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Today's Topics:
1. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (Rich/wa4bue)
2. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (Paul Stoetzer)
3. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (Paul Stoetzer)
4. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE)
5. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (Zach Leffke)
6. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (Roger Kolakowski)
7. Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions (george hinkle)
8. Re: Uni-Trac 2003 Parallel Port Version - Any Users outthere
? (Dale Hershberger)
9. Re: W1AW/7 Arizona satellite activity - 273 QSOs!
(Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK))
10. SUWS VHF/UHF/Microwave WebSDR update + ISEE-3 / ICE (M5AKA)
11. Re: Uni-Trac 2003 Parallel Port Version (Matty Cunningham)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:10:44 -0400
From: "Rich/wa4bue" <richard.siff@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "Zach Leffke" <zleffke@xx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID: <0618803C9E8A43EB8839077934E4376B@xxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=response
Hi ZAC
Seems you have the regs down well.
You modify it is like Home Brew, still must meet to meet FCC specifications.
The question is why do you need that much pwer for the satellittes?
You should keep your power down to a minim to communicate so you don't
stress the birds.
100 watts with a 10dB gain is a lot of ERP!
R
W4BUE
----- Original Message -----
From: "Zach Leffke" <zleffke@xx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 2:18 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] External Amplifier Legality Questions
> Hello everyone,
> I have a question about FCC Rules regarding external amplifiers. I am
> considering re-purposing a wideband commercial amplifier for amateur use
> as a final stage for my ground station. The amplifier is capable of
> producing about 100W of power between 20 MHz and 500 MHz. I want to use
> this amp in conjunction with coax relays to switch between the 2m band and
> the 70cm band depending upon which spacecraft I'm operating.
>
> My questions are as follows:
> Is it legal to use an amplifier designed for commercial applications in
> the Amateur Bands? This amplifier does not meet spurious signal
> suppression requirements, so I plan to use band specific filters after the
> amp to make sure I knock any spurs down below the required limits. Does
> the amplifier have to be type certified for use in the amateur bands?
>
> As far as I can tell reading Part 97.315(subsection 3), The amplifier
> itself does not need to be type certified if:
> "(3)The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a dealer, the
> amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer, /or the amplifier is
> sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that operator's station/.
> [emphasis added]"
>
> I'm planning to use it in my amateur station so I don't think it has to be
> type certified. Am I missing something?
>
> Also, The amplifier's 2nd Harmonic is about -30dBc down at 145 MHz.
> According to 97.307e:
> "The mean power of any spurious emission from a station transmitter or
> external RF power amplifier transmitting on a frequency between 30--225
> MHz must be at least 60 dB below the mean power of the fundamental."
>
> I'm planning to use a filter with about 40 dB of suppression at 290 MHz
> (2nd harmonic), so I get about -70 dB of suppression at the second
> harmonic, meeting the emission requirements of 97.307e.
>
> I see no specific spurious signal suppression requirement for the 70cm
> band. The amplifier has similar 2nd Harmonic characteristics and I'm
> planning to use a similar filter for the 70cm band so the spurs should be
> down by about 70 dB of the fundamental mean power as well. The only
> wording I see that might apply is 97.307c:
> "All spurious emissions from a station transmitter must be reduced to the
> greatest extent practicable. If any spurious emission, including chassis
> or power line radiation, causes harmful interference to the reception of
> another radio station, the licensee of the interfering amateur station is
> required to take steps to eliminate the interference, in accordance with
> good engineering practice. "
>
> I'm taking steps to eliminate interference by suppressing the 2nd Harmonic
> down about 70dB from the fundamental "in good engineering practice" so I
> think I meet all the requirements. Again, what am I missing?
>
> I've heard of lots of hams re-purposing amplifiers for amateur use without
> legal concern, and I think this might be the case for my situation. I'd
> like some advice from those that may have gone down this road in the past.
> Any and all feedback from the group on this would be greatly appreciated.
> If I'm way off, please let me know.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Sincerely,
> Zach, KJ4QLP
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 2
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:14:26 -0400
From: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx>
To: Zach Leffke <zleffke@xx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID:
<CABzOSOq-wT5KdiDZPs4KSbqEfjX7KzAUBn86pOijJVa54jiwxA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi Zach,
What is the power output you have available from your transceiver and
what type of antennas/coax do you plan to use.
In most cases, you need no more than 100W EIRP to operate through any
LEO satellite. There are some rare exceptions where you might go a
little beyond 100W EIRP, of course, but if you have a transceiver
capable of putting out 20 watts and are feeding a moderate sized yagi
with high-quality coax, you almost certainly don't need an amplifier.
You are correct that you may use that amplifier filtered as described,
but depending on your situation, it may be best to put your money
towards antennas and coax.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 2:18 PM, Zach Leffke <zleffke@xx.xxx> wrote:
> Hello everyone,
> I have a question about FCC Rules regarding external amplifiers. I am
> considering re-purposing a wideband commercial amplifier for amateur use as
> a final stage for my ground station. The amplifier is capable of producing
> about 100W of power between 20 MHz and 500 MHz. I want to use this amp in
> conjunction with coax relays to switch between the 2m band and the 70cm band
> depending upon which spacecraft I'm operating.
>
> My questions are as follows:
> Is it legal to use an amplifier designed for commercial applications in the
> Amateur Bands? This amplifier does not meet spurious signal suppression
> requirements, so I plan to use band specific filters after the amp to make
> sure I knock any spurs down below the required limits. Does the amplifier
> have to be type certified for use in the amateur bands?
>
> As far as I can tell reading Part 97.315(subsection 3), The amplifier itself
> does not need to be type certified if:
> "(3)The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a dealer, the
> amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer, /or the amplifier is
> sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that operator's station/.
> [emphasis added]"
>
> I'm planning to use it in my amateur station so I don't think it has to be
> type certified. Am I missing something?
>
> Also, The amplifier's 2nd Harmonic is about -30dBc down at 145 MHz.
> According to 97.307e:
> "The mean power of any spurious emission from a station transmitter or
> external RF power amplifier transmitting on a frequency between 30--225 MHz
> must be at least 60 dB below the mean power of the fundamental."
>
> I'm planning to use a filter with about 40 dB of suppression at 290 MHz (2nd
> harmonic), so I get about -70 dB of suppression at the second harmonic,
> meeting the emission requirements of 97.307e.
>
> I see no specific spurious signal suppression requirement for the 70cm band.
> The amplifier has similar 2nd Harmonic characteristics and I'm planning to
> use a similar filter for the 70cm band so the spurs should be down by about
> 70 dB of the fundamental mean power as well. The only wording I see that
> might apply is 97.307c:
> "All spurious emissions from a station transmitter must be reduced to the
> greatest extent practicable. If any spurious emission, including chassis or
> power line radiation, causes harmful interference to the reception of
> another radio station, the licensee of the interfering amateur station is
> required to take steps to eliminate the interference, in accordance with
> good engineering practice. "
>
> I'm taking steps to eliminate interference by suppressing the 2nd Harmonic
> down about 70dB from the fundamental "in good engineering practice" so I
> think I meet all the requirements. Again, what am I missing?
>
> I've heard of lots of hams re-purposing amplifiers for amateur use without
> legal concern, and I think this might be the case for my situation. I'd
> like some advice from those that may have gone down this road in the past.
> Any and all feedback from the group on this would be greatly appreciated.
> If I'm way off, please let me know.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Sincerely,
> Zach, KJ4QLP
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:30:59 -0400
From: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx>
To: "Rich/wa4bue" <richard.siff@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID:
<CABzOSOrkFBeZSBSOjwrSTr1-0aBFNpA8b1oK9KukfvUoLC_F=g@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I was going to follow up with my post. I see that Zach is involved in
the Fox project and may be working on a command station. I can
certainly see where he may want some extra power to ensure that
commands get through.
But for operating - yes, you don't need a ton of EIRP. 100w is about
the most as you need. On the transponders, any more just takes power
away from other stations on the bird.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 3:10 PM, Rich/wa4bue <richard.siff@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Hi ZAC
>
> Seems you have the regs down well.
>
> You modify it is like Home Brew, still must meet to meet FCC specifications.
>
> The question is why do you need that much pwer for the satellittes?
>
> You should keep your power down to a minim to communicate so you don't
> stress the birds.
>
> 100 watts with a 10dB gain is a lot of ERP!
>
> R
> W4BUE
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zach Leffke" <zleffke@xx.xxx>
> To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 2:18 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] External Amplifier Legality Questions
>
>
>
>> Hello everyone,
>> I have a question about FCC Rules regarding external amplifiers. I am
>> considering re-purposing a wideband commercial amplifier for amateur use as
>> a final stage for my ground station. The amplifier is capable of producing
>> about 100W of power between 20 MHz and 500 MHz. I want to use this amp in
>> conjunction with coax relays to switch between the 2m band and the 70cm
band
>> depending upon which spacecraft I'm operating.
>>
>> My questions are as follows:
>> Is it legal to use an amplifier designed for commercial applications in
>> the Amateur Bands? This amplifier does not meet spurious signal
suppression
>> requirements, so I plan to use band specific filters after the amp to make
>> sure I knock any spurs down below the required limits. Does the amplifier
>> have to be type certified for use in the amateur bands?
>>
>> As far as I can tell reading Part 97.315(subsection 3), The amplifier
>> itself does not need to be type certified if:
>> "(3)The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a dealer, the
>> amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer, /or the amplifier is
>> sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that operator's station/.
>> [emphasis added]"
>>
>> I'm planning to use it in my amateur station so I don't think it has to be
>> type certified. Am I missing something?
>>
>> Also, The amplifier's 2nd Harmonic is about -30dBc down at 145 MHz.
>> According to 97.307e:
>> "The mean power of any spurious emission from a station transmitter or
>> external RF power amplifier transmitting on a frequency between 30--225 MHz
>> must be at least 60 dB below the mean power of the fundamental."
>>
>> I'm planning to use a filter with about 40 dB of suppression at 290 MHz
>> (2nd harmonic), so I get about -70 dB of suppression at the second
harmonic,
>> meeting the emission requirements of 97.307e.
>>
>> I see no specific spurious signal suppression requirement for the 70cm
>> band. The amplifier has similar 2nd Harmonic characteristics and I'm
>> planning to use a similar filter for the 70cm band so the spurs should be
>> down by about 70 dB of the fundamental mean power as well. The only
wording
>> I see that might apply is 97.307c:
>> "All spurious emissions from a station transmitter must be reduced to the
>> greatest extent practicable. If any spurious emission, including chassis or
>> power line radiation, causes harmful interference to the reception of
>> another radio station, the licensee of the interfering amateur station is
>> required to take steps to eliminate the interference, in accordance with
>> good engineering practice. "
>>
>> I'm taking steps to eliminate interference by suppressing the 2nd Harmonic
>> down about 70dB from the fundamental "in good engineering practice" so I
>> think I meet all the requirements. Again, what am I missing?
>>
>> I've heard of lots of hams re-purposing amplifiers for amateur use without
>> legal concern, and I think this might be the case for my situation. I'd
>> like some advice from those that may have gone down this road in the past.
>> Any and all feedback from the group on this would be greatly appreciated.
If
>> I'm way off, please let me know.
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Zach, KJ4QLP
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 4
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:12:42 -0500
From: "Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE" <kevin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "'Zach Leffke'" <zleffke@xx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID: <00f301cf43af$967d0ff0$c3772fd0$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Amateur radio equipment does not have to be FCC type accepted but it must
meet the requirements of Part 97. So you may repurpose your commercial amp
for ham radio use as long as it meets the requirements of a "clean signal"
and does not violate the power limitations of your license or the band.
Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE
Grid-EL09uf
Eagle Creek Observatory
http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org
I'd be unstoppable if it weren't for law enforcement and physics
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Zach Leffke
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 1:19 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] External Amplifier Legality Questions
Hello everyone,
I have a question about FCC Rules regarding external amplifiers. I am
considering re-purposing a wideband commercial amplifier for amateur use as
a final stage for my ground station. The amplifier is capable of producing
about 100W of power between 20 MHz and 500 MHz. I want to use this amp in
conjunction with coax relays to switch between the 2m band and the 70cm band
depending upon which spacecraft I'm operating.
My questions are as follows:
Is it legal to use an amplifier designed for commercial applications in the
Amateur Bands? This amplifier does not meet spurious signal suppression
requirements, so I plan to use band specific filters after the amp to make
sure I knock any spurs down below the required limits.
Does the amplifier have to be type certified for use in the amateur bands?
As far as I can tell reading Part 97.315(subsection 3), The amplifier itself
does not need to be type certified if:
"(3)The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a dealer, the
amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer, /or the amplifier is
sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that operator's station/.
[emphasis added]"
I'm planning to use it in my amateur station so I don't think it has to be
type certified. Am I missing something?
Also, The amplifier's 2nd Harmonic is about -30dBc down at 145 MHz.
According to 97.307e:
"The mean power of any spurious emission from a station transmitter or
external RF power amplifier transmitting on a frequency between 30--225 MHz
must be at least 60 dB below the mean power of the fundamental."
I'm planning to use a filter with about 40 dB of suppression at 290 MHz (2nd
harmonic), so I get about -70 dB of suppression at the second harmonic,
meeting the emission requirements of 97.307e.
I see no specific spurious signal suppression requirement for the 70cm band.
The amplifier has similar 2nd Harmonic characteristics and I'm planning to
use a similar filter for the 70cm band so the spurs should be down by about
70 dB of the fundamental mean power as well. The only wording I see that
might apply is 97.307c:
"All spurious emissions from a station transmitter must be reduced to the
greatest extent practicable. If any spurious emission, including chassis or
power line radiation, causes harmful interference to the reception of
another radio station, the licensee of the interfering amateur station is
required to take steps to eliminate the interference, in accordance with
good engineering practice. "
I'm taking steps to eliminate interference by suppressing the 2nd Harmonic
down about 70dB from the fundamental "in good engineering practice" so I
think I meet all the requirements. Again, what am I missing?
I've heard of lots of hams re-purposing amplifiers for amateur use without
legal concern, and I think this might be the case for my
situation. I'd like some advice from those that may have gone down
this road in the past. Any and all feedback from the group on this would be
greatly appreciated. If I'm way off, please let me know.
Thanks in advance.
Sincerely,
Zach, KJ4QLP
_______________________________________________
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: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:24:13 -0400
From: Zach Leffke <zleffke@xx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID: <5329FCED.4000301@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Haha! I knew I was going to get questions about the peak power levels.
I should have mentioned this in the first email, but it was already
pretty long winded (so here goes a long winded reply).
First up about my original question about legal issues:
It looks like the consensus is I'm good to go. Right now based on
calculation, I should be legal with enough suppression. I will measure
the system performance before going on the air to ensure that I am legal.
To address the numerous concerns about peak power:
So the 100W figure is the peak power the amp can deliver. I will /not/
be operating this amp anywhere near its peak power levels when working
the birds. So do not fear! I won't be blasting the birds.
However, increasing the scope of my interests in the hobby a bit from
Amateur Satellites to Amateur Radio in general, having a canned system
capable of about 100W (a little higher at VHF, and just about 100W at
UHF) could come in handy for things like VHF and up contesting. This
system has overlapping amateur radio goals, of which satellites are one.
The Radio:
I am not using a traditional hardware radio, but rather an SDR (ettus
research B210) my wife bought me for my birthday (best present ever)
that only puts out about +10dBm (plenty to drive this amp).
The Antennas:
I'll be using M2 Antennas products with "gobs" of gain, further reducing
the needed TX power requirements. I do want to experiment in the future
with some homebrew omnis (lindenblad, eggbeater, etc..) and being able
to bump up the power a bit on TX without having to worry will be a nice
feature.
To address Paul's note about control:
My involvement to date with the Fox project is with the camera card, not
with control ops. However, I am VERY interested in the possibility of
joining the Operations team and becoming a control station for AMSAT for
the Fox series (and beyond). However, for all my "book-learning," and
LOTS of RX only ops on the birds, I only have a handful of actual
contacts under my belt. So right now I'm just trying to get a station
up and running to increase my activity on the birds. Maybe down the
road when the bugs have been worked out of the system and I am a little
less green, then I'll look at control ops a little more closely, and
having a decent amp could come in handy there as well (assuming of
course the AMSAT ops team needs/wants me to participate in control ops).
Thank you very much to everyone for the quick feedback. I appreciate
everyone taking the time to help educate me.
-Zach, KJ4QLP
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:30:17 -0400
From: Roger Kolakowski <Rogerkola@xxx.xxx>
To: Zach Leffke <zleffke@xx.xxx>, amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID: <5329FE59.9080108@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Hi Zach...
Amateurs have worked very hard to remain responsible for their own
emissions.
The need for 100 watts for your application aside, you can use any
transmitter/amplifier you want as long as it's output is under the
maximum limit for the band and your license.
However...you are PERSONALLY responsible for your signal, it's spurs,
harmonics and any other junk it causes.
It sounds like you have everything well researched as to how to engineer
it to your needs and signal requirements.
That's why we have licenses...to show the world that we are capable of
being responsible for our own designs and protecting our service.
We do not want to go down the path of type acceptance for re-purposed
electronics.
Enjoy your experimenting but listen to the experienced.
Roger
WA1KAT
(First 145 mcs rig was a SCR-522 AND yes I did try to run a TBS)
On 3/19/2014 2:18 PM, Zach Leffke wrote:
> Hello everyone,
> I have a question about FCC Rules regarding external amplifiers.
> I am considering re-purposing a wideband commercial amplifier for
> amateur use as a final stage for my ground station. The amplifier is
> capable of producing about 100W of power between 20 MHz and 500 MHz.
> I want to use this amp in conjunction with coax relays to switch
> between the 2m band and the 70cm band depending upon which spacecraft
> I'm operating.
>
> My questions are as follows:
> Is it legal to use an amplifier designed for commercial applications
> in the Amateur Bands? This amplifier does not meet spurious signal
> suppression requirements, so I plan to use band specific filters after
> the amp to make sure I knock any spurs down below the required
> limits. Does the amplifier have to be type certified for use in the
> amateur bands?
>
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:55:44 -0500
From: george hinkle <gwhink41@xxx.xxx>
To: "Rich/wa4bue" <richard.siff@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: External Amplifier Legality Questions
Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP165F15B6980C65EE85D3327D47F0@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
My goal is to run a half watt into I what I hope will be some good antennas.
We'll know something this spring.
george wi9i
On Mar 19, 2014, at 2:10 PM, Rich/wa4bue wrote:
> Hi ZAC
>
> Seems you have the regs down well.
>
> You modify it is like Home Brew, still must meet to meet FCC specifications.
>
> The question is why do you need that much pwer for the satellittes?
>
> You should keep your power down to a minim to communicate so you don't
stress the birds.
>
> 100 watts with a 10dB gain is a lot of ERP!
>
> R
> W4BUE
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zach Leffke" <zleffke@xx.xxx>
> To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 2:18 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] External Amplifier Legality Questions
>
>
>> Hello everyone,
>> I have a question about FCC Rules regarding external amplifiers. I am
considering re-purposing a wideband commercial amplifier for amateur use as
a final stage for my ground station. The amplifier is capable of producing
about 100W of power between 20 MHz and 500 MHz. I want to use this amp in
conjunction with coax relays to switch between the 2m band and the 70cm band
depending upon which spacecraft I'm operating.
>>
>> My questions are as follows:
>> Is it legal to use an amplifier designed for commercial applications in
the Amateur Bands? This amplifier does not meet spurious signal suppression
requirements, so I plan to use band specific filters after the amp to make
sure I knock any spurs down below the required limits. Does the amplifier
have to be type certified for use in the amateur bands?
>>
>> As far as I can tell reading Part 97.315(subsection 3), The amplifier
itself does not need to be type certified if:
>> "(3)The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a dealer,
the amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer, /or the amplifier
is sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that operator's station/.
[emphasis added]"
>>
>> I'm planning to use it in my amateur station so I don't think it has to
be type certified. Am I missing something?
>>
>> Also, The amplifier's 2nd Harmonic is about -30dBc down at 145 MHz.
According to 97.307e:
>> "The mean power of any spurious emission from a station transmitter or
external RF power amplifier transmitting on a frequency between 30--225 MHz
must be at least 60 dB below the mean power of the fundamental."
>>
>> I'm planning to use a filter with about 40 dB of suppression at 290 MHz
(2nd harmonic), so I get about -70 dB of suppression at the second harmonic,
meeting the emission requirements of 97.307e.
>>
>> I see no specific spurious signal suppression requirement for the 70cm
band. The amplifier has similar 2nd Harmonic characteristics and I'm
planning to use a similar filter for the 70cm band so the spurs should be
down by about 70 dB of the fundamental mean power as well. The only wording
I see that might apply is 97.307c:
>> "All spurious emissions from a station transmitter must be reduced to the
greatest extent practicable. If any spurious emission, including chassis or
power line radiation, causes harmful interference to the reception of
another radio station, the licensee of the interfering amateur station is
required to take steps to eliminate the interference, in accordance with
good engineering practice. "
>>
>> I'm taking steps to eliminate interference by suppressing the 2nd
Harmonic down about 70dB from the fundamental "in good engineering practice"
so I think I meet all the requirements. Again, what am I missing?
>>
>> I've heard of lots of hams re-purposing amplifiers for amateur use
without legal concern, and I think this might be the case for my situation.
I'd like some advice from those that may have gone down this road in the
past. Any and all feedback from the group on this would be greatly
appreciated. If I'm way off, please let me know.
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Zach, KJ4QLP
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 8
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:27:10 -0800
From: Dale Hershberger <daleh@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Uni-Trac 2003 Parallel Port Version - Any
Users outthere ?
Message-ID: <532A19BE.4050508@xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Hi Mike, Jerry,
I have a unitrac 2003. I worked fine on my Dell desktop with XP using
NOVA and G5500 rotors.
I had some issues with the computer so I upgraded new HP with Windows
7. The controller
would not work. I emailed John G3BVU/W1. This is part of his reply:
( /As you have discovered U-2000 (and U-2003) are not 64-bit
programmes. And there's no hope of getting them up-dated to 64 bits. //
// I too love U-2000. Although we have been selling U-2003 for
several years, I still have U-2000 in my personal tracking system. I
like 2000 much better than 2003. I too use NOVA to drive it. /)
My old Dell with XP was 32 bit and the new HP with win 7 is 64 bit
only. I now use SatPC32 with
LVB tracker and same antennae rotors.
Hope this may shed some light on the questions.
73, Dale KL7XJ
On 3/18/2014 10:45 PM, K5OE wrote:
> Mike,
> I have the same combo and tried a Win 7 machine (laptop) with a
USB-to-Parallel adapter to no avail (I'm neither a PC guru nor patient). I
gave up and just keep a legacy machine running XP for this controller. It
has worked reliably since I bought it more than a decade ago.
> 73,
> Jerry, M0GOE
>
>
******************************************************************************
*****************
> Greetings,
>
> I'm still running a Uni-Trac Parallel port interface with ZL2AMD's Uni-Trac
> 3.0.b software on Windows XP to control a Yaesu G5400B. Yes its old, and
> yes, it works fine. It even has DDE capability to run it from SATPC32,
> which is credited to DK1TB (Erich - SATPC32 Author).
>
> Question, is there anyone out there using this tracker on an O/S
> later/other than Windows XP ?
>
> (If so, I'd be interested in the details)
>
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:54:06 -0700
From: "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" <amsat-bb@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: W1AW/7 Arizona satellite activity - 273 QSOs!
Message-ID:
<CAN6TEUc4wAyu6C=Lfh358jje-AQcjyrVHQJ+8wT5kypWqNbxXw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Paul,
You could give us a run, if you had that week off. Isn't July in
Washington a good time of year to be away from the office? ;-)
You'd have chances to work Europeans and even South Americans as
W1AW/3. Geography is in your favor to get those DX stations,
compared to being here in Arizona.
It was mentioned in a private e-mail that Tennessee and New Mexico
are active on HF as W1AW/4 and W1AW/5, respectively, today. My
comment earlier today related to *satellite* activity from those
states, and I apologize for not being more specific. I'm hoping
that maybe there will be some W1AW/4 activity from Tennessee this
week, given the number of satellite operators in that state -
especially a certain grid in the southwest part of that state. :-)
Thanks again for working me as W1AW/7 and WD9EWK in the past week.
I now have worked one station on the satellites in DC from my home
grid, after over 8 years of never hearing one.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 5:07 AM, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Great job Patrick and John! You really showed everyone how it's done
> from Arizona - It will be pretty tough for me to beat that number as
> W1AW/3 from the District of Columbia in early July!
>
> I look forward to chasing future W1AW portable operations on the
> satellites. Hopefully as many states as possible get on the air.
> Doesn't look like there's anyone scheduled to operate from New Mexico
> or Tennessee this week. It's not too late to contact your
> coordinators!
>
> 73,
>
> Paul, N8HM
>
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:25:36 +0000 (GMT)
From: M5AKA <m5aka@xxxxx.xx.xx>
To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] SUWS VHF/UHF/Microwave WebSDR update + ISEE-3 /
ICE
Message-ID:
<1395271536.87892.YahooMailNeo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
The SUWS WebSDR, a VHF/UHF/Microwave online radio, now has improved antennas
for reception of amateur radio satellites and High Altitude Balloons (HAB)
http://amsat-uk.org/2014/03/19/suws-vhfuhfmicrowave-websdr/
Also on the AMSAT-UK site
Der Spiegel newspaper features an article about the hopes of radio amateurs
to transmit commands to control the NASA ISEE-3 / ICE spacecraft
http://amsat-uk.org/2014/03/19/can-radio-amateurs-command-the-isee-3-ice-space
craft/
----
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: 11
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 00:39:05 +0000
From: Matty Cunningham <manxmat@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Uni-Trac 2003 Parallel Port Version
Message-ID: <DUB123-DS1286A7D2021A32737D1038AD7E0@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Hi Mike,
Not sure if this may help or not (depends on how you run your DDE) - and if
your interface is compatible is it same protocol as AMSAT-IF100?
I have got this to work with a G6LVB serial type tracker.
I have been using the last free version of HRD that Simon Brown released
(5.0 build 2893) - not sure if it works in the commercialised version -
guess it probably would (will need to install on both machines).
The HRD satellite tracking software can connect via TCP/IP to a 'remote
server' (DDE running on your machine with interface) - (Menu - Tools - DDE
Server).
Setup the remote server with the IP address of your machine with the
tracking interface, open firewall ports on both machines for ports 7815,
create a new UDP password if you wish.
Select the satellite you want to track, and az/el info etc will be sent from
the Sat Tracking software to the DDE server.
On the machine with the interface, run HRD Satellite tracking DDE Server
(small executable in the HRD folder).
Check you're using the same password as the other machine, when the other
machine connects - you should see DDE date fill the DDE server screen.
What I do is then run the HRD rotator software, pointing at the comm port
for my interface, and connect this to the DDE server (Nova format) - this
pulls the DDE strings from the local 'DDE Server' software that has it's own
DDE info sent via the network from my main machine running HRD Sattellite
tracking.
You may be able to use the above step with your Uni-Trac software and
interface - if it accepts DDE data from the DDE server.
A bit convoluted - but it works, my solution now is to run a Raspberry Pi
with a serial 'server' - connected to my rotator, driven by my main machine
with a VSP virtual serial port as i don't have enough 'real' serial ports on
my main PC.
The rotator software 'thinks' it is sending the rotator commands to a local
serial port, but is connecting remotely to the Raspberry Pi, connected to my
serial tracking interface .
Hope you get it running.
Matty
MD0MAN
Uni-Trac 2003 Parallel Port Version - Any
Users outthere ?
Message-ID: <8D11155FE568006-FA0-3181A@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Mike,
I have the same combo and tried a Win 7 machine (laptop) with a
USB-to-Parallel adapter to no avail (I'm neither a PC guru nor patient). I
gave up and just keep a legacy machine running XP for this controller. It
has worked reliably since I bought it more than a decade ago.
73,
Jerry, M0GOE
******************************************************************************
*****************
Greetings,
I'm still running a Uni-Trac Parallel port interface with ZL2AMD's Uni-Trac
3.0.b software on Windows XP to control a Yaesu G5400B. Yes its old, and
yes, it works fine. It even has DDE capability to run it from SATPC32,
which is credited to DK1TB (Erich - SATPC32 Author).
Question, is there anyone out there using this tracker on an O/S
later/other than Windows XP ?
(If so, I'd be interested in the details)
--
73
Mike
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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 9, Issue 102
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