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CX2SA > SATDIG 08.06.20 22:50l 1079 Lines 31515 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF (Devin L. Ganger)
2. Re: Antenna Location (Jim Walls)
3. TEST (Joseph Trombino, Jr)
4. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-08 18:30 UTC
(aj9n@???.????
5. Re: Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF (Erich Eichmann)
6. Re: Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF (Devin L. Ganger)
7. Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators (Michael Walker)
8. SSB Electronics USA distributor (Joseph Trombino, Jr)
9. Re: SSB Electronics USA distributor (Dave Webb KB1PVH)
10. Re: Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators (Thomas Schaefer)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 21:19:56 +0000
From: "Devin L. Ganger" <devin@????????.???>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@?????.???>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF
Message-ID:
<MWHPR01MB2352E235E80436282778FC69CA840@?????????????.????.????????????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
That's awesome, thank you for taking the time to answer in detail.
Why don't more responses on this list point people to this functionality? Is
it not well known?
--
Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG)
email:?devin@????????.???
web:?Devin on Earth
cell:?+1 425.239.2575
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan <wa4sca@?????.???>
> Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:55 PM
> To: Devin L. Ganger <devin@????????.???>
> Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@?????.???>
> Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF
>
> Devin,
>
> Notice I said that the functionality is there, not the identical
implementation.
> You need to call the satellite something. While you could certainly used
the
> catalog name, something more user friendly is better.
> See my replies below.
>
> 73,
>
> Alan
> WA4SCA
>
>
> <-----Original Message-----
> <From: Devin L. Ganger [mailto:devin@????????.????
> <Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 3:39 PM
> <To: Alan <wa4sca@?????.???>; AMSAT bbs <amsat-bb@?????.???>
> <Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF < <Alan, < <I'm
looking
> at the documentation and the format of the Doppler.SQF file.
> <Perhaps I'm misunderstanding something here, but what you're talking about
> <does not seem to be what I suggested.
> <
> <Column 1 in Doppler.SQF is still the *name* of the satellite, rather than
the
> <satellite number or international identifier or some other invariant
attribute
> of <the satellite.
>
> Correct. The problem is that the various tle providers are not consistent
about
> that. What you want to do is to be able to pick something, anything, and
then
> use whatever source you want without having to redefine several files.
> <
> <Does that name have to match up to what is in the TLE file, or what is in
the
> <AmsatNames.txt file?
>
> It needs to match whatever you have defined in AmsatNames.txt, as does the
> name in the priority and tone files.
>
> <
> <That is, if I am using the AmsatNames.txt file and define a custom name
for a
> <given satellite, do the rest of my data files (other than the TLEs) then
need to
> <be modified to use the name I defined in AmsatNames.txt?
>
> Yes. One time operation.
>
> Does the
> <AmsatNames.txt file permit SatPC32 to ignore the name that my selected TLE
> <source is using for that same satellite?
> <
>
> Yes, that is its purpose. It substitutes your preferred name for all
internal
> operations. IE, it completely ignores the 1st line of the 3 line elements.
>
>
> <Thanks in advance,
> <
> <
> <--
> <Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG)
> <email:?devin@????????.???
> <web:?Devin on Earth
> <cell:?+1 425.239.2575
> <
> <> -----Original Message-----
> <> From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces@?????.???> On Behalf Of Alan via
> <> AMSAT-BB <> Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 4:34 AM <> To: AMSAT-BB
> <amsat-bb@?????.???> <> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--
> Doppler.SQF <> <> Devin, <> <> <If that's the case, then why wouldn't it be
> possible to have a small tweak <> <made to SatPC32 -- perhaps as an option
at
> first to facilitate testing and <> <backwards compatibility -- to use the
satellite
> number *instead of the
> <name*
> <> <as the key column for the DOPPLER.SQF file (and any other configuration
> <> files) <that refer to satellites?
> <>
> <> Great news. That functionality has been in SatPC32 for years. Look at ?
> |
> <> Auxiliary Files |AmsatNames.txt. It does what you describe by allowing
> you <to <> define a name for a satellite to be used with a catalog number
(or
> <> international identifier) and substitutes your chosen name for all
internal
> <> operations such as the CTCSS tone, tracking priority, Doppler
calculations,
> <etc.
> <> Very handy since AMSAT, CelesTrak, Space-Track, and often the individual
> <> satellite operators, use slightly different names. It is also handy when
> there <is <> a "shotgun launch" and everybody is trying to sort out which
> satellite <matches <> which object number. One change with each object
> number, and you are <> ready.
> <>
> <> 73,
> <>
> <> Alan
> <> WA4SCA
> <>
> <>
> <>
> <>
> <> _______________________________________________
> <> Sent via AMSAT-BB@?????.???. 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 21:14:47 -0700
From: Jim Walls <jim@?????.???>
To: amsat-bb@?????.???
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Antenna Location
Message-ID: <af4662af-156f-6b5d-3603-d2ce08965153@?????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
On 06/06/2020 12:45, Bernd Peters via AMSAT-BB wrote:
> An indoors antenna would not work in my house. I took my Arrows antenna
> inside and I basically hear nothing. Even just behind a modern double pane
> window (I believe they have some polarization filters) you pretty much hear
> nothing.
>
My house is chicken wire and plaster construction (1962).? RF does not
do well in here.
--
73
-------------------------------------
Jim Walls - K6CCC
jim@?????.???
Ofc: 818-548-4804
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/k6ccc/
AMSAT Member 32537 - WSWSS Member 395
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 12:34:01 -0400
From: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" <w2kj@?????????.???>
To: amsat-bb@?????.???
Subject: [amsat-bb] TEST
Message-ID: <99ABEB1C-BB61-46EC-AFDA-471B2F1E57E2@?????????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
TEST
73, Joe W2KJ
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 18:39:18 +0000 (UTC)
From: aj9n@???.???
To: amsat-bb@?????.???
Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-08
18:30 UTC
Message-ID: <1218627776.769122.1591641558014@????.?????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2020-06-08 18:30 UTC
?
Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:
?
##############################################################################
##########################################################
?
ARISS would like to announce that Tony VK5ZAI has received a special award
(also thanks to ARISS mentor and telebridge operator Shane VK4KHZ for
letting us know): (***)
?
Congratulations to Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI in being recognised and awarded the
Order of Australia medal?(AM)?in the June 8th Queens Birthday honours list.
(***)
?
Well done Tony!
?
Mr James Anthony HUTCHISON
Kingston SE SA 5275
For significant service to amateur radio, particularly to satellite and
space communication.
?
For those that don't know what Tony has done, here a few stats.? He has
mentored 65 ARISS schools and been the telebridge station for 58 ARISS
contacts.? Plus he was very involved with SAREX.
?
For even more info on Tony, check out these webpages (there are many more):
http://www.electric-web.org/amateur_index.htm
??https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chcgLwFy1v0?
?https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-06/nasa-considers-amateur-radio-buff-part
-of-astronaut-family/11530046
?
The actual announcement can be found on page 7 of 28 at:
https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/QB2020%20Gazette%20-%20O%20o
f%20A.PDF
?
##############################################################################
##########################################################
A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the
telebridge from their own home.
*************************************************
Looking for some stay at home activities related to science and for when you
are not playing on your radio?? Check out these links:??
?
?
>From ARISS Vice Chair Oliver Amend DG6BCE: ESA Astronauts to offer
inspiration during isolation in????? #SpaceConnectsUs
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Astronauts_to_offer_inspiration_during_isolation_
in_SpaceConnectsU
?
Celestron, the telescope, microscope, and sports optics folks, now has
something called #STEMINYOURBACKYARD that you can find on Instagram,
Facebook, or Twitter.? By the way, I don't work for Celestron or have any
business dealings with them and this is just something I saw.? Apparently
there are 10 free STEM activities covering Astronomy, Nature and Wildlife,
and The Microscopic World.? Check out:?
https://www.celestron.com/blogs/news/discover-stem-in-your-backyard
?
NASA has a STEM page with fun activities to do at home.? Check out
https://www.nasa.gov/stem
?
*************************************************
?
ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the
public in general.? As such, we may have last minute cancellations or
postponements of school contacts.? As always, I will try to provide everyone
with near-real-time updates.?
?
The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19:?
?
Postponed:
No additional schools
?
Cancelled:
No additional schools
?
?
?
The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ???
?
Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements here also.
?
?
Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site.
?
The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at
https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ???
ARISS Contact Applications (United States)
?
?
Note, all times are approximate. ?It is recommended that you do your own
orbital prediction?or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed
time.
All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and
time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
?
The complete schedule page has been updated as of?2020-06-08 18:30 UTC. (***)
Here you will find a listing of all scheduled?school contacts, and
questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and
instructions for any contact that may be streamed live.
?
https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf
https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt
?
?
The successful school list has been updated as of 2020-05-17 11:30 UTC.
https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf
?
?
?
The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ???
Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site.
?
The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at
https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html ???
?
ARISS Contact Applications (United States)
?
The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ ???
Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site.
?
?
Message to US Educators
?
ARISS Contact Applications (United States)
?
The Proposal Window of February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 has now closed.
?
For future proposal information and more details such as expectations,
proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information
Webinars, go to www.ariss.org.
?
Please direct any questions to?ariss.us.education@?????.???.
?
About ARISS:
?
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative
venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that
support the International Space Station (ISS).? In the United States,
sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American
Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote
exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM)
topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew
members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before
and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and
communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For
more information, see www.ariss.org.
?
******************************************************************************
**
ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East)
?
Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East
interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board
the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from
September to October and from February to April.
Please refer to details and the application form at
www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts.? Applications should be addressed by email
to:? school.selection.manager@????????.???
?
ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and
Australia and Russia)
?
Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by
filling out an application.? Please direct questions to the appropriate
regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically
listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are
unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada
representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate
coordinator.
?
For the application, go to:? https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html.
ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to:
ve3tbd@?????.???
ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to:
ariss@???????.???? Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/
ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/
?
?
******************************************************************************
ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts.?
ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance.? Feel free to send
your reports to aj9n@?????.??? or aj9n@???.???.
?
Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8? MHz.
?
******************************************************************************
*
?
All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted.
?
******************************************************************************
*
Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and
not being able to get in. ?That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/
?
Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site.
?
****************************************************************************
Looking for something new to do?? How about receiving DATV from the ISS??
Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for
troubleshooting.? Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest
news on the troubleshooting efforts.?
?
If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details.?
Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video.????????????
?
http://www.ariss-eu.org/
?
If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to
provide some insight.? Contact Kerry at kbanke@?????????.???
?
?
The HamTV webpage:? https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/
?
?
****************************************************************************
ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100
schools:
?
Francesco IK?WGF with 140
Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 138
Sergey RV3DR with 133
Gaston ON4WF with 123
?
****************************************************************************
The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date
webpages were removed, and new ones have been added.? If there are additional
ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know.
?
?
?
Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1389.
Each school counts as 1 event.??????????????????????????????????
Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1322.
Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot.
Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48.
?
A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the
file.
https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf
?
Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed.
?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact:
South Dakota, Wyoming, American?Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and
the Virgin Islands.
?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
?
QSL information may be found at:
https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html
?
ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS
?
****************************************************************************
Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing
Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC
https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction.
rtf
Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts
?
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415
****************************************************************************
?
Exp. 62 now on orbit
Chris Cassidy KF5KDR
Anatoli Ivanishin
Ivan Vagner
?
SpaceX-Demo2 now on orbit
Welcome aboard!
Bob Behnken KE5GGX
Doug Hurley
?
****************************************************************************
73,
Charlie?Sufana AJ9N
One of the ARISS operation team mentors
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 21:54:57 +0200
From: Erich Eichmann <erich.eichmann@????????.??>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@?????.???>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF
Message-ID: <6b56eb4d-7f10-4337-e644-f180a9c01326@????????.??>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
Hello,
I have added the following hints? to the FAQs file
http://www.dk1tb.de/FAQ_e.htm
(sect. 5s at the end of the file):
s.? Use of different Kepler data files with different satellite names
The various Kepler data files (source files) often use different names
for the same satellite. This is e.g. the case with some of those
contained in the AMSAT file nasa.all on the one hand and the Celestrak
files (amateur.txt, cubesat.txt etc.) on the other. This can lead to a
satellite or its frequencies not being displayed when the source file is
changed although the file contains data for the relevant satellite.
A solution to the problem is an entry for the satellite in the auxiliary
file AmsatNames.txt. The file already contains a list with the
identifiers (catalog numbers) of the satellites important for radio
amateurs and the assigned satellite names and instructions on how to
make the entry.
The names from a source file, e.g. nasa.all, or even self-made ones can
be used as names. They should of course be as memorable as possible
(that's why the 5-digit identifier itself is not suitable as a name,
although that would be possible).
With the option 'Use Amsat Names if Available' the program then uses the
assigned name with all source files, regardless of a different name in
the source file. It is displayed in SatPC32 and can be used in all data
files that require a satellite name such as Doppler.SQF, Prior.SQF,
SubTone.SQF or Squint.SQF. This means that all source files containing
data for the satellite can be used.
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 20:11:16 +0000
From: "Devin L. Ganger" <devin@????????.???>
To: Erich Eichmann <erich.eichmann@????????.??>, AMSAT-BB
<amsat-bb@?????.???>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Satellite Hiatus--Doppler.SQF
Message-ID:
<MWHPR01MB235228B278A4C8845170C6B4CA850@?????????????.????.????????????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> From: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb-bounces@?????.???> On Behalf Of Erich Eichmann
via AMSAT-BB
>
> Hello,
> I have added the following hints to the FAQs file
> http://www.dk1tb.de/FAQ_e.htm (sect. 5s at the end of the file):
>
> s. Use of different Kepler data files with different satellite namesThank
you very much, Erich!
--
Devin L. Ganger (WA7DLG)
email:?devin@????????.???
web:?Devin on Earth
cell:?+1 425.239.2575
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:18:14 -0400
From: Michael Walker <va3mw@??????????.???>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@?????.???>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators
Message-ID:
<CA+33ts4XaZoi128y9cnZK7wZy+exKkAScmFAFuSj7gmhkSpvVA@????.?????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend
you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user.
I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do).
I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and
all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical background
they some of us have and they need some very basic information and
mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams.
AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have
fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand.
Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1
coaching on the phone so they can ask questions.
I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new
operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in
technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on YouTube
on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how
it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the
video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I
do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did
not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch.
I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and
antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want
to help. No wonder the hobby is dying.
Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it
does amazingly. My rant is not about the software it is about those that
don't like the simple questions.
Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not
understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a
QSO.
Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the
instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional
when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual expects
you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator.
For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all
your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions.
For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to
get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has
the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away.
*** Remember, there is no stupid question. ***
Mike va3mw
>
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:20:36 -0400
From: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" <w2kj@?????????.???>
To: amsat-bb@?????.???
Subject: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor
Message-ID: <B4B4D0CF-B90E-47CE-8D73-C565DCA630A9@?????????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Howdy Gang.
Getting back into the satellites after a long hiatus (since the demise of
AO40) and wonder if there is a current distributor for SSB Electronics
VHF/UHF preamps.
Appreciate and info.
73, Joe W2KJ
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:25:47 -0400
From: Dave Webb KB1PVH <kb1pvh@?????.???>
To: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" <w2kj@?????????.???>
Cc: AMSAT -BB <amsat-bb@?????.???>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SSB Electronics USA distributor
Message-ID:
<CAEMY9Fe-VkhCaMhYgs5U9brTFzBiKvkY8=WQjRzraea5Vj9s7g@????.?????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
HRO sells them.
Dave-KB1PVH
Sent from my Galaxy S9
On Mon, Jun 8, 2020, 4:24 PM Joseph Trombino, Jr via AMSAT-BB <
amsat-bb@?????.???> wrote:
> Howdy Gang.
>
> Getting back into the satellites after a long hiatus (since the demise of
> AO40) and wonder if there is a current distributor for SSB Electronics
> VHF/UHF preamps.
>
> Appreciate and info.
>
> 73, Joe W2KJ
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@?????.???. 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: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2020 16:35:54 -0400
From: Thomas Schaefer <ny4i@????.???>
To: Michael Walker <va3mw@??????????.???>
Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@?????.???>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators
Message-ID: <72157A9E-3D4F-4069-B667-0BE92BC6B689@????.???>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Absolutely true. I too appreciate the complexity of the task that SatPC32 is
trying to do well, But we do it and everyone that uses it a disservice to
treat it as a sacred cow above suggestions for improvement. The concept of
going to a text file and manually editing it to add a new satellite in a
Windows program is 2020 is mind-boggling. That is certainly not any
definition of user-friendly. While Erich tries to make it easy to find it by
using the menus to open the text files, focusing on a decent editor rather
than a new radio would be a boon to user the user experience.
No doubt I will be flamed immediately for daring to write this, and people
are welcome to use a different program (MacDoppler,etc), let?s not jump all
over a newer (and not so new) user for having the temerity to question if
this is as good as it gets to manually edit text files. No doubt I will soon
be banished to the realm of those that dare to criticize anything related to
SatPC32, but let?s be honest.
Before I am accused of not thanking Erich for his donation of SatPC32, I do
appreciate it. And while I could say think of all the new operators that
would have a better experience if SatPC32 was just a little bit easier to
use, I am also cognizant that adding new users may not be in the best
interest of some?especially those that immediately jump upon any user for
the first mistake they make (calling them a LID, bad mounting them on this
reflector and social media, etc).
Go ahead..let me have it.
Regards,
Tom Schaefer, NY4I
Blog: www.ny4i.com
Madeira Beach, FL (Grid: EL87ot)
> On Jun 8, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB
<amsat-bb@?????.???> wrote:
>
> Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend
> you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user.
>
> I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most know what I do).
>
> I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and
> all education levels. Most new hams do not have the technical background
> they some of us have and they need some very basic information and
> mentoring to get over the hump. This is a confusing hobby for new hams.
> AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users. They want to have
> fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand.
>
> Some learn well from reading. Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1
> coaching on the phone so they can ask questions.
>
> I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new
> operator is difficult. I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in
> technology and integration. This is why I did the intro video on YouTube
> on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how
> it get them out of 1st gear. Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the
> video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32. So, I
> do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did
> not having a licensed copy. What a friendly bunch.
>
> I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and
> antennas. Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want
> to help. No wonder the hobby is dying.
>
> Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it
> does amazingly. My rant is not about the software it is about those that
> don't like the simple questions.
>
> Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not
> understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a
> QSO.
>
> Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the
> instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional
> when it came out. And, yes, I read the manual. A LOT. The manual expects
> you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator.
>
> For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all
> your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions.
>
> For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to
> get out of 1st gear. RTFM doesn't work for everyone. In fact, it has
> the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away.
>
> *** Remember, there is no stupid question. ***
>
> Mike va3mw
>
>
>
>>
> _______________________________________________
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expressed
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Subject: Digest Footer
_______________________________________________
Sent via amsat-bb@?????.???.
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!
https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 15, Issue 189
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