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CX2SA > SATDIG 05.07.09 08:53l 1136 Lines 38641 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Today's Topics:
1. The Moon is not our future (john heath)
2. Re: The Moon is not our future (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF)
3. Re: Antenna Question (George Henry)
4. Re: Antenna Question (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF)
5. Subject: Re: Antenna Question (Mike Ryan)
6. Re: More Future Thoughts (Tony Langdon)
7. Re: Antenna Question (Joel Black)
8. Re: More Future Thoughts (Tony Langdon)
9. Re: controller and Rotator help (myles landstein)
10. ANS-186 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (JoAnne Maenpaa)
11. Re: controller and Rotator help (Bill Howell)
12. Future satellites (John B. Stephensen)
13. Re: Been A While (Tim Cunningham)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 21:29:41 +0100
From: "john heath" <g7hia@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] The Moon is not our future
To: "amsat" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <E0644216CC824A798EA250CA507DFD54@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Thanks to all contributors for an enjoyable thread, with some very
interesting ideas, however, there is a fundamental obstacle to transponders
on the Moon. The science packages used and left on the Moon by the Apollo
astonauts had radioactive heat sources which prevented the electronics from
being destroyed by the extreem cold of the lunar night.
I don't believe there is any likelyhood that we can fly a radioactive source
on an amateur radio payload.
73 John G7HIA
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:32:14 +0000
From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: The Moon is not our future
To: john heath <g7hia@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <4A4FBC4E.5060904@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
You mean no orbiting nuclear power station?
john heath wrote:
>
>
> I don't believe there is any likelyhood that we can fly a radioactive source
> on an amateur radio payload.
>
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 15:33:28 -0500
From: "George Henry" <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
To: "Jim Jerzycke" <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>, "amsat bb"
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <F703F2DADDD847F4B1C51CC8054B1BC1@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Yeah, I found the review on the ARRL web site by searching for "QHTenna".
Looking at the pictures, it appears that the dipoles are separated by about
1/4 wave in free space, which is physically longer than a 1/4 wave phasing
line would be. And I'd think that the phasing line would have to be 1/2
wavelength, after introducing a 1/4 wave offset between the dipoles,
correct?
In answer to Joel's original question, there is a link at www.qhtenna.com
for questions or support for owners of existing QHTennas.
They should be pretty easy to duplicate, at any rate.
George, KA3HSW
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Jerzycke" <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat bb" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>; "George Henry" <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 1:54 PM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
The product review is in the August 2004 QST. If you have access to the
reviews page you can find it under the "Q" listings by manufacturer.
Jim KQ6EA
--- On Sat, 7/4/09, George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx> wrote:
From: George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
To: "amsat bb" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 8:51 AM
Sounds like the "QHTennas", made by N4QH. Reviewed in QST in 2005, then he
stopped producing them just a few months later.
Near as I could figure out, they are a conventional turnstile design, but
with the 2 dipoles separated by the length of the phasing line, and no
reflector.
George, KA3HSW
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:45:22 +0000
From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
To: George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <4A4FBF62.3090406@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
I would suggest that you don't need a phasing line if the dipoles are spaces a
quarter wave and that both are fed by
equal length cables.
George Henry wrote:
> Looking at the pictures, it appears that the dipoles are separated by about
> 1/4 wave in free space, which is physically longer than a 1/4 wave phasing
> line would be. And I'd think that the phasing line would have to be 1/2
> wavelength, after introducing a 1/4 wave offset between the dipoles,
> correct?
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:34:38 -0400
From: "Mike Ryan" <mryan301@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Subject: Re: Antenna Question
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <B1DA6F66903A404E8AA62C995E233D3B@xxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
QHTenna was back for a little while in 2008 but is again no longer making
antennas for Amateurs. This is the last website.
http://www.qhtenna.com
I have a pair of his antennas. They were your basic turnstile (no reflector )
made of aluminum rods and PVC. They did the job as omnis go and I'm still
using them. Like most omnis a preamp greatly improves the experience. My
primary antennas for LEO Sats now are the WAVJB cheap yagis. 8 element 440 and
3 elements 2M all on same boom at 15 degrees fixed elevation. I went with PVC
instead of wood construction as it was easier to weather proof.
As for other omnis, QST also recently (Nov 2008) reviewed a QFH (quadrifilar)
from antennas.us and really liked it. Its more expensive than a turnstile.
QFHs have a good reputation for performance and a bad reputation for
construction, particularly on 440. I tried several times to build one to no
avail though I've managed to build functional Eggbeater and Moxons. The
Eggbeater (no reflector) performed about the same as the turnstile. The Moxon
was fantastic over 30 degrees or so but pretty poor below that. Made sense
since its similar to a 2 element beam pointing at the sky.
I rather had my eye on the antennas.us model but havent gotten around to
buying one yet.
Mike WB1AAT
----------------
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:54:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
To: amsat bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <237207.42610.qm@xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
The product review is in the August 2004 QST. If you have access to the
reviews page you can find it under the "Q" listings by manufacturer.
Jim? KQ6EA
--- On Sat, 7/4/09, George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx> wrote:
From: George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
To: "amsat bb" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 8:51 AM
Sounds like the "QHTennas", made by N4QH.? Reviewed in QST in 2005, then he
stopped producing them just a few months later.
Near as I could figure out, they are a conventional turnstile design, but
with the 2 dipoles separated by the length of the phasing line, and no
reflector.
George, KA3HSW
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:44:44 +1000
From: Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: More Future Thoughts
To: "Jeff Davis" <ke9v@xxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <4a4fe9f8.09038e0a.680e.ffff8248@xx.xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
At 11:13 PM 7/4/2009, Jeff Davis wrote:
>What about other orbits that may not be as desirable as HEO but that offer
>better coverage than low-earth?
>
>I recall reading something from G0RMF about adapting a CubeSat to include
>some sort of a propulsion system to get to a mid-Earth orbit:
This idea does have merit. As you've implied, we'd probably never
get a ride directly to such an orbit, so some means of (relatively)
foolproof and (relatively) inexpensive means of propulsion would need
to be utilised.
Someone would also need to do the delta-V calculations, to see what
sort of orbit would be feasible for such a small satellite to
achieve. There's also the possible issue of the satellite spending
most of its life in the Van Allen belts, unless we can get the
altitude "just right".
73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:51:39 -0500
From: Joel Black <jbblack68@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Antenna Question
To: George Henry <ka3hsw@xxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <4A4FEB0B.8080806@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
That's them. Thanks, George and, David, I got the dog off the webpage. ;)
Tnx,
Joel, W4JBB
George Henry wrote:
> Sounds like the "QHTennas", made by N4QH. Reviewed in QST in 2005, then he
> stopped producing them just a few months later.
> Near as I could figure out, they are a conventional turnstile design, but
> with the 2 dipoles separated by the length of the phasing line, and no
> reflector.
>
> George, KA3HSW
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joel Black" <jbblack@xxxxxxx.xxx>
> To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 9:50 AM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Antenna Question
>
>
> Happy Independence Day.
>
> Does anyone recognize the following antennas? I purchased them years
> ago and they were part of a system I never installed. Over the years,
> one of the elements has been damaged and, even though I can fix it
> myself, I'd like to know who made these.
>
> Doggonit, I cannot upload to my webpage (something else yet to figure
> out). Suffice it to say, my description may not do the antennas
> justice. There are two of them, a 2m and 70cm made out of sched 40
> PVC. They appear to be a "turnstile" type antenna with two aluminum
> elements at the top and two at the bottom 90? out of phase from each
> other (top and bottom). In other words, if looking at a compass, the
> top two elements would be at N and S, the bottom two at E and W. This
> is the same on both antennas as they are a matching set.
>
> These antennas were in an old QST, but I have since gotten rid of all
> those magazines and cannot find the article online. Any ideas or
> suggestions?
>
> Tnx,
> Joel, W4JBB
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:57:16 +1000
From: Tony Langdon <vk3jed@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: More Future Thoughts
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4a4fec66.21d7720a.23d0.5562@xx.xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
At 02:52 AM 7/5/2009, you wrote:
>AMSAT as a whole (I mean the membership) needs a new challenge and dream
>that will bring out the very best in it to build what ever comes up. The
>Moon could be that new challenge as we have NEVER designed anything that
>would actually LAND and operate in that hostile environment. Is it
>viable, who knows! We can only ask ourselves that question and then step
>up to the challenge.
Well, the challenge as I see it is not so much in the RF side of
things, but being to take advantage of the available (relatively
affordable) launch opportunities available (i.e. LEO), then coming up
with a way to being able to move the bird into an orbit more
suitable. Yes, propulsion hasn't been AMSAT's strong point, but for
most of the last 20 years, I only recall LEOs being put up (AO-40
being the only exception I can recall in that timeframe).
So the challenge is to find a means of propulsion that is relatively
safe, inexpensive and lightweight, but can move a satellite into a
significantly higher orbit (e.g. MEO). I'd imagine that such a form
of propulsion is probably only found in science fiction, but how
close can one get in the real world? Are there any universities
working on cheaper ways to move satellites around, once launched,
that need a suitable test mass (that happens to have a transponder or
two on board)?
73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 21:12:16 -0400
From: myles landstein <myles.landstein@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: controller and Rotator help
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <28515FB3-92D9-4DB4-BEAF-E669B6EE5CC5@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Since no one has replied thought I might give it another try,
while perhaps not many are familiar with MacDoppler software, I
hope some would be with the hardware and wouldn't mind offering
some help?
thanks
happy 4th
On Jul 3, 2009, at 4:47 PM, myles landstein wrote:
> Hoping to get some real world advice from those that are using
> MacDoppler and a compatible Rotor /Controller set up as this will
> be my first time getting a rotator and controller.
>
> I wanted to solicit some advice on two fronts, the rotor
> controller basically for ease of use with MacDoppler and
> rotor reliability.
>
>
> My first thoughts were towards a Yaesu 5500 and maybe the
> PrimeTec controller or maybe the LVB tracker as it's less costly.
>
> I read a few reviews but not much was out there in general but
> especially on the PrimeTec...
Anyone using the PrimeTec?
>
> What are you using as a controller? would appreciate any
> comparisons pro's cons tips tricks you might have
>
>
> My biggest concern really is the Rotator. I am in a situation such
> that after installation, getting back to the roof for repairs
> would be rather difficult. So i am trying to identify the 'best'
> small/moderate sized rotator (az/el) as possible /practical.
>
> Will be turning a small M2 2m and 440 circular pol beam
>
>
> Not really sure how reliable the 5500 is for long term use. so
> if there was a 'better' more reliable and or longer lasting rotor
> out there i'd strongly consider it
>
> The only thing I thought of as a alternative was the AlphaSpid but
> comparing reviews I seem to come out about the same between it and
> the 5500 -hoping some real world responses might help me break the
> 'tie'
>
>
> Since this is all new stuff and I am not finding the usual
> quality 'google' results /reviews (PrimeTec) I would greatly
> appreciate any
> help or experience /advice on this from someone that went down
> this road already and willing to share some first hand info on what
> they use.
>
>
>
> thanks very much grateful for any advice.
>
>
> Going to Dayton '10 It will get better with
> more support!
>
> Myles D Landstein
> N2EHG
> myles.landstein@xxxxx.xxx
>
>
>
>
>
>
Myles Landstein
myles.landstein@xxxxx.xxx
please note my new email address
dti will soon be eliminated , gmail is my new home update your dir
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 20:43:02 -0500
From: "JoAnne Maenpaa" <k9jkm@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-186 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000401c9fd11$efff5810$cffe0830$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-186
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
**********************************************************************
* 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 9-11 *
* Four Points Sheraton Hotel at the Baltimore Washington Airport *
* Details - http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/2009/index.php *
**********************************************************************
In this edition:
* AMSAT 2009 Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
* AMSAT Forum videos from Dayton Hamvention
* SuitSat-2 Systems Integration
* AO-51 Engineering Team Continues to Monitor Power Levels
* Certificate Available for 13 Colonies Special Event Station
* Special Event Station 4C50C via Satellite From Mexico
* AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement Award #500 Issued
* Recognition for SumbandilaSat Design and Development
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.01
AMSAT 2009 Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.01
Now is the time for you to prepare your papers and presentations
for the 2009 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium to be held
October 9 - 11 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at the Baltimore
Washington Airport.
Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster presenta-
tions are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite
community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon
as possible, with final copy submitted by September 1, 2009 for
inclusion in the printed proceedings.
Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV, at
n8fgv@xxxxx.xxx.
[ANS thanks the 2009 Symposium Committee for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.02
AMSAT Forum videos from Dayton Hamvention
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.02
Videos of the six presentations at the AMSAT Forum at the 2009 Dayton
Hamvention are now on the AMSAT website. Click on this link:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/videoNews.php - or -
go to the AMSAT website and click on the AMSAT Video News icon about
halfway down the page in the left column.
The presentations include:
1. Richard Garriott's forum talk (mislabeled on the web site as the
Banquet presentation, actual length about 15 minutes) on his visit
to the ISS.
2. AMSAT Status report, Barry Baines, WD4ASW
3. SuitSat-2 Project Status, Gould Smith, WA4SXM
4. Satellite Operations Status, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
5. ARISS Status, Will Marchant, KC6ROL
6. Columbus Module Antennas, Lou McFadin, W5DID
Be sure and watch Barry's presentation on the Status of AMSAT. Thanks
go to Steve Belter, who recorded, edited and converted the video of
the AMSAT presentations at the 2009 Dayton AMSAT Forum, Rob Meisse
W8GSM for setting them up on his server and to Rick Hambly W2GPS for
updates on this web page.
[ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM and Steve, N9IP for above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.03
SuitSat-2 Systems Integration
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.03
Many of the SuitSat-2 team members will converge on Phoenix during
the weekend of July 10-12 for a system integration party. The team
expects to put all of the hardware modules together that have been
developed in many parts of the country. SuitSat-2 Project Manager,
Gould WA4SXM said, "It is great to be at the point that we can start
testing system operations with the hardware and software. The fun
begins Friday July 10." You can keep up with the integration activ-
ities next weekend using Twitter http://twitter.com/GGouldSmith.
[ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.04
AO-51 Engineering Team Continues to Monitor Power Levels
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.04
Due to the increasing time AO-51 is spending in eclipse AMSAT
Vice-President of Operations, Drew KO4MA reports that transmitter
power levels have needed to be reduced. This way the batteries will
provide enough power to keep the satellite operational when the
solar cells are not providing charging current. AO-51 users have
already noted the weaker signals on the downlinks.
The AO-51 Control Team Web Page for latest operating information will
carry the latest status of the satellite. See:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/echo/CTNews.php
AMSAT now has a Twitter account at http://twitter.com/AMSAT where the
AO-51 Operations Team will try to tweet things too small for ANS bull-
etins or email, but of interest to the general AMSAT community. The
most recent tweet reported, "AO-51 is in "normal" mode, telemetry on
435.150 @ 240mw, V/u repeater on 435.300 @ 290mw."
Gould, WA4SXM, AO-51 Ground Control Station said, "The eclipse time
should start to decrease over the next few days hopefully allowing
improvement in the transmitter power settings."
Gould continues with the news, "The AO-51 telemetry archive is up to
date as of last night. AO-51 telemetry data is available in raw for-
mat, CSA (comma separated variable) format that has the channel data
converted by the configuration equations and there are some Excel files
(most with graphs). There are a number of Excel files with graphs for
June 2009 as that was a very interesting month for AO-51 operation. I
encourage exploration of the data and any insights gleaned."
The telemetry archive can be found at:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ftp/telemetry/ao51/
[ANS thanks AO-51 Command Station, Gould WA4SXM for the above
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.05
Certificate Available for 13 Colonies Special Event Station
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.05
If you worked the stations participating in the Original 13 Colonies
Independence Day Special Event between July 1- 5 you can send for a
commemorative certificate.
Ken requests, "Each station to send a contact log stating the Date,
UTC, Band, & call sign of each contact, along with your QSL card and
$4.00 US. in check, MO. or cash (to help defray printing costs). NO
SASE required. We will furnish postage, certificate and 9"x12"
envelope. No QSL cards will be issued - just the certificate. All
award requests and payment to be sent and made out to the KU2US-
Award Manager address shown on the event log form."
Log form in PDF format: http://tinyurl.com/nbrxzv
Log form in text format: http://tinyurl.com/klv53u
[ANS thanks Ken, KU2US and Tim, N3TL for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.06
Special Event Station 4C50C via Satellite From Mexico
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.06
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.06
Omar XE1AO, a regular satellite operator from central Mexico,
reported news of a special callsign that will be showing up
on the satellites between now and 31 August 2009.
The call, 4C50C ("Four Charlie Fifty Charlie"), is part of the
"Trabaja Todo Colima" (Work All Colima) special event currently
taking place in the central Mexican state of Colima. This event
is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the creation of the J.
Roberto Levy radio club in that state.
During the months of June, July, and August, stations from all
over Colima have been on HF and the satellites, trying to put all
10 Colima "municipios" (municipalities, similar to counties in
the USA) on the air. On HF, the special call XE50C has been used
from different parts of Colima. Now, four hams (XE1AO, XE1ATZ,
XE1AY, and XE1J) have been authorized by the Mexican telecommun-
ications regulator CoFeTel to use 4C50C on the satellites as part
of this event.
Initially, XE1AO will attempt to put 4C50C on AO-51's evening
passes along with VO-52 and FO-29 evening passes. Omar and the
other 3 hams hope to expand the use of 4C50C onto SO-50 and AO-27,
plus look at passes at other times of the day during this period.
For hams outside Mexico, XE1J is the QSL manager for these special
calls. The Mexican QSL bureau will take care of QSL requests from
XE hams. Along with the QSL cards, there will be a certificate
available to stations that work stations in at least 7 of the 10
Colima municipalities and also accumulate at least 74 points based
on the location of the stations worked in Colima. Additional
points are available for working certain stations like XE50C and
4C50C.
[ANS thanks Omar XE1AO and Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK for the above
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.07
AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement Award #500 Issued
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.07
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.07
AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce KK5DO reported, "Since mid
May we have been waiting to see who would get the AMSAT Satellite
Communications Achievement Award #500. Here are the awards issued
in the order they were received. Congratulations to everyone that
submitted for the award!"
The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement
Award.
Chris Lemon, KB9CL #490
Ernest Howard, W8EH #491
Peter Portanova, WB2OOQ #492
Michael Klomfass, DH5MK #493
James DeYoung, N8OQ #494
Ronald Parsons, W5RKN #495
Thomas Lepley, KX3TL #496
Chris Meyers, KC0YBM #497
Nick Kucij, KB1RVT #498
George Carr, WA5KBH #499
Ward Hall, WC0Y #500
Jim Klassen, N6JMK #501
James Clary, ND9M #502
To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org.
[ANS thanks Bruce, KK5DO for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.08
Recognition for SumbandilaSat Design and Development
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.08
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.08
In recognition of their design and development of the Amateur Payload
on South Africa's SumbandilaSat Andrew Roos, ZS6AA, and Hannes Coetzee,
ZS6BPZ jointly received the Garth Milne Technology Award. SumbandilaSat
is currently planned to be launched on 21 August on a Soyuz Rocket from
Baikonur.
[ANS thanks Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1664 - July 3 2009 for the
above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-186.09
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 186.09
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
July 5, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-186.09
+ Jim, ND9M/VQ9JC plans to return to Diego Garcia (VQ9, Grid MI62)
in August. Operation will be on the FM and linear birds shortly
thereafter.
+ The next Hudson Valley Satcom Group nets are Thurday July 9 and
July 23 at 8:00 PM EDT (UTC-4) and will be simulcast on Echolink
node N2EYH-L. More information at http://www.hvsatcom.org
(Stu, WA2BSS)
+ Mark, WA8SME will be giving a demonstration of ham radio satellites
during the ARRL ETP Teachers Institute in Dayton, Ohio on July 7th.
He will be using AO27 on the 1515 EST pass. The equipment will be
an ARROW and HT. The call will be W1AW/8. For those that make con-
tact, if you would like a QSL, send your card to WA8SME, and he'll
get you a card.
+ The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has released the
final still images taken by the onboard High Definition Television
(HDTV) from Kaguya, just before it completed its mission by impact-
ing the moon on June 11, 2009. An entire series of images were
taken with an interval of about one minute by the HDTV (Teltephoto)
while Kaguya maneuvered its way to impact in Gill Crater. See:
http://tinyurl.com/mfg32w click on the arrow in top left to navi-
gate to the next photo. (via UniverseToday.com)
+ Launch images from LRO/LCROSS successfull liftoff can be found
on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/n5vqab
+ Dutch journalists Govert Schilling and Jaap Meijers have built a
Twitter page to let people know when a visible ISS pass is coming.
To participate follow the Twitter account @xxxxxxx
http://twitter.com/twisst
+ Simulated contacts are being planned for four licensed astronauts
during the week of June 29. Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP, Timothy J.
Creamer, KC5WKI, Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC and Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW
are tentatively scheduled for these training sessions, which are
terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) equivalent equipment.
[ANS thanks everyone 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. And with that
please keep in mind that another name for a boomerang that doesn't work
is a stick.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM
K9JKM at amsat dot org
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 22:02:30 -0500
From: Bill Howell <bhowell@xxxx.xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: controller and Rotator help
To: Amsat List <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <D3231B43-9DC5-4576-AEDB-C983F335BB97@xxxx.xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
Myles,
My antennas/rotor are disassembled right now, as we are trying to
sell the house.
When it was all together, I used an older version of MacDoppler Pro,
a Mac G4 tower with a serial card,
and an Endeavour Auto Tracker ( http://endeavour-usa.com/
autotracker.htm ) driving a Yaesu 5400 rotor.
The system worked FB.
Had I to do it over, I might not choose the Endeavour interface unit.
It requires a serial port
on the Mac, and I'm not sure if a serial-to USB converter would work
right with it
(an Imac, for instance, has no provision for a serial card).
MacDoppler is an excellent program with great support.
The 5400 was purchased used and has been up on my roof for a number
of years with no problems.
A friend of mine (who may not subscribe to this list) is using a Mac,
MacDoppler and a Yaesu 5400.
I will email him and see what he is using for an interface unit (I
think his Mac is USB-only), and let you know.
Bill Howell N5AB
On Jul 4, 2009, at 8:12 PM, myles landstein wrote:
> Since no one has replied thought I might give it another try,
> while perhaps not many are familiar with MacDoppler software, I
> hope some would be with the hardware and wouldn't mind offering
> some help?
>
>
> thanks
>
> happy 4th
>
>
> On Jul 3, 2009, at 4:47 PM, myles landstein wrote:
>
>> Hoping to get some real world advice from those that are using
>> MacDoppler and a compatible Rotor /Controller set up as this will
>> be my first time getting a rotator and controller.
>>
>> I wanted to solicit some advice on two fronts, the rotor
>> controller basically for ease of use with MacDoppler and
>> rotor reliability.
>>
>>
>> My first thoughts were towards a Yaesu 5500 and maybe the
>> PrimeTec controller or maybe the LVB tracker as it's less costly.
>>
>> I read a few reviews but not much was out there in general but
>> especially on the PrimeTec...
>
> Anyone using the PrimeTec?
>>
>> What are you using as a controller? would appreciate any
>> comparisons pro's cons tips tricks you might have
>>
>>
>> My biggest concern really is the Rotator. I am in a situation such
>> that after installation, getting back to the roof for repairs
>> would be rather difficult. So i am trying to identify the 'best'
>> small/moderate sized rotator (az/el) as possible /practical.
>>
>> Will be turning a small M2 2m and 440 circular pol beam
>>
>>
>> Not really sure how reliable the 5500 is for long term use. so
>> if there was a 'better' more reliable and or longer lasting rotor
>> out there i'd strongly consider it
>>
>> The only thing I thought of as a alternative was the AlphaSpid but
>> comparing reviews I seem to come out about the same between it and
>> the 5500 -hoping some real world responses might help me break the
>> 'tie'
>>
>>
>> Since this is all new stuff and I am not finding the usual
>> quality 'google' results /reviews (PrimeTec) I would greatly
>> appreciate any
>> help or experience /advice on this from someone that went down
>> this road already and willing to share some first hand info on what
>> they use.
>>
>>
>>
>> thanks very much grateful for any advice.
>>
>>
>> Going to Dayton '10 It will get better with
>> more support!
>>
>> Myles D Landstein
>> N2EHG
>> myles.landstein@xxxxx.xxx
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> Myles Landstein
> myles.landstein@xxxxx.xxx
> please note my new email address
> dti will soon be eliminated , gmail is my new home update your dir
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
> author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 05:51:46 -0000
From: "John B. Stephensen" <kd6ozh@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Future satellites
To: "i8cvs" <domenico.i8cvs@xxx.xx>, "G0MRF David Bowman"
<g0mrf@xxx.xxx>, "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <32884E3732EF487B81B2161A9E25CCA6@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
An interesting question for the short term is what can we do with 1 watt of
RF from a LEO satellite. RS-10 and RS-12 were interesting as they required
only omnidirectional antennas but they had a lot of power available as they
were attached to much larger satellites. AO-16 was a small satellite but was
capable of only 1200 bps data using uncoded BPSK and simple vertical
antennas.
Given the type of hardware developed for Suitsat-2, we should be able to do
a lot more. Using modern error-correcting codes 4800 bps is possible using
omnidirectional antenas and with modern codecs that can carry 4 voice
channels or 3 voice channels plus 40 PSK31-like channels. With 10 dBi of
gain at the ground station the data rate and number of voice channels could
be quadrupled. The downlink could also be split between 2 voice channels for
use with omnidirectional antennas and 8 voice channels for high-gain
antennas.
73,
John
KD6OZH
I have extracted from it the most important following part:
73" de
i8CVS Domenico
Extracted from G3RUH article "THE EARTH MOVES"
> An example, 1 watt transmitted from a 20 dbi gain dish on the Moon,
> received on a 1.2m dish at Earth with a system noise temperature of 100K
> results in a signal to noise ratio in 2.4 kHz bandwidth of 10.5 db. (Note
> that frequency matters not). This would support one rather noisy SSB voice
> signal.
> Alternatively it would carry an error-free 2400 bps binary PSK data
> transmission without coding, 9600 bps with modest coding [2].
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 01:13:44 -0500
From: "Tim Cunningham" <tim_cunningham@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Been A While
To: <jbblack68@xxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <6A2AEF03DEA44B878B26762C2C626A11@xxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Hi Joel,
It is great to hear you on the BB. I hope to work you on the birds when I
get my antennas back in the air. We moved south of the Tennessee River near
I-65.
Our daughter is now 3 years old (my classmates have grandchildren) and
giving me a little more time to play radio.
We managed to earn Field Day bonus points using an Arrow antenna the last 2
years. Alan, WB5RMG, brought his equipment out to the Field Day site this
year and it worked great, but boy was it HOT outside under a canopy tent.
As soon as the honey-do list is completed at the new house, my antennas will
be back in the air, but it is 'Arm Strong' pointing at the moment.
73's,
Tim - N8DEU
----- Original Message -----
From: <jbblack68@xxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 5:48 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Been A While
> It's been quite a while since I have been on this BB. I got out of the
> hobby for about four years but I am working my way back in. I used to be
> KS4AW then K2SAT. Now I'm W4JBB. I don't even know if some of the folks
> who
> were involved in AMSAT are even still around. I do searches on their
> webpages and either get nothing or no updates in years - I don't dive past
> the first search results page. These are a few I remember:
>
> K5OE
> K6YK
> KF4FDJ
> N7SFI
> N8DEU
> WB6LLO
>
> There were many others too.
>
> I am getting my equipment slowly out of storage (I have it stored all over
> the house apparently). I had a FODtrack interface and found a partial
> build
> of the G6LVB tracker. I cannot remember if I finished the LVB tracker or
> not. I have a cutout for and LCD display, but no display in it. My dad has
> my '847, but he's not using it and I'll get it back in the next week. I
> left my tower up with my 2m/70cm antennas and the G5400 rotor. Feedline is
> still there too... partially. I guess my only question about gear is what
> should I use for auto-tracking with a Vista box? Like I said, I *had* a
> FODtrack interface, but I cannot find it. I also have a partially built
> LVB
> tracker. I have a parallel PCI card I can install in the Vista machine but
> I wonder if anyone has had any luck with that setup... I'm not opposed to
> booting up into Linux either.
>
> I have looked at the AMSAT homepage and there is only a small fraction of
> satellites still available. I have renewed my membership and am really
> looking forward to getting back on the birds. I think I have rambled
> enough.
>
> 73,
> Joel, W4JBB
> _______________________________________________
> 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 member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 318
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