| |
CX2SA > SATDIG 25.01.16 20:56l 784 Lines 29624 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : AMSATBB1130
Read: GUEST
Subj: AMSAT-BB-digest V11 30
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<IW0QNL<JH4XSY<JE7YGF<7M3TJZ<CX2SA
Sent: 160125/1846Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:38203 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:AMSATBB1130
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Az-El Rotors (Clayton Coleman)
2. Latest TQSL on Ubuntu (John KI4RO)
3. Re: Az-El Rotors (Bob- W7LRD)
4. Re: Az-El Rotors (Robert Bruninga)
5. Re: Ettus B210 (Edward R Cole)
6. Re: Latest TQSL on Ubuntu (Daniel J. Grinkevich)
7. Re: Latest TQSL on Ubuntu (B J)
8. Re: Latest TQSL on Ubuntu (John KI4RO)
9. Re: Latest TQSL on Ubuntu (B J)
10. Re: Az-El Rotors (Edward R Cole)
11. Re: Ettus B210 (Zach Leffke)
12. Re: 9100 satellite memories (Richard Lawn)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:13:10 -0600
From: Clayton Coleman <kayakfishtx@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
Message-ID:
<CAPovOwcK8AGMj0XdqR7k4EiEC299bnHvMPHZ5Ts4Jft=BSdoyg@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I am not a fan of omni antennas for the current LEO satellites. The
eggbeater or moxons are marginal performers at best.
Short, quality feedlines and RX preamps are good ways to minimize
ineffectiveness of omnis but there's no silver bullet.
If you have no other choice but omnis, you may find yourself limited to
certain satellites and certain passes. SO-50, for example, is not going to
be favorable. Compensating for lack of hearing ability by running full
power won't make you many friends.
Working satellites on an almost daily basis, one can often identify an
eggbeater or omni user by their inability to hear a very strong signal from
the satellite.
As previously mentioned, a set of small yagis at a fixed elevation with an
azimuth rotor will yield far better results. The trick is not using
longer, high-gain yagis. You'll have more beam width with smaller ones.
Considering what many stations achieve with an Arrow or Elk antenna (7,000+
km contacts,) bigger isn't always better.
Omnis are okay as long as you understand the shortcomings.
73
Clayton
W5PFG
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:20:19 -0500
From: John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT Bulletin Board <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Latest TQSL on Ubuntu
Message-ID:
<CA+-NL40xWMuz8JAVRkvqn6ShF+DPPSbumhV=SRYbCJvLcS=KFw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Well, I'm not much of an expert on Linux/Ubuntu and hoping for some help
here; ARRL hasn't been much help yet.
I got TQSL out of the Ubuntu Software Center; it downloaded and installed
just fine. I was under the impression that, having installed it that way,
updates would be installed as they became available but apparently that is
not the case.
I've gone to the site and downloaded the appropriate tar.gz file and
unpacked it but I don't know what to do with it now. I've tried the make
command and such as specified on other sites but they don't seem able to
work.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
73
John KI4RO
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 17:24:00 +0000 (UTC)
From: Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: Fred Castello <fredcastello@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT bbs <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
Message-ID:
<191220837.10469290.1453742640106.JavaMail.zimbra@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Fred- Get a elchepo rotor, point the antenna up at about 25 degrees, and
you're good to go. Also check out Norms Rotor Service
http://www.rotorservice.com/prod1%20rotor%20sales.htm
Check out hamfests for Alliance U100 rotors. In my opinion stay away from
egg beaters, they're sort of ok, but many people usually "graduate" to yagi's.
Good luck
73 Bob w7LRD
Seattle
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred Castello" <fredcastello@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "AMSAT bbs" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2016 8:13:57 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
Please excuse the newbie. I have been receiving signals on SSB, CW, Packet,
and FM via just listening for a while now. I am newly back into the
satellites as I used to work the high elliptical orbit birds years ago. Let
my license lapse and just got it back and upgraded. Now getting the
satellite bug again and have really tried researching on the net but am a
bit frustrated by the paucity of az-el rotors available. It seems that there
are primarily the Yeasu G-5500 type at $700 to $800 or more or make your own
and really no in-between. I am looking to have a permanent installation that
could track both az and el and preferably be controlled by SatPC32. I am
thinking of starting with a small single antenna with both 2m and 70cm on it
(i.e. Arrow or other) which would present very low windage. When I initially
got re-interested I was imaging a cheap solution with TV rotors but I don?t
see any folks doing this and I would prefer not to have to set my antenna
solution up every ti
me I want to work the satellites. Am I missing something or could someone
point me to an article or reference that I am not aware of? I really
appreciate all of the collective experience in this group and thanks for
your time! I am using a Kenwood TS 790A without the 1.2 Ghz installed.
Best,
Fred Castello, KF4FC
_______________________________________________
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: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:41:00 -0500
From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga@xxxx.xxx>
To: amsat bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
Message-ID:
<CALdCfNLX4ZLXAUGzmn5nzLAXbaPhnZQ9oxhG4oXEHddwAi9mOQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
The gain is needed near the horizon, not so much higher up where the
satellite is 6 to 10 dB closer. Up at 25 degrees you wont have as much
gain on the satellites down at 10 degrees and lower where over 30% of all
passes are below 10 degrees. We suggest a 15 degree up-tilt:
see http://aprs.org/LEO-tracking.html
Of course, if your antenna cannot see down below 10 degrees due to your
local horizon, then conversly, dont put the gain there, in that case, a
higher angle is OK..
Bob, WB4APR
On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 12:24 PM, Bob- W7LRD <w7lrd@xxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Fred- Get a elchepo rotor, point the antenna up at about 25 degrees, and
> you're good to go. Also check out Norms Rotor Service
> http://www.rotorservice.com/prod1%20rotor%20sales.htm
> Check out hamfests for Alliance U100 rotors. In my opinion stay away from
> egg beaters, they're sort of ok, but many people usually "graduate" to
> yagi's.
> Good luck
> 73 Bob w7LRD
> Seattle
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Fred Castello" <fredcastello@xxxxx.xxx>
> To: "AMSAT bbs" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2016 8:13:57 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
>
> Please excuse the newbie. I have been receiving signals on SSB, CW,
> Packet, and FM via just listening for a while now. I am newly back into the
> satellites as I used to work the high elliptical orbit birds years ago. Let
> my license lapse and just got it back and upgraded. Now getting the
> satellite bug again and have really tried researching on the net but am a
> bit frustrated by the paucity of az-el rotors available. It seems that
> there are primarily the Yeasu G-5500 type at $700 to $800 or more or make
> your own and really no in-between. I am looking to have a permanent
> installation that could track both az and el and preferably be controlled
> by SatPC32. I am thinking of starting with a small single antenna with both
> 2m and 70cm on it (i.e. Arrow or other) which would present very low
> windage. When I initially got re-interested I was imaging a cheap solution
> with TV rotors but I don?t see any folks doing this and I would prefer not
> to have to set my antenna solution up every time I want to work the
> satellites. Am I missing something or could someone point me to an article
> or reference that I am not aware of? I really appreciate all of the
> collective experience in this group and thanks for your time! I am using a
> Kenwood TS 790A without the 1.2 Ghz installed.
> Best,
> Fred Castello, KF4FC
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 5
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 09:03:00 -0900
From: Edward R Cole <kl7uw@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Ettus B210
Message-ID: <201601251803.u0PI31aY026209@xxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Juan,
You are probably going to have to build an amplifier, but many RF
modules only require 40mw drive. I am building 80w 2m amplifiers
using the Toshiba S-VA36:
http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm
Other modules in that line such as S-VA10H outputs up to 14w. They
all require pretty much the same pc board. I am using the board made
by W6PQL which costs $17.50 without parts. Parts for the 80w amp are
listed on Mouser as a special project which is linked from:
http://www.w6pql.com/2_meter_80w_all_mode_amplifier.htm
If you did not want 80w output one could substitute the 10, 25, or
50w RF modules:
https://www.rfparts.com/module/rfpower-mosfet.html
Not sure what you mean by "pass through" unless you mean an amp that
bypasses for Receive. The W6PQL does that and has ckt for RF sensed
keying in transmit or external PTT. I've enhanced the design with
addition of power output metering and temp-controlled cooling fan.
But building in limited quantities means the parts are not cheap.
73, Ed - KL7UW
--------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 10:38:32 +0100
From: Juan Sanchez <jsdenis@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: [amsat-bb] Ettus B210
Message-ID:
<CAD9R3jOYs1VDjxUntU1XQYi_NDvZJoY1UtbBXQ69qmb_0fEXFQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I'm looking for some information about using some ettus SDR for sat work. I
have a B210. What kind of amplifier can I use able to be driven with the
200 mW of the Tx/RX output, better if it's pass trought. My google search
was unable to find some ham who has made somethin similar
Is ther some similar work with another SDR?
I would appreciate any kind of help... I'm a newbie...
Thanks a lot.
73
Juan
EB2FVT
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubususa@xxxxx.xxx
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:15:20 -0500
From: "Daniel J. Grinkevich" <danielgrinkevich@xxxxx.xxx>
To: John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT Bulletin Board <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Latest TQSL on Ubuntu
Message-ID:
<CAK1DEvtyJyQs4_VD9iGkHW954mAp3Lp4y7SfVbCmQc=2Z_txtw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
The INSTALL file contains instructions on how to build. You'll need to
apt-get all the libraries TQSL requires (libssl-dev, libexpat1-dev,
zlib1g-dev, libdb-dev, libwxgtk2.8-dev, and libcurl4-openssl-dev) then run
'cmake .' and 'make' as noted in the instructions.
Hope this helps.
Dan
W2GRK
On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 12:20 PM, John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Well, I'm not much of an expert on Linux/Ubuntu and hoping for some help
> here; ARRL hasn't been much help yet.
> I got TQSL out of the Ubuntu Software Center; it downloaded and installed
> just fine. I was under the impression that, having installed it that way,
> updates would be installed as they became available but apparently that is
> not the case.
> I've gone to the site and downloaded the appropriate tar.gz file and
> unpacked it but I don't know what to do with it now. I've tried the make
> command and such as specified on other sites but they don't seem able to
> work.
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>
> 73
> John KI4RO
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
--
---
GPG Key: 0x160B24D1C08FB4E4
<https://pgp.mit.edu/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x160B24D1C08FB4E4>
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:23:16 +0000
From: B J <va6bmj@xxxxx.xxx>
To: John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT Bulletin Board <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Latest TQSL on Ubuntu
Message-ID:
<CAP7QzkOp-DvbVpaQwpzQexxP9xkiJaw2fOmvLoEkH+G_HE1SNA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
On 1/25/16, John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Well, I'm not much of an expert on Linux/Ubuntu and hoping for some help
> here; ARRL hasn't been much help yet.
> I got TQSL out of the Ubuntu Software Center; it downloaded and installed
> just fine. I was under the impression that, having installed it that way,
> updates would be installed as they became available but apparently that is
> not the case.
> I've gone to the site and downloaded the appropriate tar.gz file and
> unpacked it but I don't know what to do with it now. I've tried the make
> command and such as specified on other sites but they don't seem able to
> work.
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
It's been years since I used Ubuntu, so I might be talking about
something that no longer applies.
If I recall correctly, USC should download and install software
automatically. I don't know if one has the option of downloading only
the files and then installing it by hand. Perhaps you can check this.
I use openSUSE and its software manager does all that for me after I
click on the right box and tell it to go ahead. I was under the
impression that Ubuntu did the same thing.
OK, assuming that what I just suggested isn't applicable, installing
software is often easier than it first appears.
First, after you've unpacked the files, check for one that's labelled
"README" or something like that. Often, these packages include them
and they usually have instructions on how to install the program. If
it exists, open it and follow the instructions.
Failing that, look in the TQSL directory for files that are labelled
"make" or something similar. (There should also be some "install"
files there as well.) Those should have the scripts by which the
machine does the installation. If they're there, then, if I remember
correctly, get into the directory where they are and then try the
following:
make config (that might be required to set options on what needs to
be installed)
make install clean (this is the main one which starts the process)
Once that begins, let the machine continue, though you might have to
respond to some queries about what to do next.
Assuming that everything goes well and the installation is complete,
look for an icon in a menu or on the desktop which points to TQSL.
Click on that and the program should launch. If there isn't an icon,
then open a terminal window and type in "tqsl" or a variation on that.
That should start the software. (If this is actually the case, try to
create a launcher specifically for TQSL.)
Let me know what happens.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:25:02 -0500
From: John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "Daniel J. Grinkevich" <danielgrinkevich@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT Bulletin Board <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Latest TQSL on Ubuntu
Message-ID:
<CA+-NL41p3Q=bER_KX-sxYLO8iOaGrNBiA3=0dN+HgSzL2oNz2g@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the quick response. That's where the confusion sets in. I
don't understand why I have to do all that "stuff" if TQSL is already
running on my system. Shouldn't there be an easier way?
73
John
73
John KI4RO
On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 1:15 PM, Daniel J. Grinkevich <
danielgrinkevich@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> The INSTALL file contains instructions on how to build. You'll need to
> apt-get all the libraries TQSL requires (libssl-dev, libexpat1-dev,
> zlib1g-dev, libdb-dev, libwxgtk2.8-dev, and libcurl4-openssl-dev) then run
> 'cmake .' and 'make' as noted in the instructions.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Dan
> W2GRK
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 12:20 PM, John KI4RO <johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
>> Well, I'm not much of an expert on Linux/Ubuntu and hoping for some help
>> here; ARRL hasn't been much help yet.
>> I got TQSL out of the Ubuntu Software Center; it downloaded and installed
>> just fine. I was under the impression that, having installed it that way,
>> updates would be installed as they became available but apparently that is
>> not the case.
>> I've gone to the site and downloaded the appropriate tar.gz file and
>> unpacked it but I don't know what to do with it now. I've tried the make
>> command and such as specified on other sites but they don't seem able to
>> work.
>> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>>
>> 73
>> John KI4RO
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
>
>
> --
> ---
> GPG Key: 0x160B24D1C08FB4E4
> <https://pgp.mit.edu/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x160B24D1C08FB4E4>
>
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:27:18 +0000
From: B J <va6bmj@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "Daniel J. Grinkevich" <danielgrinkevich@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: AMSAT Bulletin Board <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, John KI4RO
<johnki4ro@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Latest TQSL on Ubuntu
Message-ID:
<CAP7QzkNnyp2Z+LiPz87+Qy6-UOiNFuyMouZd1NX=qvWQFG4pRA@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
On 1/25/16, Daniel J. Grinkevich <danielgrinkevich@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> The INSTALL file contains instructions on how to build. You'll need to
> apt-get all the libraries TQSL requires (libssl-dev, libexpat1-dev,
> zlib1g-dev, libdb-dev, libwxgtk2.8-dev, and libcurl4-openssl-dev) then run
> 'cmake .' and 'make' as noted in the instructions.
<snip>
Come to think of it, you might be right. I assumed that everything
that was needed for installing TQSL was already in place.
The last time I installed Gpredict by hand, the computer said rude
things about me not having certain libraries and other extra stuff.
Once I installed those, I could proceed with setting up Gpredict.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 09:38:39 -0900
From: Edward R Cole <kl7uw@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
Message-ID: <201601251838.u0PIcdH6007815@xxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
I agree with JoAnne:
Put up a small yagi fixed in elevation at 15-30 degrees with a cheap
antenna rotator for azimuth (Alliance HD73 or similar) and you will
be in business without the $700 cost of az-el. Even mounting an
Arrow this way is good to have hands-free operation.
I built a pair of Lindenblad antennas, which was an interesting
project, and they worked OK. But I missed having the gain of a yagi
system for stronger reception of the sats (my old system was rated
for AO-40). I have taken down my Lindenblads.
I've acquired a replacement controller for my Yaesu B5400 and will
re-install part of (26-elements) of my M2 436CP42 and have a
7-element M2 2m yagi on a short tower with the B5400. Probably will
not get to this until spring. You can see what I have done here:
http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm
73, Ed - KL7UW
From: "JoAnne Maenpaa" <k9jkm@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "'AMSAT bbs'" <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Az-El Rotors
Message-ID: <000901d15778$4c73e210$e55ba630$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hi Fred,
> ... starting with a small single antenna with both 2m and 70cm on
> it (i.e. Arrow or other) ...
I've found that an azimuth-only rotor with a fixed elevation of 20?
or so works well enough for most of what I do with LEO satellites. I
got my rotor from ebay for $20. It is a primitive setup - manual
tracking. Much of the time I prefer using an Arrow antenna.
If you are looking for rotor projects there have been two designs
published over the past year or so in the AMSAT Journal. Here is some
information you can use to find out more about these:
The AMSAT store has the printed circuit board for WA8SME's WRAPS
inexpensive, portable az-el rotor system. See http://store.amsat.org
and look for the "WRAPS Tracker Circuit Board". There is also a link
to the article by Mark, WA8SME.
Bob, KI4SBL, wrote an article about his homebrew az-el rotor system,
"CNCTRK ? A LinuxCNC Based Satellite Tracking System", for the AMSAT
Journal. Bob has details of this project and the parts he sells along
with a PDF of the article posted on his web site:
http://ki4sbl.dodropin.org/CNCTRK/
--
73 de JoAnne K9JKM
k9jkm@xxxxx.xxx
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubususa@xxxxx.xxx
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:43:20 -0500
From: Zach Leffke <zleffke@xx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Ettus B210
Message-ID: <56A66CC8.8060201@xx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
We are using Ettus N210s in the Virginia Tech Ground Station, similar
problem in needing a few tens of watts out for 100mW or less in (We also
use B210s for prototyping). Keep in mind that though the ettus
datasheet may say 200 mW output for the B210, it is a frequency
dependent parameter. So their sales brochure will quote the highest
value achieved, which doesn't necessarily mean at 2m or 70cm you will
achieve the same output power. Also, generally with these products
you'll want to back off the tx gain parameter to avoid signal distortion
that may occur at higher gains (and thus closer to the final output
power). In my experience 50mW-100mW is a reasonable guess for a decent
power level that can be achieved without significant signal distortion
(lower is better if you can afford it).
I looked into the Toshiba Module solution mentioned, and it is a pretty
decent solution, but my problem with it was filtering. Those modules
are great but have pretty bad third harmonic and spur rejection. This
means that final stage filtering will be required to stay within FCC
limits (I think -60 dBc is the requirement, can't remember off the top
of my head). The W6PQL reference is fantastic and is closer to a good
solution because he has the filtering problem solved in his designs (you
may have to get the filter board separate for the 70cm design, I think
he includes a filter in the 80W 2m Amp design). For the budget
conscious, this is the path I would recommend. I would probably look
into using the Toshiba modules with lower output power (single digit
Watts) as a driver for something like a Mirage Amp (that I think has the
final stage filtering built in).
For our final design at the VT ground station, we settled on Kuhne
amplifiers. A lot pricier than the Toshiba Module solution (though on
the same order as say a Mirage amp), but they have good filtering and
require around 50-100 mW to achieve full drive (60W out) and no
intermediate amps required. (We want lots of TX power for command and
control reasons to have plenty of margin on the uplink, for normal
operations we'll be way down in the single digit Watts output power area)/
Search these model numbers on the kuhne website
(http://www.kuhne-electronic.de/en/home.html) for the product pages:
2m Model: MKU PA 2M-60W HY
70cm Model : MKU PA 70CM-60W HY
23cm Model: MKU PA 23CM-100W A
(Note, the 23cm Module requires 500mW drive for full 100W out, I'll be
looking into getting some minicircuits amps to provide a gain stage
between the USRP and the Kuhne Module. We will primarily be using this
for EME work though where we want the full drive. For sat work we will
be way down from 100W output power so we don't blast any foxes out of
orbit, Hi Hi :-) )
I can't tell you if this is a good plan or not yet because we are in the
processes of assembling the amplifier decks this semester. A HUGE part
of that process will be testing the amplifiers with the Ettus USRPs to
characterize final power levels, signal distortion, and making sure we
meet FCC requirements, etc. Also this semester we hope to get our
website up and running where we will then post this kind of performance
data, so stay tuned for that.
Hope this helps,
Zach, KJ4QLP
Research Associate
Ted & Karyn Hume Center for National Security & Technology
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Work Phone: 540-231-4174
Cell Phone: 540-808-6305
On 1/25/2016 1:03 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> Juan,
>
> You are probably going to have to build an amplifier, but many RF
> modules only require 40mw drive. I am building 80w 2m amplifiers
> using the Toshiba S-VA36:
> http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm
>
> Other modules in that line such as S-VA10H outputs up to 14w. They all
> require pretty much the same pc board. I am using the board made by
> W6PQL which costs $17.50 without parts. Parts for the 80w amp are
> listed on Mouser as a special project which is linked from:
> http://www.w6pql.com/2_meter_80w_all_mode_amplifier.htm
>
> If you did not want 80w output one could substitute the 10, 25, or 50w
> RF modules:
> https://www.rfparts.com/module/rfpower-mosfet.html
>
> Not sure what you mean by "pass through" unless you mean an amp that
> bypasses for Receive. The W6PQL does that and has ckt for RF sensed
> keying in transmit or external PTT. I've enhanced the design with
> addition of power output metering and temp-controlled cooling fan.
>
> But building in limited quantities means the parts are not cheap.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> --------------
> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 10:38:32 +0100
> From: Juan Sanchez <jsdenis@xxxxx.xxx>
> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Ettus B210
> Message-ID:
> <CAD9R3jOYs1VDjxUntU1XQYi_NDvZJoY1UtbBXQ69qmb_0fEXFQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> I'm looking for some information about using some ettus SDR for sat
> work. I
> have a B210. What kind of amplifier can I use able to be driven with the
> 200 mW of the Tx/RX output, better if it's pass trought. My google search
> was unable to find some ham who has made somethin similar
> Is ther some similar work with another SDR?
> I would appreciate any kind of help... I'm a newbie...
> Thanks a lot.
> 73
> Juan
> EB2FVT
>
>
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> dubususa@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.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:44:27 -0500
From: Richard Lawn <rjlawn@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] 9100 satellite memories
Message-ID:
<CADQmrTFrx9-e2WzKr7=o2XC3guEvjvyQo7PVVun6x6SJSN_hnQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I'm not sure you even need to both with this since you are using SatPC32 as
many of us do. I don't bother.
73
Rick, W2JAZ
--
Sent from Gmail Mobile
------------------------------
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 11, Issue 30
****************************************
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
