[amsat-bb] Re: AO-27 to the south
Hi David. I live in the southern part of the state of Florida, and from my observations, it seems AO-27 turns on when it's near the center of the USA. From looking at the footprint, that puts me in range for perhaps 5 minutes, and most of Mexico for about the same amount of time. This of course is when the bird is usable for me. You can check the official AO-27 homepage, where there is a link for the status of the satellite for a 24 hour period here: http://www.ao27.org/AO27/index.shtml 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Apr 26, 2009, at 9:58 PM, David Giles wrote: > Hello to all in the northern hemisphere. > > It is well known that AO-27 is only activated for limited periods in > the > northern hemisphere. But what is the furtherest south that it can be > heard? Also, is it only activated near North America or is it > turned on > every orbit? > > 73 de David VK5DG ___ 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: Yaesu G5500 rotor trouble.
Alan & Shawn - my elevation rotor went bad as well a few months ago. However it wasn't the capacitor; I sent Shawn off list the email of the person who repaired the motor for me. Now as far as the cap, if the 5500 is similar to my 5400, the cap is easily removed without having to crack open the housing. There's an aluminum plate on the side with 4 small screws. Remove those screws and the plate, and you will see the cap inside. If you are careful, and take your time, you can remove it and replace it. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On May 3, 2009, at 7:42 AM, Alan P. Biddle wrote: > If everything checks, then it is _probably_ the 100 uF phase shift > capacitor > you can see between the windings in the schematic. You can get a > replacement from Yaesu for $10-15 including shipping. Replacing it > is not > hard, but it is very tedious and messy. Unlike other versions, the > G-5500 > has the capacitor in the motor housing rather than the control box. > > I had exactly the same symptoms you describe, and it was the > capacitor in my > case. > > Good luck, > > 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
[amsat-bb] Re: ERP
I'm not so sure that Joe is using too much power. I have a feeling that he may have a problem with his radio. I have discussed this with him several times, to no avail. As such, I usually stay away from AO-7. I won't apologize, because I frankly think it should be the other way around, as most anyone who gets on AO-7 is aware of this. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On May 27, 2009, at 9:47 PM, WILLIAMS MICHAEL wrote: > > My apologies to Joe (K9SZH) and to the AMSAT-BB. I should have sent > my message directly to him and not through the BB. > > The ham mind works incorrectly sometimes, and I fell right into a > wrong decision. > > Mike (K9QHO) ___ 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: FT-847 vs IC-910
Eric, earlier this year I went from the FT-847 to the IC-910H and I couldn't be happier. I used it strictly for satellites. No question about it, the 847 is an excellent radio; in one respect it's better than the 910 because it has HF. However, the receiver on the 910H is far superior to the 847's. I don't have any test equipment to justify that comment, other than my own ears. I immediately noticed a big difference in the receiver especially on some of the SSB satellites such as AO-7 which is one of the weaker ones that I hear. I haven't had the opportunity to test the 'real' weak signal modes, that is meteor scatter - yet; because I'm in the process of putting up a wide spaced 2 meter antenna with a preamp which will be used for that. Otherwise, I am a firm believer that time marches on, and with time, the availability of parts for the 847 will decline, and eventually it's performance due to age of the components. Sure there will be parts for the 847 for years as it's a very popular radio, I just like to have equipment which is still being produced, in the event it requires service. My 910H has 1.2 GHz built in, and I also have an antenna for that band, but I have yet to put it up. My only problem with the 910H is it's RIT, or should I say, lack of. The RIT only covers 1 kHz, and I think that's much too small, especially for those stations that don't have computer doppler control on the SSB birds. Also, the 910 has VOX, which is something that Yaesu really dropped the ball on by not adding it to the 847. If you can afford it, I think you will be very happy with it. The 847 still commands a very good price on the used market if you decide to sell it. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On May 29, 2009, at 1:21 AM, Eric Fort wrote: > For vhf/uhf satellite use I'm seriously thinking about selling off > my FT-847 > for money toward a IC-910. Could some of you on this list comment > on how > these 2 radios compare for satellite (and if you know vhf/uhf weak > signal) > work? why one radio over the other? What are your thoughts and > experiences > with the IC-910 ? Same question for the FT-847. > > Thanks, > > Eric > AF6EP > ___ > 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] Card checkers in Florida
Last year when I had enough cards for 6 meters VUCC, it took me a few weeks to find a card checker. The list I received from the ARRL had a lot of emails that bounced, and I received a lot of responses saying "I no longer check cards". I finally found one after about 8 attempts and all went well. I now have more than enough cards to qualify for satellite VUCC, and I emailed the card checker who I used last year for 6 meters a couple of weeks ago, and have not heard a response. So is there an ARRL card checker in Florida, or near Florida who can help me please? The ARRL didn't seem to be too concerned that their list was not up to date (based on not even receiving a reply from them, and even after offering my services to be a card checker), so I figure someone on here is either a card checker, or has used one recently. 73 de W4AS Sebastian ___ 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: Card checkers in Florida
Hi Tim, thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately the major hamfests we had in Florida have already passed. Sure that would have been the easiest way to do it. I was stuck at about 90 confirmed for a couple of months, even though I had sent out a lot of cards, so fortunately I worked a few new hams and they are usually quite happy to QSL - BTW congratulations to K8GI who I had the pleasure to be his 1st satellite QSO recently and I received his card. Rick if you read this reflector, make sure you contact Amsat to get the 1st timer award (or whatever it is that it's called) and I'll get your card out tomorrow. Tomorrow my rotor also goes out to Yaesu, my azimuth rotor stopped working just a few days after I received my LVB Tracker, so it looks like I'll be off the birds for a while. I took the rotor off the mast, and brought it inside and used a smaller cable and it does the same thing, constant hum, and it's stuck at 180 degrees south, and every time power is applied it attempts to try to continue to move south. I spoke to one of their techs and he told me it was probably a potentiometer inside, based on the information I gave him. I mention this because I did some searching on Google last night about Yaesu and their rotor repairs, and for everyone's information and contrary to popular belief, Yaesu continues to service their rotors. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Jun 3, 2009, at 7:09 PM, n...@bellsouth.net wrote: > Hey Sebastian, > > Not sure about Florida checkers ... but I wonder if you have any > hamfests coming up near you? You'll often find clubs that will offer > card-checking at hamfests. I know a couple of guys who've had their > cards checked at hamfests up in this part of the world to either > earn their initial VUCC or to earn an endorsement. > > Best of luck finding someone, and contgratulations on reaching > Satellite VUCC. > > 73, > > Tim - N3TL ___ 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: equal time
Adrian, first I would like to thank you for taking the time to operate from a DX location, in order to give others a chance to work you! Next, I think because of the things you have said, and the recent issue with the K5D operation, we have learned that attempting to put up a rare country on an FM satellite just doesn't work out. There are simply too many stations on AO-51. Why - because it's easy to do. SO-50 because of the timer and PL tones, is more difficult. A lot of hams don't realize that FO-29 is back in service, let alone AO-27; and AO-27 is only on for about half the pass on the USA. AO-16 has been off the air for months, and hopefully we will get it back sometime. The SSB birds are more difficult since it requires additional equipment, as opposed to an HT or two and a small handheld antenna (with the exception of Tim who could probably work Japan on AO-51 even though it's not in his footprint!) Tim knows I'm joking. AO-51 is over used. And yes there are a lot of people who may not necessarily run high power on there, but have large antennas of which I am one of. I won't apologize for having outdoor directional high gain antennas controlled by an LVB tracker. My antennas are from the days of AO-10 & AO-13, and I don't have the ability to change to RH, LH circular polarization; I use axial polarization. Yes there are some who are using handheld antennas with roughly the same amount of power that I am; but who's going to be heard (even with my 115 feet of LMR400)? Then there are those who believe it's a trivial task to setup a full duplex HT with a hand held antenna and be heard. It's not easy. I've tried it, and have concluded that it takes a lot of time to learn the 'tricks of the trade'. At least once a week, I hear a newcomer on one of the birds calling CQ. And people come back to them, but that newcomer can't hear them, because they aren't aware of doppler, etc. Then there are some who use 'high' power, I would say 50+ watts, but perhaps they need that power because they are using vertical antennas or eggbeaters, with 150 feet of RG-58 Radio Shack coax. And there are some who either use high power, or have defective rigs (or both), and make it difficult for others to hear due to their spurious emissions because they want to have more contacts than anyone else. So what's the answer. Those who aren't active on the birds because they are fed up will say we need a HEO. Those that are active on the birds don't have to say anything. They already know the problem. I would like for someone to explain to me why they disagree that what we really need are more LEOs. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Jun 14, 2009, at 6:03 PM, Adrian Engele wrote: > As many of you know I operated as ZF2AE from EK99 back in late March > and early April during my vacation from Grand Cayman and Little > Cayman. I received numerous direct requests to have a sked as EK99 > was needed for their VUCC awards. I made a big effort to meet all > these requests received prior or during that trip and in most > instances I was successful. As a portable, I worked AO-51 and SO-50 > with just an Arrow Antenna with an ARR preamp and 5W with my VX7R. I > also worked other stations on AO-7, FO-29 and VU52 using the same > setup but with my FT857D with 10 Watts instead. Let me tell you > setting up as a portable station to work the linear birds is time > consuming and required a big effort everytime. I was on vacation and > Hamradio was a secondary activity. > > After my return, I went through my recordings it was clear that > there were many missed opportunities to work certain stations for > their requested skeds . Why was this? In most cases, it came down to > stations both domestic and international that are NOT LISTENING or > not leaving enough space between calls. Also it was clear these same > stations were calling the same stations day in and day out. What is > the sport in this, working the same stations and the same grids over > and over again; especially when a DXpedition is ongoing and others > need to work that grid. I had numerous passes where I could not get > once into an FM satellite during a planned sked. In some cases, I > only managed one or two contacts. It was frustrating to say the > least. Out of the 45+ passes I completed during my trip there was > only one satellite pass that was disciplined, operators listened, > called in order and over 15 contacts were worked in sequence with > zero interference and many happy > operators. > > I encourage operators with deluxe satellite stations running power > with full computer and rotation tracking to let more modest stations > have their f
[amsat-bb] Kansas City Tracker
I have no affiliation with the seller, nor do I know if it's a good price or not, but I found this on eBay, a Kansas City Tracker for $55 buy it now. http://cgi.ebay.com/Kansas-City-Tracker-satellite-computer-card-ISA_W0QQitemZ140327821396QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20ac30a054&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10 |66%3A4|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A3|294%3A200 73 de W4AS Sebastian ___ 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 rotor motor intermittent
Michael, you have received a lot of information about troubleshooting the rotor on this reflector. However, if you are not able to repair it, I just wanted to let you know (in case you didn't see my post a few days ago), that contrary to popular belief, Yaesu still fixes their rotors, specifically both the G-5400/5500. I had a bad azimuth rotor, and I shipped it to them. I believe they charge a $35 estimate fee. If you decide to fix it, the fee is waived. My rotor cost me just a little over $100 and was very securely shipped to me. I received a post card when it was received, and a phone call telling me what the total would be; once I gave the ok, I had it back in my hands in one week, and it's up and running again. Of course, if you are able to troubleshoot it, you will be learning more than I did, but I admit that at this point in life, I would rather have someone who knows what they are doing fix it, and $100 in today's world isn't a lot of money. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Jun 20, 2009, at 8:54 PM, Michael Hatzakis Jr MD wrote: > Ok, sorry for the additional post, this is a follow up. After my > debugging > session today, I am fast-forwarding to what I expect will be the > ending to > this little fairy tail, that is, I see me climbing up and pulling > down this > damn rotor to either replace or repair. > > So, next natural question is, if I am going to repair, what should I > repair > while I have it open or are there people who do a good job in > rebuilding > Yaesu rotors, roughly 5 years old?? > > Michael K3MH ___ 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 advice : Eggbeater antenna, preamp, coax
On Jun 28, 2009, at 4:16 PM, Jean-François Ménard wrote: > Hi, > > I would like to know if there is much difference using a preamp for > satellite receiving using a M2 Eggbeater antenna ? I'll add a thought here that I haven't seen anyone reply about. As everyone mentioned, definitely go with a preamp - but think for the future. How much transmitter output power do you have? If you have relatively low power, say 5 watts, you can get an inexpensive preamp. However, if you plan to use higher power in the future, perhaps for meteor scatter; that low power preamp may no longer be useful. > And also, is there much difference between a heliax 0.5" and a RG-8 > on > a 50 feet cable run between the antenna and the radio ? Again, you've received several responses, but one thing hasn't been mentioned. What is your output power? If you have an HT with a couple of watts, that RG-8 may 'eat up' a lot of your power, especially if you are going to transmit on 440 Mhz. Without knowing how much power you have, and which birds you plan to use, it's difficult to give you a good answer. > I would really like to optimize my receiving quality but I also want > to > know where to put all my effort first. "you can't work 'em if you can't hear them"; also don't forget that you need to hear yourself FIRST. Work on hearing your downlink if possible before you start to call other stations. If you can't hear yourself, then post about it so we can help you out. I think it would be helpful if you told us which type(s) of rig(s) you will be using. > I'm new and I cannot invest much money the first year. When you find a fellow ham who has all the money that's necessary to build a perfect station, please let me know! > Thank to all for your advice. > > 73 > > --- > Jean-François Ménard > VA2SS 73 de W4AS Sebastian ___ 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] Murphy on my G-5400B control box
Seems I can't get a break from Murphy. A couple of weeks ago, I received my azimuth rotor & G5400B control box back from Yaesu after the rotor had failed. Yesterday I noticed the control box had turned off, and was generating a lot of heat. Sure enough, I checked the fuse, and it was blow. Opening up the case and looking for obvious problems, such as cold solder joints, burned components, etc., didn't show anything interesting; other than a hot transformer. Unit blows fuses as soon as they are replaced. So before I call up Yaesu and am off the air for another 2 or 3 weeks, any ideas from someone who perhaps has had the same problem? I had it connected to my LVB tracker, which no longer functions, as I believe it gets its power from the control box. 73 de W4AS Sebastian ___ 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: Murphy on my G-5400B control box
> That's not good news Kevin, but I appreciate the response. > > I found my stash of glass fuses from the last hamfest, and unplugged > the cables from both rotors, and as expected, it blows the fuse > immediately. > > If it's the azimuth rotor, I should be ok, since it just came back > from Yaesu a couple of months ago. If it's the elevation, I had > that one repaired based on the recommendations of another ham here, > so both have been looked at in the last few months. > > Guess I'll call Yaesu tomorrow and ask them how to proceed. > > I spent years just moving the rotors by looking at SATPC32, and then > I decided to get an LVB to make things easier, and that's what I get > for fixing something that wasn't broken. I'm not blaming the LVB, > it's just that it was great having it align the antennas for me. > Unfortunately, I didn't get to use it for too long. > > I also found a couple of day ago that my radio was putting out very > lower power, and couldn't hear AO-51. I checked the SWR, and it was > sky high. I knew the beams were ok, so I suspected the coax. I > found my LMR400 had a soldered center conductor, and a crimped > shield! I couldn't believe a company would sell rf coax with > crimped connectors. So I'm in the process of replacing those. > > The idea of using a Ham M type rotor (I have a couple spares), and a > Radio Shack rotor for elevation is sounding pretty good right now. > > 73 de W4AS > Sebastian On Jul 8, 2009, at 7:31 PM, Kevin Schuchmann wrote: > Sebastian, > unfortunately your describing a shorted transformer, unplug both az > and el cables and then see if > it still blows fuses, if it does the transformer has probably > shorted, and more bad news it also means > either the az or el motor is probably also shorted and gone. > > The Yaesu rotors have a bad track record for getting a cable snag or > a problem inside where a motor > jams and then overheats and shorts and then it takes out the > transformer... > > :-( > > Kevin WA6FWF ___ 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: IF you had a choice...
On Jul 16, 2009, at 12:32 PM, David - KG4ZLB wrote: > Hi Norman, > > This is a topic that surfaces every so often and is not an easy one to > answer. > > The reason I say "primarily" is that the TS exhibits a "birdie" > right in > the downlink frequency for SO-50 which renders use of that bird more > or > less impossible on that radio. Add AO-27 to that list! Also, and this is something that I will never understand why they failed to do this; the 2000 can't send 12 volts up the coax line for preamps, the 910H can. While there are other methods of supplying voltage to preamps, it's nice to have it built in. 73 de W4AS Sebastian ___ 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: New satellite rigs?
Simon please buy a used IC-910H, that way you can fix the Satellite Module! I'm sure you can re-sell it for about the same you pay, maybe more. I personally doubt that Icom will replace the 910H any time soon. That rig, given it's price tag and being only for 2m/440/1.2, must not sell very well. I would think Icom should be working on an enhanced IC-718, which is an excellent HF rig at an extremely attractive price range. If they added a few things to a similar rig, at a similar price I'm sure it would sell very well. I'm 50 myself, and my kids better not be counting on much when I go (I plan to enjoy myself as much as possible), but I personally can't see myself spending $10,000 on some of the rigs out there. I think we need more inexpensive rigs so that the few new young hams can get into the hobby. Without young blood, we are doomed. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Aug 7, 2009, at 4:32 AM, Simon (HB9DRV) wrote: > - Original Message - > From: "STeve Andre'" >> >> I'd like to think that Icom will come out with other radios, but >> given >> the current economy, will they do that, I wonder. >> > > Look at the price of the IC-7600 - and that's selling well, as is the > IC-7700. > > There's plenty of money for radios - so many Hams are over 50, > children have > fled the next, so these Hams are spending their childrens' > inheritance. I > would like a good UHF-SHF radio, don't want to buy the IC-910H as I > am sure > it'll be replaced the day after I buy it. > > For now I use the TS-2000... > > Simon Brown, HB9DRV > www.ham-radio-deluxe.com ___ 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: satellite WAS #309
Hi Patrick, first like the others, I would like to thank you for helping me out tremendously in achieving VUCC on satellites, even though I still haven't contacted a card checker to actually get the award. For me though, the way things are, it looks like I'll be able to work the 49 states, but Hawaii is impossible at this time due to my location in south Florida. One thing that concerns me is what in the world do you plan to do when you retire? I don't know your age, but at this rate, I think you will have seen just about every grid in the states. I think you once told me you knew another language or two, other than Spanish - you might have to learn Chinese so you can retire over there. After all, they have a huge country, and a lot of grids! I'm still waiting to get back on the birds once Yaesu tells me what's wrong with my rotors. It's gone back and forth from Florida to California several times already. Counting the distance of the satellite contacts, and the distance the post office has taken that thing from coast to coast, could be a new record - someone should create the 'MMR Award", most miles rotor award. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Aug 11, 2009, at 1:37 AM, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: > Hi! > > After over 3 1/2 years working the satellites, getting on the > air for around 6000 satellite QSOs followed by requesting QSL ___ 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: TS2000 Bird
Unfortunately, no. Kenwood even admits this by mentioning it in the rig's manual. 73 de W4AS Sebastian On Sep 9, 2009, at 2:43 AM, Danny Casier wrote: > He om's; > > > > Is there a mod or fix to remove that bad bird on 436800 on my TS2000? > > > > 73 > > Dan > > ON5UE ___ 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: XW-1 QSO and packet attempt
I think Drew (KO4MA) and I had the pleasure of completing the first QSO on the FM repeater of XW-1 tonight from North America. Signals were extremely strong, yet unfortunately very few stations were heard on the downlink. Just seconds after Drew and I chatted, we heard/worked Jay (AA4FL), Rick (WA4NVM) and John (K8YSE). Luc (VE2DWE) has some magic in his antennas, as I consistently heard him pretty much all through the pass. I heard Drew mention that perhaps due to the PL tone and the large number of stations trying to use the repeater, very few stations were able to make a QSO. The satellite rose from the south, and since I'm probably the southernmost USA fixed station active on the birds, I had the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time I guess. All in all, XW-1 is a great addition to the ever growing fleet of ham radio satellites, and I offer my thanks to all the hams in China who made it possible. 73 de W4AS, EL95 Sebastian On Dec 20, 2009, at 9:36 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > I was happy to make a QSO on the FM repeater of XW-1 tonight during the > 0210utc 21 Dec 2009 pass, and tried some packet too. > > Signals were S9 or better (didn't really look carefully). Audio was loud and > clear on all stations I heard. > > I was able to get connected to the BBS, but unable to upload a small file. A > directory request was given a -2 error a few times, too. So, it will take > some tweaking, but it's working! > > Bravo, > > Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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: SSB
Tony Parks (KB9YIG) who makes the SoftRocks, on occasion has a 2 meter receiver kit for approximately $50 or so. Since it's an SDR, you are only limited by software as to the modes it covers. I think if we email him enough, he'll start to make them available again. The only 70cm kit that I know of, is the UHFSDR (WB6DHW) which just recently started to become available. Another alternative is the Fun Cube Dongle. Although not a kit, it's an SDR with coverage from roughly 50 Mhz to 2 Ghz. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Mar 5, 2011, at 11:43 AM, Kevin Deane wrote: > Goes to show it can be done. Roger I think said something about a > downconverter, I do have an old 10-meter maybe that will work. Still would > like to make a 2-meter and a 70cm SSB radio probly have to be two kits. > > Still searching I have sent like 20 e-mails to kit stores we shall see. > > Any more ideas would be great! Did I curb the sarcastic remarks? Oh that was > one wasnt it...LOL > > Kevin ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ND9M/MM Op Sked: FL08 Update
Didn't see this here yet, so forwarding just in case. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS Begin forwarded message: > From: "Clary, James T, Civilian" > Date: March 29, 2011 8:39:47 AM EDT > To: > Subject: ND9M/MM Op Sked: FL08 Update > > My ship kicked into high gear overnight and is much farther along than our > voyage plan called for. We’re crossing into FL08 in a few minutes instead of > later this afternoon. I’ll try to be on SO67 at 29/1311Z and whatever > pass(es) occur while we’re in the grid. We won’t be in the grid all that > long, so hopefully I won’t get called out for an assignment at pass time. > > 73, > > Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: ND9M/MM Sat Ops: QRT ... for now!
I'm sure most on here don't know that Jim was also supplying many non-satellite hams with very rare grids on both 2 meters and 70 cm as his ship left the western tip of Cuba, all the way to Jacksonville Florida. NZ5N and I emailed Jim a few days ago, to see if he would be willing to spend even more time holding his antenna outside and talking into his mike when he wasn't working the satellites. He replied saying he would be very happy to. Jim would send us periodic emails listing the time and grid he would be at, and we agreed to use 144.230 on 2 meter SSB. The 144 MHz propagation logger was also used to notify hams in the area, including N3LL near Tampa Florida to the west, C6ANX in the Bahamas to the east, and several others near Jacksonville and perhaps above. We also had various opportunities to chew the rag with Jim. And yes, there were pileups! The antenna Jim uses (an Elk I believe) was simply amazing. On 2 meters, to the south I worked him at a distance of 151 miles, and to the north a distance of 204 miles. On 432 my distances were a lot less, but thats because I presently only have my circularly polarized satellite antenna that is just 12 feet off the ground. These contacts were made on 'normal days' with 'normal conditions', no tropospheric ducting was involved. Other than the grids being rare, it's a rare opportunity to find such a kind and patient person. Thanks Jim! 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Mar 29, 2011, at 10:31 PM, Glenn AA5PK wrote: > On Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 8:28 PM, Clary, James T, Civilian wrote: > >> Tks for helping to make the two-month voyage a memorable one! > > Jim, > > We all owe you a big thanks for sacrificing your sleep to active those rare > wet grids in the wee hours. > > I logged 48 new grids thanks to you. It could have been more if I hadn't had > to be at work during a number of your > operations. > > 73 and let your vacation time begin! > > Glenn AA5PK in DM91 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Logs/Grids
An updated version (2893) was released a few days ago, and now does LoTW upload and download. There has also been an awards function for some time now, which can be tailored for just about any award you'd like, including, but not limited to grids. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Apr 2, 2011, at 6:43 PM, Jeremy Bomkamp wrote: > the HRD logger program can be used to automatically update eQSL, QRZ, > hrdlog.net. And if you download HRD utilities, uploads to LoTW are a lot > easier and will update your log as to who has returned a QSL through eQSL or > LoTW. The HRD utilities can be downloaded at http://wd5eae.org/Software.html > Or if you just want to keep track of what grids you have worked or confirmed: > http://www.papays.com/sat/gridmaps/gridmaps.html and download the GCMWIN > program from the link ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: UT1FG/MM QSL confirmation
I've received a number of QSL's from Yuri, all via the buro. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Apr 13, 2011, at 9:08 PM, Omar Alvarez wrote: > Hello > Anyone can tell me if Yuri UT1FG/MM wrote about the way to confirm his QSOs? > thnak you > > Omar > XE1AO > DK89df ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Icom D-Star
Never heard of WSJT? Amateurs who are serious about weak signal work have been using that for years, for both terrestrial communications, and moonbounce on VHF and above. And it's also being used quite often now on HF. 10 meters is good example. When propagation doesn't allow for SSB, you'll find signals on 28.076. Those signals won't appear on a scanner, HT or spectrum analyser; but chances are that someone is using the band(s). 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Apr 24, 2011, at 2:01 PM, Art McBride wrote: > Amateur Radio weak Signal work and contesting most likely will remain with > the basic modulation systems. High Power density digital modulation signals > do not work well when there are weak or multiple signals present. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Alan Shepard, First American in Space
I think it's a shame we don't have an Astronauts Day to observe in the US. So many gave so much to this effort. I suggested this to the governor of my state years ago, and I never received a reply. So strange considering Florida is where all of the US manned flights have originated from. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On May 4, 2011, at 12:16 PM, John Papay wrote: > Tomorrow, May 5th, we as Americans will celebrate the > Anniversary of Alan Shepard's flight into space 50 years > ago. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: LU or other DX on HO-68
That was LU5BOJ/O from FG75 whom I worked at 01:52 UTC. We worked briefly as he was about to lose the bird. Not sure why he used the portable designation. It was O for Oscar as per his phonetics, and not a zero. Perhaps it's required in his country while working through a satellite? It's interesting that his first name is Oscar. That's the first station I have heard from Argentina on any of the birds. 73 de W4AS Sebastian, EL95 On Dec 28, 2009, at 10:34 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > Hi All, > Last night I thought I heard a LU5OJ? on HO-68 right after AOS. If you > know who this might have been, please let me know. I'm also interested > in schedules for SSB QSOs with new stations/grids/countries, especially > those stretching the footprint on HO-68, during linear transponder passes. > > 73, Drew KO4MA EL88pg ___ 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: This amateur has had enough of amsat-bb...
It's ironic that someone complains on the internet, about using the internet, instead of radio! 73 de W4AS >>> Only serious business instead of amateur stuff... Again amateur radio >> apparatus is left on the extreme right lane and probably soon in the >>> ditch if the ISS amateur radio apparatus is not put back in service >> soon! ___ 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] Looking for 440 preamp
I'm looking for a used but good 440 preamp, one that can handle at least 50 watts or so. Please reply off list with make, model, etc. 73 de W4AS ___ 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: Anybody use a Soft66ADD SDR?
Robert, this looks like an interesting little device. I have an SDR-IQ which is great, but expensive compared to this one. I looked at the kit, and when I saw surface mount ICs, I said no way. Most people don't have the equipment, eyesight or steady hands to solder a surface mount IC. Maybe those parts are already soldered in the kit, I really couldn't tell from the web site. You mention that you haven't been able to get yours to work. What exactly do you mean; can the software at least see the receiver and control it (change frequencies etc.)? Please let us know once you get it working. 73 de W4AS On Feb 10, 2010, at 4:24 PM, Robert Liesenfeld wrote: > Hi Mark- > > I'm the friend Owen refers to; I just built a Soft66ADI. I keep meaning to > do a blog post about it, but I'll summarize here. > > I really liked the form factor of the Soft66; the software-selectable BPFs > and the fact that the control software is open source really sealed the deal > for me. I ordered the unassembled kit, with the aluminum enclosure for > which it was intended. ___ 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: Thanks to the travelers
It amazes me how these guys schedule and/or stop a trip to work the birds just for us. 73 de W4AS On Feb 18, 2010, at 4:54 PM, Tim - N3TL wrote: > Thanks to Jim, ND9M, and Patrick, WD9WEK, for taking the time and making the > effort to activate so many grid for satellite operators. Many of the grids > they've worked passes from are fairly rare. ___ 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: Wish List, The Ideal VHF/UHF Sat Rig
I ordered a cheap 6 meter SDR (about $20) to dedicate with a netbook to monitor the beacon portion of 6 meters. 73 de W4AS (who wants to daisy chain a Flex 1500 with a couple of DEMI transverters) > Many serious 6m ops listen to utilities below 50Mhz to tell when the > banding is close to opening. > > 73, Drew KO4MA (Who'd settle for a full duplex FT-817) ___ 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: Devices in Icom preamps AG-25 AG-35
FYI my browser (Firefox) warned me that link was 'untrusted'. Simply by removing the 's' in https, fixed that issue. I'm expecting an AG-25 tomorrow, so if anyone has a need, I'll open it up and take some hi-resolution pictures of it. I'm still also looking for similar information for a Mirage KP-2 440 preamp. 73 de W4AS On Mar 18, 2010, at 1:38 PM, George Henry wrote: > Going back in the archives, I found a message that said the AG-25 also uses > the 3SK121Y. Thru Google, I also found a site which talked about replacing > the device with a 3SK183 > https://www.stu2.net/wiki/index.php?title=Satellites&printable=yes. > > > > > George, KA3HSW > > > > - Original Message >> From: Mark L. Hammond >> To: George Henry >> Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org >> Sent: Thu, March 18, 2010 5:44:13 AM >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Devices in Icom preamps AG-25 AG-35 >> >> Hi George, > > Thanks for the tips. We had a measured 12V at the connector >> attaching > to the preamps and the menus were correct, so every thing >> indicates > something was amiss on the preamp-hardware side. > > I hope my >> colleague can get his preamps in working order. > > Does anybody have the >> device information for the AG-25 units? > > Thanks! > > Mark >> N8MH ___ 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: logging Sat contacts...??
I would recommend that you don't have HRD automatically upload to eQSL, as when you log satellite contacts, the propagation mode is blank unless you select it prior to saving the contact. I upload them occasionally, after I have set the propagation mode. Also, LoTW doesn't support VUCC. 73 de W4AS On Mar 27, 2010, at 1:07 PM, K7TRK wrote: > I recently received the following comment from a contact that I made: > > "Hello Ted, > > eQSL does not provide the option to enter separate transmit and receive > frequencies/bands for cases where a station is operating cross-band such as > with satellite, so the transmit frequency should be used to select the QSO > band. > > eQSL does provide the user the option to enter a "SAT band" (ie. SAT J, SAT > B, etc...) instead of choosing the band directly, this automatically picks > the correct band for the user and is based on the uplink frequency (transmit > frequency). The eQSL ADIF import specification found at URL > http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/ADIFContentSpecs.cfm clearly shows that Mode J > (V/U) Satellite translates to the 2m band (the "uplink" frequency), and Mode > B (U/V) Satellite translates to 70cm, etc... proving that the transmit > frequency should be used to select the QSO band. > > It is a common eQSL mistake to enter the wrong band for satellite contacts > (and also to enter incorrect mode ie. "FM" instead of "FM (SAT).)" Many do > not pay attention to the details and just accept eQSL's they receive based on > callsign, date, and time without thinking about the band or mode that applies > to a specific contact." > > I am curious as to what difference it makes whether the contact is logged as > TX or RX. I have a TS2000 and HRD picks up the log info from the main VFO I > believe, which is going to be the RX side. The info is then sent to logbook > and automatically uploaded to eQSL. I'm not to concerned whether or not eQSL > figures it out, but I would like LoTW to be correct and cards for VUDXX. > > so does it matter?? > > Thanks, Ted ___ 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: Yaesu FT-847 vs. Kenwood TS-2000?
Having owned both of them, here are my personal observations: TS-2000 can't send 12 volts via the coax line for preamps; TS-2000 has double the power on 2 meters; TS-2000 is available with 1.2 GHz; FT-847 doesn't have VOX; FT-847 has been discontinued for several years, can be difficult to find in the used market, and replacement parts in the near future may be difficult to find. I still own the 2000, but regret getting rid of the 847. 73 de W4AS On Apr 13, 2010, at 12:41 PM, Bill Dzurilla wrote: > Any thoughts on the pros and cons of each of these rigs, particularly for > satellite work? The used price for each is about the same, maybe a little > higher for a fairly new TS-2000. I am aware of the TS-2000 birdie issue. > > 73, Bill NZ5N ___ 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: FW: Re: AO-7 is not OK
AO-7 is definitely having problems. On the last pass at 00:00 4/15/2010, I worked a few stations. The bird was very busy, lots of signals. My downlink was very strong, above normal, even after lowering my power down almost all the way on my 910H. I heard heavy distortion on my downlink. This was a very high pass for me, about 60 degrees. Leo, W7JPI also confirmed the distortion problem (not just on my signal). He mentioned that had been happening all day. I heard a couple of stations using CW, which also sounded pretty bad. Signals were up and down. Sometimes very strong, sometimes they seemed to disappear. Once the bird was out of eclipse, the signals were almost normal, but not for the entire pass. I also worked W7LRD for a few seconds at 5 degrees. 73 de W4AS On Apr 14, 2010, at 6:43 PM, ps8rf Piraja wrote: > I am convinced that the AO-7 is not in Mode C and would make an appeal to all > users of the "Grand Old Girl" using only QRP until your ready reestablishment. > > Thank you all for answers and guidance. > > 73' > > Piraja, PS8RF ___ 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: Arecibo
I can hear very faint CW from them. I'm surprised as I have just a single yagi, and apparently their amp isn't working. 73 de W4AS On Apr 16, 2010, at 1:20 PM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > Just copied somebody on CW! > > N8MH ___ 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: Arecibo--MUCH louder today!
Today on my single M2 antenna, many times they are Q5. Their amp has made a difference from yesterday when they were outputting only about 30 watts or so. For those who want to hear them live from a real antenna (25 meter dish!), check out this link: http://websdr.camras.nl:8901/ Move the frequency slider to about 432.044 and they are 20dB over S9! Maybe one day, maybe one day. Hmm, do I have enough room in my yard for a 25 meter dish? Also, I hear them much better on RHCP. And I got my money's worth on my receive preamp. Without the preamp I can't hear a thing. 73 de W4AS ___ 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: Arecibo on 432 MHz Moon Bounce (some calculations)
There is also the group of Virtucons who use gagillion, fafillion, shabolubalu million illion yillion, when describing lasers. I believe this was first described in a movie with Mr. Myers. 73 de W4AS On Apr 22, 2010, at 5:31 PM, Mark Hammond N8MH wrote: > I think we should all use hexidecimal. Or binary :) > > Mark N8MH > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile > > -Original Message- > From: "i8cvs" > Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:12:16 > To: Sil - ZL2CIA; Idle-Tyme > Cc: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arecibo on 432 MHz Moon Bounce (some calculations) > > - Original Message - > From: "Sil - ZL2CIA" > To: "Idle-Tyme" > Cc: "i8cvs" ; "AMSAT-BB" > Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 8:14 PM > Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Arecibo on 432 MHz Moon Bounce (some > calculations) > >> In the Netherlands (and most of Europe), you would write one thousand >> million watts as 1.000 megawatts. >> >> The decimal indicator in Europe is a comma. >> For example, >> 1,5 means one and a half >> 1.000.000 means one million. ___ 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
The issue is not the USB to serial converter, the radio, or the brand of the converter. The real issue is the software driver support for the operating system being used. 73 de W4AS On May 5, 2010, at 4:09 AM, Frank Woolfe wrote: > Is anyone using a USB to Serial converter successfully to control a FT847?? ___ 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: Icom 9100
I sold my IC-910H recently, as I had thoughts about going with the 9100. But at that price, I can't justify it. I agree that the Flex 5000 is probably a much better radio (since we don't yet know all the technical details on the 9100). However the cost of the V/U module for the Flex is about as much as you would pay for a brand new TS-2000. Sure the Flex offers more, but let's face it, with the current birds in orbit, it's overkill for the average ham who makes occasional satellite contacts. Perhaps others such as DEMI, will see this as an opportunity and come up with alternatives? 73 de W4AS On May 15, 2010, at 9:43 PM, Michael Tondee wrote: > I guess once I put the upcoming V/U module in my Flex 5000 I'll have > that amount of money in it but I won't have had to spend it all at once > and IMHO I'll have a markedly better radio. Also one that isn't outdated > a day after I walk out of the store with it. > I'm just not a big fan of Icom's anyway so I guess I'm pretty biased. > 73, > Michael, W4HIJ > > On 5/15/2010 7:22 PM, Mik Forsythe wrote: >> Just left Dayton a few hours ago. Icom said that it is basically a 7600 and >> a 910. It is bigger than the 910. It was in a display case so I can't tell >> you what the feel was like of the weight. Price is in the $4,000.00 range >> so that will kill a lot of the satellite market if you ask me. ___ 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: 9100
I agree with you. Yes there is a $300 difference, and thats why I said it was "about as much". For me, $300 is $300, I was just saying the prices were similar; as opposed to the huge price difference between the TS-2000 and the IC-9100. But again we don't have the technical specifications of the 9100. You and I are probably not the "average ham". I spend a considerable amount of time on the air, whether it be on the birds, on 6 meters, or chasing DX. I too am seriously considering the Flex 5000 as it does appear to be, overall, the best HF/6 meter radio in the ham radio market today. I have to consider whether my current HF setup of a Yaesu FT-950, along with the RFSPACE SDR-IQ used as a pan adaptor, is dramatically inferior to the Flex 5000. I would appreciate thoughts about this (via direct email) from someone such as yourself, or others who own the Flex. What I am on the fence about, is spending that much money in a module that will give me access to the existing fleet of ham radio satellites. Perhaps one day I'll revive my interest in weak signal VHF/UHF capabilities, but not at this time. For me it looks like making an investment in the Flex purely for HF work, is looking like it's the direction I may go to; and later on, decide on the direction of the world above 50 Mhz. Which is why I believe that we could very well have options in the future, other than the Flex module. And for now, my TS-2000 works great for me on the birds, but don't get me started about 436.795! 73 de W4AS On May 16, 2010, at 5:46 PM, Michael Tondee wrote: > I guess "about as much" is relative. Right now, based on sale prices, > there is right at $300 difference in the Flex V/U module and a TS-2000. > I don';t know about you but $300 is a decent chunk of change to me. > Besides that, we are comparing apples to oranges. The V/U module with > take advantage of all of the advantages that the Flex has over the > TS-2000 to start with. Not only will it be satellite capable, it will > also make the Flex 5000 a hot contender for other VHF/UHF weak signal > work. I've owned a TS-2000X before and while I thought it was a fine all > around general purpose rig, I never disillusioned myself into thinking > that it was anything more. From everything I've seen of the Flex it is > much more and will continue to evolve into much more given time. > I've owned my Flex 5000A a little over a month and I don't want any > other radio, satellite or otherwise cluttering up my operating desk. It > might take me awhile to afford to put the V/U module in my rig and I may > have lots more money in things than any other rig I've owned when I do > but IMO it will be worth it. > 73, > Michael, W4HIJ > On 5/16/2010 2:59 PM, Sebastian wrote: >> I sold my IC-910H recently, as I had thoughts about going with the >> 9100. But at that price, I can't justify it. >> >> I agree that the Flex 5000 is probably a much better radio (since we >> don't yet know all the technical details on the 9100). However the >> cost of the V/U module for the Flex is about as much as you would pay >> for a brand new TS-2000. Sure the Flex offers more, but let's face >> it, with the current birds in orbit, it's overkill for the average ham >> who makes occasional satellite contacts. ___ 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] 440 MM Preamp wanted
Anyone have a good used 440 mast mounted preamp they would like to sell? Needs to handle a minimum of 50 watts output. Ability to accept 12 volts from the coax line is preferred but not necessary. Please reply direct. 73 de W4AS ___ 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: SO-50
SO-50 is generally quiet during the day for a few reasons. Many people are at work, and it's also a weak bird that is not as easy to hear as AO-51. It also requires a PL to turn it on if it's off, and then another PL to use it. Also many satellite enthusiasts use the TS-2000 which has a birdie on the downlink which can make it difficult, if not impossible to hear. But it's a great bird with excellent audio. 73 de W4AS On Aug 26, 2010, at 1:06 PM, Ng, Peter wrote: > I was also surprised at how quiet SO-50 was during my initial attempts. I > thought there something wrong with my setup. I find the traffic on SO-50 is > very light. Don't know why...could be the time of day (or night in my case). > I had great help from KC2WQW and W6ZKH. Regardless of anyone else being on, > when you can hear myself on the downlink, you know you're getting through. > have fun! > > 73's Peter VE7NGP > >> That's true but you would think there would be others on the bird. >> >> 73 Matt >> W5LL >>> ... >>> Did you transmit the ON tone? SO-50 is set up so you have to turn it on by >>> ... >>> Rick Tejera ___ 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: New Satellite Downlink?
Absolutely! 73 de W4AS On Aug 27, 2010, at 7:28 PM, George Henry wrote: > Question: since there is no amateur radio allocation at 149.985, "we" > (hams) would be asking the Navy, to whom the downlink frequency is > allocated, to transmit one-way amateur communications thru this satellite, > correct? > > Doesn't anyone else see potential legal problems involved here? > > > George, KA3HSW ___ 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: Gitmo
KG4JR, Jordan was just on HO-68, worked him on FM, great signal from a handheld. He also worked a couple of other stations. Once the bird had only the extreme south of the US in the footprint, I was able to chat with him for a few minutes. He's a subcontractor for the military, and will be there only through the weekend. He also tried AO-27 but wasn't able to hear his signal; but he was successful on AO-51. He uses eQSL, and you can also send him a card direct to his home call. Keep an eye out for my friend Mike, C6ANX who should be on very soon from the Bahamas (FL15). 73, Sebastian W4AS On Sep 15, 2010, at 6:31 PM, gar...@aol.com wrote: > > Jordan KJ4TLB will be on the FM sats from Gitmo. Believe its a short trip > and > not sure of the call. > Gary K4MF ___ 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] #200 VUCC
I guess that waiting around a couple of years or so to finally submit my cards for satellite VUCC paid off. I know there was some talk about this some time ago, as to who would get number 200. Well, the mailman came and that's the number on mine! Seems strange considering almost all the contacts on the FM birds are a grid exchange; guess many are either not collecting the 100 cards, or aren't submitting them. Having amateur satellites available for almost 40 years, and only 200 satellite VUCC awards, WOW. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ 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: LHCP or RHCP?
Tom, if you go with just RHCP you should be ok. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Oct 5, 2010, at 7:23 PM, Tom wrote: > On the premise that the only dumb question is the one that goes unasked, > here goes. > > If I'm building an antenna of circular polarization for use with the birds > what determines if it should be LHCP or RHCP? I've read the ARRL Satellite > Handbook and "sort of" searched the AMSAT-BB archives but found nothing > about this question. > > Thanks. > Tom - K0TW ___ 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] LoTW VUCC
A bit late for me, but here is what the ARRL LoTW page says today: "Dec 22, 2010: VUCC Award Support Testing -- VUCC support is being installed and tested. When this upgrade is implemented, amateurs can use LoTW to apply for awards based on Maidenhead grid squares, such as VUCC and the Fred Fish Memorial Award." 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ 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 Advice for SDR choice
For someone who already owns an Icom R-7000, a $20 Softrock kit with the appropriate crystal for 10.7 MHz, connected to the IF output and a good sound card, will be able to display a 96 kHz bandwidth. The Softrock in this case would basically be a slave to the R-7000, whatever mode or frequency the R-7000 can use, the Softrock would display on a monitor and output the audio. A very inexpensive, yet very desirable addition to a station. There will soon (in a matter of weeks) be a UHFSDR available, which is a low power TRANSCEIVER, at about the same price as the FCD, however that won't be as simple as a plug and play USB device. There is also a $74 Softrock HF 1 watt transceiver available; I have one on my bench which will be my next project. And there are also inexpensive (under $100) kits for amplifiers with around 20 watts output available from TAPR. Using these inexpensive devices, along with free software such as SDR-Radio (by the same author of Ham Radio Deluxe) is an eye opening experience when compared with many of today's expensive HF rigs. There are also 'beta' Softrocks that cover up to 144 MHz. The near future certainly holds a lot of promise for even better inexpensive SDR transceivers. The FCD looks like a great deal, and I plan to order one when they become available again. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jan 4, 2011, at 7:21 AM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > I think the most significant difference between the FCD and the Softrocks is > FREQUENCY, isn't it? Are there Softrocks that will do 64-1700 MHz? > > I don't remember for sure, but I thought the Softrocks are good only up to 30 > or 50 MHz. The FCD is from 60-ish to 1.7GHz. That makes them apples to > oranges in comparison. > > So, if I have this right, I would need a Softrock and what---two or three > downconverters?--to cover just 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm. Oh, add a sound card. > That's more than the cost of a FCD shipped to the US... > > If you're using an IF of a receiver, you need the receiver!! and the > Softrock. And a sound card. > > I have three Softrock kits sitting on the bench right now, for those exact > reasons above. The FCD is a one piece, plug and play solution for the bands > I wanted to work (VHF, UHF). There really isn't a better option, far as I > can tell... > > 73, > > Mark N8MH > > > > > > At 05:19 AM 1/4/2011 +, you wrote: >> He could go with a 10.7 MHz fixed IF Softrock for about $30 (with the >> special crystal) instead of $175 for the FCD and maybe have a chance at >> getting one sooner than later if he really wanted to use it with the ICOM. >> >> A soundcard is needed for a softrock, but I have used a $50 USB one in the >> past from China no problem if he can't use the built in one (like on a >> laptop). >> >> Fred >> >> Jan 3, 2011 06:26:01 PM, amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org wrote: >> >> === >> >> >> >> >>> Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 14:26:55 -0700 >>> To: amsat-bb@amsat.org >>> From: vlfis...@mcn.net >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice >>> >>> At 06:25 PM 1/2/2011 -0500, marklhamm...@gmail.com wrote: >>> >>> I'm going to look into SDR. My Icom r-7100 has an IF out jack I could feed >>> into a unit. >>> >> >> That was my first thought too, but R-7000 receiver's IF is at 10.7 MHz and >> the FCD only goes down to 64 MHz. >> >> On the other hand, the R7000's tuning range isn't that different from the >> FCD, and I bet the FCD has better specs, so why bother with the receiver? >> >> Greg KO6TH ___ 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: VUCC QSO costs
Although I already have VUCC satellite (#200 wow!), for those that don't yet what happens when you have enough confirmed grids via both paper cards and LoTW? Will card checkers go to the trouble of looking at your LoTW account and compare them to the paper cards, or should the paper cards go to ARRL for credit towards VUCC? 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jan 22, 2011, at 3:44 PM, Jeff Yanko wrote: > Hi John and all, > >> From what I recall with the old VUCC application it was discouraged to send > cards to HQ and to use local card checkers for VUCC. With the new > application it seems like they will accept cards at HQ for VUCC but there is > a cost. However, it doesn't state what to do if you take them to a card > checker? On Thursday, I had sent an e-mail to Bill Moore, head of the > awards division at ARRL HQ, and haven't receive a reply back as of Saturday > morning. In any case, we'll find out sooner or later. > > > 73, > > Jeff WB3JFS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Rotor Interface Yaesu 5500
Love my LVB Tracker! But why does Amsat-NA only offer the LVB Tracker complete or bare board? Why don't they offer the same options as Amsat-UK (basic kit, full kit, etc.)? 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jan 22, 2011, at 11:14 AM, Mark L. Hammond wrote: > Hi Bill, > > You're going to love automated tracking... > > The current favorite in my shack is the LVB Tracker, available from just a > bare board to a completely assembled, plug/play box with backlit > LCD--assembled masterfully from one of AMSAT's own members--Mike, WB8CXO! > > http://www.amsat-na.com/store/category.php?c=Hardware > > AMSAT-UK sells a kit of all parts, too! Just visit their store online as > well... > > 73, > > Mark N8MH ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: [VHF] Re: Re: VUCC costs
Spark vs CW AM vs SSB Tubes vs Solid State Homebrew vs Appliance Operator FCC Office vs VECs Code vs No-Code EME CW vs WSJT QSL Cards vs LoTW Time marches on... 73 de Sebastian, W4AS > Personally, I'm disappointed that the ARRL has chosen to create this LotW > thing. It is aimed at ruining one of the classic enjoyments of ham radio. ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] FASTRAC Separation!
All, First of all I wanted to thank the HAM community all over the world for supporting our project, your support has been incredible and we really value. Today, after a few months of initial operations, we started one of the most exciting phases of our project by separating both of our girls so that they can compute on-orbit real-time relative navigation solutions while both of them are freely drifting from one another. We sent the command to separate them at 16:56:11 CDT and over the next few passes we will be checking to confirm their separation. We will continue to update the satellites' TLEs on our website ( http://fastrac.ae.utexas.edu/for_radio_operators/users/phpBB3/predictedorbit.php) if any of you are interested in tracking them. We really appreciate all of your help so far and we hope that we can continue to count on it. Thanks again, 73, Sebastian Munoz (KE5FKV) FASTRAC Student Program Manager -- Sebastian Muñoz Toro Graduate Research Assistant The University of Texas at Austin Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Satellite Design Laboratory email: sebastian_mu...@mail.utexas.edu phone: +1 (512) 471-5144 cell: +1 (512) 825-3857 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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
JT65B is what is commonly used on both 2 meters and 432 MHz, however many stations use CW as well. In the microwave bands, with a large station, SSB is possible. Search for the WSJT program and I'm sure you will find lots of information. The frequency range commonly used is the lower portion of the 2 meter band, below 144.200. Moon bounce with circularly polarized satellite antennas is not very easy as almost all EME stations use either horizontal or vertical polarization, so using circular polarity will add additional loss, although I have made a couple of 432 EME contacts with my M2 circularly polarized antenna and just 50 watts from my TS-2000. However those contacts were with some very big big-guns, but don't let that discourage you! 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jun 4, 2011, at 1:37 PM, 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
[amsat-bb] Re: I'm missing something
One thing that I like about the satellites is their predictability. I can look at my software, and know exactly when I have the ability to use my station to work into a particular part of the world. The HF bands haven't been in very good shape over the last few years, so it's nice to be able to work stations in other countries in a band such as 2 meters or 432 MHz, which the average ham would have no idea is full of signals. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jul 5, 2011, at 4:09 PM, Peter Portanova wrote: > John, > > What do I know, but the FM satellites in addition to providing grids and > awards have evolved into another type of social media, after making many > contacts and a few friends on the FM satellites, I continue to visit,in > spite of the crowds, to say a quick hello to Rick, Tim, Marc, Allen etc. not > as often, spending more time on the Linear satellites, which we all should > and can evolve to. A lot of us are interested in building our grid count, > or working a station in Mexico or Brazil or someone on a grid expedition. I > can fully appreciate others who cannot embrace any of this and are bored > with the congestion, so they move on. But for many of us, the thrill and > goose bumps we get working thru a satellite spinning in space never gets > old, so we accept the situation and feel that the positives outweigh the > negatives and plan for another pass. > > 73's Pete > WB2OQQ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ARISSat-1 Activated
Very low pass (about 7 degrees) for me at 0457 UTC. I heard the voice of a 'YL' saying the voltage, current, temperature etc. Didn't have a chance to hook up my FCD and record the pass. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ARISSat 0410z Aug 4
Just heard the "Hi this is ARISSat" message in English, and then in another language. Very deep fades using my M2 CP antenna (no preamp). The S meter on my FT-847 peaked at 40 dB over S9, but with rapid fades to zero and then back on the approach. Immediately after the other language message, the carrier shut off, only to come back at the end of the pass, where I heard what appeared to be SSTV, however I didn't record (again), and even if I had, most probably the picture wouldn't have been of much use due to the rapid fades. I was manually moving my antennas, but watching the azimuth and elevation of the ISS, and with the gain of my antenna, ARISSat at this time appears to still be following the ISS very closely. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS EL95 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] ARISSat-1 1400z Aug 4 SSB!
For this pass, I concentrated on the SSB transponder. For much of the pass, I heard only 'noise', however listening down from the transponder, I could clearly hear the CW beacon and BPSK; and listening up I could hear the FM voice announcements. As I listened to the SSB transponder, I thought I would give my call a few times. I did, but there were very rapid fades. I started to 'time' the fades, and when the noise level would build, I would give my call. Yes, I was able to hear myself. I wasn't able to correct the doppler due to the deep fades, but if I timed it correctly, I could hear myself between the fades. I also heard CW in the transponder which wasn't the beacon, but again, because of the fades, only letters could be copied. I wonder who it was that was calling, perhaps if that person is reading, I would like to know who it was. So...was ARISSat hearing me from the dummy load, or from the antenna connector? Perhaps when/if the spin subsides, we might be able to use the SSB transponder. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS EL95 ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Mirage preamps
Before I destroy these, is anyone using Mirage KP-2 mast mounted preamps with a Yaesu FT-847? I picked up a couple of them recently, and they came with the control box (which appears to be a bias tee) that supplies 12 volts via the coax line, in order to power them. The FT-847 can already supply 12 volts up the coax to mast mounted preamps; but I wonder if these Mirage preamps require the use of the control box for some reason. I would prefer to use the rig to power the preamps, but the manual doesn't mention that option. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: Mirage preamps
My thanks to everyone who has responded. 4 out of 4 say it's ok to use the 847 to power the preamp. I put up the 432 one today, but with the KP2 control box, just in case. But I will go ahead and remove the box, and let the 847 power it. One interesting response was to be careful if there is anything inline between the rig and preamp. Lightning protection, or even an SWR power meter, could affect the sending of voltage. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Aug 9, 2011, at 3:16 PM, Lowell White wrote: > Hi Sebastian, > > I'll be interested in knowing that also... thanks for asking. > I also have an FT-847 in my stable and have the KP2/2m on my "soon to acquire" > list. > > 73, > > Lowell > K9LDW > > > -- Original Message -- > Received: Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:34:22 AM CDT > From: "Sebastian, W4AS" > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] Mirage preamps > >> Before I destroy these, is anyone using Mirage KP-2 mast mounted preamps > with a Yaesu FT-847? >> >> I picked up a couple of them recently, and they came with the control box > (which appears to be a bias tee) that supplies 12 volts via the coax line, in > order to power them. >> >> The FT-847 can already supply 12 volts up the coax to mast mounted preamps; > but I wonder if these Mirage preamps require the use of the control box for > some reason. I would prefer to use the rig to power the preamps, but the > manual doesn't mention that option. >> >> 73 de Sebastian, W4AS >> >> >> >> ___ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] ARISSat transponder
At the 1850z pass, ARISSat passed at approximately 20 degrees for me. I hadn't tried the SSB transponder in a while, and decided to give it a go. Once I found my downlink, it was loud and clear throughout most of the past. Called CQ for several minutes, but no takers. Those who haven't tried it, really should. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: ARISSat transponder
At approximately 1800z today, I had a nice high elevation ARISSat pass, and again tried out the SSB transponder. I easily heard my uplink while calling CQ a few times. I was pleasantly surprised when Bob, K9OIM in EM56 answered me. The QSO was very brief, but exciting. I wonder if anyone is keeping a tally of contacts made using the ARISSat transponder? Or are there just too many to count? 73 de Sebastian, W4AS - EL95 On Aug 29, 2011, at 3:10 PM, Alan P. Biddle wrote: > Sebastian, > > I saw what must have been you in the transponder, but I was busy gathering > TLM. Thanks for the report! > > 73s, > > Alan > WA4SCA > > > > -Original Message- > From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On > Behalf Of Sebastian, W4AS > Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 2:05 PM > To: AMSAT-BB > Subject: [amsat-bb] ARISSat transponder > > At the 1850z pass, ARISSat passed at approximately 20 degrees for me. I > hadn't tried the SSB transponder in a while, and decided to give it a go. > Once I found my downlink, it was loud and clear throughout most of the past. > Called CQ for several minutes, but no takers. > > Those who haven't tried it, really should. > > 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] ARISSat-1
John K8YSE, thanks again for the QSO on ARISSat-1 today. They're not easy, but it can be done. That's my third on the bird. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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 pass at 22:06 UTC 2011-10-01
When I got back on the birds a few years ago, I was surprised as to the exchanges commonly made while a 'rare' grid was on. Here's the format commonly used when a 'rare' grid or country, etc. is on: "CQ W4AS Echo Lima 84" W4AS, W4AS this is W1ABC" "W1ABC this is W4AS in Echo Lima 84" Roger W4AS, thanks for Echo Lima 84, I'm in Fox Nancy 20 "QSL W1ABC in Fox Nancy 20, this is W4AS in Echo Lima 84" First, there is no reason why anyone should repeat the call sign of the station in the 'rare' grid during a pileup. And sending the grids phonetically over and over is a waste of time as well. The only grid that's important in the above exchange, is the 'rare' grid, the others aren't. Why don't we use a modified form of the exchanges that are commonly used on HF? "CQ W4AS Echo Lima 84" pileup "the station with ABC come again" W1ABC FN20 "W1ABC thanks, QRZ" pileup "W2ABC I have you, QRZ" pileup "W3ABC you're in the log; W4AS Echo Lima 84 QRZ" etc. These exchanges are common on HF. When the station in the 'rare' grid is on, they need to take control. If that person calls a particular station, and doesn't hear them, ask for a repeat and say you are only listening for that call sign. If that call sign isn't heard, then say "sorry no copy on ABC; QRZ". At no time should the 'rare' grid station acknowledge someone else when they are specifically calling a particular station; that just leads to chaos. Comments? 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Oct 2, 2011, at 11:48 AM, N0JY wrote: > > Being a "rare" grid (FL66) at the time everybody wanted to work, but a lot > more people got to work because everybody was courteous and waited for the > short QSO exchange to be completed. Even though my callsign VP9/N0JY/MM felt > like about a 10 second mouthful... :-) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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 pass at 22:06 UTC 2011-10-01
Good points Mike. I agree that not everyone on a satellite pass is interested in working the 'rare' grid. However if someone goes to the trouble of setting up a portable station for the benefit of others to grab a new grid, I think those users who aren't interested in chasing grids should standby while the others attempt to make contact with that station. After all, with the short pass on the LEO birds, there isn't much time to do anything else; unless you get on during the early morning hours, or during the middle of the day when the activity isn't as high as on the weekends and you can actually have a 10 minute QSO with someone. As far as the linear birds are concerned, I have a Yaesu FT-847 that's dedicated for satellites. It's interesting that most of the time I get on the satellites, is on the FM birds! Unfortunately, that's because most of the time I get on the linear birds, there's either no one on there, or perhaps just one other station. It's funny that many times when I do make a contact on a linear bird, the other station wants to just follow the FM procedure of exchanging grids, and not much else, even though they still have a lot of time left in the footprint. I personally like to chew the rag on a linear bird (and on HF), but that doesn't happen very often on the satellites. While we can all continue to hope for a HEO, and try to encourage those who do have the gear to get on the linear birds; the fact is the FM birds are a victim of their own success. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Oct 3, 2011, at 10:58 AM, Michael Schulz wrote: > Hi, > > While I do agree with the below, one thing we should keep in mind though is > that there's a difference > between a pile-up on HF and on an FM sat. Not everybody on the sat may be > actually interested in > working that particular station so we also have to give those some room (in > that 10 minute pass). On > HF the time it takes to work the pile-up is usually a lot longer than that. > > The other problem is that before the madness starts, there are always other > stations already working > contacts before the "rare grid" station comes into the footprint. > > Of course the best solution would be to get on the linear birds, we all win > the lottery so that we can launch > another Phase III sat or two and it would'nt be a problem anymore. (Ok, ok .. > just teasing). > > 73 Mike K5TRI ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: [Moon-net] MY FRIEND AL Lee WA4EWV SK
Passing along some sad news. Al was very active on satellites at one point, as well as meteor scatter, and EME. RIP my friend. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS Begin forwarded message: > From: serge > Subject: [Moon-net] Fw: MY FRIEND AL Lee WA4EWV SK > Date: October 3, 2011 11:02:15 AM EDT > To: moon-...@nsla.com, moon-...@mailman.pe1itr.com > > > - Original Message - > From: serge szpilfogel > To: Serge Szpilfogel > Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 2:45 PM > Subject: MY FRIEND AL Lee WA4EWV SK > > It is with great sadness that my good friend Al WA4EWV passed away September > 30th,2011 at a hospital in Tallahassee Florida, following a brief illness. > Those who knew Al will remember his quick smile, kind nature & truly > wonderful sense of humour. I met Al & Bettie while wintering in Florida.Al > was very interested in satellite work & EME putting together a very nice > station.He loved chasing new countries. > Al was a captain for Delta airline & flew a 767-ER from Atlanta to Frankfurt > & back every week.As he flew over Nova Scotia & Newfoundland every week He > said to me when I retire I will visit Atlantic Canada instead of flying over > it all the time. So he did & that is when I met Al & Bettie. > Al had a brilliant mind when it came to computers & often helped me with > problems I could not resolved. > Al was a great friend & a devoted husband to Bettie & an equally devoted > Father to his three children. > He was taken far too soon, & too suddenly. I will miss you, we will miss you. > Rest in Peace my dear friend > Serge VE1KG ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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] Please help us Track the FASTRAC satellites once they are launched Nov. 19th!!
Dear members of the University Nanosat, Cubesat, and Amateur Radio communities, As many of you may know, the FASTRAC satellites built by students at UT-Austin will be launched as part of the STP-S26 mission this upcoming Friday Nov 19th (around 4:30 pm AST) from Kodiak, Alaska on board a Minotaur IV rocket. The satellites will be placed into a 650 km altitude, 72 degree inclination circular orbit. For those that don't know, the FASTRAC satellites are the winners of the University Nanosat-3 Competiton and their primary mission is to demonstrate enabling technologies for small satellites. The satellites have been designed the satellites so that amateur radio operators can track them all over the world and to do so the team has built a section on our website ( http://fastrac.ae.utexas.edu/for_radio_operators/overview.php) that allows any amateur radio operator to upload data they receive from the satellites. This serves two purposes which are that the website will parse and graphically interpret the data received and also allows the team to collect data from all over the world. With this in mind we would like to invite you to track our satellites and register on our website. All of the information to track the satellites is available on the above website where we will be posting the most up to date TLEs as they become available as well as any other pertinent information. Also, we will be posting updates as the launch approaches on our website, our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fastracsats) and our Twitter page ( www.twitter.com/fastracsats) so make sure to chek them out. Thank you for your help. 73, Glenn Lightsey (KE5DDG) and Sebastián Muñoz (KE5FKV) FASTRAC Principal Investigator and FASTRAC Student Program Manager ___ 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] Please let us know if you have heard FASTRAC? Predicted TLEs
All, We are very excited about the launch tonight. The current TLEs that we have generated for FASTRAC from the separation vectors is as follows: 1 9U 10324.08102199 .0023 0-0 0-0 0 3 2 9 071.9826 139.9675 0023201 350.7962 235.9222 14.8003254912 If you hear any of the 1200 baud beacons on 437.345 MHz (FAST1) and 145.825 MHz (FAST2), please let us know (sebastian_mu...@mail.utexas.edu). The satellites should be beaconing every 3 minutes. Once we get more precise TLEs we will post them to the website. Thanks a lot for all your support, Sebastian -- Sebastian Muñoz Toro Graduate Research Assistant The University of Texas at Austin Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Satellite Design Laboratory email: sebastian_mu...@mail.utexas.edu phone: +1 (512) 471-5144 cell: +1 (512) 825-3857 ___ 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] FASTRAC Updates!
I want to thank everybody that has helped us track FASTRAC as we have gotten confirmation from multiple sources that they are both working beaconing and that the satellites are crosslinking. We were also able to hear a couple of beacons at our station this morning and will attempt to contact them again this afternoon on our next pass. Thanks a lot, 73, Sebastian (KE5FKV) FASTRAC Student Program Manager -- Sebastian Muñoz Toro Graduate Research Assistant The University of Texas at Austin Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Satellite Design Laboratory email: sebastian_mu...@mail.utexas.edu phone: +1 (512) 471-5144 cell: +1 (512) 825-3857 ___ 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] Updated TLEs to track FASTRAC!
All, Below are new TLEs to track the FASTRAC satellites, please let us know if you track them: FASTRAC 1 90025U 010324.91941279 +.00047321 +0-0 +66105-2 0 00053 2 90025 071.9688 138.3615 0022609 310.2956 049.6065 14.77203256000130 Thanks, 73, Sebastian (KE5FKV) FASTRAC Student Program Manager -- Sebastian Muñoz Toro Graduate Research Assistant The University of Texas at Austin Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Satellite Design Laboratory email: sebastian_mu...@mail.utexas.edu phone: +1 (512) 471-5144 cell: +1 (512) 825-3857 ___ 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] Updated TLEs to track FASTRAC, Nov 22, 2010!
All, Below are a new set of TLEs to track the FASTRAC satellites, please let us know if you track them as the previous ones were leading the satellites: FASTRAC 1 90025U 010326.13951925 +.0264 +0-0 +45941-4 0 00117 2 90025 071.9712 135.6738 0018042 303.2380 056.7051 14.76371385000304 Thanks, 73, Sebastian (KE5FKV) FASTRAC Student Program Manager -- Sebastian Muñoz Toro Graduate Research Assistant The University of Texas at Austin Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Satellite Design Laboratory email: sebastian_mu...@mail.utexas.edu phone: +1 (512) 471-5144 cell: +1 (512) 825-3857 ___ 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] FT-847 For Sale
First, no I'm not getting out of the hobby, or satellites for that matter, I'm just replacing the old, with the new. I have for sale my Yaesu FT-847 transceiver, it's one of the 'newer' models that works fine with computer assisted control. It also has the CW filter. I have the original box, manual and hand mike. The FIRM price is $925 shipped, CONUS. Contact me directly if you are interested and would like to see pictures. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: AO27 - Last Man Standing?
Unfortunately, no. The birdie wipes out the signal once it gets close to that frequency. Others have suggested using narrow FM, RIT, etc., but my TS2K with a good mast mounted preamp and M2 switchable polarization yagi antenna is no match for it. The easiest way to get around it, is to use one of the many inexpensive Chinese handhelds as the UHF receiver. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Nov 30, 2011, at 5:28 AM, wrote: > How strong is the birdie?...would not a nice 30dB gain preamp raise the > incoming signals and noise level above it? > > just a thought:) > > 73 > > Graham > G3VZV > > -Original Message- From: Ted > Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 11:10 PM > To: amsat...@wd9ewk.net ; amsat-bb@amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO27 - Last Man Standing? > > Thanks Patrick...I just realized why I was not trying it. The downlink is > right at my TS2000 birdie...oh well (as is AO27) ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of 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: QSL backs for roving satellite operators
Search for UX5UO and design your card with an empty spot for the grid. $48 for 1,000 cards with free shipping. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On Jan 26, 2012, at 12:08 PM, Clayton Coleman W5PFG wrote: > Has anyone designed a QSL card back for satellite operators who > operate a lot of rover? I am trying to trim cost and time associated > with multiple cards to QSL my rover contacts. In the past I have hand > written many /P cards and some image-based cards using photo printers, > but would like to order a better quality card with an image front and > QSO data on back. > > I'm looking for a QSL card back that has room for pertinent > information such as my rover grid, satellite, and the necessary items > to confirm a valid QSO for award purposes. The idea would be for the > card to support at least four QSO's. > > My question is -- has anyone designed such a card and are you willing > to share with me your image? Perhaps someone is a real graphics hound > and would like to help? > > Thank you & 73, > > Clayton > W5PFG ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: Orbitron Warning DO NOT UPDATE KEPS!!!!!
Hi, Seems, there was a temporary issue with celestrak data (source for stoff.pl). Seems that everything is working ok with latest update, what I believe will remain as standard. Best Regards, Sebastian Stoff / www.stoff.pl On Mon, May 7, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Floyd Rodgers wrote: > An update this morning resolved the empty files. I wonder if we will ever > hear what actually was the problem? > > ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
