[amsat-bb] Re: My First Satellite Contacts
To clarify, I was referring to contacts relayed via ISS either through the digipeater or the voice repeater. On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 3:44 PM, Justin Pinnix jus...@fuzzythinking.comwrote: On a related note, I saw a FAQ that indicated that LOTW does not accept ISS contacts. Is that still the case? Seems kinda strange. On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Ted k7trkra...@charter.net wrote: Ben, 1. if you use HRD Logbook, you need to input the satellite name and indicate 'propagation' as 'satellite' on that tab. Name must be exact name of sat including hyphen: AO-51 not ao51. Not doing this will not pick up the contact in LoTW. 2. Always use most current version of HRD. (I think HRD is the best overall CAT program as it blends all your needs into 1 program - others will disagree) and the price is right ! (there is a HRD Group on Yahoo Groups that is helpful or you can look in the HRD forums for an answer) 3. There is a LoTW tab in the current version of HRD Logbook. If you highlight an entry and click the LoTW tab it will prompt you through the process. If you have a log page open, you can hold the 'ctrl' key down and highlight multiple entries. Or you can export your log and upload the entire log each time. I have been uploading on a weekly basis, usually on a Monday (after a contest or weekend sat passes) 4. QSL cards are often a budget issue. My personal choice for best quality and the ability to work with you on your own design is RUSPRINT (Google it) Darryl will customize the back side of the card for sat contacts (look at the back of K8YSE's card for example of a layout) 5. It is customary to include SASE. Ask the other guy - look at his QRZ.com page). The frustration is that not all sat folks will return a card, even with a SASE, but that is part of the game . Now that LoTW has a VUCC, you could rely solely on that, but it may not happen in your lifetime depending on your age. Good hunting, Ted K7TRK -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Ben Napper Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 2:32 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] My First Satellite Contacts Wow! I've been grinning ear-to-ear for a little while now that I have my first satellite contacts completed. I find it astonishing that a hobby as mundane sounding as Amateur Radio can have any aspect of it that is as exhilarating as this experience has been. From the day I got my Tech ticket, I've wanted to work the birds, but, being a younger ham, life takes its turns. Thank you to my #1 - K8YSE, #2 - AC0RA, #3 - W7JPI, #4 - WA4NV, and #5 - K8TL. That said, I've learned a few things while lurking on here and the satellites. - Be patient. There's a lot of hams and only a few FM birds. (I'd love to get into the linear birds too, but I'd need congressional approval from the wife for the budgetary consideration required to make that a reality.) - Don't try to transmit on the bird's downlink frequency. No matter how hard you try, you will be doing a lot of talking to yourself. - Clean up the dog poo in the backyard. Now, some questions: I want to use Ham Radio Deluxe as my log (unless I hear of something that is much better) and I'm setup for LotW. How often should I upload to LotW? Are there any gotchas with logging satellite contacts? Best practices? Also, I want to (eventually) do paper QSL cards. If you do them, how do you usually handle them? Who do you recommend to use to get them made? Thanks, Ben Napper - KC0PCQ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: My First Satellite Contacts
At 03:34 PM 5/18/2011, Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote: Or look for the all-mode HF/VHF/UHF radios at swapmeets and online, and get a pair for your satellite station. There are radios out there that won't break the bank. Yes, more than a dual-band FM HT or mobile radio, but not a whole lot more. Even going back 15 years to a radio like an IC-706Mk2, you would have the option of computer control using software like SatPC32 or possibly HRD (among others). The old single band radios have now come down to reasonable prices. Another alternative is something like a FT-736 off eBay for a base station, which can be computer controlled. Software selection is limited, though there is an interface to make the FT-736 look like an FT-847 to software such as HRD. I have beta tested this interface myself and it works extremely well, and opens the 736 to a lot more radio control software. I haven't heard if/when it's going to be made available, but I hope it can be sold to 736 owners. I'm using a portable all-mode satellite station - normally two FT-817NDs, sometimes one FT-817ND with a Kenwood TH-F6A (TH-F7 outside the Americas - this HT has an all-mode receiver from HF up to 70cm), always with an Elk 2m/70cm log periodic. Other than the antenna and some accessories deemed unsafe for carry-on luggage on aircraft, my station fits in an old laptop bag and goes where I go. The 817s could be controlled by software, but I spin the big knob on each radio as I work stations instead of also setting up a computer to run the radios. You don't need a lot of power to work SSB, just as many work FM satellites with HTs. I have been using the FT-736 and an IC-7000 in tandem for the SSB birds. Unfortunately, in the shack, my antennas let me down (receive being the biggest issue), so I haven't been able to do any more than simply test. I'd need a setup like yours to go portable, which would be an interesting exercise without computer control (tuning and aiming an antenna at the same time :) ). Unfortunately, while I was tempted, I had to stop short of buying an FT-817ND, it's still on the wish list for portable work. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: My First Satellite Contacts
Ben, Congratulations and welcome to the kool-aid. You never forget your first satellite contact, mine was W6AJP 21 July @ 0100UT on AO-51. Your comments are spot on. What's the saying? We have two ears so we should listen twice as much as we talk. Like you, I'd love to get on the linear birds, but it's just not financially feasible right now. Someday I use both HRD and N3FPJ's Contact log. I also keep a paper log as well and Just recently set up for LotW. HRD is free and N3FPJ does ask for a $19 registration fee, But I tend to lean that way, $19 is not a big expense in my book and I like the way it work better. Hat being said I upload to LotW from HRD, because I've figured that part out first :). Try 'em both (N3FPJ has a 45 day free demo period) and go with what works best for you. Go here for information about LotW and Satellite logging: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/LoTW%2520Instructions/N5JB.pdf Again Welcome to the birds. Hope to work you soon. 73 Clear Skies Rick Tejera Saguaro Astronomy Club Phoenix, Arizona www.saguaroastro.org saguaroas...@cox.net K7TEJ, AMSAT 38452 -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Ben Napper Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 14:32 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] My First Satellite Contacts Wow! I've been grinning ear-to-ear for a little while now that I have my first satellite contacts completed. I find it astonishing that a hobby as mundane sounding as Amateur Radio can have any aspect of it that is as exhilarating as this experience has been. From the day I got my Tech ticket, I've wanted to work the birds, but, being a younger ham, life takes its turns. Thank you to my #1 - K8YSE, #2 - AC0RA, #3 - W7JPI, #4 - WA4NV, and #5 - K8TL. That said, I've learned a few things while lurking on here and the satellites. - Be patient. There's a lot of hams and only a few FM birds. (I'd love to get into the linear birds too, but I'd need congressional approval from the wife for the budgetary consideration required to make that a reality.) - Don't try to transmit on the bird's downlink frequency. No matter how hard you try, you will be doing a lot of talking to yourself. - Clean up the dog poo in the backyard. Now, some questions: I want to use Ham Radio Deluxe as my log (unless I hear of something that is much better) and I'm setup for LotW. How often should I upload to LotW? Are there any gotchas with logging satellite contacts? Best practices? Also, I want to (eventually) do paper QSL cards. If you do them, how do you usually handle them? Who do you recommend to use to get them made? Thanks, Ben Napper - KC0PCQ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: My First Satellite Contacts
I hear that comment about the linear satellites, costing a lot. For years I ran a couple of single band all mode transceivers. Probably 20 years old and you have to adjust for doppler correction with that big knob. However they work quite well and can be had for the cost of a bell and whistle hand held. Hamfests, ebay they're all over the place. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle - Original Message - From: Rick Tejera saguaroas...@cox.net To: Ben Napper ben.nap...@gmail.com, amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 9:19:09 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: My First Satellite Contacts Ben, Congratulations and welcome to the kool-aid. You never forget your first satellite contact, mine was W6AJP 21 July @ 0100UT on AO-51. Your comments are spot on. What's the saying? We have two ears so we should listen twice as much as we talk. Like you, I'd love to get on the linear birds, but it's just not financially feasible right now. Someday I use both HRD and N3FPJ's Contact log. I also keep a paper log as well and Just recently set up for LotW. HRD is free and N3FPJ does ask for a $19 registration fee, But I tend to lean that way, $19 is not a big expense in my book and I like the way it work better. Hat being said I upload to LotW from HRD, because I've figured that part out first :). Try 'em both (N3FPJ has a 45 day free demo period) and go with what works best for you. Go here for information about LotW and Satellite logging: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/LoTW%2520Instructions/N5JB.pdf Again Welcome to the birds. Hope to work you soon. 73 Clear Skies Rick Tejera Saguaro Astronomy Club Phoenix, Arizona www.saguaroastro.org saguaroas...@cox.net K7TEJ, AMSAT 38452 -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Ben Napper Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 14:32 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] My First Satellite Contacts Wow! I've been grinning ear-to-ear for a little while now that I have my first satellite contacts completed. I find it astonishing that a hobby as mundane sounding as Amateur Radio can have any aspect of it that is as exhilarating as this experience has been. From the day I got my Tech ticket, I've wanted to work the birds, but, being a younger ham, life takes its turns. Thank you to my #1 - K8YSE, #2 - AC0RA, #3 - W7JPI, #4 - WA4NV, and #5 - K8TL. That said, I've learned a few things while lurking on here and the satellites. - Be patient. There's a lot of hams and only a few FM birds. (I'd love to get into the linear birds too, but I'd need congressional approval from the wife for the budgetary consideration required to make that a reality.) - Don't try to transmit on the bird's downlink frequency. No matter how hard you try, you will be doing a lot of talking to yourself. - Clean up the dog poo in the backyard. Now, some questions: I want to use Ham Radio Deluxe as my log (unless I hear of something that is much better) and I'm setup for LotW. How often should I upload to LotW? Are there any gotchas with logging satellite contacts? Best practices? Also, I want to (eventually) do paper QSL cards. If you do them, how do you usually handle them? Who do you recommend to use to get them made? Thanks, Ben Napper - KC0PCQ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: My First Satellite Contacts
Hi! I hear that comment about the linear satellites, costing a lot. For years I ran a couple of single band all mode transceivers. Probably 20 years old and you have to adjust for doppler correction with that big knob. However they work quite well and can be had for the cost of a bell and whistle hand held. Hamfests, ebay they're all over the place. Or look for the all-mode HF/VHF/UHF radios at swapmeets and online, and get a pair for your satellite station. There are radios out there that won't break the bank. Yes, more than a dual-band FM HT or mobile radio, but not a whole lot more. Even going back 15 years to a radio like an IC-706Mk2, you would have the option of computer control using software like SatPC32 or possibly HRD (among others). I'm using a portable all-mode satellite station - normally two FT-817NDs, sometimes one FT-817ND with a Kenwood TH-F6A (TH-F7 outside the Americas - this HT has an all-mode receiver from HF up to 70cm), always with an Elk 2m/70cm log periodic. Other than the antenna and some accessories deemed unsafe for carry-on luggage on aircraft, my station fits in an old laptop bag and goes where I go. The 817s could be controlled by software, but I spin the big knob on each radio as I work stations instead of also setting up a computer to run the radios. You don't need a lot of power to work SSB, just as many work FM satellites with HTs. Good luck, and 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK (soon to be VK/WD9EWK) http://www.wd9ewk.net/ ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
