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CX2SA > SATDIG 25.02.13 07:22l 778 Lines 28901 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Gus)
2. Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement (Gus)
3. Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement (Howie DeFelice)
4. Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
(Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-717-1197)
5. K8YSE/MM FL06 (John Papay)
6. Re: K8YSE/MM FL06 (Andrew Glasbrenner)
7. Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement (Gus)
8. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Daniel Schultz)
9. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Samudra Haque)
10. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Daniel Schultz)
11. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Lizeth Norman)
12. More from the cheep ham radio file (Lizeth Norman)
13. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Daniel Schultz)
14. Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems (Lizeth Norman)
15. Curious Question About Satellite BBS (Bryce Salmi)
16. Re: Curious Question About Satellite BBS (Gus)
17. Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement (Art McBride)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:01:48 -0400
From: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
To: Thomas Doyle <tomdoyle1948@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID: <512A71AC.7010004@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Thanks, Tom!
On 02/24/2013 10:22 AM, Thomas Doyle wrote:
> Gus,
> Check this out.
> http://www.tomdoyle.org/simplesattracker/SimpleSatTracker.html
> 73 W9KE tom...
>
> On Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 8:35 PM, Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx
> <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 ...
--
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 17:14:44 -0400
From: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
Message-ID: <512A82C4.7010000@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
On 02/24/2013 07:45 AM, Richard Ferryman wrote:
> For some time I have wanted a more accurate antenna elevation measurement
system. Shaft encoders are beyond my budget.
Do mice still have balls?
Once upon a time every old mouse had two optical shaft-encoders built
right in. And mice can detect very tiny movements, so the
sensors/encoders must be fairly precise. Nowadays, most mice are
optical or 'laser', but apparently, some mice are still available with
balls.
So, who is going to take a mouse apart and use the bits to sense AZ/AL
angles on an antenna array?
--
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 17:33:29 -0500
From: Howie DeFelice <howied231@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
Message-ID: <BLU169-W37D312EDE25682A5F60147E7F20@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
My experience with pendulum elevation was the same as Greg's. The hysteresis
made it unworkable. No matter how much I increased the weight or pendulum
length I could not get acceptable results. I shelved the project for the
time being.
- Howie AB2S
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:45:45 +0000
From: Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-717-1197 <faunt@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
Message-ID: <512A9819.8090305@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
These days, hacking an electronic level makes more sense, I think.
73, doug
On 24-Feb-13 22:33, Howie DeFelice wrote:
>
> My experience with pendulum elevation was the same as Greg's. The
hysteresis made it unworkable. No matter how much I increased the weight or
pendulum length I could not get acceptable results. I shelved the project
for the time being.
> - Howie AB2S
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 5
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 19:43:41 -0500
From: John Papay <john@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] K8YSE/MM FL06
Message-ID: <989990.21952.bm@xxxxxxx.xxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Thanks to everyone who worked me today while I was
/MM in FL06. We finally had seas that were conducive
to operating from a 27' fishing boat. I operated on
SO-50 and worked AC0RA and VE3NKL. Later I was on FO-29
and made the first qso with W0DHB. I worked CO6CBF at the
end of the pass although we had a contact earlier as well.
Anyone that needs a card please email me at my qrz.com
address with qso details. We had 5 lines out most of the
time but didn't catch any fish.
73,
John k8YSE
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 20:09:35 -0500
From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: John Papay <john@xxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: K8YSE/MM FL06
Message-ID: <7B310090-E33F-4056-8973-45D93FA117FF@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I hear the fish are really biting in FL04...
73, Drew KO4MA
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 24, 2013, at 7:43 PM, John Papay <john@xxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who worked me today while I was
> /MM in FL06. We finally had seas that were conducive
> to operating from a 27' fishing boat. I operated on
> SO-50 and worked AC0RA and VE3NKL. Later I was on FO-29
> and made the first qso with W0DHB. I worked CO6CBF at the
> end of the pass although we had a contact earlier as well.
> Anyone that needs a card please email me at my qrz.com
> address with qso details. We had 5 lines out most of the
> time but didn't catch any fish.
> 73,
> John k8YSE
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:51:22 -0400
From: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
Message-ID: <512AC39A.6030208@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
On 02/24/2013 06:45 PM, Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-717-1197 wrote:
> These days, hacking an electronic level makes more sense, I think.
Come to think of it, if the sensor in a new optical mouse can detect
when it moves, even fractionally, over a surface, couldn't the same
sensor, mounted close to a vertical mast or horizontal cross-boom,
detect when those shafts rotated?
--
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:43:05 -0500
From: "Daniel Schultz" <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID: <188RByDQF0256S06.1361763785@xxxxx.xxx.xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Samudra,
Most of us could probably cobble together some sort of one-of-a-kind design
using surplus motors and gears from Skycraft or other sources. Making a design
that is reproducible and publishable, made from parts and components that will
be available in quantity a year or two or three from now is another matter.
I have experience making various antenna kludges for use on field day, with
door hinges as elevation bearings, and ropes, pulleys and threaded rod as
actuators. Everything but the motors came from Home Depot (but the small
electric screwdrivers that they sell there could make great gear motors...) I
never had any intention of leaving it up all year long or operating it
unattended on a roof top. My design worked OK when the air was calm but the
slightest breeze would back-drive the motors and blow it all over the place.
When antennas start acting as sails in the wind, you need strong motors and
big gear ratios, probably with brakes. You might perhaps take a look at the
AlfaSpid design, which uses automobile windshield wiper motors to drive really
big worm gears.
Practically speaking, you will need a better workshop than just a grinder, a
drill, a saw and a few hand tools. A lathe and a small bench-top milling
machine are essential to any serious metal worker. You might be able to find
these at a local "maker" shop in your town if there is one, or look at
www.littlemachineshop.com, $1500 should get you a basic bench top machine
shop, about the cost of an all mode satellite radio.
Finally, Samudra, as a graduate student working on your PhD, is this really
the best use of your time? In the end, that is the reason why most hams end up
writing a check and buying a ready made rotor system, so they can get on to
doing other things in their hobby and their life.
73
Dan Schultz, N8FGV
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:53:15 -0500
From: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Daniel Schultz <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJEM4773QLHn+mk_=4RwQCTps9RgRwYSmBkbNvwa-MnEg-6+dA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I would like to clarify: this antenna project is going to be handled by
others ham operators who have contacted me. Where possible, I am
contributing some hardware/mechanical parts that I have in stock. The work
for the antenna is not for my Ph.D program. As I mentioned, it is for the
K3GWU project which will go on in parallel, and there are others at GWU who
will be involved. I have donated a lot of equipment to the K3GWU station,
and that can go on to connect with an antenna when ready.
On the other hand, the ECE dept and MAE dept has resources (motors, gears)
that they want to throw away ... and that they *have* to junk at some time
after 5-10 years.
On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 10:43 PM, Daniel Schultz <n8fgv@xxx.xxx> wrote:
> Samudra,
>
> Most of us could probably cobble together some sort of one-of-a-kind design
> using surplus motors and gears from Skycraft or other sources. Making a
> design
> that is reproducible and publishable, made from parts and components that
> will
> be available in quantity a year or two or three from now is another matter.
>
> I have experience making various antenna kludges for use on field day, with
> door hinges as elevation bearings, and ropes, pulleys and threaded rod as
> actuators. Everything but the motors came from Home Depot (but the small
> electric screwdrivers that they sell there could make great gear
> motors...) I
> never had any intention of leaving it up all year long or operating it
> unattended on a roof top. My design worked OK when the air was calm but the
> slightest breeze would back-drive the motors and blow it all over the
> place.
> When antennas start acting as sails in the wind, you need strong motors and
> big gear ratios, probably with brakes. You might perhaps take a look at the
> AlfaSpid design, which uses automobile windshield wiper motors to drive
> really
> big worm gears.
>
> Practically speaking, you will need a better workshop than just a grinder,
> a
> drill, a saw and a few hand tools. A lathe and a small bench-top milling
> machine are essential to any serious metal worker. You might be able to
> find
> these at a local "maker" shop in your town if there is one, or look at
> www.littlemachineshop.com, $1500 should get you a basic bench top machine
> shop, about the cost of an all mode satellite radio.
>
> Finally, Samudra, as a graduate student working on your PhD, is this really
> the best use of your time? In the end, that is the reason why most hams
> end up
> writing a check and buying a ready made rotor system, so they can get on to
> doing other things in their hobby and their life.
>
> 73
> Dan Schultz, N8FGV
>
>
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 23:28:11 -0500
From: "Daniel Schultz" <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
To: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>, Daniel Schultz
<n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID: <481RByebL0720S08.1361766491@xxxxx.xxx.xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Exactly my point. Lots of people can build a one-of-a-kind design using parts
that they pulled out of a university dumpster, especially if they have the
machine shop resources of a university department at their disposal. For
undergraduate students, there might be some educational value in building
their own rotor, especially if it uses time that would otherwise be spent
partying in Georgetown on a Saturday night.
But we were talking about the "average ham", using an "average homeowner's"
workbench, designing and building a workable rotor system as an alternative to
paying $700 for a commercially made rotor, and sharing that design with other
hams who want to save a few hundred bucks by building their own. I am all in
favor of that, but I find that there is a practical limit on how many active
projects I can have open at any one time.
73
Dan N8FGV
------ Original Message ------
Received: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:54:00 PM EST
From: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Daniel Schultz <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
> I would like to clarify: this antenna project is going to be handled by
> others ham operators who have contacted me. Where possible, I am
> contributing some hardware/mechanical parts that I have in stock. The work
> for the antenna is not for my Ph.D program. As I mentioned, it is for the
> K3GWU project which will go on in parallel, and there are others at GWU who
> will be involved. I have donated a lot of equipment to the K3GWU station,
> and that can go on to connect with an antenna when ready.
>
> On the other hand, the ECE dept and MAE dept has resources (motors, gears)
> that they want to throw away ... and that they *have* to junk at some time
> after 5-10 years.
>
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 23:33:23 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, Daniel Schultz <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTO_RwzSxy=MLhFg2V5GNKSaM+D7MUJBUdRUkGn1WDaNvw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Gentlemen,
Google is your friend here. I can kit a G-5500 class rotator from
available shafts, bearings, gears, motors and such for less than $300.
That's not accounting for economies of scale.
Add some stuff from radio shack and the appropriate length of wire
and you have for less than $500 a complete Az-El rotator and
associated driving stuff, less antennas (which can be made reliably
and cheeply) and antenna support.
A quick search on CL will yield a tower section reasonably. I got a
bunch at $70 just a few months ago.
Step over from Skycraft to AES and see what they charge for this stuff.
The rotators sold now cannot be repaired, period. When the bit of kit
on the top of my tower goes, I'll probably build one. Much cheaper
that paying the 1500 that the top line mfgr wants for theirs..
I submit that the aformentioned project could be homebrewed by someone
with a torch and access to a junkyard and tools no more complex than a
grinder. The interface electronics are a little more difficult to
build, but certainly wouldn't take a lathe.
Norm n3ykf
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 23:53:42 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "<,amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxxxxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] More from the cheep ham radio file
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTO1W4-rit5jbmWamRPzpOqSFBBtH3-ySno+gxDCpRS90A@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi all!
Keep your eyes peeled at hamfests for Bendix King portable radios that
are downbanded into the ham band. Saw a bunch of them at Hamcation
gone wanting for $20 a piece. Drop $40 (or less) on two radios and two
more batteries and a charger for another $40 gives you 5w on vhf and
4w on UHF.
These things are field programmable and just about indestructible.
Norm n3ykf
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 23:59:56 -0500
From: "Daniel Schultz" <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
To: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>, 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: <797RBye759424S06.1361768396@xxxxx.xxx.xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Norm,
I would love to see your design. I admit that the internet has made it much
easier to locate and purchase small quantities of mechanical parts from
industrial suppliers who are not accustomed to selling to amateurs, but lots
of stuff can now be ordered from online websites in small quantity.
We are having a workshop on small antenna systems at NASA Goddard in Maryland
on March 23 for any AMSAT people who can come, it would be great if we could
show off your design there.
For shaft encoders, take a look at part 785-APS00B in the Mouser catalog, a
magnetic absolute rotation encoder offering 0.05 degree resolution as claimed
by their data sheet.
Dan
------ Original Message ------
Received: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 11:33:33 PM EST
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Samudra Haque <samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>Cc: Daniel Schultz <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>,
Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
> Gentlemen,
> Google is your friend here. I can kit a G-5500 class rotator from
> available shafts, bearings, gears, motors and such for less than $300.
> That's not accounting for economies of scale.
> Add some stuff from radio shack and the appropriate length of wire
> and you have for less than $500 a complete Az-El rotator and
> associated driving stuff, less antennas (which can be made reliably
> and cheeply) and antenna support.
>
> A quick search on CL will yield a tower section reasonably. I got a
> bunch at $70 just a few months ago.
>
>
> Step over from Skycraft to AES and see what they charge for this stuff.
>
> The rotators sold now cannot be repaired, period. When the bit of kit
> on the top of my tower goes, I'll probably build one. Much cheaper
> that paying the 1500 that the top line mfgr wants for theirs..
>
> I submit that the aformentioned project could be homebrewed by someone
> with a torch and access to a junkyard and tools no more complex than a
> grinder. The interface electronics are a little more difficult to
> build, but certainly wouldn't take a lathe.
>
>
> Norm n3ykf
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:08:50 -0500
From: Lizeth Norman <normanlizeth@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Daniel Schultz <n8fgv@xxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, Samudra Haque
<samudra.haque@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: inquiry about homebrew az-el systems
Message-ID:
<CAJUhCTNmCwmnOHVWmGEqn+VbLdZeFVWGrC51bobwL6g-t_SB5w@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi all,
This actually should be reachable by Joe/Jane Average Ham.
The software tools at the freely at the disposal of the general public
has made incredible things possible. Neat thing is the playing field
is flat. There are so many vendors almost giving away development
hardware.
For example, interfacing various different types of motors are just a
statement away. Basically, learning to program a microcontroller is
just a few weekend's studies with youtube and a few various tutorials.
Not something that you have to spend a semester on. Exciting time to
be involved with ham radio.
More examples are the CAD tools that are available to model this type
of stuff. My design uses off the shelf materials that I could model
with certainty in something like SolidWorks.
I live in Central Fl. We get weather here. The antennas I use are
rated to 90 mph and I live in a 110 mph wind zone. At those
velocities, I can't imagine much would stand.
Have fun,
Norm n3ykf
------------------------------
Message: 15
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:15:24 -0500
From: Bryce Salmi <bts2637@xxx.xxx>
To: Amsat BB <AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Curious Question About Satellite BBS
Message-ID:
<CAN5j0sqTxJaZLgnk1t68j+C-0Gg1g49RLk240tEcba5pOb4TXw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hey All,
I want to throw out a question about the Bulletin Board Systems that
have flown on several amateur radio satellites in the past. A majority of
these flew prior to my involvement in ham radio (licensed in 2004) and for
many years I haven't had a great setup for satellite work, largely due to
funds as a high school student back in the day and nowadays since I move
around quite often from home to college. I would like this conversation to
stay on-topic since I realize this could stray pretty easily!
What was it like to have an orbiting BBS? What types of
files/information were sent and how convenient was it? Was it just text or
could people send small images? I may not be aware of a currently working
BBS, the last one I know of off-hand was on AO-51 if I am not mistaken. I
am simply fascinated with the ability to send and receive data to and from
an orbiting satellite in this fashion. I look forward to hearing any
responses.
Bryce
KB1LQC
------------------------------
Message: 16
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:44:55 -0400
From: Gus <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Curious Question About Satellite BBS
Message-ID: <512AFA57.2080908@xxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Operating the microsats was a completely hands-free procedure. You
told your groundstation what sort of files you were interested in, and
went out to lunch. While you were away, the bird came up over the hill,
rotors rotated, frequencies dopplered, and by the time you got back, the
pass was over, your outgoing files were gone, your inbox was full of
interesting stuff, and your gear was idle. Once you were all set up, it
was brilliant. No 'operating' in the conventional sense, but absolutely
effortless transfer of files and messages.
But transfer rates were relatively low, passes were short, and it could
take several passes for in/outbound files to complete.
And the birds had huge data capacities, like 4 megabytes total. Yes,
meg. So you had to keep your files small. But they could be anything
you like, text or binary. Images, software, etc.
I met and became friends with a guy in England via the microsats, and
when he was coming to 8P he sent me a JPEG so I would recognize him at
the airport.
There were other types of BBS flying, too. The Fuji birds were pretty
much exactly like terrestrial packet boards. Once you got ***CONNECTED
you could ask for a menu and issue commands in the normal way.
On 02/25/2013 01:15 AM, Bryce Salmi wrote:
> Hey All,
>
> I want to throw out a question about the Bulletin Board Systems that
> have flown on several amateur radio satellites in the past. A majority of
> these flew prior to my involvement in ham radio (licensed in 2004) and for
> many years I haven't had a great setup for satellite work, largely due to
> funds as a high school student back in the day and nowadays since I move
> around quite often from home to college. I would like this conversation to
> stay on-topic since I realize this could stray pretty easily!
>
> What was it like to have an orbiting BBS? What types of
> files/information were sent and how convenient was it? Was it just text or
> could people send small images? I may not be aware of a currently working
> BBS, the last one I know of off-hand was on AO-51 if I am not mistaken. I
> am simply fascinated with the ability to send and receive data to and from
> an orbiting satellite in this fashion. I look forward to hearing any
> responses.
>
> Bryce
> KB1LQC
> _______________________________________________
> 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!
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>
>
--
73, de Gus 8P6SM
Barbados, the easternmost isle.
------------------------------
Message: 17
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:15:15 -0800
From: "Art McBride" <kc6uqh@xxx.xxx>
To: "'Gus'" <8p6sm@xxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
Message-ID: <564D1C16232B47D7B9C869BE68CFA025@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Panasonic and others offer a single or 3 axis accelerometer for Wi game
controllers. They provide outputs in analog, or digital. Sts and others also
have these with only digital outputs. The Single axis unit is 0.2 " square
by 0.1 " high runs on 5 VDC.
Art,
KC6UQH
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Gus
Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2013 1:15 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Pendulum type elevation measurement
On 02/24/2013 07:45 AM, Richard Ferryman wrote:
> For some time I have wanted a more accurate antenna elevation measurement
system. Shaft encoders are beyond my budget.
Do mice still have balls?
Once upon a time every old mouse had two optical shaft-encoders built
right in. And mice can detect very tiny movements, so the
sensors/encoders must be fairly precise. Nowadays, most mice are
optical or 'laser', but apparently, some mice are still available with
balls.
So, who is going to take a mouse apart and use the bits to sense AZ/AL
angles on an antenna array?
--
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
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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 60
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