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CX2SA > SATDIG 24.04.13 04:37l 954 Lines 31302 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Read: GUEST
Subj: AMSAT-BB-digest V8 127
Path: IZ3LSV<F1OYP<N9PMO<CX2SA
Sent: 130424/0231Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SA #:5506 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:AMSATBB8127
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. KickSat Sprites - Educational Outreach (M5AKA)
2. Yaesu G-5500 for sale (John / NS1Z)
3. SATPC32 and IC-910H (Les Rayburn)
4. Field Day Question (Les Rayburn)
5. APRS/Packet on IC-910H (Les Rayburn)
6. Re: SATPC32 and IC-910H (Andrew Glasbrenner)
7. Re: Field Day Question (Andrew Glasbrenner)
8. Re: Field Day Question (Stephen E. Belter)
9. Re: APRS/Packet on IC-910H (Andrew Glasbrenner)
10. Re: APRS/Packet on IC-910H (Dave Webb KB1PVH)
11. Re: SATPC32 and IC-910H (Stephen E. Belter)
12. Re: Field Day Question (James Duffey)
13. Re: APRS/Packet on IC-910H (John Fickes)
14. Re: SATPC32 and IC-910H (John Fickes)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:01:33 +0100 (BST)
From: M5AKA <m5aka@xxxxx.xx.xx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] KickSat Sprites - Educational Outreach
Message-ID:
<1366743693.1866.YahooMailClassic@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Great to see young people getting involved with the KickSat project Sprite
satellites.
16 year-old UK student to work on KickSat Sprite
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/23/uk-student-to-work-on-kicksat/
Also on the AMSAT-UK site:
Warwick University Satellite Team (WUSAT) Radio Interview
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/23/warwick-university-satellite-team-wusat-radio-i
nterview/
TURKSAT-3SAT on Facebook
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/23/turksat-3sat-on-facebook/
Dead CubeSat Comes Alive
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/23/dead-cubesat-comes-alive/
RAX-2 CubeSat Transmissions Cease
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/22/rax-2-cubesat-transmissions-cease/
Vega?s three-satellite payload is integrated and ready for launch
http://amsat-uk.org/2013/04/22/vega-payload-ready-for-launch/
73 Trevor M5AKA
AMSAT-UK website http://amsat-uk.org/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396
Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK
----
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:13:44 -0400
From: "John / NS1Z" <ns1zjohn@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-bb" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu G-5500 for sale
Message-ID: <03D8733DC30C45E886AB2777B4722225@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Very nice condition. See pix on eHam or QTH (search for my call NS1Z).
Working perfectly G-5500 Az/El rotor for satellite tracking using SatPC32 or
compatible software.
All cables etc. This will be heavy package. If you can pickup from 34488
Great otherwise you pay shipping on it. Specs can be found on the web.
Questions? Call me 352-843-4547
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:40:52 -0500
From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 and IC-910H
Message-ID: <5176E3C4.60609@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I'm very new to satellite operation but have been having a blast for the
past couple of weeks. Using an IC-910H with attic antennas that include
a 7 element 432 Arrow
antenna with an SSB Electronics pre-amp mounted at the antenna. 1/2"
hardline makes the 70' run from the attic to the shack in the garage. 2
Meters shows a 6 element K1FO Yagi with an SSB Electronics pre-amp and
1/2" hardline.
Rig is controlled by SATPC32 via the CI-V interface at 9600 baud.
On SO-50, I have no problems with doppler correction as you would
suspect. With the other birds, doppler is sometimes an issue. Sometimes
I hear stations strongly but when I call them, I don't hear my own
uplink and the other station obviously doesn't hear me either.
On other passes, the difference is not so great, and I'll hear my own
uplink, though usually slightly off frequency.
I know its possible to adjust the uplink frequency in the software, and
I've tried it during passes without much success. The translated help
file from German isn't much
assistance to me so far.
Can someone on the list point me towards a better explanation on the
web, or offer suggestions on how to correct the situation? Any help is
greatly
appreciated!
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:44:23 -0500
From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Field Day Question
Message-ID: <5176E497.20109@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Please tolerate another newbie question. I know that during the upcoming
Field Day, participants are being encouraged to limit themselves to one
contact on SO-50 or to use the linear birds when possible.
I'm chasing grid squares towards Satellite VUCC and other awards. Is it
acceptable and good operating practice for my station to make multiple
contacts during
FD on the linear birds? Seems like a great chance to pick up grids that
would otherwise not be active on the birds, but I don't want to be a LID.
What would be the best practice for an operator like myself during FD? I
won't otherwise be participating in the contest. Again, my thanks for
the advice
and counsel of more experienced operators. Everyone on the birds has
been great and helpful so far, especially K4FEG!
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:53:04 -0500
From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] APRS/Packet on IC-910H
Message-ID: <5176E6A0.20700@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I'd also like to add digital capabilities to the IC-910H to allow some
digital contacts through ISS, or just to download telemetry on other
birds. Never worked packet before, and have only limited experience with
APRS.
The IC-910H is equipped with a Signa-Link interface for soundcard modes,
and I've worked quite a bit of WSJT FSK and JT65A. I know that there is
a software
"solution" for APRS using AGWPE but I haven't tried it.
What would be the recommendations of the group for equipping my station
for digital operation on the satellites? AGWPE and the soundcard
interface or a TNC? If so,
what TNC would be recommended?
Did I say "Thanks" yet? Also appreciate the bandwidth on this
reflector--I know newbie questions can be annoying.
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:09:38 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SATPC32 and IC-910H
Message-ID:
<7455552.1366747779422.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Sometimes the offset in the transponder changes slightly. This is especially
true with VO-52 and AO-7. On these sats, I use the RIT to touch up and make
sure I can hear my self plainly at the beginning of a pass. This is a little
easier than the offset feature in the software.
I hope that makes sense.
73, Drew KO4MA
-----Original Message-----
>From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>Sent: Apr 23, 2013 3:40 PM
>To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 and IC-910H
>
>I'm very new to satellite operation but have been having a blast for the
>past couple of weeks. Using an IC-910H with attic antennas that include
>a 7 element 432 Arrow
>antenna with an SSB Electronics pre-amp mounted at the antenna. 1/2"
>hardline makes the 70' run from the attic to the shack in the garage. 2
>Meters shows a 6 element K1FO Yagi with an SSB Electronics pre-amp and
>1/2" hardline.
>
>Rig is controlled by SATPC32 via the CI-V interface at 9600 baud.
>
>On SO-50, I have no problems with doppler correction as you would
>suspect. With the other birds, doppler is sometimes an issue. Sometimes
>I hear stations strongly but when I call them, I don't hear my own
>uplink and the other station obviously doesn't hear me either.
>
>On other passes, the difference is not so great, and I'll hear my own
>uplink, though usually slightly off frequency.
>
>I know its possible to adjust the uplink frequency in the software, and
>I've tried it during passes without much success. The translated help
>file from German isn't much
>assistance to me so far.
>
>Can someone on the list point me towards a better explanation on the
>web, or offer suggestions on how to correct the situation? Any help is
>greatly
>appreciated!
>
>
>--
>73,
>
>Les Rayburn, N1LF
>121 Mayfair Park
>Maylene, AL 35114
>EM63nf
>
>6M VUCC #1712
>AMSAT #38965
>Grid Bandits #222
>Southeastern VHF Society
>Central States VHF Society Life Member
>Six Club #2484
>
>Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
>_______________________________________________
>Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
>Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
>Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:52:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Field Day Question
Message-ID:
<25598387.1366750348517.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>I'm chasing grid squares towards Satellite VUCC and other awards. Is it
>acceptable and good operating practice for my station to make multiple
>contacts during
>FD on the linear birds?
Make all you want on the linear birds! You'll no doubt hear stations and
grids you normally won't, but I'll warn you, FD is chaos on the sats. FD
stations can also be very difficult to get a QSL out of as well.
73, Drew KO4MA
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:55:16 -0400
From: "Stephen E. Belter" <seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: "les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, AMSAT-BB
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Field Day Question
Message-ID: <CD9C662D.36822%seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Les,
I hope I'm interpreting your question correctly.
The big challenge for someone trying to collect grid squares during Field
Day is that the "contest exchange" for Field Day doesn't include the grid
square. Most folks will be trying to make as many contacts as possible,
as quickly as possible, for Field Day points.
My suggestion is that you plan to participate as an AMSAT Field Day
participant. After the contest, send each of your contacts a QSL card.
Request that they send you a QSL in reply *with* their grid square. This
way you've made everyone you contact happy *and* you get a QSL with the
grid square you need.
To participate in Field Day, you don't have to register with either the
ARRL or with AMSAT before the contest, and you don't have to send in a
log.
Your Field Day exchange would probably be "November One Lima Foxtrot, One
Delta Alabama", that is, your call (N1LF), your "class" (for example, 1D),
and your ARRL Section (Alabama). A class of 1D means one transmitter and
working from home using commercial power.
You're welcome to try SO-50 during Field Day, but it will be frustrating.
On any given pass, there will likely be two or three successful contacts
among the 500-1000 hams attempting to make a contact. (So 6 happy people
and 994 unhappy people.)
I do *strongly* encourage you to join the fun on the linear satellites
(AO-7, FO-29, and VO-52). *Please* make as many contacts as you can on
the linear birds!
73, Steve N9IP
--
Steve Belter, seb@xxxxxx.xxx
On 4/23/13 3:44 PM, "Les Rayburn" <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>Please tolerate another newbie question. I know that during the upcoming
>Field Day, participants are being encouraged to limit themselves to one
>contact on SO-50 or to use the linear birds when possible.
>
>I'm chasing grid squares towards Satellite VUCC and other awards. Is it
>acceptable and good operating practice for my station to make multiple
>contacts during
>FD on the linear birds? Seems like a great chance to pick up grids that
>would otherwise not be active on the birds, but I don't want to be a LID.
>
>What would be the best practice for an operator like myself during FD? I
>won't otherwise be participating in the contest. Again, my thanks for
>the advice
>and counsel of more experienced operators. Everyone on the birds has
>been great and helpful so far, especially K4FEG!
>
>
>--
>73,
>
>Les Rayburn, N1LF
>121 Mayfair Park
>Maylene, AL 35114
>EM63nf
>
>6M VUCC #1712
>AMSAT #38965
>Grid Bandits #222
>Southeastern VHF Society
>Central States VHF Society Life Member
>Six Club #2484
>
>Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
>_______________________________________________
>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: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:56:51 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: APRS/Packet on IC-910H
Message-ID:
<17478803.1366750612104.JavaMail.root@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I use MixW and a rigblaster for 1200 baud AFSK and BPSK, and a hardware TNC
for 9600 baud.
73, Drew KO4MA
-----Original Message-----
>From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>Sent: Apr 23, 2013 3:53 PM
>To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>Subject: [amsat-bb] APRS/Packet on IC-910H
>
>I'd also like to add digital capabilities to the IC-910H to allow some
>digital contacts through ISS, or just to download telemetry on other
>birds. Never worked packet before, and have only limited experience with
>APRS.
>
>The IC-910H is equipped with a Signa-Link interface for soundcard modes,
>and I've worked quite a bit of WSJT FSK and JT65A. I know that there is
>a software
>"solution" for APRS using AGWPE but I haven't tried it.
>
>What would be the recommendations of the group for equipping my station
>for digital operation on the satellites? AGWPE and the soundcard
>interface or a TNC? If so,
>what TNC would be recommended?
>
>Did I say "Thanks" yet? Also appreciate the bandwidth on this
>reflector--I know newbie questions can be annoying.
>--
>73,
>
>Les Rayburn, N1LF
>121 Mayfair Park
>Maylene, AL 35114
>EM63nf
>
>6M VUCC #1712
>AMSAT #38965
>Grid Bandits #222
>Southeastern VHF Society
>Central States VHF Society Life Member
>Six Club #2484
>
>Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
>_______________________________________________
>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: 10
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:28:13 -0400
From: Dave Webb KB1PVH <kb1pvh@xxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: AMSAT -BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: APRS/Packet on IC-910H
Message-ID:
<CAEMY9Ffe-5uVLEowEe8+ambfEv=6+6auuMz6Dq8a8m21QEyRWg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Les,
I was using UISS along with AGWPE and a Signalink for 1200bd packet.
http://users.belgacom.net/hamradio/uiss.htm
Dave-KB1PVH
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Droid RAZR
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:40:38 -0400
From: "Stephen E. Belter" <seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: "les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, AMSAT-BB
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SATPC32 and IC-910H
Message-ID: <CD9C727E.3686D%seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Les,
Here is the procedure I've used with SatPC32 and my Icom IC-821 for
Doppler correction when operating SSB. It should work with any rig that
is CAT controlled. (This is a corrected version of something I wrote a
couple of years ago in response to a similar question.)
Your success operating SO-50 is a good proving ground.
Here is the approach I took:
(1) Install SatPC32, enter your station's latitude and longitude, update
the Keplarian elements, and synchronize the PC clock to a national
standard like WWV/NIST.
(2) Get your radio and SatPC32 communicating, and verify the operation
(including Doppler correction) using an FM satellite (for example, SO-50).
(3) Wait for a good pass of VO-52, for example 60+ degrees maximum
elevation. I suggest VO-52 because it is the newest (compared to AO-7 and
FO-29), it was more tolerant of using too much transmit power, and it had
the smallest transponder correction. Note: This was true in 2011 with
the Indian transponder. Since then the Indian transponder has failed and
VO-52 is using the Dutch transponder which is not as tolerant of high
power and isn't as frequency stable.
(4) Open the "CAT" window. You can move the Window so that it doesn't
block access to the main SatPC32 window. Tune the radio above the center
of the satellite passband to reduce the QRM to other users. Make sure
you are in SSB mode on the radio ("CW-" on SatPC32).
(5) Using your call and "Test 1-2-3", listen for yourself while you are
transmitting. You probably won't hear yourself at all, at least I
didn't. Using the +100 and -100 buttons in the Transmit Correction part
of the CAT window, try to find yourself. For VO-52, you should hear
yourself within +/- 1500 hertz. (I think I was about +800, but that is
from memory on the Indian transponder.)
(6) Once you hear yourself using the +/-100 buttons, fine tune using the
+/-10 buttons.
(7) You can improve the tuning of your uplink/downlink using CW mode
("CW+" on SatPC32). Zero-beat the Icom's CW sidetone with your received
signal.
(8) *Save* the result by using the "Save" button in the CAT window. When
given the choice, save the transmitter correction.
(9) Verify that things are working by working a few VO-52 QSOs.
(10) Repeat using FO-29 and AO-7, in that order. You may need to search
over a wider frequency range (+/-3000 hertz).
(11) One other important change when moving from FM to SSB. Your power
output is important! Learn how to reduce your power and use the minimum
power needed to hear yourself on the satellite. If you use too much
power, you'll trash other conversations on the satellite and your
transmissions will be badly distorted! This is especially true of AO-7
mode B; you'll be able to hear the entire satellite passband modulated by
a single CW operator running too much power.
Good luck!
73, Steve N9IP
--
Steve Belter, seb@xxxxxx.xxx
On 4/23/13 3:40 PM, "Les Rayburn" <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>I'm very new to satellite operation but have been having a blast for the
>past couple of weeks. Using an IC-910H with attic antennas that include
>a 7 element 432 Arrow
>antenna with an SSB Electronics pre-amp mounted at the antenna. 1/2"
>hardline makes the 70' run from the attic to the shack in the garage. 2
>Meters shows a 6 element K1FO Yagi with an SSB Electronics pre-amp and
>1/2" hardline.
>
>Rig is controlled by SATPC32 via the CI-V interface at 9600 baud.
>
>On SO-50, I have no problems with doppler correction as you would
>suspect. With the other birds, doppler is sometimes an issue. Sometimes
>I hear stations strongly but when I call them, I don't hear my own
>uplink and the other station obviously doesn't hear me either.
>
>On other passes, the difference is not so great, and I'll hear my own
>uplink, though usually slightly off frequency.
>
>I know its possible to adjust the uplink frequency in the software, and
>I've tried it during passes without much success. The translated help
>file from German isn't much
>assistance to me so far.
>
>Can someone on the list point me towards a better explanation on the
>web, or offer suggestions on how to correct the situation? Any help is
>greatly
>appreciated!
>
>
>--
>73,
>
>Les Rayburn, N1LF
>121 Mayfair Park
>Maylene, AL 35114
>EM63nf
>
>6M VUCC #1712
>AMSAT #38965
>Grid Bandits #222
>Southeastern VHF Society
>Central States VHF Society Life Member
>Six Club #2484
>
>Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
>_______________________________________________
>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: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:56:02 -0600
From: James Duffey <jamesduffey@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Field Day Question
Message-ID: <4FEE7AE1-89D8-4C59-AD89-EA39A9253E38@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Les - Yes, you can work multiple stations on the linear birds during Field
Day. You can also work them once per mode, so try CW and perhaps RTTY or
PSK31 in addition to phone. There are a lot of QSOes to be had.
Amsat runs an embedded Field Day contest within the ARRL Field Day contest.
Information can be found here:
< http://www.amsatnet.com/2013fd.pdf >
I encourage you to enter your contacts in the Amsat contest, even if you
don't enter the ARRL Field Day. Contest sponsors deserve to see how much
activity they have generated.
In my experience, the FM birds are nearly useless during Field Day. If you
want a real life demonstration of all the negatives about the FM birds,
listen to one on FD or even worse, try to make a QSO on one. Don't get me
wrong, I think that the FM birds are a fine entry to satellite operation,
but the FM ops should move up to the linear birds once they have made a few
contacts on the FM birds. Several hundred or a thousand FD satellite
stations trying to make a contact on the FM birds, many of them using
simplex instead of full duplex operation, is a sight for sore ears. The
middle of the night passes are better, but still your chances of making a
QSO on them are low.
On the other hand, the linear birds are full of activity and lots of people
working each other. Several QSOes are possible per pass, even when it is
most crowded. Most of the stations are operating full duplex and although
they get close to each other, they can usually hear and pause the QSO so
that both can make contacts without too much interference.
Here are my tips for FD satellite operation.
1. Get plenty of practice on the birds beforehand. FD is not the time to
learn satellite operating procedures.
2. Get on the passes early in FD. It takes a different technique to work FD
and a pass or two to get it all down.
3. I find it more useful to answer CQs or tailgate QSOes than to call CQ.
4. The middle of the night passes are usually the easiest to work.
5. Work stations on as many modes and as many satellites as you can.
6. Keep your power to the minimum required to make contacts. Never any
louder than the beacon. With all the activity it is hard to comply with
this. Everyone loses when even one cranks up the power. It is a high tech
version of the tragedy of the commons.
Working the birds during FD is hard, but rewarding.
You said that you aren't going to otherwise participate in FD, but you may
wish to volunteer your services to your local club to help with their
satellite operations during FD. In my experience the satellite operations
are always intriguing to hams who have not worked the satellites before, and
is a good place to recruit new satellite operators. And if you can have a
satellite contact when the local dignitary is visiting, that always
impresses them. They usually equate satellite communication with large
dishes, and to see a ham work one with a handheld antenna is always
impressive. And you can probably help out at the VHF station when there
aren't any satellites to work.
Look for W5UR on the birds during FD. - Duffey KK6MC
--
KK6MC
James Duffey
Cedar Crest NM
On Apr 23, 2013, at 1:44 PM, Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Please tolerate another newbie question. I know that during the upcoming
Field Day, participants are being encouraged to limit themselves to one
> contact on SO-50 or to use the linear birds when possible.
>
> I'm chasing grid squares towards Satellite VUCC and other awards. Is it
acceptable and good operating practice for my station to make multiple
contacts during
> FD on the linear birds? Seems like a great chance to pick up grids that
would otherwise not be active on the birds, but I don't want to be a LID.
>
> What would be the best practice for an operator like myself during FD? I
won't otherwise be participating in the contest. Again, my thanks for the
advice
> and counsel of more experienced operators. Everyone on the birds has been
great and helpful so far, especially K4FEG!
>
>
> --
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
> EM63nf
>
> 6M VUCC #1712
> AMSAT #38965
> Grid Bandits #222
> Southeastern VHF Society
> Central States VHF Society Life Member
> Six Club #2484
>
> Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:13:54 -0500
From: John Fickes <kc0bmf@xxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: APRS/Packet on IC-910H
Message-ID:
<CAG-+cOYw0kftGY9MibhmVBe_qaEm=uK13hCLnZNzR2oz8eFM=g@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Les
I also have a 910H and I use AGWPE ,UISS for software and a Rigblaster
for interface.
And it all plays nice. The thing about AGWPE and UISS is that their free
and a great way
to start out to see how you like it.
73 John KC0BMF
On Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 2:53 PM, Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> I'd also like to add digital capabilities to the IC-910H to allow some
> digital contacts through ISS, or just to download telemetry on other birds.
> Never worked packet before, and have only limited experience with APRS.
>
> The IC-910H is equipped with a Signa-Link interface for soundcard modes,
> and I've worked quite a bit of WSJT FSK and JT65A. I know that there is a
> software
> "solution" for APRS using AGWPE but I haven't tried it.
>
> What would be the recommendations of the group for equipping my station
> for digital operation on the satellites? AGWPE and the soundcard interface
> or a TNC? If so,
> what TNC would be recommended?
>
> Did I say "Thanks" yet? Also appreciate the bandwidth on this reflector--I
> know newbie questions can be annoying.
> --
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
> EM63nf
>
> 6M VUCC #1712
> AMSAT #38965
> Grid Bandits #222
> Southeastern VHF Society
> Central States VHF Society Life Member
> Six Club #2484
>
> Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
> ______________________________**_________________
> 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: 14
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:28:51 -0500
From: John Fickes <kc0bmf@xxxxx.xxx>
To: les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SATPC32 and IC-910H
Message-ID:
<CAG-+cOZdeX61gFooRdiyyRqGHZxHSuenkzUK7QmYmyQ71M1duw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Les
Steve,N9IP gave a very good tutorial on how to set up. The one thing
that he said that took me a while to figure out was to make sure you get a
nice clean path to adjust your uplink. You see we are coming to the time of
year that the tree's are filling up with water and if your pointing at a
satellite through the tree's your down link might sound distorted to you,
but be just fine to every one else. So if you can, try to get as clean of a
path as you can to adjust. This is more noticeable on SSB birds than it is
on the FM birds.
73 John KC0BMF
On Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 2:40 PM, Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> I'm very new to satellite operation but have been having a blast for the
> past couple of weeks. Using an IC-910H with attic antennas that include a 7
> element 432 Arrow
> antenna with an SSB Electronics pre-amp mounted at the antenna. 1/2"
> hardline makes the 70' run from the attic to the shack in the garage. 2
> Meters shows a 6 element K1FO Yagi with an SSB Electronics pre-amp and 1/2"
> hardline.
>
> Rig is controlled by SATPC32 via the CI-V interface at 9600 baud.
>
> On SO-50, I have no problems with doppler correction as you would suspect.
> With the other birds, doppler is sometimes an issue. Sometimes I hear
> stations strongly but when I call them, I don't hear my own uplink and the
> other station obviously doesn't hear me either.
>
> On other passes, the difference is not so great, and I'll hear my own
> uplink, though usually slightly off frequency.
>
> I know its possible to adjust the uplink frequency in the software, and
> I've tried it during passes without much success. The translated help file
> from German isn't much
> assistance to me so far.
>
> Can someone on the list point me towards a better explanation on the web,
> or offer suggestions on how to correct the situation? Any help is greatly
> appreciated!
>
>
> --
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
> EM63nf
>
> 6M VUCC #1712
> AMSAT #38965
> Grid Bandits #222
> Southeastern VHF Society
> Central States VHF Society Life Member
> Six Club #2484
>
> Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
> ______________________________**_________________
> 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>
>
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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 127
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