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CX2SA > SATDIG 08.02.09 05:07l 997 Lines 44159 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency choice,
etc. (Edward Cole)
2. The future of AMSAT is NOW . . . (Alan Sieg WB5RMG)
3. Re: The future of AMSAT is NOW . . . (Michael Heim)
4. Re: HEO naivete (Jim Sanford)
5. Re: The future of AMSAT is NOW . . . (Art McBride)
6. Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency choice, etc.
(Andrew Glasbrenner)
7. Re: HEO naivete (Andrew Koenig)
8. FM interference on VO-52 (Andrew Glasbrenner)
9. ANS-039 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (JoAnne Maenpaa)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:39:52 -0900
From: Edward Cole <kl7uw@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency
choice, etc.
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <200902072139.n17Ldqc0050868@xxxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
At 09:25 AM 2/7/2009, Art McBride wrote:
>With the political climate focused on jump starting the economy AMSAT should
>work on a bailout ride for three HEO's, it's our kids money anyway!
>Art, KC6UQH
==snip==assuming everyone read the previous postings, anyway
He! He! Well, I expect some attempt at humor by Art, but I would say
he might not be too far off with this. Consider that there will be a
need to generate jobs in the upcoming economic recovery. Perhaps our
HEO's funded primarily as EmComm satellites with ham radio on board,
could hire out of work aerospace engineers, thus accomplishing some
of our national goals along with some of our AMSAT goals. Again,
having the "pitch-man/woman" to promote this with congress and the
gov't will be a key to success. Perhaps there are some out of work
lobbyist out there?
I know a gal named "Sarah" that might put in a good word if there is
any media attention to be had ;-)
I now return the -bb to normal programing, already in progress!
***********************************************************
73, Ed - KL7UW BP40iq, 6m - 3cm
144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xp20, 8877-600w
1296-EME: DEMI-Xvtr, 0.30 dBNF, 4.9m dish, 60/300W (not QRV)
http://www.kl7uw.com AK VHF-Up Group
NA Rep. for DUBUS: dubususa@xxxxxxx.xxx
***********************************************************
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 16:00:55 -0600 (CST)
From: "Alan Sieg WB5RMG" <wb5rmg@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <3781.192.168.121.31.1234044055.squirrel@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1
Topic Was :HEO naivete
Michael said:
> I usually tend to keep quiet during arguements such as this . . .
But - this is not an argument .?. Hardly even a debate on specific points.
What is happening here is genuine concern for our future, and well founded.
Not only is AMSAT and ham radio facing uncertain times, the entire fabric
of modern culture seems wobbling around like it may ALL come tumbling down.
Stimulus, bailouts, layoffs, foreclosures - everything is connected to most
everything else - always has been, always will be. So much of all this
churn has been brewing for years, but no one really wanted to acknowlege,
or take the gumption to creatively start solving the problems.
Now we have to. None of us are ready to just lay down and say "I quit".
But - the bright side is that humanity solves its' toughest problems when
times get hardest. That can work to our advantage, not only for AMSAT,
but for everything else that is connected to all this 'other stuff'.
The early hamsats got built and launched because a handful of hams had
a blistering passion, and didn't stop until they had accomplished what
had been previously un-done. At the time I think a popular 2m rig was
the ol 'Benton Harbor LunchBox'. The biggest thing I see missing today
is this 'blistering passion' - not just in AMSAT, not just ham radio, but
most everything that the masses do. The general public has been so numbed
by 500 channels of nothing on TV, fast food on every corner, convenience
in every WalMard - no one gets excited about 'stuff' anymore. It is easy
(for me at least) to spot those who have some passion. They get stuff done,
they promote worthwhile things, they teach and encourage others, etc, etc...
I recognize many many folks on AMSAT-BB that exhibit passion - Great !!!
I've always felt that the AMSAT community is one of the most passionate
groups I've ever worked with. Unfortunately, victims of our own success,
we now find a lot of folks who have gotten on the satellite bandwagon
because it IS fun, and it HAS ignited some long lost passion - but not
enough of these folks recognize the need to support the effort, not only
with money - but with volunteer talent and recruitment. I really like Tim's
challenge to rapidly ramp-up our membership. Talk it up ! Get em joined-up !
This IS actually rocket-science, and is hardly an arm-chair sport yet.
This IS still a bleeding-edge of technology, and we need a few more folks
willing to take an arrow or two 'for the team' ...
Not that we should have to pay-as-you-go, but I'd suspect that each of us
knows at least one satellite operator that has never paid a red cent, or
contributed anything towards this incredibly fascinating, outrageously
expensive, blatently addicting passion of operating with satellites.
(Well, unless you include the purchase price of some personal radio gear.)
In years past I shelled out plenty of cash, and had sweat equity in big
antenna arrays, and I do miss them. But I'm looking forward to learning
more about S-band, and X-band, and beyond if necessary - by building some
Tx/Rx converters to front-end existing equipment. Just like long ago
when I learned so much by building some Tx/Rx converters to work 2m with
my FT-101... the future is coming - again - still . . .
And these tiny antennas are so much easier to build and aim - wow.
As usual, I had not intended to go off on such a rant, but sometimes my
passion boils over, and quite often it becomes infectious, and someone
else picks up on that passion, and passes it on. We need more collective
passion - as THAT is what drives these discussions, fleshes out alternatives,
gets through the chaff and cuts into the kernel. By participating in these
discussions, WE are helping drive the future of AMSAT, and in the same
sense - ALL of ham radio. Who knows - maybe the future of all humanity !
73 for now, and Thanks for listening ... /;^)
--
<- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 ->
<- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net ->
<- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 15:11:54 -0800 (PST)
From: Michael Heim <kd0ar@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <762587.37947.qm@xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
I agree Alan.
In ham radio, I've noticed a decline in radio experimentation since I've
become licensed.? There is a lot of work being done in the software and
computer areas of ham radio, and that's great!? I use the computer with ham
radio, even going to get one of those little SDR rigs (softrock) when
they?become available again.?
However, I'm an RF guy.? I've built my own share of ham rigs and the like.? My
first rig was homebrew using a 6AQ5 final on 80 and 40.? Had more fun with
that rig than I have with any store bought piece....Even my 10 GHz rig was a
kit, although not designed myself, I had to build it.? However, I remember in
the 90's, there were a BUNCH of QRP articles in the ham mags.? What happened
to them?
What I find with satellite operation is... it takes a certain amount of
homebrew to put together a station.? It can be done on the cheap or it can be
as costly as any other facet of this hobby.? I did it on the cheap, however, I
was already on 2 and 70 cm terrestrial, so I already had the rigs.? After I
moved and knew I couldnt put up an HF antenna, I decided one day to get on the
hamsats, so I built an antenna, put it on a camera tripod and made a contact.?
That started it all off.? I havent been on lately because I need to do some
antenna work, something got damaged, and with over a foot of snow on the
ground and sub zero weather, I just couldnt get any ambition, but that dosent
mean this will be a permanent situation.? I still have an extreme desire to
get back on.
I did a mod to an MMTS wireless cable converter to get on S band.? I want to
get on L band, but dont have the gear, but I did start building from scratch a
1270 MHz transmit converter.? I have to admit, I've stalled with it, but I
still want to eventually get on the band.? I do believe that for satellite
work, microwaves ARE the way to?go, especially on a HEO?and ESPECIALLY a GEO
bird.? High gain antennas are just not practical on LEO birds because they
move too fast to keep a narrow beamwidth antenna pointed at them.
There are ways to get on these bands rather inexpenswively, but it takes a
little work.? Having a microwave "repeater" in space would definately entice
equipment manufacturers to build kits and gear for the bands that?would be in
use.? Look at all the stuff that was made and is still advertised for oscar 40
by companies such as SSB Electronics and the like.? Those guys SCRAMBLED to
get gear out for the satellite ops when the bird was put up. Again, when I
said "Build it and they will come" I think would hold true today.? Today much
of our RF experimentation has been on the microwave bands, and there are a lot
of very smart people that?are involved with this (I'm not in those rankings,
but I enjoy experimenting, hi).
I will be doing a talk in the next couple months on amateur satellites at the
local ham club.? No doubt a few of the guys have worked a bird in the past.?
Perhaps I'll get someone interested.? I did one on microwave last year before
I got on the sats.? With the code free licenses, there are a lot of new hams
at our local club.? I'm betting they dont even know the satellites even
exist.? My talk will be about getting on the LEO's with existing equipment, as
most hams today own a dual band HT.? Tim has it right, when he said he uses
the satellites to hone his emergency preparedness abilities.? I'm also going
to also say that the LEO's can also hone contesting abilities, as sometimes
when the satellite is busy, it is almost like a HF pileup and it teaches
timing, persistence and speed...all qualities a good contester must learn to
master.? This might be a good way to "spread the word" about our hobby... do a
satellite presentation at your local ham
club.? Most clubs would be eager to hear what you have to say.
?
Michael Heim
ARS KD0AR
----- Original Message ----
From: Alan Sieg WB5RMG <wb5rmg@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Saturday, February 7, 2009 5:00:55 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
Topic Was :HEO naivete
Michael said:
> I usually tend to keep quiet during arguements such as this . . .
But - this is not an argument .?.? Hardly even a debate on specific points.
What is happening here is genuine concern for our future, and well founded.
Not only is AMSAT and ham radio facing uncertain times, the entire fabric
of modern culture seems wobbling around like it may ALL come tumbling down.
Stimulus, bailouts, layoffs, foreclosures - everything is connected to most
everything else - always has been, always will be.? ? So much of all this
churn has been brewing for years, but no one really wanted to acknowlege,
or take the gumption to creatively start solving the problems.
Now we have to. None of us are ready to just lay down and say "I quit".
But - the bright side is that humanity solves its' toughest problems when
times get hardest. That can work to our advantage, not only for AMSAT,
but for everything else that is connected to all this 'other stuff'.
The early hamsats got built and launched because a handful of hams had
a blistering passion, and didn't stop until they had accomplished what
had been previously un-done. At the time I think a popular 2m rig was
the ol 'Benton Harbor LunchBox'.? ? The biggest thing I see missing today
is this 'blistering passion' - not just in AMSAT, not just ham radio, but
most everything that the masses do. The general public has been so numbed
by 500 channels of nothing on TV, fast food on every corner, convenience
in every WalMard - no one gets excited about 'stuff' anymore. It is easy
(for me at least) to spot those who have some passion. They get stuff done,
they promote worthwhile things, they teach and encourage others, etc, etc...
I recognize many many folks on AMSAT-BB that exhibit passion - Great !!!
I've always felt that the AMSAT community is one of the most passionate
groups I've ever worked with. Unfortunately, victims of our own success,
we now find a lot of folks who have gotten on the satellite bandwagon
because it IS fun, and it HAS ignited some long lost passion - but not
enough of these folks recognize the need to support the effort, not only
with money - but with volunteer talent and recruitment. I really like Tim's
challenge to rapidly ramp-up our membership. Talk it up ! Get em joined-up !
This IS actually rocket-science, and is hardly an arm-chair sport yet.
This IS still a bleeding-edge of technology, and we need a few more folks
willing to take an arrow or two 'for the team' ...
Not that we should have to pay-as-you-go, but I'd suspect that each of us
knows at least one satellite operator that has never paid a red cent, or
contributed anything towards this incredibly fascinating, outrageously
expensive, blatently addicting passion of operating with satellites.
(Well, unless you include the purchase price of some personal radio gear.)
In years past I shelled out plenty of cash, and had sweat equity in big
antenna arrays, and I do miss them. But I'm looking forward to learning
more about S-band, and X-band, and beyond if necessary - by building some
Tx/Rx converters to front-end existing equipment. Just like long ago
when I learned so much by building some Tx/Rx converters to work 2m with
my FT-101... the future is coming - again - still . . .
And these tiny antennas are so much easier to build and aim - wow.
As usual, I had not intended to go off on such a rant, but sometimes my
passion boils over, and quite often it becomes infectious, and someone
else picks up on that passion, and passes it on.? ? We need more collective
passion - as THAT is what drives these discussions, fleshes out alternatives,
gets through the chaff and cuts into the kernel. By participating in these
discussions, WE are helping drive the future of AMSAT, and in the same
sense - ALL of ham radio.? Who knows - maybe the future of all humanity !
? 73 for now, and Thanks for listening? ...? /;^)
--
? <- Licensed in 1976, WB5RMG = Alan Sieg * AMSAT#20554 ->
? <- http://www.somenet.net * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net ->
? <- http://www.linkedin.com/in/alansieg * My 'Day Job' ->
_______________________________________________
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: Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:27:56 -0500
From: Jim Sanford <wb4gcs@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HEO naivete
To: Rocky Jones <orbitjet@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <498E351C.1000102@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
All:
I've watched this discussion with some interest, and some pain. I'm
over a year removed from involvement in AMSAT leadership and what was
then Eagle, so what follows is MY opinion; responsibility for errors or
inaccurate conjecture are all mine.
WARNING: OPINION FOLLOWS!
In no particular order:
1. A driving force behind the move to microwaves was to provide
innovate SERVICES that could be versatile, and attractive to the
"computing" generation. (I spent today judging a regional science fair;
the 30-something teacher spent the entire deliberative period texting on
her cell phone. 3 weeks ago my 30-something son ran the Goofy challenge
[half-marathon on Saturday followed by full marathon on Sunday thru
Disney World]. His friends got his splits by text message, and for the
next 2 days he got text congrats -- not cell calls.)
2. A driving force behind the move to microwaves was to provide
services that would be EASY TO USE and enable the apartment dweller or
antenna-restricted ham to work DX with something the size of a DirectTV
dish.
3. A fundamental principle of the microwave package was that we'd
develop the ground segment in parallel, and using common hardware, with
the space segment. No more, "If we build it, they will [hopefully]
come." And of course, building more drives cost down .. . .
4. A fundamental principle of the microwave package was that we'd drive
the ground segment to be affordable, as defined by the number of people
willing to shell out over $500 for the latest FM dual-bander with APRS
built in. (I've no idea where the cost estimate is today, but a few
years ago, we thought this possible.)
5. There are varying interests at work here. Many (me included!) want
to continue to use their legacy equipment. Many (me included!) want the
challenge of doing something new and innovative . . . and live up to a
reason for amateur radio existence, technical innovation. It's all
about balance . . ..which led to the U/V/L package, (legacy) implemented
in Software Defined Radio (innovative) which added some neat new
capability -- backpackable low data rate emergency communications. Gee,
looks like a win-win!
6. FULL DISCLOSURE: I was the Eagle Project Manager for a couple of
years. I had to back away about 18 months ago because commitments of
the day job and some new family commitments prevented me from doing it
right. One of the most painful decisions I've made in my life, but it
was the right one for me and I think for AMSAT. I do regret having to
back away, and regret whatever role that had in subsequent events.
7. AMSAT technical communithy went through a tough time. Rick Hambly
and Barry Baines have documented that in several issues of the Journal.
13 years ago, when my Command was going through some tough times, my XO
and I would remind each other, "The true measure of a man is how he
responds when things are not going well." So it is with organizations.
AMSAT has gone through some tough times but will recover.
8. The current leadership is working the problem. See 2 Journals ago,
Barry described what Bill Ress is doing to reconstitute an engineering
organization -- both in vision and in resources (volunteers). This will
take a while, but from my infrequent LONG conversations with both Barry
and Bill, I think it is heading in the right direction; give it a
chance, and help all you can.
9. One concept that I've discussed with Barry and Bill (was not my
idea, but I do not remember whose) is developing an operational concept
==> functional requirements ==> definition of capabilities needed ==>
discrete modules with common interface that can be built generically,
put on a shelf, and be available on short notice to adapt to whatever
orbit/power/thermal opportunity pops up. I have professional experience
with "generic" building blocks, and it is all positive, leading to
enhanced capabilities, and the ability to adapt to previously
unconsidered applications, leading to higher volume, leading to lower
costs, leading to more sales, leading to higher volume . . . .
10. I honestly believe that launches and financial support will be
difficult to obtain until we have something to show. Para 9 might give
us something to show; could be demonstrated terrestrially -- which was
one of the orignial peripheral goals of the microwave package. Once we
demonstrate that we have HARDWARE ready to take advantage of
opportunities, I really think it will be easier to cultivate those
opportunities.
11. Two journals ago was a very thoughtful article about the data
architecture of the ACP. Read it. Some good people have done some good
theoretical work and concluded that the Earth Space Earth segment can be
made to look like a long range TCP/IP connection -- with infinite usage
possibilities. This is the kind of capability that going to the
microwaves and digital data concepts brings to the table. This kind of
work should be encouraged and continued. I've fantasized for many years
of "CAT-5 to the antenna box".
So, what's my bottom line?
I think AMSAT is moving in a good direction away from some painful
organizational challenges. I think AMSAT is reconstituting an
engineering organization that can produce innovative payloads, for
whatever orbit is available. AMSAT needs our support.
So, keep the discussion going -- honestly, dispassionately, and
impersonally. The discussion should be about process and things, not
individuals. It should be about looking ahead, not criticising actions
of the past. Yes, the past should be studied to learn and not repeat
errors, but there is no value in pouring smoldering embers on smoldering
embers. Then support AMSAT however you can. ESPECIALLY if you have
some technical talent to offer, but if you don't, toss in some $$. If
the generic hardware concept evolves and moves to completion, funds will
be needed to test and build the modules. THEN, we can seek
demonstrations and launch opportunities, and THEN we can worry about
getting funded to support the launch. The key is being ready to flex on
short notice.
Hope this is of some value.
73,
Jim
wb4gcs@xxxxx.xxx
Rocky Jones wrote:
> Bob...Your "rant" strikes me as pretty close to right on the money. I read
the missive in the latest journal about 3.3 and 5.6 ghz links and thought
"thats nice, It will never happen".
>
> A baseline requrement for ANY Amateur satellites should be that they work
on frequencies and modulation methods which are consistent with radios that
are already commercially manufactured for the bands in question...or can use
some very easily (think the MDS converters) commercial gear for other
services.
>
> The instant the "bird" is designed with some type of radio in mind that does
not exist now and is limited to that bird...then the entire adventure is nice
but has little practical value.
>
> Why on earth is the AMSAT community wasting time on a design which requires
a ground station that is (by the latest Amsat Journal) "beyond the scope of
most hams". Instead of spending time working on making an 'acp capable earth
station within the reach of most radio amateurs".
>
> Because if the equipment has little value beyond a satellite which could do
an Oscar 40 at any time how many are going to shell out the money?
>
> I dont have a clue why the AMSAT design folks seem to think that it
isnecessary to drive up into the microwave frequencies. They never seem to
answer the question why a 2meter 70cm translator is not a good solution...and
the one that we really need.
>
> Meanwhile AO-7 flies on.
>
> Robert WB5MZO life member
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Windows Live?: Keep your life in sync.
>
http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_allup_howitworks_022009
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 17:49:36 -0800
From: "Art McBride" <kc6uqh@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
To: "'Michael Heim'" <kd0ar@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <D506405497D940A2B5121194ADDFBCF9@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Michael,
If you know what a 6AQ5 is you are in my age group. We are the ones that
remember $3.00 phone calls and $0.25 a gallon gasoline. My present keyboard
doesn't have a cent key.
The youth of today are multi-tasking operators of electronic toys for their
self amusement. It is easier to reach the moon than to have them grasp the
concept of Amateur Radio. They are not interested in the how and the why of
the toys they play with and the electronic skills that we have learned will
go with us.
China and Taiwan are now the center of the electronics hardware industry.
The technology came from US Government research for our Military. No new
technology is in the pipe line for the next leap forward.
The reasons we have for being Amateur Radio Operators are ours, we must find
a way to seed Amateur Radio into the minds of today's youth or lose Amateur
Radio tomorrow.
The top of the hour glass is not full!
Art, KC6UQH
-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
Behalf Of Michael Heim
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2009 3:12 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The future of AMSAT is NOW . . .
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
database 3836 (20090207) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
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------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 21:19:57 -0500
From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Was HEO naivete; now GEO rideshare frequency
choice, etc.
To: "Rocky Jones" <orbitjet@xxxxxxx.xxx>, "Amsat BB"
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <C98CA5FF25574843BE15BE9DFFDBDA11@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
reply-type=original
>1. Do we have any reasonable expectation of government funding? The
>repeater group that I belong to in Houston is in the process of getting a
>FEMA grant based on the repeater/packet system >performance in Ike...ie we
>stayed up while the FEMA equipment colocated went dark. It has been "nip
>and tuck" and the election of a congressman from our district who some of
>us participated in his >campaign has helped a great deal...but it isnt
>"all" that much money at least in terms of what I suspect AMSAT was looking
>at.
I'm not sure. I think the lower the number, the more likely we could get
some of the Homeland Security money that flowed freely up until this recent
economic downturn. Some have argued that we would need to show significant
technological advances to be eligible for really substantial grants. To
quote someone for whom I have great respect, "The only sure way not to fail
is to do nothing."
>2. even if we got the money and got the launch ...how does it change the
>equation for the satellite community? It puts "equipment in the air" but
>would the "unique" equipment required be a show stopper >like the "spread
>spectrum" satellite (PANSAT?) that was launched a few years ago.
Tom's last revision had both analog and digital modes. The analog could be
on your doorstep a few days after you hung up with DEMI or Kuhne. Digital
would have been developed in parallel with the satellite hardware. The
balance between the two modes would be able to follow the demand.
>3. I think that the "easy sat goal" is a "canard"...I think that it could
>be as easy to talk on the birds as it is for me to type this letter to
>you...and it wouldnt change the amateur satellite population all that
> >much...but I do think that the other end is a limiting factor. If hams
>have to buy some "special box" that is the heart and soul of the station
>and has zero use outside of the "bird"...then I dont think that is a
> >measure for growth.
I would not agree with this. Look at the users we have on AO-51 (easy)
compared to AO-7 (hard). The trick is getting them to support the program.
We have way too many users who don't think it's worthwhile to support the
program.
>If SpaceX granted us a ride on its Falcon 9 which might go this summer...is
>there anything to put on it?
It would depend on where it was going. To GTO I'd say we'd do all we could
to get over our ITAR issues and get P3E onboard, if the Germans would agree.
To LEO? That would depend on the orbit, whether we could justify the expense
for a low orbit bird, whether it had the support of the membership, and
whether it forwarded our goals. If someone said we have a space going to
800km or higher, I'd like to think we'd be all over it in one form or
another.You know someone? ;-)
73, Drew KO4MA
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 21:01:08 -0600
From: Andrew Koenig <ke5gdb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: HEO naivete
To: Amsat BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID:
<2f52b89b0902071901vcb29c73m8a2fe13bdb3a2e7a@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Microwave sounds really expensive. That's probably my lack of knowledge, but
down converters, up converters and all of this other equipment that it would
take to get on a satellite just seems like it might be too much for me.
I always use the criteria "Can a 15 year old afford it?" :-)
73 de KE5GDB (the 15 year old Satellite operator)
--
Andrew Koenig
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 22:30:22 -0500
From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] FM interference on VO-52
To: "Amsat BB" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <CCED39525CE14460AFD227BAE1959584@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
I never thought I'd have heard this...around 0300 tonight on VO-52 I was
calling CQ around 145.910 and heard some FM. I switched over and had almost
perfect copy on a Spanish language music broadcast of some sort. I quickly
started recording it and have about a 2 Mb file I can send anyone who is
interested.
I always though U/V was generally safe from this sort of unlicensed garbage,
but sadly I was wrong.
BTW, still had a nice QSO with W0EOZ in North Dakota, and VE3NPC, K9QHO, and
YV4DYJ on the FO-29 pass right afterwards.
73, Drew KO4MA
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 21:37:22 -0600
From: "JoAnne Maenpaa" <k9jkm@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-039 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000101c9899e$8e18ae30$aa4a0a90$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-039
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 India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate
* Volunteers Needed for AMSAT-DC Spring Conference
* George Caswell, W1ME Silent Key
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 2, 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.01
AMSAT India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.01
Nitin, VU3TYG announced AMSAT India will issue a certificate for
Amateur Radio operators who establish two way contact thru VO-52
between January 26, 2009 until May 5, 2009.
The first fifty certificates have been sponsored by a well-wisher
which includes postage. After the 50 certificates have been issued
a fee will apply. AMSAT India will announce these details when the
information is available.
Please send your QSL card containing the details of the QSO on VO-52
AMSAT India at the following address:
AMSAT India (Regd.)
No. 201, 2nd Main Road,
Mahalakshmi Layout,
Bangalore 560086
India.
Also include your mailing address where you would like to have the
certificate sent to.
[ANS thanks Nitin, VU3TYG for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.02
Volunteers Needed for AMSAT-DC Spring Conference
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.02
Maryland-DC AMSAT Area Coordinator, Pat Kilroy, N8PK will kick off
planning sessions for the next AMSAT-DC gathering. If you would
like to help with this event please send Pat an RSVP e-mail soon
to n8pk@xxxxx.xxx. Pat will send you the call-in telephone number
for the planning conference calls.
Pat says, "Our first planning session conference call will take place
during the week of February 8-14, most likely on Thursday evening at
7:00 PM EST. The first agenda item will be to discuss the location
and date of the all-day event."
Pat is proposing individuals and groups of Amateur Radio operators
form teams who compete at this AMSAT-DC workshop to create and
operate a simulated satellite mission. The first groups will build a
PICetSat II flight module from a kit of electronic parts on a small
printed circuit board. The second groups will set up simple satellite
ground stations. The third groups will be in charge of setting up and
loading software in the computers at the ground stations to decode
the telemetry and to analyze it according to a set of instructions.
This event will be perfect for beginners and advanced satellite
users alike, all ultimately working together to "launch" the flight
module, receive the downlink, and decode the telemetry. Instructions
will be provided in advance of the event to enhance preparation.
More details will follow as planning commences!
[ANS thanks Pat Kilroy, N8PK for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.03
George Caswell, W1ME Silent Key
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.03
AMSAT received the sad news that George Caswell, W1ME died peace-
fully at the Maine Veterans Home on February 3rd after a lengthy
illness.
George was a very active AMSAT Area Coordinator in Northern New
England. For a number of years, George conducted a weekly AMSAT
net on a number of linked repeaters stretching from Rhode Island
to Maine (including one on top of Mt. Washington).
AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW reflected, "He brought
enthusiasm, knowledge and a sense of humor to these nets which
attracted check-ins. Needless to say, those 'wide area' nets
attracted numerous newcomers to what we do, not to mention gen-
erating countless new AMSAT memberships as a direct result. George
enjoyed awarding 'Certificates of Recognition' to those that
participated in these nets since he knew that 'wall paper' was
one way to foster continued interest. I still have the 'Certificate
of Recognition' signed by George in 1996 which he gave me when I
visited him and participated in one of his nets."
George served as a recruiter for AMSAT's Field Operations Team,
encouraging AMSAT members to become area coordinators and to
establish an AMSAT presence in their local areas. A number of
area coordinators in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
and Maine were recruited and encouraged by George. He also repre-
sented AMSAT at various hamfests in Northern New England.
George and his wife Caroline, W1MRE brought AMSAT to Maine as
they teamed up to organize the 18th AMSAT Space Symposium that
was held in Portland, ME October, 2000. At this event people
outside of New England and the Field Ops team got to know George.
George set up and operated the first ISS school contact to take
place in Maine. In February, 2005, he set up his radio station at
the Rockland, ME high school as part of a PenBay radio club activity
and contacted the International Space Station, allowing high school
students to communicate with the astronauts aboard. It was one of
the highlights of his amateur radio involvement.
Barry sums it up, "For many of us, George Caswell, W1ME was the face
of AMSAT in New England. His kindness, gracious outlook on life,
infectious enthusiasm for satellite operations and amateur radio in
general touched many people and made a difference in their lives."
Donations in George's Memory may be made to:
Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter 170 US Route 1, Suite 250
Falmouth, ME 04105.
[ANS thanks Barry Baines, WD4ASW for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.04
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.04
+ YouTube video of the ARISS contact with Ellis Elementary School
in Belleville, Illinois, is available on-line at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TuJyNXx0c&eurl=http://livingstlouis.
wordpress.com/2009/01/22/living-st-louis-video-ham-radio/&feature=
player_embedded (watch line wrap on very long URL).
+ Audio and video from the Humber College, Toronto contact with the
ISS is available at:
http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090202.shtml (audio)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.
wvspacestation0202/VideoStory/Technology/home?pid=RTGAM.20090202.
wcollegeradio0202 (watch the line wrap).
+ Paul Willmott, VP9MU released an updated Reference Manual for the
General Astrodynamics Library (GAL) at:
http://homepage.mac.com/pclwillmott/GAL/index.html
+ Listen for Andy, W5ACM/MM between February 8 and February 14 via
AO-51. He hopes to put some new grids on the air while we are out
on the water between Galveston, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roi Tan.
Radio will be a a DJ-580Ts with several LiPo battery packs.
+ A video tour of the Altair Lunar Lander is available at:
http://tinyurl.com/d5btqx (via UniverseToday).
+ NASA and Google announced the release of a new Mars mode in Google
Earth that brings to everyone's desktop a high-resolution, three-
dimensional view of the Red Planet. Additional information is on-
line at http://tinyurl.com/b567u9 (Via MarsDaily).
+ An interesting article about a planned 500 meter diameter radio
telescope in China is available on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/b8sv2k
In contrast the radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico
is 305 meters in diameter (via UniverseToday).
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.05
ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 2, 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.05
1. School Contacts
Humber College Institute of Technology and Higher Learning in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada completed an ARISS contact on Monday, February 2. It
has assembled the primary ground station right on the main campus, and
it is hoped that it will inspire future students in conducting similar
studies.
Pilton Bluecoat Junior School in Barnstaple, Devon, England completed
an ARISS contact on Friday, February 6. The school has planned an event
with the theme "Our Home in Space - The Final Frontier," in which stu-
dents learn about Earth as part of the wider universe.
St?dtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in Herzogenrath, North Rhine-West-
phalia, Germany completed an ARISS contact on Saturday, February 7. The
school has an amateur radio club whose members initiated the ARISS
contact.
College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphhal,
Assam, India has been scheduled for an ARISS contact on Sunday,
February 8 at 10:06 UTC via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia.
2. Russian Students Radio ISS
Students attending the Palace of Children's and Youth's Creativity
in Tver, Russia experienced a successful ARISS contact on Tuesday,
January 27. The children prepared 9 questions to ask cosmonaut Yuri
Lonchakov, RA3DT. Approximately 300 people attended the event including
cosmonaut S. Treshchev and ARISS delegate Sergey Samburov. The Governor
of Tver Region, Dmitry Vadimovich Zelenin was also invited. The contact
was made possible through the Amateur Radio Club, "Club-22," and its
chairman, Sergey Kemov, RA3IS.
3. Successful Canadian Elementary School Contact
On Tuesday, January 27, Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, participated in an ARISS
contact with students attending Castor Valley Elementary School in
Greely, Ontario, Canada. He answered all 16 questions posed to him by
the youth as an audience of 750 students, parents and guests looked
on. The students initiated the contact, thanked Mike for the contact
midway through the session, and finished the rest of the questions.
Media covered the event and the school was featured on the CTV 6
o'clock news.
4. French University Contact Successful
Students attending CERAM EAI in Sophia Antipolis, France participated
in an ARISS contact on Thursday, January 29 via telebridge station
VK4KHZ in Australia. Students were able to ask 15 questions of Mike
Fincke, KE5AIT, before interference made the downlink unreadable.
Approximately 50 students, faculty members and guests witnessed the
event which was covered by the media. The audio was fed into the
EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 11 connections from
9 different countries. A short write up and contact audio have been
posted to the ARISS-Europe Web site.
See: http://www.ariss-eu.org/2009_01_30.htm
5. French School Contact Successful
Youth attending Ecole & Coll?ge Jean XXIII, a private primary &
secondary school in Pamiers, France, experienced an ARISS contact
on Friday, January 30. Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, answered 18 questions
prepared for him by the students as 150 people gathered to watch.
Media coverage included La Gazette Ariegeoise, Le Petit Journal,
France 3 and Ariege News. The event is also expected to be reported
by La Depeche du Midi, Radio Transparence, Radio Montaillou and Sud
Radio. A summary with audio has been posted to the ARISS-Europe Web
site. See: http://www.ariss-eu.org/2009_01_31.htm
6. General Radio Operations
Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Yuri Lonchakov, RA3DT made general voice
contacts over the last week. Among those contacted were stations
in the U.S., Canada, Russia and Brazil. They also had the radio
running in packet mode and crossband repeater mode and transmitted
several Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images.
7. ARISS International Team Meeting Held
The ARISS team held its monthly teleconference on January 27. Among
the agenda items discussed were the ARISS Face to Face Meeting to be
held in the Netherlands in June, Richard Garriott's mission and
SuitSat-2 status. Minutes have been posted. See:
https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2009-01-27.htm
8. K6DUE Replaces NN1SS
K6DUE, callsign of the late Roy Neal, will now be used for the Inter-
national Space Station Amateur Radio Club, replacing the Greenbelt,
Maryland telebridge ground station callsign, NN1SS. Neal was instrum-
ental in persuading NASA to fly amateur radio on the space shuttle
and helped establish the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX)
working group, which ultimately led to the internationally-based
ARISS program. The story was reported on the Amateur Radio Newsline.
[ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI 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 keep
in mind if you show me a piano falling down a mine shaft I'll show you
A-flat miner.
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 4, Issue 62
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