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CX2SA > SATDIG 01.12.10 21:10l 708 Lines 26181 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Tracking Software (Larry Gerhardstein)
2. SATELLITE DEMO FOR SCOUTS TONIGHT (n4csitwo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx
3. Re: O/OREOS TLE errors ? (PA3GUO)
4. Re: Network of MEO sats at 8000km (G0MRF@xxx.xxxx
5. Re: LVB Tracker Help (Howard Long)
6. Re: UHF antenna help (Gary "Joe" Mayfield)
7. Re: UHF antenna help (D. Craig Fox)
8. Re: LVB Tracker Help (Gould Smith)
9. College Satellite Night (Dr. Jay Garlitz)
10. HO-68 Beacon? (Peter Moscatt)
11. DM94 (ted)
12. OSCAR-11 Report (Clive Wallis)
13. Is there any frequency error on the AO-7 Mode A transponder?
(Scott Armstrong)
14. Re: HO-68 Beacon? (Peter Ng)
15. Ragchewing AO-51 (John Papay)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:33:05 -0700
From: Larry Gerhardstein <gerhardstein@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Tracking Software
To: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4CF55F81.4000706@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
It would be great if keps were like nasa.all, et. al. Just click a
couple of times and BOOM IT'S THERE, latest update.
~W7IN Larry
On 11/30/2010 12:31 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote:
>
> Satpc32 from AMSAT, has excellent after purchase support, AMSAT gets all
the money (rocket science ain't) cheap, the learning curve is easy, runs my
LVB tracker perfectly. The only problem I have is entering new keps that
aren't already in the downloadable database.
>
> 73 Bob W7LRD
>
> Seattle
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Michael"<mikef1234@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
> To: AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx
> Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 5:36:29 AM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Tracking Software
>
> I was wondering if someone could give me the pros and cons of the tracking
software. I have orbitron, the one from amsat ( can't think of the name )
then I see ARRL has a software. What are the pro's and cons on these three
and are there more ?
> Mike N8GBU
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-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
>
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:31:07 -0500
From: <n4csitwo@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] SATELLITE DEMO FOR SCOUTS TONIGHT
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, "amsat-florida" <amsat-florida@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <EFF3EB0CA6C34AE4A7803F27F261F5C7@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I'll be presenting to a scout group tonight. The only satellite pass
available during my time slot is SO-50 at 19:04 ET (00:04 UTC) for 11
minutes. Its only 10 deg. off horizon, but I'm going to try. I'd appreciate
anyone who can to listen out for my calls.
Thanks,
Dave, AA4KN
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:32:20 +0100
From: PA3GUO <pa3guo@xxxxxxx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: O/OREOS TLE errors ?
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx Ryan Caron <rcaron@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <25000432.1291152742504.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Btw
THAT was indeed the fix (changing the 6/5 into 2/3) !
Henk
---- Ryan Caron <rcaron@xxxxx.xxx> schreef:
> The O/OREOS TLEs consistently do not have valid checksums (last digit of
> each line). I submitted a comment about this on their website but I have
> not heard back. The correct checksums are 2 & 3, and not the 6 & 5 that
> is listed.
>
> If, by the time you read this, the posted TLEs are not 6 & 5, then the
> TLEs have been updated and you'll have to generate new checksums. The
> formula is a sum of all numerical characters on the line, including the
> line number, treating minus signs as a one and everything else (letters,
> +, spaces) as a 0. Then take modulus 10 of the sum (i.e. last digit of
> the sum). Look it up on wikipedia for more details.
>
> I've made a spreadsheet to fix this, but it is still a manual operation
> for me (got to write a script at some point). Some programs disregard
> the the checksum, which is why HRD & the website still work and your
> tracking tool doesn't. Predict/GPredict, my tools of choice, require
> valid checksums, making proper TLEs a pet peeve of mine. I don't know
> what NOVA's up to.
>
> In terms of "swarm spread" (i.e. how small delta-V between spacecraft
> that shared the same ride, which in this case is just done by compressed
> springs, translates into spatial differences), 35 minutes of separation
> is pretty high for just 10 days after launch. With all the latest TLEs
> from the three websites, I show O/OREOS being 3.5 minutes ahead of RAX,
> and RAX being a 1.33 minutes ahead of FAST1/2.
>
> Ryan, KB1LKI
>
> On 11/30/10 4:54 AM, amsat-bb-request@xxxxx.xxx wrote:
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 4
> > Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:55:16 +0100
> > From: PA3GUO<pa3guo@xxxxxxx.xx>
> > Subject: [amsat-bb] O/OREOS TLE errors ?
> > To:amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> > Message-ID:<19767175.1291067716437.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xx>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
> >
> > Dear all,
> >
> > I keep on having troubles with the O/OREOS kepler sets.
> > RAX and the others are fine.
> >
> > With todays version (as from the O/OREOS dashboard on the web)
> > - NOVA gives O/OREOS just a bit behind RAX
> > - HamRadioDeluxe give O/OREOS 35 minutes behind RAX
> > - The O/OREOS web (dashboard graphic) shows O/OREOS 35 minutes behind RAX
> > - My private antenna tracking tool does not recognize the keplerset of
O/OREOS
> >
> > Anyone else has experienced this (and maybe even a solution) ?
> > Henk
> > --
> > Henk, PA3GUO
> >
--
Henk, PA3GUO
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:57:49 EST
From: G0MRF@xxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Network of MEO sats at 8000km
To: sparkycivic@xxxx.xxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <3eba9.5d0cf22a.3a26cd5d@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Very good point.
We think that there are no rides to orbit because all the current launch
vehicles are 'mature technology' that do not need testing and therefore do
not need passengers that pay a reduced fee while accepting more risk.
However, just 2 weeks ago we had the launch from Kodiak Alaska dropping
off a number of satellites at 650 km. Then carrying out a test of a modified
upper stage booster which went on to 1200km where it deposited 2 items of
"Ballast"
Enough to make you cry !
David G0MRF
In a message dated 30/11/2010 18:20:49 GMT Standard Time,
sparkycivic@xxxx.xx writes:
This has me wondering if there are opportunities for co-launch, tethered
power supply sharing or upper-stage rocket-body piggybacking of Ham and
educational communication payloads....... our price per Kg could be
REALLY
attractive given that they're launching four 700Kg birds PER launch! How
much fun could we have with a triple cube at these heights? Passes would
be
visible for over an hour at a time... Cali could work the Gold Coast and
JA's at the same time!
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2010 00:25:05 -0000
From: "Howard Long" <howard@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LVB Tracker Help
To: "'Mark n Kathy Rowland'" <stretchey@xxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <005001cb90ee$34582840$9d0878c0$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Mark
Sorry for the delay in replying, I only seem to get time to read the -bb
these days when I catch stuff on my commute on the subway (tube to us
Brits). Apart from the display, is the serial port and rotator movement what
you'd expect?
Howard G6LVB
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Mark n Kathy Rowland
Sent: 26 November 2010 17:42
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB Tracker Help
Have been using LVB Tracker with G-5500 and HRD Sat tracker for
a while now with no problems. Now when I begin new session everything seems
normal (can still track Sats)except the screen on LVB Tracker is Garbled.
Unable to put LVB into calibrate mode, no response. Can I reset LVB Tracker?
Thanks KC7EQL/Mark
_______________________________________________
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: 6
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:58:18 -0600
From: "Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield" <gary_mayfield@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: UHF antenna help
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <COL114-DS29C99E8F419DDE3F4C1208A260@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Larry,
Congrats on the move! What follows is personal experience and may not be
the same for everyone. I have had very poor luck looping the coax out the
back of the antenna. I believe it is because I wound up with a conductor
"flapping" around in the breeze close to the antenna yielding unpredictable
results. What has worked best for me is to run the coax back down the boom
of the antenna and then away from the antenna (at a right angle) at the
crossboom. This only seems to work with the antenna in the "X" patern and
fails miserably in the "+" pattern. There are also places along the boom to
avoid when doing this (multiples of 1/2 wavelength).
Usually when I have had a problem like you are describing it has been a
feedline/connector issue. It never hurts to make a complete check of that.
I am also assuming you are rotating the "flexible" version of LMR-400.
The 436CP30 is a great antenna (nicer than any I've ever had), you hear
lots of them on the birds and it should be more than enough for horizon to
horizon coverage.
73 and Let us know what you find!
Joe kk0sd
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of larry
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 7:14 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] UHF antenna help
Good evening,
Name here is Larry, N1MIW. I recently moved to a better (higher) QTH and
finally got around to setting up the satellite station "almost" like it used
to be, but am experiencing some reception difficulties on UHF. I'm hoping
someone out here can help me diagnose what I'm doing wrong, or what the
problem is. I am using a Yaesu FT-847 which is computer controlled, as well
as the Yaesu G-5400 rotator. The antennas are mounted on a solid fiberglass
mast only ~17 feet off the ground, and fed with LMR-400. The frequencies are
correct for the satellite I want to use.
My problem is with the 436CP30 antenna. I cannot seem to find good
results with it since my move - terrestrial or sat related. My SWR is around
1.5:1 at 435MHz, and the polarity switch is working. I tried changing
feedlines and removing the pre-amp, but I still cannot seem to make it work
correctly. I am trying to receive SO-50 D/L, and VO-52 U/L, but both are
just not working like I remember it being before the move. I don't have any
broken or mis-aligned elements (that I noticed - I'll look again). The only
thing I was looking into was instead of having it placed on the boom in a
"+" pattern was making it an "x" pattern - would that make a difference? I
don't remember hearing or reading about that anywhere, so I was looking for
your opinion.
On a side note, what's your opinion of this antenna? Like I said, I used
to have good luck with it, but I'm not sure what's different, except the new
home. Should I get "horizon" to "horizon" coverage (plus or minus a few
degrees)? Oh, I also looped the coax off the back like the manual states,
but the improvement is very minimal. I checked the "jumpers" at the tuning
box, and they seem OK too.
I'm running out of ideas, and any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks &
looking forward to working the birds again!
73's... Larry N1MIW
_______________________________________________
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: 7
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:38:53 -0800
From: "D. Craig Fox" <DFox@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: UHF antenna help
To: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID:
<3D18A6B1AAE35841854398A9AA36CDC8018E514414@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I would do as Stan first suggested and make sure you are hearing terrestrial
stations before getting into the real diagnostics.
Good luck
Craig
N6RSX
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Gary "Joe" Mayfield
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 4:58 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: UHF antenna help
Larry,
Congrats on the move! What follows is personal experience and may not be
the same for everyone. I have had very poor luck looping the coax out the
back of the antenna. I believe it is because I wound up with a conductor
"flapping" around in the breeze close to the antenna yielding unpredictable
results. What has worked best for me is to run the coax back down the boom
of the antenna and then away from the antenna (at a right angle) at the
crossboom. This only seems to work with the antenna in the "X" patern and
fails miserably in the "+" pattern. There are also places along the boom to
avoid when doing this (multiples of 1/2 wavelength).
Usually when I have had a problem like you are describing it has been a
feedline/connector issue. It never hurts to make a complete check of that.
I am also assuming you are rotating the "flexible" version of LMR-400.
The 436CP30 is a great antenna (nicer than any I've ever had), you hear
lots of them on the birds and it should be more than enough for horizon to
horizon coverage.
73 and Let us know what you find!
Joe kk0sd
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of larry
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 7:14 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] UHF antenna help
Good evening,
Name here is Larry, N1MIW. I recently moved to a better (higher) QTH and
finally got around to setting up the satellite station "almost" like it used
to be, but am experiencing some reception difficulties on UHF. I'm hoping
someone out here can help me diagnose what I'm doing wrong, or what the
problem is. I am using a Yaesu FT-847 which is computer controlled, as well
as the Yaesu G-5400 rotator. The antennas are mounted on a solid fiberglass
mast only ~17 feet off the ground, and fed with LMR-400. The frequencies are
correct for the satellite I want to use.
My problem is with the 436CP30 antenna. I cannot seem to find good
results with it since my move - terrestrial or sat related. My SWR is around
1.5:1 at 435MHz, and the polarity switch is working. I tried changing
feedlines and removing the pre-amp, but I still cannot seem to make it work
correctly. I am trying to receive SO-50 D/L, and VO-52 U/L, but both are
just not working like I remember it being before the move. I don't have any
broken or mis-aligned elements (that I noticed - I'll look again). The only
thing I was looking into was instead of having it placed on the boom in a
"+" pattern was making it an "x" pattern - would that make a difference? I
don't remember hearing or reading about that anywhere, so I was looking for
your opinion.
On a side note, what's your opinion of this antenna? Like I said, I used
to have good luck with it, but I'm not sure what's different, except the new
home. Should I get "horizon" to "horizon" coverage (plus or minus a few
degrees)? Oh, I also looped the coax off the back like the manual states,
but the improvement is very minimal. I checked the "jumpers" at the tuning
box, and they seem OK too.
I'm running out of ideas, and any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks &
looking forward to working the birds again!
73's... Larry N1MIW
_______________________________________________
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
NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential
information. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or
an employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the
intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately
delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the
contents. Thank you.
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:25:52 -0500
From: "Gould Smith" <gouldsmi@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LVB Tracker Help
To: "Howard Long" <howard@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, "'Mark n Kathy Rowland'"
<stretchey@xxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <E9DBBC81966544ADBF346EC8FDB8A28C@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Hi Howard,
We have already taken care of them.
Thanks,
Gould
----- Original Message -----
From: "Howard Long" <howard@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "'Mark n Kathy Rowland'" <stretchey@xxx.xxx>; <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 7:25 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: LVB Tracker Help
> Hi Mark
>
> Sorry for the delay in replying, I only seem to get time to read the -bb
> these days when I catch stuff on my commute on the subway (tube to us
> Brits). Apart from the display, is the serial port and rotator movement
> what
> you'd expect?
>
> Howard G6LVB
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
> Behalf Of Mark n Kathy Rowland
> Sent: 26 November 2010 17:42
> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB Tracker Help
>
> Have been using LVB Tracker with G-5500 and HRD Sat tracker for
> a while now with no problems. Now when I begin new session everything
> seems
> normal (can still track Sats)except the screen on LVB Tracker is Garbled.
> Unable to put LVB into calibrate mode, no response. Can I reset LVB
> Tracker?
>
> Thanks KC7EQL/Mark
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2010 05:28:51 -0500
From: "Dr. Jay Garlitz" <drjay@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] College Satellite Night
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID:
<201012011028.oB1ASlab006522@xxxxxx.xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Expect quite a few college stations to be on the birds Thursday night Dec.
2nd. It is near the end of the semester so attendance may be lighter than
usual. Thank you offering contacts and for your encouragement to these fine
young amateur operators.
73, Dr. Jay Garlitz, AA4FL, Faculty Advisor
Gator Amateur Radio Club at the University of Florida
www.GatorRadio.org
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2010 21:14:18 +1000
From: Peter Moscatt <peter.moscatt@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] HO-68 Beacon?
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID:
<AANLkTin0Egi+vZy2ixYjP_zhgwn52E0xKx9zaiwaD=00@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi All,
As this satellite has been placed on an initial schedule with regards
to the On Times for both the Transponder and Repeater, does the Beacon
operate regardless of the status of the bird?
Pete VK4CCV
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:53:38 -0600
From: ted <aa5ck@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] DM94
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4CF66172.7050702@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
The weatherman promised that the wind was going to lay, the sun shine,
and the temps up to 55 so the plan is to take advantage and work a few
passes from DM94. At least the
1713Z HO-68 and AO-27 at 1933Z.
73...ted...aa5ck
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:56:14 +0000
From: Clive Wallis <clive@xxxxx.xx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] OSCAR-11 Report
To: amsat <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <4CF6620E.7070401@xxxxx.xx.xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
OSCAR-11 REPORT 30 November 2010
This report covers the period from 29 October to 30 November
2010. During this time the satellite has been heard from 30
October to 09 November and 19 to 29 November . At the time of
writing it is is expected to switch-on 10 December.
Excellent signals have been reported from stations located around
the world, and good copy obtained from decoded telemetry frames.
The satellite is now transmitting during eclipses, although
signals are weaker at those times. This indicates that there is
still some capacity remaining in the battery.
The on-board clock is now very stable. It gained eight seconds
during November. This is comparable with its accuracy when the
satellite was fully operational, when it gained approximately one
minute per year. However, there is still an accumulated loss of
309 days, which has occurred during eclipses of the last few
years.
Operation during eclipses and stability of the on-board clock
suggest that some part of the system may have recently failed
'open circuit' thus reducing the overall power drain of the
system, and allowing more power to be available during eclipses.
When analogue telemetry was last transmitted, an unexplained
current drain was observed. This fault may have cleared.
The Beacon frequencies are -
VHF 145.826 MHz. AFSK FM ASCII Telemetry
UHF 435.025 MHz. OFF
S-band 2401.5 MHz. OFF
Reception reports have been received from Gene WA4UKX, Horatio
CX8AF, David G8OQW and Michael M0MPM/PA3BHE . Many thanks for
those and to everyone who posted reports on the satellite status
website.
At the present time, while OSCAR-11 is operating in a predictable
way, I no longer need direct reports by e-mail. However, could you
continue to enter reports on the general satellite status
website. This is a very convenient and easy to use facility,
which shows the current status of all the amateur satellites, and
is of use to everyone. Reports around the expected times of
switch-on and switch-off are of special interest. The URL is
http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php
OSCAR-11 transmits on 145.826 MHz., set receiver to NBFM. The
satellite has a characteristic sound, rather like raspy slow
morse code, sending "di di dah dah dah dah dah dah dah" sent over
a period of five seconds. If you are receiving a very weak
signal, switch the receiver to CW or SSB. You should hear several
sidebands around the carrier frequency and should be able to hear
the characteristic 'morse code like' sound on at least one
sideband.
Please note that you need a clean noise-free signal to decode
the signals, and your receiver must be set to NBFM mode, for a
decoder to work.
If you need to know what OSCAR-11 sounds like, there is an audio
clip on my website www.g3cwv.co.uk/ which may be useful for
identification and as a test signal for decoding.
The current status of the satellite, is that all the analogue
telemetry channels, 0 to 59 are zero, ie they have failed. The
status channels 60 to 67 are still working. The real time clock
is showing a large accumulated error, but is now incrementing
accurately to within a few seconds per month. The day of the
month has a bit stuck at 'one' so the day of the month may show
an error of +40 days for some dates. The time display has
switched into 12 hour mode. Unfortunately, there is no AM/PM
indicator, since the time display format was designed for 24 hour
mode.
The spacecraft computer and active attitude control system have
switched OFF, ie. the satellite' attitude is controlled only by
the passive gravity boom gradient, and the satellite is free to
spin at any speed.
The watchdog timer operates on a 20 day cycle. The ON/OFF times
have tended to be very consistent. The average of many
observations have shown this to be 20.7 days, ie. 10.35 days ON
followed by 10.35 days OFF.
Listeners to OSCAR-11 may be interested in visiting my website.
If you need to know what OSCAR-11 should sound like, there is a
short audio clip for you to hear. The last telemetry received
from the satellite is available for download. The website
contains an archive of news & telemetry data which is updated
from time to time. It also contains details about using a
soundcard or hardware demodulators for data capture. There is
software for capturing data, and decoding ASCII telemetry. The
URL is www.g3cwv.co.uk .
If you place this bulletin on a terrestrial packet network,
please use the bulletin identifier $BID:U2RPT151 .CWV, to prevent
duplication.
73 Clive G3CWV xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx (please replace xxxxx by g3cwv)
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