Re: [amsat-bb] Current Launch Costs From Spaceflight
Nailed it On Fri, Aug 1, 2014 at 12:57 PM, Robert Bruninga bruni...@usna.edu wrote: Can some explain to me and others the big deal about cube sats? I just dont get it. Standardization! But the real payoff from standardization is REDUCED RISK to the launch provider. Instead of having to micromanage every detail of satellite design so that the launch provider can GURARANTEE the safety to the main payload ($100,000,000) due to secondary small sats, the CUBESAT spec defines all the restraints and details. Thus, orders of magnitudes worth of fussy details necessary to assure absolute safety of the primary payload do not have to be done for each and every secondary small sat, just ONE standard. Then, all the small sats have to do is comply with the spec. This is why we are starting to see large numbers of cubesats, because now the LAUNCH providers only have to deal with ONE set of issues (cubesat spec) and not sixty different payloads, organizations, and 60 different unique risks. Bob, WB4APR ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ 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] Current Launch Costs From Spaceflight
Innovation is often driven out of necessity. I see it everyday at work. Develop a baseline system that works and then optimize it. You'd be amazed what you could do with the small of a space to pack electronics into. Bryce On Fri, Aug 1, 2014 at 6:16 PM, Gus g...@8p6sm.net wrote: On 08/01/2014 01:24 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: I've noticed from reading this board's current posts and archives that there is a bias against CubeSats from some due to a belief that they are somehow inherently limited in capability, unreliable, and short lived, but there is nothing inherent in the CubeSat format that makes it that way, it's simply a standardized way to build a satellite. Their size and weight limitations restrict the type of antennas they can deploy, the number of solar panels they can carry, and simply the mass of silicon they can contain. Yes, they are cheap and launches (to LEO) are frequent, but their capabilities are, surely, limited by their physical nature? -- 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] I want this. I want that. Here comes another FM LEO sat.
Ao40 was not too complex. I work in the space industry, I've already have my electronics fly to orbit (not AMSAT), it's awesome and scary all In one. Watching it launch not too long ago was gut wrenching, the entire system is complex but I trusted in my testing, I trusted my coworkers testing, and I trusted that we all worked to do the best we could, if it didn't work and we knew it wasn't from nativity... I'm fine with that, it's a learning experience. Anyone willing to operate in space must be willing to accept defeat. we like to refer to space vehicles/missions as binary. It works or it doesn't, space is unforgiving and by forging into it you must accept failure as an outcome but do everything to avoid it. There's no shame in that. It can and will still happen. Only those willing to risk it achieve what was once thought impossible. Having a clear path to get flight heritage on a common design is an obvious way of mitigating future risk. Bryce Kb1lqc On Saturday, July 26, 2014, Phil Karn k...@ka9q.net wrote: On 07/22/2014 12:26 AM, Bryce Salmi wrote: By usher in he was clearly referring to gaining technical abilities as a group to attack more complex satellites. That's not how I read it. In any event, AMSAT has already built far more complex satellites; remember AO-40? (Maybe that one was *too* complex.) Quite a few of the older and more experienced technical volunteers have simply drifted away from the organization due to a lack of interesting current projects. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. 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] I want this. I want that. Here comes another FM LEO sat.
Nativity = autocorrect of being naive :) sorry about that On Saturday, July 26, 2014, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: Ao40 was not too complex. I work in the space industry, I've already have my electronics fly to orbit (not AMSAT), it's awesome and scary all In one. Watching it launch not too long ago was gut wrenching, the entire system is complex but I trusted in my testing, I trusted my coworkers testing, and I trusted that we all worked to do the best we could, if it didn't work and we knew it wasn't from nativity... I'm fine with that, it's a learning experience. Anyone willing to operate in space must be willing to accept defeat. we like to refer to space vehicles/missions as binary. It works or it doesn't, space is unforgiving and by forging into it you must accept failure as an outcome but do everything to avoid it. There's no shame in that. It can and will still happen. Only those willing to risk it achieve what was once thought impossible. Having a clear path to get flight heritage on a common design is an obvious way of mitigating future risk. Bryce Kb1lqc On Saturday, July 26, 2014, Phil Karn k...@ka9q.net javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','k...@ka9q.net'); wrote: On 07/22/2014 12:26 AM, Bryce Salmi wrote: By usher in he was clearly referring to gaining technical abilities as a group to attack more complex satellites. That's not how I read it. In any event, AMSAT has already built far more complex satellites; remember AO-40? (Maybe that one was *too* complex.) Quite a few of the older and more experienced technical volunteers have simply drifted away from the organization due to a lack of interesting current projects. ___ 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] Amazon Smile
Thats actually an impressive total, the percentage for AMSAT Is small but wow! Every bit counts. On Tuesday, July 22, 2014, Brenton Salmi kb1...@gmail.com wrote: Wait, if my math is right that means a total of $13,324 has gone through Amazon smile in the name of AMSAT! - Brent On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 7:45 AM, Martha mar...@amsat.org javascript:; wrote: To date, we have received $66.62 from Amazon Smile 73- Martha On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 8:35 AM, Burns Fisher bu...@fisher.cc wrote: I've also signed up, and have probably bought a few hundred dollars worth of stuff since then. .5% is not huge, and is probably more helpful to Amazon (via publicity) than to AMSAT, but it can't hurt. I would add that usually I go directly to the Smile page with my link, but on the rare occasion when I might follow another link or even type in amazon.com, Amazon reminds me that I am signed up for Smile. Not bad. Burns On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 2:12 AM, Bryan Herbert ke6...@gmail.com javascript:; wrote: I also signed up and have bought a few things but it is my understanding only 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products goes to AMSAT. So if you buy a DVD worth $19.99 and it's eligible for AmazonSmile, roughly $0.10 of that $19.99 will go to AMSAT but I think Amazon waits until something like $100 is collected before sending any money to AMSAT. -- Bryan Herbert - KE6ZGP Newhall, CA. DM04RJ USA http://bryanherbert.com http://twitter.com/ke6zgp ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. 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 javascript:;. 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 -- 73- Martha ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. 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 javascript:;. 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] I want this. I want that. Here comes another FM LEO sat.
Phil, You're missing the point. Do I personally think Fox-1 is pushing the bleeding edge of technology? No. Buts it's a great step to building a good foundation. I think your frustration with the lack of digital birds is overcoming an understanding of where AMSAT currently is and where it's going. No one disagrees with you on wanting more advanced and possibly digital modes. I for one am yearning for digital birds. I got my ticket in high school in 2004. I didn't really use satellites until a few years later so I missed out on ao40 and others. My understanding now of amsats history may be skewed but it's the best I can summarize. After ao40 it appears to me many of the original players were getting too old to keep volunteering and possibly got let down by the events of ao40. Understandably, some chose to stop. From what I can tell reading through email archives, eagle caused some problems and some left then too. Past is past, I'll highlight it. Throw ITAR into the mix and now we are here at Fox, AMSATS first series of satellites in decades. AO51 seemed to be a collaboration of AMSAT and space quest, and suitsat and arissat were fun and neat projects. fox is amsats chance to get a base of solid engineering to build upon. The main payload is analog. There are experimental PCB slots. fox-2 will have even more space. I think digital modes will find their way on there eventually when AMSAT is ready. Very launch of a fox-1 satellite is building flight heritage on the designs. I work in the spacecraft and launch industry, every rocket that flies and spacecraft that safely returns to earth is heritage on our designs. It's worth it's weight in gold so to speak. AMSAT has enough volunteers with the right skills to build fox 1 satellites. I personally think all of us, including me, have some to learn before we attempt crazy ideas. Heck, fox-1 is brilliant in that it allows AMSAT to fulfill a baseline analog fm and transponder need in the cubesat form factor while allowing extra space for experiments whether they are gyros or digital modes. These experiments can succeed or fail and not harm the base satellite of done right. The only crappy part about a 1U cubesat is it's super tiny power budget. fox-2 will be the first really power capable satellite and I'm excited as hell for it. I wrote this on my iPhone while riding into work. Sorry for any misspelling :) Bryce On Tuesday, July 22, 2014, Phil Karn k...@ka9q.net wrote: On 07/22/2014 06:49 AM, Clayton Coleman wrote: Hi Phil, The new era I speak of is AMSAT-NA's foray into CubeSats. Well, I guess I could read that as when all you have is lemons, make lemonade. AMSAT used to make spacecraft that, while small by commercial/military/scientific standards, dwarfed a cubesat. So I don't see cubesats as an advance. Although miniaturization of electronics and improvements in solar cell efficiency do help us cram everything into the tiny form factor, the fact remains that we are now forced to pay far more to launch far less than we used to. I guess that's a new era in the same way that the Arab Oil Embargoes of 1973 and 1979 launched a glorious new era in automobile transportation... Sure, this is a fact of life that we can't do anything about, despite the supreme irony of AMSAT pioneering small satellites so well that we created a whole new industry with which we must now fiercely compete for launches. Economics says that when demand outstrips supply, prices go up. So they have. A lot. Like it or not, we have to adapt to changing realities. We used to get launches for free or at nominal rates, so our main investment in each satellite was just the volunteer engineers' time and the cost of those components we could not beg, borrow or steal. But now that the launch cost dominates the budget of everything we fly, it's time to take a very serious look at what we get from each one. Said another way, it's time to look at how much MORE we could get from our very substantial investment in each launch. Every launch of a FM cubesat depletes a very large chunk of AMSAT funds that cannot be spent on launching something else. In other words, I'm encouraging people to look at the *opportunity cost* of every additional analog FM satellite we launch. People don't yet realize just how huge it is because they only know 1960s analog technology. They simply don't realize how much more could be done with 21st century technology. That's what I'm trying to change, so far without much success. --Phil ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. 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
Re: [amsat-bb] AMSAT where are we going for what it is worth.
Having three Fox1 cubesats in orbit will significantly increase the opportunities too :D Power in numbers! On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 10:28 AM, Paul Stoetzer n...@arrl.net wrote: Rich, From your email: It is hard to use the birds in our K4AMG mentoring program since their orbits are mostly incompatible with classroom times. NO SOLUTION IN SITE. I would disagree that no solution is in site. Check the pass times for EO-79, EO-80, and UKube-1. You'll find they are very convenient for classroom demonstrations. We just need to be patient and wait until they are activated for us to use. AO-73 also passes over at good times for classroom telemetry demonstrations. 73, Paul, N8HM On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 1:18 PM, Rich/wa4bue richard.s...@verizon.net wrote: Been a member of AMSAT since the early 80s. Like most of you joined to support the SAT Program. Most of us probably joined for the same reason. How does AMSAT survive? Survival is through volunteers and financial resources. Where does that come from Like any other amateur radio club only a few help do!! A while back I asked what is AMSAT's STRATEGIC PLAN? Technology has changed drastically since I joined. Has the plan changed. I agree FM satellites are the easiest point of entrance for a new SAT communicator. I disagree with I one frequency SAT. That is an expensive way to fill in the GAP. FOX seems to be a great answer to entry levels operators, possibly the majority of the operators. With that said, Linear Transponders like AO 7 and FO 29 at higher altitudes are needed. We have lost VO 52. It is hard to use the birds in our K4AMG mentoring program since their orbits are mostly incompatible with classroom times. NO SOLUTION IN SITE. So there is a need to plan ahead for more accessible birds with more Linear transponders and other features. How do we get there? A strategic plan accesses the current mission and goals to achieve a future vision. Your volunteer time and money can make this happen. One step would be enhanced Field Organization. When we started the K4AMG MARC, Inc. there was no field organization in our area. Plenty of help from A FAR but no one with hands on experience locally. Just a member Rich W4BUE PRES K4AMG.org ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ 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] I want this. I want that. Here comes another FM LEO sat.
Being involved in the power system, I personally am hoping to get this included in the near future on some of the next Fox's. We will see! On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 10:19 AM, Jerry Buxton am...@n0jy.org wrote: On 7/22/2014 9:21 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote: Off the top of my head: AO-51 - Battery failure (Problem fixed in Fox series - shorted batteries will be cut loose from the circuit and the satellite will operate when in the sun) This is an original conops for Fox-1 that did not make it to reality. In fact this requirement was removed over a year ago because it could not be suitably implemented to fit in the space available on the PCB. You see, at that time new inhibit requirements that were received from the launch providers caused us to have to re-engineer the battery board. Moving the battery fail feature to another board was not possible because we could not afford to be redesigning the whole satellite, moving things around from each board to another to find room, in the time left to delivery (at that point the launch had not yet slipped to 2015 and we were due to deliver in March 2014). The choice had to be made to cut the battery fail protection from the battery board in order to incorporate the inhibits, to make the launch. The removal of this feature was brought forth at the Symposium last year, but the tale lives on. Yes, it was an outstanding feature but as has been pointed out in some of the other emails going on right now, there is a real limit to what we can fit in a 1U CubeSat and in the time and under the provisions allowed by our rideshare. Don't think it didn't get cut without a fight! :-) The Fox-1A Engineering Unit is sitting on the official AMSAT test table in my shack right now, having arrived FedEx this morning after some time in the shop for fixes to hardware that we found in the first round of EU testing and having a new IHU all installed. I'm getting ready to load new software with the latest DSP and flight features. Stay tuned... Jerry Buxton, NØJY ___ 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] Amazon Smile
I know :D On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:05 AM, Gus g...@8p6sm.net wrote: On 07/22/2014 01:52 PM, Bryce Salmi wrote: Capacitors are like $0.01 each nowadays. We call it HUMOR. :-) -- 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] AMSAT where are we going for what it is worth.
All this requires much much much more power than a 1U satellite is currently capable of producing. At least for always on type operating. We'll get there eventually. Also, there's definitely the critical mass effect of having a constellation of smaller satellites in orbit. Look at ORBCOMM. No GEO sats but a constellation of LEO sats serves their purpose well. Fox-1 series becoming rapid and reliable satellite platform that can easily find its way into orbit would help with this.Things are looking up! Bryce On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:03 AM, Gus g...@8p6sm.net wrote: On 07/22/2014 01:18 PM, Rich/wa4bue wrote: So there is a need to plan ahead for more accessible birds with more Linear transponders and other features. How do we get there? We need wideband software receivers that can look at the entire passband, detect individual signals and determine type, and translate them into the downlink passband based upon an operational ruleset that is policy driven and easily changed. Allow SSB, FM and Phil's DV at the same time if that is what we want. Or have FM only on Friday nights to encourage newcomers. Or pass SSB but simultaneously convert to FM on another part of the passband so the FM only guys can hear the action. Or whatever big imaginations and good drugs can dream up. And since HEO is apparently out of the question, we need meshed satellite groups so that what you uplink on one bird can be heard on the downlink of all of the birds in the mesh. So we can extend operating times beyond a handful of minutes. -- 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] The root of all the problems
I'll finally charm in on this. Don't also forget that the AMSAT membership hardly pays for its satellites. The volunteer engineering that goes into each one of them is easily worth millions of dollars at market rates. And it must be understood that there is no such thing as a volunteer willing to work for nothing, even though they don't get paid in money. You have to give them something else, and in the case of engineering an amateur satellite that something else is an interesting technical challenge that makes them feel like they've really accomplished something. Doing the same thing over and over certainly doesn't make me feel like I've accomplished something. Most of this is true. However, you're looking at a narrow slice of the Fox-1 satellites, that being the operating mode of FM/Analog. I'm currently building the Fox-1 series satellite Maximum Power Point Tracker. It's a hell of a project. Could AMSAT have bought one off the shelf, yes. However, it's also true that what the majority wants is what the majority gets. In the cubesat world Universities are the majority. They have money, lots of it. Their missions are 6 months to a year. Most commercial cubesat MPPTs are not designed for much longer of missions. In contrast AMSAT is gaining a huge amount of Intellectual property by designing an analog MPPT where the algorithm is completely stateless and part selection is aimed at helping guarantee that a 5+ year mission is possible. Most of the market doesn't care about this, it's hard to do and using a microcontroller is ridiculously more straightforward. Just do a Google search for MPPT, nearly everything you find will be using perturb and observe with a microcontroller or super pricey/almost non-existant analog multipliers or the maximum current method (which relies on the battery being present). The Fox-1 MPPT is specifically designed to not need a battery at all for nominal operation. Cubesats are standardizing AMSATs satellites and there's much much more to the satellite than simply the amateur radio mode used to communicate. If I do my job right, and others working on their Fox-1 subsystems do their jobs right too, you will never know it... it will be invisible to the average user. Once AMSAT can rapidly and reliable get basic cubesats into orbit, then it can start going wild on experimental modes and such. For the record, I'm all for digital satellites. I also understand how too much complexity too quickly isn't a good thing either. Bryce KB1LQC On Sun, Jul 20, 2014 at 8:00 PM, Phil Karn k...@ka9q.net wrote: On 07/20/2014 06:10 AM, Thomas Doyle wrote: - What the majority wants is more important than any individual want. How do you determine what the majority wants. - Voting The results of an election are strongly determined by who gets to vote. If you poll the tiny fraction of the amateur community currently active on satellites, you'll get one answer. If you poll the much larger pool of people (including people who aren't even hams yet) who might be interested in something else, you may well get another answer. But not right away; it's been shown time and again that people often don't know they want something until you show it to them, and then they simply have to have it. Think mobile phones and Internet, the two things I spent my career on. It wasn't long ago that people (including most hams) rolled their eyes whenever I talked up the idea of global computer networking and mobile personal communications. Who couldn't wait until they got home to make a phone call? Who needed to send a letter instantly when they had the phone or the US mail? Who cared about talking to other countries unless they had relatives there? Don't also forget that the AMSAT membership hardly pays for its satellites. The volunteer engineering that goes into each one of them is easily worth millions of dollars at market rates. And it must be understood that there is no such thing as a volunteer willing to work for nothing, even though they don't get paid in money. You have to give them something else, and in the case of engineering an amateur satellite that something else is an interesting technical challenge that makes them feel like they've really accomplished something. Doing the same thing over and over certainly doesn't make me feel like I've accomplished something. --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 ___ 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] SpaceX Dragon V2 Unveiling 7pm PST
http://www.spacex.com/webcast/ For those of you interested the commercial crew capsule (hey they could be hams :) will be unveiled in minutes! Bryce ___ 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] HR4310 Section 1261 Status?
Any update on the status of the bill to remove satellites from the US Munitions List? https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr4310#summary It seems like it's been a while since this happened (1.5 years...) Maybe I'm just too hopeful it will be in place in a timely manner? Anyone following it more closely? Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Fox-1 launch delay
One hard and fast rule in the space launch industry: Everyone remembers a launch failure, no one will remember a launch delay. Delays suck, it's a hell of a lot better than blowing up. The launch industry is largely binary, you either fully succeed or fail. This is at least the perspective of the vehicle providing the ride :D Bryce KB1LQC On Tue, May 6, 2014 at 10:23 AM, M5AKA m5...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: Given that Fox-1 is the first amateur satellite designed for it's batteries to eventually die, we should give it the opportunity! I know I'm being picky here but it's the first FM voice CubeSat to be designed for operation after battery failure. DO-64 (Delfi-C3) has always been operating without batteries and FUNcube-1 is designed to operate after battery failure. Sadly launch slips are a fact of life, even if you're paying top dollar as primary payload you can still have launch slips. Any launch dates quoted are the earliest possible date but actual launch may be many months or in some cases even years later. 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Falcon 9 Flight 9 Landing Burn + Leg Deployment
Elon tweeted this and I wanted to share, one step closer to reusable rockets and reduced launch costs! This view is from a camera near the top of Falcon 9 looking down the rocket. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/461055064438628353 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Falcon 9 Flight 9 Landing Burn + Leg Deployment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_rnija1nOA As stated, the goal is by the end of the year. Just to be clear, I posted this info since one of the biggest hurdles for AMSAT is launch costs and here is a clear step to reduce them. It's exciting! Bryce On Tue, Apr 29, 2014 at 9:05 AM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: On 4/29/14, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: Elon tweeted this and I wanted to share, one step closer to reusable rockets and reduced launch costs! This view is from a camera near the top of Falcon 9 looking down the rocket. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/461055064438628353 snip Now that the feasibility of first-stage fly-back has been demonstrated, when will it be tested for dry land recovery? 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Falcon 9 Flight 9 Landing Burn + Leg Deployment
http://www.spacex.com/news/2014/04/29/first-stage-landing-video First stage landing video is public! On Tue, Apr 29, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: Elon tweeted this and I wanted to share, one step closer to reusable rockets and reduced launch costs! This view is from a camera near the top of Falcon 9 looking down the rocket. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/461055064438628353 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-07 Distorted audio
I wonder if it would be possible to build a system that used rssi to limit each signal and act accordingly. I think ao40 had something similar. A digit sat could be sent the tx power and use that in combination with rssi to adjust itself too. Just some quick thoughts Bryce On Friday, April 25, 2014, Alan wa4...@gmail.com wrote: Peter, That can happen when the illumination is poor, but also if there is someone using too much power. They can bounce the entire transponder, resulting in very choppy, distorted audio. 73s, Alan WA4SCA -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org javascript:; [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org javascript:;] On Behalf Of Peter Wilson Sent: Friday, April 25, 2014 10:04 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org javascript:; Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-07 Distorted audio Just worked IK8YSS on AO-07. Haven't worked this satellite for a while and whilst I know the bird is very old, the audio on this pass was very distorted. Is this common? Peter G8KEK ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. 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 javascript:;. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FUNcube telemetry performance?
Overall I'll take funcubes telemetry over any AFSK bird It's extremely simple to receive and in my opinion it's much better than I've ever had luck on an AFSK bird. On Saturday, April 19, 2014, Joe Fitzgerald jfitzger...@alum.wpi.edu wrote: Phil, That is an interesting question. I have fooled with a simple 1/4 wave vertical, and observe very bad fading with a period of 10's of seconds (5 to 10 times longer than individual frames). It seems to my ear that signals need to be pretty strong in order to decode on AMSAT-UK's dashboard software. -Joe KM1P On 4/19/2014 5:33 AM, Phil Karn wrote: I haven't done anything with AO-73, but I understand it's transmitting the FEC format I originally designed for AO-40. How well is it working? What fraction of the frames are successfully decoded? How bad is the fading? I designed my format specifically for the spin fading on AO-40, and if the fading due to the tumbling of a cubesat is too slow my format won't be able to fix it. 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 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: K5UTD Is On The Air
I am no longer at RIT, I've graduated and moved 2,500 miles away (Los Angeles, CA). I know K2GXT is still quite active, their website has up to date contact info! Andrew, I remember those Thursdays. The schedule did not work out well for quarter system at RIT. Most of us had homework/exams all due on Wednesday and Friday so Thursday was the day you did all the prep for Friday stuff if you had to push it off due to Wednesday due dates... Argh! Thanks for hosting them non-the-less! Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 2:52 PM, Andrew Koenig ke5...@gmail.com wrote: Nick and Bryce, In another email, Bruce (KK5DO) mentioned trying to get all of the college stations on the air for a few passes. Let me know if you'd be interested. I suggest we time it somewhere around School Club Roundup. On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 4:35 PM, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.comwrote: Hey Andrew! If your college club is active definitely check out K2GXT (Rochester Institute of Technology) http://www.rit.edu/sg/amateurradioclub/ as they are very active. Theres a semi-functional satellite station there, finding time to finish it was the hardest part. Give them an email! Congrats on the station! Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 9:05 AM, Andrew Koenig ke5...@gmail.com wrote: Hello Group! After about 6 months of work, I'm proud to say that the K5UTD Amateur Radio Club (University of Texas at Dallas) has finished setting up our satellite station. Typically it should take a weekend and a case of beer to get the job done, but this required a little more planning and involvement as we had to collect the parts from various people and build several components on our own; not to mention the fact that we get side-tracked like no other club. For example, an effort to get the rotor controller resulted in moving about four truckloads worth of gear. We're using an FT-847 for our primary radio, and a Kenpro G-5400 for our rotor system. We've interfaced the G-5400 to the computer using an Arduino. It works rather well with GPredict. The final bug in the system has to do with GPredict talking to the '847, but that should be easily fixed with an update. The antennas are on the roof of our Engineering and Computer Science building, about 20 feet off the roof, 70 feet above ground. Out of luck, we had a GlenMartin RT-936 and the associated non-penetrating mount just hanging out in our closet. Carrying the 50 cinder blocks up to the roof for that mount was not fun though. Coax wise, we have about 20 feet of Davis Bury-flex for our initial run, which then feeds some very nice ARR preamps. The final 200 foot run of coax to the shack is 1/2 Heliax. There are a few jumpers here in the shack too. I was able to make a few contacts through SO-50 today, and plan to be more active. With the help of DK3WN's SatBlog, I've had no trouble picking out some cubesats and listening to the beacons and telemetry. Telemetry collection is one of the primary goals for this station. Our other goals for this station, aside from having fun on the air, are to get club recognition on campus and to work with the William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences on upper atmospheric projects. Station photos: http://imgur.com/a/6TGOJ Also, if you know a member of the former TI club, give them a hug (or handshake) on our behalf. None of the current K5UTD projects could have been possible without them. 73! Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB Vice President, K5UTD Research Assistant, Center for Space Sciences ___ 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 -- Andrew Koenig ___ 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] SpaceX F9R First Hop Video
http://youtu.be/0UjWqQPWmsY Just wanted to share the events from yesterday. Very cool and one step closer to drastically reducing launch costs! Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: K5UTD Is On The Air
Hey Andrew! If your college club is active definitely check out K2GXT (Rochester Institute of Technology) http://www.rit.edu/sg/amateurradioclub/ as they are very active. Theres a semi-functional satellite station there, finding time to finish it was the hardest part. Give them an email! Congrats on the station! Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 9:05 AM, Andrew Koenig ke5...@gmail.com wrote: Hello Group! After about 6 months of work, I'm proud to say that the K5UTD Amateur Radio Club (University of Texas at Dallas) has finished setting up our satellite station. Typically it should take a weekend and a case of beer to get the job done, but this required a little more planning and involvement as we had to collect the parts from various people and build several components on our own; not to mention the fact that we get side-tracked like no other club. For example, an effort to get the rotor controller resulted in moving about four truckloads worth of gear. We're using an FT-847 for our primary radio, and a Kenpro G-5400 for our rotor system. We've interfaced the G-5400 to the computer using an Arduino. It works rather well with GPredict. The final bug in the system has to do with GPredict talking to the '847, but that should be easily fixed with an update. The antennas are on the roof of our Engineering and Computer Science building, about 20 feet off the roof, 70 feet above ground. Out of luck, we had a GlenMartin RT-936 and the associated non-penetrating mount just hanging out in our closet. Carrying the 50 cinder blocks up to the roof for that mount was not fun though. Coax wise, we have about 20 feet of Davis Bury-flex for our initial run, which then feeds some very nice ARR preamps. The final 200 foot run of coax to the shack is 1/2 Heliax. There are a few jumpers here in the shack too. I was able to make a few contacts through SO-50 today, and plan to be more active. With the help of DK3WN's SatBlog, I've had no trouble picking out some cubesats and listening to the beacons and telemetry. Telemetry collection is one of the primary goals for this station. Our other goals for this station, aside from having fun on the air, are to get club recognition on campus and to work with the William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences on upper atmospheric projects. Station photos: http://imgur.com/a/6TGOJ Also, if you know a member of the former TI club, give them a hug (or handshake) on our behalf. None of the current K5UTD projects could have been possible without them. 73! Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB Vice President, K5UTD Research Assistant, Center for Space Sciences ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT pass prediction page.
Tom, Your point is definitely noted and AMSAT-IT volunteers have been trying to figure out a fix. We have a few in mind but in the end it comes down to is there a volunteer willing to do it and do they have the experience necessary with web programming? Brent and I helped last Summer with our web experience to get the Wordpress site up. Most people helping are fairly knowledgeable with Wordpress basics and the site continues to function. Could there be improvements? Yes. I'd love to see more formatting in the content as it is let alone features like predict being updated. Brent and I moved on to help with the Fox-1 project since the Website was stable. With Tony's passing, it's even more critical we focus on Fox-1. I know I am reiterating what's been said here many times but AMSAT is completely dependent on volunteers and especially volunteers with specific skill-sets such as website design. This is a great example of it. If you are or know of someone who would be enthusiastic about this portion of the website and knows some HTML, PHP, CSS, and Python/C programming then by all means direct them to the Volunteer for AMSAThttp://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1096page. Bryce Salmi KB1LQC On Sat, Apr 5, 2014 at 10:48 AM, Tom Schuessler tjschuess...@verizon.netwrote: I asked this question maybe a year ago at a point after the rehab of the hacked AMSAT web site but now that sufficient time has elapsed I feel as one who wants to promote AMSAT and Amateur Radio Satellite activities, I have to bring up again. There are still, this far down the path issues with the AMSAT Pass prediction page that need to be addressed. First one should be easy. The pass prediction page was resurrected by reusing old code and linking to it from the new WordPress main page all well and good. Problem is that all the links on the pass prediction page that should link back other parts of the site, including clicking on the banner picture at the top are broken and should be restored. Another concern is the actual satellite drop down list. The contents of which have not bee updated in a while save for the inclusion of AO-73 at the top. Ray Hoad, WA5QGD does a yeoman's job of keeping up with the orbital elements from various sources each week and sending out a great composit listing. Since I believe this distribution is the source for the data that does the predictions for web users, it should be fairly easy to parse the list of two line elements and regenerate the drop down list on a weekly basis. As a newbie back in 2010 to the world of Amateur Radio satellites, I used the on-line prediction tool quite often and think that it needs to be considered as an important part of our promotion efforts. Thus it needs to be current. Lest you all think I am just ragging at our AMSAT NA web guys for not being current. I found it interesting to find that on the AMSAT-UK web site, they have a page that is a listing of dopler.SQF values for use in SatPC32. Cool I thought, guidance from the source on FunCube frequencies for use in this wonderful tracking program. Go to http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/doppler-sqf-2/ and see if I am mistaken but I bet you will not find either AO-73 or FunCube-1 listed in the file. 73 to all Tom Schuessler 2713 Lake Gardens Drive Irving, Texas 75060 972-986-7456 214-403-1464 (Cell) n5...@arrl.net ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Fwd: AmSat Tony AA2TX FunCube
My dad sent me this screenshot with the request to forward it. He caught a recent FUNCube-1 pass and our friends over at AMSAT-UK have a nice message regarding Tony Monteiro in the Fitter message. Bryce KB1LQC -- Forwarded message -- From: *John Salmi* kb1mg...@gmail.com Date: Friday, March 28, 2014 Subject: AmSat Tony AA2TX FunCube To: Brent Salmi kb1...@gmail.com, Bryce bstguitar...@gmail.com Can you sent this attached file from FunCube to the folks at Amsat ? They may like seeing it. Dad ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: N American Satellite Activity UP
I'll just add in that I have only ever operated a satellite by handheld antenna and an HT. I've received SSB sats on stationary antennas but never worked them. I don't have the infrastructure to do so nor have I had the time to set something up. I just graduated college and moved 3,000 miles across the US to Los Angeles (South Bay area) where very few people own their homes and like me rent. I really can't install and antenna and feedline and everything must be portable. One day I'll get a semi portable station together but until then I enjoy helping others get onto the birds (AMSAT Engineering) and hearing other people have fun working them. Same story for my involvement in K2GXT at RIT. I hardly ever operated in college but spent a majority of my time helping others learn the ropes in ham radio, making sure they had access to the equipment they needed, and transferred any experience I had to them. This makes me content to know that my efforts let other people have fun. On that note, since LA is a pit of RF noise (especially HF at night!) I've toyed with the idea that once my college loans are paid off (that... will take a while) to team up with some other hams I know and purchase some cheap land in the middle of nowhere (like Mojave Desert area) with access to power and internet then set-up a remote station to operate HF/satellites. It would be a neat project and probably make my HOA president much happier :D. Just my $0.02 and story Bryce KB1LQC On Sat, Mar 29, 2014 at 3:21 PM, Michael mat...@charter.net wrote: Been down this road before. I have nothing against operators who want to work satellites with an HT and a handheld antenna. I tried it and don't see the attraction once the novelty wears off but hey, to each their own. Said it before and I'll say it again, I think we do ourselves a huge disservice by constantly trying to convince people just how easy it is to work the sats. Some of us were drawn to this branch of the hobby because of the challenge, not because of how easy it was. Operators who don't back down from a challenge are our future. or they should be. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 3/29/2014 12:16 AM, Gus wrote: On 03/28/2014 12:20 PM, Clayton Coleman wrote: I cringe at the anti-handheld in the backyard mentality because those operators are our future. A single-band CW Tx with a crystal oscillator and a simple, single-conversion Rx may be a perfect way to encourage newcomers to the world of HF. Especially as it shows that a large investment is not necessary to get started. But it would be WRONG to mislead prospective hams into believing that such a setup is the be-all and end-all of operating HF. They should be made to understand that considerable sophistication is possible when operating HF and sophisticated equipment available to suit. Similarly, a handheld in the backyard method of operating via satellite works. It has the beauty of being (comparatively) easy to set up as a demo, and promises success for the newcomer on a limited budget. But it is WRONG to suggest that this is the peak of sophistication in ham satellite operation, and that old-timers as well as newcomers should be satisfied with having to drape their equipment around their neck and run out into the backyard, rain or shine, every time they want to operate. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with handhelds in the back yard. I'm saying that as far as I'm concerned, I'm not interested. I took the training wheels off my bike a long time ago, and I wear long trousers now. (Actually, I wear shorts almost exclusively. But hopefully you get my 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 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: JUNK
Something tells me a while back it was made explicitly clear that the AMSAT-BB did not reflect the views and agenda of AMSAT-NA. Something to keep in mind. Bryce KB1LQC On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 5:00 PM, Gordon JC Pearce gordon...@gjcp.netwrote: On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 06:49:37PM +, wa4...@comcast.net wrote: I thought this BB was for making satellite contacts on ham birds, I see everything but that on here. Come on guys lets work the birds and make grid trips and things like that , Leave the spam off. Support AMSAT NA not cube sats that we cant work I find it hard to support an organisation whose primary role seems to be to give a platform to grumpy old men to drivel on and on and on endlessly about how things ain't what they used to be. Cubesats are the future of amateur satellite work. If you don't like that, try and find a source of cheap flights for something OSCAR-40 sized. Can you afford it? I sure as hell can't. Your only hope of getting an AO-40 size bird up is one of the up and coming space programmes, like Iran or Pakistan. You've missed the boat with India already. -- Gordonjcp MM0YEQ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: KR Yoksh
Be careful, this was flagged on my network as a security risk website. On Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 1:57 AM, KR Yoksh yok...@sbcglobal.net wrote: http://thelanguageconsultants.com/jcg/fox-news.php KR Yoksh ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FW: Madness.
Can we just take this entire discussion off this list? It literally adds no value at all. So what if Clint posts a message about a net on here... It takes much less effort to hit delete if you don't like it than it takes to wade through all these responses which in the end accomplish nothing but complaining. Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Feb 26, 2014 at 3:02 PM, Ted k7trkra...@charter.net wrote: -Original Message- From: Clint Bradford [mailto:clintbradf...@mac.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 2:56 PM To: Ted Subject: Re: Madness. Didn't you read these replies to your nonsense last week in the AMSAT-BB? Well, now that they have MY NAME on them, I am sure you will read them ... For all the dissenters... What have you done to promote AMSAT and how many people outside of nthe satellite hobby have you affected? I consider the reports of missionaries to be a promotion of ideas on how to spread the word. If 60,000 doesn't impress ask one of the missionary's how you can link to their presentation either via RF or internet and find you own 60,000 followers. Roger WA1KAT --- I shudder when I read negative vibes on amsat-bb. The opportunities in amateur radio and even in the satellite world are so big that every contribution has a place. Perhaps someone in range of the repeater heard about AMSAT for the first time and 10 years from now will lead us to a GEO opportunity. C'mon guys ... there are so many opportunities awaiting! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm at amsat.org - /end/= ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FOX-2 Information (was: Flying repeater inquiry)
You can already find out more about the prototype maximum power point tracker that will be used to power the software defined transponder on Fox-2! http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Home Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 2:25 PM, Clayton Coleman kayakfis...@gmail.comwrote: Hi Michael You're in luck. The Phase 2 Fox series are based on the SDX transponder as tested on ARISSat-1 and not your favorite flying repeaters. Learn more by visiting the Meet the Fox Project page at: http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1113 Welcome aboard. You can join AMSAT and renew via the web store or by calling the office. See http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ and click on Membership for several options. 73 Clayton W5PFG On Feb 14, 2014 4:04 PM, Michael mat...@charter.net wrote: If Fox 2 is a linear bird, I'll even put my money where my mouth is and renew my long dormant membership in AMSAT because I will feel that they are moving in a direction that I and many others have interest in. If it's just another flying repeater though well. YAWNI'm getting sleepy now. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FOX-2 Information (was: Flying repeater inquiry)
To expand upon the flying repeater email. I'd be interested to know if there is going to be any technical challenge to working Fox 2 or if it will just be yet another ones of Clint's Easysats. Now, the actual important comment in this sentence is the reference that Fox-1 being an FM bird is assumed to be easy to build. Strictly and professionally speaking this is a huge understatement of the technical challenges of any satellite. I'll assume you do not work in the the aerospace industry or have volunteering to build one of the AMSAT satellites (more than welcome to give it a shot!). Even an easysat is incredibly hard to build. Beyond the actual transmission mode the satellite must maintain a healthy power budget, provide telemetry to monitor the status of the satellite, be implemented in a 95mmx95mmx95mm space (inside the cube), survive the 5 year mission's expected 30krad dose of radiation, and survive 16 sunrises/sunsets per day in the vacuum of space (have heat? can't use convection to get rid it!). Just to name a few items... To put the sunrise/sunset into perspective (think of the road and other objects you see cracking due to expansion and contraction) MIL-STD-1540 which is a good idea to follow and the associated specifications usually require a spacecraft to be designed to survive -34C to +71C temperature extremes. Try operating a consumer product in that environment and it will fail pretty quickly. Also, from an extremely high-level point of view, the only difference between Fox-1 and Fox-2 will be the FM repeater being changed to the Software Defined Transponder (SDX). The SDX is a bit more power hungry so it requires an upgraded Maximum Power Point Tracker and more solar cells to produce the needed power. Otherwise, Fox-2 and Fox-1 will share a lot of the same technology. This is good because we don't want to re-invent the wheel. Therefore I respectively reject the idea that just because Fox-1 is an FM bird it is not technically challenging to design and build. Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 3:44 PM, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: You can already find out more about the prototype maximum power point tracker that will be used to power the software defined transponder on Fox-2! http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Home Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 2:25 PM, Clayton Coleman kayakfis...@gmail.comwrote: Hi Michael You're in luck. The Phase 2 Fox series are based on the SDX transponder as tested on ARISSat-1 and not your favorite flying repeaters. Learn more by visiting the Meet the Fox Project page at: http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1113 Welcome aboard. You can join AMSAT and renew via the web store or by calling the office. See http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ and click on Membership for several options. 73 Clayton W5PFG On Feb 14, 2014 4:04 PM, Michael mat...@charter.net wrote: If Fox 2 is a linear bird, I'll even put my money where my mouth is and renew my long dormant membership in AMSAT because I will feel that they are moving in a direction that I and many others have interest in. If it's just another flying repeater though well. YAWNI'm getting sleepy now. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FOX-2 Information (was: Flying repeater inquiry)
OK I do apologize, as was pointed out I completely misread your wording in the original email. While my facts still stand on the challenges of building the satellite I stand corrected on your argument. Sorry! Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 6:26 PM, Michael mat...@charter.net wrote: Hold on. Not once did I ever suggest that ANY satellite was easy to build. I very much respect the effort, research, testing, etc. that goes into every one, be it a flying repeater or not. My reference to the term easysats comes from Clint or one of his ilk that seems determined to show the rest of the amateur community how easy the FM sats are to work. That's all well and good for them to do that too. However, I was drawn to satellite work because of the challenge. I mean call me weird or crazy but when something loses it's challenge and becomes too easy, it begins to bore me pretty quickly. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 2/14/2014 7:00 PM, Bryce Salmi wrote: To expand upon the flying repeater email. I'd be interested to know if there is going to be any technical challenge to working Fox 2 or if it will just be yet another ones of Clint's Easysats. Now, the actual important comment in this sentence is the reference that Fox-1 being an FM bird is assumed to be easy to build. Strictly and professionally speaking this is a huge understatement of the technical challenges of any satellite. I'll assume you do not work in the the aerospace industry or have volunteering to build one of the AMSAT satellites (more than welcome to give it a shot!). Even an easysat is incredibly hard to build. Beyond the actual transmission mode the satellite must maintain a healthy power budget, provide telemetry to monitor the status of the satellite, be implemented in a 95mmx95mmx95mm space (inside the cube), survive the 5 year mission's expected 30krad dose of radiation, and survive 16 sunrises/sunsets per day in the vacuum of space (have heat? can't use convection to get rid it!). Just to name a few items... To put the sunrise/sunset into perspective (think of the road and other objects you see cracking due to expansion and contraction) MIL-STD-1540 which is a good idea to follow and the associated specifications usually require a spacecraft to be designed to survive -34C to +71C temperature extremes. Try operating a consumer product in that environment and it will fail pretty quickly. Also, from an extremely high-level point of view, the only difference between Fox-1 and Fox-2 will be the FM repeater being changed to the Software Defined Transponder (SDX). The SDX is a bit more power hungry so it requires an upgraded Maximum Power Point Tracker and more solar cells to produce the needed power. Otherwise, Fox-2 and Fox-1 will share a lot of the same technology. This is good because we don't want to re-invent the wheel. Therefore I respectively reject the idea that just because Fox-1 is an FM bird it is not technically challenging to design and build. Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 3:44 PM, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.comwrote: You can already find out more about the prototype maximum power point tracker that will be used to power the software defined transponder on Fox-2! http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Home Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 2:25 PM, Clayton Coleman kayakfis...@gmail.comwrote: Hi Michael You're in luck. The Phase 2 Fox series are based on the SDX transponder as tested on ARISSat-1 and not your favorite flying repeaters. Learn more by visiting the Meet the Fox Project page at: http://ww2.amsat.org/?page_id=1113 Welcome aboard. You can join AMSAT and renew via the web store or by calling the office. See http://store.amsat.org/catalog/ and click on Membership for several options. 73 Clayton W5PFG On Feb 14, 2014 4:04 PM, Michael mat...@charter.net wrote: If Fox 2 is a linear bird, I'll even put my money where my mouth is and renew my long dormant membership in AMSAT because I will feel that they are moving in a direction that I and many others have interest in. If it's just another flying repeater though well. YAWNI'm getting sleepy now. 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: 150 cubesats to provide global WIFI multicasting
AMSAT-NA FTP server was almost 3.5 GB last time I checked. On Sat, Feb 8, 2014 at 3:15 PM, Gus g...@8p6sm.net wrote: On 02/08/2014 09:24 AM, Robert Bruninga wrote: Any ham wanting to collect this content simply puts his 96000 baud radio listing to that repeaer INPUT to join the net! An AP runs together building a buffer of that 70 megabytes of ham radio content per day, which is then instantly accessible at any time with is browser. Again, we have the sites, the atnennas, the freqs and the radios. But for the life of me, I can't think where we could find 70 megabytes of ham radio content. Not useful content, anyway. -- 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Fw: [Forum] Launch provider für P3E ?
Oftentimes there are paid customers nowadays for first launches and yeah, even $10 million is a steal depending on the size of the payload. Either way you must be completely fine with the idea of loosing the satellite at launch... There's a reason it would be discounted, heritage brings premiums! Bryce On Wednesday, January 29, 2014, M5AKA m5...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: But bear in mind the rocket has never flown before and it intends to use a launch facility that doesn't exist yet. I suspect they'll still want $10 million or so, but yes it's good to see more launch providers entering the market. 73 Trevor M5AKA On Wednesday, 29 January 2014, 4:34, i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.itjavascript:; wrote: Hi All , This roket seems to be suitable for P3E ! http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/en/about/launch-vehicle Hallo Alle Dies könnte auch eine geeignete Rakete für unseren P3E sein: http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/en/about/launch-vehicle Damit wäre die Finanzierungsfrage natürlich immer noch nicht gelöst. -- Mit freundlichen Grüssen, 73 Thomas Frey, HB9SKA __ Thomas Frey, Holzgasse 2, CH-5242 Birr, Tel. + Fax: 056 444 93 41 http://home.datacomm.ch/th.frey/ ___ Nachrichten an Mailing-Liste: fo...@amsat-dl.org javascript:; Bitte beachten: Das Limit fuer Anhaenge ist 250 KB! Groessere Emails werdenabgewiesen. Falls erforderlich bitte einen Link auf die Datei posten. Der Nachrichteninhalt stellt die persoenliche Meinung des Autors dar. Noch kein AMSAT-Miglied? Treten Sie der AMSAT-DL bei: http://www.amsat-dl.org/beitritt.html Webinterface der Mailingliste unter: http://www.amsat-dl.org/mailman/listinfo/forum ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. 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 javascript:;. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] ITAR Fun
In light of the bi-monthly HEO discussions that pop up here I figured I'd share some info that many non-US aerospace industry people may not realize. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a set of laws that those of us in the United States must adhere to, even as volunteers for AMSAT. I just finished up yet another refresher course from my employer so this is fresh on the mind. This email is my own and I don't claim to be 100% to the book accurate, this is my understanding of it. Some notes on what it means: - *Negligence is NOT a waiver for a violation* - just because you didn't realize you violated it, doesn't mean you won't/can't be prosecuted - *Simply inquiring about ITAR related subjects can be a violation* - If I called a company in Germany about their product I'd like to use on Fox-1 but need a small modification to the design and suggest the modification to their product so it works with my design... I could have violated ITAR. *Individual Criminal Violation* - Up to $1,000,000 fine *per violation*, 10 years in prison, or both. *Individual Civil Violation* - Up to $500,000 fine *per violation* Those are the big hitters so-to-speak. They are also some of the main reasons we cannot team up with other AMSAT groups to work on projects together. Plain and simple. Heck, if I was conversing with some of the Funcube volunteers and helped them with one of their designs via email, even simple schematic review to help them I could be violating ITAR. So those of us here volunteering for Fox-1 do our best to operate with these rules in place and watch the other groups do their own thing. *Non- ITARLaunches* I work in the launch industry and have quickly realized that the commercial rocket industry is filled with companies who's satellites cost upwards of $0.5 to $1 billion each.* To them, a $100 million launch is pocket money as long as its reliability is high*. Until we see reusable rockets this will be the playing field in which every AMSAT group in the world has to abide by. Therefore, cubesats are the ticket into orbit*. On the notion of demo launches for new rockets such as ones obtained my AMSAT for AO-40... Launch integrators no longer have trouble finding payloads for them*. There are more than enough university small sats and cubesats willing to dish out $100,000+ if not a few million for a ride. Why would an integrator pass up the opportunity to reclaim a few million $ on the test launch with people throwing money at them?! Again all thoughts are my own and would like to state that just because some people express opinions on this list doesn't mean they are the opinions/direction of AMSAT. Several posts on here lately have generalized one or two peoples responses as the direction of AMSAT-NA which is very much not the case. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: SPACEX SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES FIRST MISSION TO GEOSTATIONARY TRANSFER ORBIT
For those interested, this image was sent about 8.000km above Earth from Falcon 9 stage 2. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/408030622708678657/photo/1 On Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 10:36 AM, Eric Rosenberg ericrosenberg...@gmail.comwrote: FYI -- 73, Eric W3DQ Washington, DC --- December 3, 2013* * *SPACEX SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES FIRST MISSION TO GEOSTATIONARY TRANSFER ORBIT* /Upgraded Falcon 9 launch vehicle delivers SES-8 satellite to targeted orbit/ Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida -- Today, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) successfully completed its first geostationary transfer mission, delivering the SES-8 satellite to its targeted 295 x 80,000 km orbit. Falcon 9 executed a picture-perfect flight, meeting 100% of mission objectives. Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at 5:41 PM Eastern Time. Approximately 185 seconds into flight, Falcon 9's second stage's single Merlin vacuum engine ignited to begin a five minute, 20 second burn that delivered the SES-8 satellite into its parking orbit. Eighteen minutes after injection into the parking orbit, the second stage engine relit for just over one minute to carry the SES-8 satellite to its final geostationary transfer orbit. The restart of the Falcon 9 second stage is a requirement for all geostationary transfer missions. The successful insertion of the SES-8 satellite confirms the upgraded Falcon 9 launch vehicle delivers to the industry's highest performance standards, said Elon Musk, CEO and Chief Designer of SpaceX. As always, SpaceX remains committed to delivering the safest, most reliable launch vehicles on the market today. We appreciate SES's early confidence in SpaceX and look forward to launching additional SES satellites in the years to come. Today's mission marked SpaceX's first commercial launch from its central Florida launch pad and the first commercial flight from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in over five years. SpaceX has nearly 50 launches on manifest, of which over 60% are for commercial customers. This launch also marks the second of three certification flights needed to certify the Falcon 9 to fly missions for the U.S. Air Force under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. When Falcon 9 is certified, SpaceX will be eligible to compete for all National Security Space (NSS) missions. High-resolution photos are available for download at www.spacex.com/media http://www.spacex.com/media. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: SpaceX To Attempt Launch Later Today
Launch is Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/407540177289371648 On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 9:30 AM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/007/status.html SpaceX's comments on what caused this past Thursday's scrub: http://www.spacex.com/webcast/ 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Today's SpaceX Launch Scrubbed
No problem! Just putting the info out there. Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Nov 28, 2013 at 7:13 PM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: On 11/29/13, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: An announcement regarding the Second abort was made and the abort was manual due to engineers running out of time to review todays first abort data. You do not launch with a rocket that is even slightly unhealthy or has questioned health. Live to fly another day. Falcon 9 is held on the pad for several seconds after ignition while the on-board computer checks the rockets' health. If it doesn't like something it will not let the hold downs actuate on the launch pad allowing the rocket to move. Thus, the first abort. A similar abort after ignition was seen on the first launch attempt of C2+. At the time of the second abort, all I heard from the comm loop was one of the flight directors calling for a halt. Neither of SpaceX's commentators didn't go into great detail as to what the cause was. Even if the ground crew could have debugged the problem, there wouldn't have been any time to fly as the available launch window was nearly closed. One of the space news sites I monitor indicated that Friday of next week would be the earliest available day. The details concerning that were rather vague, so it might have just been a rumour. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL snip ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT-NA Keps Page
We currently point to the old website (simply disabled the portions that used the database causing errors earlier in the year). This way we can use the information from the older website until it can be ported over to the new website (which is actually very easy but someone needs to do it! hint hint for any potential volunteers). Those of us volunteering for the website over the Summer work pushed to get the functioning website up and running on Wordpress but in cases such as mine I've refocused most of my time to Fox-1 engineering (free time that is) to keep that moving along. There's still valuable kep information regarding what they are and how they are derived. I agree we need to figure out the actual element issue and it's been a recent topic for the website volunteers since the AO-73 launch. Suggestions are always welcome and help bring attention to something us volunteers may be missing. Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 3:42 PM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Clint, help me understand why you would go to the AMSAT website for keps? AMSAT will use keps that are available for download from another source be it celestrak http://celestrak.com or space-track https://www.space-track.org and someone at AMSAT (e.g. volunteer) has to publish those on the AMSAT website. There will always be a delay since you add another step in the process. Use the most up to date source (see above). My point of view, AMSAT should not be publishing keps (unless they are the only ones getting them directly from the source for a brand new satellite and have a mechanism in place to update them immediately once they change) but rather pointing to the best source. Stefan, VE4NSA On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 4:33 PM, Clint Bradford clintbradf...@mac.com wrote: Two hours ago, I went to the AMSAT.org site, and checked on the Keplerian data files that were available. But I just now clicked on it, and it throws me to the 2005-era Keps page - with the light blue background ... My browser's cache isn't THAT old ... Clint ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: too many satellites
Yes, we certainly welcome more satellites and AO-73 is getting me into linear birds due to its ease of use ( I'm sure others are too with practice). Let's not start another LEO HEO debate. It's well understood that if the opportunity came to do a HEO mission it would be taken. Getting a good grip on reliable LEO cubesats will help with a future HEO cubesat (3U+ Most likely). Bryce On Sunday, November 24, 2013, i8cvs wrote: Hi Rich, WA4BUE I wish only one HEO satellite similar to OSCAR-10, OSCAR-13 and AO40 to communicate worldwide ! ! 73 de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: Rich/wa4bue richard.s...@verizon.net javascript:; To: Bob- W7LRD w7...@comcast.net javascript:;; amsat-bb@amsat.orgjavascript:; Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2013 11:19 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: too many satellites Be careful what you wish for! - Original Message - From: Bob- W7LRD w7...@comcast.net javascript:; To: amsat-bb@amsat.org javascript:; Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2013 1:49 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] too many satellites I never thought I'd even think this, but with the plethora of recently launched satellites, a few with transponders and some with other functions, there are just too many. Trying to keep track of all the events is giving me a headache! Is there or can there be a single place, web page etc where there is a concise depository of information? Now it is just all over the place. I suppose I should just focus on a few. 73 Bob W7LRD ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Gpredict software
You can add new TLE's by using the Edit-Update TLE and choose network or local files. I've found it interesting to get some of the funcube TLE's in there, maybe Gpredict is being picky but it's worked. Also, there's a downward facing arrow in the top right window of Gpredict with a configure menu option. I've placed my cursor over it in one of the screenshots. When you are in there you can add and remove satellites as shown in the second screenshot. Hope this helps! Location of configure menu: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/11015569633/ Inside Configure menu: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/11015526594/ Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Nov 22, 2013 at 9:31 AM, Todd Bloomingdale tbloomingd...@gmail.comwrote: Im new to this satellite and software stuff. Im using gpredict and not figuring out how or what to do to add the new satellites Todd Bloomingdale, KC9LOX Tomah, WI ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] KySat-2 Reception
I'm pretty sure I observed the short 9600 baud bursts from KySat-2 on 437.405MHz during the pass of objects over Los Angeles, CA from the Minotaur launch a few days back. I was trying to help a friend who worked on the COMPASS project (St. Luis University). I did not hear COMPASS on or around 437.290 MHz. If anyone hears COMPASS from this batch of cubesats I'd love to pass on the news. Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Keps for funcube, help needed
I noticed the new keeps from n2yo didn't seem right and kept using the older keeps . Worked fine last night. Bryce On Friday, November 22, 2013, James Luhn wrote: I have just about lost my mind trying to get SatPC32 to track FUNcube-1. I just put in the follow keps off of the n2yo page: *Two Line Element Set (TLE):* 1 1U 0 13325.30964218 . 0-0 1-4 0 7 2 1 97.7992 38.2578 0062122 196.7894 338.6768 14.7734969103 N2YO shows funcube over UK and I show it down by South America. What in the hell am I doing wrong? I set up a separate group to experiment with getting the program to work properly with FUNcube. Initially I used the preliminary keps and everything worked terrific. I copied FUNcube with a terrific signal. I put the new keps in and it all went to hell. When I put the prelim keps back in, it is still not correct. I double checked to see if my location is correct. I am tracking FO-29 just fine. Everything seems to work EXCEPT Funcube. Geesh a pete, I am as confused as the little boy who lost his bubble gum in a chicken yard. 73, -james W5AOO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Keps for funcube, help needed
Interesting, it looks like the only thing that changed between them are the first two columns of the first row and the first column of the second row. Tricky. Thanks Andrew, yes, trust the FUNcube website! On Fri, Nov 22, 2013 at 8:55 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: FUNCUBE 1 00312U 00312A 13325.30964218 . 0-0 1-4 0 7 2 00312 97.7992 38.2578 0062122 196.7894 338.6768 14.7734969103 From the Funcube webpage (I know, right?) 73, Drew KO4MA -Original Message- From: Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com Sent: Nov 22, 2013 11:29 AM To: James Luhn l...@wt.net Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Keps for funcube, help needed I noticed the new keeps from n2yo didn't seem right and kept using the older keeps . Worked fine last night. Bryce On Friday, November 22, 2013, James Luhn wrote: I have just about lost my mind trying to get SatPC32 to track FUNcube-1. I just put in the follow keps off of the n2yo page: *Two Line Element Set (TLE):* 1 1U 0 13325.30964218 . 0-0 1-4 0 7 2 1 97.7992 38.2578 0062122 196.7894 338.6768 14.7734969103 N2YO shows funcube over UK and I show it down by South America. What in the hell am I doing wrong? I set up a separate group to experiment with getting the program to work properly with FUNcube. Initially I used the preliminary keps and everything worked terrific. I copied FUNcube with a terrific signal. I put the new keps in and it all went to hell. When I put the prelim keps back in, it is still not correct. I double checked to see if my location is correct. I am tracking FO-29 just fine. Everything seems to work EXCEPT Funcube. Geesh a pete, I am as confused as the little boy who lost his bubble gum in a chicken yard. 73, -james W5AOO ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Keplerian Elements for FUNCUBE 1
There's something very wrong with the N2YO keps, I would not trust them until they are updated and do not disagree with the original keps by nearly and entire Pacific Ocean (at the time of this email)... http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=1 Bryce On Fri, Nov 22, 2013 at 7:54 PM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Mark, Thank you very much! I had this nasty birdie on the Defli-Next frequency and after reading your post, I killed my Netgear N600 and WOW, the birdie on 145.869 is gone :-) Thank you again! Stefan On Fri, Nov 22, 2013 at 9:24 PM, Mark L. Hammond marklhamm...@gmail.com wrote: Jerry, My shack is (sadly) full of 2M birdies. Most of them come from my wireless hub...replaced it once, didn't improve. Need one that is silent on 2M, but with so many devices, changing anything on the wireless gives me a migraine :) The SDR FCDP+ waterfall on 2M is really, really ugly here. Heh. 73, Mark N8MH At 09:20 PM 11/22/2013 -0600, n0jy wrote: Well, I will third that. I had a 2 degree pass and it worked well with those keps. Not a lot of TLM recovered but I could hear the between frame beep for the duration of what SatPC32 said was AOS. I've got a few birdies from neighboring ?? and they can wreck the FUNcube telemetry very easily unless FUNcube is pretty strong. It doesn't seem to take much birdie carrier to lose a frame. Anybody else have similar woes? Jerry N0JY On 11/22/2013 8:59 PM, Rick Walter wrote: Just copied 89 frames of telemetry from FunCube 1. I agree, the 13066B is a really good fit. FUNCUBE-1 1 39417U 13066B 13326.90242084 .4113 0-0 57014-3 0 107 2 39417 97.7998 39.4992 0063751 190.6311 169.3388 14.77099805 237 Rick - WB3CSY ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Public Relations
Adding to that Clint, a good handle on social media would be a big plus too. Bryce On Thu, Nov 21, 2013 at 4:14 PM, Clint K6LCS clintbra...@earthlink.netwrote: This is all facetious, correct? Because, for example, if my wife applied for this position (she is not available), you wouldn't hire her because she meets none of those requirements. Yet in reality, she would be the absolute finest asset AMSAT may have ever hired. She is a public relations professional extraordinaire. While at UCRiverside, she got those professors on campus mentioned and cited in the planet's most prestigious magazines and newspapers. And her Rolodex is extraordinary ... Oh, and her work on and submission of my ARISS contact won a prestigious award from the Public Relations Society of America at their annual banquet last year ... Anyway, what I mean to say is that this is not an election of a club president. This position needs someone with media savvy, professionalism and dedication ... Handling a soldering iron as a prerequisite is silly. Handling the editors at The New York Times and Scientific American magazine is what we need. Clint What qualifications are needed for a fund raiser and PR in AMSAT. The person had better have a ham license. They had better know how to phase a pair of crossed yagis. They had better be able to solder. It is important that they have worked at least a few hundred grid squares and most importantly they had better know how to edit an Doppler.sqf file. If they can do those things they certainly can handle the simple task of PR and fund raising because after all AMSAT is completely different. 73 W9KE Tom Doyle On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 3:21 PM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: Thanks Rich, *I don't think that the school systems across the country have a clue of the great resources in ARRL, AMSAT, local clubs, and citizens offer including the local system where K4AMG mentors. They just don't get!* Actually some do. Just look and talk to the schools that had direct contacts with the ISS (ARISS). The local hams have worked wonders and some of the teachers are now engaging much more in amateur radio related STEM activities. It takes local folks to make a difference in local schools like you are proposing. It takes AMSAT, ARRL and others to make key support materials available for the local folks. Be prepared for the obvious and not so obvious questions: How does that fit within the approved curriculum and planned activities? What are the resources you will provide to the local school and especially the teachers? Who will be doing it? What will it cost? ...and so on. Good luck and keep us posted. Stefan On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 3:00 PM, Rich/wa4bue richard.s...@verizon.net wrote: Hi all, I don't think that the school systems across the country have a clue of the great resources in ARRL, AMSAT, local clubs, and citizens offer including the local system where K4AMG mentors. They just don't get! That is why we are now assembly a presentation for our school board. * Send to each board member resource info * Hopefully speak with them 1 - 1 * Make presentation to the entire board * Make some suggestions * K4AMG will help fund the extra things that might be needed, no extra expense to the city. So PR info is critical to all of us! Earlier this year, when we borrowed the CUBESAT simulator, we did discuss trying to build a CUBESAT. I think that if there was a parts list or a kit we could do that a lot easier. We could use our coordinated repeater frequencies all ready assigned (1/2 duplex). It may never be launched but we could arrange to have it flown every now and then. I hope that this will development more discussion leading to a plan, action, and desired results God Bless Rich W4BUE *** - Original Message - From: Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com To: Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com Cc: Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net; AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 2:49 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Public Relations Lacking Just a few comments: - I'd be up for any document like this being publicly available - AMSAT Engineering is using it's expertise in radio comms as leverage for supplying a comms board to other cubesat payloads that can be turn into a full fledged bent pipe transmitter at end of mission. Not sure if this is actively being promoted yet, probably more leverage once Fox-1 flies - I have no idea if AMSAT has a presence (official) at the cubesat symposiums and conferences (I think there's a big one in Utah or at least was). That would be a good idea for this. - A great start would be to build up excitement within amateur radio and use
[amsat-bb] FUNcube-1 Heard Loud and Clear in Los Angeles, CA
Just stepped out of work and listened with a few coworkers to the 10:37AM pass over Los Angeles,CA. My dashboard install worked nicely with SDR# and my RTLSDR (first time I've done this!). I don't have internet access at work on my personal computer so I'll try to upload the data later? Also, I saved an IQ file and noticed there were several CW and digital stations just above in frequency to the telemetry signal which looks to me like the transponder was on and working! Maybe it was something else but there was obvious doppler shift with the signals. Great job! Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: ICube-1
Nice! Maybe that was the CW I saw during the 10:37AM PST pass over LA this morning. Been at work so haven't had a chance to review the CW and check it out. Congrats! Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Nov 21, 2013 at 9:17 AM, Andrew Garratt nerdsvi...@gmail.comwrote: Like everyone else I was caught up in the excitement of FUNcube-1 and receiving the telemetry. However I noticed a CW signal which I thought was in the transponder allocation, subsequent checking identified it as possibly being ICube-1 on 145.947MHz. Seems I made the first reception report! http://nerdsville.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/did-i-make-icube-1s-first-signal-report.html Andrew M6GTG ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Public Relations Lacking
Just a few comments: - I'd be up for any document like this being publicly available - AMSAT Engineering is using it's expertise in radio comms as leverage for supplying a comms board to other cubesat payloads that can be turn into a full fledged bent pipe transmitter at end of mission. Not sure if this is actively being promoted yet, probably more leverage once Fox-1 flies - I have no idea if AMSAT has a presence (official) at the cubesat symposiums and conferences (I think there's a big one in Utah or at least was). That would be a good idea for this. - A great start would be to build up excitement within amateur radio and use that momentum to extend it. Again at least on AMSAT-NA side of thing Fox-1 is a big step towards that. Nice discussion! Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 11:02 AM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: This ARISS guide is very useful for schools and communities seeking a voice contact with the ISS. It is a procedure manual for a very specific purpose to guide applicants in the process for one specific goal, the contact. While the guide clearly fulfills its purpose and is used widely in preparation, it does not even mention AMSAT (however refers to the ARRL). However, the format and purpose is NOT useful for engaging individuals and/or groups involved in cubesats and amateur radio. What is needed is a “101 on CubeSats and Amateur Radio” document/guide that at certain levels of detail clearly outlines the benefits, pitfalls and processes involved in using amateur radio within a planned cubesat project. It should preferably be written by AMSAT (available in the store?) however the amateur radio satellite community at large is a great resource. In essence, we need to tell folks not how (necessarily) but why they should include us and clearly outline the benefits (assuming we have a few). All universities and even schools have in general a very effective communication group/department and their ability to promote their projects for fundraising purposes speaks volume. The lack of engagement by these groups with our community is based on previous experience and/or ignorance. Both of these are something we as a community have to take responsibility for. Negative experience based on cubesat bashing has done a lot of damage (based on very personal experience) and the lack of clearly outlining the benefits, our expertise, specific services and other tangible factors is also a factor. If, and I say if, engaging the cubesat community is a priority of AMSAT (NA), it will require time, resources and a full commitment by the board and yes, most of all volunteers. What could help is for example having a working group chaired by a VP for cubesats (small satellites) and having the annual meeting in partnership with one of the annual cubesat symposiums for a joint conference. However, the board will have to decide how important that is in comparison to other priorities. In the meantime, it is up to the individuals making an effort on the local level. My 2 cents, and I am going back working on our local ARISS project. Stefan On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 11:56 AM, Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.netwrote: Is the guide available ... This is not the exact one I used for our ARISS contact ... but it is close ... https://files.secureserver.net/0fgxMFjvG2DaFC I will upload the other one tonight - to the same folder. Clint 909-241-7666 - cell -- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Public Relations Lacking
I have a friend who is also a ham who teaches physics in high school. There is such pressure on teachers to teach students for standardized tests like MCAS, Regents, SAT's, etc. that they have little time to do much else. It's quite sad as that certainly hurts the ability to inspire. Extracurriculars are a good start. High school and college club relations could be extremely beneficial. Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 1:21 PM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: Thanks Rich, *I don't think that the school systems across the country have a clue of the great resources in ARRL, AMSAT, local clubs, and citizens offer including the local system where K4AMG mentors. They just don't get!* Actually some do. Just look and talk to the schools that had direct contacts with the ISS (ARISS). The local hams have worked wonders and some of the teachers are now engaging much more in amateur radio related STEM activities. It takes local folks to make a difference in local schools like you are proposing. It takes AMSAT, ARRL and others to make key support materials available for the local folks. Be prepared for the obvious and not so obvious questions: How does that fit within the approved curriculum and planned activities? What are the resources you will provide to the local school and especially the teachers? Who will be doing it? What will it cost? ...and so on. Good luck and keep us posted. Stefan On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 3:00 PM, Rich/wa4bue richard.s...@verizon.netwrote: Hi all, I don't think that the school systems across the country have a clue of the great resources in ARRL, AMSAT, local clubs, and citizens offer including the local system where K4AMG mentors. They just don't get! That is why we are now assembly a presentation for our school board. * Send to each board member resource info * Hopefully speak with them 1 - 1 * Make presentation to the entire board * Make some suggestions * K4AMG will help fund the extra things that might be needed, no extra expense to the city. So PR info is critical to all of us! Earlier this year, when we borrowed the CUBESAT simulator, we did discuss trying to build a CUBESAT. I think that if there was a parts list or a kit we could do that a lot easier. We could use our coordinated repeater frequencies all ready assigned (1/2 duplex). It may never be launched but we could arrange to have it flown every now and then. I hope that this will development more discussion leading to a plan, action, and desired results God Bless Rich W4BUE *** - Original Message - From: Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com To: Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com Cc: Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.net; AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 2:49 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Public Relations Lacking Just a few comments: - I'd be up for any document like this being publicly available - AMSAT Engineering is using it's expertise in radio comms as leverage for supplying a comms board to other cubesat payloads that can be turn into a full fledged bent pipe transmitter at end of mission. Not sure if this is actively being promoted yet, probably more leverage once Fox-1 flies - I have no idea if AMSAT has a presence (official) at the cubesat symposiums and conferences (I think there's a big one in Utah or at least was). That would be a good idea for this. - A great start would be to build up excitement within amateur radio and use that momentum to extend it. Again at least on AMSAT-NA side of thing Fox-1 is a big step towards that. Nice discussion! Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 11:02 AM, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: This ARISS guide is very useful for schools and communities seeking a voice contact with the ISS. It is a procedure manual for a very specific purpose to guide applicants in the process for one specific goal, the contact. While the guide clearly fulfills its purpose and is used widely in preparation, it does not even mention AMSAT (however refers to the ARRL). However, the format and purpose is NOT useful for engaging individuals and/or groups involved in cubesats and amateur radio. What is needed is a “101 on CubeSats and Amateur Radio” document/guide that at certain levels of detail clearly outlines the benefits, pitfalls and processes involved in using amateur radio within a planned cubesat project. It should preferably be written by AMSAT (available in the store?) however the amateur radio satellite community at large is a great resource. In essence, we need to tell folks not how (necessarily) but why they should include us and clearly outline the benefits (assuming we have a few). All universities and even schools have in general a very effective communication group/department and their ability to promote their projects for fundraising purposes speaks
[amsat-bb] Re: FUNcube-1 in Space!
Congrats AMSAT-UK and all who worked on it! Good luck on the next step, please be sure to turn on! Launch can be bumpy. KB1LQC On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 11:28 PM, Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.netwrote: Yes! ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Are you ready for the new satellites?
I definitely need to get a satellite station setup, you guys are making me kick myself for being slow to do so! I've been super busy at work but otherwise I'll eventually get there. Anyone with tips on setting up a nice ground station in a city (Los Angeles,CA) in a town-house (with an HOA) would be readily welcomed. I've heard several satellites with my handheld arrow antenna and VX-8R but would definitely like a better solution. I'll have to give these satellites a shot this weekend! Bryce KB1LQC On Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 12:13 PM, Clint Bradford clintbra...@earthlink.netwrote: ... Are you ready for the new satellites? (PA3GUO) Yes - no problem working ALL of the new birds in portable mode! -one hand for the handheld beam antenna for RX -one hand for the handheld beam antenna for TX -one hand for the HT - uplinks -one hand for the FT-817ND - downlinks -one hand for the speaker-mic -one hand holding an iOS device with sat pass info -one hand for clipboard to write down callsigns as heard -one hand with (of course!) my Fisher Space Pen(tm) -one hand for the Pina Colada ... WHAT A WEEK FOR AMATEUR SATELLITES!!! Clint K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com -- Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.clintbradford.com ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FUNcube Dashbaord version 806 just released
Np on the bandwidth here. Rather fun to hear about these developments And it's exciting to see the functionality of a distributed ground network for a ham sat take shape. Keep it up to all involved in FunCube-1! Bryce KB1LQC On Tuesday, November 19, 2013, Graham Shirville wrote: Hi all, At the risk of using too much bandwidth of this BB... The final pre-launch Dashboard update has just been released at http://funcube.org.uk/working-documents/funcube-telemetry-dashboard/ Many thanks for the feedback received so far! A couple of issues have come to light and have been corrected in this latest version. - enhancements to the audio capture and processing. - Audio Devices now handled correctly when a Dongle is attached with Dashboard running. - User Warehouse settings will now be retained for future upgrades to the Dashboard. - Updates error messages. - Should no longer crash when going to settings and help pages We encourage everyone to update their own set ups for smoothest possible operations on the day thanks Graham G3VZV ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Keeping up with technology
While I can't vouch for checking in on Twitter or other social medias. I can say I do respect the want to incorporate alternative and more publicly visible methods into the operations of ham radio and AMSAT. One of the stongest pulls for me into ham radio is the social aspect. Club meetings are some of the best aspects of the hobby when you have a great club with really personable members. A saying from Massachusetts (when I was out there, now I'm in Los Angeles) was Clubs are the heartbeat of ham radio. So, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google Plus, etc... I'd love to see more AMSAT involvement. It can only bring good to incorporate these into activities. Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 2:03 PM, jmfranke jmfra...@cox.net wrote: That is not keeping up with technology, it is keeping up with fads. John WA4WDL -- From: Bruce kk...@arrl.net Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 7:44 PM To: amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Keeping up with technology In trying to keep up with technology, the Houston AMSAT Net will now take check ins by Tweeting using the hash tag #houamsatnet 0200 UTC during the winters on Wednesdays (8PM Central Time) Be one of the first on your block to check in electronically. Of course, you can still use one of these: IRC, APRS, EchoLink, Telephone, E-mail or voice on the repeater directly. I would use Facebook but I have a thing against giving out all that information publicly. My Facebook account has been active for a long, long time and I have no friends. Not a one. In fact, once every year or two I check to see if it is still there. I think I have broken the Facebook record for the longest running account without a friend. Too easy for bad things to happen with Facebook. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Keeping up with technology
Might I suggest the hashtag #amsat since it's likely more used and would gain a larger audiance. Just my $0.02 Bryce KB1LQC On Tue, Nov 5, 2013 at 5:03 PM, Ted k7trkra...@charter.net wrote: ...Hiram and Marconi are spinning in their graves...jeez 73, K7TRK -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 4:44 PM To: amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org Subject: [amsat-bb] Keeping up with technology In trying to keep up with technology, the Houston AMSAT Net will now take check ins by Tweeting using the hash tag #houamsatnet 0200 UTC during the winters on Wednesdays (8PM Central Time) Be one of the first on your block to check in electronically. Of course, you can still use one of these: IRC, APRS, EchoLink, Telephone, E-mail or voice on the repeater directly. I would use Facebook but I have a thing against giving out all that information publicly. My Facebook account has been active for a long, long time and I have no friends. Not a one. In fact, once every year or two I check to see if it is still there. I think I have broken the Facebook record for the longest running account without a friend. Too easy for bad things to happen with Facebook. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Spam through amsat.org
I would imagine that if your AMSAT.org email address is public and posted online then spammers could email it which then gets forwarded and might look like a trusted email to your email provider and not flagged as spam.Just a thought. On Thursday, October 31, 2013, Phil Karn wrote: A significant fraction of the spam I get on my primary email account comes by way of the amsat.org email reflector; by my count, 18 of the 76 spam emails I've received in the last day. But I don't want to just shut it off; sometimes people I do want to hear from make contact that way. And I've used it to contact others whose email addresses I don't know, but who I know to be AMSAT members. I wonder if it would be possible to set up some sort of auto-responder on amsat.org so that instead of just forwarding email, returns a message to the sender with a non-machine-readable image of the user's actual email address, possibly accompanied with a sound file with the same information for anyone with impaired vision. Spammers couldn't handle it, especially since most don't even use valid return addresses. But any real human could resend his email directly to its destination. What do people think of this idea? How much of a problem is spam for everyone else here? Phil ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Mark Spencer's AMSAT Journal Articles
+1 for humor :D As one of the students on the Fox-2 MPPT project it's great to see interest in the project and associated topics. Expect to hear more technical details about the Fox-2 MPPT. It's pretty neat to be indirectly responsible for answering one of those pesky questions! Next up on the chopping block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU5JvO1opkk Bryce Salmi KB1LQC On Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 11:07 AM, n0jy n...@n0jy.org wrote: Through his work on the educational aspects of the Fox satellites, Mark Spencer has produced some great experiments and materials. The Fox-1 attitude determination experiment, and now the Fox-2 MPPT system have both been presented in the AMSAT Journal. If you aren't a member of AMSAT you are missing some great stuff in the Journal. But in this research and work for the Fox-2 MPPT system I believe that Mark may have inadvertently answered an age old question that has (to my knowledge) never been definitively been answered before. A question as old as the icebox itself. In the MPPT article figure 3, Mark presents a measure of voltage and power in three environments: a room (presumably in his home), the refrigerator compartment of his refrigerator, and the freezer compartment of his refrigerator. The measured power is higher in the refrigerator and even higher in the freezer. EUREKA! I believe that Mark has finally proven that the light in the refrigerator (or freezer) STAYS ON WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED! Otherwise, how could there have been any power output in the refrigerator or freezer at all? A solar panel requires light to work. Thank you, Mark! I can now share with my mother (poor Pop isn't around to enjoy this discovery although he first posed the question to me 50+ years ago) that I KNOW. And keep up the good work that you are doing for the ARRL Education and Technology Program too.! 73 Jerry N0JY (The above was for fun and in no way meant to diminish Mark's work.) __**_ 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Office Closed
Wow... Hope all is well and feel better soon! On Saturday, October 26, 2013, Martha wrote: The AMSAT Office is closed. FridayI fell and tore my achilles heel.. I am in a fiberglass cast for 2 weeks and then a plaster cast for four weeks. I cannot put any weight on my left leg. I do have a wheel chair so I hope my husband (N4QQ) will take me to the office until I can manage on my own. -- 73- Martha ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radio on National TV
Haha yeah this has been running on national TV for several months now. On Tue, Oct 22, 2013 at 12:06 PM, Simon Brown si...@sdr-radio.com wrote: What were they selling - Soap? Simon Brown (G4ELI/HB9DRV) http://v2.sdr-radio.com -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Doyle It is a bit of a stretch to link the product they are selling to Ham Radio but nice to see ham radio included. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] CUSat and Falcon 9 R/B (2nd Stage) Los Angeles Sunday Evening Pass
Hey All, I figured I’d share some neat stuff I did over the weekend. I’m still working on getting a good satellite capability at my apartment but otherwise I am able to do some basic stuff. I noticed that there was a 89.6 degree elevation (about as straight overhead as they get) last night around 7:49PM, just after dusk. Below are some images and links. First is the output of my satellite tracking program and you can see on the map just how good the pass was as well as the “radar” view on the bottom right which is a polar map also indicating the amazing pass overhead. Below that is the 1200 baud APRS telemetry signal from what I believe was CUSat. The APRS was a bit lower than the beacon frequency but maybe I read the Cornell website incorrectly. The signal obviously had Doppler shift and 1 minute intervals of transmission as expected. The third image is of a CW beacon signal also from what I believe was CUSat which occurred extremely close to the CUSat beacon frequency and had obvious Doppler shift too as shown in the image (it’s moving left, lower in frequency as it moved away from me). I made my best attempt to decode the Morse Code (I’m a bit rusty, but I think I got it) and it appears to be telemetry? I was hoping for a callsign! If you would like to listen to this CW (Morse Code) beacon, I decoded the audio here http://snd.sc/1hQ17II. *** I've later found out that there is absolutely no CW beacon on CUSat from some coworkers who helped build CUSat in college*** The last two images are from AGI Satellite Toolkit and show the 3D view of the orbit as it went over LA. We’re pretty sure we actually saw Falcon 9 Stage 2 (Falcon 9 R/B) as it was leading CUSat and was a bright moving object in the sky just in-front of where we expected CUSat to be following the exact path. It was apparently bright enough to see in Redondo Beach, CA and the timing puts it in the correct spot to be illuminated by the sun at that altitude. Amazing Pass: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/10285812794/ APRS From CUSat (2.2W output): http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/10285928525/ Some CW Beacon, Not CUSat...(Coworkers helped build CUSat, it has absolutely no CW capabilities) so this was some other bird... http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/10285909706/ AGI Satellite Toolkit View of the Pass: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/10285812324/ AGI Satellite Toolkit View Neat Side View of the Orbit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/10286035693/ If anyone has any idea of the CW beacon and what it belongs to I'd love to hear it! I thought it might be Compass-1 (not even sure if it's stil alive, just same freq) but it was nowhere near LA during the pass. Bryce Salmi KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Theoretical Question
I found this paper: https://www.google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=1cad=rjaved=0CC4QFjAAurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmarine.rutgers.edu%2F~kerfoot%2Fpub%2Fslocum%2FRELEASE_6_32%2Fsrc%2Fdoco%2Fspecifications%2Firidium-phone%2FIR_Lband.doc.rtfei=U6NbUrCdCuakiQLXgoGwAwusg=AFQjCNHpZ7_Jh9hNlGLTvRbkVi2o7ancYQsig2=bC2RkaZCSpODi-QVR7z2mAbvm=bv.53899372,d.cGE Which seems to state that the subscribers of Iridium communications (the handset) adjust for Doppler shift. Each satellite is spaced such that there is also a guard band so they don't interfere with each other. Bryce On Sun, Oct 13, 2013 at 6:55 PM, luclebla...@videotron.ca wrote: On 13 Oct 2013 at 18:30, Dave Marthouse wrote: This isn't a question regarding amateur satellites but it is an interesting theoretical one to pose here and the same laws of physics apply. I know that the higher the frequency that is transmitted from a satellite the larger the Doppler shift will be. The Iridium satellites transmit at around 1.5gHZ. At that frequency I know the Doppler is large. How do they manage to keep the portable handsets on the ground locked to the signal? Are the handsets frequency agile to an extent? How do they achieve frequency lock so that the digital signals are decoded? Dave Marthouse N2AAM dmartho...@gmail.com Interesting question Dave I suspect as the XM/SIRIUS radio a data signal is sent back to the receiver position to minimized the doppler effect and some sort of data error correction also help to counteract the doppler effect. A similar system is implemented into the wxtoimg NOAA weather satellite fax decoding software. It is an educated guess who only need to be reeducated... Lets say my Sirius receiver in a plain flat field suffer some signal breaks that i can't explain. Luc Leblanc VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: More On Falcon 9 Incident
A decent amount of his conclusions are speculations. I'd take it with a grain of salt so-to-speak. He seems convinced there was an explosion. Bryce On Mon, Oct 7, 2013 at 12:33 PM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: http://www.zarya.info/blog/?p=1604 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Cornell CUSat Keps?
Looks like the DANDE website officially uses 2013-055B too! http://spacegrant.colorado.edu/images/DANDECelestrakTLE.txt On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 11:00 PM, Colin Hurst cjhu...@bigpond.net.au wrote: Alan Bryce, 2013-055B appears currently to be the best fit for both DANDE and CUSAT. 73 Colin VK5HI -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan Sent: Wednesday, 2 October 2013 04:27 To: bstguitar...@gmail.com; 'Amsat BB' Cc: CC Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Cornell CUSat Keps? Bryce, I ran the Keps for all the objects. Space-Track shows something like 20, which is interesting. They are already widely dispersed, so given the low transmission rate, it might be better to wait a few days until at least some tentative identifications are made. I expect DK3WN is on the case. :) 73s, Alan WA4SCA -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Bryce Salmi Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2013 12:46 PM To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Cornell CUSat Keps? Does anyone know the designator and/or keps for the recently launched CUSat? Maybe I should stick roughly with any of the keps for the recent SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket body? My friend worked on CUSat and I'd really like to catch a pass of it and show him it operating in orbit! Thanks, Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ 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] Cornell CUSat Keps?
Does anyone know the designator and/or keps for the recently launched CUSat? Maybe I should stick roughly with any of the keps for the recent SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket body? My friend worked on CUSat and I'd really like to catch a pass of it and show him it operating in orbit! Thanks, Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: More On Falcon 9 Second Stage Anomaly
For those interested: http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37498no-upper-stage-explosion-after-falcon-9-v11-launch-spacex-says Bryce KB1LQC On Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 8:29 PM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: On 10/1/13, Stefan Wagener wagen...@gmail.com wrote: Well, speculations, speculations and by the way speculations and the press has a field day. I agree. I thought some of the comments were a bit of a stretch. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL snip ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Falcon 9 Successfully Launched
Just watched it in Person from 7 miles away. Amazing. B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: All indications are that everything went as planned, though the video downlink was intermittent. Deployment of payloads has apparently started. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb -- Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. ___ 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] CASSIOPE's Foldable Antennas
I was watching the Canadian Space Agencies BROLL video of the CASSIOPE satellite due to launch in a few days and noticed a neat antenna. The video link below starts at the appropriate point in the video (feel free to watch the whole video too). For what looks like it is essentially steel tape measure metal... that's quite an intense antenna and deployment! I'm used to seeing these on cubesats and other small satellites but this is very neat to see too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpagev=WGD4cWnpcto#t=245 Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Kick motors on Oscars: How does attitude control work?
Found this intersting web page: http://www.isispace.nl/cms/index.php/projects/nks Bryce KBL1QC On Mon, Sep 23, 2013 at 12:46 PM, Burns Fisher bu...@fisher.cc wrote: Very interesting stuff. Thanks to everyone who responded. Using a model rocket engine has occurred to me :-) I noticed that the smaller ones (A,B) tend to peak at 10s of Newtons (presumably to get the model rocket going fast enough to be stable after it leaves the launch rod) and then settles down to sub-10 Newtons for the rest of the burn (a second or two). So it is quite a whack over a short period for a small bird. I did not look up the higher power size. It would be interesting and not too difficult to do the math to see what kind of a perigee raise would happen if someone fired one of these on a 3U cubesat of modest mass in GTO while it was at apogee. Don, there is enough interesting stuff to keep me watching the list. There is also a lot of complaining. We'd love to have you rejoin AMSAT. Fox-1, the upcoming launch, IS an FM bird, but I hope you noticed that the last AMSAT bird, ARRISat-1 was indeed a linear. We need to continue to learn and experiment. Burns, W2BFJ On Sun, Sep 22, 2013 at 5:49 PM, Daniel Schultz n8...@usa.net wrote: I just want to ask a question: If you have a motor of a few hundred Newtons, how to you keep the attitude stable during the burn? For that matter, how do you get the attitude correct for the start of the burn? Simple question, simple answer: You use the magnetotorquers to point the spin axis in the right direction, check and check again to make sure you got that right, then use the magnetotorquers again to spin up the satellite at a high angular rate (maybe 20 RPM). The angular momentum of the spinning satellite keeps it stable while the motor is firing. The motor thrust must of course be well aligned with the spin axis, but if the thrust vector is not perfect, the spinning satellite tends to even out the small deviation. One of the recent Cubesats carried high power model rocket engines to try an experimental orbit adjustment. They forgot to spin the satellite and the Cubesat tumbled wildly as a result of the motor burn. Some of these groups are really lacking in basic physics knowledge (and we are not talking about wet behind the ears students in that case.) Dan Schultz N8FGV ___ 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 -- Message: 7 Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 22:22:11 -0400 From: Joe Fitzgerald jfitzger...@alum.wpi.edu To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Kick motors on Oscars: How does attitude control work? Message-ID: 523fa5d3.3020...@alum.wpi.edu Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed On 9/22/2013 4:19 PM, Burns Fisher wrote: I would not think that electromagnets operating against the earth's magnetic field would have enough power with such a large motor. The electromagnets had some oomph I seem to remember the engineering beacon moving in frequency slightly when they switched on ... I don't remember if it was because of a sag on the DC bus, or the magnetic field affecting the tuned circuits of the transmitter. But you bring up important points, if we are to do orbit adjustments, we need to do attitude determination and control in addition to getting a motor aboard. No easy feat in a 3U cubesat! -Joe KM1P -- Message: 8 Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 08:14:44 +0200 From: i8cvs domenico.i8...@tin.it To: Peter Guelzow peter.guel...@kourou.de, Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org, Daniel Schultz n8...@usa.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Kick motors on Oscars: How does attitude controlwork? Message-ID: 000901ceb824$34922710$0301a8c0@i8cvs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Hi Peter,DB2OS If I well remember in addition with the Magnetorquing ,AO40 was equipped with a 3 axis X-Y-Z stabilization wheel/EPU acting as gyroscopes that never where used except one time I remember to have seen on the P3T TLM the wheels were tested rotating for a short time at a very low numbar of turns ... or I am wrong ? Why the 3 axis stabilization wheel/EPU whre never used on AO40 ? Thanks for your answere. 73 de i8CVS Domenico - Original Message - From: Peter Guelzow peter.guel...@kourou.de To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2013 11:21 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Kick motors on Oscars: How does attitude controlwork? Hi Burns, yes - all Phase 3 satellites use Magnetorquers to
[amsat-bb] Re: Odd Question
This is actually a great question. I've even asked it myself to some coworkers (in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control department). When it comes down to it, the space above Earth where satellites orbit is actually vast. There's a heck of a lot more space than most images showing space debris will elude to. This is largely because most of those images showing space junk use dots to represent the pieces we know about. The problem is that given the scale of the Earth in these images, that tiny dot is actually MASSIVE compared to the realistic size of even a large satellite. The truth is that while there's a large amount debris, the chance of actually hitting anything is pretty small due to the sheer amount of space the debris is distributed in. The images showing space debris as dots or other icons are actually pretty poor representations of the space debris problem (they look cool though). A probability distribution or similar is what I would imagine as being more useful. Bryce KB1LQC On Mon, Sep 23, 2013 at 9:22 PM, MICHAEL mikef1...@live.com wrote: For the longest time I have been wondering how a satellite is placed in orbit without hitting anything else? I have seen pictures of all the stuff circling the Earth and it just baffles me how anyone can get anything in orbit without hitting anything. Can anyone explain this? Mike/N8GBU ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: so long
The truth is that from a monetary standpoint a 3U cubesat to HEO is likely in the realm of being affordable. However, the technology available at this time does not allow us to reliably make a HEO 3U cubesat but that doesn't mean that years down the road we will get to that point. Look at computers, they used to be the size of rooms now a computer much faster than some of the first supercomputers fits in your pocket. *This of course assumes that the launch industry remains the same with the use of expendable vehicles.* The launch industry at the moment is like buying a plane ticket and when you get to your destination you scrap the airplane. It's wasteful and costly. Vertical takeoff and vertical landing technology is on the fringe of happening with companies like SpaceX (Disclaimer, I can't speak for SpaceX this is personal opinion). Check out the Grasshopper divert videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t15vP1PyoAwhich shows the Grasshopper test platform horizontally moving during flight. The end goal is to land all stages of Falcon 9 back on landhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSF81yjVbJE, minimal refurbishment, refueling, and launch. Fuel costs are negligible compared to the vehicle costs. While many near billion dollar satellites may not mind spending a few hundred million dollars on a launch and forgo a used vehicle (until reliability is proven) organizations like AMSAT would likely jump on an opportunity of a low cost used rocket :D. Low cost launches on reusable rockets will ideally be happening well within your lifetime :D Bryce KB1LQC On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 2:06 PM, Michael mat...@charter.net wrote: I said this a couple of weeks back but since reading all the responses in this thread, I think I'll say it again. I'm almost fifty one years old. I highly doubt that I will ever see an HEO bird launched in my remaining lifetime. The economic realities of this day and time make the possibility of a launch extremely remote and I don't see that changing in the near future. I can't understand why AMSAT continues to string people along with promises of maybe someday if you donate. Why can't they just be upfront about it and tell people, Hey it aint going to happen. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the new direction AMSAT has taken in pursuing cubesat technology and launches, I applaud them for it but the continued lip service to the we want an HEO crowd gets old. I for one am not that gullible. Quit telling people what they want to hear and tell them the truth. 73, Michael, W4HIJ On 9/17/2013 7:02 PM, i8cvs wrote: - Original Message - From: John Becker w0...@big-river.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 8:58 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] so long I have decided to leave the list till something changes with this FM only satellite attitude only changes. That was the reason for me as well as other joining AMSAT in the first place. Please inform me if anything such as a replacement for AO 40 happens. John Hi John,W0JAB I was AMSAT member numbar 798 since OSCAR-6 but I decided to live my membership after AO40 died because AMSAT changed his policy with only FM satellites. I remember that OSCAR-10,OSCAR13 and AO40 where called the satellites for all and I invested a lot of money for equipments and antennas dedicated for HEO satellites for nothing in the near future. In my opinion the satellite operation is not only an activity to collect grids but it is mostly experimentation in the VHF/UHF/SHF and particularly into microwave as it was with AO40 Mode-S/K and it was very nice until lasted. As soon AMSAT-NA will work or cooperate with AMSAT-DL to built a new HEO satellite I will call Martha and I will pay all my old duties to cover my previous not covered years of membership. By the way I am not against AMSAT-NA because I understand the ITAR and during the last 10 years I have cooperate to write many technical articles for the AMSAT Journal without any money reward. If Martha says that the actual AMSAT members are in the order of 3,000. and if Les Rayburn, N1LF claim to be member of AMSAT #38965 it means that in the last 10 years many members abandoned AMSAT because of no future with no HEO satellites and only the FM LEO cubesat for no two ways communications between continents was not a satisfactory task. Many years ago early in 1972 I joined AMSAT because they promised us to communicate worlwide much better than using the HF but things changed and our antennas are becaming rusty over the roof for very small or for nothingSorry ! 73 de i8CVS Domenico __**_ __**_ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings:
[amsat-bb] Re: Thought experiment ... Rockets and balloons
It's to my understanding that the Rockoons didn't go to orbit, but did reach space with ballistic trajectories. The hard part with orbit is the pure speed needed. RIT had a programhttp://www.rit.edu/kgcoe/electrical/meteor/meteor/Home.htmlfor an orbital rockoon type project called METEOR a while back but it has since been ended. I believe the advantages of launching from 30+ km altitude are quickly outweighed by the added complexity of the system as a whole. In the end the rocket fuel for most orbital rockets needed to get to 37km altittude is a small fraction of the total fuel on board anyways. my $0.02 Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Sep 18, 2013 at 10:30 AM, Joe n...@mwt.net wrote: It's called a Rockoon, and has been done before, google it. Thing is now days it's launch would have to be permitted by the government just as much as any other major rocket flight. or get out of the USA like into the gulf of mexico to do the launch. Joe WB9SBD Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 9/18/2013 12:01 PM, Rob wrote: I'm not a rocket scientist but I have an active imagination . Thinking of a recent XKCD to achieve orbit the hard part isn't the altitude it's the velocity Would there be any advantage (cost effective) carrying a launch vehicle say to 37KM ... think Red Bull Stratos and firing the engines there??? So you're already 37KM up there's a lot less atmospheric drag This would be like a drop from a plane ... but even higher Thoughts??? de KA2PBT __**_ 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-bbhttp://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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: so long
The mass simulator was likely used to give accurate data for the launch vehicles performance (inaugural flight of Antares) for the launch of the actual Cygnus spacecraft. While yes, you could pound for pound replaced the mass simulator with something like P3E, you wouldn't get the data Orbital was looking for. Those sensors attached to the Mass simulator allows Orbital to obtain flight information of environments such as vibrations, temperatures, shocks, etc. that can be used to better calibrate ground testing of the real spacecraft. I find it hard to believe they would easily swap the mass simulator out for something like P3E since the goal was to better understand environments that Cygnus would actually see. Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Sep 18, 2013 at 10:31 AM, luclebla...@videotron.ca wrote: On 17 Sep 2013 at 13:58, John Becker wrote: I have decided to leave the list till something changes with this FM only satellite attitude only changes. That was the reason for me as well as other joining AMSAT in the first place. Please inform me if anything such as a replacement for AO 40 happens. John ___ 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 For the record there is some lower cost affordable launch capabilities just read below: The primary payload is the Cygnus Mass Simulator (CMS), it has a height of 199.25 inches (5,061 mm), a diameter of 114 inches (2,900 mm) and a mass of 8,400 pounds (3,800 kg).[8] It is equipped with 22 accelerometers, 2 microphones, 12 digital thermometers, 24 thermocouples and 12 strain gages. The secondary payloads are four CubeSats that were deployed from the CMS.Three of them are PhoneSats, 1U CubeSats built by NASA's Ames Research Center. These are named Alexander, Graham and Bell, after the inventor of the telephone.The purpose of these three satellites is to demonstrate the use of smart phones as avionics in Cube Sats. They each have a mass of 2.48 pounds (1.124 kg) and are powered by lithium batteries. The fourth nanosat is a 3U CubeSat, called Dove-1, built by Cosmogia Inc. It carries a technology development Earth imagery experiment using the Earth's magnetic field for attitude control. Is it possible to carry P3E? numerous test launch use dummy mass why not launching one bigger satellite instead of a bunch of small one? As for the debate LEO vs HEO those who vote in favor of HEO are waiting out of AMSAT watching the 10 minuts LEO'S going up and down as the Jolly Jumper does. Is it better than nothing else? Luc Leblanc VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Norton Sales Inc. in North Hollywood CA (Rocket Parts trip)
I thought some of you on the BB would get a kick out of this. My brother, a few friends from work, and I took a trip today out to Norton Sales Inc. in North Hollywood, CA. We kept hearing about the rocket engines and parts along with other aerospace stuff that you can buy there. While a good amount of it is truly junk and is in no shape to actually fly, there are a decent number of transducers and pipes that could be put to good use. The movie industry is their main customer for the props. Movies such as the avengers and Iron Man have used some of the parts. Sorry for the poor quality images, I used my camera phone. I ended up buying the Nike-I Missile UDMH can (unused/unopened which was particularly important) for $10 and is a neat part of history. Enjoy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/101448394@N02/sets/72157635431460204/ Bryce Salmi KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement
The short answer to all these why are we building FM satellites comments is that the #1 operatation reason to build and FM satellites is that they provide an easy way for anyone to enjoy a satellite contact. Yes there is field day, one day out of the year. Given several operating FM satellites in orbit of AO-51 performance, it's feasible that at least one per day will provide a nice, comfortable opportunity to talk. This is important to grow the hobby and to provide an easy entry-point for people into satellite operations. However, the #1 technical reason to build any satellite right now, regardless of FM or linear RF capabilities, is that the RF communications part of the satellite is only one part of the satellite. Is the RF down-link crucial, yes, but so are the solar panes and the Maximum Power Point Tracker for example. Without those, a perfectly functioning linear transponder is useless because we all know that you need electricity to actually turn any of the electronics in the satellite on, including the communications system. The Internal Housekeeping Unit (IHU) is also extremely important from an operational standpoint. It allows health and status telemetry to be obtained from the satellite to best command and configure it for optimal use as it ages or enters different periods of orbits. Regardless of the form of communications package, on-orbit operation of systems build heritage and with heritage comes confidence in the design and with confidence in the design we get satellites that last a long... long.. time. That tends to keep satellite operators happy! While I'd be against this, and I'm sure most of us would be... it would still be beneficial for AMSAT to fly a telemetry only satellite to prove subsystems for a future comms satellite from a purely technical viewpoint. There are many subsystems that would be exactly the same on a telemetry only satellite as a linear transponder satellite. Point is, flying FM satellites is extremely beneficial to any future satellite be in FM, Linear, etc. By standardizing with the CubeSat standard, AMSAT can make incremental improvements on each satellite and envelope more daring/complex missions as subsystems obtain flight heritage. Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 10:36 PM, Daniel Schultz n8...@usa.net wrote: I know how much the FM satellites are loved by certain segments of the AMSAT community, and FOX-1 will serve that community beginning late next year. In addition, many universities are building 2 meter FM satellites as part of their aerospace engineering curriculum. The problem with the FM satellites is that only one station at a time can access them, during field day I listened to several passes and I did not hear one complete field day exchange during any of them. They are just too limited to serve as a pathway for growth for AMSAT. I have also read many recent posts regarding the late, great AO-40 and how much the long distance DX that it provided is missed. The S-band downlink for AO-40 performed well and was quite inexpensive for hams to acquire. It is simply a myth that microwave equipment and antennas represents a difficult entry path to amateur radio. In the event that AMSAT should find an opportunity to place a Cubesat into HEO, it will not be able to replace the performance of AO-40, but it could provide the long distance DX opportunities for those stations that are willing to make a modest investment in equipment. I am sorry that we cannot provide a HEO DX satellite that anybody can work with an HT and an Arrow antenna, but we are limited by the laws of physics, the size of the solar arrays, the antenna gain and the link budget from HEO. We can only fit so much stuff into the tiny little satellites that will be available to us in the future. If we build a small HEO satellite some people will be excluded from using it. We are not trying to exclude anybody but those are the facts of life as I see them. If you want a HEO DX satellite it is going to cost you some money to equip yourself to work the satellite with its limited power output and link budget. This is not because we want to exclude anybody, this is doing what we can with the launches that are going to be available to us in the future. I don't see the value of bringing new hams into the satellite hobby if they make a few QSO's and then grow tired of the limited capability of the LEO FM satellites. To attract and keep these hams we must provide something more challenging and more useful for communications. That doesn't make us elitist, but until somebody writes a $10 million dollar check to AMSAT, that is what we can do and it is better than disbanding the organization and giving up because we can't do magic on our shoestring budget. Dan Schultz N8FGV Original Message What should a ham satellite program offer to the amateur community? If bringing new hams into this
[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement
Here is the video where this mission object is stated: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpagev=3o_PV2b9F6g#t=459 On Thu, Sep 5, 2013 at 8:44 AM, n0jy n...@n0jy.org wrote: Hi Zach, On 9/5/2013 9:03 AM, Zach Leffke wrote: Just throwing this out there: But what if the SDX that flew on ARISSat, or the one that will be developed for the Future of the Fox series could be sold (or given) to the university cubesat community as a radio capable of being used to deliver science data? Their science mission concludes, control is turned over to AMSAT, the radios are reconfigured, and they become transponder birds for the ham community. Yes, and this is one of the goals of the Fox project too! We can partner with the universities, providing the transponder and bus (Fox-1A, RadFXSat) which may be dedicated to their experiment for some years or not, depending on the downlink needs (i.e. Fox-1 has high speed for youse guys, and the slow speed accommodates Vanderbilt). We have a transponder dedicated to ham use when the experiment(s) are through or even while they are going on. Or once Fox-1 is finished and all of the details are published, any institution could use the design for their project and give back (as a gesture of kindness for all the work we saved them and excellent science we helped them gather) the transponder when they are done with their science. It gives them a proven reliable system that they don't have to engineer on their own. It gives us another transponder if not on launch, at least eventually. Fox-2 will do the same for ham satellite SDX. Anybody know any young people who are in a position to help sell this paradigm to universities? ;-) Jerry __**_ 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement
You just described the objective of the Fox-1 FM RF board. This is exactly the position AMSAT is trying to get into. There's a YouTube video that interviews Barry Baines and he ends up explaining this goal. I'd link to it but am currently typing this on my phone . Zach Leffke zlef...@vt.edu wrote: Just throwing this out there: 1. University cubesats tend to want to occupy amateur satellite service spectrum for their science missions, V/U is common. 2. Most *science* missions are only designed to last a few years, but the orbits will last a while longer. 3. How many science missions have been completed, but the spacecraft is still in orbit and occupying amateur spectrum? (I don't know the answer but I suspect it's a decent number, probably out of single digits and into double digits, see http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/CSLI_selections.html to get an idea of the number of cubesats going up from universities, note the number of in work) 4. What if those university spacecraft carried Software Defined Radio technology as their primary method for delivering their mission data to the ground? 5. What if upon completion of their mission the universities turned over control of the spacecraft to AMSAT. 6. AMSAT then reconfigures the spacecraft such that the SDRs are now used for voice or data relay (FM, Linear, packet, whatever). 7. Now all of a sudden, hams don't have to wait for a new spacecraft to get built and find a launch. Birds already in orbit, that are using Amateur Spectrum, now all of a sudden are providing a service to the Amateur community. Personally, I'm glad the universities are using Amateur Radio spectrum for their science missions. I view the skies as a target rich environment even if all I can do is listen to these birds. However, it would be nice if the birds occupying amateur spectrum actually provided a service to the amateur community. But what if the SDX that flew on ARISSat, or the one that will be developed for the Future of the Fox series could be sold (or given) to the university cubesat community as a radio capable of being used to deliver science data? Their science mission concludes, control is turned over to AMSAT, the radios are reconfigured, and they become transponder birds for the ham community. At the rate that these spacecraft are going up, even if we nab only 10% of the spacecraft listed on the link above and convince them to fly SDRs that can be reconfigured, that's roughly 9 satellites that over time become useable by the ham community as voice/data transponders. We don't have to build them, we don't have to find a launch, we don't have to do anything but wait until the science mission is over and then play. Will the spacecraft be of the same quality of what comes out of AMSAT? Maybe, maybe not, but even if one only lasts a year as an FM or Linear Transponder, I'd take it, and use it. Granted, who knows what the orbits would be, so a replacement for AO-40? Probably not. But would the Amateur Satellite community accept maybe instead of 1 really long pass from a HEO bird, maybe in that same time frame 10 or 20 or maybe even 50 passes from multiple lower birds (I made these numbers up, no idea what the actual numbers would be)? Granted, there is a LOT that would go into making this idea possible. We'd have to have an SDR the universities are willing to use, probably one with flight history (cough, Fox-2, cough). We'd have to have someone go around to the Universities and sell it to the Principal Investigators that our radio will work for them (technical issues aside, maybe they get a little PR by adding support for the Amateur community onto their list of mission objectives). If they agree to fly the radio, and then turn over control, we need to be capable of supporting those spacecraft from an Operational point of view when the time comes. We would need to have some sort of filter such that if they drive the heck out of their spacecraft to the point that it is nearly dead when their science mission concludes we have the option to reject taking the spacecraft over. Etc. Etc. Etc. There's a lot of what ifs up there, but my favorite what if to think about is: what if the 89 satellites on that link above were capable of supporting amateur use at the conclusion of their science missions (Fox-1 is on that list, so ok 88 satellites)? 89 satellites + what AMSAT has and is still putting up? Can't make a contact during field day on an FM bird because of crowding, no problem, you have 5 other satellites to choose from and try. My second favorite what if to think about is: what if the university cubesats occupying amateur spectrum actually provided a service to the amateur community? A traditional replacement of AO-40? No. Effectively reproducing the similar amounts of access time and capabilities of AO-40? Maybe. Like I said, just throwing the idea out there... -Zach, KJ4QLP ___ Sent via
[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement
This has been asked many times. Instead of reiterating the reasons why one is not currently being worked on (at least by AMSAT-NA) I'll like you to an email that was on this list last week from Brent, KB1LQD, that AMSAT-UK picked up: http://amsat-uk.org/2013/09/02/amateur-radio-cubesat-to-heo/ Hopefully this answers all your questions. Bryce KB1LQC On Tue, Sep 3, 2013 at 12:32 PM, John Becker w0...@big-river.net wrote: Anything new on a replacement. Have not see a thing myself. John __**_ 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement
Correct, there is a happy medium that must be met in frequency/ease of use. This argument does not neglect the need for additional improvements on ground station capabilities. What's to stop the improvement of making accessing higher frequencies easier for the average ham operator? Putting some effort into both ends of the equation might force an overall improvement in all aspects of the problem. With that happy medium comes the reality of actually obtaining a launch. Smaller satellites have a much better likelihood of actually flying for an affordable price. There's a nice saying in the rocket world that applies nicely to the satellite world. The worst rocket is the rocket that never flies Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 10:43 AM, Gus 8p...@anjo.com wrote: Truly. However, to include operators with modest shacks, you need to allow operation on modes A, B and/or J. A satellite operating on 24.0 GHz won't be of interest to the average ham. Not until the average ham has 24.0 GHz capable antennas, feedlines, amplifiers, transceivers, etc, in his shack. It's a vicious circle. Smaller satellites are easier to launch, but support smaller antennas. This means higher frequencies, which excludes more potential users. Reduction in potential user-base leads to reduced support (financial) from said user-base. With less money to spend, it becomes more difficult to obtain a launch, and to build the highly miniaturized spacecraft in the first place. On 09/04/2013 11:31 AM, Bryce Salmi wrote: Yea but increasing frequency helps with that. With directional antennas the satellite would need attitude control which would benefit greatly from miniaturization. For the most part, miniaturization would come from incorporating systems on chips. Most op amps and microcontrollers are much smaller than their packages so including those systems on a single die in a single package are capable of massive savings in space. This is what made smart phones even possible . Gus 8p...@anjo.com wrote: On 09/04/2013 02:26 AM, Brenton Salmi wrote: Let's put it in another possible context: Create an extremely dense and reliable LEO platform in cube-sat form that weigh's a fraction of AO-40's weight using today's high-density components/systems and create a reliable and feature rich HEO cubesat. The only problem with this, is that certain components can't be miniaturized. Example: Antennas. And HEO satellites need more sophisticated antennas. Pity the cube-sat idea didn't finish up with a ten INCH cube... -- 73, de Gus 8P6SM Barbados, 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb -- Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. -- 73, de Gus 8P6SM Barbados, 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] Re: FUNcube-1 is in its POD
Congrats! On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 10:54 AM, n0jy n...@n0jy.org wrote: Great work gentlemen, I'm looking forward to your launch! 73, Jerry N0JY On 9/4/2013 11:52 AM, Graham Shirville wrote: The AMSAT FUNcube team are delighted to be able to announce that the FUNcube-1 CubeSat has now completed all its final testing and been placed into its launch POD. This work was completed during a three day programme at the premises of ISIS BV in Delft in the Netherlands and was finished, on time, late this afternoon. FUNcube-1 is actually the middle 1U CubeSat of three sharing a 3U ISIPOD. It is sharing the ISIPOD with ZACUBE-1 from South Africa and HINcube from Norway. ZACube-1, in addition to carrying VHF and UHF communications equipment also has a 20 metre beacon which will operate on 14.099MHz This ISIPOD, with the spacecraft inside, will be transported to Russia, early next month,for launch and will eventually be attached directly to the launch vehicle. FUNcube-1 carries a U/V linear transponder and the educational telemetry beacon using 1k2 BPSK for school outreach purposes. The current launch info has lift off scheduled for November 21st at 07:11:29 UTC Full intial orbit details and TLE’s, together with decoding sofwtare will be made available over the next few weeks best 73 Graham G3VZV – Wouter PA3WEG – Jim G3WGM __**_ 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-bbhttp://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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement
Yea but increasing frequency helps with that. With directional antennas the satellite would need attitude control which would benefit greatly from miniaturization. For the most part, miniaturization would come from incorporating systems on chips. Most op amps and microcontrollers are much smaller than their packages so including those systems on a single die in a single package are capable of massive savings in space. This is what made smart phones even possible . Gus 8p...@anjo.com wrote: On 09/04/2013 02:26 AM, Brenton Salmi wrote: Let's put it in another possible context: Create an extremely dense and reliable LEO platform in cube-sat form that weigh's a fraction of AO-40's weight using today's high-density components/systems and create a reliable and feature rich HEO cubesat. The only problem with this, is that certain components can't be miniaturized. Example: Antennas. And HEO satellites need more sophisticated antennas. Pity the cube-sat idea didn't finish up with a ten INCH cube... -- 73, de Gus 8P6SM Barbados, 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 from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: A0 40 replacement
I would not say that AMSAT has abandoned HEO. Rather, launch opportunities that exist now are being utilized. Would you rather sit dormant and let all existing birds fail or re-enter while waiting for an HEO opportunity? And AMSAT is just learning to build cubesats. For AMSAT-NA, Fox-1 is a first. If we're going to fly HEO, we had better be good at building a reliable satellite in a cubesat (be it 1, 3, or 6U) format. The first HEO launch opportunity is not the time to figure that out! While HEO launch opportunities do not exist now, but that does not mean that AMSAT isn't pursuing them as Drew pointed out, nor that AMSAT would not build an HEO satellite when opportunities do come. In the meantime, we are making lemonade and preparing through practice. I cannot agree with this more. The reality is that LEO launch opportunities exist right now for an affordable price that AMSAT can pay (free to ~$150K) for satellites that are 1U cubesats. Any larger and it becomes much more expensive. AMSAT could potentially pull of a HEO launch if a 3U or so cubesat but I would imagine a decently sized fundraising campaign would be needed to approach that. Anything bigger than cubesats is likely out of the range of an organization such as AMSAT for a while (Unless reusable launch vehicles becomes a reality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t15vP1PyoA). There's a silver lining that people are neglecting (and those of us volunteering for AMSAT should probably do a better job publicizing this...). This silver lining is that without necessity, technology would never move forward. We are now forced to build LEO cubesats if we want to fly anything soon. That's a fact of life. By developing a reliable cubesat that is technology dense with smaller components and systems on a chip and placing it into LEO we obtain a flight heritage and incremental improvements with design. This also gives volunteers/engineers the experience with the satellite design. *There is merit in attempting to pack all the technology that is found on a traditional HEO bird into a small cubesat*. I mean seriously, we have smartphones nowadays that are faster than supercomputers were just several decades ago. When that HEO opportunity comes up.* A proven LEO satellite with flight heritage will be much more reliable and economical to upgrade for the task*. It is for this reason that the path AMSAT-NA is currently embarking on is a very smart one for the current aerospace industry. Any Fox satellite designed and operated for it's 5+ year mission will give a huge leap of flight heritage to the design, especially in regards to radiation and environmental concerns. A HEO satellite will need to be extremely robust, more so than LEO as it will experience more radiation. So LEO satellites are fun to most of us but they do offer an extremely limited usable pass,even at best (especially FM). However, there are many subsystems on an FM LEO that would be very similar to a Linear Transponder HEO satellite.* You still need a computer (IHU), you still need a solar converter (MPPT), you still need to support any experiments (cameras, sensors, etc). So, by having a reliable and flight proven LEO family of satellites, you just set yourself up for a HEO mission with limited redesign.* This also plays into the whole role of launch providers. Just because you can afford a launch doesn't mean you will get it. Let's say AMSAT obtained a ride to GTO on the next Direct TV satellite to launch. Direct TV is the primary payload and any secondary payloads MUST prove that they will not in any way jeapordize the primary payload. If AMSAT was unable to prove that its satellite will not affect the primary payload, AMSAT would likely not get to fly. Anyways, these are my thoughts on the issue. I'll toy around with the idea of getting some better material for the AMSAT-NA website to explain some of the difficulties AMSAT faces. There really is a need for a better explanation so we can avoid consistently explaining similar responses to similar questions. Enjoy! Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 3:09 PM, n0jy n...@n0jy.org wrote: Hi Michael, I would not say that AMSAT has abandoned HEO. Rather, launch opportunities that exist now are being utilized. Would you rather sit dormant and let all existing birds fail or re-enter while waiting for an HEO opportunity? And AMSAT is just learning to build cubesats. For AMSAT-NA, Fox-1 is a first. If we're going to fly HEO, we had better be good at building a reliable satellite in a cubesat (be it 1, 3, or 6U) format. The first HEO launch opportunity is not the time to figure that out! While HEO launch opportunities do not exist now, but that does not mean that AMSAT isn't pursuing them as Drew pointed out, nor that AMSAT would not build an HEO satellite when opportunities do come. In the meantime, we are making lemonade and preparing through practice. Jerry N0JY On 9/4/2013 4:25 PM, Michael wrote: I'm
[amsat-bb] Re: So50
I may be mistaken but wouldn't instances like this be viable candidates to notify an ARRL Official Observer about? They are there to help educate people about proper operating practices and nudge others who are pushing the limits. Bryce KB1LQC On Mon, Sep 2, 2013 at 11:11 AM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: On 9/2/13, Andrew Glasbrenner glasbren...@mindspring.com wrote: Or just work the transponders (not the FM repeaters) and avoid the lids. That normally means being somewhere other than the exact middle of the passband. I have a few stations that I will absolutely not work until they clean up their operating style. Otherwise, I go out of my way to look for new ops. If I happen to hear a QSO in progress when I'm checking for my downlink on, say, FO-29, I move further up into the band and continue. I might miss some potential contacts but I'm not in anyone's way. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL snip ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: SO-50
Clint, I said the ARRL Official Observers, not the FCC... Last time I checked the official observers were volunteers, not federal employees. Your comment For a decade now I have witnessed problems handled with phone calls and email mesages. There't no reason we cannot continue to take care of this aspect of this magnificent hobby in the same manner. is exactly what I was proposing Bryce KB1LQC On Mon, Sep 2, 2013 at 3:25 PM, Virgil Bierschwale vbier...@gmail.comwrote: Clint, Checked out your site today, and I appreciate you putting all that together. While I'm not a newcomer to satellite communications (six years in the navy on a frigate), I am a newbie to amateur satellite communications and like most, I had no idea where to turn as there is so much stuff out there. Just wanted to say thanks for putting all that together. Virgil N5IVV http://keepamericaatwork.com/?cat=62 -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 4:57 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SO-50 ... I may be mistaken but wouldn't instances like this be viable candidates to notify an ARRL Official Observer about? Heck, let's call the FCC. Let's get some $5-10K fines daily issued for such illegal activity ... You gotta be kidding. For a decade now I have witnessed problems handled with phone calls and email mesages. There't no reason we cannot continue to take care of this aspect of this magnificent hobby in the same manner. But I fail to see a true definition of what the problem is. The problem seems to be, for some, the fact that they cannot take their children out in the back yard on a Saturday afternoon and be able to make contacts at will on an FM satellite. That is a care of unrealistic expectations - and not a problem for authorities to handle. Heck, I just went outside with 2 Watts - on a federal holiday in the U.S. - and worked three states within three minutes on a mediocre pass of SO-50. And that was BEFORE the satellite was half-way through its 25 or so degree pass. Yes, there's impolite ops, I am sure. But Let's sic the feds on 'em!??? We are better than that. We're communicators, for gawd's sake. Let's use our communications and public relations talents to maintain the hobby. It's worked in the past. Clint Bradford K6LCS http://www.work-sat.com 909-241-7666 - cell ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: [Sort of Off Topic] Non-Ham Satellites of Interest
Thanks all, I'm definitely going to have to try this one soon. Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Aug 16, 2013 at 2:23 PM, Pete Rowe ptr...@yahoo.com wrote: Hello all I had a nice western pass of FORTE, 16 August 13 starting at 22:54z here in San Jose, California. Indeed, there is no modulation anymore. Here is my Doppler plot: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wkxddml712q9x4f/forte.jpg 73, Pete WA6WOA From: Jean-Pierre Godet god...@wanadoo.fr To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2013 1:30 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: [Sort of Off Topic] Non-Ham Satellites of Interest Hello Bryce and everyone here, Try satellite frequency uhf with your favorite search engine. There is a lot of websites wich offer frequency lists, sometimes outdated. Many are around 250 / 280 MHz, something like that. First try a very easy, strong one, FORTE, on 401.568 MHz (+- 10 kHz of Doppler shift) with the tle : 1 24920U 97047A 13226.13396630 .0147 0-0 85928-4 0 9728 2 24920 069.9555 142.7308 0022573 185.2601 174.8286 14.25669016830080 It sounds like the FSK modulation 4800 bps of the european radiosondes, and as the frequecy is inside the 401 - 406 MHz radiosounding band this often fooled the radioamateurs. These last times there is no modulation, only a carrier, and FORTE looks like in a stdby mode. I listened the modulated carrier on may 16th, but at the beginning of june till now only an unmodulated carrier. Try this one first. ;-) 73 ! J-P/F5YG -- Powered by Linux (Slackware 10.0 - kernel 2.4.26) On Wed, 14 Aug 2013, Bryce Salmi wrote: This is more of a curious question to anyone with some knowledge of non-ham satellites (I know about the NOAA satellites though). Are there any satellites that would be worth tracking at taking a listen to with an Arrow handheld antenna and a Yeasu VX-8R (HT with AM/FM modes). This is simply my curiosity of what's up there. Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ 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] [Sort of Off Topic] Non-Ham Satellites of Interest
This is more of a curious question to anyone with some knowledge of non-ham satellites (I know about the NOAA satellites though). Are there any satellites that would be worth tracking at taking a listen to with an Arrow handheld antenna and a Yeasu VX-8R (HT with AM/FM modes). This is simply my curiosity of what's up there. Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT Awards
Awesome! Thanks for your help and efforts on the awards section. Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Aug 9, 2013 at 9:10 PM, Bruce kk...@arrl.net wrote: As the AMSAT server is being rebuilt, I have just rebuilt all the AMSAT award pages. You can reach them by going to amsat.org and clicking on Services. You will find Awards under the drop down. At the bottom of the main page is a link to all the award recipients. This information will be the same information that appears on my website. I will keep them both up to date. 73...bruce -- Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT* Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/**podcast.xmlhttp://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xmlor iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat __**_ 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Satellites Status
Vincent, Gordon Pearce just had a similar question which was answered. You can check out the following websites: http://amsat-uk.org/satellites/frequencies-of-active-satellites/ http://oscar.dcarr.org/ Hope this helps! Bryce Salmi KB1LQC On Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 9:59 AM, Vincenzo Mone vim...@alice.it wrote: Hi to the list, It is about 4 years that i was off the bird due to rifacing roof so i had to pull down my antennas system. In this week i have mounted again the antennas system and would like to test them. I went on the amsat.org site to see the satellites status and i saw that the web is changed since my last visit and cannot find the requested page. Any body can please tell me which are the satellites that still works and perhaps also the frequencies as i saw that they have been launched mew ones? Any help will be really appreciated. 73's de Enzo IK8OZV Inviato da iPhone ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Google Project Loon - 2400 / 5800 MHz
Thank you for sending this out Trevor. Below is a copy of what I sent out to the local club email list earlier in the month. PART is a very fun and welcoming club, anyone interested in attending is more than welcome. Meetings do tend to be well attended. Bryce Salmi KB1LQC -- Below is a decent collection of important links to the documentation of our project. I've also included a new link to our project being demonstrated outside. I'll also add onto this email that we were told we had 45 minutes to present so if you are interested in the projects technical details, *please feel free to email me before or after the meeting with any detailed technical questions! *We could easily fill in more than one meetings worth of time if we presenting most of the technical details of this project. AMSAT has sponsored a senior design group at the Rochester Institute of Technology to design and build an engineering prototype *Maximum Power Point Tracker* (MPPT) for use on the Fox-2 spacecraft aimed to launch into Low Earth Orbit around 2015. A MPPT is used to maximize the power obtained from a solar panel by forcing the cells to operate at their most efficient voltage regardless of the voltage required by the payload. One can also think of this as an impedance match. This optimum voltage changes slightly with variations in solar irradiance but changes greatly due to variations in solar panel temperature. The MPPT also utilizes a Texas Instruments MSP430 microcontroller to communicate telemetry data with the Fox satellite Internal Housekeeping Unit (IHU) designed by AMSAT for transmission to Earth via ham radio. The senior design group consisting of Brenton Salmi (KB1LQD), Bryce Salmi (KB1LQC), Ian MacKenzie (KB3OCF), and Daniel Corriero successfully implemented an analog MPPT designed for use in orbit over the five year mission intended for Fox-2 providing the amateur radio community with a 3U CubeSat carrying amateur radio communications equipment. The 45 minute presentation will briefly overview the design and function of the MPPT. A working prototype will also be present at the meeting. - Here's some more information for those interested in learning more details about our project. There is absolutely no way that we will be able to cover the project with much detail within 45 minutes, but we'll take what we can get! (Thanks for the spot!) Our best efforts will be made to keep the presentation interesting to all in attendance, technical and non-technical alike. Maybe you could distribute some of the links of interest below as needed, I know the paragraph above is meant to concisely describe the project. The detailed design section of our EDGE website is where the heavy-hitting technical documentation is located. Those interested in the gritty details of the project should check out the documentation. We did our best to absolutely flood AMSAT with as much information as possible. *Main Documentation:* http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Home *Technical Document (8 pages of technical information HIGHLY recommended reading):* http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/FinalDocuments/Build_Test_Document/P13271_AMSAT_MPPT_Technical_Report.pdf *Theory of Operations (In-depth technical documentation):* http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/FinalDocuments/Detailed_Design/Theory_Operations * * *PCB Picture:* http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Photo%20Gallery/MPPT_SN2_Final/MPPT_SN2_PCB.png * * *MPPT Testing Operational Walk-through: *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN7gRVWHZM4feature=youtu.be* * *Schematics:* http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/FinalDocuments/Detailed_Design/AMSAT_7W_MPPT_Schematic.pdf Thanks, Bryce Salmi, KB1LQC On Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 5:09 PM, M5AKA m5...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: The first trial High-Altitude Balloon launches have taken place from New Zealand. Google plans to sending up 300 balloons transmitting on 2400 MHz and 5800 MHz around the world at the southern fortieth parallel that would provide coverage to New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. The company hopes to eventually have thousands of balloons flying in the stratosphere at an altitude of 20 km. See http://amsat-uk.org/2013/06/17/google-project-loon-using-2400-and-5800-mhz/ 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAT-UK website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Satellite Status page?
Gordon, There is a team of volunteers working on this issue right now. The satellite status page certainly is very important to satellite operators and is part of our main efforts to get the website restored. For now http://oscar.dcarr.org/ is the main website that would help fill in the lost functionality. I hope this helps and rest assured, people are moving along on the website development. Bryce Salmi KB1LQC On Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Gordon JC Pearce gordon...@gjcp.netwrote: For a while now when I've tried to look at the satellite status page, it's thrown a database error: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/status.php *** Database Error - sql - InitDB line 14 Any word on when this is going to be back up? -- Gordonjcp MM0YEQ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Pass prediction - New Option - ALL
Hey Bob, Thanks for the comments! I'm one of the people who helped restore functionality of the current pass prediction tool and wanted to let you know that the initial effort for those of us working on the website was to get the pre-Wordpress tracker back up and working as it was. This was the quickest method after some review. The beginnings of a newer and more Wordpress friendly solution is in the talks but there are a few other issues with higher priority such as getting the Wordpress website fully functions and looking nice. We're hitting one issue at a time. I'll keep this email in mind and make sure your ideas are looked into. I myself find these very useful as while in school (I just graduated from RIT in May) with the RIT Amateur Radio Club (K2GXT) I gave several satellite demonstrations and know your frustrations! This is a good idea and one that I'm sure would be used often at schools, hamfests, club meetings, etc. 73's, Bryce Salmi KB1LQC On Sun, Jun 9, 2013 at 7:17 PM, Robert Bruninga bruni...@usna.edu wrote: The pass prediction page is wonderful! Great work! But it is tedious if you simply want to know what is the next satellite to demo. I's like to ask the programmers to add a second link to an ALL-SATELLITES page. This page would simply list the next 10 satellites to come in view at the subscribers location. This is what I need because I never know when someone is going to walk through the door and I need to give a quick demo. Or when I have a few minutes in the shack and just want to see if something is in view in the next 10 minutes. The page would have these entries: LAT/LONG and TIME (defaults to now). Then there are several buttons: * FM only * ALL mode * Voice * Digital * All beacons If ALL BEACONS is checked, then all satellites with telemetry in the ham bands are included in the list including all the bleepsats. If this is not checked, then the other 4 buttons are used to filter. The result is a LIST of the next 10 passes of any satellite that meets the criteria. This type of pass prediction engine is of extreme value to people that want to DEMO Amateur satellites without having to go run pass predictions on over 30 different satellites just to see what might be in view. With that many satellites there is almost always coming coming up real soon, and this is invaluable for quick demos. It is also invaluable for the ham that only gets a few minutes in his shack now and then. This page would show him what might be available for the next several minutes... Bob, WB4APR ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Path to HEO
I'll throw this one out there though I'm sure some of you already know about it. Rocket Propulsion Elements is a pretty good book on the basics of rocket propulsion. I've dabbled in it a few times but do plan on a more comprehensive study (I'm an EE and actual coursework takes precedence over this, when I graduate I'll have more time). http://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Propulsion-Elements-7th-Edition/dp/0471326429/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8qid=1367455314sr=8-2keywords=rocket+propulsion+elements Bryce KB1LQC On Wed, May 1, 2013 at 6:50 PM, JoAnne Maenpaa k9...@comcast.net wrote: Then fire to the rear forcing the little satellite faster Yeah, but the control, er safety, folks won't give us enough mass out the ass to propel us forward ... can't have a clip with 30 pretty soon! -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Imagine RIT Festival May 4th - AMSAT Fox-2 Maximum Power Point Tracker Senior Design Project Exhibit
Hello everyone, I am a senior studying Electrical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and I am a member of a senior design group that was sponsored by AMSAT to produce an engineering prototype *Maximum Power Point Tracker* (MPPT) for the Fox-2 satellite. Most members of our team are licensed radio amateurs and active members of the RIT Amateur Radio Club K2GXT and have had quite the experience with this project! We've worked extremely hard over the past 20 weeks to design and build a working MPPT. We'd enjoy sharing this experience with anyone interested. * Everyone who is in the Rochester, NY area or are willing to drive to the area is invited to come to the RIT campus this Saturday May 4th for the Imagine RIT Innovation Creativity Festival http://www.rit.edu/imagine/. This is a completely free event on the RIT campus*.The previous link will have all the information to get here and find exhibits of interest. Also, here's a pretty concise video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsQoh-_xOmY on what the event is about. The AMSAT Maximum Power Point Project is exhibit #491https://www.rit.edu/imagine/planyourday13/exhibit.php?id=491and will be located in what is known as the infinity quad outside the engineering building (There's a big Mobius strip in the middle). We're pretty much in the center of outside activity which is very nice for showing people our project. - Google StreetView of the Infinity quad/loophttps://maps.google.com/maps?q=Rochester+Institute+of+Technology,+One+Lomb+Memorial+Drive,+Rochester,+NY+infinity+quadhl=enll=43.084181,-77.676269spn=0.002496,0.003954sll=42.746632,-75.770041sspn=5.138664,8.096924t=hhq=Rochester+Institute+of+Technology,+One+Lomb+Memorial+Drive,+Rochester,+NY+infinity+quadradius=15000z=18layer=ccbll=43.084254,-77.676732panoid=LJOF2KxqFiMfpXqFOXhuBQcbp=12,277.89,,0,18.32 - 2013 Imagine RIT Festival Maphttp://www.rit.edu/imagine/planyourday13/images/2013_map.jpg(We will be between the orange GLE and red LBR, you'll see a star, mobius strip, and question mark on the map where I am referring too, sorry if it's not clear) Our project is part of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering senior design program and we proposed this project as a group last Summer. Tony Monteiro has been our customer for the project and has been great to work with. You can find out more information on our P13271 RIT EDGE wikihttp://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Homewhich is pretty up-to-date pending a few updates (since PCB bring-up) but largely a great resource for those interested for a more in-depth look into our project. We have not completed our project but will be displaying the working prototype MPPT during the festival and be more than happy to explain/show it to anyone interested. There are some final tests and reports that are left to finish before our project is complete. Some links to high-interest items on our EDGE Server: - 1 Page Project Summaryhttp://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/FinalDocuments/Planning_Execution/1_Page_Project_Summary.pdf - Project Posterhttp://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/MSD_Poster/MSD_Poster_r1.pdf - MPPT Block Diagramhttp://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/FinalDocuments/Systems_Design/High-Level_MPPT_Diagram-P13271.pdf - MPPT Schematicshttp://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/KiCad/MPPT/trunk/AMSAT_7W_MPPT_Schematic.pdf(slightly out of date, some final values will be updated soon, largely up-to-date) - MSP430 firmware informationhttp://edge.rit.edu/edge/P13271/public/Health%20%26%20Status%20Firmware Well, I think I've thoroughly linked to areas people might have interest in. Feel free to poke around the project documentation and learn more or ask questions. If you have any questions about Imagine RIT or anything related to the festival please ask as well. I look forward to potentially seeing some of you at the festival! Sincerely, Bryce Salmi KB1LQC Project Manager P13271 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: new keps
What software are you using? I had issues with Orbitron for a while since I realized that whenever I updated the keps nothing would actually happen. Later on I found out that to update the keps you must run Orbitron as the administrator to update it. Maybe this is relevant to you, maybe not. Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 9:34 PM, Bob- W7LRD w7...@comcast.net wrote: For the digitally challenged-what is the easiest way to input new keps? Use monosyllabic words..keep it simple for simple people. Been messing around for a couple of hours ready to heave the computer out the window. 73 Bob W7LRD ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Fwd: NASA Voyager Status Update on Voyager 1 Location
I figured some of you would enjoy this! Bryce KB1LQC -- Forwarded message -- From: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory jplnewsr...@jpl.nasa.gov Date: Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 2:21 PM Subject: NASA Voyager Status Update on Voyager 1 Location To: Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION PASADENA, CALIF. 91109 PHONE 818-354-5011 http://www.jpl.nasa.gov Jia-Rui C. Cook 818-354-0850 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. jcc...@jpl.nasa.gov News release: 2013-107 March 20, 2013 NASA Voyager Status Update on Voyager 1 Location The full version of this story with accompanying images is at: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2013-107cid=release_2013-107 The Voyager team is aware of reports today that NASA's Voyager 1 has left the solar system, said Edward Stone, Voyager project scientist based at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif. It is the consensus of the Voyager science team that Voyager 1 has not yet left the solar system or reached interstellar space. In December 2012, the Voyager science team reported that Voyager 1 is within a new region called 'the magnetic highway' where energetic particles changed dramatically. A change in the direction of the magnetic field is the last critical indicator of reaching interstellar space and that change of direction has not yet been observed. To learn more about the current status of the Voyager mission: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2012-381 - end - -end- To remove yourself from this mailing, please go to http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=arJLJ3PGK9JOLZOLHs=lvKYI6PUJjIYJjMYKvFm=edIPKVOpF7IGLZK To remove yourself from all mailings from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, please go to http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=elKTKfNWIdIWJcN2Fs=lvKYI6PUJjIYJjMYKvFm=edIPKVOpF7IGLZK ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Possible Problems With Dragon
Sorry for the double email, the better twitter link is here, the last one I sent shows older tweets with no replies for some reason: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/with_replies On Fri, Mar 1, 2013 at 11:17 AM, Bryce Salmi bts2...@rit.edu wrote: Elon has been pretty candid on this issue on Twitter. His Twitter account seems to be quicker than the news services at providing updates. https://twitter.com/elonmusk Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Mar 1, 2013 at 10:51 AM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: The launch went smoothly and the spacecraft successfully separated from the second stage. However, there appear to be difficulties with its thrusters: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/005/status.html 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Possible Problems With Dragon
Elon has been pretty candid on this issue on Twitter. His Twitter account seems to be quicker than the news services at providing updates. https://twitter.com/elonmusk Bryce KB1LQC On Fri, Mar 1, 2013 at 10:51 AM, B J va6...@gmail.com wrote: The launch went smoothly and the spacecraft successfully separated from the second stage. However, there appear to be difficulties with its thrusters: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/005/status.html 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ 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] Curious Question About Satellite BBS
Hey All, I want to throw out a question about the Bulletin Board Systems that have flown on several amateur radio satellites in the past. A majority of these flew prior to my involvement in ham radio (licensed in 2004) and for many years I haven't had a great setup for satellite work, largely due to funds as a high school student back in the day and nowadays since I move around quite often from home to college. I would like this conversation to stay on-topic since I realize this could stray pretty easily! What was it like to have an orbiting BBS? What types of files/information were sent and how convenient was it? Was it just text or could people send small images? I may not be aware of a currently working BBS, the last one I know of off-hand was on AO-51 if I am not mistaken. I am simply fascinated with the ability to send and receive data to and from an orbiting satellite in this fashion. I look forward to hearing any responses. Bryce KB1LQC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: FCD/SDR
Page 30 of the January 2013 QST Cheap Easy SDR, check out the digital edition of QST if you are an ARRL member and don't have that QST on-hand. Bryce KB1LQC On Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 1:12 PM, Pat McGrath ka6...@arrl.net wrote: What QST article? -Original Message- From: Tom Lubbers K8TL [mailto:k...@earthlink.net] Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 6:02 AM To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] FCD/SDR I have the original FCD and the HF adapter. I ordered the new DC to light FCD a few hours before the December QST arrived. I have been playing with the dongle for a while. Mainly on the satellites but have also copied EME JT65 signals with it. On FO-29 and AO-7 it is fun to watch the whole band pass at once. In many cases some preselection is necessary (VHF repeater for the gas company is close by, if you don't tune it out the system is desensed). On the HF side, a simple LC tuner as a quantum improvement. SO after the QST article I stopped by Best Buy. Without the benefit of exotic test equipment a can say I can't tell the difference!! I hooked up the HF adapter, again can't tell the difference. Now all I need is a computer controlled VFO!! 73 Merry Christmas and HNY Tom K8TL ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Cheap and Easy SDR
I forgot to mention: The device I have now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-DVB-T-DAB-FM-Television-Tuner-Receivers-Realtek-RTL2832U-/160921035498?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item2577a422ea and check out the RTL-SDR project where this all started (with the cheap USB sticks): http://www.rtlsdr.org/ Bryce KB1LQC On Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 9:01 PM, Bryce Salmi bstguitar...@gmail.com wrote: I literally just received mine yesterday and am using it now. A member of the K2GXT radio club here at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) just did a bulk order from China and each one cost around $15 but took a month or two to ship. It seems to work well for the price and has a roughly 40MHz to 1.5 GHz tuning range. I haven't tested it but the receiver seems quite flexible for frequency range but not very sensitive. I'll do some testing next week. The antenna that came with it is pretty much junk and I think it uses a MCX connector so I just ordered some MCX to SMA adapters which should let me seamlessly put a LNA and a good antenna on it which will let me really use it well. I really hope it lets me listen to the AMSAT birds with ease, the LNA will be a must. Lastly, there are quite a few spurs on the bands at first glance. The circuit is pretty much the same as the FUNCube Dongle, it's even the same IC inside. The difference is that these units are mass-produced and are not optimized for operation on anything but strong TV stations. The designer of the FCD has likely (I haven't seen the schematic) put great effort into optimizing the device for ham use. The FCD also helps support the FUNCube satellite. Hope this helps. Bryce KB1LQC On Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 8:34 PM, Mike Hoblinski hoberge...@sbcglobal.netwrote: I was reading the article in QST January magazine that details turning a DVB-T usb TV Dongle into a SDR receiver with coverage from 64 to 1700 Mhz with some gaps. I was wondering how this differs with the Fun Cube Dongle being sold. The article also shows how to extend coverage to the HF band. The TV Dongles sell for about 20 dollars on ebay. Mike N6IMF ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Cheap and Easy SDR
I literally just received mine yesterday and am using it now. A member of the K2GXT radio club here at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) just did a bulk order from China and each one cost around $15 but took a month or two to ship. It seems to work well for the price and has a roughly 40MHz to 1.5 GHz tuning range. I haven't tested it but the receiver seems quite flexible for frequency range but not very sensitive. I'll do some testing next week. The antenna that came with it is pretty much junk and I think it uses a MCX connector so I just ordered some MCX to SMA adapters which should let me seamlessly put a LNA and a good antenna on it which will let me really use it well. I really hope it lets me listen to the AMSAT birds with ease, the LNA will be a must. Lastly, there are quite a few spurs on the bands at first glance. The circuit is pretty much the same as the FUNCube Dongle, it's even the same IC inside. The difference is that these units are mass-produced and are not optimized for operation on anything but strong TV stations. The designer of the FCD has likely (I haven't seen the schematic) put great effort into optimizing the device for ham use. The FCD also helps support the FUNCube satellite. Hope this helps. Bryce KB1LQC On Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 8:34 PM, Mike Hoblinski hoberge...@sbcglobal.netwrote: I was reading the article in QST January magazine that details turning a DVB-T usb TV Dongle into a SDR receiver with coverage from 64 to 1700 Mhz with some gaps. I was wondering how this differs with the Fun Cube Dongle being sold. The article also shows how to extend coverage to the HF band. The TV Dongles sell for about 20 dollars on ebay. Mike N6IMF ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: North Korea
http://www.norad.mil/News/2012/121112b.html NORAD says that an object has appeared to achieve orbit. Bryce, KB1LQC On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 1:45 AM, R Oler orbit...@hotmail.com wrote: NORAD is tracking and has elements out for three coplaner objects which are in a 500KM sun synch orbit and are a result of the NK Launch. Robert WB5MZO Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2012 05:24:35 + From: va6...@gmail.com To: gary_mayfi...@hotmail.com CC: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: North Korea The New York Times reports that North Korea launched a rocket but no word on whether the satellite achieved orbit. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL On 12/12/12, Gary Joe Mayfield gary_mayfi...@hotmail.com wrote: They claim to have orbited a satellite. Is it in orbit? Anyone have any info? 73, Joe kk0sd ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ 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
