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CX2SA > SATDIG 04.02.11 14:42l 877 Lines 29761 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: ""you may as well use Skype..." (Tony Langdon)
2. Re: AO40 contacts and more (k6yk)
3. Re: AO40 contacts (k6yk)
4. launch cost (Bob- W7LRD)
5. Re: AO40 contacts (chris pellenz)
6. Re: AO40 contacts and more (Tony Langdon)
7. Fw: AO40 contacts (chris pellenz)
8. Re: AO40 contacts and more (k6yk)
9. Re: AO40 contacts (Gary "Joe" Mayfield)
10. Re: ""you may as well use Skype..."
(Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604)
11. Looking for M Squared 2MCP14 (Joe Leikhim)
12. Re: ""you may as well use Skype..." (Gordon JC Pearce)
13. Iss challenge (Andrew Rich)
14. Re: AO40 contacts (n1jez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx
15. Why not a HEO? (Mark L. Hammond)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:37:28 +1100
From: Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ""you may as well use Skype..."
To: Diane Bruce <db@xx.xxx>, Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6@xxxxxxxxx.xx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx eu-amsat@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4d4b3c3f.da31dc0a.7d8b.044c@xx.xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
At 05:49 AM 2/4/2011, Diane Bruce wrote:
> > What is the motivation for some to operate on LEO satellite? The
> "exotic" mode and bands? The pleasure to achieve an OSCAR class station?
>
>My initial motivation to getting on satellite was AO-40. That was
>exciting, very neat and a fun technical challenge. I did make it
>on AO-40 btw, I think I made at least one cw QSO before you folks
>broke it. ;-)
AO-40 was an incentive for me, though I never got beyond monitoring
the 2m beacon in the early days after launch and before the incident
with the 400N motor. I did collect a lot of good telemetry though
> > There is new modes actually growing DSTAR, DRM, DIGITAL VOICE
> (FDMDV) is this can be an alternative to those who wants something else? or
> > will we be facing with this alternative, overcrowded single
> channel satellite pass? Where is the place for experimenting on the actual
LEO
> > fleet? Our licence was not created for "experimenting"?
>
>The reality is, LEO is all we are going to be able to afford. I do not
>see the thousands upon thousands of amateurs willing to put up the $$
>to put another HEO like AO-40, in the near future anyway. And yes AO-7
>is still going, but is really sick sounding. The only short term realistic
>answer is more LEOs as I see it. But please, not another FM bird please.
>There is absolutely no reason we couldnt put a simple linear
>translator up and allow FM on one frequency, such as India does.
I do agree, more linear birds would be a good thing, and the idea of
"sharing" with FM might work well in these parts, where it can be
hard to find anyone else on, and FM might be the difference between
having someone to talk to, and enjoying a conversation with yourself!
:) Traffic density over VK/ZL can get very low at times, so for us,
FM is often a plus, although I'm interested in playing around with
SSB too. A "hand me down" and recent upgrades now mean I have more
than enough gear for the SSB birds.
Unfortunately, LEOs can't solve the problem of vast distances meaning
little chance of variety - all I've ever worked on satellite is VK,
ZL, P29 and 3D2, but we have to make do with what is practical. :-/
73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 18:18:14 -0800
From: k6yk <k6yk@xxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts and more
To: kl7uw@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <20110203.181904.974.114368@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I saw a mention of an issue of folks not wanting to make a big
investment in satellite stuff to work SSB/CW.
ALL of the original ham satellites were SSB/CW birds. No FM.
And most hams already had enough equipment to get started. The
uplinks were on 2 meters or 70CM (that took a little more doing),
the downlinks were on HF or 2 meters. Some of the RS birds
where HF up and HF down, and HF up, 2 meters down. Interesting
stuff!
Most folks had HF gear to start off in ham radio. I did not have an HT
until I was a ham for probably 20 years.
Nowadays there is a LOT of VHF/UHF multi mode gear floating around
the used market for reasonable prices. Also the antennas are available,
sometimes
for real cheap, or haul it away for free. Keep your eyes and ears open.
You don't have to go to AES/HRO/M-squared/HyGain/Cushcraft and buy new
stuff
to work these birds. There are many old timers who gave up satellite
work when
AO-10 and AO-13 went away, and their stuff is sitting around gathering
dust and
rust.
Hams are supposed to be resourceful and innovative!
And I went and sold my FT-847 which was about the most expensive rig I
ever
bought! Don't need it for these FM birds, I just use a dual-band mobile
rig, works
just as well.
73,
John
K6YK
On Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:51:48 -0900 "Edward R. Cole" <kl7uw@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
writes:
> I was on AO-40 from its launch, initially running mode US, then mode
>
> LS (I bought one of the few DEMI 1268/144 Tx converters that were
> made). I made several contacts after I got my s-band downlink
> working. Initially, I was using too small an antenna and did not
> have a decent preamp. Once I graduated to the 85cm (33-inch) offsst
>
> feed dish and added a MKU-232 preamp, I was able to hear anyone. I
>
> spent a long time collecting telemetry and could do so out to a
> squint angle of 49-degrees.
>
> It really is a shame that there was no workaround for the battery
> issue or even run on solar panels like AO7. But this was before AO7
>
> reawakened to provide that insight. I lived and waited long years
> for AO-40 and unfortunately wasted time I could have operated on
> AO-13.
>
> Now I have all the stuff needed to work a Heo and hardly anywhere to
>
> use it (I bought one of the early FT-847 just for AO-40). I would
> say a lot of the operators of the Heo years have gone away from
> satellite activity (some remain lurking on Amsat-bb wishing upon a
> star ...or a hope and a prayer).
>
> I will return, if Murphy will leave me alone long enough! But I
> mainly operate Oscar-Zero now days.
>
> 73, ED - KL7UW
>
>
____________________________________________________________
$65/Hr Job - 25 Openings
Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d4b6249d8e291da604st02vuc
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 17:58:53 -0800
From: k6yk <k6yk@xxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts
To: w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <20110203.181904.974.114367@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I had a couple hundred QSO's on AO-40,
some new countries, etc. but the LOTW response
on those was awful! Got some of them confirmed with
real cards and a FEW on LOTW.
Time for another HEO, that's for sure. Once you do that, the other
stuff is just "filler" while waiting.....
73,
John K6YK
On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 21:43:04 +0000 (UTC) Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx>
writes:
>
>
> according to my log the last qso's were
>
> 1/24/04 W3STW
>
> 1/23/04 W7TYN
>
> 1/19/04 VA7MM
>
> and to make us all dream again in Oct/Nov of 03
>
> F/HB9RM, DL8IL,OK1DX, DL8YS, ON6AA (rip),DC3ZB, DK1KQ, LY3BH, VK5AKJ
>
>
> there's gotta be a way folks, there's gotta be a way!!
>
> 73 Bob W7LRD
>
> Seattle
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Floyd Rodgers" <kc5qbc@xxxxxx.xxx>
> Cc: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Thursday, February 3, 2011 12:04:06 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] AO40 contacts
>
> Did anyone manage to bag any contacts off A040 before it's sad
> event?
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
____________________________________________________________
$65/Hr Job - 25 Openings
Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d4b6249dda86c09a8st04vuc
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 02:37:21 +0000 (UTC)
From: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] launch cost
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID:
<738260945.416923.1296787041067.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxx.xx.xxxx.xxxxx
xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hello
With the cost of a launch bouncing around the bb.? You might ask yourself,
"how much did?I? c ontribute to AMSAT in 2010?"? Just did my taxes and?
though not a huge amount it was deductable.? I believe, "if you use it, you
should help pay for it".? This is rocket science and that, ain't cheap!
73 Bob W7LRD
Seattle
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 18:46:26 -0800 (PST)
From: chris pellenz <pellenzc@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <134005.38113.qm@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I never made any contacts via AO-40.
I was still preparing my station... I was busy being
happy about my MIR packet contact... (I made the ANS one time)
I still have a couple K5GNA downconverters...
with the filter kits (as yet uninstalled)
If we could get another in orbit I could use this
stuff again... Ive been waiting a long time...
Im sorta giving up on the project.. .so much $ and no
results.. we really could use a HEO sat... I would be back..
I still show the kids the keps and the signs.. but with only 5
minutes to make a contact amongst a crowd im just shoved
out of the way.. .
Will we ever see another HEO sat??
73's
Chris
KC2BBU
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:48:32 +1100
From: Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts and more
To: k6yk <k6yk@xxxx.xxx>, kl7uw@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4d4b6906.8782e50a.4709.0961@xx.xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
At 01:18 PM 2/4/2011, k6yk wrote:
>
>I saw a mention of an issue of folks not wanting to make a big
>investment in satellite stuff to work SSB/CW.
>
>ALL of the original ham satellites were SSB/CW birds. No FM.
>And most hams already had enough equipment to get started. The
>uplinks were on 2 meters or 70CM (that took a little more doing),
>the downlinks were on HF or 2 meters. Some of the RS birds
>where HF up and HF down, and HF up, 2 meters down. Interesting
>stuff!
70cm SSB radios weren't common here, only the serious UHF DXers and
satellite operators had one. Thankfully, this situation has changed
over the last 10 years, thanks to the all in one radios that are on
the market. I myself have gone from no 70cm SSB capability, to no
fewer than 3 suitable radios in the last year. 2m SSB was a lot more
common here, has been for many years. I've had 2m SSB myself for
over 10 years, and have at least 4 radios now that can do it.
As you'd expect, HF is common down here, but are VHF/UHF FM only
radios, both mobile and HTs, especially near the major cities.
>Most folks had HF gear to start off in ham radio. I did not have an HT
>until I was a ham for probably 20 years.
I was the opposite. Economics made it easier for me to start with a
2m HT. I didn't have an all band HF transceiver until 2000, when
secondhand prices had come down enough, and I had the money to pick
one up secondhand. Still got that radio too. :)
>Nowadays there is a LOT of VHF/UHF multi mode gear floating around
>the used market for reasonable prices. Also the antennas are available,
>sometimes
>for real cheap, or haul it away for free. Keep your eyes and ears open.
Many more opportunities now. There has never been a better time to
try SSB on the birds.
>Hams are supposed to be resourceful and innovative!
>
>And I went and sold my FT-847 which was about the most expensive rig I
>ever
>bought! Don't need it for these FM birds, I just use a dual-band mobile
>rig, works
>just as well.
I've just upgraded and got radios with VHF/UHF SSB
capabilities. This will be used both terrestrially (I have used one
to gather telemetry from a balloon launch on 70cm) and hopefully on
the sats. These days it's good how a simply HF upgrade can give one
so much more. And there's the bonus FT-736 as a "hand me down" from
a ham friend, in appreciation for the help I've given him over the
years with antennas and other projects. :)
73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 18:50:57 -0800 (PST)
From: chris pellenz <pellenzc@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Fw: AO40 contacts
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <916940.75625.qm@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
by the way...
I for one have absolutely no interest in FM...
completely misses the challenge IMO...
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: chris pellenz <pellenzc@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 9:46:26 PM
Subject: Re: AO40 contacts
I never made any contacts via AO-40.
I was still preparing my station... I was busy being
happy about my MIR packet contact... (I made the ANS one time)
I still have a couple K5GNA downconverters...
with the filter kits (as yet uninstalled)
If we could get another in orbit I could use this
stuff again... Ive been waiting a long time...
Im sorta giving up on the project.. .ake a contact amongst a crowd im just shoved
out of the way.. .
Will we ever see another HEO sat??
73's
Chris
KC2BBU
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 19:16:00 -0800
From: k6yk <k6yk@xxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts and more
To: vk3jed@xxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <20110203.192038.950.88812@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Yes sir!
Lot of used stuff around these days that will work just fine on the
current birds as well as terrestrial HF/VHF/UHF work.
I have a couple of FT-100D's that are 160 thru 6 meters plus 2 M and
70 CM all mode. I was using them to replace the FT-847, as well as
using them for backup HF rigs.
Those FT-100's and the IC-706 seem to be available used for reasonable
prices if
you shop around .. And a few IC-7000's are showing up, too. Nice little
all-in-one radios. Folks who have not yet been on HF would be able to
get
some exposure, and possibly get interested enough to upgrade.
Well, 50 years ago, used HF rigs such as Heathkits, WRL, Hallicrafters,
etc.could be
gotten pretty cheap, even for a 14 year old kid, I think I paid probably
$60 or
$70 for a transmitter and receiver that worked well enough to get on the
air.
Made my own antennas.
I'm sorry I didn't bite the bullet and get a 70CM rig a long time ago.
I bought
probably 4 or 5 HF rigs while AO-10 and AO-13 were going strong and
never got on AO-10 until it was on it's last legs. Missed AO-13 except
for
copying the bulletins from the beacon on RTTY!
73,
John
On Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:48:32 +1100 Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
writes:
> At 01:18 PM 2/4/2011, k6yk wrote:
> >
> >I saw a mention of an issue of folks not wanting to make a big
> >investment in satellite stuff to work SSB/CW.
> >
> >ALL of the original ham satellites were SSB/CW birds. No FM.
> >And most hams already had enough equipment to get started. The
> >uplinks were on 2 meters or 70CM (that took a little more doing),
> >the downlinks were on HF or 2 meters. Some of the RS birds
> >where HF up and HF down, and HF up, 2 meters down. Interesting
> >stuff!
>
> 70cm SSB radios weren't common here, only the serious UHF DXers and
>
> satellite operators had one. Thankfully, this situation has changed
>
> over the last 10 years, thanks to the all in one radios that are on
>
> the market. I myself have gone from no 70cm SSB capability, to no
> fewer than 3 suitable radios in the last year. 2m SSB was a lot
> more
> common here, has been for many years. I've had 2m SSB myself for
> over 10 years, and have at least 4 radios now that can do it.
>
> As you'd expect, HF is common down here, but are VHF/UHF FM only
> radios, both mobile and HTs, especially near the major cities.
>
>
> >Most folks had HF geaies now. There has never been a better time to
>
> try SSB on the birds.
>
> >Hams are supposed to be resourceful and innovative!
> >
> >And I went and sold my FT-847 which was about the most expensive
> rig I
> >ever
> >bought! Don't need it for these FM birds, I just use a dual-band
> mobile
> >rig, works
> >just as well.
>
> I've just upgraded and got radios with VHF/UHF SSB
> capabilities. This will be used both terrestrially (I have used one
>
> to gather telemetry from a balloon launch on 70cm) and hopefully on
>
> the sats. These days it's good how a simply HF upgrade can give one
>
> so much more. And there's the bonus FT-736 as a "hand me down" from
>
> a ham friend, in appreciation for the help I've given him over the
> years with antennas and other projects. :)
>
> 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
> http://vkradio.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________
Dermatologists Hate Her
Smart Mom Uses $8 Trick to Erase Wrinkles and Look Younger Instantly
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4d4b70b1da13fc31adst04vuc
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 22:15:18 -0600
From: "Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield" <gary_mayfield@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <COL114-DS25BC984355F1C7241E4C4D8AE60@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I had some fun on AO-40, and made some contacts. I hope to get them on LOTW
before summer.
I had problems getting enough uplink signal. I could hear everyone
(including myself) just fine, but a lot of folks had trouble hearing me.
Then I would check the telemetry and see the AGC on the bird was driven 10
dB or so!!!
They were good days!
73,
Joe kk0sd
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 21:03:55 -0500 (EST)
From: Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 <faunt@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ""you may as well use Skype..."
To: Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx eu-amsat@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <20110204020355.9AC4E8FDDE@xxxxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Hm, that sounds as if taking an HT and Arrow/Elk to the postponed
DX0DX would be worthwhile (if I go).
73, doug
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:37:28 +1100
From: Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
At 05:49 AM 2/4/2011, Diane Bruce wrote:
> > What is the motivation for some to operate on LEO satellite? The
> "exotic" mode and bands? The pleasure to achieve an OSCAR class station?
>
>My initial motivation to getting on satellite was AO-40. That was
>exciting, very neat and a fun technical challenge. I did make it
>on AO-40 btw, I think I made at least one cw QSO before you folks
>broke it. ;-)
AO-40 was an incentive for me, though I never got beyond monitoring
the 2m beacon in the early days after launch and before the incident
with the 400N motor. I did collect a lot of good telemetry though
> > There is new modes actually growing DSTAR, DRM, DIGITAL VOICE
> (FDMDV) is this can be an alternative to those who wants something
else? or
> > will we be facing with this alternative, overcrowded single
> channel satellite pass? Where is the place for experimenting on the
actual LEO
> > fleet? Our licence was not created for "experimenting"?
>
>The reality is, LEO is all we are going to be able to afford. I do not
>see the thousands upon thousands of amateurs willing to put up the $$
>to put another HEO like AO-40, in the near future anyway. And yes AO-7
>is still going, but is really sick sounding. The only short term realistic
>answer is more LEOs as I see it. But please, not another FM bird please.
>There is absolutely no reason we couldnt put a simple linear
>translator up and allow FM on one frequency, such as India does.
I do agree, more linear birds would be a good thing, and the idea of
"sharing" with FM might work well in these parts, where it can be
hard to find anyone else on, and FM might be the difference between
having someone to talk to, and enjoying a conversation with yourself!
:) Traffic density over VK/ZL can get very low at times, so for us,
FM is often a plus, although I'm interested in playing around with
SSB too. A the problem of vast distances meaning
little chance of variety - all I've ever worked on satellite is VK,
ZL, P29 and 3D2, but we have to make do with what is practical. :-/
73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com
_______________________________________________
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: 11
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:19:21 -0500
From: Joe Leikhim <rhyolite@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Looking for M Squared 2MCP14
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4D4B9A69.7050000@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I am looking for an M2 2MCP14.
Contact me directly. Thanks
--
Joe Leikhim
Leikhim and Associates
Communications Consultants
Oviedo, Florida
www.Leikhim.com
JLeikhim@xxxxxxx.xxx
407-982-0446
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:03:59 +0000
From: Gordon JC Pearce <gordonjcp@xxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ""you may as well use Skype..."
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <1296806639.31196.61.camel@xxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
On Thu, 2011-02-03 at 13:49 -0500, Diane Bruce wrote:
> >
> > The focus put on KISS station in a way to recruit new satellite operator
is not bad if this new operator goes beyond his KISS station IMHO.
>
> Yes, but when I innocently asked if anyone had done a survey to see
> if this was happening, I was flamed unmercifully on amsat-bb.
> The answer I did get was "of course it does!". It would be nice
> to see a proper survey proving this is happening.
It doesn't in my case. I have *no interest at all* in operating
satellites that require a complex fixed station with computer tracking
and tuning. None. Doesn't interest me one bit.
The fun part is communicating via simple inexpensive satellites, with
simple inexpensive hardware that you can make at home. Really, you
could probably make the satellites at home too. I've got some scrap
GP340s around here that I could gut and stick in a box. Lob that out of
the ISS at an opportune moment and it would work. Not for long, maybe
not very well, but it would work.
> > There is new modes actually growing DSTAR, DRM, DIGITAL VOICE (FDMDV) is
this can be an alternative to those who wants something else? or
> > will we be facing with this alternative, overcrowded single channel
satellite pass? Where is the place for experimenting on the actual LEO
> > fleet? Our licence was not created for "experimenting"?
>
> The reality is, LEO is all we are going to be able to afford. I do not
> see the thousands upon thousands of amateurs willing to put up the $$
> to put another HEO like AO-40, in the near future anyway. And yes AO-7
> is still going, but is really sick sounding. The only short term realistic
> answer is more LEOs as I see it. But please, not another FM bird please.
> There is absolutely no reason we couldnt put a simple linear
> translator up and allow FM on one frequency, such as India does.
Exactly. No-one is going to fly your HEO satellite unless you pay them
a *shitload* of money. You can get away with cheap (sub-?20,000)
flights to orbit because there is a certain amount of "wasted space" on
things that fly "proper" satellites up so you can squeeze in a thing the
size and weight of a sugar bag very nearly for free. The satellites
used for satellite TV broadcasting are roughly the size and weight of a
Volvo. How much do you think it costs to park a Volvo 22,000 miles
away, when the gravity well is working against you?
No doubt someone is going to pipe up with the idea of launching APRS
digipeater sats, which is fine if you want to drive around going "Here I
am! Here I am! Here I am!" but not so great if you want to talk to
people. It would be a start, though. I like the idea of a linear bird
with an FM "slot", that would be good.
Really we all need to start backing Iran's space programme. They
launched the Omid sat reasonably successfully - it flew, it worked, and
we could hear it down here. You can look on wikipedia and listen to the
telemetry downlink I recorded with my TH-F7E and a 3-ele yagi.
Geographically they're in an okay place for launches, and I bet they
could use the cash. Of course certain nearby neighbours will have a
shitfit about the ZOMG TERRORIST possibilities, but even with that borne
in mind I'd rather have them inside pissing out.
Gordon MM0YEQ
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 18:37:59 +1000
From: Andrew Rich <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Iss challenge
To: "<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <7EDFA4AA-9703-4824-971E-2FE70B6CA468@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Get someone to leave a special code on the iss bbs and see how many people
can retrieve it
Sent from my iPhone
Andrew Rich
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 07:16:05 -0500
From: <n1jez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts
To: "amsat-bb" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <D6B2368460254BC996FCF8606FF4F04F@xxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Those were fun days Clare!
My most challenging contacts were made using K band (24 GHz down). First
contact was on 4/20/2002 with Jerry, K5OE.
http://www.burlingtontelecom.net/~n1jez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxxx
I think the only mode I never got to try was 2.4 GHz up. I have the
transverter sitting here in my shack, but AO-40 went bang before I got to
use it. The plan was S/k.
73,
Mike, N1JEZ
AMSAT 29649
"A closed mouth gathers no feet"
----- Original Message -----
From: "Clare Fowler" <clarefowler@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 contacts
>I made over 1300 contacts on AO-40 during its 2 3/4 years of operation.
>
> The first QSO was on 05/05/01 at 08:17 with Mike N1JEZ on U/S
> then at 08:39 worked Dom I8CVS, at 08:52 Fred CU8AO, and at 09:03 Frank
> DL6DBN.
>
> I then fired up my FT-736R on 1.2 GHz and at 09:44 worked Steve KB8VAO
> with
> both
> of us making our 1st L/S QSO on AO-40 and then at 09:55 worked Mike N1JEZ
> for his first L/S contact.
>
> On the 25th and 26th of Jan 2003 an AO-40 QSO party was held.
> 30 logs were submitted from 14 countries.
> I made 107 QSO's with 19 DXCC countries.
>
> My last contact was on 28/01/04 at 20:39 with DG4DW.
> My next log entry was at 29/01/04 at 01:35 with Jerry W0SAT and
> my log note is "we talked about AO-40 gone"
>
> In spite of the fact AO-40 had major problems and never operated near it's
> original
> design I think it was a very successful amateur satellite.
>
> Bob (W7LRD); I guess all we can do now is remember the good old days and
> cry
> on
> each others shoulders. SOB SOB
>
> Clare VE3NPC
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Floyd Rodgers" <kc5qbc@xxxxxx.xxx>
> Subject: [amsat-bb] AO40 contacts
>
>
>> Did anyone manage to bag any contacts off A040 before it's sad event?
------------------------------
Message: 15
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:18:29 -0500
From: "Mark L. Hammond" <marklhammond@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Why not a HEO?
To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <3oJX1g00856cfur05oJZsS@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Okay, usually I don't comment on the hot topics on AMSAT-BB. I prefer to
comment on the technical questions and issues. Maybe work has me feeling
feisty this morning, so here it comes :)
Why not a HEO? I can think of about 15 million reasons...that's a reference
to money, if you didn't catch it.
A good debate can be enjoyable. I'm okay if the outcome is that we disagree
as topics are discussed. But regarding another HEO, it's quite simple, as I
see it:
1) We all want a HEO.
2) It doesn't look like we're going to be able to afford a HEO.
Our best chance is for somebody to hit a $300M lottery and lay out the cash
in one big chunk. Or, somebody hits the "launch lottery" such that we get a
free ride (probability is about the same these days...)
If you don't like the FM bids, vote with your radio's power button. And
play the lottery!
See? I told you it was simple ;)
Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Sent via amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 6, Issue 74
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