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CX2SA > SATDIG 04.10.09 04:27l 1146 Lines 42529 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Portable Tracking (Greg D.)
2. Re: Maxim-IC (Nick Pugh K5QXJ)
3. Understanding ITA (Wayne Estes)
4. GENSO First Public Release (Alan VE4YZ)
5. Arrow Diplexer loss + Arrow v Elk (KI6RRQ)
6. Arrow Antennas - Horrible Performers (Clint Bradford)
7. Re: Portable Tracking (Pughkeithd@xx.xxxx
8. Re: Understanding ITAR (Bill Ress)
9. Questions regarding WISP and operating satellite BBS
(Shamai "SAM" Opfer)
10. AO-51 (Tim - N3TL)
11. ANS-277 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins (Lee McLamb)
12. FW: OFF grid solar system (Thomas McGrane)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:10:48 -0700
From: "Greg D." <ko6th_greg@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Portable Tracking
To: <jbarkley@xxxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <BLU133-W255F0001EA93132F4E7F0AA9D10@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Ditto this recommendation. PocketSat+ is a very usable, compact, yet full
featured satellite tracking package. And the Palm is something you can
always have with you.
I recently graduated from my Palm-Vx to a Nokia N810, and found the Garnet
Virtual Machine, which builds a Palm inside my Nokia. So, I'm still a happy
PocketSat+ user (and now it's in color!).
Greg KO6TH
> From: ve4yz@xxx.xxx
> To: jbarkley@xxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:37:33 -0500
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Portable Tracking
>
> PocketSat freeware or PocketSat+ inexpensive registered and supposed to
> calculate faster
>
> http://www.bigfattail.com/software/pocketsatplus/
>
> On any old Palm that you can pick up for $5 at a flea market of get for free
> by asking. Millions of these PDA's are sitting in drawers unused because
> folks have graduated to smart phones, crack berries iphones etc.
>
> I use a Palm IIIxe black and white. Color would be nicer.
>
> You need Palm One Quick Install and a serial or IR port to update KEPS on
> the Palm from a PC.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
> Behalf Of joe barkley
> Sent: October 3, 2009 12:28 PM
> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Portable Tracking
>
> Hi All,
> I am looking for opinions and idea on a PDA or device and software or
> application I can take with me to show the satellite pass predictions when I
> travel.
> Thanks
> Joe
> KI4TZ
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 15:20:35 -0500
From: "Nick Pugh K5QXJ" <quadpugh@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Maxim-IC
To: <KC9MLN@xxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <015001ca4466$f76fc250$e64f46f0$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Go To the web site and ask for samples
nick
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Douglas Anoman
Sent: Saturday, October 03, 2009 9:52 AM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Maxim-IC
Hello All I hope everyone is doing great.
I need to know where i can get a max2633 chip without buying 2,500 of
them?
Thanks everyone for the help 73,
Thank You
Douglas Anoman
KC9MLN
KC9MLN@xxxxx.xxx
Amsat #37043
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:00:11 -0700
From: Wayne Estes <w9ae@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Understanding ITA
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4AC7BB5B.8080303@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I just read the article about ITAR in the Jan/Feb 2009 AMSAT Journal. I
have to say that the article didn't help me understand ITAR at all. It
seems to have skipped the first several steps in the explanation.
For example, what criteria are used to judge that a device has dual use
as a munition? It is not at all obvious to my feeble mind how a 23 GHz
amplifier or IHU-3 (computer) can be judged to have dual use as a munition.
What criteria does ITAR law use to EXCLUDE devices that have obvious
dual uses as munitions? For example, GSM cell phones have been used to
remotely control explosive devices that killed thousands of U.S.
servicemen. Are they not regulated because they are too ubiquitous to
control?
Wayne Estes W9AE
Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 16:44:58 -0500
From: "Alan VE4YZ" <ve4yz@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] GENSO First Public Release
To: "'Amsat'" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <156AF8C2EC4F43E2BE93F6F22CFDA999@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
The first public release was scheduled for September 2009
Search GENSO.ORG AMSAT UK and Google and there is no recent status changes
nor has it been release.
Anyone close to this project with an update for us?
73, Alan VE4YZ
EN19kv
AMSAT LM 2352
http://www.wincube.ca <http://www.wincube.ca/>
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 14:49:41 -0700
From: "KI6RRQ" <ki6rrq@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Arrow Diplexer loss + Arrow v Elk
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000301ca4473$69c868f0$6401a8c0@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Jeff, you said; "The antenna and coax remain the same, the difference, the
diplexer."
My Arrow diplexer has three factory fixed wires coming out of it, one for
the radio and two that go to BNC connectors on the Arrow antenna. So, you
cannot say; the coax remains the same! The coax on your diplexer or the
connections to it, can be at fault as well. These coax wires and how well
they are connected to the Arrow diplexer, are another variable that you have
not considered in your statement because they are removed from the mix when
using the Elk, unless you are trying to use the Arrow diplexer on the Elk
Log Periodic antenna, Which I doubt because I am assuming you used the same
one radio configuration on the Elk as you did the Arrow with your diplexer
but if you are that could be presenting some other variables to produce the
results your experiencing. You have to use different cables for your Comet
Duplexer on the Arrow, from the Comet, to the antenna connection.
Although, I agree that the Arrow seems to pick up the signal a little later
then my Elk antenna, both antennas work pretty darn good, IMO. I like them
both and recommend them both. I do not have a technical background so my
comments here, are all anecdotal in nature but the other thing I have
noticed between the two antennas, is that when I make terrestrial contacts
with them, the Elk appears to radiate almost as well toward the back, as
toward the front. I have been told this is called front to back ratio. If
I point north, a guy from the south calls back and I tell him, wow I am
pointed north, let me turn and point it toward you.......any better.... And
usually there is little if any improvement, while on the Elk and what blows
my mind is, there is also a fair bit of response from people even 90 degrees
from the business end of the Elk. I have tried the same with the Arrow and
gotten much different reports. This is only a general statement; I think
the Arrow has a better front to back ratio, more energy going out the front
end but I know there are other variables such as; hand held or up on the
tripod I use to hold them each up (at times) and perhaps the ground under
me, or the moisture in the ground during the different attempts, etc. (4-5'
above the ground on tripod and me not always right behind it, so plenty of
variables but in general, that is my experience in the field)
Nevertheless, I have mentioned this to several on the board who have the
Elk's and no one has responded that they have tested there's in this regard,
so take this with a grain of salt for now. To others, I would love to hear
your experience in this regard. I have asked a capable HAM friend to help
me figure this out, properly, so one day I will have more then anecdotal
info.
I think both antennas are very well built and work well for satellite and
emergency communications! I have often pulled one of them out, with
success, when band conditions would not allow an Omni to get the job done on
my VX-7R. I found the Elk a little cheaper to buy unless you do not
purchase the Arrow diplexer. For others I will point out that, you can use
the Arrow with two radios without a duplexer, with same two radio
configuration, you will need a duplexer for the Elk and of course the
reverse is true if you are using one radio for dual band work, as I do, the
Arrow will require a duplexer and the Elk will not. Also as many of you
know the Arrow diplexer is only rated for 10 watts but without it both
antennas will handle much more.
73 de Rich
KI6RRQ
Message: 15
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 23:26:38 -0700
From: "Jeff Yanko" <wb3jfs@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arrow antenna reconfiguration results - UPDATE
To: "Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield" <gary_mayfield@xxxxxxx.xxx>, "'Charles
Suprin'" <hamaa1vs@xxxxx.xxx>
Could very well be.
73,
Jeff WB3JFS
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary "Joe" Mayfield" <gary_mayfield@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "'Jeff Yanko'" <wb3jfs@xxx.xxx>; "'Charles Suprin'" <hamaa1vs@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: Arrow antenna reconfiguration results - UPDATE
> We are missing the easy answer. He had diplexer that was off spec. It
> happens.
>
> 73,
> Joe kk0sd
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
> Behalf Of Jeff Yanko
> Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:28 PM
> To: Charles Suprin
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arrow antenna reconfiguration results - UPDATE
>
> Hi Charles and the group,
>
> FB on the numbers. Interesting to say the least and thanks for taking the
> time to look further into this topic.
>
> Questions? I have a few after looking at these numbers and performing
> more
> observations.
>
> First, are you testing just the diplexer and not the diplexer and the
> antenna combined? This could result in an overall number and not just the
> diplexer alone. How could there be a large discrepency between
> preliminary
> reports, 2.65dB and .5dB now. Could be equipment calibration, human
> error,
> etc. from previously tested, or attempted testing of the device. I don't
> believe any improvements have been made to the Arrow diplexer, but who
> knows?
>
> Second, I switched back to the Arrow diplexer and made another comparison
> with the Comet diplexer. Again, no comparison, the Comet outperformed.
> Why
> would this happen if the two are pretty close to one another in numbers.
> The Comet has .25db loss at VHF and .26 at UHF.
>
> Third, with the Arrow diplexer I wouldn't begin to receive the birds until
> almost 3 minutes after AOS, with the Comet diplexer a minute to 1.5
> minutes
> after AOS. Yes, watch calibrated to WWV and multiple times of acquiring
> the
> birds. I've tried both setups with the HT and D710 and they both show the
> same results respectively, Arrow diplexer vs. Comet diplexer. The antenna
> and coax remain the same, the difference, the diplexer. May not be test
> lab
> quality but something is proving itself. What is it?
>
> Finally, is it just my Arrow diplexer? Doesn't appear to be shorted or
> any
> defects to it. Actually looks great and assembled very well. I've
> encountered others saying the same thing. However, a very noticable
> difference to the overall performance.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Jeff WB3JFS
>
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:53:29 -0700
From: Clint Bradford <clintbradford@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Arrow Antennas - Horrible Performers
To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <37EBDD45-019E-4E41-8CF0-8AD4FABCFC4C@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
>> ... from what I have read, a 2.65db loss of signal using Arrow's
crappy duplexer ...
Unless an Arrow Antenna performance report beings with, "My Motorola
test equipment - certified within the last year - indicates ... [such-
and-such performance characteristics] ... " - this that post is
worthless to me.
And should be worthless to anyone demanding the best-available
information.
And such mis-information shouldn't be passed on to anyone else. And
messagegroup moderators should delete such undocumented tripe.
Needless to say, I haven't read much of the recent "Arrow Performance"
threads. Just aren't worth my time.
Just my opinion, of course. I have been wrong.
I couldn't ask for - nor imagine - better performance from my Arrow
Antennas than what I am enjoying now. They prove themselves pass after
pass, demo after demo ....
Clint Bradford
West coast curmudgeon
http://www.work-sat.com
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 17:56:10 EDT
From: Pughkeithd@xx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Portable Tracking
To: ko6th_greg@xxxxxxx.xxxx jbarkley@xxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Cc: w5iu@xxxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <bbc.4d29a8be.37f9227a@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 10/3/2009 3:24:29 PM Central Daylight Time,
ko6th_greg@xxxxxxx.xxx writes:
> Subj: [amsat-bb] Re: Portable Tracking
> Date:10/3/2009 3:24:29 PM Central Daylight Time
> From:ko6th_greg@xxxxxxx.xxx
> To:jbarkley@xxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Received from Internet:
>
>
>
>
> Ditto this recommendation. PocketSat+ is a very usable, compact, yet full
> featured satellite tracking package. And the Palm is something you can
> always have with you.
>
> I recently graduated from my Palm-Vx to a Nokia N810, and found the Garnet
> Virtual Machine, which builds a Palm inside my Nokia. So, I'm still a
> happy PocketSat+ user (and now it's in color!).
>
> Greg KO6TH
>
>
> >From: ve4yz@xxx.xxx
> >To: jbarkley@xxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> >Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:37:33 -0500
> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Portable Tracking
> >
> >PocketSat freeware or PocketSat+ inexpensive registered and supposed to
> >calculate faster
> >
> >http://www.bigfattail.com/software/pocketsatplus/
> >
> >On any old Palm that you can pick up for $5 at a flea market of get for
> free
> >by asking. Millions of these PDA's are sitting in drawers unused because
> >folks have graduated to smart phones, crack berries iphones etc.
> >
> >I use a Palm IIIxe black and white. Color would be nicer.
> >
> >You need Palm One Quick Install and a serial or IR port to update KEPS on
> >the Palm from a PC.
> >
> >
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
> >Behalf Of joe barkley
> >Sent: October 3, 2009 12:28 PM
> >To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> >Subject: [amsat-bb] Portable Tracking
> >
> >Hi All,
> >I am looking for opinions and idea on a PDA or device and software or
> >application I can take with me to show the satellite pass predictions
> when I
> >travel.
> >Thanks
> >Joe
> >KI4TZ
> >_______________________________________________
> >Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of 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@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> >Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> program!
> >Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
I have also used PocketSat+ but on a Dell PDA. This was the Windows Mobile
version of the program. I am a new user of PocketSat3 for the iPhone and
it is great as well.
73 - Keith, W5IU
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:03:35 -0700
From: Bill Ress <bill@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Understanding ITAR
To: Wayne Estes <w9ae@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4AC7CA37.4040502@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Hi Wayne,
The State Department defines what is considered a "munition" in the ITAR
regulations. See: http://pmddtc.state.gov/
The criteria is obviously determined by the State Department with
direction from the Congress. The article just tries to describe some
examples without trying to justify or explain why something is or isn't
a munition.
The main point of the article is that any communications satellite,
whether it is an Amateur, a university or a commercial satellite is
considered by ITAR to be a munition controlled by ITAR export
regulations. That's a fact and to understand the criteria is to
understand the thinking of the authors of the regulation (State
Department and the Congress), which I can't do.
To be sure, export regulations can be complicated and at times appear to
us as being irrational. But the fact remains, ITAR is an export law that
we at AMSAT have to comply with.
Regards...Bil - N6GHz
Wayne Estes wrote:
> I just read the article about ITAR in the Jan/Feb 2009 AMSAT Journal. I
> have to say that the article didn't help me understand ITAR at all. It
> seems to have skipped the first several steps in the explanation.
>
> For example, what criteria are used to judge that a device has dual use
> as a munition? It is not at all obvious to my feeble mind how a 23 GHz
> amplifier or IHU-3 (computer) can be judged to have dual use as a munition.
>
> What criteria does ITAR law use to EXCLUDE devices that have obvious
> dual uses as munitions? For example, GSM cell phones have been used to
> remotely control explosive devices that killed thousands of U.S.
> servicemen. Are they not regulated because they are too ubiquitous to
> control?
>
> Wayne Estes W9AE
> Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:17:20 +0200
From: "Shamai \"SAM\" Opfer" <4z1ws.sam@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Questions regarding WISP and operating satellite
BBS
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID:
<e0a093a90910031517u2d97150cq9ab421cb12235fed@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi all
I am trying to download telemetry from GO-32 in KISS mode, and later on,
I would also like to operate the AO51 BBS.
I tried two ways. In both there is something missing... I hope someone
will be able to give me some advise...:
Way #1. With SatPC32.
SatPC32 provides good tracking capabilities. I get automatic receiving
frequency control via CAT, including Doppler compensation, and I get
automatic antenas control via the LVBTracker. However, I am missing a
software to capture the KISS information in a file, and will also need to
work with the PACSAT protocol for the BBS.
Way #2. With WISP.
I succeeded to get the antennas rotor control working by WISP, but so far I
could not learn how to control the transceiver frequencies, and also
to automaitcally switch from receive to transmit for sending packets and
requests to the satellite.
I have an ICOM IC910H and a Kantronic 9612Plus TNC.
My PC is a laptop with only USB ports..., no RS232. I am using USB to
RS232 converters, but I don't think i can access hardware pins of the DB25
after the converters, for the T/R control.
Thanks & 73,
Shamai
4Z1WS
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 16:26:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tim - N3TL <n3tl@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51
To: BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <129232.25269.qm@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
In case anyone at all is interested - which doesn't appear to be the case -
the QRP pair on AO-51 remains active at 145.880 up and 435.150 (+/- Doppler)
down.
>From here, it's a shame to hear the chaos on the other V/U?frequency pair,
but not have a single station respond to calls on the QRP pair during a
54-degree pass up the east coast of North America. This has proven to be the
case on multiple passes this week.
Maybe someone will show up later tonight or in the morning. Or ... I'll keep
talking to myself .... hihi.
73 to all,
Tim - N3TL
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:07:04 -0400
From: Lee McLamb <ku4os@xxx.xx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-277 AMSAT Weekly Bulletins
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <20091004010704819.QXX26368@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-277
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America,
The
Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a
worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in
designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital
Amateur Radio satellites.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor@xxxxx.xxx
**********************************************************************
* 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 9-11 *
* Four Points Sheraton Hotel at the Baltimore Washington Airport *
* Details - http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2009/index.php *
**********************************************************************
In this edition:
* AMSAT Symposium is quickly approaching
* California Satellite Demo/Presentation Schedule
* AO-51 configuration to support Scouting JOTA
* European Space Weather Week 16-20 November
* FM sats from Antartica for VK and ZL
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* ARISS Status - 28 September 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.01
AMSAT Symposium is quickly approaching
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.01
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.01
This is a reminder that the AMSAT Symposium is quickly approaching.
It takes place next weekend (9-11 OCT) at the BWI Sheraton and you're
invited!
This Symposium marks the 40th Anniversary of AMSAT and we'll be
celebrating this significant milestone along with looking forward to
the next 40 years. AMSAT members who are registered for the Symposium
are invited to a 'birthday party' for AMSAT Friday evening (including
a birthday cake). In addition, Symposium attendees will also receive
a 40th Anniversary History of AMSAT written/edited by Bill Tynan, W3XO
in their registration packets. Many of us don't know the 'story of
AMSAT', and thanks to the work of Bill Tynan, Dick Daniels, Keith
Baker and others, we've focused this year on telling AMSAT's story
through their articles in the AMSAT Journal. Bill's new book provides
significantly more detail as well as brings the reader right up to the
current year. It makes for fun reading and gives recognition to the
significant achievements over the past 40 years!
This year's "AMSAT Proceedings" has a wide assortment of papers and
this year's presentations will be both interesting and informative.
Dan Schultz, N8FGV is finalizing the "Proceedings" as this is written
and attendees will be in position to hear the presentations, discuss
the papers with the authors, and gain some insight into the future
direction of AMSAT's satellite program.
The Saturday evening Banquet will feature Martin Collins, a curator at
the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. The title of his talk is "Making
the Space Age: The First Fifty Years".
A reminder that that the AMSAT BOD meeting takes place Thursday, 8 OCT
and Friday morning, 9 OCT. This is an open meeting, though the BOD
does go into closed session briefly on Friday morning. In addition
the AMSAT Annual Meeting takes place Saturday afternoon 1530-1700
EDT. We expect to have the Annual Meeting 'online' via Echolink. I
anticipate that both the Symposium and the Annual Meeting will be an
opportunity to highlight some of the significant accomplishments that
have taken place over the last 12 months plus give some perspective on
the future direction of AMSAT.
Please consider joining us to celebrate a significant milestone for
AMSAT and build the foundation for the next 40 years! You may
register online at the AMSAT Store:
http://www.amsat-na.com/store2/SymposiumReg2009.php
73,
Barry A. Baines, WD4ASW
President-AMSAT
[ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW, for the above information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.02
California Satellite Demo/Presentation Schedule
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.02
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.02
Clint Bradford, K6LCS, will be making
presentations and demonstrations on amateur
satellites at the following meetings around California:
October 2 - Long Beach ARC*
October 5 - WARA (Fullerton) meeting*
October 8 - EchoLink via ?SCARS? Node 96140 5:30PM PDT
October 15 - West Coast ARC (Huntington Beach)*
October 17 - Victor Valley ARC?s JOTA*
November 5 - Crest REACT (Corona)*
November 8 - QWCA Chapter 7 (Norwalk)
The (*) asterisks indicate tentative workable passes for either before
or during the presentations!
[ANS thanks Clint, K6LCS, for the above information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.03
AO-51 configuration to support Scouting JOTA
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.03
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.03
AMSAT-NA is supporting the 52nd Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) Scouting event by
dedicating AO-51 operation to the event.
For October 17th and 18th, the AO-51 QRP repeater will be allocated for JOTA
use. All users are requested to give way to JOTA stations or QSOs with JOTA
stations.
The frequencies used for this weekend will be 145.880 FM uplink, and 435.150
FM
downlink, no PL tone required. The mode change
should occur at ~00:00 UTC on the
17th (Friday evening in the US) and run for approximately 48 hours.
AMSAT wishes the Scouts good luck operating via the AO-51 satellite for the
event.
Reports of your JOTA operations should be sent to the AMSAT-BB or directly to
ko4ma@xxxxx.xxx.
Photo files up to 5 Mb total are also welcome for possible inclusion in an
upcoming AMSAT Journal article.
73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations
[ANS thanks Ed, N8BBQ, for the above information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.04
European Space Weather Week 16-20 November
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.04
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.04
The sixth European Space Weather Week will take place in Brugge, Belgium,
from Monday 16th November to Friday 20th November 2009.
The ESWW meetings aim to bring together diverse communities working on all
elements of space weather with a strong focus on user involvement. This
year?s meeting will discuss recent advances in both scientific and
applications based domains and how these advances relate to user needs.
This year the space weather tutorial and one of the plenary sessions will
focus on issues relating to space weather effects on communications. With
this in mind, the programme committee has made a special arrangement for
radio hams who would like to attend the meeting.
Radio amateurs with a license to operate are also welcome to the conference
and will get a discount. Radio Amateurs are requested to send a copy of
their license to esa.conference.bureau@xxx.xxx within one week after
registration. Registration as a Radio Amateur includes access to scientific
sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday and tutorial only. The reduced fee is 50
?. Attendance to the reception and conference dinner is not included. The
deadline for online registration for hams is October 19.
For more info see: http://sidc.oma.be/esww6
[ANS Neil, PA9N, for the above information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.05
FM sats from Antarctica for VK and ZL
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.05
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.05
Bill Erhardt, K7MT, will be deploying back to
McMurdo Station Antarctica Nov 15,
2009 - Feb 20, 2010. Bill reports that he will be active from KC4USV Sundays
0000 GMT on SSB. He has also received requests from Europe to come in early
around 1800 GMT on Saturdays so they can work
Antarctica. Equipment will include
a rigblaster for PSK-31 on 14.070 and CW on
14.043 if time permits. Bill is also
taking an Arrow II antenna/Kenwood TH-7 to work the FM satellites to VK and ZL
land. Finally, if Bill can get it operational, APRS VHF to HF with a Kam Plus.
VK6CO will help
with HF 30 meters with their HF APRS parameters.
You just might see Bill driving
out on the Ross Ice Sea as K7MT-7 in Ivan the Terra Bus. Pictures and
information will be available on Bill's home web page at:
http://www.mt.net/~k7mt
QSL is via K1IED Larry who has done a terrific job with the QSL cards from
Excel spread sheets sent to him weekly from McMurdo.
ANS thanks Andrew, VK4TEC, for the above information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.06
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.06
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.06
+ The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has made available a free
astronomy site that allows you to zoom in on galactic images right
from your personal computer. Check out the GigaGalaxy Zoom site:
http://www.gigagalaxyzoom.org/W.html - the zoomable images are
tagged in the red boxed areas of the main image.
+ Lance Collister, W7GJ released a new version of GJTRACKER (v2.0.3)
at http://bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.zip If you have already
installed GJTRACKER on your computer, all you need is to replace
the application file http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.exe
+ NASA TV http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html will carry
the video of the LCROSS mission as it flies through the plume of
lunar debris when the upper stage of a Centaur rocket will purpose-
fully crash into the crater Cabeus near the south pole of the moon.
Coverage begins at 1030 UTC on October 9. Mission information is
available at: http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/observation/amateur.htm
+ Video replay of the Soyuz launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome:
http://www.universetoday.com/2009/09/30/soyuz-launch-video/
+ The October 1 ARISS School Contact with Ciencia Viva Museum in
Lisbon, Portugal was a success. A video is at :
http://www.cvtv.pt/imagens/index.asp?id_tag=15&id_video=408
+ Here's a correction in regards to last week's report about George
attaining 225 grids on his VUCC. George's correct callsign is
WA5KBH.
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-277.07
ARISS Statuts - 28 September 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 277.07
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 4, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-277.07
1. Upcoming School Contacts
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been
scheduled for Sint-Michielscollege Brasschaat vzw (SMCB) in Brasschaat,
Belgium
on Wednesday, October 7 at 10:20 UTC. Visits to space and science museums are
among the science activities planned for the children. Guest speakers will
include a representative from Verhaert Space
Systems and Dirk Frimout, Belgium?s
first astronaut.
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been
scheduled with the National Planetarium in Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan,
Malaysia on Thursday, October 8 at 09:34 UTC. The contact will occur as part
of
the National Space Challenge, a program that was
created in an effort to instill
the talents and desire towards the understanding
of space in primary school aged
children. Sixteen schools will participate.
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been
scheduled for Belmont Elementary School in Langley, British Columbia, Canada
on
Friday, October 9 at 20:20 UTC. Students will complete projects with a
?Mission
Control? theme and the Langley Amateur Radio Association (L.A.R.A.) will work
with the school to organize this event.
2. ARISS Contact Between De Winne and Vrij Technisch Instituut Sint-Lucas
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact took place
on Tuesday, September 22. Students from Vrij Technisch Instituut Sint-Lucas
in
Oudenaarde, Oost ? Vlaanderen, Belgium posed 20 questions to Frank De Winne,
ON1DWN. An audience of 300 students and teachers were present as well as
television, radio and newspaper reporters. The antennas used for the contact
as
well as a UPS device were constructed by the students.
3. Barratt and HMS Beagle Project Connect via ARISS
On Tuesday, September 22, the HMS Beagle Project in Parati, Brazil
participated
in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact via
ground station K6DUE in Maryland. Approximately sixty students were present
and
watched as classmates asked ten questions of Mike Barratt, KD5MIJ. The
project
(which aims to rebuild the ship that carried Darwin around the world) and NASA
have signed an International Space Act Agreement, with Barratt as the
initiator
and main connection on the NASA side of the project. The project will unite
ISS
astronaut photography with ocean surface water
and other biological and physical
samples taken by the crew of the new Beagle.
4. ARISS Contact with Cedarview Middle School
Students attending Cedarview Middle School in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
contact
on Thursday, September 24. Astronaut Robert
Thirsk, VA3CSA answered 20 questions
put to him by the students. The school principal commented on the contact, ?I
have never seen this kind of quiet on students at a school wide event before.?
CTV Ottawa and other local media provided news coverage.
5. Garfield Elementary, WHEELS and ARISS Team up to Talk about Space
Garfield Elementary School students in Boise, Idaho participated in an Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday,
September
24 via telebridge station W6SRJ in California. Students visited the NASA
Exploration Experience traveling exhibit on display at the Idaho Historical
Museum to learn about space exploration and its benefits. Students were able
to
ask 6 questions of Astronaut Mike Barratt, KD5MIJ during the 9 minute pass.
The
event was well attended by youth, teachers and parents. Students were also
observing the contact at the W6SRJ ground station
- two were students from Santa
Rosa Junior College and another student was visiting from a local K-12 school.
Media coverage included three television stations
and the audio was fed into the
EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers.
6. Thirsk Speaks with Japanese Students via ARISS Contact
On Saturday, September 27, students from Houya Elementary School in
Nishitokyo,
Japan participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) contact. Astronaut Robert Thirsk, VA3CSA
answered 15 questions posed by
the students. An audience of approximately 250
was present for the contact. News
coverage was provided by two magazines and an FM radio station.
7. ISS SSTV Active
Gennady Padalka, RN3DT activated the MAI-75 experiment onboard the ISS on
Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25 from approximately 1000-1600 UTC.
Slow
Scan Television (SSTV) images of Earth were downlinked to ground stations,
including one at the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI).
8. Astronaut Training Status
Astronaut Tracy Caldwell, KF5DBF was given an overview session on the Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program this past week.
Caldwell is scheduled to fly with Expedition 23 in April 2010.
9. AMSAT Symposium, ARISS Ops Meeting
The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) Symposium will be held on
Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel
at the Baltimore Washington Airport in Maryland. Several ARISS (Amateur Radio
on the International Space Station) and ARISSat-1 presentations will be given
and a demo of ARISSat-1 is planned. To view a list of these presentations, go
to: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2009/Presentations.php
The ARISS Operations team will hold a meeting after the symposium on Sunday,
October 11.
[ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information]
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's
Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project
Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are
available from the AMSAT Office.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Lee McLamb, KU4OS
ku4os at amsat dot org
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 19:18:37 -0700
From: "Thomas McGrane" <n2oeq@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] FW: OFF grid solar system
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <54e9c12d40864d1c92379a6514aaf0c5.n2oeq@xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi again, Nigel Gunn did a mercilous, malicious, propoganda hatchet job
on my solar energy posting of this morning so I thought I would repost
it to restore the original meaning if anyone wanted to know. When I
write, I try to write carefully to convey my meaning. Unfortunately,
creative trimming of my words changed the meaning so here it is again.
If someone replies, please include the original in its original form
and entirety so as not to confuse those I am trying to help.
To you nigel, apparently, there are still tories and patriots here in
America. We could use you in Afghanistan and if you go, please send
home a young man who is still friendly.
pat
original message follows......
>------- Original Message -------
>From : Thomas McGrane[mailto:n2oeq@xxxxxx.xxxx
>Sent : 10/2/2009 10:39:56 PM
>To : amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>Cc :
>Subject : FW: OFF grid solar system
>
>The grid is vulnerable as a system. We have to stop always thinking
about being connected to or relying on the utility grid. Think in terms
of building an independant 12 volt DC system (low voltage) for the
average dwelling to operate independant of the grid by charging
batteries from solar or wind and utilizing the energy real time or
later from the batteries. It seems everyone has visions of large
expensive rooftop systems but starting small and building up over time
will reduce the utility bill by substitution.
We need to be energy independant on a small scale as well as looking at
the big picture. Small systems can easily run lights, TV?s, radios,
even a small refridgerator for essentials. You would still need the
grid power for large loads like heat, large refridgerators, etc but you
can have a seperate system to rely on if you suffer some calamity.
With the advent of the ?smart? grid, you dont want to be connected to
the grid. Remember, the wires are antennas as well as conducting
electricity. We owe our reliance on a large electrical system to
Nickolai Tesla who developed high voltage alternating current power
systems that won out over Thomas Edisons Direct Current system around
the turn of the last century. The idea was to minmize power loss over
long distances. Therefore we should all promote local or household Low
voltage DC solar or wind systems to reduce the use of grid power and
for much better reliability.
Through the years I have built a very economical system comprised of
several solar panels with a capacity of about 130 watts that
automatically charge 6 large deep cycle and regular batteries from
which I operate some radios , lights and in the event of loss of
utility power, a small refridgerator. I also have a couple of cheap
store bought DC to AC inverters if I need to operate an AC device,
Solar panels have come down in price dramatically and production
capabity is expanding, so start now. Think independant and start small
instead of suffering mega system price hesitance.
A world of 12 volt dc devices are available from hardware, marine,
automotive and internet sources. You just have to start.
Be the first on your block to confuse the lineman who show up during a
power failure. I did.
I posted the above text on the new york times "Green Inc" energy blog
back on september 23, 2009 as a comment to an article regarding solar
power in africa. The internal discharge in a deep cycle battery is only
about 50 milliamps which I consider insignificant.
I dont want to be connected to the grid which I consider "STUPID" and
you dont either. Dont follow, think for yourselves.
Think about this..... brain waves operate up to about 20 cycles per
second, imagine what 60 cycles is doing to you and the world.
Pat
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Sent via amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 514
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