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CX2SA > SATDIG 21.12.08 04:05l 1192 Lines 42148 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. AO-51 qrp debate (andy thomas)
2. Re: AO-51 qrp debate (andy thomas)
3. Re: QRP re deux (Andrew Koenig)
4. Another newbie question (Mark Lunday, WD4ELG)
5. Re: Another newbie question (Alan P. Biddle)
6. Re: Another newbie question (Mark Lunday, WD4ELG)
7. Re: Another newbie question (Andrew Rich)
8. Re: Another newbie question (Mark Lunday, WD4ELG)
9. Re: Another newbie question (Alan P. Biddle)
10. Re: Another newbie question (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF)
11. Re: Another newbie question (Franklin Antonio)
12. Re: Another newbie question (Mark Lunday, WD4ELG)
13. ANS-356 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (JoAnne Maenpaa)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:27:10 +0000 (GMT)
From: andy thomas <andythomasmail@xxxxx.xx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 qrp debate
To: amsat <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <293551.63033.qm@xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
It's hard when you're in the field to uplink on the main channel with a 5w
handheld, an arrow and a following wind - see my website www.andythomas.eu
(and follow the links) for the evidence in trying.
I would have opened up more eastern countries but due to the fm effect was
stamped on by siberian stations, etc.
Would love to uplink in a qrp channel and downlink onto the main channel so
that qro ops could uplink on the main (qro) uplink and down link onto the same
channel as me.
I don't think qro ops listen to the qrp downlink channel?
Maybe we would need some device on the qrp uplink to sit on abusers.
all comments gratefully received; and my thanks to the ao-051 command team who
have helped me worldwide!!
andy G0SFJ: as
EA6/G0SFJ/P
EW/G0SFJ/P
F/G0SFJ/P
G0SFJ/P
LZ/G0SFJ/P
SV8/G0SFJ/P
TA/G0SFJ/P
TK/G0SFJ/P
YO/G0SFJ/P
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:41:17 +0000 (GMT)
From: andy thomas <andythomasmail@xxxxx.xx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 qrp debate
To: amsat <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <539991.96930.qm@xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I forgot:
YL/G0SFJ/P outside Riga
--- On Sat, 20/12/08, andy thomas <andythomasmail@xxxxx.xx.xx> wrote:
> From: andy thomas <andythomasmail@xxxxx.xx.xx>
> Subject: AO-51 qrp debate
> To: "amsat" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Date: Saturday, 20 December, 2008, 8:27 PM
> It's hard when you're in the field to uplink on the
> main channel with a 5w handheld, an arrow and a following
> wind - see my website www.andythomas.eu (and follow the
> links) for the evidence in trying.
>
> I would have opened up more eastern countries but due to
> the fm effect was stamped on by siberian stations, etc.
>
> Would love to uplink in a qrp channel and downlink onto the
> main channel so that qro ops could uplink on the main (qro)
> uplink and down link onto the same channel as me.
>
> I don't think qro ops listen to the qrp downlink
> channel?
>
> Maybe we would need some device on the qrp uplink to sit on
> abusers.
>
> all comments gratefully received; and my thanks to the
> ao-051 command team who have helped me worldwide!!
>
> andy G0SFJ: as
> EA6/G0SFJ/P
> EW/G0SFJ/P
> F/G0SFJ/P
> G0SFJ/P
> LZ/G0SFJ/P
> SV8/G0SFJ/P
> TA/G0SFJ/P
> TK/G0SFJ/P
> YO/G0SFJ/P
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:34:51 -0600
From: "Andrew Koenig" <ke5gdb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: QRP re deux
To: "Michael Heim" <kd0ar@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT BB <AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID:
<2f52b89b0812201434q511d624au8e84db0420960812@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I made my first 50 or so AO-51 contacts using my FT-60 with an offbrand
equivalent of the Diamond NR770HA.
I quickly figured out that it was not a game of power for me, since at the
time I did not have a way to use more power, but rather a game of timing.
BTW: With that omni, AO-51 came in at about an S2 at the most.
On Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 6:51 AM, Michael Heim <kd0ar@xxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> I'd like to weigh in on this topic with my 2 cents worth, being a long time
> QRP operator on various bands and modes...
>
> I think QRP means soething different depending on what kind of operating
> you do. On HF, its generally 5 watts into a simple antenna, such as a
> dipole or vertical.
>
> HF digital, there isnt much of a distinction (psk31) as many run 5 watts
> into a dipole vs maybe 20-30 watts into a similar antenna for QRO?
>
> I operate VHF and microwave. to me, on 2m SSB tropo, I consider QRP to
> be 5-10 watts into whatever and however large an array you can muster,
> as most QRO stations run 50 watts or more into a similar antenna.
>
> EME ops typically defines QRP as anything under about 500 watts or so into
> a single yagi. (no matter how large that single yagi is)
>
> Meteor Scatter I've been called QRP running 50 watts into 10 elements.
>
> However, on 10 GHz, I run 2 watts into a 18 inch offset fed dish, and I do
> NOT consider myself QRP. I'm an "average powered station" with that setup.
> When I ran 200 mW into the same dish, it was questionable even then if I
> could consider myself QRP. 2 watts = about 2-4KW ERP, 200 mw -= 200-400W
> ERP. (I havent actually MEASURED the gain, this is calculated ERP)
>
> QRP is a relative term. Depending on what kind of operating you do, ERP
> certainly does take into account whether you're QRP or not.
>
> I think in the satellite realm, I would understand QRP to be 5 watts or
> less into a low gain antenna. Maybe I'm wrong about this, as I'm still a
> relative newcomer, however This puts everyone on an even keel as far
> as someone stepping over another to make it fair for everyone. I know there
> are operators on the main channel that might tweak up the power to get thru
> on a busy channel. I know, because I have when I started out. I have
> realised it wasnt right, and now my power stays at 5 watts on the 857. Do i
> consider myself QRP on AO-51? well, with my homebrew 3 ele/6 ele V/u
> antenna on a fixed elevation mount, yea, at times I do, when running 5
> watts. I actually have LESS antenna gain than someone would have with a
> handheld yagi because the antenna is hardly ever pointing right at the bird.
>
> The QRP channel does provide some interesting experimentation like what
> Tim, N3TL and others have done, exploring "how low can you go" and still
> make contact. To me, THAT is the kind of experimentation that seems like a
> logical purpose for the "QRP" channel.
>
> As a side note, hasnt the rule always been to run just enough signal to
> achieve a downlink of reasonable quality? I remember this from my AO-10
> days. Too much power on an SSB bird robs power from everyone. Too much
> power on an FM bird robs others from getting in.
> Michael Heim
> Chief Engineer, Forever Broadcasting
> New Castle PA
> WKST WJST WWGY
> 814-671-0666
> ARS KD0AR
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Sebastian <w4as@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
> To: AMSAT BB <AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 11:10:45 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: QRP re deux
>
> I agree 100% with you Jim.
>
> If you look at it another way. Standing on relatively flat terrain
> with 5 watts from an HT on a simplex channel will give you a mile or
> so on FM.
>
> That same 5 watts from the same HT at the Empire State Building
> observation deck will give you coverage to several miles, if not
> several states.
>
> Either of those two scenarios, I consider to be QRP.
>
> 73 de W4AS
> Sebastian
>
> On Dec 19, 2008, at 6:49 PM, Jim Danehy wrote:
>
> > the premise that I follow is that QRP in the ham fraternity for
> > decades prior to AMSAT was 5 watts output from the final stage of
> > the transmitter . . . any other attempt which hopes to replicate
> > that simplistic approach is speculation based upon a dynamic that is
> > flawed from lack of accurate measurements . . . and constantly
> > changing parameters . .
> >
> > HAPPY HOLIDAYS
> >
> > Jim W9VNE
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
--
Andrew Koenig
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:15:38 -0500
From: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Another newbie question
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000701c962f8$dec98510$9c5c8f30$@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Again, thanks to all who are so supportive on this BB.
I am trying out one of the ARR mast-mounted pre-amps on 432. I just
listened to the SO50 and AO51 passes. I swear I cannot hear any difference,
ok maybe just a bit. But not much, not enough to make a difference. SO50
was not audible except for a brief portion of the pass here (my antennas are
oriented horizontal at 30 degrees elevation, so that explains part of it).
Maybe the pre-amps really do their stuff on the passband birds? If I am
wasting my time, I won't be embarrassed if somebody tells me so. Please, I
am open to suggestions.
Mark Lunday
WD4ELG
wd4elg@xxxx.xxx
http://wd4elg.net
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:47:25 -0600
From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <94583E58B0F644E286929BF39DC20324@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is
working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background
noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and
feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have
gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the
coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check
for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC
connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will
block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is
going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a
multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan
WA4SCA
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:55:56 -0500
From: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: <APBIDDLE@xxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000b01c962fe$801efee0$805cfca0$@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Thanks, Alan.
I double-checked the coax connections and those are good.
Will double-check power and the pins. I was wondering if it was just my
hearing that was going.
Mark Lunday
WD4ELG
wd4elg@xxxx.xxx
http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:47 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is
working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background
noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and
feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have
gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the
coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check
for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC
connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will
block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is
going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a
multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan
WA4SCA
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:01:44 +1000
From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>, <APBIDDLE@xxxxxxx.xxx>,
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <015e01c962ff$50fbc6b0$6501a8c0@xxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Mark,
I saw an increase in signal strength on mine from S2 to S9
Now the signal to noise did not change that much, ever so slightly.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
To: APBIDDLE@xxxxxxx.xxx ; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Thanks, Alan.
I double-checked the coax connections and those are good.
Will double-check power and the pins. I was wondering if it was just my
hearing that was going.
Mark Lunday
WD4ELG
wd4elg@xxxx.xxx
http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:47 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is
working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background
noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and
feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have
gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the
coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check
for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC
connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will
block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is
going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a
multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan
WA4SCA
_______________________________________________
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1859 - Release Date: 12/20/2008
2:34 PM
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:39:52 -0500
From: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: "'Andrew Rich'" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>,
<APBIDDLE@xxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000f01c96304$a39db310$ead91930$@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
OK, everything double-checks out OK. Connections, voltage, etc.
Just listened to the Western US pass of AO51 and could not hear any
difference in the signal strength with it on or off. I presume that even on
FM I should be able to tell a big difference. The squelch is wide open, so
I am not sure what is going on.
Mark Lunday
WD4ELG
wd4elg@xxxx.xxx
http://wd4elg.net
From: Andrew Rich [mailto:vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:02 PM
To: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG; APBIDDLE@xxxxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
I saw an increase in signal strength on mine from S2 to S9
Now the signal to noise did not change that much, ever so slightly.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG <mailto:mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>
To: APBIDDLE@xxxxxxx.xxx ; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Thanks, Alan.
I double-checked the coax connections and those are good.
Will double-check power and the pins. I was wondering if it was just my
hearing that was going.
Mark Lunday
WD4ELG
wd4elg@xxxx.xxx
http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Alan P. Biddle
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:47 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
Mark,
You should see a significant jump in signal strength if everything is
working correctly. On FM you will hear little or no change in background
noise, but in SSB that should be very apparent.
Two things to check. The first is to make certain you have the antenna and
feed line going to the right connections. It sounds obvious, but many have
gotten them backwards. Best not to transmit through it that way. ;)
The other is whether the DC voltage is getting to the unit. Power using the
coax, or separate DC power cable?
If the first, make certain you are getting 12 volts from your rig. Check
for 12 volts DC on the rig (or bias T) antenna jack, and that you have a DC
connection to the unit. Most TX amps have capacitive coupling which will
block the DC. Verify 12 volts at the antenna feed at the unit.
If the second, check 12 volts to the connector at the unit, and that it is
going to the right pins. It is possible to make up a little test jig with a
multimeter and check the current draw.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Alan
WA4SCA
_______________________________________________
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
_____
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1859 - Release Date: 12/20/2008
2:34 PM
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:56:04 -0600
From: "Alan P. Biddle" <APBIDDLE@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <D999C949A38F481C9F79B664471C32ED@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Mark,
The only thing which comes to mind is to check the current draw. It should
be about 170 ma in receive mode. If it is much different from that, the
unit may have some issues. BTW, please verify which type of feed you are
using.
Alan
WA4SCA
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:58:42 +0000
From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <494D94C2.10600@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
fm you should see a difference of around 2-3 S points but, if the signal is
already fully quieting, you're unlikely to hear the difference.
on
Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
> OK, everything double-checks out OK. Connections, voltage, etc.
>
>
>
> Just listened to the Western US pass of AO51 and could not hear any
> difference in the signal strength with it on or off. I presume that even on
> FM I should be able to tell a big difference. The squelch is wide open, so
> I am not sure what is going on.
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:07:20 -0800
From: Franklin Antonio <antonio@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID:
<2559fe45-3ea5-4722-85b1-216950c8004d@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
At 03:15 PM 12/20/2008, Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
>I am trying out one of the ARR mast-mounted pre-amps on 432. I just
>listened to the SO50 and AO51 passes. I swear I cannot hear any difference,
>ok maybe just a bit. But not much, not enough to make a difference.
With the receiver in SSB mode, antenna pointed at nothing, you should
hear a substantial increase in background noise when the preamp is
turned on. S-meter should jump. If not, the preamp ain't workin'.
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:40:46 -0500
From: "Mark Lunday, WD4ELG" <mlunday@xx.xx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Another newbie question
To: "'Franklin Antonio'" <antonio@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <001501c9630d$25d96a60$718c3f20$@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Definitely NOT happening, Antonio. No change in background at all on SSB.
Logical conclusion is that the preamp is not getting any power (or it is
defective, but I won't assume that as starting point here).
I checked the supply, the connector (direct DC to the unit via 12V supply),
and the coax in.
So maybe I am putting the wrong power to the wrong pins, but I quintuple
checked that for this unit (A for +12V, B for ground, C is relay switch if
not using RF sensing to bypass during transmit, which I have nothing
connected to it).
I rechecked the fitting for power, it is snug.
Mark Lunday
WD4ELG
wd4elg@xxxx.xxx
http://wd4elg.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Franklin Antonio [mailto:antonio@xxxxxxxx.xxxx
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 8:07 PM
To: Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Another newbie question
At 03:15 PM 12/20/2008, Mark Lunday, WD4ELG wrote:
>I am trying out one of the ARR mast-mounted pre-amps on 432. I just
>listened to the SO50 and AO51 passes. I swear I cannot hear any
difference,
>ok maybe just a bit. But not much, not enough to make a difference.
With the receiver in SSB mode, antenna pointed at nothing, you should
hear a substantial increase in background noise when the preamp is
turned on. S-meter should jump. If not, the preamp ain't workin'.
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:47:37 -0600
From: "JoAnne Maenpaa" <k9jkm@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-356 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000201c96316$7c8a7990$759f6cb0$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-356
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North
America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the
activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an
active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating
through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor@xxxxx.xxx
In this edition:
* AMSAT President's Letter
* ARISS 25th Anniversary Adds New Modes
* ARISS Discusses L-Band Operating Parameters
* Tracking QRM - AO-51 Repeater Pairs Return to Normal Configuration
* PCSAT-1 Recovery Partial Success
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* Mark Your Calendars - 2009 AMSAT Symposium October 9-10
* Reminder: SKN on OSCAR 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.01
AMSAT President's Letter
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.01
Happy Holidays! Best wishes to everyone during this festive
time of the year. As I write this, a major snowstorm is pro-
viding plenty of 'white stuff' in the Midwest and New England,
so I presume this means that we will have a white Christmas
here in Massachusetts. While this is certainly a time of
economic uncertainty, I also know that our members continue
to make a difference for AMSAT.
A number of interesting opportunities and events have developed
over the past two months for AMSAT that I would like to briefly
share with you:
1. ARISS Silver Anniversary. The first amateur radio two-way
communication between the Space Shuttle and amateurs on the
ground took place on December 3, 1983 when Owen Garriott, W5LFL
made his historic flight on STS-9. There are a number of oppor-
tunities for amateurs to help celebrate this event and the ARISS
International Committee, chaired by AMSAT VP-Human Space Flight,
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO have arranged for some special events. Please
check ANS and the AMSAT webpage (www.amsat.org) for the latest
information and join the fun!
2. AO-16 operations. As expected, performance of this spacecraft
is declining as the spacecraft's temperature is dropping due to
longer eclipses resulting in less sunlight and a cooler spacecraft.
This drop in temperature is causing the satellite's hardware timer
to reset until the spacecraft warms up (when there is at least 85%
illumination). If you're interested in making two-way contacts
using AO-16's unique cross mode, cross band voice repeater, with
an uplink on 145.920 FM and downlink on 437.026 MHz reduced carrier
AM, now is the time to try it! The satellite is expected to 'go
silent' shortly when temperatures stay low enough as to not allow
software configuration of the satellite before the hardware timer
resets itself again.
3. President's Club. A fundraising appeal letter was mailed this
week to all AMSAT members. Please consider donating to the AMSAT
President's Club so that we can continue our efforts to maintain
amateur radio in space.
4. Near Term Engineering Task Force. I announced at the AMSAT
Annual Meeting in Atlanta that a group led by Bill Ress, N6GHZ
had been formed to review the 'Rideshare' Proposal developed by
Tom Clark, K3IO as well as evaluate AMSAT's ability to develop a
modularization strategy to adapt RF packages to various structures.
The committee has been diligently meeting every two weeks via tele-
conference to discuss future options for AMSAT and to help structure
AMSAT's thinking on future spacecraft opportunities. While it is
too soon for formal announcements of their findings, it is good to
know that we have a formal group actively focused on engineering
issues.
5. SuitSat-2. Development work continues to place SuitSat-2 in
service sometime in 2009. Several engineering issues have recently
surfaced regarding modulation and transmission schemes and the team
is evaluating several options regarding how best to resolve the issues.
Several individuals have recently joined the engineering team to help
overcome these challenges by developing potential alternative solutions.
6. ITAR. I announced at the AMSAT Annual Meeting in Atlanta that AMSAT
would actively develop a strategy concerning ITAR (International Traffic
in Arms Regulations) and related export regulations. Our goal is to
ensure that AMSAT is in full compliance with ITAR, develop materials to
train our satellite builders on ITAR compliance, and to seek ways
where we may continue to work with other AMSAT organizations on satel-
lite projects. Since the Annual Meeting, Bill Ress, N6GHZ and I have
been working with an attorney who specializes in ITAR. We hope to make
a formal submission to the State Department regarding ITAR in early 2009.
7. AMSAT Lab. AMSAT is actively seeking a new home for our AMSAT Lab.
Unfortunately, due to changes that took place at HISS (Hawk Institute
for Space Sciences) in Pocomoke City, MD over the summer, we are forced
to remove our equipment and clean room from the current facility. We
are in active discussions with several institutions concerning potential
relocation, but no decision has been made. If you are in position to
provide contacts with a not-for-profit institution that might be inter-
ested the hosting the AMSAT Lab, please contact me.
8. AMSAT 40th Anniversary. AMSAT was incorporated in 1969, so this
coming year (2009) is our 40th Anniversary! The 2009 AMSAT Symposium
will take place the weekend of October 9 in the Washington-Baltimore
area. Look for details in the upcoming AMSAT Journal. Please join us
that weekend as we celebrate a significant milestone for AMSAT and
build the foundation for the next 40 years of AMSAT.
As you can see, there are a number of activities that are ongoing within
AMSAT. While we are challenged by the impact of current events, we con-
tinue to move forward in a number of areas.
As always, I appreciate hearing from the AMSAT membership. Should you
have any questions or concerns about AMSAT, please don't hesitate to
contact me. I will make every effort to respond to e-mails that I
receive, but please keep in mind that I travel extensively which may
limit my ability to respond quickly. Please know that I read every e-mail
that I receive from AMSAT members and that I appreciate every person's
willingness and time spent to share their thoughts and suggestions.
Seasons Greetings,
Barry Baines, WD4ASW
President-AMSAT
[ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.02
ARISS 25th Anniversary Adds New Modes
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.02
ARISS International Chairman and AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight
Programs Frank Bauer, KA3HDO invites amateur radio operators around
the world to join in the ARISS team's 25th anniversary of amateur
radio operations from space. Increased activity and new exciting
modes of operation from the ARISS amateur radio station aboard the
International Space Station are featured in this celebration operating
period.
To date, the ISS crew has configured the radio to support cross-band
repeater operations, they have supported some SSTV downlinks and we
have had the opporunity to participate in a special test of 9600 baud
packet radio operations on the simplex frequency of 145.825 MHz. This
past week featured 1200 baud packet operations on 145.825 MHz to open
a dual-hop APRS path in case PCSAT-1 became operational.
For the upcoming weeks the following is being planned in the
near-term:
+ December 21-26 - we plan to support the Crossband repeater mode
with a twist. Our intent is to configure the radio for 145.99 MHz
uplink including PL tone of 67.0 and 437.80 MHz down. This will
be performed in low power mode.
+ December 22 - Expedition 18 Commander Mike Fincke and Flight
Engineer Yury Lonchakov plan to perform a spacewalk. As per
standard procedure, the ISS ham radio system will be turned off
for the EVA.
+ December 28-January 3 - we plan to reconfigure the Crossband
repeater for a special experiment. This will be a test of our
L-Band uplink capability, which, to date, has not been proven
out. Plan for an uplink of 1269.65 MHz and and downlink on the
standard frequency 145.80 MHz using low power. Given the subtan-
tial cable losses of the L-band system, we hope some "big guns"
are able to penetrate through, keep up with doppler, and make
the connection.
+ And at times, especially during the weekends, you might see some
SSTV operations if the crew is available.
The ARISS team will provide more updates in the near future. They
would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related
to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some
portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO oppor-
tunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods
of time. (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for
a commemorative certificate).
Details of how to receive your ARISS 25th Anniversary Commemorative
Certificate can be found at http://www.amsat.org.
[ANS thanks Frank, KA3HDO for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.03
ARISS Discusses L-Band Operating Parameters
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.03
ARISS US Hardware Manager Lou McFadin, W5DID provided a summary of
expected parameters for those considering trying to make a contact
with the ISS on L-band to VHF crossband repeater experiment planned
for December 28 to January 3.
Lou reported, "The measured sensitivity of the L band receiver on
a D700, as the radio aboard the ISS, is -105dBm for full quieting.
The cable loss from the radio to the antenna is 9.3db. The antenna
gain is zero db. The polarization is LHCP."
Extending the calcuations to cover the entire system path, Lou said,
"The path loss at the horizon on L band is -160dB. That means the
required EIRP for a full quieting contact at the horizon is 65dBm.
The path loss decreases by 15dB at 80 degrees elevation so that means
you can get full quieting with 50dBm in that case. To further elaborate
if you use a 20dB gain antenna (a small dish), it is estimated that
you can complete a QSO with 32 watts at the horizon or 1 watt at 80
degrees elevation."
The planned operating frequencies include:
Uplink: 1269.650 MHz FM
Downlink: 145.800 MHz FM
[ANS thanks Lou, W5DID for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.04
Tracking QRM - AO-51 Repeater Pairs Return to Normal Configuration
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.04
AMSAT-NA VP Operations, Drew KO4MA reported on behalf of the AO-51
Operations Team, "We are now back to the normal uplink arrangement
of 145.920 and 435.300 for normal repeater use. We changed from the
QRM mitigation experiment of operating via the 145.880 uplink back to
this normal mode to enable low-power repeater QRP operation. The
QRP repeater is now operational on 145.880 and 435.150."
As a result of the QRM investigation Drew said, "I'm convinced not
all of our problems are related to the cordless phones. I heard tonight
whistlers, blowing in the mike, and folks giving extended CQs. We are
working on finding the general location of the cordless phones, but
it takes time. Then we'll work at shutting them down.
The AO-51 Operations Team provided results of their QRM investigation
on and around the 145.920 uplink. There may be some low level modula-
tion on some of the signals in the captured waterfall diagram. It is
believed they may be from some of the same long distance phones that
were plauging AO-27 and SO-50 a few years ago. Observations indicate
the interfering signals are lost about the time the edge of the foot-
print crosses the mid Atlantic states. Refer to this page:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/glasbrenner/FO-29QRM-1.jpg
[ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.05
PCSAT-1 Recovery Partial Success
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.05
Bob, WB4APR provided an update on PCSAT-1 recovery status from the
U.S. Naval Academy Satellite Laboratory. Bob wrote, "For the first
time in 7 years, we were not able to fully recover PCSAT during this
full sun period despite the efforts of a number of dedicated volun-
teers around the world."
PCSAT-1 is only operation when its solar panels are illuminated by
sunlight. Full sun periods occur when passes are at sunrise and
sunset to earth observers. PCSAT gets sun 24 hours a day then, but
only on the side panels due to the orientation of the satellite.
Ground station controllers were able to recover PCSAT-1 and the weak
solar illumination allowed operation for generally an orbit before
the power budget could not support the load.
Bob summarized, "Anyway, this is not the last you will hear of PCSAT,
but there will probably not be any more several week full sun, full
recovery periods as there have been in the past. I really appreciate
all the efforts of so many operators. So play packet on the ISS and
thanks again for all your efforts!"
[ANS thanks Bob, WB4APR for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.06
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.06
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.06
+ The EME DXpedition to Namibia between January 7-16, 2009 plans to
include satellite operation via AO-7, FO-29 and AO-51. Their main
goal is to activate Namibia on 50, 144, 432 and 1296 MHz EME. The
operators will be ZS6WB Hal, ZS6OB Pine, ZS6BUG Dick, ZS6AC Sarel,
N7BHC Dave, HB9CRQ Dan. Read more at: http://hb9q.ch/joomla/index.php
+ John K8YSE says all of the requests for QSL cards for contacts with
K8YSE/7 in DM31, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 18-19 November
and DM51, 22 November, Bisbee, Arizona have been put in the mail.
+ Nader,ST2NH reported an interesting AO-51 QSO with Sarel, S79AC from
the Seychelles Islands. Sarel was using an FT-817 and an Arrow antenna.
+ Please note that the address for ARISS-Europe QSL requests has been
updated. The correct address is: F1MOJ - Mr CANDEBAT Christophe,
ARISS-Europe QSL Manager, 25th Anniversary Certificate, 19 Chemin des
Escoumeilles, 66820 VERNET les Bains, FRANCE.
+ Jim, ND9M/VQ9JC is operating on a merchant marine ship from the Persian
Gulf to Diego Garcia. His gear includes a Kenwood TH-6FA and Arrow-2 to
operate on AO-51 and SO-50. He plans to be in Diego Garcia grid (MI62)
until April, 2009.
+ Some of the presentations from Ansoft's Inspiring Engineering workshops
covering radio frequency engineering from HF to microwave, EMI, and power
systems are available on-line at:
http://www.ansoft.com/ie/index.cfm?src=iemailp
+ AMSAT President Barry Baines' report on the State of AMSAT given at the
2008 AMSAT Symposium in Atlanta is available on-line at:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/pdfs/2008_Annual_Meeting/2008-10-25_WD4ASW_An
nual_Meeting.pdf
+ A video of the September 13, Prairielands Council Scouts ARISS contact
has been posted on-line at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsL4OkZb9CQ
+ Congratulations to Terry G1WPR on his 4000th contact via AO-7.
(thanks K3SZH)
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.07
Mark Your Calendars - 2009 AMSAT Symposium October 9-10
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.07
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.07
The 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Meeting will be held on
October 9th and 10th. On the 11th and 12th, there will be an ARISS
meeting open to the membership. The meetings will be held at the
Sheraton Four Points at BWI Airport. 2009 will be the 40th Anni-
versary of AMSAT. We hope many of you will be able to come and help
us celebrate.
AMSAT is also planning an number of activities and displays high-
lighting our 40th Anniversary at Dayton this year. The 2009 Dayton
Hamvention will be 15-17 May 2009, so mark your calendars and plan
on visiting the AMSAT booth and relive 40 years of keeping amateur
satellites in space.
[ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM and the 2009 Symposium Committee for the
above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-356.08
Reminder: SKN on OSCAR 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 356.08
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 21, 2008
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-356.08
Ray Soifer, W2RS extends the annual cordial invitation to all radio
amateurs worldwide to participate in AMSAT's Straight Key Night (SKN)
on OSCAR 2009.
Participating in SKN on OSCAR 2009 is easy. No rules, no scoring and
no need to send in a log. Just operate CW through any OSCAR between
0000 and 2400 UTC on 1 January 2009, using a straight hand key.
In keeping with the friendly nature of this event, all participants
are encouraged to nominate someone they worked for "Best Fist." Your
nominee need not have the best fist of those you heard, just of those
you worked. Please send your nomination to w2rs@xxxxx.xxx. A list of
those nominated will appear in ANS and The AMSAT Journal.
CU SKN!
[ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS for the above information]
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors
to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits.
Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. With that do recall
that the roundest knight at King Arthur's Round Table was Sir Cumference.
He acquired his size from too much pi.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM
K9JKM at amsat dot org
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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 3, Issue 662
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