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CX2SA  > SATDIG   29.05.13 02:47l 826 Lines 29768 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SA
To  : SATDIG@WW

Today's Topics:

   1. AMSAT table @ Show Low AZ hamfest on Saturday (1 June)
      (Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK))
   2. HamSatDroid 0.9 (David A B Johnson)
   3. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Rolf Krogstad)
   4. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Robert Bruninga)
   5. Field ISS contacts, any interest? (Adrian Engele)
   6. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Matt Patterson)
   7. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Andy Kellner)
   8. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Clayton Coleman)
   9. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Andy Kellner)
  10. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Andy Kellner)
  11. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Andrew Glasbrenner)
  12. Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op (Clayton Coleman)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 12:19:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Patrick STODDARD \(WD9EWK/VA7EWK\)" <amsat-bb@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT table @ Show Low AZ hamfest on Saturday (1
June)
Message-ID:
<1369768768.1308.YahooMailClassic@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi!

I will have an AMSAT table at the annual White Mountain Hamfest in
Show Low, Arizona, this Saturday 1 June 2013.  The hamfest will be
at the Show Low City Hall, and is scheduled to run from 8am until
12 noon (1500-1900 UTC).  More information about the hamfest is
available at:

http://www.kachina-arc.org/Page/Hamfest.html
http://www.kachina-arc.org/forms/2013%20hamfest%20revised.pdf

WD9EWK will be on the air during the morning, working whatever
satellites are available from approximately 1300 UTC until the
hamfest wraps up for on-air demonstrations.  If you hear WD9EWK
on a pass, please feel free to call and be a part of the
demonstration.  The hamfest site is in grid DM44.  All QSOs will
be uploaded to Logbook of the World after the hamfest, and QSL
cards will be available (just e-mail me QSO details, and I'll
send you a card).

73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/




------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 20:40:02 +0100
From: David A B Johnson <dave@xxxxx.xx.xx>
To: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] HamSatDroid 0.9
Message-ID: <51A50812.9060805@xxxxx.xx.xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi,

FYI, the app has been temporarily removed from the Google Play Store
while I reload it with the
new signing key.

Should be back tomorrow.

Will post another message when it's back.

The info site is still up:

https://sites.google.com/site/hamsatdroid/

73

- Dave, G4DPZ


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 15:16:37 -0500
From: Rolf Krogstad <rolf.krogstad@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "Bill (W1PA)" <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID:
<CAJJyj=aJPX7nqpdf2GDKWvN2ziX2Z_r3oq8nYxcCWcLOFB24hQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Bill,

You should find something in the reflector archives from 3 or 4 weeks ago
where there was a discussion of what percentage of passes were overhead.
 It is an extremely low percentage.  If I recall, most are at a an
elevation of 33 degrees or less.

Because of  the wide beam width of my antenna, tilting the antenna at an
angle of 20 to 25 degrees works well for me.  I can copy the satellite
beacons down to the horizon.  And only on the high angle passes do I have a
any drop out

And because of the beam width of the antenna I don't need to keep a hand on
the rotor control all the time.  But it takes some practice to remember to
look at the azimuth reading on the computer and to adjust the rotor
accordingly every couple of minutes.

The problem comes on the more overhead passes.  Because the bird is closest
to my location at that time it seems to accelerate as it gets overhead.  On
those, though, it doesn't seem to be as critical that the rotor be adjusted
anywhere close to the indicated azimuth.  I can hear the signal starting to
fade and it is a reminder to check the azimuth.

I would definitely run a number of passes with the setup before Field Day
to make sure that everything works and that you can remember to do all the
things that your three hands need to do during a pass!

73 from another newbie,

Rolf   NR0T



On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:

> Let me ask this another way...
>
> Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a single
> rotor well enough for QSO?s?  (single rotor control in one hand,
> VFO/Doppler on my other)
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 4
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 16:48:42 -0400
From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
To: Rolf Krogstad <rolf.krogstad@xxxxx.xxx>, "Bill (W1PA)"
<w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID: <c1557f897aa71b60c95a2822be958570@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

I found my old web page with graphics that shows the exact geometry of
passes and elevations.
 See http://aprs.org/LEO-tracking.html  70% of all pass times are below 22
degrees.


After the discussion a few weeks ago, I sat down today to begin building a
web page on the topic and when I went to save it, there was a page already
there that I had made years ago!  So there it is.

Bob, Wb4aPR


-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Rolf Krogstad
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 4:17 PM
To: Bill (W1PA)
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op

Bill,

You should find something in the reflector archives from 3 or 4 weeks ago
where there was a discussion of what percentage of passes were overhead.
 It is an extremely low percentage.  If I recall, most are at a an elevation
of 33 degrees or less.

Because of  the wide beam width of my antenna, tilting the antenna at an
angle of 20 to 25 degrees works well for me.  I can copy the satellite
beacons down to the horizon.  And only on the high angle passes do I have a
any drop out

And because of the beam width of the antenna I don't need to keep a hand on
the rotor control all the time.  But it takes some practice to remember to
look at the azimuth reading on the computer and to adjust the rotor
accordingly every couple of minutes.


The problem comes on the more overhead passes.  Because the bird is closest
to my location at that time it seems to accelerate as it gets overhead.  On
those, though, it doesn't seem to be as critical that the rotor be adjusted
anywhere close to the indicated azimuth.  I can hear the signal starting to
fade and it is a reminder to check the azimuth.

I would definitely run a number of passes with the setup before Field Day to
make sure that everything works and that you can remember to do all the
things that your three hands need to do during a pass!

73 from another newbie,

Rolf   NR0T



On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:

> Let me ask this another way...
>
> Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a
> single rotor well enough for QSO?s?  (single rotor control in one
> hand, VFO/Doppler on my other)
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb



------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 14:07:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: Adrian Engele <aa5uk@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxxx <AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx>,
"starcom-bb@xxxxxxxx.xxxx <starcom-bb@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Field ISS contacts, any interest?
Message-ID:
<1369775244.83346.YahooMailNeo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Greetings,

I am making preparations for the K9MOT Motorola Solutions Amateur Radio Club
Field Day setup. I plan to operate the satellite station once again and give
demos as I have done in the past few years.

Hopefully, I can get the gremlins out that have popped up during the past
few FD's.? I am interested in demoing packet through the ISS, assuming it
will be in packet mode this year.?

I know all stations are limited to one ISS contact. I am curious how many
other FD stations are planning to make a packet contact and would it be
worth the trouble?


See you on the birds at Field Day! Please give K9MOT a shout should you hear
us. Have fun!


73, Adrian AA5UK

------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 16:31:01 -0500
From: Matt Patterson <mattpatt@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID: <51A52215.20704@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed

Good reading material Bob!  Everyone should bookmark this page.  Back
when I had a sat station I had my antennas fixed at 45 degrees.  The
reason why is first I didn't know any better and second I built my mast
out of PVC and 2" 45 degree elbows were all I could find locally.   It
worked well enough for me to make contacts.  Then I had to move my
antennas and never got around to putting everything back up again.  If I
ever do it again, I will cut off the 45 degree elbows and do it right.

73 Matt
W5LL
EM23

On 5/28/2013 3:48 PM, Robert Bruninga wrote:
> I found my old web page with graphics that shows the exact geometry of
> passes and elevations.
>   See http://aprs.org/LEO-tracking.html  70% of all pass times are below 22
> degrees.
>
>
> After the discussion a few weeks ago, I sat down today to begin building a
> web page on the topic and when I went to save it, there was a page already
> there that I had made years ago!  So there it is.
>
> Bob, Wb4aPR
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
> Behalf Of Rolf Krogstad
> Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 4:17 PM
> To: Bill (W1PA)
> Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
>
> Bill,
>
> You should find something in the reflector archives from 3 or 4 weeks ago
> where there was a discussion of what percentage of passes were overhead.
>   It is an extremely low percentage.  If I recall, most are at a an
elevation
> of 33 degrees or less.
>
> Because of  the wide beam width of my antenna, tilting the antenna at an
> angle of 20 to 25 degrees works well for me.  I can copy the satellite
> beacons down to the horizon.  And only on the high angle passes do I have a
> any drop out
>
> And because of the beam width of the antenna I don't need to keep a hand on
> the rotor control all the time.  But it takes some practice to remember to
> look at the azimuth reading on the computer and to adjust the rotor
> accordingly every couple of minutes.
>
>
> The problem comes on the more overhead passes.  Because the bird is closest
> to my location at that time it seems to accelerate as it gets overhead.  On
> those, though, it doesn't seem to be as critical that the rotor be adjusted
> anywhere close to the indicated azimuth.  I can hear the signal starting to
> fade and it is a reminder to check the azimuth.
>
> I would definitely run a number of passes with the setup before Field Day to
> make sure that everything works and that you can remember to do all the
> things that your three hands need to do during a pass!
>
> 73 from another newbie,
>
> Rolf   NR0T
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA)<w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>  wrote:
>
>> Let me ask this another way...
>>
>> Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a
>> single rotor well enough for QSO?s?  (single rotor control in one
>> hand, VFO/Doppler on my other)
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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, 28 May 2013 15:03:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Andy Kellner <hawat1@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "Bill \(W1PA\)" <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>,	"amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID:
<1369778598.9443.YahooMailNeo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

FT 847 no computer assisted doppler ? Why ?

My FT 847 happily gets its doppler correction from SatPC32 - all you need is
a cable.

Add a cheap tv rotor and a bit of homebrew software and you are all set ! (
http://evolution2enterprises.com/sat/sat.html )

This system works well for me for about 2 years now. Have since upgraded to
higher gain antennas, though.

Cheers,

Andreas - VK4TH




________________________________
 From: Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 12:54 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] a cheap LEO tracker for single op


Again, thinking to FD...

- My FT-847 predates bi-directional CAT? i.e. no computer assisted Doppler
- I may be the only one at the station i.e. no helper to man the antenna
(Arrow), so I may need to do everything.
- assume the transponder LEO birds

Has anyone tried this?:

1) mount a standard TV antenna horizontal
2) align the horizontal rotor axis 90 deg to the orbit
?  tilt (inclination?) of the intended bird (so if the
bird went directly overhead, a beam mounted on the mast would track)
3) but, mount the antenna on the horizontal mast such that it can be set
tilted off the mast
?  0 to 90 degs to the mast axis (from horizon to zenith, and in practice
set it to the maximum elevation of the intended pass)
4) operation: set the rotator (in 2) and aim the beam to the AOS
? point of the pass (in 3), pan the orbit remotely from the operator position.
5) the rotator axis and angle of the beam to mast would have to be set for
each pass.

Do-able?

Bill W1PA

_______________________________________________
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: 8
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 18:33:58 -0500
From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "Bill (W1PA)" <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID:
<CAPovOwevZqnDE=XOOtaEn-VFC-tfU6Pe9jzrKD-kPg5Av3NfDA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

I'm not sure why a rotor or PC is needed.  I have made many contacts in the
past two years with an Arrow antenna (hand driven) and an IC-910 (manual
Doppler correction.)  With a little practice, it's really not difficult.
The trick is to practice, practice, practice.    Y

Over the weekend I made contacts on all the active satellites with no PC,
no rotor, and no big arrays.  Sure, Field Day will be a little more
difficult.  Be prepared.  Pick your passes wisely.  If you're on the East
Coast don't pick a pass centered over North America.  Choose one out over
the Atlantic so that less stations will be in the footprint.

Last year, I snuck onto SO-50 in the middle of the night with nothing but
an Arrow and ten watts.  I'm not sure it'll be so easy this year
considering that the recently published QST article will draw some fresh
blood.

I'm glad this is getting discussed now.  Maybe more stations will decide to
dust off the gear and try contacts now rather than "wing it" for their 100
bonus points.

I am a firm believer in the KISS principle and also "Train for how you will
operate; operate how you train."

73
Clayton
W5PFG


On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:

> Let me ask this another way...
>
> Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a single
> rotor well enough for QSO?s?  (single rotor control in one hand,
> VFO/Doppler on my other)
> _______________________________________________
> 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, 28 May 2013 17:04:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Andy Kellner <hawat1@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID:
<1369785860.99101.YahooMailNeo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

OK, must have missed his first post where he mentions the fact.
?
But why does the report back mechanism has to work in order for doppler
correction to work ?
SatPC32 just calculates the correct frequencies based on satellite data and
current position / relative movement. It then sends the
set frequency command to the radio, regardless what it's current frequency
is. It does that in adjustable intervals.
So IMHO it wouldn't be necessary to read the current frequency back from the
FT 847. In fact I am not sure if SatPC32 even does read the
frequency from the radio, even if it can.
?
Andreas - VK4TH
?


________________________________
From: "kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxxx <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: hawat1@xxxxx.xxxx w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 9:51 AM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op



?Guys, in his FIRST post he mentioned he had a very early FT-847.

The early FT-847's did NOT support two-way CAT communication for frequency
and mode. You could command the radio, but it lacked the capability to
report the frequency back to the control software.

Yaesu modified the radios, but that was a long time agao, and if the radio
didn't get modified then, you're out of luck as there are no more parts.

The change over point is somewhere in the 8G05xxxx range.

73, Jim? KQ6EA


On 05/28/13, Andy Kellner<hawat1@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:

FT 847 no computer assisted doppler ? Why ?

My FT 847 happily gets its doppler correction from SatPC32 - all you need is
a cable.

Add a cheap tv rotor and a bit of homebrew software and you are all set ! (
http://evolution2enterprises.com/sat/sat.html )

This system works well for me for about 2 years now. Have since upgraded to
higher gain antennas, though.

Cheers,

Andreas - VK4TH




________________________________
From: Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 12:54 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] a cheap LEO tracker for single op


Again, thinking to FD...

- My FT-847 predates bi-directional CAT? i.e. no computer assisted Doppler
- I may be the only one at the station i.e. no helper to man the antenna
(Arrow), so I may need to do everything.
- assume the transponder LEO birds

Has anyone tried this?:

1) mount a standard TV antenna horizontal
2) align the horizontal rotor axis 90 deg to the orbit
? tilt (inclination?) of the intended bird (so if the
bird went directly overhead, a beam mounted on the mast would track)
3) but, mount the antenna on the horizontal mast such that it can be set
tilted off the mast
? 0 to 90 degs to the mast axis (from horizon to zenith, and in practice set
it to the maximum elevation of the intended pass)
4) operation: set the rotator (in 2) and aim the beam to the AOS
? point of the pass (in 3), pan the orbit remotely from the operator position.
5) the rotator axis and angle of the beam to mast would have to be set for
each pass.

Do-able?

Bill W1PA

_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 17:20:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: Andy Kellner <hawat1@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID: <1369786806.957.YahooMailNeo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Clayton,
?
good stuff. You are certainly right, a rotor, PC and computer based doppler
correction are all optional.
There is a certain thrill in working SO 50 with a 10 W HT and a hand held
arrow antenna, and pretty rewarding to.
?
But honestly, when you work AO-7 on SSB with your fully automated ground
station - happily correcting your RX/TX frequencies in?10 Hz. intervals
controlled from one laptop, and your fully automated homebrew tracking AZ /
EL rotors clicking away controlled from another laptop, your full duplex
'Earth Station' FT 847 producing a crystal clear signal from a 40 year old
bird limping along on ancient solar panels and all you have to do is press
the PTT button - that puts a smile on your face, too :)
?
Anderas - VK4TH


________________________________
From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 9:33 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op


I'm not sure why a rotor or PC is needed.? I have made many contacts in the
past two years with an Arrow antenna (hand driven) and an IC-910 (manual
Doppler correction.)? With a little practice, it's really not difficult.
The trick is to practice, practice, practice.? ? Y

Over the weekend I made contacts on all the active satellites with no PC,
no rotor, and no big arrays.? Sure, Field Day will be a little more
difficult.? Be prepared.? Pick your passes wisely.? If you're on the East
Coast don't pick a pass centered over North America.? Choose one out over
the Atlantic so that less stations will be in the footprint.

Last year, I snuck onto SO-50 in the middle of the night with nothing but
an Arrow and ten watts.? I'm not sure it'll be so easy this year
considering that the recently published QST article will draw some fresh
blood.

I'm glad this is getting discussed now.? Maybe more stations will decide to
dust off the gear and try contacts now rather than "wing it" for their 100
bonus points.

I am a firm believer in the KISS principle and also "Train for how you will
operate; operate how you train."

73
Clayton
W5PFG


On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:

> Let me ask this another way...
>
> Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a single
> rotor well enough for QSO?s?? (single rotor control in one hand,
> VFO/Doppler on my other)
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

------------------------------

Message: 11
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 20:37:00 -0400
From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: Andy Kellner <hawat1@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID: <6D12C292-69A8-418B-8C5F-EE79B521866A@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=us-ascii

It does, and it makes it very easy to tune across a pass band with the VFO.
However, the workaround is to tune with the up down buttons in Satpc32.

> . In fact I am not sure if SatPC32 even does read the
> frequency from the radio, even if it can.



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Message: 12
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 19:41:40 -0500
From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Andy Kellner <hawat1@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
Message-ID:
<CAPovOwfWpEGtHQuoNr4+GMbwNXYMfdCEM-c7Xk_Mc+xAzimhuw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

Anderas,

I don't dispute the merits of a fully automated station.   Your point was
made very eloquently!   AO-7 is only a couple of years older than me and I
love using it.

In the spirit of "Field Day" I do think simple is better.  That's just my
opinion...

73
Clayton
W5PFG
On May 28, 2013 7:37 PM, "Andy Kellner" <hawat1@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:

> Clayton,
>
> good stuff. You are certainly right, a rotor, PC and computer based
> doppler correction are all optional.
> There is a certain thrill in working SO 50 with a 10 W HT and a hand held
> arrow antenna, and pretty rewarding to.
>
> But honestly, when you work AO-7 on SSB with your fully automated ground
> station - happily correcting your RX/TX frequencies in 10 Hz. intervals
> controlled from one laptop, and your fully automated homebrew tracking AZ /
> EL rotors clicking away controlled from another laptop, your full duplex
> 'Earth Station' FT 847 producing a crystal clear signal from a 40 year old
> bird limping along on ancient solar panels and all you have to do is press
> the PTT button - that puts a smile on your face, too :)
>
> Anderas - VK4TH
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx@xxxxx.xxx>
> To: Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
> Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 9:33 AM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: a cheap LEO tracker for single op
>
>
> I'm not sure why a rotor or PC is needed.  I have made many contacts in the
> past two years with an Arrow antenna (hand driven) and an IC-910 (manual
> Doppler correction.)  With a little practice, it's really not difficult.
> The trick is to practice, practice, practice.    Y
>
> Over the weekend I made contacts on all the active satellites with no PC,
> no rotor, and no big arrays.  Sure, Field Day will be a little more
> difficult.  Be prepared.  Pick your passes wisely.  If you're on the East
> Coast don't pick a pass centered over North America.  Choose one out over
> the Atlantic so that less stations will be in the footprint.
>
> Last year, I snuck onto SO-50 in the middle of the night with nothing but
> an Arrow and ten watts.  I'm not sure it'll be so easy this year
> considering that the recently published QST article will draw some fresh
> blood.
>
> I'm glad this is getting discussed now.  Maybe more stations will decide to
> dust off the gear and try contacts now rather than "wing it" for their 100
> bonus points.
>
> I am a firm believer in the KISS principle and also "Train for how you will
> operate; operate how you train."
>
> 73
> Clayton
> W5PFG
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Bill (W1PA) <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
> > Let me ask this another way...
> >
> > Assuming minimal setup prior to each pass, can I track a LEO with a
> single
> > rotor well enough for QSO?s?  (single rotor control in one hand,
> > VFO/Doppler on my other)
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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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> >
> _______________________________________________
> 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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> _______________________________________________
> 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
>


------------------------------

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End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 8, Issue 179
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