best possible effort has been put in by the spacecraft controllers here in ISTRAC Bangalore to revive her back to life and to help her with work load, so she won’t be swamped when she returns, but with no luck. Though it is hard, the HAMSAT VO-52 designers and controllers insist that the time has come to let the little angel free in space to go drifting on her own from their care and custody. Thus, today 21st July 2014, ISRO have decommissioned 'HAMSAT-VO52' officially. We all here in ISRO do definitely hope that ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ worked tirelessly and was a good friend to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity’ around the World. We are sure that HAMSAT was loved by all who worked through her. Though, we are deeply saddened by the loss of HAMSAT VO-52, but she will never be forgotten and far from our hearts, minds and memories. HAMSAT VO-52 will always be remembered by all of us here in ISRO as one of the greatest satellites of ours. Dear ‘HAMSAT’, looking at the sky, we all say ‘Good Bye’ to you. You’ll be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Nevertheless, at this point of time, on behalf of the World Amateur Radio Fraternity, we thank each and everyone who contributed to the great success of ‘HAMSAT’. Particularly, our sincere thanks to the Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, past chairmen Dr. Kasthurirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Director-ISAC Dr. S.K.Shiva Kumar, past ISAC Directors Dr. P.S. Goel, Dr. Shankara, Dr. T.K. Alex, Director-ISTRAC Shri. B.S. Chandrasekhar, scientific secretary Dr. Koteshwar Rao, Project Director-Shri. J.P. Gupta, Deputy project Directors, Mission Director-Shri. R.Suresh, Operations Director-Shri. Parimalarangan and each and every person directly or in-directly contributed. At this point of time, we also thank AMSAT-India and in particular, late Shri. Nagesh Upadhyaya-VU2NUD, Shri. B.S. Gajendra Kumar-VU2BGS, Shri. Prathap Kumar-VU2POP, Air Commodore. Subramanian-VU2UV, Shri. V.P. Sandlas-VU2VP, Dr.R. Ramesh-VU2RMS, Shri. Nitin-VU3TYG, Mr. Williams Leijenaar PE1RAH and each and every member. Pasted below is the message from Mr. R. Suresh, Mission Director: HAMSAT, the first small satellite by ISRO has been Decommissioned after nearly a decade of service to the World Ham community. A true masterpiece among small satellites, designed for one year mission life, but exceeded all expectations by serving for almost 10 years. A truly autonomous satellite, with “Zero maintenance“ in terms of Mission operations, it provided a springboard to test many new concepts such as BMU. LI-ion based power system, automatic Spin rate control and Auto SAOC for maintaining the Satellite attitude without any ground commanding. HAMSAT known as “OSCAR-52” among the Amateur HAM operators has been very popular because of its high sensitivity receiver and strong transmitter. Indian Radio Amateurs on many occasions conveyed to us that they have been greatly honored to share the adulations showered on ISRO and INDIA by the International Radio Amateur for gifting this wonderful satellite HAMSAT. I take this opportunity to applaud the HAMSAT teams at ISAC, ISTRAC and other centre for their efforts and support, which has made ISRO proud among the HAM users across the globe. R,SURESH MISSION DIRECTOR HAMSAT
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
Since I think it so apropos to our discussion of old vs new technology in AMSAT, I hereby quote in full today's Borowitz Report from the New Yorker. Rarely does an item cause me to laugh and feel pain at the same time, but this is one of those cases. --Phil [Picture of Buzz Aldrin saluting the flag on the moon during Apollo 11] MINNEAPOLIS (The Borowitz Report)—Historians studying archival photographs from four decades ago have come to the conclusion that the U.S. must have believed in science at some point. According to the historian Davis Logsdon, who has been sifting through mounds of photographic evidence at the University of Minnesota, the nation apparently once held the view that investing in science and even math could yield accomplishments that would be a source of national pride. While Logsdon has not developed a complete theory to explain the United States’ pro-science stance during that era, he attributes some of it to the liberal views of the President at that time, Richard M. Nixon. Source: http://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/nation-apparently-believed-science-point ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] An exciting afternoon on the birds!!!
Hello Everybody. I was very happy for this incredible QSO with Hector CO6CBF. Thanks Hector for the precision of your calculation and yours instructions for frequency and time of schedule. I used my Icom IC-910 without preamplifier, with around 80w, and the antennas was a 11 elements on 2 m and 19 elements on 70 cm, at 6 or 7 m high on my roof. Fortunately the relief around me is very flat, about 50 km that separate me from the Atlantic Ocean. I am interested buy any others propositions of sked for DX QSO on AO-07B or FO-29. Thank you very much Hector for this very exciting experience ! 73 qro from Michel F6GLJ -Message d'origine- De : amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] De la part de Hector, CO6CBF Envoyé : lundi 21 juillet 2014 03:37 À : amsat-bb@amsat.org Objet : [amsat-bb] An exciting afternoon on the birds!!! Hello to all! It was an exciting afternoon on the birds! First, I worked Patrick, WD9EWK on SO-50 in a new grid for me (FN56). Patrick, thanks very much for the great QSO and new grid! Then, I had my first contact on satellites with France. Michael, F6GLJ in IN94qs and I completed a great QSO on FO-29. We had a maxim elevation of 0.5 degree at our ends. I believe it is the first contact between Cuba and France on FO-29! It is a 7508 Km contact! Our first attempt was on July 18 but Michael was not able to get a solid copy of my signal. Fortunately, FO-29 offered us another opportunity, we made a schedule again and I decided to use the ELK antenna instead of the ARROW which I used in the first attempt. I was operating portable from a tall building (45m over the ground), I had a great horizon visibility. I was running half - duplex with my FT-817nd, a homebrew 50W power amplifier and a homebrew preamplifier. Everything was supplied by a 12V 7A gel battery. Michael, thanks very much for the great contact, new grid and new country! 73! Hector, CO6CBF / KF5YXV El92sd ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
On 07/21/2014 06:00 AM, Gus wrote: Probably because they didn't design a satellite. They designed an entire system including ground station components as well as flight hardware. The ground system components were made available such that their target audience was able to upgrade their BUD installations with only reasonable expenditures of time, effort and money. But that's just a guess in my part. Bingo! I'd love to chat with you on the new digital hamsat, but if it's going to require I spend $5k+ on hard-to-source, esoteric components and cobble them together with duct tape, then it'll be a while before I'm QRV. So, the first few days after launch those 60 DV channels may be a little quiet. Next questions: Does a DirecTV receiving station cost $5K? Are its components hard to source or esoteric? If not, what makes you think that a digital ground station for an AMSAT satellite should be? --Phil ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
SAD A fine bird and almost made 50,000. Rest in Peace VO 52 - Original Message - From: PE0SAT | Amateur Radio pe0...@vgnet.nl To: Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] w...@isac.gov.in; Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 12:22 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace On 21-07-2014 17:03, Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] wrote: Hi Mani, Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Sad news, it is one of my favourite satellites and she will be missed. I want to thank all the people that made and supported this Satellite for all there effort and hope as others already mentioned that maybe she will come back one day. 73 Jan PE0SAT -- With regards PE0SAT Internet web-page http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/ DK3WN SatBlog http://www.dk3wn.info/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 ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace
Sad indeed. This is the satellite that also got me interested in the linear birds, forced me to buy my TS2000, put up yagis and figure out SATPC. I had hundreds of contacts through this bird. Thank you VO52, RIP, and thank you to those responsible for putting her into orbit and keeping her operational. What a terrific success story for an amateur radio satellite. Craig N6RSX -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Rich/wa4bue Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 10:13 AM To: Amsat BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace SAD A fine bird and almost made 50,000. Rest in Peace VO 52 - Original Message - From: PE0SAT | Amateur Radio pe0...@vgnet.nl To: Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] w...@isac.gov.in; Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 12:22 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Good Bye HAMSAT-VO52 - Rest In Peace On 21-07-2014 17:03, Mani [VU2WMY/KJ6LRS] wrote: Hi Mani, Dear Friends, With heavy heart, I sadly convey, that our little angel ‘HAMSAT VO-52’ would no more be able to offer her services to the ‘Amateur Radio Fraternity. HAMSAT VO-52 succumbed in Space on 11th July 2014, while she was on her 49,675th orbit, due to the failure of on-board lithium ion batteries that have met their end of life. Sad news, it is one of my favourite satellites and she will be missed. I want to thank all the people that made and supported this Satellite for all there effort and hope as others already mentioned that maybe she will come back one day. 73 Jan PE0SAT -- With regards PE0SAT Internet web-page http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/ DK3WN SatBlog http://www.dk3wn.info/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 ___ 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 Click https://www.mailcontrol.com/sr/WZ975WN9mSjGX2PQPOmvUgfUspOYWKRbBakrlTOovTUxAjaVsL06k9MOwfUNt0S72PF171VK7guVGm43FW9a3A== to report this email as spam. NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you. ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
On 07/21/2014 01:00 PM, Phil Karn wrote: Next questions: Does a DirecTV receiving station cost $5K? Actually, DirecTV is not available for purchase in my neck of the woods. I can get a system installed, but it wouldn't be my system to fiddle with. Are its components hard to source or esoteric? Well, I know where I could nick one, but I'd rather not. Otherwise, I guess I could source one overseas, ship it in, then bow down before the Customs Excise godlings. ham gear is 10 + 17.5% but there's no way they'd pass that as ham gear, so probably 115 + 17.5% or worse. That might satisfy Rx needs, but wouldn't include a transmitter Does that sound hard to source or esoteric? If not, what makes you think that a digital ground station for an AMSAT satellite should be? Phil, I'm not saying it /should/ be, but that if it is, you won't get many users on the system. So, part of the system design for any such bird had better include design of low cost, easy to find, simple to use hardware that will allow me -- or any other doofus like me -- to get QRV without too much hardship. -- Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
I'm not totally unsympathetic to Phil's ideas. They have quite a bit of merit, but clearly AMSAT would also have to develop the ground station equipment in order for it to get a user base that would make it worthwhile. I know this was planned for Eagle, but that was for a HEO which would have many hours a day of visibility for everyone. It's difficult to rationalize spending money on equipment good for a single LEO satellite at this point, especially one that would be as complex as is contemplated here. I am intrigued by digital operations. My current operating situation prevents me from doing much in that field (I have to carry the radios and hold the antenna, no more hands for a computer). I followed the unsuccessful FreeDV via FO-29 trials between W0DHB and NX9G last year. When the DSTAR parrot repeater that was recently launched is activated, I will certainly borrow a DSTAR radio to try it out. Maybe I'll even buy one! AMSAT's limiting factors are money and volunteer time. Unfortunately, neither money nor people's time grow on trees. I do think that multiple launches by AMSAT-NA will lead to a resurgence of interest in North America, especially when people realize just how easy Fox is going to be to hear. The launches are also going to occur at a time when solar activity is falling, those with limited antenna situations might look to other aspects of amateur radio while conditions on the higher HF bands are poor. Hopefully those factors will help to provide the resources for more complex projects! 73, Paul, N8HM On Mon, Jul 21, 2014 at 5:00 PM, Gus g...@8p6sm.net wrote: On 07/21/2014 01:00 PM, Phil Karn wrote: Next questions: Does a DirecTV receiving station cost $5K? Actually, DirecTV is not available for purchase in my neck of the woods. I can get a system installed, but it wouldn't be my system to fiddle with. Are its components hard to source or esoteric? Well, I know where I could nick one, but I'd rather not. Otherwise, I guess I could source one overseas, ship it in, then bow down before the Customs Excise godlings. ham gear is 10 + 17.5% but there's no way they'd pass that as ham gear, so probably 115 + 17.5% or worse. That might satisfy Rx needs, but wouldn't include a transmitter Does that sound hard to source or esoteric? If not, what makes you think that a digital ground station for an AMSAT satellite should be? Phil, I'm not saying it /should/ be, but that if it is, you won't get many users on the system. So, part of the system design for any such bird had better include design of low cost, easy to find, simple to use hardware that will allow me -- or any other doofus like me -- to get QRV without too much hardship. -- Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
Which is exactly what the FunCube guys did, and look at what they've wrought!! 73, Jim wb4...@amsat.org When DirecTV designed their satellite broadcast system, did they worry about backward compatibility with the multitude (or so it probably seemed) of existing C-band BUD (Big Ugly Dish) owners? All of whom were then receiving analog FM, I might add. If not, then why are they still in business? Probably because they didn't design a satellite. They designed an entire _/*system*/_ including ground station components as well as flight hardware. The ground system components were made available such that their target audience was able to upgrade their BUD installations with only reasonable expenditures of time, effort and money. But that's just a guess in my part. I'd love to chat with you on the new digital hamsat, but if it's going to require I spend $5k+ on hard-to-source, esoteric components and cobble them together with duct tape, then it'll be a while before I'm QRV. So, the first few days after launch those 60 DV channels may be a little quiet. --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
Look at what the FunCube guys did! On 7/21/2014 5:00 PM, Gus wrote: On 07/21/2014 01:00 PM, Phil Karn wrote: Next questions: Does a DirecTV receiving station cost $5K? Actually, DirecTV is not available for purchase in my neck of the woods. I can get a system installed, but it wouldn't be my system to fiddle with. Are its components hard to source or esoteric? Well, I know where I could nick one, but I'd rather not. Otherwise, I guess I could source one overseas, ship it in, then bow down before the Customs Excise godlings. ham gear is 10 + 17.5% but there's no way they'd pass that as ham gear, so probably 115 + 17.5% or worse. That might satisfy Rx needs, but wouldn't include a transmitter Does that sound hard to source or esoteric? If not, what makes you think that a digital ground station for an AMSAT satellite should be? Phil, I'm not saying it /should/ be, but that if it is, you won't get many users on the system. So, part of the system design for any such bird had better include design of low cost, easy to find, simple to use hardware that will allow me -- or any other doofus like me -- to get QRV without too much hardship. --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
On 07/21/2014 06:34 PM, Jim Sanford wrote: Look at what the FunCube guys did! Absolutely. Which is why I said in my initial post on this subject: ...any new, digital satellite will have to be developed in parallel with readily available ground station modules (Funcube Dongle Deluxe?) that provide the 'average' ham a path to participation. Specifically referencing the FCD as an example. The proposal for Phil's 10GHz digital sat would best to include a suitable 10GHz module for ground station use. On 7/21/2014 5:00 PM, Gus wrote: On 07/21/2014 01:00 PM, Phil Karn wrote: Next questions: Does a DirecTV receiving station cost $5K? Actually, DirecTV is not available for purchase in my neck of the woods. I can get a system installed, but it wouldn't be my system to fiddle with. Are its components hard to source or esoteric? Well, I know where I could nick one, but I'd rather not. Otherwise, I guess I could source one overseas, ship it in, then bow down before the Customs Excise godlings. ham gear is 10 + 17.5% but there's no way they'd pass that as ham gear, so probably 115 + 17.5% or worse. That might satisfy Rx needs, but wouldn't include a transmitter Does that sound hard to source or esoteric? If not, what makes you think that a digital ground station for an AMSAT satellite should be? Phil, I'm not saying it /should/ be, but that if it is, you won't get many users on the system. So, part of the system design for any such bird had better include design of low cost, easy to find, simple to use hardware that will allow me -- or any other doofus like me -- to get QRV without too much hardship. --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.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 -- Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle ___ 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] I want this. I want that. Here comes another FM LEO sat.
I am pleased that AMSAT-NA is going to move forward with a LEO CubeSat, single channel, analog FM transponder. If successful, it will be immensely popular worldwide. My hope is that it will help usher in a new, improved series of satellites with more advanced payloads. There is great potential in the ranks of AMSAT-NA and groups worldwide to achieve lofty goals. Look at what AMSAT-UK and others have already done in the CubeSat platform. The digital mode capabilities discussed here on the AMSAT-BB are just the tip of the iceberg to where technology can take us. It's very easy to be a pessimist or a cynic. Very little risk is involved. It doesn't take any cojones to sit in a comfy chair and email snarky comments. If you are optimistic about a project and it fails, your peers may see your actions as a fool. Even worse, people may withdraw their financial support for future missions. Even after great success, the optimist may receive very little praise, especially in this field of voluntary amateur radio service. AMSAT-NA is boldly entering the CubeSat world with the planned satellite series FOX-1. If you haven't noticed, there have been full-page advertisements soliciting volunteers in the AMSAT Journal. There is plenty of opportunity to serve and influence the direction of AMSAT-NA. If we all threaten to leave and stop paying our dues when things don't go our way, what will we ever accomplish? Please take a simple step to support amateur radio in space. Donate to the FOX-1C launch effort. http://www.amsat.org/?p=2957 73 Clayton W5PFG ___ 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] N8RO/P Grid FN51
I will be operating portable from the old Marconi radio site on Cape Cod in grid FN51. I will work SO-50 passes on 7/23/2014 at ~17:32 UTC and on 7/24/2014 at ~17:58 UTC. I will not have my usual portable system, but will operate with a HT and a whip antenna. This may make contacts more difficult, but I hope to catch many of you from FN51. 73, Ron - N8RO ___ 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] AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium
Does anyone know if there will there we a webcast of the Colloquium on July 25th -27th 73 Nitin [VU3TYG] ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] [Starcom-bb] 432 10-13 -Element Antenna?
Brad, I have looked at them for mobile operation, but I'm not certain that they would have enough gain to work well inside my attic. I'm going to try the Diamond 11 element Yagi to start with. Low cost and I can put it to good service for portable 432 operations if it turns out not to work well in this application. What is your experience with using the Myers indoors? Les Rayburn, Director High Noon Film 130 1st Avenue West Alabaster, AL 35007-8536 (205) 621-7500 (205) 621-7505 FAX (205) 253-4867 CELL http://www.highnoonfilm.com - This e-mail contains information that may be confidential or privileged and is intended only for the person(s) named above. Any other distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original transmission to the above address by mail without making a copy. On 7/21/2014 9:07 AM, Brad Smith wrote: Have you looked at the Myers quadrifilar helix from US Antennas? I use one exclusively for 70 cm receive and am installing one in the garage for winter sat operation. Brad KC9UQR Sent from Brad's iPod On Jul 20, 2014, at 11:18 PM, Les Rayburn l...@highnoonfilm.com wrote: I'm limited to indoor antennas for all my amateur operations, including satellite operation. Right now, I'm running a 6 element 2 Meter yagi, along with the 7 element 432 beam (part of an arrow antenna). I have room to rotate a larger, and longer 432 antenna, and I'd love to have more gain. Most of the commercial antennas seem to be either small and portable, like the Arrow or much longer intended for weak signal operations. Is anyone aware of something in between, such as a 10 to 13 element antenna available commercially. No time or interest in homebrewing one right now. Even better, does anyone have one that is surplus to their needs that they'd like to sell? -- -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz Light ___ Starcom-bb bulletin board starcom...@star-com.net http://lists.star-com.net/listinfo/starcom-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] Amazon Smile
I've been meaning to ask... It's been a while now, since Amazon introduced the Smile program. Is there anyone who knows if it is paying dividends of any sort? Is it rude of me to ask? I'd like to think that anyone who supports amateur satellites would have signed up, but who knows? Maybe I'm the only one that did! (Actually, I know a couple others signed up at the same time I did, but I can't remember who.) Anyway, just wondered if the whole thing was a storm in a teapot, or if the ham satellite programme is receiving any real benefit. -- Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] LO-78 (LituanicaSAT-1) status update
Dear radio amateurs, Today during 04:30 UTC pass over Lithuania we have turned on LO-78 FM transponder again. Transponder operation might be interrupted during command sequences tomorrow morning. Wish You all good QSOs! p.s. As it might be interesting how the signal changes during the decay we encourage you to share your feedback with us. 73, Laurynas On Fri, Jul 18, 2014 at 7:36 AM, Laurynas Mačiulis aviator...@gmail.com wrote: Dear radio amateurs, LO-78 transponder is currently turned off. Telemetry should start transmitting in 24 hours. Next transponder operation is scheduled on tuesday - probably for the last time. Your reports are very welcome as always. 73, Laurynas -- Forwarded message -- From: Vytenis Buzas vytenis.bu...@gmail.com Date: 5 Jul 2014 11:52 Subject: LO-78 (LituanicaSAT-1) status update To: Laurynas Mačiulis aviator...@gmail.com Cc: eu...@n1.by, g3...@amsat.org, m5...@amsat.org, amsat-bb@amsat.org amsat-bb@amsat.org, B J va6...@gmail.com, Colin Hurst cjhu...@bigpond.net.au, Ib Christoffersen oz...@privat.dk, Iji Yoshitomo ja...@tsm.bbiq.jp, Kasei Toshio tka...@nifty.com, Ken Swaggart k.swagg...@charter.net, Mario Fazio lu4...@gmail.com, Mike Rupprecht m...@mike-rupprecht.de, Nestor Punales kd2...@gmail.com, PY5LF py...@falautomation.com.br, Rainer Rothe rotherai...@web.de, Roland Zurmely py4...@yahoo.com, Tetsurou Satou ja0...@rose.ocn.ne.jp, Дмитрий Пашков r4uab.dmi...@gmail.com, TLM LituanicaSAT-1 l...@qrz.lt Dear Gentlemen, Transponder is ON, next update in 24 hours. Respectfully, Vytenis B. ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
On 07/21/2014 02:00 PM, Gus wrote: Actually, DirecTV is not available for purchase in my neck of the woods. I can get a system installed, but it wouldn't be my system to fiddle with. Sorry about that, I was primarily thinking of AMSAT-NA members when I said that. Forget the DirecTV receiver itself and consider their offset-fed Ku-band dishes and 0.7 dB NF LNBs that are readily available on the surplus market. Since DirecTV isn't available in Barbados, paint the dish with the logo of whatever DBS provider you like. Nobody will know the difference. Phil, I'm not saying it /should/ be, but that if it is, you won't get many users on the system. So, part of the system design for any such bird had better include design of low cost, easy to find, simple to use hardware that will allow me -- or any other doofus like me -- to get QRV without too much hardship. And here I am with you 100%. So many hams seem to automatically assume, for no good reason, that getting on any new digital mode must necessarily require exotic, expensive and hard to find components and a PhD to use. But the required hardware is now very common, and nearly all of the complexity that defines any particular digital communication system these days is implemented almost entirely in software that costs nothing to copy and distribute once written. The hardware to run said software already exists in virtually every ham shack. Even a low-end general purpose PC is a very capable DSP engine, and this has been true for almost 20 years since Intel introduced MMX, their first set of DSP instructions for the x86 CPU. Since then there has been SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4 and now AVX and AVX2, Advanced Vector Extensions 2. Here's an example of how far consumer DSP has come just in the time I've been involved with AMSAT. I wrote the demodulation and decoding software now used by the ISEE-3 Reboot Project. It takes the A/D output of an Ettus USRP software defined radio, tracks the RF carrier, demodulates the phase modulation, tracks and demodulates the binary symbols, and performs error correction to produce raw telemetry frames. ISEE-3 uses a rate 1/2 constraint length k=24 convolutional error correction code. When it was launched in 1978, decoding it took highly specialized, dedicated hardware. Someone here who worked for Linkabit, the manufacturer of that decoding hardware, can probably jump in with the exact cost in millions of dollars and the number of 6' equipment racks it filled. I am doing all these functions on my laptop using not only the Fano algorithm used by that original Linkabit hardware, but also the Viterbi algorithm, which is better at correcting errors in noise. The Viterbi algorithm is traditionally used with much shorter codes (k=7, first used on the Voyagers, is still common) because its complexity doubles each time you increase it by one. Had I suggested, in 1978, using it for a k=24 code (taking 131,072 times as much effort as k=7) NASA would have laughed me out of the room. The same reaction would still have been justified in 1985 when they renamed it ICE and sent it out of earth orbit to the first-ever comet rendezvous, requiring Herculean efforts to overcome the extra path loss. Now I'm doing it all on my 2-year-old Sony laptop. That's how much computing power we hams now have in front of us. All we need is a little imagination and vision as to what it makes possible. Instead there seems to be a contest to see who can produce the most objections, valid or otherwise. Is this what the amateur service (or AMSAT) has become? --Phil ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] going digital
On 07/21/2014 02:53 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: I'm not totally unsympathetic to Phil's ideas. They have quite a bit of merit, but clearly AMSAT would also have to develop the ground station equipment in order for it to get a user base that would make it worthwhile. Absolutely. About 14 years ago (i.e., at the beginning of the 21st century) I made a donation to AMSAT earmarked for the development and initial production of the low-cost ground station hardware absolutely necessary to the success of a new digital satellite mode. I didn't specify any particular digital mode. ANY new satellite mode would qualify as long as it's digital and requires new ground station hardware. As far as I know (the AMSAT treasurer can comment), my donation is still sitting there. AMSAT's limiting factors are money and volunteer time. Unfortunately, neither money nor people's time grow on trees. I think you'll find that the supply of both money and volunteer time depends strongly on what that time and money will be used for. If you think the supply is limited, you might consider being a little more imaginative and ambitious in your goals. --Phil ___ 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
Re: [amsat-bb] I want this. I want that. Here comes another FM LEO sat.
On 07/21/2014 05:36 PM, Clayton Coleman wrote: It's very easy to be a pessimist or a cynic. Very little risk is involved. It doesn't take any cojones to sit in a comfy chair and email snarky comments. If you are optimistic about a project and it fails, your peers may see your actions as a fool. I absolutely agree, but I must ask you about something you said earlier: I am pleased that AMSAT-NA is going to move forward with a LEO CubeSat, single channel, analog FM transponder. If successful, it will be immensely popular worldwide. My hope is that it will help usher in a new, improved series of satellites with more advanced payloads. I'm confused. My understanding of the idiomatic expression usher in is that something new and presumably revolutionary is being introduced, e.g., to usher in a new era. What, exactly, will a new LEO, single channel, analog FM transponder satellite usher in that none of the previous LEO, single channel, analog FM satellites managed to usher in? Will the tiny cubesat form factor (to which we've been relegated by the intense competition for launches from the small satellite revolution we pioneered) make the difference this time? If not, what will? The most common argument I've seen for launching more analog FM LEO satellites is that they are needed to replace existing analog FM LEO satellites that are now failing. Is that ushering in something new? --Phil ___ 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
