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CX2SA  > SATDIG   17.02.16 16:17l 1273 Lines 51061 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : AMSATBB1155
Read: GUEST
Subj: AMSAT-BB-digest V11 55
Path: IW8PGT<HB9CSR<IK2XDE<DB0RES<DB0OVN<DB0GOS<ON0AR<OZ5BBS<CX2SA
Sent: 160217/1410Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:39372 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:AMSATBB1155
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To  : SATDIG@WW

Today's Topics:

   1. Re: ISS Packet (Paul Stoetzer)
   2. Why 6 digit grid locator in Europe? (Juan Antonio Fernandez)
   3. Re: New AO7 Distance Record (Eduardo PY2RN)
   4. Recent AO-85 Observations (Clayton W5PFG)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:29:38 -0500
From: Paul Stoetzer <n8hm@xxxx.xxx>
To: Buzcut Ranger <kf1buz@xxxxx.xxx>
Cc: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] ISS Packet
Message-ID:
<CABzOSOqQFMzmfZ2yAHHTZ8By5orPsgjOkbrGd846DKQWWY4F5Q@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

It shouldn't take that much. I have gotten in with 5 watts to a whip
antenna before. However, the channel has to be clear.

What is your setup? Have you tried it with terrestrial APRS to make
sure your modulation is OK?

73,

Paul, N8HM

On Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 11:22 PM, Buzcut Ranger <kf1buz@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
> Hi All
>
> so is the issue with the iss packet system a radio or antenna? its as def a
> stump. had a nice 45 deg pass and it did not pick me up at all, but picked
> up a few others, 100w should beable to get a hit but nope, then there is
> the odd person or persons that connect to the BBS and lock out any one else
> from reporting...
> oh well..
>
> Dan KF1BUZ
>
> On Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 7:37 PM, <amsat-bb-request@xxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
>> Send AMSAT-BB mailing list submissions to
>>         amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>>
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>         http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>         amsat-bb-request@xxxxx.xxx
>>
>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>         amsat-bb-owner@xxxxx.xxx
>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of AMSAT-BB digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>>    1. Re: Orlando hamcation (Rich/wa4bue)
>>    2. Re: Orlando hamcation (Rich/wa4bue)
>>    3. France (IN94) on AO-07B (    F6GLJ)
>>    4. Upcoming ARISS contact with UAH Space Hardware Club,
>>       Huntsville, Alabama (n4csitwo@xxxxxxxxx.xxxx
>>    5. New AO7 Distance Record (Dave Swanson)
>>    6. Re: New AO7 Distance Record (Stefan Wagener)
>>    7. Fw: Fwd: LVB tracker (W2JV)
>>    8. Re: New AO7 Distance Record (Eduardo PY2RN)
>>    9. Re: New AO7 Distance Record (Stephen  E. Belter)
>>   10. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-02-17 03:30    UTC
>>       (AJ9N@xxx.xxxx
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 09:54:25 -0500
>> From: "Rich/wa4bue" <richard.siff@xxxxxxx.xxx>
>> To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Orlando hamcation
>> Message-ID: <B2D595FFE58A45678B820466593240EB@xxxxxxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
>>         reply-type=original
>>
>> I think the link is Ham world . net
>>
>> Hope and family will be speaking this weekend at Old Dominion University
>> Open House for about 400 -600 middle & high school students touring the
>> engineering department.
>>
>> Hope is the key note speaker on Saturday.
>>
>> John KW4CR is coordinating the event.
>>
>> On Fri. 19th K4AMG will be on the air HF and SATS WX permitting
>>
>> God Bless
>>
>> R
>> W4BUE
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: jeffory broughton
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 9:32 AM
>> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Orlando hamcation
>>
>> I saw the video ,I believe on facebook of Hope making contacts from the
>> hamfest.i can't find it again.Can some send me a link ?
>>
>> jeff broughton
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 2
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 09:55:26 -0500
>> From: "Rich/wa4bue" <richard.siff@xxxxxxx.xxx>
>> To: "James Lea - WX4TV" <james@xxxxx.xxx>,      "jeffory broughton"
>>         <jefforybroughton@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Orlando hamcation
>> Message-ID: <7C43E7C6A7C34EF09C5B79973137EF73@xxxxxxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
>>         reply-type=original
>>
>> Maybe on K4AMG Face Book too!
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: James Lea - WX4TV
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 9:47 AM
>> To: jeffory broughton
>> Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Orlando hamcation
>>
>> If it is her on SO-50, I've not seen it and would love to see it.
>>
>> James Lea
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Feb 16, 2016, at 09:32, jeffory broughton <jefforybroughton@xxxxx.xxx>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I saw the video ,I believe on facebook of Hope making contacts from the
>> hamfest.i can't find it again.Can some send me a link ?
>>
>> jeff broughton
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 3
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 18:32:16 +0100
>> From: "    F6GLJ" <michel-f6glj@xxxxxx.xx>
>> To: <K4FEG@xxxxx.xxx>, "VE1MAM" <mmorel@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx>,
>>         <satdx-bb@xxxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>, <lebelb@xxxxx.xx.xx
>> >
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] France (IN94) on AO-07B
>> Message-ID: <001f01d168df$fd2d1180$f7873480$@xx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="iso-8859-1"
>>
>> Hello.
>>
>>
>>
>> I?ll be on AO-07 between 18 :00 to 18 :10, very good pass for qso France <>
>> SA and NA. Only 3? off elevation.
>>
>>
>>
>> I hope meet you.
>>
>>
>>
>> 73 Qro de F6GLJ
>> https://www.qrz.com/db/F6GLJ
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:41:30 -0500
>> From: <n4csitwo@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>> To: "Michael Lee" <aa6ml@xxxx.xxx>, "Doug Rehman" <doug@xxxx.xxx>,
>>         <ariss-press@xxxxx.xxx>, "amsat-edu" <amsat-edu@xxxxx.xxx>,
>>         <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS contact with UAH Space Hardware
>>         Club,   Huntsville, Alabama
>> Message-ID: <6FF0314C6CC1401098DBAEA39B2480BE@xxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="iso-8859-1"
>>
>> An International Space Station school contact has been planned with
>> participants at UAH Space Hardware Club, Huntsville, Alabama on Feb 19 The
>> event is scheduled to begin at approximately 17:20 UTC. The duration of the
>> contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be
>> direct between NA1SS and K4UAH. The contact should be audible over the
>> state of Alabama and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to
>> listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be
>> conducted in English.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> The Space Hardware Club at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is an
>> engineering club of students that builds balloon payloads, satellites and
>> rockets outside of their regular classes. The club has been working on this
>> contact for over a year. After deciding to focus on 8th grade students, we
>> reached out to Discovery Middle School, Westlawn Middle School, and the
>> Tennessee Valley Homeschool 4-H group - all from the northern Alabama area.
>> The students from Westlawn have been part of Project Lead The Way for 2
>> years now and have been exposed to robotics, modeling, and 3d printing. The
>> students from the homeschool group all have a passion for STEM, a love of
>> learning and being challenged, and are bubbling with excitement for this
>> opportunity of a lifetime. There are two STEM II classes from Discovery
>> Middle School that routinely rise to the expectations of their accelerated
>> STEM focused curriculum. By the time of the contact, the students will have
>> learned about the ISS, the
>>   astronauts and some of the experiments aboard, and amateur radio.  All
>> of the students and club members involved are passionate about this
>> opportunity, and thank you for your time.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 1. What is your favorite experiment that you've done in space?
>>
>> 2.  What would you want to add to the ISS?
>>
>> 3.  What is your favorite thing about living in space?
>>
>> 4.  If someone wants to be an astronaut when they grow up, what should
>> they be doing now as a kid to prepare?
>>
>> 5.  Was it hard to adjust to zero gravity?
>>
>> 6.  What everyday task on Earth is the hardest in space?
>>
>> 7.  Did you put any ranch on the lettuce grown in space?
>>
>> 8.  What do the stars look like from up in space?
>>
>> 9.  What happens in a case of an emergency?
>>
>> 10.  What is your sleep schedule?
>>
>> 11.  What do astronauts do for fun on the ISS?
>>
>> 12.  Do you ever feel lonely?
>>
>> 13.  When you get back on earth, do you feel different?
>>
>> 14.  Do you have trouble telling whether it is night or day?
>>
>> 15.  Why did you choose to go to space?
>>
>> 16.  Do you feel like your background helped you to become an astronaut?
>>
>> 17.  Does micogravity make your body tired or sick?
>>
>> 18.  What is the hardest thing about being away from earth for so long?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES:
>>
>>
>>
>>       Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the
>>
>>       International Space Station (ARISS).
>>
>>
>>
>>       To receive our Twitter updates, follow @xxxxxxxxxxxx
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Next planned event(s):
>>
>>
>>
>>       TBD
>>
>>
>>
>> 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), and the National Aeronautics and Space
>> Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration
>> of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by
>> organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard
>> the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues.  With the
>> help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with
>> large audiences in a variety of public forums.  Before and during these
>> radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about
>> space, space technologies, and amateur radio.  For more information, see
>> www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.a
>>  rrl.org.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you & 73,
>>
>> David - AA4KN
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:14:52 -0600
>> From: Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>> Message-ID: <56C39F5C.2050700@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>>
>> Satellite Friends and Colleagues,
>>
>> I wanted to share with everyone that on February 10th, at 2009UTC I made
>> a scheduled contact with Eduardo, PY2RN, using AO-7 Mode B, from
>> 'Shinnal Mountain' just west of Little Rock, Arkansas.  My 10 digit grid
>> locator for the contact was EM34ST20SC, and Eduardo's station is located
>> at GG66LW77JQ in Vinhedo/SP, Brazil.  Using the
>> http://no.nonsense.ee/qth/map.html website for reference, this equates
>> to 8030.895 km which we believe to be a new record for AO-7 Mode B. I've
>> been extremely busy this past week, but I had a few folks request that I
>> share a little background behind the contact, so here we go.
>>
>> Back on January 24th, I was on an AO-7(B) pass looking for Gustavo,
>> PT9BM. While not a record distance, Gustavo's QTH is just shy of 7500km
>> away from me, so I was up on my mountain, specifically in a spot with
>> great a great southeastern view of the Horizon. As the bird came into
>> view, while scanning the passband, I heard Eduardo, PY2RN, calling CQ. I
>> tried to answer him, but his signal disappeared quickly after that, and
>> I went ahead and had a great QSO with Gustavo, and didn't think anything
>> else of it until later that night when I decided to look up the station
>> I had heard. To my astonishment, Eduardo was 8030km away, which was way
>> beyond the theoretical range AO-7, even with elevation assistance. I
>> promptly emailed Eduardo and we both agreed to try and make a contact,
>> even though the math said it shouldn't be possible.
>>
>> At this point the random luck that had let me hear Eduardo on the 24th
>> seemed to elude us. We attempted contacts on the 26th, 28th, and 30th
>> all to no avail. After recalculating windows, our next shot was on
>> February 8th. WinListen (from Sat32pc) calculated a 3 second window on
>> the 8th, followed by 5 seconds on the 10th. The day of the 8th came, and
>> we prepared for the attempt. Murphy once again seemed to haunt us
>> though, as we successfully heard the calls and grids of each other, but
>> strong CW QRM was hitting the bird so hard that the intelligibility was
>> low and, more importantly, neither of us had a camera running. We
>> decided to not count the QSO due to these reasons. The good news was
>> though, we both heard each other (the first time that had happened) and
>> our frequency coordination was spot on. We knew it could be done, we
>> just needed a little luck.
>>
>> Finally, on February 10th, we got a bit of a break. We had already
>> determined that 5 seconds was simply not enough time to do a proper "QSL
>> thanks for the grid, have a great day" type of chat, so we both agreed
>> to simply repeat 'your call / my call / grid / report' rapidly, much in
>> the same way a digital or contest contact is made. At 2009UTC, both
>> stations cleanly heard the others call and grid, completing the
>> contact.  It was extremely rapid, and very weak, but clear.  Eduardo's
>> side of the QSO turned out way better than mine did, and he has uploaded
>> a recording of it to youtube here: https://youtu.be/pTGSlaY7K7A
>>
>> After all my work towards low-elevation contacts from mountain-tops, I
>> think this is approaching the limits of what can be done on AO-7. This
>> was by far the hardest sked I've ever attempted, and with the contact
>> window measured in mere seconds, it leaves absolutely no room for error.
>> Had I not heard Eduardo's call at random on the attempt with Gustavo, I
>> doubt I would have even pursued this as something that was possible.
>> That said, wow.. what a rush
>>
>> Big thanks to Eduardo, PY2RN, for humoring my obsession with making
>> ultra long-distance QSOs on the birds, and for sticking with it until we
>> finally made it work. Good DX my friend. Also thanks to Gustavo (PT9BM)
>> for persuading me to point my arrow to the South, and Drew (KO4MA) for
>> acting as a spotter during one of the passes to see just how far apart
>> we were from each other. Appreciate it guys.
>>
>> If anyone has any questions or comments, I'm happy to field them. Until
>> then, catch you on the birds! 73!
>>
>> -Dave, KG5CCI
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:24:03 -0600
>> From: Stefan Wagener <wageners@xxxxx.xxx>
>> To: Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>> Cc: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>> Message-ID:
>>         <
>> CAKu8kHBqifxc+bEvoxVu6XhtOT8zep4oAWAYFJ4Q09-YOG6iHw@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>>
>> Very nice Dave and Eduardo!
>>
>> Congratulations and thank you for the info.
>>
>> 73, Stefan, VE4NSA
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 4:14 PM, Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > Satellite Friends and Colleagues,
>> >
>> > I wanted to share with everyone that on February 10th, at 2009UTC I made
>> a
>> > scheduled contact with Eduardo, PY2RN, using AO-7 Mode B, from  'Shinnal
>> > Mountain' just west of Little Rock, Arkansas.  My 10 digit grid locator
>> for
>> > the contact was EM34ST20SC, and Eduardo's station is located at
>> GG66LW77JQ
>> > in Vinhedo/SP, Brazil.  Using the http://no.nonsense.ee/qth/map.html
>> > website for reference, this equates to 8030.895 km which we believe to
>> be a
>> > new record for AO-7 Mode B. I've been extremely busy this past week, but
>> I
>> > had a few folks request that I share a little background behind the
>> > contact, so here we go.
>> >
>> > Back on January 24th, I was on an AO-7(B) pass looking for Gustavo,
>> PT9BM.
>> > While not a record distance, Gustavo's QTH is just shy of 7500km away
>> from
>> > me, so I was up on my mountain, specifically in a spot with great a great
>> > southeastern view of the Horizon. As the bird came into view, while
>> > scanning the passband, I heard Eduardo, PY2RN, calling CQ. I tried to
>> > answer him, but his signal disappeared quickly after that, and I went
>> ahead
>> > and had a great QSO with Gustavo, and didn't think anything else of it
>> > until later that night when I decided to look up the station I had heard.
>> > To my astonishment, Eduardo was 8030km away, which was way beyond the
>> > theoretical range AO-7, even with elevation assistance. I promptly
>> emailed
>> > Eduardo and we both agreed to try and make a contact, even though the
>> math
>> > said it shouldn't be possible.
>> >
>> > At this point the random luck that had let me hear Eduardo on the 24th
>> > seemed to elude us. We attempted contacts on the 26th, 28th, and 30th all
>> > to no avail. After recalculating windows, our next shot was on February
>> > 8th. WinListen (from Sat32pc) calculated a 3 second window on the 8th,
>> > followed by 5 seconds on the 10th. The day of the 8th came, and we
>> prepared
>> > for the attempt. Murphy once again seemed to haunt us though, as we
>> > successfully heard the calls and grids of each other, but strong CW QRM
>> was
>> > hitting the bird so hard that the intelligibility was low and, more
>> > importantly, neither of us had a camera running. We decided to not count
>> > the QSO due to these reasons. The good news was though, we both heard
>> each
>> > other (the first time that had happened) and our frequency coordination
>> was
>> > spot on. We knew it could be done, we just needed a little luck.
>> >
>> > Finally, on February 10th, we got a bit of a break. We had already
>> > determined that 5 seconds was simply not enough time to do a proper "QSL
>> > thanks for the grid, have a great day" type of chat, so we both agreed to
>> > simply repeat 'your call / my call / grid / report' rapidly, much in the
>> > same way a digital or contest contact is made. At 2009UTC, both stations
>> > cleanly heard the others call and grid, completing the contact.  It was
>> > extremely rapid, and very weak, but clear.  Eduardo's side of the QSO
>> > turned out way better than mine did, and he has uploaded a recording of
>> it
>> > to youtube here: https://youtu.be/pTGSlaY7K7A
>> >
>> > After all my work towards low-elevation contacts from mountain-tops, I
>> > think this is approaching the limits of what can be done on AO-7. This
>> was
>> > by far the hardest sked I've ever attempted, and with the contact window
>> > measured in mere seconds, it leaves absolutely no room for error. Had I
>> not
>> > heard Eduardo's call at random on the attempt with Gustavo, I doubt I
>> would
>> > have even pursued this as something that was possible. That said, wow..
>> > what a rush
>> >
>> > Big thanks to Eduardo, PY2RN, for humoring my obsession with making ultra
>> > long-distance QSOs on the birds, and for sticking with it until we
>> finally
>> > made it work. Good DX my friend. Also thanks to Gustavo (PT9BM) for
>> > persuading me to point my arrow to the South, and Drew (KO4MA) for acting
>> > as a spotter during one of the passes to see just how far apart we were
>> > from each other. Appreciate it guys.
>> >
>> > If anyone has any questions or comments, I'm happy to field them. Until
>> > then, catch you on the birds! 73!
>> >
>> > -Dave, KG5CCI
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > 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: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:30:03 -0500
>> From: "W2JV" <PeteW2JV@xxxxxxx.xxx>
>> To: <AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Fw: Fwd: LVB tracker
>> Message-ID: <FA573863D2E24482AF2C393812B296C5@xxxxxxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="UTF-8"
>>
>>
>> The Great South Bay, Amateur Radio Club, of which I?m a member wants to
>> put together a satellite station.
>> They have an existing home made AZ EL power unit which works.  They are
>> looking into interfacing an LVB tracker with it.
>> and need to know what voltage level input is required for the feedback
>> loop. The unit currently puts out 0-6.25vdc corresponding to 0-360 AZ and
>> 0-180 EL. Looking at the G5500 schematic they go through an opamp
>> arrangement but do not provide any voltage levels.
>>
>> If anyone can the club with some info I'd sure appreciate it.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> W2JV Peter
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 8
>> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 01:46:14 +0000 (UTC)
>> From: Eduardo PY2RN <py2rn@xxxx.xxx>
>> To: Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>,      "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx
>>         <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>> Message-ID:
>>         <871553990.5662074.1455673574782.JavaMail.yahoo@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>>
>> Thanks Dave for the QSO and well done with all the persistence.
>>
>> It is always good to double check even when everything is saying that it
>> wouldn't be possible, even the computer shouting "satellite is not
>> visible!" over your signal :o)
>> 73s
>> Eduardo? PY2RN
>>
>>       From: Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>>  To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>>  Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:14 PM
>>  Subject: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>>
>> Satellite Friends and Colleagues,
>>
>> I wanted to share with everyone that on February 10th, at 2009UTC I made
>> a scheduled contact with Eduardo, PY2RN, using AO-7 Mode B, from?
>> 'Shinnal Mountain' just west of Little Rock, Arkansas.? My 10 digit grid
>> locator for the contact was EM34ST20SC, and Eduardo's station is located
>> at GG66LW77JQ in Vinhedo/SP, Brazil.? Using the
>> http://no.nonsense.ee/qth/map.html website for reference, this equates
>> to 8030.895 km which we believe to be a new record for AO-7 Mode B. I've
>> been extremely busy this past week, but I had a few folks request that I
>> share a little background behind the contact, so here we go.
>>
>> Back on January 24th, I was on an AO-7(B) pass looking for Gustavo,
>> PT9BM. While not a record distance, Gustavo's QTH is just shy of 7500km
>> away from me, so I was up on my mountain, specifically in a spot with
>> great a great southeastern view of the Horizon. As the bird came into
>> view, while scanning the passband, I heard Eduardo, PY2RN, calling CQ. I
>> tried to answer him, but his signal disappeared quickly after that, and
>> I went ahead and had a great QSO with Gustavo, and didn't think anything
>> else of it until later that night when I decided to look up the station
>> I had heard. To my astonishment, Eduardo was 8030km away, which was way
>> beyond the theoretical range AO-7, even with elevation assistance. I
>> promptly emailed Eduardo and we both agreed to try and make a contact,
>> even though the math said it shouldn't be possible.
>>
>> At this point the random luck that had let me hear Eduardo on the 24th
>> seemed to elude us. We attempted contacts on the 26th, 28th, and 30th
>> all to no avail. After recalculating windows, our next shot was on
>> February 8th. WinListen (from Sat32pc) calculated a 3 second window on
>> the 8th, followed by 5 seconds on the 10th. The day of the 8th came, and
>> we prepared for the attempt. Murphy once again seemed to haunt us
>> though, as we successfully heard the calls and grids of each other, but
>> strong CW QRM was hitting the bird so hard that the intelligibility was
>> low and, more importantly, neither of us had a camera running. We
>> decided to not count the QSO due to these reasons. The good news was
>> though, we both heard each other (the first time that had happened) and
>> our frequency coordination was spot on. We knew it could be done, we
>> just needed a little luck.
>>
>> Finally, on February 10th, we got a bit of a break. We had already
>> determined that 5 seconds was simply not enough time to do a proper "QSL
>> thanks for the grid, have a great day" type of chat, so we both agreed
>> to simply repeat 'your call / my call / grid / report' rapidly, much in
>> the same way a digital or contest contact is made. At 2009UTC, both
>> stations cleanly heard the others call and grid, completing the
>> contact.? It was extremely rapid, and very weak, but clear.? Eduardo's
>> side of the QSO turned out way better than mine did, and he has uploaded
>> a recording of it to youtube here: https://youtu.be/pTGSlaY7K7A
>>
>> After all my work towards low-elevation contacts from mountain-tops, I
>> think this is approaching the limits of what can be done on AO-7. This
>> was by far the hardest sked I've ever attempted, and with the contact
>> window measured in mere seconds, it leaves absolutely no room for error.
>> Had I not heard Eduardo's call at random on the attempt with Gustavo, I
>> doubt I would have even pursued this as something that was possible.
>> That said, wow.. what a rush
>>
>> Big thanks to Eduardo, PY2RN, for humoring my obsession with making
>> ultra long-distance QSOs on the birds, and for sticking with it until we
>> finally made it work. Good DX my friend. Also thanks to Gustavo (PT9BM)
>> for persuading me to point my arrow to the South, and Drew (KO4MA) for
>> acting as a spotter during one of the passes to see just how far apart
>> we were from each other. Appreciate it guys.
>>
>> If anyone has any questions or comments, I'm happy to field them. Until
>> then, catch you on the birds! 73!
>>
>> -Dave, KG5CCI
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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, 17 Feb 2016 02:44:43 +0000
>> From: "Stephen  E. Belter" <seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
>> To: Eduardo PY2RN <py2rn@xxxx.xxx>, Dave Swanson
>>         <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>,       "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <
>> amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
>> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>> Message-ID: <D2E94831.5D11E%seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Gentlemen:
>>
>> Congratulations!
>>
>> Would you describe your stations?  Radios, antennas, coax, preamps,
>> software?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> 73, Steve N9IP
>> --
>> Steve Belter, seb@xxxxxx.xxx
>>
>>
>>
>> On 2/16/16, 8:46 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Eduardo PY2RN"
>> <amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx on behalf of py2rn@xxxx.xxx> wrote:
>>
>> >Thanks Dave for the QSO and well done with all the persistence.
>> >
>> >It is always good to double check even when everything is saying that it
>> >wouldn't be possible, even the computer shouting "satellite is not
>> >visible!" over your signal :o)
>> >73s
>> >Eduardo  PY2RN
>> >
>> >      From: Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>> > To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> > Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:14 PM
>> > Subject: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>> >
>> >Satellite Friends and Colleagues,
>> >
>> >I wanted to share with everyone that on February 10th, at 2009UTC I made
>> >a scheduled contact with Eduardo, PY2RN, using AO-7 Mode B, from
>> >'Shinnal Mountain' just west of Little Rock, Arkansas.  My 10 digit grid
>> >locator for the contact was EM34ST20SC, and Eduardo's station is located
>> >at GG66LW77JQ in Vinhedo/SP, Brazil.  Using the
>> >http://no.nonsense.ee/qth/map.html website for reference, this equates
>> >to 8030.895 km which we believe to be a new record for AO-7 Mode B. I've
>> >been extremely busy this past week, but I had a few folks request that I
>> >share a little background behind the contact, so here we go.
>> >
>> >Back on January 24th, I was on an AO-7(B) pass looking for Gustavo,
>> >PT9BM. While not a record distance, Gustavo's QTH is just shy of 7500km
>> >away from me, so I was up on my mountain, specifically in a spot with
>> >great a great southeastern view of the Horizon. As the bird came into
>> >view, while scanning the passband, I heard Eduardo, PY2RN, calling CQ. I
>> >tried to answer him, but his signal disappeared quickly after that, and
>> >I went ahead and had a great QSO with Gustavo, and didn't think anything
>> >else of it until later that night when I decided to look up the station
>> >I had heard. To my astonishment, Eduardo was 8030km away, which was way
>> >beyond the theoretical range AO-7, even with elevation assistance. I
>> >promptly emailed Eduardo and we both agreed to try and make a contact,
>> >even though the math said it shouldn't be possible.
>> >
>> >At this point the random luck that had let me hear Eduardo on the 24th
>> >seemed to elude us. We attempted contacts on the 26th, 28th, and 30th
>> >all to no avail. After recalculating windows, our next shot was on
>> >February 8th. WinListen (from Sat32pc) calculated a 3 second window on
>> >the 8th, followed by 5 seconds on the 10th. The day of the 8th came, and
>> >we prepared for the attempt. Murphy once again seemed to haunt us
>> >though, as we successfully heard the calls and grids of each other, but
>> >strong CW QRM was hitting the bird so hard that the intelligibility was
>> >low and, more importantly, neither of us had a camera running. We
>> >decided to not count the QSO due to these reasons. The good news was
>> >though, we both heard each other (the first time that had happened) and
>> >our frequency coordination was spot on. We knew it could be done, we
>> >just needed a little luck.
>> >
>> >Finally, on February 10th, we got a bit of a break. We had already
>> >determined that 5 seconds was simply not enough time to do a proper "QSL
>> >thanks for the grid, have a great day" type of chat, so we both agreed
>> >to simply repeat 'your call / my call / grid / report' rapidly, much in
>> >the same way a digital or contest contact is made. At 2009UTC, both
>> >stations cleanly heard the others call and grid, completing the
>> >contact.  It was extremely rapid, and very weak, but clear.  Eduardo's
>> >side of the QSO turned out way better than mine did, and he has uploaded
>> >a recording of it to youtube here: https://youtu.be/pTGSlaY7K7A
>> >
>> >After all my work towards low-elevation contacts from mountain-tops, I
>> >think this is approaching the limits of what can be done on AO-7. This
>> >was by far the hardest sked I've ever attempted, and with the contact
>> >window measured in mere seconds, it leaves absolutely no room for error.
>> >Had I not heard Eduardo's call at random on the attempt with Gustavo, I
>> >doubt I would have even pursued this as something that was possible.
>> >That said, wow.. what a rush
>> >
>> >Big thanks to Eduardo, PY2RN, for humoring my obsession with making
>> >ultra long-distance QSOs on the birds, and for sticking with it until we
>> >finally made it work. Good DX my friend. Also thanks to Gustavo (PT9BM)
>> >for persuading me to point my arrow to the South, and Drew (KO4MA) for
>> >acting as a spotter during one of the passes to see just how far apart
>> >we were from each other. Appreciate it guys.
>> >
>> >If anyone has any questions or comments, I'm happy to field them. Until
>> >then, catch you on the birds! 73!
>> >
>> >-Dave, KG5CCI
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >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: 10
>> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:37:21 -0500
>> From: AJ9N@xxx.xxx
>> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-02-17
>>         03:30   UTC
>> Message-ID: <7043c.6ee4a92e.43f544f1@xxx.xxx>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
>>
>> Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2016-02-17  03:30 UTC
>>
>> Quick list of scheduled contacts and  events:
>>
>> Oasis Academy Brightstowe, Bristol, UK, direct via  GB1OAB
>> The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be GB1SS
>> The scheduled  astronaut is Timothy Peake KG5BVI
>> Contact is a go for: Fri 2016-02-19  14:23:23 UTC 78 deg
>>
>> UAH Space Hardware Club, Huntsville, Alabama,  direct via K4UAH
>> The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
>> The  scheduled astronaut is Tim Kopra KE5UDN
>> Contact is a go for: Fri 2016-02-19  17:20:14 UTC 72 deg
>>
>> Istituto Sobrero, Casale Monferrato, Italy,  direct via IK1SLD
>> The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be  OR4ISS
>> The scheduled astronaut is Tim Kopra KE5UDN
>> Contact is a go for:  Thu 2016-02-25 09:10:55 UTC 40 deg (***)
>>
>> Norwich Schools,  Norwich/East Anglia, UK, direct via GB2CNS
>> The ISS callsign is presently  scheduled to be GB1SS
>> The scheduled astronaut is Timothy Peake  KG5BVI
>> Contact is a go for: Fri 2016-02-26 14:43:39 UTC 29 deg  (***)
>>
>>
>>
****************************************************************************
>> **
>> 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
>> Satoshi 7M3TJZ with  116
>> Francesco IK?WGF with  116
>>
>>
>>
>>
****************************************************************************
>> 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 2016-02-17 03:30 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.
>> http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf
>>
>> Total number of  ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1023.
>> Each school counts as 1  event.
>> Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 988.
>> 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,
>> 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 2016-02-12 05:00  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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> 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 53
>> ****************************************
>>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 2
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 14:39:35 +0100
From: Juan Antonio Fernandez <ea4cyq@xxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Why 6 digit grid locator in Europe?
Message-ID:
<CA+5nehO0EOTdOx8Q1v+QWtEu+NccGf-ebC9vSJ_c1A-MZa7byQ@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Perhaps if in the last AO-7 record they were used 6 digits then they could
not achive the aim!!!

If all of the european operator SATs are agre, we will enjoy more of our
SATs time.

In HF bands operator even do not send its grid locator.  In digital EME
communications only send 4 digits.  And all of then have more time to make
the QSO than a SAT operator.

Juan Antonio
EA4CYQ


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:59:17 +0000 (UTC)
From: Eduardo PY2RN <py2rn@xxxx.xxx>
To: "Stephen E. Belter" <seb@xxxxxx.xxx>, 	"amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
Message-ID:
<1248840298.5632116.1455717557886.JavaMail.yahoo@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Steve, at this side
RX: Funcube pro plus + SDR# V.1430 (with great NB capabilities) + Yagi-Uda
11el CP + Mirage KP-2 pre-amp.
TX: TS-2000x + Yagi-Uda 20el CPTracked by Satellite Tracking embedded into
SDR-RADIO V2 software suite + GS-232/G-5400
Coax: RFS RGC213 15mts longAnd a clear view to my N / NW bound which allows
to hear a little after sat LOS most of times.
Put together again an old P3 sat setup sitting in storage for many years,
just added the SDR fun to it.

Tks & 73
Eduardo PY2RN


      From: Stephen E. Belter <seb@xxxxxx.xxx>
 To: Eduardo PY2RN <py2rn@xxxx.xxx>; Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>;
"amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
 Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 12:44 AM
 Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record

Gentlemen:

Congratulations!?

Would you describe your stations?? Radios, antennas, coax, preamps,
software?

Thanks!

73, Steve N9IP
--
Steve Belter, seb@xxxxxx.xxx



On 2/16/16, 8:46 PM, "AMSAT-BB on behalf of Eduardo PY2RN"
<amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx on behalf of py2rn@xxxx.xxx> wrote:

>Thanks Dave for the QSO and well done with all the persistence.
>
>It is always good to double check even when everything is saying that it
>wouldn't be possible, even the computer shouting "satellite is not
>visible!" over your signal :o)
>73s
>Eduardo? PY2RN
>
>? ? ? From: Dave Swanson <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:14 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] New AO7 Distance Record
>?
>Satellite Friends and Colleagues,
>
>I wanted to share with everyone that on February 10th, at 2009UTC I made
>a scheduled contact with Eduardo, PY2RN, using AO-7 Mode B, from
>'Shinnal Mountain' just west of Little Rock, Arkansas.? My 10 digit grid
>locator for the contact was EM34ST20SC, and Eduardo's station is located
>at GG66LW77JQ in Vinhedo/SP, Brazil.? Using the
>http://no.nonsense.ee/qth/map.html website for reference, this equates
>to 8030.895 km which we believe to be a new record for AO-7 Mode B. I've
>been extremely busy this past week, but I had a few folks request that I
>share a little background behind the contact, so here we go.
>
>Back on January 24th, I was on an AO-7(B) pass looking for Gustavo,
>PT9BM. While not a record distance, Gustavo's QTH is just shy of 7500km
>away from me, so I was up on my mountain, specifically in a spot with
>great a great southeastern view of the Horizon. As the bird came into
>view, while scanning the passband, I heard Eduardo, PY2RN, calling CQ. I
>tried to answer him, but his signal disappeared quickly after that, and
>I went ahead and had a great QSO with Gustavo, and didn't think anything
>else of it until later that night when I decided to look up the station
>I had heard. To my astonishment, Eduardo was 8030km away, which was way
>beyond the theoretical range AO-7, even with elevation assistance. I
>promptly emailed Eduardo and we both agreed to try and make a contact,
>even though the math said it shouldn't be possible.
>
>At this point the random luck that had let me hear Eduardo on the 24th
>seemed to elude us. We attempted contacts on the 26th, 28th, and 30th
>all to no avail. After recalculating windows, our next shot was on
>February 8th. WinListen (from Sat32pc) calculated a 3 second window on
>the 8th, followed by 5 seconds on the 10th. The day of the 8th came, and
>we prepared for the attempt. Murphy once again seemed to haunt us
>though, as we successfully heard the calls and grids of each other, but
>strong CW QRM was hitting the bird so hard that the intelligibility was
>low and, more importantly, neither of us had a camera running. We
>decided to not count the QSO due to these reasons. The good news was
>though, we both heard each other (the first time that had happened) and
>our frequency coordination was spot on. We knew it could be done, we
>just needed a little luck.
>
>Finally, on February 10th, we got a bit of a break. We had already
>determined that 5 seconds was simply not enough time to do a proper "QSL
>thanks for the grid, have a great day" type of chat, so we both agreed
>to simply repeat 'your call / my call / grid / report' rapidly, much in
>the same way a digital or contest contact is made. At 2009UTC, both
>stations cleanly heard the others call and grid, completing the
>contact.? It was extremely rapid, and very weak, but clear.? Eduardo's
>side of the QSO turned out way better than mine did, and he has uploaded
>a recording of it to youtube here: https://youtu.be/pTGSlaY7K7A
>
>After all my work towards low-elevation contacts from mountain-tops, I
>think this is approaching the limits of what can be done on AO-7. This
>was by far the hardest sked I've ever attempted, and with the contact
>window measured in mere seconds, it leaves absolutely no room for error.
>Had I not heard Eduardo's call at random on the attempt with Gustavo, I
>doubt I would have even pursued this as something that was possible.
>That said, wow.. what a rush
>
>Big thanks to Eduardo, PY2RN, for humoring my obsession with making
>ultra long-distance QSOs on the birds, and for sticking with it until we
>finally made it work. Good DX my friend. Also thanks to Gustavo (PT9BM)
>for persuading me to point my arrow to the South, and Drew (KO4MA) for
>acting as a spotter during one of the passes to see just how far apart
>we were from each other. Appreciate it guys.
>
>If anyone has any questions or comments, I'm happy to field them. Until
>then, catch you on the birds! 73!
>
>-Dave, KG5CCI
>_______________________________________________
>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: 4
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:08:15 -0600
From: Clayton W5PFG <w5pfg@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Recent AO-85 Observations
Message-ID: <56C47ECF.1020203@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

For the past several days, I have observed the following:

- On ascending passes, I can activate the transponder at AOS very
easily.  Either polarity V or H works.

- Previously, I needed 10-15 degrees at times on ascending passes to
activate the transponder.  As I approached TCA, the challenge getting in
always went away and I could get into the transponder easily.

- Descending passes have never been an issue for me. I could access the
transponder at AOS and activate the transponder as low as 0.1 degrees
elevation.

- Downlink receive polarity seems to flip almost constantly or be equal
at times.  I'm running a V or H antenna configuration (not RHCP or LHCP.)

- Suspected reason is the spacecraft's spin rate has changed with it now
in constant sun.

- As a result I'm hearing some newer stations working AO-85 with
handheld transceivers.  I've worked 2 new stations in the last 2 days
who emailed me directly after the pass stating they were seeing some
success with an HT.

Thoughts/comments?

73
Clayton
W5PFG



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End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 11, Issue 55
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