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CX2SA > SATDIG 24.02.13 04:46l 1047 Lines 42777 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Samudra Haque)
2. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Greg D)
3. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Samudra Haque)
4. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Lizeth Norman)
5. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Gus)
6. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Gus)
7. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Lizeth Norman)
8. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Lizeth Norman)
9. ANS-055 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (Lee McLamb)
10. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Samudra Haque)
11. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Lizeth Norman)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 18:59:35 -0500
From: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-dc@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-dc@xxxxx.xxx>, Amsat-bb
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJEM474L3K9AwsMZsRNk3=rTPfC78g2Z7dQ8q_s4cuJytpmjdg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi, about two years ago, I started a design for a robotics class project of
a AZ-EL rotator controller system, and a hardware package for the mechanism
for rotating an antenna in any direction subject to mechanical stops. The
system would have been able to handle regular and flip modes. I didn't do
anything more than calculations, and moved on to building a classroom
instructional robot then.
Lately, as I am setting up (K3GWU, the George Washington University Amateur
Radio Club and Research Station) I find that the price of az-el systems
such as G5500 + Yaesu AZ-EL rotors are expensive, and are not typically
available on an affordable basis on Ebay or eham.net etc. Well, of course,
expensive is a relative term, for a student hobby organization, it's a lot,
and I guess for small ham operators it is also moderately expensive.
This may be a frequently asked topic: does any one have experienced with
(tested) kit designs for AZ-EL rotors that can be made with parts from
current suppliers ? I know there are a number of controller designs, but I
am interested to know if there are any options for suppliers of the
required gears/motors etc.
I have located several large AC motors / DC motors at my university
mechanical engineering workshop, but they are not all guaranteed the same
specs. I now realize if I do embark on a actual design process with my
model/simulation/hardware, it would be nice to build several of these all
at once to share the development cost over the production run, and ensure
those who want a cheap AZ-EL system can get one. Otherwise the production
cost of one heavy duty system is going to be quite high.
I hope some of you may have suggestions for me, both (+) and (-) or perhaps
(~) in nature. I thought amsat / amateur radio folks have a common need to
encourage homebrew activity to keep their brain cells in working condition?
I'm opening this question up to the national US audience, and welcome any
discussion on the challenges of making the ever-so-important
azimuth-elevation rotor. I've studied some of the alternatives: Alliance
U100 and Yaesu G-5500. I think we can do better in 2013. But ideally, to
allow the wide adoption of AMSAT ground stations, what price point would
the system have to be to make it worth building ?
73 de N3RDX
George Washington University
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:58:11 -0800
From: Greg D <ko6th.greg@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID: <512965A3.8000701@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Hi Samudra,
See: http://home.wavecable.com/~ko6th Near the top of the page, on the
left, are links to the design document and code source for what I
created. It's not a kit, but rather a discusson of the various pieces
needed to make such a controller, which you can adapt as needed to
whatever hardware you can get your hands on. The Alliance U-110 makes
for a great Elevation rotor, and there are many Az rotors that can be
had for very low cost. Alternatively, as long as you can supply a
contact closure every 6-10 degrees of rotation, this system can be
adapted to a variety of mechanical contraptions. Let the students and
faculty get creative!
Good luck,
Greg KO6TH
Samudra Haque wrote:
> Hi, about two years ago, I started a design for a robotics class project of
> a AZ-EL rotator controller system, and a hardware package for the mechanism
> for rotating an antenna in any direction subject to mechanical stops. The
> system would have been able to handle regular and flip modes. I didn't do
> anything more than calculations, and moved on to building a classroom
> instructional robot then.
>
> Lately, as I am setting up (K3GWU, the George Washington University Amateur
> Radio Club and Research Station) I find that the price of az-el systems
> such as G5500 + Yaesu AZ-EL rotors are expensive, and are not typically
> available on an affordable basis on Ebay or eham.net etc. Well, of course,
> expensive is a relative term, for a student hobby organization, it's a lot,
> and I guess for small ham operators it is also moderately expensive.
>
> This may be a frequently asked topic: does any one have experienced with
> (tested) kit designs for AZ-EL rotors that can be made with parts from
> current suppliers ? I know there are a number of controller designs, but I
> am interested to know if there are any options for suppliers of the
> required gears/motors etc.
>
> I have located several large AC motors / DC motors at my university
> mechanical engineering workshop, but they are not all guaranteed the same
> specs. I now realize if I do embark on a actual design process with my
> model/simulation/hardware, it would be nice to build several of these all
> at once to share the development cost over the production run, and ensure
> those who want a cheap AZ-EL system can get one. Otherwise the production
> cost of one heavy duty system is going to be quite high.
>
> I hope some of you may have suggestions for me, both (+) and (-) or perhaps
> (~) in nature. I thought amsat / amateur radio folks have a common need to
> encourage homebrew activity to keep their brain cells in working condition?
>
> I'm opening this question up to the national US audience, and welcome any
> discussion on the challenges of making the ever-so-important
> azimuth-elevation rotor. I've studied some of the alternatives: Alliance
> U100 and Yaesu G-5500. I think we can do better in 2013. But ideally, to
> allow the wide adoption of AMSAT ground stations, what price point would
> the system have to be to make it worth building ?
>
> 73 de N3RDX
> George Washington University
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:32:10 -0500
From: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Greg D <ko6th.greg@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJEM476LxDdT1xVJN5cs+5kx=K6XC=AEkNjfDjwb9=Dn+R-z7w@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Thank you Greg and Art for your suggestions. I'm interested to pursue the
standard mechanism (AZ-EL rotors) but also want to inquire about any recent
robotics work in this area ? A 2-link robot with a rotary joint
manipulator that would point an antenna , could be a candidate solution -
with no problems for normal/flip mode. I have some minor experience to use
in this area - any collaboration possibilities ?
On Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 7:58 PM, Greg D <ko6th.greg@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Hi Samudra,
>
> See: http://home.wavecable.com/~**ko6th
<http://home.wavecable.com/~ko6th>Near the top of the page, on the left, are
links to the design document and
> code source for what I created. It's not a kit, but rather a discusson of
> the various pieces needed to make such a controller, which you can adapt as
> needed to whatever hardware you can get your hands on. The Alliance U-110
> makes for a great Elevation rotor, and there are many Az rotors that can be
> had for very low cost. Alternatively, as long as you can supply a contact
> closure every 6-10 degrees of rotation, this system can be adapted to a
> variety of mechanical contraptions. Let the students and faculty get
> creative!
>
> Good luck,
>
> Greg KO6TH
>
>
> Samudra Haque wrote:
>
>> Hi, about two years ago, I started a design for a robotics class project
>> of
>> a AZ-EL rotator controller system, and a hardware package for the
>> mechanism
>> for rotating an antenna in any direction subject to mechanical stops. The
>> system would have been able to handle regular and flip modes. I didn't do
>> anything more than calculations, and moved on to building a classroom
>> instructional robot then.
>>
>> Lately, as I am setting up (K3GWU, the George Washington University
>> Amateur
>> Radio Club and Research Station) I find that the price of az-el systems
>> such as G5500 + Yaesu AZ-EL rotors are expensive, and are not typically
>> available on an affordable basis on Ebay or eham.net etc. Well, of
>> course,
>> expensive is a relative term, for a student hobby organization, it's a
>> lot,
>> and I guess for small ham operators it is also moderately expensive.
>>
>> This may be a frequently asked topic: does any one have experienced with
>> (tested) kit designs for AZ-EL rotors that can be made with parts from
>> current suppliers ? I know there are a number of controller designs,
>> but I
>> am interested to know if there are any options for suppliers of the
>> required gears/motors etc.
>>
>> I have located several large AC motors / DC motors at my university
>> mechanical engineering workshop, but they are not all guaranteed the same
>> specs. I now realize if I do embark on a actual design process with my
>> model/simulation/hardware, it would be nice to build several of these all
>> at once to share the development cost over the production run, and ensure
>> those who want a cheap AZ-EL system can get one. Otherwise the production
>> cost of one heavy duty system is going to be quite high.
>>
>> I hope some of you may have suggestions for me, both (+) and (-) or
>> perhaps
>> (~) in nature. I thought amsat / amateur radio folks have a common need to
>> encourage homebrew activity to keep their brain cells in working
>> condition?
>>
>> I'm opening this question up to the national US audience, and welcome any
>> discussion on the challenges of making the ever-so-important
>> azimuth-elevation rotor. I've studied some of the alternatives: Alliance
>> U100 and Yaesu G-5500. I think we can do better in 2013. But ideally, to
>> allow the wide adoption of AMSAT ground stations, what price point would
>> the system have to be to make it worth building ?
>>
>> 73 de N3RDX
>> George Washington University
>> ______________________________**_________________
>> 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<http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo
/amsat-bb>
>>
>
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:01:16 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTO7-9owJWagn_yhTQiiYrqZE2SjP1jpDPtDqwfcFMQOLA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Samudra and the gang,
The bee's knees would be an Arduino Mega 2560 talking over one of it's
serial ports to the pc. Using the output of the Orbitron (or insert
your fave rave software here) DDE server to drive the microcontroller.
There are enough digital/analog pins to drive/slave anything from
there.
Simple serial port setup. Repeatable. Extensible. The chip has several
other HARDWARE (i.e has it's own hardware buffers for i/o) serial
ports for more and more fun stuff.
Have a look on youtube or google for code to drive steppers / selsyns..
Norm n3ykf
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:25:48 -0400
From: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID: <51297A2C.3050004@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Given the shortage of LEO birds, exactly how much antenna do we need to
rotate?
Hams operate satellite successfully with hand-held antennas, which have
low wind-loading and are light in weight.
With R/C servos available producing 6? ft. lb of torque for less than
150 bucks, I'm surprised a light weight, portable, DC-operated satellite
system complete with antennas and AZ/EL rotors hasn't materialized
before now.
On 02/23/2013 07:59 PM, Samudra Haque wrote:
> Hi, about two years ago, I started a design for a robotics class project of
> a AZ-EL rotator controller system, and a hardware package for the mechanism
> for rotating an antenna in any direction subject to mechanical stops. The
> system would have been able to handle regular and flip modes. I didn't do
> anything more than calculations, and moved on to building a classroom
> instructional robot then.
>
> Lately, as I am setting up (K3GWU, the George Washington University Amateur
> Radio Club and Research Station) I find that the price of az-el systems
> such as G5500 + Yaesu AZ-EL rotors are expensive, and are not typically
> available on an affordable basis on Ebay or eham.net etc. Well, of course,
> expensive is a relative term, for a student hobby organization, it's a lot,
> and I guess for small ham operators it is also moderately expensive.
>
> This may be a frequently asked topic: does any one have experienced with
> (tested) kit designs for AZ-EL rotors that can be made with parts from
> current suppliers ? I know there are a number of controller designs, but I
> am interested to know if there are any options for suppliers of the
> required gears/motors etc.
>
> I have located several large AC motors / DC motors at my university
> mechanical engineering workshop, but they are not all guaranteed the same
> specs. I now realize if I do embark on a actual design process with my
> model/simulation/hardware, it would be nice to build several of these all
> at once to share the development cost over the production run, and ensure
> those who want a cheap AZ-EL system can get one. Otherwise the production
> cost of one heavy duty system is going to be quite high.
>
> I hope some of you may have suggestions for me, both (+) and (-) or perhaps
> (~) in nature. I thought amsat / amateur radio folks have a common need to
> encourage homebrew activity to keep their brain cells in working condition?
>
> I'm opening this question up to the national US audience, and welcome any
> discussion on the challenges of making the ever-so-important
> azimuth-elevation rotor. I've studied some of the alternatives: Alliance
> U100 and Yaesu G-5500. I think we can do better in 2013. But ideally, to
> allow the wide adoption of AMSAT ground stations, what price point would
> the system have to be to make it worth building ?
>
> 73 de N3RDX
> George Washington University
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
>
--
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:35:02 -0400
From: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID: <51297C56.10903@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I think AMSAT-UK even has software available.
And with the addition of a bit of EEPROM, you could even pre-load the
controller with ephemeris data for several satellites for several days
in advance. Emergency / field-day / portable operation without needing
a computer.
Add a bluetooth module and an Android app, and you could have an all
singing, all dancing, full-featured satellite station in a briefcase.
I'D buy one...
On 02/23/2013 10:01 PM, Lizeth Norman wrote:
> Samudra and the gang,
> The bee's knees would be an Arduino Mega 2560 talking over one of it's
> serial ports to the pc. Using the output of the Orbitron (or insert
> your fave rave software here) DDE server to drive the microcontroller.
> There are enough digital/analog pins to drive/slave anything from
> there.
> Simple serial port setup. Repeatable. Extensible. The chip has several
> other HARDWARE (i.e has it's own hardware buffers for i/o) serial
> ports for more and more fun stuff.
> Have a look on youtube or google for code to drive steppers / selsyns..
> Norm n3ykf
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
>
--
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:50:58 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTOkBHgseO9N_+=JvY1ZHqZnhJ+XQgKPMZAHDUGtdnJb2A@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Gus and the group:
Lots of birds going up in the next year. Success rate not 100% as it's
rocket science oftentimes on a budget. Hopefully we'll get a few out
of it.
The Arduino IDE install supports PPM. The nice thing about that
platform is that configuration is doable for just about all forms of
hardware that you might drive with it and scaling can be done in
software for the various different bits of kit.
I am sure that with the appropriate development environment and having
the hardware on hand IN a well equipped lab, it should be a weekend
project to get running.
The hard bit in my opinion is how to mount the antennas to the az/el
clockwork. Will require a little woodwork/metalwork to finish.
Everyone who does this will have a problem with some phase of it.
Needs to be simple and repeatable.
Norm n3ykf
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:02:08 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTM-3W1uE+_A3xuQi_d+PBvf2U_Nkj2Le3Ta-OKSiGeVgA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Gus,
These days is the hardware can all be made to chat with other bits of
hardware.
Doesn't matter which IDE/mfgr that gets chosen for the product we're
talking about. Most these days can be made to do the same thing with
some code.
You bring about a good point. A contraption (az el rotator) can be
driven with a smart phone. Not sure the radios could be driven that
way. Not much of a hindrance, though.
The key is that the modules are off the shelf, cheep, supported and
can be for the most part purchased at Radio Shack/downloaded from the
internet. (shameless plug: they have microcontrollers in stock along
with a pretty good line electronics goodies.)
Norm n3ykf
On Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 9:35 PM, Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
> I think AMSAT-UK even has software available.
>
> And with the addition of a bit of EEPROM, you could even pre-load the
> controller with ephemeris data for several satellites for several days in
> advance. Emergency / field-day / portable operation without needing a
> computer.
>
> Add a bluetooth module and an Android app, and you could have an all
> singing, all dancing, full-featured satellite station in a briefcase.
>
> I'D buy one...
>
>
> On 02/23/2013 10:01 PM, Lizeth Norman wrote:
>>
>> Samudra and the gang,
>> The bee's knees would be an Arduino Mega 2560 talking over one of it's
>> serial ports to the pc. Using the output of the Orbitron (or insert
>> your fave rave software here) DDE server to drive the microcontroller.
>> There are enough digital/analog pins to drive/slave anything from
>> there.
>> Simple serial port setup. Repeatable. Extensible. The chip has several
>> other HARDWARE (i.e has it's own hardware buffers for i/o) serial
>> ports for more and more fun stuff.
>> Have a look on youtube or google for code to drive steppers / selsyns..
>> Norm n3ykf
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> 73, de Gus 8P6SM
> Barbados, the easternmost isle.
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:04:27 -0500
From: Lee McLamb <ku4os@xxx.xx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-055 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
Message-ID: <88.B1.25887.C3389215@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-055
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:
* STRaND-1 Launch Information
* AMSAT and Virginia Tech Sign Collaboration Agreement
* Upcoming ARISS Contacts
* AMSAT-DC Workshop on Portable Satellite Ground Stations
* US Airforce Upgrades SpaceTrack Website For Keplarian Orbital Data
* Mission to Mars Announcement Expected
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-055.01
ANS-055 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 055.01
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 24, 2013
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-055.01
STRaND-1 Launch Information
For those following the STRaND-1 launch on Twitter, the official launch
hashtag
of STRaND-1 spacecraft is #S1Launch. Post lunch we #STRaND1 hashtag will be
used.
Launch time is 12:25 GMT 25th Feb 2013 and has been cleared by the Launch
Authorization Board (LAB) for PSLV - C20
Live video launch feeds for Monday's PSLV launch will be available at
http://www.webcast.gov.in/live/ and http://ibnlive.in.com/livetv/
----
STRaND-1 telemetry format http://www.amsat-uk.org/?page_id=12875
STRaND-1 information http://www.amsat-uk.org/?page_id=12196
[ANS thanks Trever, M5AKA, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT and Virginia Tech Sign Collaboration Agreement
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ("Virginia Tech") and
Radio
Amateur Satellite Corp. ("AMSAT") signed a Collaboration Agreement on February
4, 2013 that establishes a relationship for future projects in the development
of space hardware, software, algorithms, documentation of same and an
agreement
to protect each other by protecting ITAR-covered materials and identifying
same
for the other. The agreement was signed by AMSAT President Barry
Baines, WD4ASW
and Virginia Tech Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Programs
Administration
John Rudd.
The Agreement establishes a relationship that will allow both organizations to
work together on future space mission opportunities as may arise. VT
established the Center for Space Science and Engineering (Space@xxx in 2007
and
with completion of the new Center for Space Science and Engineering Research
Facility in 2012, has facilities for development of space hardware and cubesat
development. Programmatic and technical coordination and direction will be
coordinated between Dr. Robert W. McGwier ,PhD of Virginia Tech and Anthony
Monteiro, AA2TX AMSAT's VP-Engineering.
"Establishment of a formal relationship between VT and AMSAT provides the
foundation for potential future satellite program opportunities for AMSAT as
well as enhances prospects for AMSAT support of STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics) education outreach" notes AMSAT President Barry
Baines, WD4ASW. "Space@xx recognizes the success that AMSAT brings to
building
successful spacecraft and with the development of Fox-1, to bring reliable
hardware in support of scientific payloads as well as enhance prospects for
student projects to successfully fly in space. AMSAT benefits from a partner
that will help provide justification for funding of spacecraft that supports
amateur radio in space," he added.
Virginia Tech Professor Bob McGwier, N4HY is looking forward to working with
AMSAT on future projects. Bob remarked, "Being able to combine the student
space science and engineering programs of Virginia Tech with AMSAT's long
history of innovative technical development in spacecraft is a win-win for
both
parties. I look forward to working with AMSAT on projects that
mutually benefit
space science, student engineering programs, and the amateur radio
community."
[ANS thanks AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARISS Contacts
An International Space Station school contact has been planned with
participants
at Soleado Elementary School, Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA on 25 Feb. The event is
scheduled to begin at approximately 19:53 UTC. The duration of the contact is
approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be direct
between NA1SS
and KE6JPM. The contact should be audible over California and portions of the
western U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz
downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.
Soleado Elementary School's mission is to educate each and every one of its
students to their fullest potential while cultivating a lifelong love of
learning. Named for its beautiful location in the hills of Rancho
Palos Verdes,
our school is proud of its rich cultural background, academic achievement, and
involvement in extra-curricular activities. Our mascot, a rosy-cheeked sun,
is
an exceptionally fitting characterization of our school, which wraps our
students in the arms of a caring and supportive community that nurtures
development of the whole child.
Founded in 1968, even Soleado's physical design embodies community and
cooperation, with each core educational building housing five classrooms with
one wall "open" to a shared "big room" in the center. The open classroom
environment facilitates daily teacher collaboration and student interaction
within and among grade levels, while "big rooms" allow for large group
activities and foster a positive feeling of family among our students
and staff.
In addition to our strong sense of community and our open classroom model,
another distinguishing characteristic of our school is its cultural and
linguistic diversity. With 420 "Soleado Suns" this year in grades DK
through 5,
our student body encompasses families who come directly from 30 different
countries speaking 21 languages.
Other upcoming contacts:
* 4th Dimotiko Scholeio Chaidariou, Chaidari (near Athens), Greece,
direct via J41ISS
Thu, 28Feb2013, 09:42 UTC
* Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy, Avon, CT,
direct via W1TMS
Thu, 28Feb2013 15:53 UTC
ARISS is an international educational outreach program partnering the
participating space agencies, NASA, Russian Space Agency, ESA, CNES, JAXA, and
CSA, with the AMSAT and IARU organizations from participating countries.
ARISS offers an opportunity for students to experience the excitement
of Amateur
Radio by talking directly with crew members on-board the International Space
Station. Teachers, parents and communities see, first hand, how Amateur Radio
and crew members on ISS can energize youngsters' interest in science,
technology,
and learning. Further information on the ARISS program is available on the
website http://www.ariss.org/ (graciously hosted by the Radio Amateurs of
Canada).
[ANS thanks David, AA4KN, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-DC Workshop on Portable Satellite Ground Stations
REGISTER NOW for the AMSAT-DC Spring Workshop 2013. Those who wish to attend
the "Workshop on Portable Satellite Ground Stations" on Saturday,
March 23, must
call Martha in advance at AMSAT headquarters at 301-589-6062 to receive a
workshop registration number. Your unique registration number is
your ticket to
get in, starting NET 9:00 A.M. EST. There will be no registration at the
door.
The suggested donation for advanced registration and admission for non-members
is $25. Registration for each AMSAT member who participates in the event and
registers in advance is free. "The $25 USD donations collected by Martha will
go directly to a worthy cause," says AMSAT Area Coordinator Pat
Kilroy, "namely,
to the AMSAT Fox Project."
In lieu of the $25 suggested donation by non-members, one may apply for AMSAT
membership with Martha at the standard rate and then receive a workshop
registration number for free.
The door to the Visitor Center auditorium at the NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center in Greenbelt, Maryland (ZIP Code 20771) will open for station set ups
no
earlier than 9:00 A.M. The program will officially begin at ten and run
nearly
all day continuously, easily to 4:00 P.M. or beyond. Participants are welcome
to bring their own brown bag lunch. Drinks and condiments will be donated by
fellow AMSAT members.
The workshop program will be informal, with participants given the
floor to show
their wares and explain their operation. That is, one teaching one another
the
best practices, tools and techniques of successful satellite contacts. "Our
program will be an experiment unto itself to gauge interest and to plan future
AMSAT workshops. Feedback is always welcome," says Pat.
All participants are encouraged to bring their wares to assemble, show
and explain.
To volunteer or ask questions contact Pat Kilroy, N8PK, at n8pk@xxxxx.xxx.
[ANS thanks Pat Kilroy, N8PK, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
US Airforce Upgrades SpaceTrack Website For Keplarian Orbital Data
The following is the latest from Vandenburg:
**************************************
We are pleased to announce the upgrade of www.Space-Track.org to add the
look and functionality that matches what is now on
https://beta.space-track.org. The bulk file downloads from our current
Space-Track site will continue to be available to scripters for a limited
time after the upgrade using established URLs.
This upgrade will vastly improve how the Space-Track User community
interacts with orbital element sets, the satellite catalog and conjunction
data. With a robust Representational State Transfer (REST-ful)
Application Programming Interface (API), scripters will be able to get the
latest data available, customized for their purposes.
Here are just a few of the new features that will become part of the
upgraded www.Space-Track.org:
- A streamlined and intuitive user interface that is easier to navigate
and allows simple searches
- A robust help and documentation section - "Favorites" lists to identify
logical groupings of catalog objects that Users can monitor via the web
interface or with the site's API
If you have production scripts that currently use beta.space-track.org, we
recommend that you change your scripts to point at www.Space-Track.org on
or after 20 February 2013.
If you have scripts that screen-scrape or download text/zip files from the
current yellow-colored legacy www.Space-Track.org, they will continue to
perform correctly for a few months, but we recommend that you quickly
transition your scripts to take advantage of the new API. Documentation
is available under "Help" to assist you, as well as the API query builder
tool on the upgraded site.
We have also started sharing information about Space-Track's new features
on tumblr, facebook and twitter, so please engage us on your favorite
social media platform.
Our sites are http://space-track.tumblr.com,
http://www.facebook.com/SpaceTrack and http://www.twitter.com/SpaceTrackOrg
We understand that any significant upgrade has the potential to cause
frustration for our user community and we apologize if this creates any
adjustment problems for you. For help or clarification, please email us
at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.
Thank you,
The www.Space-Track.org Team
[ANS thanks the Space-Track Team for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission to Mars Announcement Expected
Inspiration Mars Foundation, led by the first private space traveler, Dennis
Tito, has announced they intend to make a major announcement next Wednesday,
February 27th concerning a 501 day mission to Mars.
The press release said the news conference next week would be "detailing its
plans to take advantage of a unique window of opportunity to launch an
historic
journey to Mars and back in 501 days, starting in January 2018. This "Mission
for America" will generate new knowledge, experience and momentum for the next
great era of space exploration. It is intended to encourage all Americans to
believe again, in doing the hard things that make our nation great, while
inspiring youth through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM)
education and motivation."
With the stated goal of "accelerating America's human exploration of space"
one
can surmise that the mission is a human mission to Mars.
The other people who will take part in the news conference include:
- Taber MacCallum, chief executive officer and chief technology officer of
Paragon Space Development Corporation and crew member for two-year mission in
Biosphere 2
- Dr. Jonathan Clark, associate professor of Neurology and Space Medicine at
Baylor College of Medicine and space medicine advisor for the National Space
Biomedical Research Institute
- Jane Poynter, president and chairwoman of Paragon Space Development
Corporation and crew member for two-year mission in Biosphere 2
This kind of expertise in closed ecological life support systems lends
credence
to a human mission to Mars.
[ANS thanks SpaceRef 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
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:19:14 -0500
From: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJEM477h5e_nMbnKGAbvYGsRujaMrehaEVKJQNU0QDg+rGAe2A@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I hope it is evident, I am not focusing on the
controller/microcontroller/computer interface/az-el controller/etc. The
real issue is how cheaply can an antenna be mounted on a kingpost somewhere
on a surface, with a view towards the sky, and how conveniently can that
mount be motorized, with a sensor to give feedback to the ground station.
electronics, seem to be, (apologises to EE friends) a dime a dozen, cheaper
if made in hundreds, but the key drawback of any design is the mechanical
and electromechanical (can we use, mechatronics) system that serves as the
actuators. I am not referring to a hand held antenna assembly, but rather
something that we can all use in cold/hot weather and that can be put
together by one / two persons on an average post.
Comments welcome, I think the future holds bright for amsats and edu based
cubesats.
-samudra
On Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 9:50 PM, Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>wrote:
> Gus and the group:
> Lots of birds going up in the next year. Success rate not 100% as it's
> rocket science oftentimes on a budget. Hopefully we'll get a few out
> of it.
> The Arduino IDE install supports PPM. The nice thing about that
> platform is that configuration is doable for just about all forms of
> hardware that you might drive with it and scaling can be done in
> software for the various different bits of kit.
>
> I am sure that with the appropriate development environment and having
> the hardware on hand IN a well equipped lab, it should be a weekend
> project to get running.
>
> The hard bit in my opinion is how to mount the antennas to the az/el
> clockwork. Will require a little woodwork/metalwork to finish.
>
> Everyone who does this will have a problem with some phase of it.
> Needs to be simple and repeatable.
>
> Norm n3ykf
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:41:52 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTN3oxcyjj1Sm2Go5EoHmcWU_S=T5-Ob4x_+JTVyqhOyxA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Samudra,
This is a good question for a first year engineering student like
myself: How does one bring home the best bang for the buck out of an
engineering dollar?
Feel free to ask around. A few on the list have driven unusual devices
to get antennas moved.
How does a project get into the hands of people who will actually do
it? A one off I can do for you in my basement. Probably with parts
from radio shack, a grinder and a few hand tools.. A reproducible
project 10 years from now? Hardly likely.
I submit to you that irrespective of the metalwork this is a simple
project as you propose, however it must be reproducible. With a
student copy of SolidWorks, a circular saw, drill and the Arduino IDE
it could be prototyped by two people in a weekend. Refining it so that
a relatively new ham with a smidgin of technical ability could do it
might take a little longer. These days with the internet and cad, the
real issue is the tooling. How do you design/layout such that it can
be done with snips/file/saw/fill in the blunt instrument here..
73 es have fun..
Norm n3ykf
On Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 10:19 PM, Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
wrote:
> I hope it is evident, I am not focusing on the
> controller/microcontroller/computer interface/az-el controller/etc. The real
> issue is how cheaply can an antenna be mounted on a kingpost somewhere on a
> surface, with a view towards the sky, and how conveniently can that mount be
> motorized, with a sensor to give feedback to the ground station.
> electronics, seem to be, (apologises to EE friends) a dime a dozen, cheaper
> if made in hundreds, but the key drawback of any design is the mechanical
> and electromechanical (can we use, mechatronics) system that serves as the
> actuators. I am not referring to a hand held antenna assembly, but rather
> something that we can all use in cold/hot weather and that can be put
> together by one / two persons on an average post.
>
> Comments welcome, I think the future holds bright for amsats and edu based
> cubesats.
>
>
> -samudra
>
>
> On Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 9:50 PM, Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
> wrote:
>>
>> Gus and the group:
>> Lots of birds going up in the next year. Success rate not 100% as it's
>> rocket science oftentimes on a budget. Hopefully we'll get a few out
>> of it.
>> The Arduino IDE install supports PPM. The nice thing about that
>> platform is that configuration is doable for just about all forms of
>> hardware that you might drive with it and scaling can be done in
>> software for the various different bits of kit.
>>
>> I am sure that with the appropriate development environment and having
>> the hardware on hand IN a well equipped lab, it should be a weekend
>> project to get running.
>>
>> The hard bit in my opinion is how to mount the antennas to the az/el
>> clockwork. Will require a little woodwork/metalwork to finish.
>>
>> Everyone who does this will have a problem with some phase of it.
>> Needs to be simple and repeatable.
>>
>> Norm n3ykf
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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 member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 8, Issue 58
***************************************
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