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CX2SA > SATDIG 05.08.12 05:49l 1157 Lines 41180 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (Thomas Doyle)
2. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (andrew abken)
3. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (Bob Bruninga )
4. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (Thomas Doyle)
5. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (Bob DeVarney W1ICW)
6. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (andrew abken)
7. Hawaii Footprints (Robert Smith)
8. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (Stephen Melachrinos)
9. VE3NKL/p (K4FEG)
10. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (Bob Bruninga )
11. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (i8cvs)
12. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (i8cvs)
13. Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question (i8cvs)
14. ANS-218 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (Lee McLamb)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 14:13:47 -0500
From: Thomas Doyle <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
To: andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID:
<CAHnRQRKGEomZCU-deKbfYXWn0V8arnAOAS+pSD7hbW7Knwgbjg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Andy,
I believe that is true but that does not explain why the optimum
polarity setting on the receive end would
change during a pass. Perhaps there is some sort of Faraday Rotation
effect but I do not believe that
it can change the direction of the circular polarized signal but who
knows what magic things happen in
the ether.
tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle
On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 12:44 PM, andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
> Hi Tom,
>
> I thought fo-29 was transmitting circular. Would not surprise me if I
was wrong:)
>
> Andy,
> kn6za
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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 from my computer.
tom ...
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 19:42:31 +0000
From: andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <COL102-W52C799B5E67B0C6DF52153E7C90@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Tom,
I have also noticed the switching of polarity as the sat travels over.
What I have understood to be the mode by which this is occuring comes
from the fact that circular polarized antennas change polarity as you move
out of the main radiation lobe. The main lobe is circular one direction and
the next lobe is reversed, and the next reversed back again.
Hope someone can correct me if I have things fouled up.
Andy
> Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 14:13:47 -0500
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Technical Question
> From: tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx
> To: kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx
> CC: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>
> Andy,
>
> I believe that is true but that does not explain why the optimum
> polarity setting on the receive end would
> change during a pass. Perhaps there is some sort of Faraday Rotation
> effect but I do not believe that
> it can change the direction of the circular polarized signal but who
> knows what magic things happen in
> the ether.
>
> tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 12:44 PM, andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Tom,
> >
> > I thought fo-29 was transmitting circular. Would not surprise me if I
was wrong:)
> >
> > Andy,
> > kn6za
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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 from my computer.
>
> tom ...
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 15:47:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Bob Bruninga " <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
To: "Thomas Doyle" <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>, "andrew abken"
<kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <201208041947.020854@xxx.xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> I believe that is true but that does not explain
> why the optimum polarity setting on the receive
> end would change during a pass.
That's easy. The circularity on a pair of crossed dipoles (about all you
can get on a spacecraft) May be designed for Right hand circularity when
viewed from the prime direction. But by definition, that save waveform will
be LHC when viewed from the opposite direction.
And since the geometry to any one observer is constantly changing by almost
180 degrees during an overhead pass, that is why it is very easy to see,
complete change in circularity.
Bob, WB4APR
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 15:20:20 -0500
From: Thomas Doyle <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Bob Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID:
<CAHnRQRK5g699D4-TLq187272QwXkoX9UTyeWwfyOYaje6mqSkg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Bob,
Thanks for the reply. A student of mine once told me that if someone
tells you something is easy - it is not. Even though this is not only
easy but "very easy" I still need a slight clarification. I think it
boils down to the orientation of the satellite relative to the center
of the earth.
If the satellite was a clock and the face of the clock was oriented
toward the center of the earth the I believe the clock would appear to
rotate CW on both ends of the pass. If the side of the clock rather
than the face of the clock was oriented toward the center of the earth
it would appear to rotate one way at the start of the pass and the
other way at the end of the pass because we would be looking at the
clock from the other side. I believe this is the basis of the "very
easy" explanation you offered.
Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the orientation of the
satellite in such a way that would cause the direction of circular
polarization to change during the path. Perhaps people selling antenna
circularity switches would like it but other than that I do not
understand why it would be done. I am most likely missing something
important.
tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle
On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 2:47 PM, Bob Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
>> I believe that is true but that does not explain
>> why the optimum polarity setting on the receive
>> end would change during a pass.
>
> That's easy. The circularity on a pair of crossed dipoles (about all you
can get on a spacecraft) May be designed for Right hand circularity when
viewed from the prime direction. But by definition, that save waveform will
be LHC when viewed from the opposite direction.
>
> And since the geometry to any one observer is constantly changing by
almost 180 degrees during an overhead pass, that is why it is very easy to
see, complete change in circularity.
>
> Bob, WB4APR
>
--
Sent from my computer.
tom ...
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2012 16:22:25 -0400
From: Bob DeVarney W1ICW <we1u@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <501D8481.7040300@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I can't explain it but have noticed the same polarity changes during a
pass. Like S-9 to S-1/nothing switching between polarities with my
antennas... it's been handy to actually have the ability to change
polarities in the past for me. I do not have the ability to polarity
switch on 2 meters, only 70 cM for the downlink.
73,
Bob W1ICW
On 8/4/2012 3:13 PM, Thomas Doyle wrote:
> Andy,
>
> I believe that is true but that does not explain why the optimum
> polarity setting on the receive end would
> change during a pass. Perhaps there is some sort of Faraday Rotation
> effect but I do not believe that
> it can change the direction of the circular polarized signal but who
> knows what magic things happen in
> the ether.
>
> tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 12:44 PM, andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>> Hi Tom,
>>
>> I thought fo-29 was transmitting circular. Would not surprise me if I
was wrong:)
>>
>> Andy,
>> kn6za
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 20:45:18 +0000
From: andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <COL102-W13E8BDADFA525B2D7ABD62E7C90@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Tom,
I don't think any one who designs a system "wants" this to occur, but as
a function of overall system cost it is one of the unavoidable realities.
Its actually a great compromise, because with only a 3db loss you can use
a linear rec. antenna with no polarity switching, and avoid the large fading
that would occur if the satellite was transmitting linear.
Now if you have the money to build a satellite that can point itself at
the receiving station at all times ie: geo synchronous:)$$$$ then that would
be the cats meow;)
73
Andy
> Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the orientation of the
> satellite in such a way that would cause the direction of circular
> polarization to change during the path. Perhaps people selling antenna
> circularity switches would like it but other than that I do not
> understand why it would be done. I am most likely missing something
> important.
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 10:48:02 -1000
From: Robert Smith <dukenuke@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Hawaii Footprints
Message-ID: <42DEC1DD-9EA1-4BBC-B610-78EC33F3244B@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Aloha
I hope to be on the FO-29 pass at 2243Z and
AO27 at 2308Z grandchildren precluding.
As aforementioned my home QTH allows only
the western region and Alaska on these passes.
Hopefully mobile soon!!!
73
de robert, NH7WN
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2012 15:58:51 -0500 (CDT)
From: Stephen Melachrinos <melachri@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <13246576.1691106.1344113931879.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
> Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the orientation of the
> satellite in such a way that would cause the direction of circular
< polarization to change during the path.
There are two perspectives in answering this.
1. You used the word "maintain," which implies the ability of the spacecraft
to control its attitude. That's commonly done for commercial and military
satellites, but rarely (if ever) done for amateur satellites. It's just too
complicated and too expensive for amateurs to allocate the resources to make
it happen.
2. You also asked why anyone would WANT to maintain the orientation like
that. In a more general sense, recognize that not every satellite is a
communications satellite, supporting communications with terrestrial
stations. Scientific missions often have to point a body-mounted sensor
somewhere, and the comm payload has to "adjust." For example, Hubble's main
body IS the telescope, so it MUST point at the astronomical targets. For
that mission, NASA paid for an articulated communications payload, but
spacecraft don't always do that.
73,
Steve
W3HF
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:16:07 -0500
From: K4FEG <K4FEG@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] VE3NKL/p
Message-ID: <501D9F27.5040901@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Many thanks to Nikolai, VE3NKL, who operated portable from 6 different
grids in Newfoundland, Canada during the past 2 weeks.
*Thanks to his family that shared their vacation time with us "Grid
Chasers" while Nikolai took time out to work the satellite passes.*
Great signal and you handled it well Nikolai. Thank you for the contacts
and new grid squares.
Thanks for GN09, GN19, GN26, GN28, GN37 & GN38 (May have been one more!).
When do you go on vacation again?? HI HI!
73
de K4FEG EM55
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 18:24:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Bob Bruninga " <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
To: "Thomas Doyle" <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <201208042224.020857@xxx.xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the
> orientation of the satellite in such a way that
> would cause the direction of circular
> polarization to change during the path.
Lets try this approach... As I said before, By the laws of physics, what
comes out one side of a circular polarized low gain antenna as RHCP comes
out the opposite side as LHCP.
Now given that, and the fact that someone in Maryland is in the center of
the RHCP beam, then by the laws of physics, the guy in California must see
mostly LHCP. No matter how much one of those persons demands that he
deserves the RHCP beam, by definition, someone else somewhere will get the
LHCP one, and the geometry changes at least every 10 minutes or so and every
time the spacecraft rotates a bit.
So one might say, "point it down" then only the person in Kansas will see
the main beam and those in CA or MD will be completely off the sides almost
70 degrees from the main beam. Mot people do not realize how LOW these
satellites are. The only solution is to put satellites so high, that "down"
is about the same to everyone (geostationary altitude). But then that takes
100 times more altitude, and that takes 10,000 times more power.
Better to just live with the laws of physics... I guess.
Bob, WB4aPR
>
>On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 2:47 PM, Bob Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
>>> I believe that is true but that does not explain
>>> why the optimum polarity setting on the receive
>>> end would change during a pass.
>>
>> That's easy. The circularity on a pair of crossed dipoles (about all
you can get on a spacecraft) May be designed for Right hand circularity when
viewed from the prime direction. But by definition, that save waveform will
be LHC when viewed from the opposite direction.
>>
>> And since the geometry to any one observer is constantly changing by
almost 180 degrees during an overhead pass, that is why it is very easy to
see, complete change in circularity.
>>
>> Bob, WB4APR
>>
>
>
>
>--
>
>Sent from my computer.
>
>tom ...
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2012 04:41:41 +0200
From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs@xxx.xx>
To: "Thomas Doyle" <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>, "Amsat - BBs"
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <000001cd72b4$3535a400$0401a8c0@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Thomas, W9KE
In a separate email I have sent to you a very compreensive article
explaining why during an orbit of a LEO satellite like FO-29 the
changes in polarization is generated.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Doyle" <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
To: <AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 4:46 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Polarization Technical Question
> I had a actual qso on FO-29 the other day and during the contact
> circular polarization switching was discussed.
> The station I was talking with described a very large change in
> received signal strength when switching
> between LHCP and RHCP. I have heard other people mention this and I
> recall some change when using
> AO-10 with my switchable KLM's back in the good old days.
>
> I have been trying to figure out why there would be such a big change.
> Here is a collection of theories/questions.
> I would appreciate comments on any or all of them. This is a bit
> complex so a direct reply is probably best.
>
> - In a perfect world if the satellite antenna is linearly polarized
> LH-RH switching would not make any difference.
>
> - In a real world it is unlikely that the ground station receive
> antenna is truly circular. It is somewhat elliptical.
>
> Question: if the receive antenna has an elliptical pattern does the
> angle of the major axis change when
> switching LH - RH.
> This is a complex question related to the nature of what caused the
> elliptical distortion in the pattern.
> Perhaps someone has measured this. If the angle of the major axis
> receive antenna pattern changes when
> switching between LH and RH and the satellite antenna is linearly
> polarized this could account for some change
> in received signal strength. Other than that I am at a loss to explain
> why switching LH-RH on a receive antenna
> would cause a large change in the strength of a signal received from a
> linear antenna.
>
>
> tnx & 73 W9KE Tom Doyle
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 12
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2012 05:06:59 +0200
From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs@xxx.xx>
To: "andrew abken" <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>, <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>,
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <005501cd72b8$ec8fac00$0401a8c0@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Tom, KN6ZA
With only a 3db loss you can use a linear rec. antenna with no polarity
switching, and avoid the large fading that would occur if the satellite was
transmitting circular RHCP or LHCP........(but not linear as you stated)
On the other side if you receive linear and the satellite transmit linearly
with opposite polarity you get more than 20dB of fading.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
----- Original Message -----
From: "andrew abken" <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>; <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 10:45 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
>
> Tom,
>
> I don't think any one who designs a system "wants" this to occur, but
as a function of overall system cost it is one of the unavoidable realities.
>
> Its actually a great compromise, because with only a 3db loss you can
use a linear rec. antenna with no polarity switching, and avoid the large
fading that would occur if the satellite was transmitting linear.
>
> Now if you have the money to build a satellite that can point itself at
the receiving station at all times ie: geo synchronous:)$$$$ then that would
be the cats meow;)
>
> 73
> Andy
>
> > Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the orientation of the
> > satellite in such a way that would cause the direction of circular
> > polarization to change during the path. Perhaps people selling antenna
> > circularity switches would like it but other than that I do not
> > understand why it would be done. I am most likely missing something
> > important.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 13
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2012 05:18:02 +0200
From: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs@xxx.xx>
To: "Bob Bruninga " <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>, "Thomas Doyle"
<tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, andrew abken <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
Message-ID: <005701cd72b8$ecf46140$0401a8c0@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi All,
I agree completely with Bob, WB4APR and this is what is wery well
explained into the article "CIRCULAR POLARIZATION by K4KJ,
a zipped file 5 MB long available from me.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Bruninga " <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
To: "Thomas Doyle" <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>; "andrew abken" <kn6za@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2012 12:24 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Polarization Technical Question
> > Not sure why anyone would want to maintain the
> > orientation of the satellite in such a way that
> > would cause the direction of circular
> > polarization to change during the path.
>
> Lets try this approach... As I said before, By the laws of physics, what
comes out one side of a circular polarized low gain antenna as RHCP comes
out the opposite side as LHCP.
>
> Now given that, and the fact that someone in Maryland is in the center of
the RHCP beam, then by the laws of physics, the guy in California must see
mostly LHCP. No matter how much one of those persons demands that he
deserves the RHCP beam, by definition, someone else somewhere will get the
LHCP one, and the geometry changes at least every 10 minutes or so and every
time the spacecraft rotates a bit.
>
> So one might say, "point it down" then only the person in Kansas will see
the main beam and those in CA or MD will be completely off the sides almost
70 degrees from the main beam. Mot people do not realize how LOW these
satellites are. The only solution is to put satellites so high, that "down"
is about the same to everyone (geostationary altitude). But then that takes
100 times more altitude, and that takes 10,000 times more power.
>
> Better to just live with the laws of physics... I guess.
>
> Bob, WB4aPR
>
> >
> >On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 2:47 PM, Bob Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
> >>> I believe that is true but that does not explain
> >>> why the optimum polarity setting on the receive
> >>> end would change during a pass.
> >>
> >> That's easy. The circularity on a pair of crossed dipoles (about all
you can get on a spacecraft) May be designed for Right hand circularity when
viewed from the prime direction. But by definition, that save waveform will
be LHC when viewed from the opposite direction.
> >>
> >> And since the geometry to any one observer is constantly changing by
almost 180 degrees during an overhead pass, that is why it is very easy to
see, complete change in circularity.
> >>
> >> Bob, WB4APR
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >--
> >
> >Sent from my computer.
> >
> >tom ...
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 14
Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2012 23:22:52 -0400
From: Lee McLamb <ku4os@xxx.xx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-218 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
Message-ID: <AA.26.29356.D07ED105@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-218
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
In this edition:
* AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2012
* Russian Satellite RS-40 Yubileiny-2 Launched
* MSU Attracts NASA Attention With Computer System for Spacecraft
* Olympic Station 2o12W Active on the Amateur Radio Satellites
* Kickstarter Fund Raiser for Ham Radio at South Florida Museum
* Mars Rover Landing News From JPL
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* ARISS Status - 30 July 2012
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-218.01
ANS-218 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 218.01
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
August 5, 2012
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-218.01
AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2012
The AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2012 will be held at the Holiday Inn, Egerton
Road, Guildford GU2 7XZ starting at 1000 am on Saturday 15 September,
and finishing at approximately 17.00 pm on Sunday 16 September 2012.
The colloquium attracts an international audience from across Europe
as well as North America and the Middle East. Attendees range from
the builders of the CubeSats and Nanosats, those who communicate
through them and beginners who wish to find out more about this fas-
cinating branch of the hobby.
This event provides a rare opportunity to chat with satellite design-
ers and builders, discussions frequently continue until the early
hours of the morning.
There will be a beginner's session starting approximately 4pm on
Friday 14 September. A Friday Night dinner will be held at the hotel.
If you wish to attend, please contact Jim Heck by email at
g3wgm@xxxxx.xxx at least one week before the event.
A Gala dinner is held on the Saturday evening along with the fund
raising auction.
Call for Speakers and Papers
----------------------------
AMSAT-UK invites speakers, to cover topics about micro-satellites,
CubeSats, Nanosats, space and associated activities, for this event.
They are also invited to submit papers for the "Proceedings" document
which will be published at the same time but printed papers are not
mandatory. We normally prefer authors to present talks themselves
rather than having someone else give them in the authors' absence.
We also welcome "unpresented" papers for the Proceedings document.
Submissions should be sent ONLY to David Johnson G4DPZ, via these
routes: e-mail: david dot johnson at blackpepper dot co dot uk.
Postal address at http://www.qrz.com/db/G4DPZ
Change in Booking Procedures
----------------------------
There is a booking change this year. Do not book your room with the
hotel. Instead you need to book your room with AMSAT-UK at the on-
line shop: http://shop.amsat.org.uk - the hotel will only hold rooms
reserved for AMSAT-UK until August 24. If you book after this date,
you risk there not being a room available.
Also, Saturday's Gala Dinner must be booked in advance in the on-line
shop.
Additional accommodation package information can be found on the 2012
Colloquium web pages: http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Russian Satellite RS-40 Yubileiny-2 Launched
A Russian research satellite, with experiments built by students and
research staff of the Siberian State Aerospace University and launch-
ed on July 28. Signals from RS-40 on 435.365 MHz were first reported
by Maik Hermenau on the AMSAT-DL mailing list.
Jan, PE0SAT published information about RS-40 on his web page. While
the new satellite uses amateur 70cm downlinks it does not appear to
include an amateur radio mission. Details of the downlink signalling
protocol have not been made available.
Yubileiny-2 mission aboard this 65 kilograms satellite includes test-
ing advanced technological solutions to be incorporated into future
missions:
+ Contoured heat pipes
+ New technological enhancements for onboard radio equipment.
+ Small-sized attitude control elements including magnetic torquers.
+ Testing optical properties of solar concentrators using an experi-
mental solar panel module.
+ Compact navigation receiver using the GLONASS and GPS technology.
Siberian State Aerospace University student built components and
experiments include:
+ Earth sensing technology with a camera observing the earth surface.
+ Small WeB-camera to continuously observe the satellite's deployment
mechanisms and monitor the performance of satellite components,
structures and instruments made of advanced composite materials.
Jan, PE0SAT reports that the signals he received from RS-40 switch
between two downlink frequencies:
+ Signals were first copied on 435.265 MHz FM,
+ Then switched to 435.365 MHz FM.
+ After about six minutes the received waterfall patern changed and
there where only signals on 435.365 MHz FM
Jan posted details of the received signals at:
http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/2012/i-received-data-from-rs-40/
He includes 2-line orbital elements as well as audio samples and
screenshots of the received signals on this page.
First signal reports from RS-40 are documented at:
http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/2012/first-signals-from-rs-40/
[ANS thanks Jan, PE0SAT for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
MSU Attracts NASA Attention With Computer System for Space
Evelyn Boswell for MSU News Service
Bozeman MT (SPX) Jul 30, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/MSU-Experiment (www.spacemart.com)
Two Montana State University graduate students who are building a
radiation-proof computer system for use in space have received an
extra boost from NASA. Justin Hogan and Raymond Weber recently
learned that their project with faculty member Brock LaMeres was
one of 14 selected by NASA for development and demonstration on
commercial launch vehicles in 2013 or 2014.
The Montana State University cubesat, William A. Hiscock Radiation
Belt Explorer, has been orbiting the Earth since Oct. 28, 2011.
MSU's computer system is designed to lay on top of a reprogrammable
hardware fabric, LaMeres said. If the system works the way it's
designed, it will detect radiation and high-energy particles. If
radiation strikes - or looks like it will strike - an active circuit,
the computer system can shut down the active circuit and use one of
the abundant spare circuits. As a result, astronauts may be able to
get by with less shielding than they currently carry into space to
protect their computers. They should also be able to work without
stopping to fix computer malfunctions.
NASA launched a flight test of their computer aboard a rocket on
June 21 from Wallops Island. The rocket soared 73 miles above the
Atlantic Ocean, exposing the experiments to zero-gravity and the
radiation found in 11 miles of space. Within 15 minutes of launch,
the rocket splashed down about two miles from Wallops Island. A
commercial fishing boat retrieved the experiments and returned them
to the students for analysis.
Hogan and Weber are wrapping up their work on their radiation-toler-
ant, reconfigurable computer system so it will it into a cube approx-
imately four inches on each side. The cube will head to the Columbia
Scientific Balloon Facility at Fort Sumner, N.M. to be launched in
early September as part of the High Altitude Student Platform (HASP)
program through NASA and the Louisiana Space Consortium. The high-
altitude balloon is expected to carry the computer system 22 miles
above Earth and stay aloft for 15 to 20 hours.
Read the full article at the link above.
[ANS thanks Montana State University and SpaceMart.com for the
above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Olympic Station 2o12W Active on the Amateur Radio Satellites
Olympic Flagship Special Event Station 2 Oscar 12 Whiskey (2o12W)
has been active on the amateur radio satellites working stations
in the USA and across Europe.
The 2o12W satellite station has been operated by Ken Eaton, GW1FKY
a member of the Barry Amateur Radio Club and AMSAT-UK.
The satellite equipment comprises a Kenwood TS2000 feeding a 5 ele-
ment dual-band "Elk" antenna mounted on a rotator on the portable
cabin about 2.5 meters (8 feet) above the ground.
Ken says the station is located on the promenade and the many elec-
trical amusements in the Fairground generate considerable interfer-
ence on the VHF/UHF bands which has made reception difficult.
The station 2o12W is planned to be on-the-air until September.
For photos and more information see:
http://www.uk.amsat.org/9322
http://www.2o12w.com/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Kickstarter Fund Raiser for Ham Radio at South Florida Museum
The West Palm Beach Amateur Radio Group has built and operates a
permanent Amateur Radio exhibit at the South Florida Science Mu
seum in West Palm Beach Florida.
Both the Museum and the amateur radio group are non-profit entities.
The museum gave the space for the exhibit but everything from the
carpet on the floor, the paint on the walls, the overhead lighting,
the electrical wiring and up has been donated and supplied by club
members and limited supporters.
Presently the amateur radio facilities are on the very modest side.
They operate on loaned radios and wire antennas. The club says, "We
get hundreds of youngsters visiting our exhibit every week, only a
handful get to experience that 'Lasting Moment of First Excitement'
due to our limited facilities."
The club has started an on-line pledge drive using Kickstarter to
mmet their goal of more modern radio and put up a tower next to the
building with an antenna on it that will be high enough to get over
the substation next door.
They also need to add exhibits that explain how basic radio, elec-
tronics and antennas work for building the level of excitement.
Visit the West Palm Beach Amateur Radio Group's "Lasting Moment of
First Excitement" Kickstarter Project page at:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/997251641/lasting-moments-of-first-excit
ement
The club web pages are at: http://www.wpbarc.com - and -
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestPalmBeachAmateurRadioGroupInc
[ANS thanks Tom Loughney, AJ4XM for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mars Rover Landing News From JPL
If you have an iPad or an iPhone with a camera, here's a chance to create
personalized photos with a high-resolution 3D model of the Curiosity rover.
Download Spacecraft 3D from the Apple Apps Store. It's free! (Android version:
to be out in a few weeks).
Print a couple of copies of the paper "Targets" before landing night.
Place the Target where you want the rover to appear.
Compose the desired photo, then tap the "Gear" icon and press the Photo button
to take snapshots of the rovers with old and new friends on landing night.
Send your pictures to: jplpublic@xxx.xxxx.xxx
We'll put together a collection of photos after the landing.
Other free Curiosity software to play with:
Xbox - Mars Rover Landing
Try your own skills on landing Curiosity through this Xbox game
Downloadable through the Xbox menu system or at:
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Mars-Rover-Landing/66acd000-77fe-100
0-
9115-d80258480836
Eyes on the Solar System: Curiosity Edition
Experience Curiosity as it lands at Gale Crater
http://eyes.jpl.nasa.gov(viewable in any web browser)
Be A Martian Mobile Phone Apps ? Mars on the go!
Participate as a Citizen Scientist on the Mars Science Lab mission
iPhone: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mobile/beam/iphone/
Android:http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mobile/beam/android/
Windows: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mobile/beam/windowsphone/
Explore Mars on the Web!
This 3D interactive experience lets you explore Mars with Curiosity
Curiosity?s Journey: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/explore/curiosity
Free Drive: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/explore/freedrive/
Gale Crater: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/explore/galecrater/
Learn the Rover: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/explore/learnaboutrover/
[ANS thanks Jan, WB6VRN, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Congratulations to Ted Doty, AA5CK on earning his Satellite Worked
All States Award #332. Ted wrote, "I want to express my thanks and
appreciation to all of our great Satellite Ops, working from home
and portable, to make this award and others a possibility.
+ Remembering this week, that August 2, 1971 was the date when the
Apollo 15 lunar module Falcon left the Moon in first televised lunar
liftoff: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Lunar_Module#Media in-
cludes videos.
+ An English language NHK TV news story covers the amateur radio Cube-
Sat FITSAT-1 (NIWAKA) which launched to the International Space Sta-
tion (ISS) on July 21: http://tinyurl.com/FitsatOnNHK (Southgate)
+ Listen for Nikolai, VE3NKL operating portable from Newfoundland on
a vacation trip. He will be on SO-50 and AO-27 time permitting. He
is active in grid squares GN09 and GN19. He posts details on his
callsign lookup web page at QRZ.com. (via K4FEG)
+ Listen for Norm, N3YKF operating satellites with a portable station
he brought with him during his vacation in Peru.
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS Status - 30 July 2012
1. Upcoming School Contact
Space Jam 6, which will be held at the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum in
Rantoul, Illinois, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the
International
Space Station (ARISS) contact on Sunday, August 5 at 10:06 UTC. The Space
Jamboree Workshop is the Midwest?s largest technology oriented gathering of
Boy
Scouts and Girl Scouts. The theme this year is ?The History of Aviation.?
Subjects that will be taught and merit badges that may be earned include the
following: Space Exploration, Radio, Aviation,
Electronics, Robotics, Soil/Water
Conservation, Environmental Science, Energy, Metalwork, Computers, Geology,
Nuclear Science, Engineering and Inventing. The Jamboree is working with the
University of Illinois, Purdue, and DePauw Universities (high altitude balloon
launches, FIRST Robotics, Nuclear Engineering) to help Scouts plan for the
future.
2. Girls from WE@xxx Camp Speak with Sunita Williams in Space
Fifth and sixth grade girls attending the ?Everyday Engineering? camp at Kate
Gleason College, sponsored by the Women in Engineering @ Rochester Institute
of
Technology (WE@xxxx in New York took part in an Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) contact on
Monday, July 23. The girls talked
with on-orbit astronaut Sunita Williams, KD5PLB who currently holds the record
for longest space flight by a woman. The contact highlighted camp activities
that focus on engineering-based themes to teach the engineering design process
through hands-on build and design activities. This year?s camp theme is ?World
in Motion.? Also attending the contact were students from the grade 7-9 camp
(held two weeks ago), the students attending this week?s RoboCamp, and the
Lil'
Kids on Campus Space Week kids. To view video of the contact, see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdlpcw_VD4M
3. Virginia Air and Space Center Contact Successful
On Thursday, July 26, Sunita Williams, KD5PLB held an Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) contact with youth volunteers from the
Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton, Virginia. The volunteers give tours,
provide demonstrations to the public and support the center in its efforts to
educate the public. The center has its own amateur radio exhibit and during
these summer months, it also welcomes NASA exhibits Destination Station, the
Orion Test Vehicle and the Mars Science Laboratory.
[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 addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Lee McLamb, KU4OS
ku4os at amsat dot org
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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 7, Issue 246
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