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CX2SA > SATDIG 22.10.16 23:11l 952 Lines 33592 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Logger32 Help (Jim Jerzycke)
2. Re: Mirage Mast Mounted Preamp(s) (Mark Johns)
3. Lindenblad 2m / 70 cm Satellite Omni Antenna for sale
(Rafael Pe?a)
4. ARISS Major Milestone Completed (KA3HDO)
5. Re: Logger32 Help (Mark, G0MGX)
6. Re: Outernet L-Band Service (Mike Seguin)
7. Re: Logger32 Help (Gary "Joe" Mayfield)
8. Re: Outernet L-Band Service (Rick Walter)
9. Re: Outernet L-Band Service (Scott)
10. SatPC32 Doppler problem (Mark Johns)
11. Re: Outernet L-Band Service (Mike Seguin)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2016 23:28:13 +0000
From: Jim Jerzycke <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Logger32 Help
Message-ID: <16f120fc-9278-748e-0123-7c16973136fd@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
Paper log here. I operate satellites mostly for Field Day, and I just
can't handle operating and logging on my PC at the same time.
That's followed over to when I operate satellites at home.
The only computer logging I do is when I operate HF, and I use ACLog
from N3FJP.
73, Jim KQ6EA
On 10/21/2016 10:29 PM, Chad Phillips wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I have a bunch of contacts to enter into Logger32 and I am trying to
figure out how to enter my grid square for my location. Any help?
>
> I'm also curious how you all log your contacts. Do you keep a separate log
just for sats or lump it all together with your hf stuff. I've made a number
of contacts activating other grids and just trying to find smooth way to
keep track of my contacts and VUCC
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chad
> KG0MW
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 00:32:44 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mark Johns <mjohns166@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Steve Appleton <kc2lnc@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>, "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx
<amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Mirage Mast Mounted Preamp(s)
Message-ID: <1649288056.6074.1477096364361@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
SHF-Elektronik in Germany also makes some excellent mast-mounted preamps
that sell for about $130 each. They power through the coax and can switch
150 watts on SSB (50 watts on FM). I've been very happy with mine and
they've worked flawlessly for several years now.
--
Mark D. Johns, K?MDJ
Decorah, Iowa USA EN43
-----------------------------------------------
"Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit,
you would stay out and your dog would go in."
---Mark Twain
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Appleton <kc2lnc@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2016 4:49 PM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Mirage Mast Mounted Preamp(s)
I agree that MFJ puts out a inferior product in general. In some cases they
put out a product that performs reasonably well for considerably less money.
You recommended the SSB product and that would be my first choice if it
didn't cost $159 more.
I think I can power the Mirage / MFJ preamp from my Yaesu FT-847 directly so
the control box isn't a consideration. I have not as yet made a contact with
the preamp so I'm still evaluating. Thanks for letting me know about the
crosstalk problem. I'll be on the lookout for it. If I find that is the
case, I will return and just bite the bullet. QST reviewed the SSB products
recently and they were impressed enough to run them at W1AW so that's
probably a safe bet.
Thx,
-Steve KC2LNC
_______________________________________________
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: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 03:22:30 +0000
From: Rafael Pe?a <pinoleronica@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: "amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxxx <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Lindenblad 2m / 70 cm Satellite Omni Antenna for
sale
Message-ID:
<MWHPR03MB30560A9E640AA89B5EF6D652C6D70@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx
x>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I've bought this dual band system with the hope that I will work my first
birds. It did not do too well for me. It might be my area QTH (QRI / QRM
broadcasting TV/Radio stations) in DC but I could not hear too well the
satellites even if they were at very good elevation.
Up for sale it goes.... It is impossible to disassemble the elements on this
antenna. So shipping will be kind of delicate particularly for the mast as
well. Prefer DC area pickup.
There are two sections (2m / 70cm) mounted on an aluminum mast...there is a
Super-Amp SP-7000 (430-440MHz) and a Comet CF-4160 (Duplexer, 1.3-170 MHz
Low Pass, 350-540 MHz High Pass, 60 dB Isolation, Each) attached to the mast
as required for this Lindenblad. You provide your coax.
I didn't think to offer it back for sale but rather than keeping it on the
back yard...here it goes:
Antenna system with Amp / Comet $400 OBO
I can make good use of the Amp / Comet if not needed, antenna system only
$200 OBO
73
Rafael / NN3RP
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 05:40:16 -0400
From: "KA3HDO" <ka3hdo@xxxxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ARISS Major Milestone Completed
Message-ID: <004601d22c48$4cc01590$e64040b0$@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
All,
You all were asking about the ARISS new hardware status. I sent the missive
below to the ARISS team this morning, so here you go.
We greatly appreciate the substantial donation from JVC Kenwood of hardware
and engineering to realize the next ARISS station. As Dan Cussen noted in
an earlier post, the costs and effort to develop and certify equipment for
human spaceflight missions is very high. The bulk of this cost is for
safety certification testing and hazard reporting expertise. We are
estimating that from beginning to end (3 year development cycle), the costs
for the new hardware system will be in the $200k range. Note that we are
aggressively pursuing real dollar and in-kind donations to address this.
But, as you know, every bit of funding helps. That is why we started the
ARISS Challenge Coin Donation Campaign this year at the Dayton Hamvention.
If anyone has ideas on garnering funds to support the ARISS hardware
initiative, please contact me directly at my ka3hdo@xxxxx.xxx
<mailto:ka3hdo@xxxxx.xxx> address.
Thanks for all your interest and support to ARISS.
73, Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
AMSAT V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
ARISS International Chair
*****
Yesterday, October 21, 2016, the ARISS hardware team accomplished a very
major milestone-the successful completion of the Technical Interchange
Meeting (TIM) for the Interoperable Hardware System, which includes the JVC
Kenwood D710 Radio and the Multi Voltage Power Supply.
The TIM was conducted as an ARISS hardware milestone from the Technical
Evaluation and Support (TES) Committee (TES) and our international members
from TES were present. The TIM also had subject matter experts from NASA
attending and providing advice as well as a former (retired) chief engineer
from the NASA Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) organization. All
in all, ARISS received great advice and suggestions on how to move forward
with the hardware development. I am most proud that we have completed this
first major milestone in the development of the next ARISS hardware upgrade
to fly on ISS.
On behalf of the ARISS International team, I would like to thank TES
co-leads Mark Steiner and Lou McFadin for their leadership in getting the
important milestone accomplished. I would also like to thank Kerry Banke,
the Multi Voltage Power Supply developer, Bob Davis who is developing the
mechanical enclosure for the system, and Bob Bruninga and Dave Taylor for
their help on the D710 programming modes. And, of course, special thanks
goes to JVC Kenwood and Aota Shin and Phil Parton for their support,
equipment and engineering that will serve ARISS and the ham community for
years to come.
With this milestone completed, we will move forward with the design process
and finalize the design with a TIM in the next few months. Our next hurdle
will be the Phase 0 safety review which we hope to complete before the end
of this year. While aggressive, we are still working with NASA towards an
October 2017 launch of the hardware system.
As you communicate this important milestone to your friends, please remind
them that we cannot complete this effort without funding. Human spaceflight
hardware developments are always expensive. They are most welcome to donate
towards the hardware development by pushing the "ARISS Donate" button at
www.amsat.org <http://www.amsat.org> . Those that donate $100 or more will
receive a special ARISS Commemorative Coin.
I thank all of you for all your sustained support and efforts to our ARISS
cause over the years. It is hard to believe that we are nearing 20 years of
being a team.
73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 06:25:26 +0100
From: "Mark, G0MGX" <mark.g0mgx@xxxxx.xxx>
To: "'Jim Jerzycke'" <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Logger32 Help
Message-ID: <001801d22c24$b2a6db10$17f49130$@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Chad
If you right click on the call box of the log entry window and then go Setup
-> My QTH Lat/Long you will find the place to enter grid square et cetera of
your station.
If your operations on sats are the same location as your main station then I
would use the same log for all from that location (that's what I do). But
you can also easily setup different logs for different activities if you
prefer.
I've been using Logger32 for many year and consider myself fairly savvy with
the program - happy to help off reflector if I can.
Mark
G0MGX
-----Original Message-----
From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Jim Jerzycke
Sent: 22 October 2016 00:28
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Logger32 Help
Paper log here. I operate satellites mostly for Field Day, and I just can't
handle operating and logging on my PC at the same time.
That's followed over to when I operate satellites at home.
The only computer logging I do is when I operate HF, and I use ACLog
from N3FJP.
73, Jim KQ6EA
On 10/21/2016 10:29 PM, Chad Phillips wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I have a bunch of contacts to enter into Logger32 and I am trying to
figure out how to enter my grid square for my location. Any help?
>
> I'm also curious how you all log your contacts. Do you keep a separate log
just for sats or lump it all together with your hf stuff. I've made a number
of contacts activating other grids and just trying to find smooth way to
keep track of my contacts and VUCC
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chad
> KG0MW
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 6
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 12:12:48 -0400
From: Mike Seguin <n1jez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band Service
Message-ID:
<f3157768-47ad-b645-c4d8-03442e34345a@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
I'm interested in the Outernet L-Band service, so today I decided to see
if I could at least detect the signal. I really don't have any optimized
antenna or preamp but I had an idea.
I have an old Trimble 41556 bullet GPS antenna that has a bad output
connector on it. GPS is up around 1575 MHz. Depending on the type of
antenna used, there can be really tight bandpass filtering that won't
pass the ~1539 MHz Outernet signal.
So I opened up the antenna and removed the two bandpass filters in the
unit. Here are two pics of the parts and the simple bypass I did. This
is real meatball surgery <grin>
Here are the filters.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t9r9pwitjzjjgxq/filters.jpg?dl=0
Here is the LNA with red arrows showing where I removed the filters.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3w6q78kocvzvw3m/Trimble.jpg?dl=0
The patch antenna used for GPS is designed to look at a large portion of
the sky at once, so I knew the directional gain wouldn't be great, but
what the heck! This is an experiment.
I used my FUNcube Dongle as a receiver. This is one of the original
ones, but it does have a switchable 5v bias tee on the input. I used
this 5 volts to power the GPS antenna.
Just pointing the patch out the window, I see this signal:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/48fhr38vwhylozz/Outernet.JPG?dl=0
So I have something. I assume it's the Outernet signal? It definitely
peaks at the correct AZ/EL for Inmarsat 4-F3 from my location. I do need
to check the frequency calibration of my FUNcube as the signal is higher
than I expected.
The next step will be to use my RTL dongle with appropriate software to
see if I decode anything. I could easily use a better/more directional
(more gain) antenna connected to the GPS LNA by simply disconnecting the
patch.
This is fun!
Mike
--
73,
Mike, N1JEZ
"A closed mouth gathers no feet"
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 06:56:34 -0500
From: "Gary \"Joe\" Mayfield" <kk0sd1@xxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Logger32 Help
Message-ID: <000001d22c5b$56ff3e60$04fdbb20$@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Chad,
Every contact I have ever made is recorded in ACLog from N3FJP. It
makes operating from multiple locations and using LOTW easy. I have no
affiliation other than being a satisfied customer. Many years ago when I
converted my paper logs to digital I used Fast Log Entry
http://www.df3cb.com/fle/ it was still a bit of a chore.
73,
Joe kk0sd
-----Original Message-----
From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Mark, G0MGX
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2016 12:25 AM
To: 'Jim Jerzycke' <kq6ea@xxxxxxx.xxx>; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Logger32 Help
Hi Chad
If you right click on the call box of the log entry window and then go Setup
-> My QTH Lat/Long you will find the place to enter grid square et
-> cetera of
your station.
If your operations on sats are the same location as your main station then I
would use the same log for all from that location (that's what I do). But
you can also easily setup different logs for different activities if you
prefer.
I've been using Logger32 for many year and consider myself fairly savvy with
the program - happy to help off reflector if I can.
Mark
G0MGX
-----Original Message-----
From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Jim Jerzycke
Sent: 22 October 2016 00:28
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Logger32 Help
Paper log here. I operate satellites mostly for Field Day, and I just can't
handle operating and logging on my PC at the same time.
That's followed over to when I operate satellites at home.
The only computer logging I do is when I operate HF, and I use ACLog from
N3FJP.
73, Jim KQ6EA
On 10/21/2016 10:29 PM, Chad Phillips wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I have a bunch of contacts to enter into Logger32 and I am trying to
figure out how to enter my grid square for my location. Any help?
>
> I'm also curious how you all log your contacts. Do you keep a separate log
just for sats or lump it all together with your hf stuff. I've made a number
of contacts activating other grids and just trying to find smooth way to
keep track of my contacts and VUCC
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chad
> KG0MW
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> 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
_______________________________________________
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: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 14:37:36 -0400
From: Rick Walter <wb3csy@xxxxx.xxx>
To: Dani EA4GPZ <daniel@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band Service
Message-ID: <B5A3F2AD-357C-4DCD-9117-1C2504AD2D6D@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Thank you for the replies to my questions from a couple of people. The
azimuth aiming difference between the two programs is more than my magnetic
declination but i'll look at the math again.
I really did not expect to hear the bird with a simple discone antenna
without a pre-amp but was surprised to see a fairly strong signal using the
Funcube Dongle Pro plus. A friend who lives about 3 miles away checked the
frequency with his equipment and hears nothing. I figured it had to be
local. It may be coming from my Comcast Gateway or telemetry from a local
water pumping station. I realize you need the SDR mentioned by the outernet
docs but thought I would try the FCD for the fun of it.
As always, there are great threads on this bb. Some may say this has nothing
to do with amateur radio satellites but I say wait until we get that
geosynchronous bird in orbit! This experience will help us in the end.
Please keep the outernet info flowing. I know it will help many of us.
73,
Rick WB3CSY
Sent from Rick's iPhone 6S
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre
minds" - Albert Einstein
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" -
Arthur C. Clarke
> On Oct 19, 2016, at 5:40 PM, Dani EA4GPZ <daniel@xxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
>
>> El 19/10/16 a las 18:03, Rick Walter escribi?:
>> Since reading about the Outernet, I am becoming more curious. I have
>> a Funcube Dongle Pro + connected to my discone antenna going into my
>> windows 7 laptop, running SDR Console. I am hearing a signal that
>> sounds like data with about 2-3 second breaks every so often. The
>> frequency is 1,539.793 MHz and I have the decode in Data USB 24 KHz
>> bandwidth. The signal is -60 dBM on the signal strength meter. Is it
>> possible I am hearing this signal from the bird or could it be a
>> local source? I already have 4 versions of the Raspberry Pi but
>> figured this would be a reason to purchase the version 3! We all need
>> a good excuse to present to the XYL.
>
> Hi Rick,
>
> The signal you describe doesn't seem to me like Outernet's signal.
> Outernet's signal is a bit more than 4kHz wide and it doesn't have any
> breaks in it.
>
> -60dBm on your SDR software doesn't really mean anything unless you have
> calibrated your signal meter (and -60dBm would be way too high for
> Outernet's signal). What is strength of the noise floor?
>
> Some 10's of kHz above Outernet you have 2 other signals from the same
> Inmarsat satellite. They are a bit narrower than Outernet and much more
> stronger (perhaps 10dB even). I would use those to check if you hear the
> bird.
>
> I haven't run the numbers, but I wouldn't expect that you'll be able to
> hear Outernet with a discone and no LNA. In my experience the FUNcube
> Dongle Pro+ is not very good at 1.5GHz (but I haven't done any serious
> tests), and if you have a long cable run from the antenna to the dongle,
> then you definitely need an LNA.
>
> By the way, Outernet's software doesn't support the FUNcube dongle, only
> the RTL-SDR or MiriSDR. You may want to look at
> https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-outernet
> which supports any SDR that works in GNUradio.
>
>> Finally, I keep thinking if I get all the components to grab this
>> data, is it really worth it other than to say I did it? Thanks for
>> any guidance or comments. Rick - WB3CSY
>
> That's something you'll have to decide for yourself. What you currently
> get is:
>
> * An hourly small file with a listing of all APRS packets sent through
> satellites or the ISS and all APRS packets containing the word OUTNET.
> * Some grib files with the weather (most useful to sailors)
> * Some other weather data
> * Random (most popular) wikipedia pages
>
> Most of the bandwidth is spent with wikipedia pages, and the bandwidth
> is not so high: you can only get about 15MB worth of files per day.
>
> Of course you could get the same content on the internet.
>
> If you just want to see how it looks like, I have several brief SDR
> recordings and recordings of Outernet frames that can be used with
> https://github.com/daniestevez/free-outernet/
>
> One reason to get the hardware for Outernet (LNA and perhaps patch
> antenna) is that it can be used used not only to receive Outernet but
> many other things on the L-band.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Dani EA4GPZ.
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 16:09:11 -0400
From: "Scott" <scott23192@xxxxx.xxx>
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band Service
Message-ID: <9A8CCB9F8A414FF59CB24A55FD412BF2@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=response
It is fun, Mike. If you'd told me a year ago that I would be receiving
something from geosynchronous orbit, or anything at all above 1GHz, I would
have asked what you were drinking!
But, thanks to a lot of talented & generous programmers in the amateur
community, not only can we receive satellite data streams but many of them
can be decoded.
As for L-band transmissions from Inmarsat 4-F3 (my only point of reference),
it's become apparent to me that there is considerable variation in both
bandwidth and signal strength across the spectrum. As luck would have it,
the Outernet signal is weaker & more narrow than most of what you see up
there. I guess it's safe to assume that you get what you pay for!
Still, it's a completely receivable signal.
I'd like to offer a couple of screen shots that might help you get familiar
with what to expect. You can best spot the Outernet signal because there
are two stronger signals to the right of it. If you'd like to look at these
images, you can see what to expect. (Outernet data stream is on the left)
http://k4kdr.github.io/files/outernet/2016-10-06--Outernet-HDSDR.png
-and-
http://k4kdr.github.io/files/outernet/2016-10-14--Outernet-GQRX.png
... finally, if you'd like to see a broader view of what is coming down from
Inmarsat 4-F3, I posted a screen shot from SDRSharp the other day as one of
several images in a Tweet:
https://twitter.com/scott23192/status/786804580625428482
Hope some of that might help!
-Scott, K4KDR
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Seguin
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2016 12:12 PM
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band Service
I'm interested in the Outernet L-Band service, so today I decided to see
if I could at least detect the signal. I really don't have any optimized
antenna or preamp but I had an idea.
I have an old Trimble 41556 bullet GPS antenna that has a bad output
connector on it. GPS is up around 1575 MHz. Depending on the type of
antenna used, there can be really tight bandpass filtering that won't
pass the ~1539 MHz Outernet signal.
So I opened up the antenna and removed the two bandpass filters in the
unit. Here are two pics of the parts and the simple bypass I did. This
is real meatball surgery <grin>
Here are the filters.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t9r9pwitjzjjgxq/filters.jpg?dl=0
Here is the LNA with red arrows showing where I removed the filters.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3w6q78kocvzvw3m/Trimble.jpg?dl=0
The patch antenna used for GPS is designed to look at a large portion of
the sky at once, so I knew the directional gain wouldn't be great, but
what the heck! This is an experiment.
I used my FUNcube Dongle as a receiver. This is one of the original
ones, but it does have a switchable 5v bias tee on the input. I used
this 5 volts to power the GPS antenna.
Just pointing the patch out the window, I see this signal:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/48fhr38vwhylozz/Outernet.JPG?dl=0
So I have something. I assume it's the Outernet signal? It definitely
peaks at the correct AZ/EL for Inmarsat 4-F3 from my location. I do need
to check the frequency calibration of my FUNcube as the signal is higher
than I expected.
The next step will be to use my RTL dongle with appropriate software to
see if I decode anything. I could easily use a better/more directional
(more gain) antenna connected to the GPS LNA by simply disconnecting the
patch.
This is fun!
Mike
--
73,
Mike, N1JEZ
"A closed mouth gathers no feet"
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 20:32:25 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mark Johns <mjohns166@xxxxx.xxx>
To: AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32 Doppler problem
Message-ID: <581023436.400529.1477168345220@xxxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
For some reason, my SatPC32 has stopped correctly compensating for Doppler
shift on FO-29. I'm continually having to "find myself" all over the
passband, making adjustments throughout the pass, just like the old days
when everything was manual.
I've updated the Keps. I marked the uplink and downlink freqs at time of
closest approach on a high-elevation pass, and re-edited my Doppler.SQF with
those numbers.
SatPC32 is talking to the rig, and it does make regular changes to both
uplink and downlink frequencies -- they just happen not to be correct.
I'm stumped! Any thoughts?--
Mark D. Johns, K?MDJ
Decorah, Iowa USA EN43
-----------------------------------------------
"Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit,
you would stay out and your dog would go in."
---Mark Twain
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2016 17:02:22 -0400
From: Mike Seguin <n1jez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band Service
Message-ID:
<f7771260-8d1b-a917-ffcc-8fa3c3d8e18f@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
Hi Scott,
Tnx for the images. Big help! So I am seeing Inmarsat, but I need more
gain. Time to dig out a WA5VJB log periodic and AD6IW preamp I have here
and see what that does.
Mike
On 10/22/2016 4:09 PM, Scott wrote:
> It is fun, Mike. If you'd told me a year ago that I would be receiving
> something from geosynchronous orbit, or anything at all above 1GHz, I
> would have asked what you were drinking!
>
> But, thanks to a lot of talented & generous programmers in the amateur
> community, not only can we receive satellite data streams but many of
> them can be decoded.
>
> As for L-band transmissions from Inmarsat 4-F3 (my only point of
> reference), it's become apparent to me that there is considerable
> variation in both bandwidth and signal strength across the spectrum. As
> luck would have it, the Outernet signal is weaker & more narrow than
> most of what you see up there. I guess it's safe to assume that you get
> what you pay for!
>
> Still, it's a completely receivable signal.
>
> I'd like to offer a couple of screen shots that might help you get
> familiar with what to expect. You can best spot the Outernet signal
> because there are two stronger signals to the right of it. If you'd
> like to look at these images, you can see what to expect. (Outernet data
> stream is on the left)
>
> http://k4kdr.github.io/files/outernet/2016-10-06--Outernet-HDSDR.png
>
> -and-
>
> http://k4kdr.github.io/files/outernet/2016-10-14--Outernet-GQRX.png
>
> ... finally, if you'd like to see a broader view of what is coming down
> from Inmarsat 4-F3, I posted a screen shot from SDRSharp the other day
> as one of several images in a Tweet:
>
> https://twitter.com/scott23192/status/786804580625428482
>
> Hope some of that might help!
>
> -Scott, K4KDR
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Mike Seguin
> Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2016 12:12 PM
> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Outernet L-Band Service
>
> I'm interested in the Outernet L-Band service, so today I decided to see
> if I could at least detect the signal. I really don't have any optimized
> antenna or preamp but I had an idea.
>
> I have an old Trimble 41556 bullet GPS antenna that has a bad output
> connector on it. GPS is up around 1575 MHz. Depending on the type of
> antenna used, there can be really tight bandpass filtering that won't
> pass the ~1539 MHz Outernet signal.
>
> So I opened up the antenna and removed the two bandpass filters in the
> unit. Here are two pics of the parts and the simple bypass I did. This
> is real meatball surgery <grin>
>
> Here are the filters.
> https://www.dropbox.com/s/t9r9pwitjzjjgxq/filters.jpg?dl=0
>
> Here is the LNA with red arrows showing where I removed the filters.
> https://www.dropbox.com/s/3w6q78kocvzvw3m/Trimble.jpg?dl=0
>
> The patch antenna used for GPS is designed to look at a large portion of
> the sky at once, so I knew the directional gain wouldn't be great, but
> what the heck! This is an experiment.
>
> I used my FUNcube Dongle as a receiver. This is one of the original
> ones, but it does have a switchable 5v bias tee on the input. I used
> this 5 volts to power the GPS antenna.
>
> Just pointing the patch out the window, I see this signal:
> https://www.dropbox.com/s/48fhr38vwhylozz/Outernet.JPG?dl=0
>
> So I have something. I assume it's the Outernet signal? It definitely
> peaks at the correct AZ/EL for Inmarsat 4-F3 from my location. I do need
> to check the frequency calibration of my FUNcube as the signal is higher
> than I expected.
>
> The next step will be to use my RTL dongle with appropriate software to
> see if I decode anything. I could easily use a better/more directional
> (more gain) antenna connected to the GPS LNA by simply disconnecting the
> patch.
>
> This is fun!
>
> Mike
--
73,
Mike, N1JEZ
"A closed mouth gathers no feet"
------------------------------
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