| |
CX2SA > SATDIG 21.01.18 04:26l 1110 Lines 37145 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : AMSATBB1330
Read: GUEST
Subj: AMSAT-BB-digest V13 30
Path: IW8PGT<IR2UBX<DB0RES<DB0OVN<DB0GOS<ON0AR<GB7CIP<CX2SA
Sent: 180121/0223Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:33063 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:AMSATBB1330
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. AO-92 L-band Uplink Open Until 01:30 UTC 21-Jan-2018
(Paul Stoetzer)
2. TLEdoctor program to check for preliminary TLE data (Jarda)
3. Re: Jerry Buxton, N0JY, on Ham Talk Live TONIGHT @ 9:00 PM
EST / 02:00 UTC (Glenn Miller - AA5PK)
4. Re: Jerry Buxton, N0JY, on Ham Talk Live TONIGHT @ 9:00 PM
EST / 02:00 UTC (E.Mike McCardel)
5. Re: AO-92 L-band Uplink Open Until 01:30 UTC 21-Jan-2018
(jerry.tuyls@xxxxxxx.xxx
6. L band transmit setup (redski@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx
7. Re: Mast mounted low noise amps (Gregory Beat)
8. 23cm/1.2GHz 150W amplifier plus extras for sale - ready for
satellite operation (Stefan Wagener)
9. Todays Rocket Lab Launch (Wendy and Terry Osborne)
10. Rocket Lab Launch Attempt 2018-01-21 (B J)
11. Re: Todays Rocket Lab Launch (B J)
12. Is This a Connector? If so, what kind? (anderson58625)
13. Re: Todays Rocket Lab Launch (B J)
14. Re: Is This a Connector? If so, what kind? (Stefan Wagener)
15. ANS-021 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins (E.Mike McCardel)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 13:39:15 -0500
From: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L-band Uplink Open Until 01:30 UTC
21-Jan-2018
Message-ID:
<CABzOSOrzmjyzp6UyVGNT=58Fci1gk-Siv15AGJeEhTgkb9MXPQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
The L-band uplink on AO-92 is temporarily open for experimental use
until 01:30 UTC on 21-Jan-2018. The uplink frequency is 1267.350 MHz
with a 67.0 Hz tone. If you use the L-band uplink, please send signal
reports, observations, audio recordings, or videos in reply to this
post or via email to n8hm@xxxxx.xxx. Please also include a detailed
description of your L band transmit setup. Do not transmit on either
uplink after 01:30 UTC. AMSAT appreciates your patience and
cooperation as we move through the commissioning process.
73,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Executive Vice President
Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT-NA)
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:07:21 +0100
From: Jarda <ok2gz@xxxxx.xx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] TLEdoctor program to check for preliminary TLE
data
Message-ID: <fb988f58-de84-ff74-30f7-7ca93dee227c@xxxxx.xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
The program can easily detect and fix the TLE preliminary data errors
for working in satellite programs after launching the satellite in orbit
The original version of the program released before launching Fox-1D
works in Windows-7 and higher.? Version that works in Windows XP is now
added.? The program name for Win-XP changes to TLEdoctor.
Both programs can be downloaded at http://oscar.ok2gz.eu/fox1d.php
73
Jarda ok2gz
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 13:26:09 -0600
From: "Glenn Miller - AA5PK" <aa5pk@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "Bob- W7LRD" <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, "Jerry
Buxton" <n0jy@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Jerry Buxton, N0JY, on Ham Talk Live TONIGHT @
9:00 PM EST / 02:00 UTC
Message-ID: <25AB004A1CCF4A9DBD3F78A75F24266D@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="utf-8";
reply-type=original
Bob
You can listen to pass episodes here:
https://www.spreaker.com/show/ham-talk-live
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob- W7LRD
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2018 12:01 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx ; Jerry Buxton
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Jerry Buxton, N0JY, on Ham Talk Live TONIGHT @ 9:00
PM EST / 02:00 UTC
is there a utube or other location for this?
73 Bob W7LRD
> On January 19, 2018 at 8:41 PM Jerry Buxton wrote:
>
>
> Thank you, Alan! I could have had a stellar career in entertainment, if
> I only had the perfect voice for television, too...
>
> Jerry Buxton, N?JY
>
> On 1/19/2018 01:04, Alan wrote:
>
> > > No question, Jerry did a great job. It helps that he has the
perfect face
> > for radio. :)
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Alan
> > WA4SCA
> >
> > > _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx mailto:AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx . AMSAT-NA makes
this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
Opinions expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views
of AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
expressed
are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:45:20 -0500
From: "E.Mike McCardel" <mccardelm@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Jerry Buxton, N0JY, on Ham Talk Live TONIGHT @
9:00 PM EST / 02:00 UTC
Message-ID:
<CAM5+sotA2SBkaAA+txF-5XTKgjrVbwTkd=Nq=7+A28RxWFiEPA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
If you miss the show live, you can listen on demand 24/7/365.25
at:
https://www.spreaker.com/show/ham-talk-live - select episode #98.
or
https://tinyurl.com/ANS021-HamTalkLive
E. Michael McCardel, AA8EM, former KC8YLD
Rotating Editor for AMSAT News Service, AMSAT-NA
Have you donated to get your Fox-1 Challenge Coin Yet?
http://www.amsat.org/?p=3275
On Sat, Jan 20, 2018 at 1:01 PM, Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> is there a utube or other location for this?
>
> 73 Bob W7LRD
>
>> On January 19, 2018 at 8:41 PM Jerry Buxton wrote:
>>
>>
>> Thank you, Alan! I could have had a stellar career in entertainment, if
>> I only had the perfect voice for television, too...
>>
>> Jerry Buxton, N?JY
>>
>> On 1/19/2018 01:04, Alan wrote:
>>
>> > > No question, Jerry did a great job. It helps that he has the
perfect face
>> > for radio. :)
>> >
>> > 73,
>> >
>> > Alan
>> > WA4SCA
>> >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx mailto:AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx . AMSAT-NA
makes this open forum available
>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
Opinions expressed
>> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views
of AMSAT-NA.
>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
>> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 21:10:09 +0100 (CET)
From: jerry.tuyls@xxxxxxx.xx
To: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L-band Uplink Open Until 01:30 UTC
21-Jan-2018
Message-ID:
<1456662951.139999377.1516479009692.JavaMail.zimbra@xxxxxxx.xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
First contact made on AO-92 with L-band uplink. RX sig was strong with 58-59
from the sat with max 29? EL.
I didn't change my polarisation on the dwnlink but it looks and sounds FB
during qso with SP8CGR.
I am using MASPRO WHS-32N ant system, the 2m part, for RX and a homemade
2*19el crossyagi on 23cm with 5W RHCP fixed. I will try again the next pass
this evening with another yagi( i have plenty) for the uplink.
My main sat antennas are pc-controlled, but i had to correct the uplink
antenne manually because it is not on the tower yet.
TRX is Kenwood TS-790e for RX+TX.
Good job for this sat, and finally another with L-band.
73's
Jerry,ON4CJQ
----- Oorspronkelijk bericht -----
Van: "Paul Stoetzer" <n8hm@xxxxx.xxx>
Aan: "amsat-bb" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Verzonden: Zaterdag 20 januari 2018 19:39:15
Onderwerp: [amsat-bb] AO-92 L-band Uplink Open Until 01:30 UTC 21-Jan-2018
The L-band uplink on AO-92 is temporarily open for experimental use
until 01:30 UTC on 21-Jan-2018. The uplink frequency is 1267.350 MHz
with a 67.0 Hz tone. If you use the L-band uplink, please send signal
reports, observations, audio recordings, or videos in reply to this
post or via email to n8hm@xxxxx.xxx. Please also include a detailed
description of your L band transmit setup. Do not transmit on either
uplink after 01:30 UTC. AMSAT appreciates your patience and
cooperation as we move through the commissioning process.
73,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Executive Vice President
Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT-NA)
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
expressed
are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 15:45:29 -0600
From: <redski@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] L band transmit setup
Message-ID: <00cd01d39237$fe885340$fb98f9c0$@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Can someone offer a little advice about the requirements for using the Fox
L-band uplinks? I have an full duplex u/V and v/U satellite station so I'm
guessing that my easiest route to L-band is an upconverter. But I've never
used anything above UHF, so any thoughts on what might be needed to get
started would be appreciated.
73,
Red
KC4LE
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 16:28:19 -0600
From: Gregory Beat <w9gb@xxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Cc: Bill Acito <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Mast mounted low noise amps
Message-ID: <7B21A845-3E66-483E-A7D4-55D6838F968E@xxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Bill -
The Icom AG-series of mast mounted pre-amplifiers for weak-signal and
satellite work are now legacy (I believe Icom has discontinued recently). A
lower noise figure of the active device (FET, MMIC) is important for
satellite work (sky), than weak-signal work (noisy terrain/earth).
High noise-levels with the AG-series are often attributed to a Failed FET or
an improper FET replacement by an earlier owner.
Newer FETs have ESD / static protection, while older designs ? DID NOT !
Nearby lightning strikes can damaged the FET on the AG-series pre-amps.
Central States VHF Society annually performed Noise Figure tests on a
variety of devices.
This may be useful, as you examine modern devices or recent surplus.
https://csvhfs.org/index.php/vhf-101/24-csvhfs-history/noise-figure-results
The Icom mast-mounted pre-amplifiers (AG-25, AG-35) used the dual-gate
Toshiba 3SK121 Dual Gare FET (discontinued). Schematics and manuals for the
Icom AG-series are available via the Internet.
http://www.radiomanual.info/schemi/ACC_preampl/Icom_AG-35_user_IW2HEU.pdf
MODS.DK has the parts list and hand-drawn schematic for AG-35 (1999),
the othe file AG-25 etc. Instructions has schematic for AG-25 (last page).
Toshiba 3SK211 ? GaAs MES FET, Dual-Gate, UHF, 10V, Idss>20mA, Up<4V
http://pdf.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets/134/499109_DS.pdf
Icom AG-series (brochure)
https://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/disp_down.php?SWT=&ID=200
10101248&GNR=Options&TYPE=I&PDNM=IC-AG1/IC-AG25/IC-AG30/IC-AG35/IC-AG1200&INQW
ORDSWT=No&INQWORD=
In 2012 and 2013, Earl Andrews, VE3AB (Netty Electronics)
http://www.nettyelectronics.com/
did comparison testing of various Dual Gate FETs, used by Icom, Yeasu, and
Kenwood since the late 1970s.
http://www.earlandrews.com/dgshootout.html
Earl also noted Eastern Asian counterfeit products (various FETs), largely
from China.
The Phillips/NXP BF981 being a common bad Chinese export (March 2014 & June
2015)
http://www.earlandrews.com/dgmosbadagn1.html
http://www.earlandrews.com/dgbadagn.html
?
RF Parts ? Low Noise FETs
https://www.rfparts.com/rftransistors/transistor-misc/transistor-misc-lownoise
.html
===
As far as a MMIC swap, I have not seen anything posted (YouTube, Icom
boards, amsat-bb reflector), BUT that does not mean it has not be attempted
or accomplished.
?
Beginning this month ? Corey Abercrombie, N4NGZ, acquired the exclusive
rights to manufacture, sell and repair the existing DownEast Microwave, Inc.
(DEMI) VHF/UHF Transverter product line and all past VHF/UHF transverter
products.
https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/
Q5 Signal, LLC
17704 County Road 455
Montverde, FL 34756
Sales: sales@xxxxxxxx.xxx
Support: support@xxxxxxxx.xxx
Corey may be a source for current production UHF/Microwave devices, now or
in future.
==
Jay Rusgrove, W1VD owner of Advanced Receiver Research (ARR) has a number of
excellent Gallium Arsenide low-noise preamplifiers (LNA?s).
The ARR MSP144VDG-160 and MSP432VDG-160 models are often recommended for
fixed satellite earth stations.
High Performance, 160 Watt Mast Mounted, Amateur Radio Preamplifiers
http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page10.html
Greg, w9gb
==
From: Bill Acito <w1pa@xxxxxxx.xxx>
What's the opinion/consensus of the older ICOM AG series, as an
economical alternative? Can they be updated, with say, a different MMIC?
Bill W1PA
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 17:51:12 -0600
From: Stefan Wagener <wageners@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] 23cm/1.2GHz 150W amplifier plus extras for sale -
ready for satellite operation
Message-ID:
<CAKu8kHB=-GVjEKFpof6XDkiFWc=oPZvBqFiCaUub3iZCqvyRKQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Please see my ad at QRZ.COM for detailed information and photos.
Thanks,
Stefan, VE4NSA
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2018 14:30:32 +1300
From: "Wendy and Terry Osborne" <wandtosborne@xxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Todays Rocket Lab Launch
Message-ID: <353B18A2A8294A2491F74516BEAA9036@xxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hi Folks,
Live streaming of today?s launch attempt has just started:
https://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream/
Hope the boats stay out of the way today.
73,
Terry ZL2BAC
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2018 01:33:48 +0000
From: B J <va6bmj@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Rocket Lab Launch Attempt 2018-01-21
Message-ID:
<CAP7QzkPEZ=pmFcr=mCKLL-M33TNNS4e49YQmH5CqybaECE+k+A@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
The YouTube channel is now active with live video:
https://twitter.com/rocketlab
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2018 01:45:52 +0000
From: B J <va6bmj@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Wendy and Terry Osborne <wandtosborne@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Todays Rocket Lab Launch
Message-ID:
<CAP7QzkPKjeRWkmGodJeKXTckY3RTmijW0hz8y2UPi5x_cjupfg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
We have liftoff! It's a smooth launch so far.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 19:43:16 -0600
From: "anderson58625" <anderson58625@xxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Is This a Connector? If so, what kind?
Message-ID: <06f201d39259$357bb240$a07316c0$@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hello!
Not being especially familiar with microwave equipment, I came across a type
of connection which is currently a mystery to me. I know it is a
connection, but I'm not sure if it is a connector.
In seeing pictures of some microwave PA's, sometimes a fine pin or pins are
on the chassis for voltage connection. But, is it a connector? If so, what
kind? (with that I can Google my way to more information)
I'm guessing the connection is special to ensure insulation and the
integrity of chassis shielding(?), but I can't seem to find the mating
female connector (if that pin is indeed a connector and not just a
connection).
I'm guessing the BB won't allow images inside a message, so there are some
examples at
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/150-w-ssb-23cm-1-2ghz-amplifier-plu
s-extras.596138/ (scroll down over half way).
Not being even close to needing an amp-I just got my Arrow ant. but haven't
even make a contact yet <grin>-I still must have interest or I wouldn't be
daydreaming by looking at antennas, LNA's, transverters, and PA's online.
Thank you!
Mark W9AT
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2018 01:56:01 +0000
From: B J <va6bmj@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Wendy and Terry Osborne <wandtosborne@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Todays Rocket Lab Launch
Message-ID:
<CAP7QzkOTRve857Z7jLdsVEWnX6DoN94_XtSWNqQRz6YSC0Xg-g@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
The payloads have been successfully deployed. Congratulations to Rocket Lab!
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 19:56:45 -0600
From: Stefan Wagener <wageners@xxxxx.xxx>
To: anderson58625 <anderson58625@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Is This a Connector? If so, what kind?
Message-ID:
<CAKu8kHAbZge1C7HK5B5a+Uf0Rauh03vpforxgWioYuFZ9uQNkA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Thanks Mark,
These are basic soldering pins. That's all. The RF connection is via
N-connectors :-)
Hope this helps,
Stefan VE4NSA
On Sat, Jan 20, 2018 at 7:43 PM, anderson58625 <anderson58625@xxxxx.xxx>
wrote:
> Hello!
>
>
>
> Not being especially familiar with microwave equipment, I came across a
> type
> of connection which is currently a mystery to me. I know it is a
> connection, but I'm not sure if it is a connector.
>
>
>
> In seeing pictures of some microwave PA's, sometimes a fine pin or pins are
> on the chassis for voltage connection. But, is it a connector? If so,
> what
> kind? (with that I can Google my way to more information)
>
>
>
> I'm guessing the connection is special to ensure insulation and the
> integrity of chassis shielding(?), but I can't seem to find the mating
> female connector (if that pin is indeed a connector and not just a
> connection).
>
>
>
> I'm guessing the BB won't allow images inside a message, so there are some
> examples at
> https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/150-w-ssb-23cm-1-
> 2ghz-amplifier-plu
> s-extras.596138/ (scroll down over half way).
>
>
>
> Not being even close to needing an amp-I just got my Arrow ant. but
> haven't
> even make a contact yet <grin>-I still must have interest or I wouldn't be
> daydreaming by looking at antennas, LNA's, transverters, and PA's online.
>
>
>
> Thank you!
>
>
>
> Mark W9AT
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------
Message: 15
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:57:03 -0500
From: "E.Mike McCardel" <mccardelm@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Amsat - BBs <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ANS-021 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
Message-ID:
<CAM5+sou8RjsTA=aU9OgDAZ_A+RhF1tALOik6NJXPYMz2qDKOyg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-021
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including 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.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* Dr. Junior Torres de Castro, PY2BJO SK
* AMSAT Membership Deal and Getting Started
* Upcoming club satellite presentations (and hopefully demos...)
* Zhou Enlai Student Satellite to Launch
* AO-92 camera results
* N8RO Logs 488th US Grid - Earns Grid Master Award #8
* Updates to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 1-16-2018
* Fox-1 MPPT Developers Interviewed on HamRadio360 Podcast
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-021.01
ANS-021 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 021.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
January 21, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-021.01
Dr. Junior Torres de Castro, PY2BJO SK
It is with great sadness that the Directors and Officers of AMSAT-
North America announce the passing of Dr. Junior Torres de Castro,
PY2BJO. According to his son, Allan Kardec, Junior passed away on
January 17, 2018 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A very active radio amateur, Junior was a great collaborator of
LABRE (The League of Brazilian Amateur Radio Transmitters) serving
for a time as its President. He was also a founder of BRAMSAT, the
Brazilian AMSAT group as well as an active member of the AMSAT-NA
Board of Directors during the early 1990s.
But, perhaps what Junior will be best remembered for among the rest
of the world's amateurs was his work with AMSAT-NA in helping to
build (and financially underwrite) Brazil's very first amateur radio
satellite.
Called "DOVE short for "Digital Orbiting Voice Encoder", the
satellite was successfully launched on January 22, 1990 on an Ariane
4 rocket from the European Space Agency's Kourou Space Center in
French Guiana. Besides the main payload, that launch also included
three other AMSAT MicroSats along with two larger UOSats. Surrey
Satellite Technology in England built the two larger satellites.
Junior's vision for his DOVE satellite was to provide a strong 2m,
audio FM downlink signal ("This is DOVE in Space") that could be
easily received by educational institutions around the world.
Downlink telemetry was via 1200 Baud AFSK, AX.25 packet radio, a data
format that was easily decoded with receivers and TNCs that were very
popular among radio amateurs at the time.
When told of Junior's passing, Jan King, W3GEY, a founding AMSAT
Director and AMSAT's Vice President of Engineering during the
MicroSat project said that, "I'm very sorry to hear about Junior. He
certainly made the 4 MicroSat mission happen. He was a very important
part of AMSAT and a fond memory for me."
Likewise, Former AMSAT-NA BOD member Bob McGwier, N4HY, noted that,
"This is a sad day. Junior was a great guy, full of life, and he
loved AMSAT. It was a pleasure for me to help build his MicroSat for
him. When I became an AMSAT employee for getting these spacecraft
done, Junior paid the bills."
Another MicroSat Project team member, Jim White, WD0E, noted that,
"This is indeed sad news. It was a pleasure to work with him on DOVE.
He was a very warm and generous person and not only conceived of and
funded DOVE, but also a receiver for the 60-foot radio dish that the
Table Mountain the Deep Space Exploration Society was refurbishing.
He was always tinkering and building things at his house near Sao
Paulo. He even dreamed of building a round swimming pool that, when
drained, would double as a radio astronomy dish! During the time his
DOVE satellite was sending "This is DOVE in space" audio from orbit
we received nearly 200 SWL cards from around the world, all of which
we shared with him. Needless to say, he was absolutely delighted."
At ANS deadline, funeral arrangements for Junior were still pending.
But word was received that his funeral and interment was to be in at
the Gethsemane Cemetery in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
[ANS thanks Keith KB1SF/VA3KSF for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Membership Deal and Getting Started
Just a few reminders for all the new folks joining us:
AMSAT membership supports the organization and construction of new
satellites. Right now, we are offering a free PDF copy of our Getting
Started with Amateur Satellites with every new on-line membership.
This is -the- primer for getting on the sats, and is updated every
year. See https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-membership/
AMSAT also sells both the popular Arrow Antenna satellite models and
the M2 LEOpack antennas. Sales also benefit AMSAT projects.
https://www.amsat.org/product-category/hardware/
[ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming club satellite presentations (and hopefully demos...)
Philip N4HF announces a couple of presentations he'll be doing.
1) Blue Ridge ARC (Henderson County NC), Tuesday March 6, 7pm.
http://radioclub.org/ (this club has also started streaming club
meetings via TeamViewer; the demo, if it happens, will be outside
though)
2) Haywood County ARC (NC), Thursday April 12, 7 pm.
http://kw4p.org/ (Meeting place is incorrect on the website, but
hopefully that will be updated in the next few days)
Philip states he will be at one hamfest under the AMSAT banner, and
possibly two, in the next couple of months. He will be announcing
those when the info is finalized.
[ANS thanks Philip N4HF for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhou Enlai Student Satellite to Launch
The 2U CubeSat Zhou Enlai, developed with primary and middle school
students, is expected to launch on Friday, January 19, 2018
The satellite is named after the first Premier of the PRC. Zhou
Enlai held office from October 1949 until January 1976.
A report on Xinhua Net says:
The satellite was sent from its production base in Huai'an Youth
Comprehensive Development Base in east China's Jiangsu Province to
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province
Monday, where a CZ-11 solid fuel rocket is scheduled to put it into
orbit Friday.
Twenty teenagers who participated in the development project
accompanied the transport group to the launch center and will witness
the lift-off.
Zhang Xiang, chief designer of the satellite, said that the nano-
satellite, weighing 2 kilograms, is set to run in sun-synchronous
orbit. Equipped with a HD optical camera, it can capture space photos
with the highest resolution among those shot by other Chinese
satellites for scientific education purpose.
Zhang said that the students had taken their spare time to join the
development and groundbased simulation performance of the satellite,
and had learnt to assemble and practice voice data transfer and
telecommunication applications.
"A scientific satellite like this is like a teacher in space,
carrying cameras or spectroscopes to study the upper atmosphere or to
shoot space pictures of the stars. Students can grasp the mystery of
the universe through the messages transmitted by the teacher," said
Zhang, a professor with Nanjing University of Science and Engineering.
Read the full story at
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/17/c_136902466.htm
The IARU satellite pages list a 2U CubeSat called HA-1 with FM
transponder and SSTV developed by the Teenagers Amateur Radio Center
of Activity in Huai'an. Zhou Enlai may well be the new name for this
satellite.
http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=589
[ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AO-92 camera results
For those that have not been following AMSAT on Twitter or Facebook,
we have done a few camera runs with AO-92 with very good results. A
pass this morning yielded 4 good images, two of which I have located
their position on the ground. The images can be seen at:
http://www.amsat.org/tlm/fox1d/images/index1.html
Some side by side comparisons with Google Earth and NOAA images can be
found at:
https://twitter.com/AMSAT/status/953294176933896195 and
https://twitter.com/AMSAT/status/953304248162406401 .
Congratulations again to Virginia Tech, and thanks for providing the
camera experiments for AO-92 and Fox-1Cliff!
[ANS thanks Drew KO4MA for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
N8RO Logs 488th US Grid - Earns Grid Master Award #8
Congratulations to Ron Oldham, N8RO, to log his last grid needed
to have worked via satellite all 488 grids in the Lower 48 United
States. Ron's message on the amsat-bb reads, "On Sunday [January 14]
I was able to log the last grid I needed to complete the 488 US grids.
I would like to publicly thank Doug, N6UA, for going out of his way
to help me get DN23 in my log. Without the efforts of many portable
satellite operators like Doug it would not be possible to achieve
this accomplishment. Many thanks to all of the operators that
helped me throughout the years."
Ron also noted the Top 10 portable satellite operators who's efforts
have provided opportunities for contacts including:
ND9M - 332
K8YSE - 273
AC0RA - 234
W5PFG - 205
WC7V - 126
WD9EWK - 117
KA6SIP - 108
NJ7H - 89
A5CK - 710
KB5WIA - 610
KB0RZD - 6
On January 17 Damon, WA4HFN announced, "Congrats to Ron,N8RO for
earning Grid Master Award #8". The Grid Master Award is given for
confirmed satellite contacts with all 488 U.S. Grids." These awards
are available at no cost but Damon requests that you make a donation
to AMSAT-NA. For more information visit the web site:
http://www.squirtthebirds.com
[ANS thanks Ron, N8RO via the amsat-bb, and Damon, WA4HFN for the
above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Updates to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 1-16-2018
Here is the current tracking status for AO-92 and PICSAT.
Updates to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, by detailed doppler measurements has confirmed
the identity of the AO-92 and PICSAT from the 1-12-2018 0358 GMT
India PSLV-C40 launch. They have been added to the AMSAT-NA TLE
Distribution:
PICSAT - NORAD CAT ID 43131
AO-92 - NORAD CAT ID 43137
The following objects have been dropped from the AMSAT-NA TLE
Distribution:
OBJECT A - NORAD CAT ID 43111
OBJECT B - NORAD CAT ID 43112
OBJECT C - NORAD CAT ID 43113
OBJECT D - NORAD CAT ID 43114
OBJECT E - NORAD CAT ID 43115
OBJECT F - NORAD CAT ID 43116
OBJECT T - NORAD CAT ID 43128
OBJECT U - NORAD CAT ID 43129
99934 - NORAD CAT ID 99934
Please modify your tracking program as required.
To receive AMSAT's Keplerian Element updates directly to your e-mail
box subscribe at:
http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/keps
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Fox-1 MPPT Developers Interviewed on HamRadio360 Podcast
Cale, K4CDN, interviewed the Salmi brothers, Brent, KB1LQD, and
Bryce, KB1LQC, on the HamRadio360 podcast. Brent and Bryce are
the developers of the Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) used
in the Fox-1B, Fox-1Cliff, and Fox-1D cubesats. The MPPT is the
controlling interface between the solar panel with the electrical
system of the Fox-1 satellites in such a way that the conditions
for maximum power are always met when needed.
Cale, Brent and Bryce also discuss their Open Source Digital Radio
company, Faraday RF.
Listen to the HamRadio360 podcast at:
http://tinyurl.com/ANS-HamRadio360-Podcast
[ANS thanks Cale, K4CDN, and HamRadio360 for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS News
+ A Successful contact was made between Higher National School of
Computer Science and Systems Analysis (ENSIAS), Rabat, Morocco
and Astronaut Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP using Callsign NA1SS. The
contact began 2018-01-03 13:52 UTC and lasted about nine and a
half minutes. Contact was telebridge via VK5ZAI].
ARISS Mentor was Eskil SM5SRR.
+ A Successful contact was made between Prva srednja informaticka
?kola, Zagreb, Croatia] and Astronaut Scott Tingle KG5NZA using
Callsign NA1SS. The contact began 2018-01-18 08:46 UTC and lasted
about nine and a half minutes. Contact was telebridge via VK6MJ.
ARISS Mentor was Marco 9A8MM.
Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2018-01-20 01:00 UTC
Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:
Naka Junior High School, Kakamigahara City, Japan, direct via 8J25D
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP
Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-01-22 10:23:21 UTC
Contact is direct with 8J25D and should be audible over Japan and
adjacent areas.
The English School, Nicosia, Cyprus, telebridge via W6SRJ
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP
Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-01-24 10:35:45 UTC
[ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ MONTSERRAT, VP2M. Daniel, KD9HNL is QRV as VP2MDH until January 29.
Activity is on various FM satellites. QSL via LoTW.
[ANS thanks ARRL DX news for the above information]
+ AMSAT-NA President Joe Spier K6WAO Interviewed in February QST
Read Steve Ford's WB8IMY interview of AMSAT-NA President Joe Spier
K6WAO in Frebrauary's QST. The interview which, appears on page 69
of the issue, covers Joe's amateur radiocCareer, his vision for the
future of AMSAT-NA and amateur satelites in general, challenges on
the horizon, prospect of HEOs and geostationary amateur satellites.
[ANS thanks QST for the above information]
+ More background on the satellites aboard the PSLV-C40 flight:
https://amsat-uk.org/2018/01/13/ham-radio-cubesat-launch-success/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
+ NASA Social Media event
https://www.nasa.gov/social/state-of-nasa-social-2018
[ANS thanks NASA for the above information]
+ Jerry Buxton N0JY VP Enginneering On HamTalkLive
On January 18, Thursday night at 9 pm Eastern time, Jerry Buxton,
N0JY the vice president for engineering at AMSAT was interview on
the HamTalkLive webcast to talk about the process of building
amateur radio satellites, and the latest on the newest bird, Fox
1D which just arrived in space last week!
If you miss the show live, you can listen on demand 24/7/365.25
at:
https://www.spreaker.com/show/ham-talk-live - select episode #98.
or
https://tinyurl.com/ANS021-HamTalkLive
[ANS thanks HamTalkLive.com for the above information])
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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 addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
EMike McCardel, AA8EM
aa8em at amsat dot org 75
------------------------------
Subject: Digest Footer
_______________________________________________
Sent via amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx.
AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide
without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 13, Issue 30
****************************************
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
