Re: [amsat-bb] New guy to the list

["Kent R. Frazier" <kd5aes@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

I'm also a new guy to the list...been lurking for a few days.  My name is
Kent Frazier, KD5AES. I am also hold a Tech Class license.

Is it possible to use a scanner to receive the downlink?  I have a HT, but
it is only a 2m (Icom T22A). I also currently live in an apartment, so I'm
pretty limited as to what type of equipment I can use.

Thanks,

Kent
----- Original Message -----
From: "Howard Long" <howard@hanlincrest.co.uk>
To: <amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org>
Cc: "BOWEN, SCOTT M. (JSC-CC)" <scott.m.bowen1@jsc.nasa.gov>
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2000 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New guy to the list


> Hi Scott
>
> First, let me give you a warm welcome!
>
> Here's some ideas, starting with the cheapest way to get going on the
> sats...
>
> With an FM satellite like UO14, AO27 and SO35 there's many documented
cases
> where you can work through it with a dual band dual receive handie and a
> dual band antenna (preferably not the rubber duck, but a 19" dual band
> whip). Much better is the Arrow satellite antenna. You're also probably
> better off if you can get a 5W battery pack too. A separate microphone's
> also helpful so you can twist the rig about to get the best signal without
> being a contortionist...
>
> One of the big advantages of using an HT is that you have the ability to
> turn the antenna in all axes and polarization in order to get the best
> signal. I've done this on a Kenwood TH-D7 and an Arrow antenna. I haven't
> attempted it with a whip, although I've seen it done.
>
> You should note that AO27 and SO35 have schedules when they're either
> switched off or in digital mode rather than analog 'bent pipe' mode, where
> you receive on one band and transmit on another. Note that the HT _must_
be
> capable of being able to receive on one band whilst transmitting on the
> other (or duplex). A rig which does 'dual receive' will normally do this.
> That way you can hear your downlink and have some way of knowing you're
not
> talking to yourself.
>
> Operating's another issue. These bent pipe sats are pretty busy though, so
> you have to be patient. The golden rule is to **listen** first. If you
can't
> hear the sat already you're not going to be able to work it. I spend at
> least 95% of the time listening. Pop in between overs with your callsign.
> It's a bit of a fight out there on the FM sats.
>
> Note that you also need to be aware of doppler shift. Seasoned HT
operators
> have their rig's  memories programmed with frequencies +/- 10kHz on 70cm
and
> +/- 5kHz on 2m in 5kHz increments in order to receive/transmit on
frequency.
> You start high at the start of the pass and gradually go lower as the
> satellite passes over.
>
> You'll also need to be able to predict the passes of the sat. Software is
> available. Resources such as software and schedules are available via
> www.amsat.org via FTP and the news bulletins. I use Nova, which will print
> out a schedule amongst other things when operating portable.
>
> In the middle of the price range, you could get yourself a pair of second
> hand single band multimode radios; or alternatively a 2m multimode, an HF
> rig and then a 70cm down converter.
>
> At the other end of the price spectrum you could go all the way and get a
> fancy rig like the FT847... but that's a whole different ballgame! That's
> the way I started out, and have been accused of being a 'silver spooner'!
> Yes, it does  makes things easier in the long run, and allows you to work
> more satellites, but your bank account suffers massively. Then you might
> want to get a preamp for you downlink. And some high gain antennas... and
a
> rotor.. and a linear... before you know it that second hand $1500 'do
> everything' radio just cost you $3000.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> 73 and Good Luck, Howard G6LVB
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "BOWEN, SCOTT M. (JSC-CC)" <scott.m.bowen1@jsc.nasa.gov>
> To: "'amsat-bb@amsat.org'" <amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org>
> Sent: Friday, July 28, 2000 5:44 PM
> Subject: [amsat-bb] New guy to the list
>
>
> >
> >
> > I just wanted to say Hello and let you know who I am.
> >
> > I am a new HAM, just getting my Tech No-code and I am very interested in
> > getting into the satellite side of amateur radio.
> > I live on the Northwest side of Houston TX.
> >
> > I have yet to buy a radio, as I am not sure what I need. Can someone
give
> me
> > some idea's on where to start on a budget?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Scott Bowen
> > KD5KZN
> >
> > ----
> > Via the amsat-bb mailing list at AMSAT.ORG courtesy of AMSAT-NA.
> > To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to Majordomo@amsat.org
> >
>
> ----
> Via the amsat-bb mailing list at AMSAT.ORG courtesy of AMSAT-NA.
> To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to Majordomo@amsat.org
>

----
Via the amsat-bb mailing list at AMSAT.ORG courtesy of AMSAT-NA.
To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to Majordomo@amsat.org