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CX2SA > SATDIG 30.12.15 19:43l 1022 Lines 35639 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: AO-7 Mode A at 2158Z (Paul Stoetzer)
2. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-12-29 22:00 UTC
(AJ9N@xxx.xxxx
3. Re: AO-7 Mode A at 2158Z (Joe)
4. TS-2000 and 9600 baud Sats - Problem Solved (Tony)
5. EO-79 transponder activation (GW1FKY@xxx.xxxx
6. Re: EO-79 transponder activation (Fabio)
7. Re: EO-79 transponder activation (EC4TR Luis)
8. Re: EO-79 transponder activation (David G0MRF)
9. Re: Fox-1Cliff and -1D matching contribution offer
(Andrew Glasbrenner)
10. Is anyone using a phased array for LEOs? (Douglas Quagliana)
11. Waiting for Solar Panel Efficiency (Ha!) (Robert Bruninga)
12. Re: Waiting for Solar Panel Efficiency (Ha!) (Stephen Nelson)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2015 17:11:49 -0500
From: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx>
To: "R.T.Liddy" <k8bl@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-7 Mode A at 2158Z
Message-ID:
<CABzOSOqd3-2+YnmqQpTZSwOzdxaAjx=O2Bn8HDeAvtr8=0KkZg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Yes, thanks for the QSO, Bob. As I said, I had much better signals on a
pass I worked around 1000Z last year. The downside of a 10m downlink is the
signals don't always get through the ionosphere very well!
Glad to get three more Mode A QSOs into the log today. That makes only six
QSOs I've ever made on Mode A. With my portable setup, it's difficult to
manage the two antennas, but I wanted to make a few more QSOs before AO-7
only switches to Mode A when it randomly jumps modes, rather than on a
predictable every other day schedule.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, R.T.Liddy <k8bl@xxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Paul,
>
> TNX for the AO-7A QSO at 2158Z!
>
> Very, very weak!!! Lots of QSB!!
>
> 73 & HNY, Bob K8BL
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','n8hm@xxxx.xxxxxx>>
> *To:* "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxxxx>" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxxxx>>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 29, 2015 3:19 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [amsat-bb] AO-7 Mode A at 1950Z
>
> Great to work WB8RJY and KC9ELU on that pass from here in EN82. Heard a few
> other weak signals out there too. Signals were much weaker than when I
> tried this setup from this spot in the middle of the night last year. Of
> course, that's the problem with 10m downlinks when the band is open! I'll
> try the next pass at 2144Z too.
>
> Apologies for being off frequency. I'm struggling through tuning, holding
> the Arrow, and holding my hand mic since my headset adapter broke a few
> days ago. Luckily a replacement is waiting for me in my mailbox in DC!
>
> 73,
>
> Paul, N8HM
>
> On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','n8hm@xxxx.xxxxxx>> wrote:
>
> > Good afternoon,
> >
> > I'll be on AO-7 Mode A at 1950Z today looking for a few QSOs. There's
> only
> > a few days left until AO-7 sees daily eclipses for many years to come,
> > meaning the 24 hour timer will not function and the satellite will spend
> a
> > large majority of its time in Mode B.
> >
> > I may also be on the 2144Z pass.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Paul, N8HM
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx.
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx.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: 2
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2015 17:13:05 -0500
From: AJ9N@xxx.xxx
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-12-29
22:00 UTC
Message-ID: <8fac.58dbf54a.43b45f71@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-12-29 22:00 UTC
Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:
Frederick W. Harnett Middle School, Blackstone, Massachusetts, telebridge
via K6DUE
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled astronaut is Timothy Peake KG5BVI
Contact is a go for: Tue 2016-01-05 17:42:06 UTC 81 deg
Sandringham School, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, direct via GB1SAN
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be GB1SS
The scheduled astronaut is Timothy Peake KG5BVI
Contact is a go for: Fri 2016-01-08 08:47:47 UTC 83 deg (***)
****************************************************************************
**
I would like to thank everyone who has supported ARISS since the first
contact back 15 years ago. I can still remember ARISS contact #1 where I was
the control operator at Burbank outside of Chicago. It has been a blast
ever since.
Now we are heading into 2016 where we hope to keep the traditions going.
We have 2 contacts scheduled in the first week of the new year.
Charlie AJ9N (***)
****************************************************************************
**
>From 2015-12-20 to 2016-01-04, there will be no US Operational Segment
(USOS)
hams on board ISS. So any schools contacts during this period will be
conducted by the ARISS Russia team.
****************************************************************************
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@xxxxx.xxx or aj9n@xxx.xxx.
****************************************************************************
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
http://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?
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@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
****************************************************************************
ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100
schools:
Gaston ON4WF with 121
Francesco IK?WGF with 115
Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 114
****************************************************************************
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.
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 8061 date
and
time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2015-12-29 22:00 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.
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf
Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1015.
Each school counts as 1 event.
Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 980.
Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot.
Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 46.
A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the
file.
http://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:
Arkansas, Delaware, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont,
Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin
Islands.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
QSL information may be found at:
http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html
ISS callsigns: DP?ISS, IR?ISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RS?ISS
****************************************************************************
The successful school list has been updated as of 2015-12-09 07:30 UTC.
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf
Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing
Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction
.rtf
Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC.
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf
Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415
****************************************************************************
Exp. 43/44 on orbit
Scott Kelly
Mikhail Kornienko RN3BF
Exp. 45 on orbit
Sergey Volkov RU3DIS
Exp. 46 on orbit
Tim Kopra KE5UDN
Timothy Peake KG5BVI
Yuri Malenchenko RK3DUP
****************************************************************************
73,
Charlie Sufana AJ9N
One of the ARISS operation team mentors
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2015 16:19:34 -0600
From: Joe <nss@xxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] AO-7 Mode A at 2158Z
Message-ID: <568306F6.4050704@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
I heard both of you on this pass. I love this old bird! I wish there
were more mode A birds.
Joe WB9SBD
Sig
The Original Rolling Ball Clock
Idle Tyme
Idle-Tyme.com
http://www.idle-tyme.com
On 12/29/2015 4:11 PM, Paul Stoetzer wrote:
> Yes, thanks for the QSO, Bob. As I said, I had much better signals on a
> pass I worked around 1000Z last year. The downside of a 10m downlink is the
> signals don't always get through the ionosphere very well!
>
> Glad to get three more Mode A QSOs into the log today. That makes only six
> QSOs I've ever made on Mode A. With my portable setup, it's difficult to
> manage the two antennas, but I wanted to make a few more QSOs before AO-7
> only switches to Mode A when it randomly jumps modes, rather than on a
> predictable every other day schedule.
>
> 73,
>
> Paul, N8HM
>
> On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, R.T.Liddy <k8bl@xxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
>> Paul,
>>
>> TNX for the AO-7A QSO at 2158Z!
>>
>> Very, very weak!!! Lots of QSB!!
>>
>> 73 & HNY, Bob K8BL
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','n8hm@xxxx.xxxxxx>>
>> *To:* "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxxxx>" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxxxx>>
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 29, 2015 3:19 PM
>> *Subject:* Re: [amsat-bb] AO-7 Mode A at 1950Z
>>
>> Great to work WB8RJY and KC9ELU on that pass from here in EN82. Heard a few
>> other weak signals out there too. Signals were much weaker than when I
>> tried this setup from this spot in the middle of the night last year. Of
>> course, that's the problem with 10m downlinks when the band is open! I'll
>> try the next pass at 2144Z too.
>>
>> Apologies for being off frequency. I'm struggling through tuning, holding
>> the Arrow, and holding my hand mic since my headset adapter broke a few
>> days ago. Luckily a replacement is waiting for me in my mailbox in DC!
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Paul, N8HM
>>
>> On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','n8hm@xxxx.xxxxxx>> wrote:
>>
>>> Good afternoon,
>>>
>>> I'll be on AO-7 Mode A at 1950Z today looking for a few QSOs. There's
>> only
>>> a few days left until AO-7 sees daily eclipses for many years to come,
>>> meaning the 24 hour timer will not function and the satellite will spend
>> a
>>> large majority of its time in Mode B.
>>>
>>> I may also be on the 2144Z pass.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Paul, N8HM
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx.
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx.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: Tue, 29 Dec 2015 19:55:46 -0500
From: Tony <dxdx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] TS-2000 and 9600 baud Sats - Problem Solved
Message-ID: <56832B92.4020103@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
All:
Not sure why, but It took a factory reset to get my Kenwood TS-2000
working with an external 9600 baud TNC. The setup now works fine with
9600 baud satellites.
So for those who may have a TS-2000, the rig will work with an external
9600 baud TNC right out of the box. The external TNC data rate (menu
50F) must be set to 9600. The same menu item must changed to 1200 when
operating the TNC at 1200 baud.
Thanks for all...
Tony -K2MO
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 06:21:57 -0500
From: GW1FKY@xxx.xxx
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] EO-79 transponder activation
Message-ID: <25852a.1a0f1395.43b51854@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Hi all,
Wednesday 30th December 2015 - EO-79 activation and pass 1100 hrs - South
to North here in Wales -UK.
Transponder on and many stations heard very strongly working the
satellite. I also heard my own downlink
with my usual " ELK " antenna, however I was interrupted by very strong
local QRM - We also have lots of rain which did not help.
"Wouter -thanks to you and your team for the activation, dedication,time
and effort.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR " to all and Good Luck for future projects.
Ken Eaton
GW1FKY
Amsat - UK
Amsat NA
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:13:09 +0100
From: Fabio <roccaf@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] EO-79 transponder activation
Message-ID: <80D84659-2D95-401A-B2CB-7911BB4DBB40@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi all,
I am monitoring EO-79 since few days but nothing heard so far.
Beacon is always ok but the transponder seems to be off.
I have followed the 1100 utc pass but nothing up to the satellite was over
Spain when I have switched off the radio.
Regards
Fabio
F5VKV
Fabio Roccatagliata
Sent from my iPhone
> On 30 Dec 2015, at 12:21, GW1FKY--- via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> Wednesday 30th December 2015 - EO-79 activation and pass 1100 hrs - South
> to North here in Wales -UK.
> Transponder on and many stations heard very strongly working the
> satellite. I also heard my own downlink
> with my usual " ELK " antenna, however I was interrupted by very strong
> local QRM - We also have lots of rain which did not help.
> "Wouter -thanks to you and your team for the activation, dedication,time
> and effort.
> "HAPPY NEW YEAR " to all and Good Luck for future projects.
> Ken Eaton
> GW1FKY
> Amsat - UK
> 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: 7
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:43:30 +0100
From: EC4TR Luis <ec4tr.luis@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] EO-79 transponder activation
Message-ID: <5683D172.9070206@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
Hi all
strong signal, last pass over atlantic ocean 12:35 UTC
145.950/435.064
but no takers.
Happy New Year
Luis
EC4TR
El 30/12/2015 a las 13:13, Fabio escribi?:
> Hi all,
>
> I am monitoring EO-79 since few days but nothing heard so far.
>
> Beacon is always ok but the transponder seems to be off.
>
> I have followed the 1100 utc pass but nothing up to the satellite was over
Spain when I have switched off the radio.
>
> Regards
> Fabio
> F5VKV
>
> Fabio Roccatagliata
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On 30 Dec 2015, at 12:21, GW1FKY--- via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>> Wednesday 30th December 2015 - EO-79 activation and pass 1100 hrs - South
>> to North here in Wales -UK.
>> Transponder on and many stations heard very strongly working the
>> satellite. I also heard my own downlink
>> with my usual " ELK " antenna, however I was interrupted by very strong
>> local QRM - We also have lots of rain which did not help.
>> "Wouter -thanks to you and your team for the activation, dedication,time
>> and effort.
>> "HAPPY NEW YEAR " to all and Good Luck for future projects.
>> Ken Eaton
>> GW1FKY
>> Amsat - UK
>> 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
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 8
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:47:41 -0500
From: David G0MRF <g0mrf@xxx.xxx>
To: roccaf@xxxxx.xxxx amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] EO-79 transponder activation
Message-ID: <151f35bd91f-7bc9-10285@xxxxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Fabio.
I was monitoring the same pass using a FCD and SDR#
I heard stations from EA DL PA GW and France without problem.
The pass was south to north with AOS (London) at 10:56 and LOS at 11:09
Activity seems to be accurately reported at http://www.amsat.org/status/
Regards
David G0MRF
-----Original Message-----
From: Fabio <roccaf@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:13
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] EO-79 transponder activation
Hi all,
I am monitoring EO-79 since few days but nothing heard so far.
Beacon is always ok but the transponder seems to be off.
I have followed the 1100 utc pass but nothing up to the satellite was over
Spain when I have switched off the radio.
Regards
Fabio
F5VKV
Fabio Roccatagliata
Sent from my iPhone
> On 30 Dec 2015, at 12:21, GW1FKY--- via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> Wednesday 30th December 2015 - EO-79 activation and pass 1100 hrs - South
> to North here in Wales -UK.
> Transponder on and many stations heard very strongly working the
> satellite. I also heard my own downlink
> with my usual " ELK " antenna, however I was interrupted by very strong
> local QRM - We also have lots of rain which did not help.
> "Wouter -thanks to you and your team for the activation, dedication,time
> and effort.
> "HAPPY NEW YEAR " to all and Good Luck for future projects.
> Ken Eaton
> GW1FKY
> Amsat - UK
> 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
_______________________________________________
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: 9
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:38:00 -0500
From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "'Andrew Glasbrenner'" <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, "'amsat-bb'"
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: ans-editor@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Fox-1Cliff and -1D matching contribution offer
Message-ID: <068601d14318$10d90830$328b1890$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I just want to thank everyone for the outstanding response to our request
for support for the Fox-1Cliff and -1D fundraiser. In five days we have
raised $2918 and the pledged $1000 matching donation through the FundRazr
app. 73 weeks ago when we announced the launch opportunity for Fox-1Cliff
(and later including -1D), we set $25,000 as a goal for online fundraising
through social media and the app. This amount covers a fractional but
significant portion of the launch expense. I'm very pleased that as of 1030
EST this morning, the 30th of December, we have raised $23,323 from 246
contributors. Donations have varied from $3 and up, so everyone can
contribute and be recognized.
There is still time before the end of the year to take advantage of the tax
benefits of a donation, and help launch Fox-1Cliff and Fox-1D in 2016. Just
visit https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6pz92/ab/561Zd and pick your level of
support. Donations of $1000 or more will receive a plaque with a solar panel
protective cover after launch, and $100 qualifies for a Fox challenge coin
to be delivered in 6-8 weeks when the next shipment arrives.
Thank you for the support,
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
AMSAT VP Operations
-----Original Message-----
From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Andrew
Glasbrenner
Sent: Friday, December 25, 2015 10:01 AM
To: 'amsat-bb'
Cc: ans-editor@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Fox-1Cliff and -1D matching contribution offer
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to AMSAT members and satellite
enthusiasts everywhere!
In this season of giving, we've had a generous offer for matching funds up
to $1,000 for those that contribute to the Fox-1Cliff and -1D crowdsourcing
campaign at https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6pz92/ab/561Zd between now and
December 31st. Make your donation twice as valuable by taking advantage of
this opportunity and contributing before the end of the year, and help AMSAT
fund the launch of the next two satellites in the Fox-1 series.
Slated for launch in 2016 on the inaugural Spaceflight SHERPA mission aboard
a SpaceX Falcon 9, Fox-1Cliff and -1D carry university experiments from
Pennsylvania State-Erie, Vanderbilt, University of Iowa, cameras provided by
Virginia Tech, as well as amateur radio voice repeaters capable of U/V or
L/V operation.
Donations of $100 or more are eligible for a special AMSAT Fox challenge
coin, and $1,000 or more qualifies for a plaque with an actual solar panel
cover from Fox-1Cliff or -1D. (We've nearly exhausted our coin supply and
are waiting on resupply from the mint. Plaques will be distributed sometime
after spacecraft integration. Please be patient for delivery of either
premium.)
AMSAT is a 501-(c)-(3) not-for-profit educational and scientific
organization of amateur radio operators whose purpose is to design,
construct, launch, and operate satellites in space and to provide the
support needed to encourage amateurs to utilize these resources. Please
consider a tax-deductible contribution to AMSAT to help underwrite the
development and launch expenses of our Fox satellite program.
Donors wishing to provide additional matching funds please contact Drew
Glasbrenner, KO4MA at ko4ma@xxxxx.xxx.
_______________________________________________
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.
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------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:49:44 -0600
From: Douglas Quagliana <dquagliana@xxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Is anyone using a phased array for LEOs?
Message-ID: <D3503239-6ED0-443E-AF33-E2BD695D0B4E@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I would like to hear from anyone who is (or was) using a phased array of
antennas for LEOs. (For example, the LA2QAA 435-jpole phased array that
appeared in the AMSAT Journal a few years ago).
In particular I would like to know
- what antenna elements you used (jpole, vertical, something else) for the
array
- number of elements in the array
- what coax relays/switches you used (brand/model/signal losses?) for phasing?
- details of the computer controlled steering or did you manual steer?
- what band(s) (2m, 70cm, other)?
- which satellite(s) you were trying to receive
and
-your overall experience with how well the phased array worked (or didnt
work) for LEOs.
If there's enough interest and/or replies then I'll write it up for an AMSAT
Journal article.
73,
Douglas KA2UPW/5
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:05:57 -0500
From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Waiting for Solar Panel Efficiency (Ha!)
Message-ID: <4f75c60ffd4528106027b2afa7818fc4@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Compare the cost and efficiency of solar panels for cubesats and for your
house:
http://aprs.org/Energy/solar/efficiency-comparison-cost.png
The 10,000 Watt array for your house costs less than a 10 W array for a
cubesat satellite.
I get tired of the excuse, ?Im waiting for higher efficiency cells? when
the cost of just doubling the efficiency from 15% to 30% is a factor of
1000 times more expensive. You?ll be dead before the expensive ones even
come down by half (much less the 1000 to 1 needed to make them practical).
And in fact it will never ever happen. Because a satellite builder will
pay a measly $10,000 to DOUBLE the power of his 4 inch satellite and so the
market for the highest efficiency cells will always get a premium price
because the satellite buyers will always pay max dollars for max power
independent of cost.
And there will never be a decaying cost or learning curve, because as soon
as someone comes up with a 32% solar cell, then the 30% technology is
ABANDONED because the space industry will all move to the 32% cells and be
happy to pay even more for the higher power and there is practically no
market for last year?s 30% cells that cost 1000 times more than existing
silicon cells at 15%. And without a growing market for last year?s HIGH
efficiency cells, there will never be a learning curve and declining cost.
Meanwhile the cheap 15% cells being mass produced for the terrestrial solar
market in a MILLION times the volume at 1/1000 the cost already cost less
than a window of the same size! Witness the cost reduction of 10 to 1 in
the last 10 years and the 2 to 1 reduction in the last 3 years with
improvements from 15% efficiency up to around 18% not by changing the
technology of the 60 year old simple silicon, but just optimizing the
manufacturing process (by the billions)?
Solar is here, Now. And it won?t get any cheaper, because as the market
expands exponentially the demand for bazillions of watts of solar will soak
up every panel produced and homeowners are then competing with massive
utility scale purchases of millions of panels. Solar panels now cost less
than just a window of the same size. It is no longer the cost of the
panels, it is simply the cost of labor that drives the majority of cost
now. You can buy solar panels for under $0.70 a watt but to have a
contractor installed system is hovering around $3.50 per watt and not going
down much at all.
Lastly, if you have sun, you KNOW eventually you will be going solar. So
once you realize that, you should also realize that every electric bill you
pay from now on is just throwing money away which would have been better
invested in free electricity and 10% annual return for life on your roof or
in your yard.
Waiting gains nothing. Even the solar panels I bought 4 years ago at twice
the price have already paid for themselves. Waiting would have gained
nothing except 4 years of more wasted money to the utility and so many tons
of burned coal wasted into the air. Here are some more thoughts?
http://aprs.org/solar-now.html
Summary, Solar and Satellites? the same but 1000 times cheaper on Earth.
Bob, Wb4APR
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:38:49 -0800
From: Stephen Nelson <steve.motorola.uranium@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Robert Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Waiting for Solar Panel Efficiency (Ha!)
Message-ID:
<CALsCOXEnR8e_wSxWKuoaoTTjhH9FqOZZu76Wa2p0R9cKMOvVEA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I think it has to do with the starting material and test specifications....
Si is cheap, and can tolerate most VLSI manufacturing processes. GaAs is
very brittle and has a "bad attitude" during manufacturing to put it
lightly.
My guess, the extra cost comes from Process Yield, and strict Final Test
requirements to meet the reliability specs.
Stephen N.
KD6VEX
On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 9:05 AM, Robert Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Compare the cost and efficiency of solar panels for cubesats and for your
> house:
>
> http://aprs.org/Energy/solar/efficiency-comparison-cost.png
>
>
>
> The 10,000 Watt array for your house costs less than a 10 W array for a
> cubesat satellite.
>
>
>
> I get tired of the excuse, ?Im waiting for higher efficiency cells? when
> the cost of just doubling the efficiency from 15% to 30% is a factor of
> 1000 times more expensive. You?ll be dead before the expensive ones even
> come down by half (much less the 1000 to 1 needed to make them practical).
>
>
>
> And in fact it will never ever happen. Because a satellite builder will
> pay a measly $10,000 to DOUBLE the power of his 4 inch satellite and so the
> market for the highest efficiency cells will always get a premium price
> because the satellite buyers will always pay max dollars for max power
> independent of cost.
>
>
>
> And there will never be a decaying cost or learning curve, because as soon
> as someone comes up with a 32% solar cell, then the 30% technology is
> ABANDONED because the space industry will all move to the 32% cells and be
> happy to pay even more for the higher power and there is practically no
> market for last year?s 30% cells that cost 1000 times more than existing
> silicon cells at 15%. And without a growing market for last year?s HIGH
> efficiency cells, there will never be a learning curve and declining cost.
>
>
>
> Meanwhile the cheap 15% cells being mass produced for the terrestrial solar
> market in a MILLION times the volume at 1/1000 the cost already cost less
> than a window of the same size! Witness the cost reduction of 10 to 1 in
> the last 10 years and the 2 to 1 reduction in the last 3 years with
> improvements from 15% efficiency up to around 18% not by changing the
> technology of the 60 year old simple silicon, but just optimizing the
> manufacturing process (by the billions)?
>
>
>
> Solar is here, Now. And it won?t get any cheaper, because as the market
> expands exponentially the demand for bazillions of watts of solar will soak
> up every panel produced and homeowners are then competing with massive
> utility scale purchases of millions of panels. Solar panels now cost less
> than just a window of the same size. It is no longer the cost of the
> panels, it is simply the cost of labor that drives the majority of cost
> now. You can buy solar panels for under $0.70 a watt but to have a
> contractor installed system is hovering around $3.50 per watt and not going
> down much at all.
>
>
>
> Lastly, if you have sun, you KNOW eventually you will be going solar. So
> once you realize that, you should also realize that every electric bill you
> pay from now on is just throwing money away which would have been better
> invested in free electricity and 10% annual return for life on your roof or
> in your yard.
>
>
>
> Waiting gains nothing. Even the solar panels I bought 4 years ago at twice
> the price have already paid for themselves. Waiting would have gained
> nothing except 4 years of more wasted money to the utility and so many tons
> of burned coal wasted into the air. Here are some more thoughts?
>
>
>
> http://aprs.org/solar-now.html
>
>
>
> Summary, Solar and Satellites? the same but 1000 times cheaper on Earth.
>
>
>
> Bob, Wb4APR
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
--
Stephen Nelson
???????
??????????
KD6VEX
------------------------------
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 10, Issue 403
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