[amsat-bb] Re: Astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, dies at age 82
With no aggressive U.S. long range outer space plan in sight, with the passing of autronaut Neil Armstrong, this is truly a sad day. Who will be the next to walk in his boots? An American? Only providence knows. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: IC 910H Hints?
Joe, W7TYN, does birds and lives in Portland area. Don't know what he runs. I have a IC910H and SatPC32 but do not live in Portland area, rather in Montana. Sorry, but I am not available for birder scheds right now. 73, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Any way I can get AOS.EXE to run on Win7 64-bit?
I suggest doing a right click on the exe, troubleshoot compatibility, try recommended settings, start the program. 73, W7IN On 7/13/2011 7:49 AM, Bill Acito W1PA wrote: I really like the simplicity of this program... it does what I want. I am relatively new to both Win 7 and 64-bit; is there a simple way to get it running in this OS? A compatibility mode, or some sort of emulator/wrapper? Bill W1PA ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
In Washington state, this can not happen. See their DOL personalized plate section. Anything like K6LCS K6 LCS are reserved for ham operator plates and will not be issued for personalized. Other states, including Montana, should adopt WA DOL's method of filtering ham call signs. In Montana, we have seen personalized plates containing combinations of letters looking exactly like ham calls--to non-hams. Larry W7IN, Plains MT ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
George and Cheryl, So who is complaining? You? Harvey and I signed using our call signs. I've never complained about hams getting more privileges, voice, WARC bands, digital modes, LF, etc. Leaves more energy to be concerned about hams possibly loosing privileges. 73, Larry W7IN (57 years a ham op.) On 6/29/2011 7:04 AM, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote: Why do you think that this is such a big deal?Sounds similar to the old timers complaining about the granting of voice privileges for novices back in the 80's.Get a life! -Original Message- From: H. Vordenbaum Harvey, K5HV Kerrville, TX Larry W7IN, Plains MT ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
Who cares? In the following scenario, I would care! If I had the call sign N1OCL and I moved from Connecticut (or where ever) to Montana and then tried to get a ham plate for my vehicle, I would care. I believe my application would be turned down by the Montana DOL, because the Montana license plate number N1OCL already belongs to someone else, a non-ham. We know the problem exists for this call. I've heard it also exists for others as well. We suspect N1OCL is someone's airplane registration number and the guy got it as a personalized plate number. It perhaps is legal in Montana, but I still would be ticked off and yes, I would care. Like I said in my first response to this thread. This could NOT happen Washington state--see earlier post. 73, Larry W7IN On 6/29/2011 10:26 AM, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote: The discussion thread appeared concern opposition to personalized license tags resembling ham plates ,or legitimate ham plates being used on multiple vehicles.Who cares!. Thanks for your efforts to preserve our bandwidths! I really need to get back on the air.I'm still grieving the loss of AO13 and AO40. Regards, George W1GMA -Original Message- From: Larry Gerhardstein Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:02 PM To: George and Cheryl Abbott Cc: H. Vordenbaum ; Clint Bradford ; AMSAT BB Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: CA Ham Plates - Warning! George and Cheryl, So who is complaining? You? Harvey and I signed using our call signs. I've never complained about hams getting more privileges, voice, WARC bands, digital modes, LF, etc. Leaves more energy to be concerned about hams possibly loosing privileges. 73, Larry W7IN (57 years a ham op.) On 6/29/2011 7:04 AM, George and Cheryl Abbott wrote: Why do you think that this is such a big deal?Sounds similar to the old timers complaining about the granting of voice privileges for novices back in the 80's.Get a life! -Original Message- From: H. Vordenbaum Harvey, K5HV Kerrville, TX Larry W7IN, Plains MT ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
If you have to apply for vanity to get ham letters on your plate, then they're not really ham call letter plates, are they, as they are in Montana and Washington. I stand on all of my prior posts on this matter. 73 es SK, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: CA Ham Plates - Warning!
In Montana the ham plates are free plus a small administrative fee. In 1955, there was a ham in the state legislature that got the bill entered and passed. He wrote the free clause into his bill, and except for an administrative fee added later, it has stuck. Montana was one of the first few states to get ham plates. They're still manufactured at the state prison in Dillon MT. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Broadcasting
So is transmitting for the benefit of a limited Amateur Radio community (those practicing APRS) the same as broadcasting to the general public? 73, DE W7IN - Larry On 6/7/2011 12:24 PM, George Henry wrote: I'm not understanding the legalities of beaconing and broadcasting. Are they not the same. No, they aren't, at least not here in the states. Beaconing is defined by Part 97.3(a)(9) as transmissions ...for the purposes of observation of propagation and reception or other related experimental activities and is one of the few one-way transmissions allowed under the rules. A beacon station may not transmit concurrently on more than one frequency, transmit with more than 100 watts output, nor be automatically controlled below 28.200 MHz or outside the band segments defined in 97.203(d) (except for the NCDXF/IARU HF beacon network, which operates under an FCC waiver). Broadcasting is defined by 97.3(a)(10) as Transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed and is one of the prohibited types of transmissions identified in 97.113. George, KA3HSW ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: moon bounce
If you are a EME beginner, contact a mega-station; I suggest W5UN. He has something like 800 elements total in multi yagis, and polarizations. For beginners, unless you have been doing lots of weak signal tropo, that is your best bet for 1st EME contact. And for certain, get on the moon-net mail list. Good luck. ~Larry W7IN On 6/4/2011 1:57 PM, Bill Dzurilla wrote: The AMSAT board is not the best place for info about EME. Try Moon Net, register at http://mailman.pe1itr.com/mailman/listinfo/moon-net. You can find info for EME beginners at: http://www.vhfdx.info/jt65bintro.html and http://www.n1bug.net/operate/emebasic.html This is a good weekend for EME, but do not send at 145.00 and do not send PSK31. The correct mode is JT65B, and most stations will be between 144.10 and 144.16. 73, Bill NZ5N On 04-Jun-11 17:37, jerry wrote: Is this a good time for EME comm. ? Moon seems right for it , but never tried it . Is psk31 possible ? What freq. ? Orbitron says 145.000 ? Going to send cq throughout the day via PSK 31 on 145.000. Maybe a waste of time . Jerry WB5LHD ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ISS visable
My 5500 az/el does the same thing. Larry W7IN On 1/2/2011 6:53 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote: Happy New Year I just watched the ISS pass over Seattle. Always glad to help! I was watching my satellite array track the ISS and noticed how jerky it is every time it increments. I have a 5400 az/el with LVB tracker. Made me wonder if I could get more life out of the rotors if there were a soft start of sorts for the rotors. The bouncing back and forth with each adjustment made me think the gears are getting a workout. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Tracking Software
It would be great if keps were like nasa.all, et. al. Just click a couple of times and BOOM IT'S THERE, latest update. ~W7IN Larry On 11/30/2010 12:31 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote: Satpc32 from AMSAT, has excellent after purchase support, AMSAT gets all the money (rocket science ain't) cheap, the learning curve is easy, runs my LVB tracker perfectly. The only problem I have is entering new keps that aren't already in the downloadable database. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle - Original Message - From: Michaelmikef1...@buckeye-express.com To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 5:36:29 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Tracking Software I was wondering if someone could give me the pros and cons of the tracking software. I have orbitron, the one from amsat ( can't think of the name ) then I see ARRL has a software. What are the pro's and cons on these three and are there more ? Mike N8GBU ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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-51 short experiment
No one 'owns the frequency' and if in-place coordination can not resolve the issue, the newest user should consider moving out of the required bandpass. Was the first user ever coordinated? ~~Larry W7IN~~ On 10/24/2010 2:45 PM, Alan P. Biddle wrote: Bob, 145.825 is the established space APRS frequency, and has been/is used by more than just the ISS for years. There are other APRS satellites which are intermittently active on the same frequency, and I expect there will be others in the future. I can't address the formal coordination issue, but anything with an uplink on that frequency is guaranteed to have problems. The only question is whether those problems are tolerable. There is little to no APRS activity on that frequency over most of the world, and then there is the question of both HO-68 and the ISS being in the same footprint. The HO-68 has an inclination of about 102 degrees, the ISS about half that. Finally, the ISS is not active on that frequency 24/7. It operates on other frequencies for voice and SSTV, and is often QRT completely due to other operations. In an imperfect world, it looks like a reasonable tradeoff, though other evaluations are certainly possible. The problem of unattended APRS beacons does cut both ways. There are some daylight-only APRS satellites. When they enter periods of extended illumination, they can be commanded from their default modes. However, even a single braaap can pull the DC busses low enough that the command stations need to start over again. WB4APR has lamented this problem, with specific calls, in other venues. Looking at some of the paths, both in Drew's example and my reception, there are stations whose paths have not been updated for years. The sort of courtesy/coordination issue is not limited to space operations. A ham relatively local to me fired up a propagation beacon on 30 meters this month. It is/was within 200 HZ of an APRS frequency which has been in use for some time. Quite a fight over who owns the frequency. ;) Alan WA4SCA ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] coaxial relay
Can anyone recommend coaxial phase switching relays that will work with the M2 crossed beams? 73, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ISS keps
I checked against http://iss.astroviewer.net/. Today issue is better, however, still actual ISS posn about 100 miles ahead of SatPC32's displayed posn. My computer clock is off by no more than 1 second. For the clock to throw posn off by 100 miles, clock would need to be in error by about 15 seconds. Larry W7IN On 9/20/2010 5:44 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: Is there a special or alternate keps for ISS? Today I listened to NA1SS and when Col. Doug reported a QTH of North Dakota, my SatPC32 was displaying them at about Indiana. Still was able to copy them over my 12 degree hill when SatPC32 was reporting them over the Atlantic coast line. I had just done an update. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ISS keps
Dave, Trouble is, I could still hear them when ISS had dropped behind my hill and also when the footprint was way beyond my QTH. When I go back out to my radio barn, I'll check my time sync. ~Larry On 9/21/2010 5:10 AM, Dave Taylor wrote: I noticed that over the weekend. He reported being over the junction of Lakes Huron and Erie, when the tracking program showed him over the east coast. I think he's just looking out the window at an angle rather than straight down. Dave Taylor, W8AAS ARISS team member AMSAT #8974 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] ISS keps
Is there a special or alternate keps for ISS? Today I listened to NA1SS and when Col. Doug reported a QTH of North Dakota, my SatPC32 was displaying them at about Indiana. Still was able to copy them over my 12 degree hill when SatPC32 was reporting them over the Atlantic coast line. I had just done an update. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: need help with satpc32 on windows 7
Mine is V12.8a. Try downloading that version. If still having problem, come back here. Larry W7IN On 9/19/2010 7:16 PM, ryan woods wrote: Ok still need help trying to install satpc32 ver12.6 on win7 home I cant even run it as admin it keeps saying I need a 64bit version. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: need help with satpc32 on windows 7
Try right clicking on the SatPC Install EXE and then select run as administrator. If that does not work, keep asking here. The Win7 questions have been asked and answered many times, so checking the archives may also help. I now run Win7 but had many issues to solve. Good luck. Larry W7IN On 9/17/2010 5:59 AM, ryan woods wrote: Hi all I need help I got satpc32 back in 2007-08 but just had to get a new computer due to hard drive failure and the new computer wont let me install satpc32 Im running win 7 home for the os. thanks for the help 73 de kd8atf ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] G-5500 bugs
My G-5500 AZ rotor is up to its old tricks. It is reading out the wrong angle clear across the entire range of motion. At physical north, it reads about 40 degrees and everywhere else noisy between 100 and 400 degrees. I assume a bad pot. Can someone guide me to the instructions for disassembling the rotor and fixing this problem? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: G-5500 bugs
More on this. Last I send an item to Yaesu to fix, they kept it 3 months and did not fix the problem. I'd prefer to tackle it myself if possible. On 9/2/2010 1:55 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: My G-5500 AZ rotor is up to its old tricks. It is reading out the wrong angle clear across the entire range of motion. At physical north, it reads about 40 degrees and everywhere else noisy between 100 and 400 degrees. I assume a bad pot. Can someone guide me to the instructions for disassembling the rotor and fixing this problem? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: SatPC32 stopped working!
Erich, If I do a file explorer search for kepler, I see the AppData folder. However, in SatPC32 I do not see AppData in c:\Users\Owner, even if I run SatPC32 as Administrator. So I can not get at nasa.all in the _normal_ manner. ~Larry W7IN On 6/22/2010 12:27 AM, Erich Eichmann wrote: Hello Larry, when you get the error message (No source file was found ) click on OK in the message window. A dialog window will open (the Windows Open dialog). In the dialog window navigate to the folder that contains your SatPC32 Keps files, normally the sub folder Kepler. Under XP the path to that folder will usually be C:\Documents and Settings\Username(i.e. your name)\Application Data\SatPC32\Kepler. Select a data file, for example nasa.all, and click on Open. To store the path and filename open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. 55 + 73s, Erich, DK1TB - Original Message - From: Larry Gerhardstein w...@montana.com To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 12:09 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 stopped working! My SatPC32 stopped working. I get an error message Warnung: No source file was found for group Standard. Please select a source file for this group after the 'OK'. IMPORTANT: In orcer to store the filename for later starts open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. The SatPC32 application sort of comes up but there is nothing in its window. What am I supposed to do? SatPC32ISS gives the same problem with the word 'ISS' substituted for 'Standard'. Should I reinstall? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: SatPC32 stopped working!
Erich, FIXED. For whatever reason, Windows 7 hides many of the files and folders in AppData, including the AppData folder. What I did was to search for Kepler, opened that folder, and then entered by hand 'nasa.all'. That seems to have fixed the problem. So why did it get messed up in the first place? We had a power outage the day this happened. Maybe SatPC32 had the folders/files open when the power glitched and left the files in a critical state. I might suggest opening the file(s) and leave a copy in memory, then close the file (if that is even the case). If I think to, I always download a new keps when I begin operation, but I have not thought to restart SatPC32 afterward. Please comment. Thanks much for the help. I've _got_ to get a good UPS for my station computer. ~Larry W7IN 73, Larry W7IN On 6/22/2010 2:34 PM, Erich Eichmann wrote: Larry, I don't know why you don't see the Application Data folder. You can also navigate to the folder Kepler from the SatPC32 menu File, Open. If nothing helps uninstall SatPC32 and re-install it. 55+ 73s, Erich, DK1TB - Original Message - From: Larry Gerhardstein w...@montana.com To: Erich Eichmann erich.eichm...@t-online.de Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:14 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 stopped working! Erich, If I do a file explorer search for kepler, I see the AppData folder. However, in SatPC32 I do not see AppData in c:\Users\Owner, even if I run SatPC32 as Administrator. So I can not get at nasa.all in the _normal_ manner. ~Larry W7IN On 6/22/2010 12:27 AM, Erich Eichmann wrote: Hello Larry, when you get the error message (No source file was found ) click on OK in the message window. A dialog window will open (the Windows Open dialog). In the dialog window navigate to the folder that contains your SatPC32 Keps files, normally the sub folder Kepler. Under XP the path to that folder will usually be C:\Documents and Settings\Username(i.e. your name)\Application Data\SatPC32\Kepler. Select a data file, for example nasa.all, and click on Open. To store the path and filename open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. 55 + 73s, Erich, DK1TB - Original Message - From: Larry Gerhardstein w...@montana.com To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 12:09 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 stopped working! My SatPC32 stopped working. I get an error message Warnung: No source file was found for group Standard. Please select a source file for this group after the 'OK'. IMPORTANT: In orcer to store the filename for later starts open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. The SatPC32 application sort of comes up but there is nothing in its window. What am I supposed to do? SatPC32ISS gives the same problem with the word 'ISS' substituted for 'Standard'. Should I reinstall? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: SatPC32 stopped working!
Peter et.al., SatPC32 screen was blank. No world map at all. No nothing |:^] ~Larry W7IN On 6/22/2010 4:20 PM, Peter Scheller wrote: Larry, I did not get back to you because of Erich's post. He said exactly what I tried to convey to you, just in much more detail. Regardless of operating system used, SatPC 32 behaves much the same. My question however is: What did you see when you brought up SatPC32? The world map? Please answer that for me. The way you fixed your problem was not wrong, by any means. You just done it the hard way. Good to hear that you are back up. Maybe we can have a chat about SatPC32 on one of the birds. Aloha from Hawaii Peter, NH6VB Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:50:06 -0600 From: w...@montana.com To: erich.eichm...@t-online.de; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SatPC32 stopped working! Erich, FIXED. For whatever reason, Windows 7 hides many of the files and folders in AppData, including the AppData folder. What I did was to search for Kepler, opened that folder, and then entered by hand 'nasa.all'. That seems to have fixed the problem. So why did it get messed up in the first place? We had a power outage the day this happened. Maybe SatPC32 had the folders/files open when the power glitched and left the files in a critical state. I might suggest opening the file(s) and leave a copy in memory, then close the file (if that is even the case). If I think to, I always download a new keps when I begin operation, but I have not thought to restart SatPC32 afterward. Please comment. Thanks much for the help. I've _got_ to get a good UPS for my station computer. ~Larry W7IN 73, Larry W7IN On 6/22/2010 2:34 PM, Erich Eichmann wrote: Larry, I don't know why you don't see the Application Data folder. You can also navigate to the folder Kepler from the SatPC32 menu File, Open. If nothing helps uninstall SatPC32 and re-install it. 55+ 73s, Erich, DK1TB - Original Message - From: Larry Gerhardstein w...@montana.com To: Erich Eichmann erich.eichm...@t-online.de Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:14 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 stopped working! Erich, If I do a file explorer search for kepler, I see the AppData folder. However, in SatPC32 I do not see AppData in c:\Users\Owner, even if I run SatPC32 as Administrator. So I can not get at nasa.all in the _normal_ manner. ~Larry W7IN On 6/22/2010 12:27 AM, Erich Eichmann wrote: Hello Larry, when you get the error message (No source file was found ) click on OK in the message window. A dialog window will open (the Windows Open dialog). In the dialog window navigate to the folder that contains your SatPC32 Keps files, normally the sub folder Kepler. Under XP the path to that folder will usually be C:\Documents and Settings\Username(i.e. your name)\Application Data\SatPC32\Kepler. Select a data file, for example nasa.all, and click on Open. To store the path and filename open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. 55 + 73s, Erich, DK1TB - Original Message - From: Larry Gerhardstein w...@montana.com To: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 12:09 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 stopped working! My SatPC32 stopped working. I get an error message Warnung: No source file was found for group Standard. Please select a source file for this group after the 'OK'. IMPORTANT: In orcer to store the filename for later starts open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. The SatPC32 application sort of comes up but there is nothing in its window. What am I supposed to do? SatPC32ISS gives the same problem with the word 'ISS' substituted for 'Standard'. Should I reinstall? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Get started. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_3 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] SatPC32 stopped working!
My SatPC32 stopped working. I get an error message Warnung: No source file was found for group Standard. Please select a source file for this group after the 'OK'. IMPORTANT: In orcer to store the filename for later starts open the menu 'Satelliten' and click on the 'OK' - button. The SatPC32 application sort of comes up but there is nothing in its window. What am I supposed to do? SatPC32ISS gives the same problem with the word 'ISS' substituted for 'Standard'. Should I reinstall? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] HO-68 question
Sometimes when HO68 is not advertised by Alan to be ON, I can hear myself on the down-link frequency. Why is that. Is the sat really ON, or am I hearing intermod in my own equipment? BTW, this was during a near overhead pass. Tnx, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] My $0.02 worth
I don't feel a bit sorry for those who gripe on this BB about there not being enough HEO birds, too many FM birds (operators), not enough linear transponders, or the like. Yesterday, I encountered a nice FO-29 pass with maxEL about 60 degrees here at my QTH. I heard no one, yet I could hear my CW/SSB downlink signal from the bird loud and clear. For awhile the footprint covered the entire 48 state region. I thus called CQ for nearly 15 minutes, but no one (that's zero, na-da) came back to my calls. Then later there was a good VO-52 pass and I did manage to work N6PAA, very good clear SSB signals both ways. But during the 10-15 minutes of that pass, I heard no one else in a QSO or calling CQ etc. I think before we start making complaints about the current state of affairs, we seriously consider making use of those resources we do have at present. And then make a financial donation to the various AMSAT's and teams working to make future birds possible. We all want another HEO with lots of modes/bands, but complaining will not make one magically appear. 73, Larry W7IN, DN27, Plains Montana. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: First QSO
WB8ZOM Don, Congrats to you!! I'll always recall my first satellite QSO. It was with KA4KYI 2+ years ago. I was using my HF/VHF/UHF mobile station for those early contacts. It grows on you; I now have automated xcvr and rotor steering on 2M and 70CM and am getting ready to erect antennas for 1.2G and 2.4G. Hope to work you soon. 73, Larry W7IN, DN27 Montana ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: SatPC32 with 64 bit VISTA
Jeff, I have SatPC32, G-5500 Yaesu AZ/EL rotors working together on 64-bit Windows 7--but not via a USB interface. I am using a PCI board--2 Port serial card to drive both Yaesu rotots and Icom IC910H and a driver compatible with Win7. The board cost $20 and the driver $0.00. Far far less than the USB to Serial box I purchased along the way. All info on difficulties I had with my set up, including labors with USB, were posted on this list within the past month or so. Contact me via BB or Off-List for more details. The bad news is either Vista or Windows 7 64-bit MUST have drivers which were designed and coded for 64-bit operation. Even though numerous listers and vendors suggested I use the 32-bit drivers with Win7... They did not work for me, and based on what I read on other news groups, I believe many many others have had the same problems with USB to Serial interfaces and other kinds of USB gadgets in the 64-bit Windows o/s's. Larry W7IN Plains, Montana On 5/19/2010 7:10 PM, Jeff KB2M wrote: I'm trying to help a new SAT op get his 64 bit VISTA laptop running with SatPC32, LVB Tracker Box(USB), and a Yaesu az el rotor. Does anyone have all of this running on a 64 bit VISTA machine? 73 Jeff kb2m ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: PC clock
Thanks all for the many many replies, (almost too many to count) both here and off-list, to my post about PC time being in error. After considering many, I have taken the advice of Mike DK3WN and Alan VE4YZ and performed the registry edit they both recommended. I have my PC now updating time once every hour, a 3600 second delta. So far, my PC time is no more than one second off compared to WWV time. I do not like messing with the windows registry, but in this case, it was sound advice. Tnx and 73, Larry W7IN in DN27, Plains Montana On 5/8/2010 5:13 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: Some of the internet time syncing tools recommended are not compliant with Win 7 64-bit O/S. I will not be chasing those further and hope to edit the time sync service that already exists in Win 7. Larry W7IN On 5/8/2010 2:48 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: My PC's clock keeps getting off by enough to cause problems on near overhead passes. I've seen it off by more than 30 seconds. It is using Internet synchronization, which happens once a week. Is there a way to force Windows 7 to automatically update clock more frequently than once per week. Please don't tell me to monkey with the Windows Registry. I know PC clocks are notoriously inaccurate, but this is ridiculous. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: PC clock
Greg, During the process of getting a serial port interface that worked properly with W7-64b, I experienced a myriad of system crashes. This is possibly why my clock got off by about +30 seconds. I often check my PC's clock against the WWV clock on my wall, especially when tracking birds. It's now on to within a second. If it got off by more than 2 or 3, I'd want to corrected it; the problem is not Doppler, it's a near overhead pass (that's when I discovered the PC time error). Plus, I want correction automatic and not have to mess with it for a long time. I believe the once-a-week default in Win7 for syncing PC time with Internet server time is too loose. Once a day or even once an hour seems better to me. 73, Larry W7IN On 5/9/2010 7:05 PM, Greg D. wrote: Hi Larry, I know PC clocks are not all that accurate, but we're talking seconds per month. Needing to update a clock more often than that probably isn't due to the PC hardware. I've never had one be off this much unless the clock battery was dead, and any PC new enough to run Win-7 isn't going to have that issue. I would suspect that there is a some software you are running that is messing it up. Back in the DOS days, this was a common occurrence, and I'm surprised to hear about it under something more modern, but my gut feel tells me that is what is happening. Maybe a device driver or something else low-level. Try booting something else (a Live CD of Linux, for example) to prove the hardware is good. Go back to Windows piece by piece. If you can figure out which it is, then this whole idea of applying bandaids can go away. Just a thought, Greg KO6TH snip ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: PC clock
Some of the internet time syncing tools recommended are not compliant with Win 7 64-bit O/S. I will not be chasing those further and hope to edit the time sync service that already exists in Win 7. Larry W7IN On 5/8/2010 2:48 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: My PC's clock keeps getting off by enough to cause problems on near overhead passes. I've seen it off by more than 30 seconds. It is using Internet synchronization, which happens once a week. Is there a way to force Windows 7 to automatically update clock more frequently than once per week. Please don't tell me to monkey with the Windows Registry. I know PC clocks are notoriously inaccurate, but this is ridiculous. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] thanks
Greetings, I want to thank all of the good folks who helped me get my satellite station on the air. This has been a process since about last fall. We were gone during the winter and restarted the project when I returned home. I'd like to recognize W4AS, K7WIN, PE0SAT, KB7ADL, K0VTY, N6NKF, Scott Hagerman (non ham), AA5PK, K6LCS, G8IFF, certainly others ... and most of all Erich DK1TB, author of SatPC32, who spent much time researching drivers, answering questions, and attempting to duplicate problems I have been having. A few lessons learned... from all this. 1) Don't jump to conclusions. My rotor control spent about 3 months at Yaesu service only to learn nothing wrong with it. The technician at Yaesu never suggested the trouble could be fixed by optical isolation of the RS232 line going to the rotor control box. 2) Do not assume the nature of a RS232 cable. Use an ohm meter and determine if it is good or bad, straight through or cross-over or null-modem. If I had started out using the ohm meter on my cables, that would have saved me much time and frustration. Both GS-232 and CI-17 call for straight through serial cables. I made the mistake of using two null modem cables; unfortunately I did not know they were not straight through until later when I thought to use an ohm meter. 3) Don't assume you can construct a straight through RS232 cable by connecting two null modem cables in series. This may work, and it may not. 4) Before installing optical isolators in the RS232 lines, make certain the devices are compliant with the isolators. I tried optical isolation in both the rotor control and the rig control lines. An isolation device between computer and GS232 rotor interface was needed. However, the CI-17 does not like them. 5) The optical isolators from CF that I used seem to have polarity. Make certain the female end of the isolator is against the computer's male connector. Do not turn the isolator around and use sex-changers between computer and isolator. This was just a random thing I tried it did not work. 6) When running into difficulty as I did, document everything. I kept repeating the same trials over and over, wasting time, and about driving myself to madness. 7) In my opinion when using Windows 7 of Vista 64-bit, only install drivers designed for those systems. Drivers for 32-bit are not reliable in 64-bit applications and may cause the computer to crash to blue screen. 8) Before ordering USB to serial conversion devices make certain the drivers that come with those gadgets are compatible with the computer operating system you plan to use. Many days after I received my KeySpan device, I called Tripp Lite. The sales person there told me they do not presently have a 64-bit driver for the USA49WG. Wish I had known that. 9) Make sure the baud rate in the transceiver matches the baud rate being set up in the CAT setup menu. If you can affort it, get a RS232 serial data analyzer. I downloaded the free version of 232Analyzer. Full version is about $140. 232Analyzer helped a lot and allowed me to see both data transmitted and received. This led me to the mismatched baud rates in the ICOM and SatPC32. These are the issued I stumbled on. Different computer hardware, different ham gear, different operating systems may produce different results. Beware of Murphy. 73, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: USB to Serial Converters
I used USB to Serial converters on a XP laptop successfully. But the XP laptop died and I now have Windows 7 64-bit. I have had no luck with USB to serial on this one. See the multitude of my posts to this list. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hardware or software problems?
Glenn, Where do you see this? I went to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx and entered Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Immediately came up You are not eligible to download Windows XP Mode. You must have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate to run Windows XP Mode. To upgrade visit Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/windows-anytime-upgrade. Clicked in there. Upgrades are $200 and more. 73, Larry W7IN On 5/1/2010 9:10 PM, Glenn AA5PK wrote: It's a free download compatible with Home Premium 32- and 64-bit. Just a thought. - Original Message - From: Larry Gerhardstein gerhardst...@montana.com To: Glenn AA5PK aa...@suddenlink.net Cc: AMSAT BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 8:11 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Hardware or software problems? I have Windows 7 Home Premium. I believe I would need to upgrade to something different in order to run XP virtual. If the $20 PCI card works, that is cheaper. Larry On 5/1/2010 6:50 PM, Glenn AA5PK wrote: Larry, If you still suspect it's an OS issue, downloading XP Mode for Windows 7 may solve the problem. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx It may be worth having in any case. Glenn AA5PK ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Keyspan Acquired by TrippLite
Since I am the one being quoted below, I feel compelled to reply to the pseudo-flames. I don't give a rip about KeySpan's or Tripp-Lite's market strategy; only whether they are going to continue support of their legacy product. If you all wish to have a discussion about market strategy, let's talk about Microsoft's. That will _really_ get some discussion going. 73, Larry W7IN On 5/2/2010 12:26 PM, Clint Bradford wrote: ... as I can tell they DO NOT have a Windows 7 driver for the KeySpan ... Keyspan seemed optimistic when they were acquired in May, 2008 by TrippLite: We at Keyspan have created a strong brand name associated with high quality products, said Mike Ridenhour, Keyspan President. We're pleased that Tripp Lite will continue providing Keyspan's customers with the reliable products they expect, world-class service and support and unmatched channel loyalty. The combination of the Tripp Lite and Keyspan brands under the umbrella of Tripp Lite will provide increased efficiency by streamlining production, distribution and shipping. I have no idea if the Keyspan development team is still working on their old product line or not. Clint, K6LCS ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hardware or software problems?
Thanks to all who have answered both on and off the list. I have had my sat station working on a prior computer, an XP laptop, not with the KeySpan but with one serial adapter cable plus the real serial interface in that computer. I've not tried those on the Win7's. I no longer have the XP's; they both died this past winter. Interfaces are the GS232 from Yaesu, and the CT-17 level converter from ICOM. Though I have a lot of stuff on USB, 4 ports out of 6 total, I have tested with only the KeySpan attached. I will try the alternate programs suggested off-list. I may try the real serial interface approach--a good idea. Though I live in a small town, there is a computer geek who lives nearby me. I have at least one salvaged serial port interface from a previous computer. I have another junked computer that possibly has one in it also. I'll check that out. I will get the additional information from the crash screen and display here. 73, Larry On 5/1/2010 1:45 AM, Erich Eichmann wrote: Larry, I will answer your mail off the list. 73s, Erich, DK1TB ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hardware or software problems?
Win7 can run an executable in compatibility mode. I let it figure out which one to use and it chose XP S/P 2. Even so, the computer crashed anyway. I am investigating driver options and other serial interfaces. Larry W7IN On 5/1/2010 8:11 AM, N9IJ wrote: Another possible option is to go back to XP. It was my understanding that new machines with Vista could be licensed to revert to XP, though MS is stopping XP support. Dunno if this applies to Win7 as well. Good luck with it, I will return to my iMac and MacDoppler...sorry, couldn't resist. I do use XP still... ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hardware or software problems?
Here is the crash screen essential info... DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL STOP: 0x00D1 (0x0068, 0x0002, 0x0001, 0xF88004FC2EF1) USA49WGx64p.SYS Address: F88004FCEF1 base at F88004FC2000, Datestamp 45cc305b Clearly, this crash occurred inside the KeySpan USA-49WG device driver. The downloaded driver is for Vista, not Win7. This may be the problem. I will call Tripp-Lite on Monday when they are open. I also will purchase the 2 serial port PCI interface ($20) that I found on the Internet. It is plug-n-play and utilizes only one IRQ slot. We'll give that a go and see what happens. If anyone knows of a Win7 driver for the KeySpan adapters, please let me know where to find them. I have read via google that drivers for Vista may or may not work well in Win7. Symptoms are computer locking up, computer crashing, device malfunction, incorrect data being sent or received, and others. I've seen both crash and data malfunction. Someone suggested I go back to XP; thanks for the advice. If I still had an XP computer, I'd gladly try it. But both of my XP boxes died last winter and I replaced both of them with Win7 computers. Unless someone donates a working XP box to me, I'm sticking with Win7. Manual control of the two rotors and the Doppler is out of the question. I tried it and managed one contact, I forget which bird. But then the bird's AZ/EL shifted and I never found it again. Onward! 73, Larry W7IN -- DN27 -- Plains, Montana On 5/1/2010 4:39 AM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: Thanks to all who have answered both on and off the list. I have had my sat station working on a prior computer, an XP laptop, not with the KeySpan but with one serial adapter cable plus the real serial interface in that computer. I've not tried those on the Win7's. I no longer have the XP's; they both died this past winter. Interfaces are the GS232 from Yaesu, and the CT-17 level converter from ICOM. ... I may try the real serial interface approach--a good idea. Though I live in a small town, there is a computer geek who lives nearby me. I have at least one salvaged serial port interface from a previous computer. I have another junked computer that possibly has one in it also. I'll check that out. I will get the additional information from the crash screen and display here. 73, Larry ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hardware or software problems?
Franklin, Thanks for the advice. I also checked their web page. So far as I can tell they DO NOT have a Windows 7 driver for the KeySpan. Yes, awful. I'll call them on Monday when they're open again. If they can not offer up a driver for W-seven, I'm going to give them heck and then ask them to take the KeySpan back. I'll then get a 2 port PCI to serial interface for the Inspiron. I can get one for about $20. http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=indexcPath=69 73, Larry W7IN On 5/1/2010 5:40 PM, Franklin Antonio wrote: At 06:58 PM 4/30/2010, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: I have a Keyspan 4-port USB to RS232 box with optical isolators from CommFront It seems most likely that you have defective driver software for the USB device. That's the most likely cause of this sort of a crash. I suggest you go to Keyspan's web site and attempt to find the very latest driver. Their web site has a support tab with a downloads submenu, and finally a software/drivers page. Install the latest driver and try again. One hangup. I just checked their website, and it appears that they have NO drivers listed for windows 7. Perhaps you should call their support folks and ask about this. If they've never tested with Win7, or have known problems, then you may need to give 'em hell. If you can't get a driver they've specifically tested with Win7, then they are officially weenies. At that point you should at least try the very latest Vista driver. If that doesn't help, buy a different brand. To have the best chance of something that works right, buy the brand which you believe sells in the very highest volume. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hardware or software problems?
I have Windows 7 Home Premium. I believe I would need to upgrade to something different in order to run XP virtual. If the $20 PCI card works, that is cheaper. Larry On 5/1/2010 6:50 PM, Glenn AA5PK wrote: Larry, If you still suspect it's an OS issue, downloading XP Mode for Windows 7 may solve the problem. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx It may be worth having in any case. Glenn AA5PK ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Hardware or software problems?
All, I feel like I'm no closer to a working sat station than I was one month ago. I have two computers to run SatPC32 on. Both are DELL Windows 7 Home Premium, one a desktop, the other a laptop. I have a Keyspan 4-port USB to RS232 box with optical isolators from CommFront connected to G-5500 and ICOM 910H interfaces. When I run SatPC32, I set up the COM ports and then enable R+ and C+. The computer then controls the xcvr and the rotors. After clicking on R and/or C a few times, or after clicking the transmit button on the ICOM, the computer crashes... Blue Screen, screen of death. IRQ_LESS_OR_EQUAL message. Both computers do the same thing. They crash after a short while. I've tried connecting the computer to an isolated power source, not part of the power company a.c. feeding my shack. This would be the generator in my RV. Same problem. SatPC32 ran for quite a time, but eventually the computer crashed. I have disconnected everything from the computer except for the USB going to the monitor, Keyspan box, mouse, and keyboard. Still same thing, computer crashes after awhile. The laptop crashes with only the Keyspan connected. I need expert advice again. I run SatPC32 as administrator; what about compatibility modes? What about critical o/s or driver upgrades or service packs? What about adding ferrite toroid to all wires going into and coming out of the computer? What about a power source isolator, like a UPS with a full-time inverter to get good isolated sinusoidal a.c. power to the computer and everything connected directly to it (like the monitor)? The Keyspan is USB powered. The good UPS's get expensive. Please reply on this BB (preferred) or to private email w...@montana.com or call 406-826-7373. 73, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: SatPC32 and SDX won't talk
I applied the suggested fix to get the Speech SDX. That worked, but on the computer in question, I do not have sound coming from my speakers. I'm working with the vendor on that. But there are more troubles with my set setup and I will detail those in separate postings. Larry W7IN -- Hello Larry, I suppose you run V. 12.8 or 12.8a. From the list in menu Rotor Setup choose the item Yaesu GS-232. Save the change with the upper Save button and restart SatPC32. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: usb to serial adapter woes
Problem reported in this thread solved. Bought and installed two optical isolators. One in ICOM serial line and one in GS232/G5500 serial line. Rotor position now reading correctly, but there was one more issue. Cables that I believed to be straight through were not; they were null modem. Should have used an ohm meter right away. Tests of pins 2 and 3 at both ends proved what the cables really were. A warning: two null modem cables back-to-back to not make a straight through cable. But there still are more problems with my sat system, which I will discuss in further posts. Larry W7IN On 4/15/2010 6:41 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: Jim, et. al., Thanks for the advice. However, after installing the USA-49WG and driver install for Windows 7 with help from Tripp Lite technical support, my system still does the same thing. I plug the serial cables to both rotor and transceiver digital interfaces and then to the 49WG and the same thing happens. Azimuth meter drops to zero and there is no control. Further it is now working worse than before, as I have neither control of rotor or transceiver. If measure the voltage between metal shields of the two cables, there is about 2 volts there. It sure looks like a ground loop, but where and how. I have no idea at this point. In 56 years a ham operator, I've never run into anything like this. Maybe RS232 isolators would fix this??? Seems like overkill. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: usb to serial adapter woes
Jim, et. al., Thanks for the advice. However, after installing the USA-49WG and driver install for Windows 7 with help from Tripp Lite technical support, my system still does the same thing. I plug the serial cables to both rotor and transceiver digital interfaces and then to the 49WG and the same thing happens. Azimuth meter drops to zero and there is no control. Further it is now working worse than before, as I have neither control of rotor or transceiver. If measure the voltage between metal shields of the two cables, there is about 2 volts there. It sure looks like a ground loop, but where and how. I have no idea at this point. In 56 years a ham operator, I've never run into anything like this. Maybe RS232 isolators would fix this??? Seems like overkill. Larry W7IN On 4/10/2010 6:01 PM, kq...@verizon.net wrote: I bought one of the Keyspan 4-port boxes some years ago, and it's never missed a beat. I mostly use it on Field Day with my laptop so I can have SatPC32 control my Ft-847, btu now that I've built both the Las Vegas Tracker *and* the Fox Delta unit, I'll be using it to control the radio and my Uaesu Az/El rotor. They've not inexpensive, but then you always get what you pay for! 73, Jim KQ6EA On Apr 10, 2010, *Larry Gerhardstein* gerhardst...@montana.com wrote: I hope someone can shed light. I'm using SatPC32, but that does not affect this problem. Awhile back I was forced to recycle both of my older computers that had one built in 9-pin serial port. Then, I connected the built-in port to the GS-232B rotor interface. I also purchased some HL USB-RS232 USB-to-Serial adapters, a cable with USB on one end and a 9 pin RS232 on the other end. I used this gadget to control my transceiver (which is a IC910H). Now I have a new computer which has no (zero) built in serial ports. I'm trying to use two of the USB-to-Serial gadgets and have run into trouble. If I disconnect all grounding back through the power, I can get one of the two to work, either the rotor or the rig-control, but not both at the same time. Without disconnecting grounding, neither work. It does not matter whether I'm plugging the USB ends directly into the computer, using a passive USB hub, or a powered hub--same result. All I have to do to get this to fail...is... Even if the USB ends are not plugged into the computer and the rig control box is powered off and unplugged from power, if I just touch the metal shield on the USB cable going to the rig control onto the shield connection in the computer or hub, that causes the rotor control to fail. When it fails, The azimuth reading on the G-5500 drops all the way to zero. The elevation meter is unaffected. It acts like a ground loop somewhere, but where and how? I've tried disconnecting the coaxes from the transceiver but no change. I'm thinking about scrapping these USB-to-Serial things and going to a 4-Port Keyspan box. HELP!! 73, Larry W7IN - DN27 in Plains, Montana ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Moon
In my satellites drop down in SatPC32, I have a file called moon.txt. I can not recall now where I found it. I think it was from a comment here on this BB. I tested it once and went outside to see where the moon was at that time; and that tracking seemed to be correct. If I find the original email, I'll send it on. 73, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] moon.txt
moon.text file: MOON 1 0U 0A 10019.90529622 . 0-0 0-0 0 0004 2 0 25.1631 348.5977 0637000 142.8591 221.8486 00.0366009966 Posters of this information include Colin Hurst, Louis House KD5GM, Dale Hershberger, and mlengrus...@aol.com (who possibly is the source). This was posted on 2/17/2010. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: moon.txt
I just tested the keps below from moon.txt. SatPC accepts them ok, but unfortunately here in Plains, Montana right now we have 100% overcast so I can not sight the moon. Larry W7IN On 4/11/2010 2:30 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote: moon.text file: MOON 1 0U 0A 10019.90529622 . 0-0 0-0 0 0004 2 0 25.1631 348.5977 0637000 142.8591 221.8486 00.0366009966 Posters of this information include Colin Hurst, Louis House KD5GM, Dale Hershberger, and mlengrus...@aol.com (who possibly is the source). This was posted on 2/17/2010. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] usb to serial adapter woes
I hope someone can shed light. I'm using SatPC32, but that does not affect this problem. Awhile back I was forced to recycle both of my older computers that had one built in 9-pin serial port. Then, I connected the built-in port to the GS-232B rotor interface. I also purchased some HL USB-RS232 USB-to-Serial adapters, a cable with USB on one end and a 9 pin RS232 on the other end. I used this gadget to control my transceiver (which is a IC910H). Now I have a new computer which has no (zero) built in serial ports. I'm trying to use two of the USB-to-Serial gadgets and have run into trouble. If I disconnect all grounding back through the power, I can get one of the two to work, either the rotor or the rig-control, but not both at the same time. Without disconnecting grounding, neither work. It does not matter whether I'm plugging the USB ends directly into the computer, using a passive USB hub, or a powered hub--same result. All I have to do to get this to fail...is... Even if the USB ends are not plugged into the computer and the rig control box is powered off and unplugged from power, if I just touch the metal shield on the USB cable going to the rig control onto the shield connection in the computer or hub, that causes the rotor control to fail. When it fails, The azimuth reading on the G-5500 drops all the way to zero. The elevation meter is unaffected. It acts like a ground loop somewhere, but where and how? I've tried disconnecting the coaxes from the transceiver but no change. I'm thinking about scrapping these USB-to-Serial things and going to a 4-Port Keyspan box. HELP!! 73, Larry W7IN - DN27 in Plains, Montana ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] install satpc32 trouble
I'm having trouble [re]installing satpc32. For reason I don't know, satpc32 began could not open configuration files it needed upon startup. Thus would not start. So I uninstalled satpc32 and am trying to reinstall it. Setup gets part way through the install and then issues error message #1925: insufficient privileges to install for all users. This terminates the install. What should I do? I am logged in as Admin or as my personal account which also has admin privilege. Same thing happens both ways. My computer has Windows 7. Larry - W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Hawaii AO-51 pass today
Thanks to Robert NH7WN for the new grid and new state on AO-51. 73, Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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-51 Contact
I occasionally work AO-51 using my mobile FT-857D and a VHF/UHF mobile whip. I use the instruction manual procedure to set up the FT-857D for Doppler. ~Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: probably simple
Bob W7LRD, I disagree that Doppler shift will be zero when your window to work northern EU is optimum. In SatPC32, I just did a Tracking-Preview and determined that when the AO-07 footprint includes both the northwest USA and northern Europe, the down link Doppler is +2.8 and up link Doppler is -8.3. Note, the numbers +2.8 and -8.3 were for orbit #60844. I also determined that if a different orbit, then you get different Doppler shifts. Determine the pass that you wish to attempt a contact and use the Doppler numbers you get from Tracking-Preview for that pass. Next pick a frequency using VFO mode in SatPC32 and do some experimenting. You may need to waste a window of opportunity, but using a ratio of -8.3/2.8 uplink to downlink Doppler, you should be able to do a respectable calculation. Another problem: The Doppler for the station in northern-EU will likely be different than yours. This means you might wish to coordinate with the station over there as you attempt contact. When I tried to enter grid JPnn into SatPC32, it would not accept it. It calculated NAN (not a number) for latitude. Don't know what that's about. However if you're using CW not SSB, this may make little difference. As long as you're getting a CW signal in the band pass of your RX, you should be able to copy. And remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Keep making noise about this on this BB until something works. I know you wanted a simpler answer. Hope this does not seem too complicated. The Trig/Math to work this out is possible, but tricky. Good luck. 73, Larry W7IN (home=DN27 Plains, Montana) ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] multiple sats
Whats the trick to get SatPC32 to display multiple satellites via the M button? Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] g-5500 gs-232b trouble
I have a G-5500 and GS-232B being commanded from SatPC32. These items used to work fine 5 months ago while I was using a temporary antenna set up. Since then, I've been building a new permanent antenna system. Now, SatPC32 transceiver controls work, but not the rotor controls. The G-5500 control box works fine as long is it's not connected into the computer via GS-232B. I can run the antennas up and down and left and right and the meteres display the correct values. When I connect the GS-232B into the G-5500 using the supplied AZ/EL cable, the control box still works and displays correct Azimuth and Elevation on the G-5500 meters. But when I next connect the GS-232B into the serial port on the computer, the Azimuth meter suddenly goes to zero setting. The Elevation meter displays the correct value. If I then disconnect the AZ half of the cable from the GS-232B, both meters display correctly. This is true whether the power on the GS-232B is On or Off. The GS-232B manual shows 10 wires going from the G-5500 to the GS-232B AZ/EL connectors on the pin-out diagram. My cable has only 7 wires total. What's with that? In any case, computer control of the G-5500 from SatPC32 is not working. I'm wondering if I may have fried the GS-232B. Right now, I'm letting SatPC32 control the rig and I'm manually adjusting the AZ/EL rotors to values SatPC32 has displayed; it's tricky. Any help in troubleshooting this system will be greatly appreciated. Later today, I will make certain that the computer serial port is still working. 73, Larry W7IN, Plains, Montana DN27. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: accidental satellite ops
Certainly word needed to local clubs, vhf clubs, contesting clubs about this anamoly. Indeed they are oblivious to where their signal is going and how. Too little attention is paid to band plans. Good snooping Bob. See you soon on the birds. 73, Larry W7IN DN27 Montana -- see you soon on the birds. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Antenna pointing
I use a plumb bob and plumb line. When north star is first visible, I use these to determine true north on my horizon. I then create in my mind a picture of where that point is on the horizon. Then during daytime, I adjust antenna to point at that point on the horizon. A south-north road near my QTH is aligned with the same horizon point. Larry W7IN ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: WL7H in AK?
According to QRZ, he's in BP40, Alaska. - Original Message - From: Luc Leblanc luclebla...@videotron.ca To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: tjja...@earthlink.net Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 3:52 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: WL7H in AK? On 17 Jul 2009 at 20:39, ANTHONY JAPHA wrote: Hi All, This morning on AO-7 at about 1229 UTC, I heard WL7H on cw with good sigs. Are you (or is he) in KL7 or somewhere else? I've not heard KL7 from here in NYC before. A different question: any hints on shading a laptop's screen so that it can be viewed when operating outdoors (to avoid sunshine)? Tnx and 73, Tony, N2UN LM 183 Go on www.qsl.net/ve2dwe in the middle of the page you will see what we build... during a recent Field Day not too costly and very effective. - Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: true duplex radios
Since some of the radios suggested are 'old', a column about sub-tones available would be helpful. Also computer interface. - Original Message - From: RFI-EMI-GUY rhyol...@nettally.com To: OZ1MY oz...@privat.dk Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 8:57 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: true duplex radios True; This list would be a good start. I suggest a table with mode capabilities and frequency bands, both standard and optional. OZ1MY wrote: Hi, I do not see the Kenwood TS-790 base station ? 73 OZ1MY Ib /listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] More Yaesu G5500 rotor trouble.
I have my own set of G5500 rotator woes. Mine was purchased few months ago, and just now getting around to testing on the ground. I made up 2 cables with the connectors supplied. First attempt: UP, LEFT, RIGHT worked, but DOWN switch did nothing. After reading the schematic diagram I concluded that DOWN and LEFT voltage is on pins 4-to-6 and UP and RIGHT voltage is on pins 5-to-6. All 4 rotor control switches generate voltage between those screws on the back of the controller. So I swapped the 2 connectors at the G5500. Problem moved from DOWN to LEFT. So I concluded there is something wrong with my connector to the Elevation rotator. I've checked voltages at the connector end with connector disconnected, checked continuity: all appear ok. I have unscrewed and replaced the 2 connectors so many times that now both cables are displaying the identical problem: UP and RIGHT switches work; DOWN and LEFT do not. Sometimes I can hear the inoperative motor humming, mostly no noise at all. I suspect high resistance or bad connection in the connectors pin 4, the center pin that carries the DOWN singnal to the Elevation rotator and the LEFT signal to the Azimuth rotator. What should I try next? Re-solder the whole thing? Get new cable end connectors? Are there any connectors for this rotator of better quality than the ones delivered with it? 73, Larry W7IN, DN27 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
