SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.01 OSCAR SKN BEST FIST WINNERS HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.01 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.01 Activity in AMSAT-NA's 25th annual Straight Key Night on OSCAR was good, despite the loss of AO-13. RS-10 and RS-12 were especially active, with some SKN stations logged on AO-10, RS-15 and FO-20 as well. For the second year in a row, our Grand Prize winner is Rusty, NM1K. Last year, Rusty received four separate nominations; this year, he got six! Other Best Fist winners, each for the first time, include K8NQC, OE2SNL, VE3PYG and W2FB. Congratulations to one and all. [ANS thanks Ray Soifer, W2RS, for this news.] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.02 BALLOON LAUNCH INFO HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.02 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.02 During the 1996 AMSAT Annual Meeting & Space Symposium, the AMSAT-NA BoD asked Doug Howard, KG5OA, to be a sort of liaison for high altitude balloon projects. It was felt that there were many similarities between these two facets of amateur radio which might be better approached in a coordinated fashion. The AMSAT-NA BoD voiced a specific interest in the similar goals of educational opportunities, especially as it applies to young people. As a first step, a World Wide Web page has been created to serve as an information resource for AMSAT members who are interested in high altitude ballooning, as well as for balloon projects themselves. A link has been established from the main AMSAT web page at the following URL: (http://www.amsat.org/amsat/AmsatHome.html) [ANS thanks Doug Howard, KG5OA, for this report.] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.03 RS-16 LAUNCH INFO HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.03 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.03 Rumors of an imminent launch of RS-16 continue to circulate, however no definite information on a specific launch date is available at this time. Keep tuned to ANS for new information as it becomes available. Once launched, the expected orbital altitude is 500 - 600 kilometers with an orbital inclination of 97.2 degrees The following frequencies will be used by RS-16: Uplink = 145.915 - 145.948 MHz Downlink = 29.415 - 29.448 MHz Beacons = 29.408 , 29.451 MHz Pwr 29 MHz Down = 1.2 W /4 W Beacon 1 = 435.504 MHz Beacon 2 = 435.548 MHz Pwr 435 MHz Beacons = 1.6 W [ANS thanks Andy, RK3KPK, operator of the RS3A RS satellite command station, ans SpaceNews for this information.] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.04 AO-10 KEP INFO HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.04 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.04 There are no new keps for AO-10. NORAD says, via Ken Ernandes, that the satellite is in an orbit that is difficult to track with their optical/video trackers (GEODSS), and it won't be until spring or early summer before it is visible at these sites in the night sky (they can't track during the day with this technique). Efforts are being made to persuade them track it with other techniques (long range radar) or from other sites, but so far no results. The current keps seem to be late according to Stacey Mills, W4SM, i.e. the satellite appears before the keps predict. Mills found that if you can figure out the time difference at perigee (when does AO-10 appear vs. when the keps predict), then subtract (or add) that fraction of a day from the epoch time. This will give a close prediction.. Of course more than just the time/MA is changing, but that's a major factor, and this correction makes the keps usable. Others have done the same thing by adjusting the drag factor. Mills subtracted 0.02 days from Epoch time over the weekend and this was a definite improvement, but he didn't have perigee data to really tweak the correction. There is a beginning movement by the P3 command stations and others to resurrect some older amateur ranging and orbital calculation techniques and algorithms used on AO-10/13, update them to newer computers and rangers for use on P3D and test them on AO-10, but this will take a while and new NORAD keps are expected before then. Until AMSAT receives new keps, try pointing at a predicted perigee AOS azimuth about 30 or so minutes earlier than predicted, listen to the beacon freq., note the time of AOS, subtract this time as a fraction of a day from Epoch time, and see if the new keps don't work a lot better, if you get a good set, let ANS know what your adjustment factor was. Send the information to wt0n@amsat.org. To be clear(er), assuming AOS is earlier than expected, subtract the difference between predicted AOS and actual AOS, expressed as a decimal fraction of a day, from EPOCH time. (If AOS is later than expected, add the difference to EPOCH time). [ANS thanks Stacey E. Mills, W4SM, for this information.] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.05 THE STATION PROGRAM RELEASED HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.05 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.05 The latest beta version of The Station Program is available from the AMSAT-BDA www site (http://199.172.219.213). The new version fixes a number of reported bugs, and adds support for the AEA ST-1 Tracker and older Icom (CI-IV via UX-14/CT-17), radios. If you already have the setup files then you only need to download the latest fix file for 1.0f BETA 3. The Station Program is a complete ground-station control program, for Windows 3.1, WFW 3.11 & Windows 95. Currently it is optimized for the analog birds, it is not the same as WiSP! The Station Program is distributed by AMSAT-UK, and all proceeds are donated to the AMSAT Phase-3D fund. Download the regular release (1.0e - 3 disks), install, then replace the station.exe, and rig.dll files with the one in the stafix7.zip file. This version can be used without a registration number until February 20, 1997. Please send any bug reports to Paul Willmott, vp9mu@amsat.org. To run without registering, leave the serial number field blank! The software supports the KCT, ST-1 and Icom CI-V interfaces, and is great for analog modes, turn the dial and work satellite as easily as HF. Also currently under development, Yaesu FT-736R, DDE Trackers, EasyComm1 & EasyComm2 support - watch this space! [ANS thanks Paul Willmott, VP9MU, for this update.] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.06 WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PT 1 HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.06 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.06 FO-29 Voice/CW (Uplink 145.9-146.0MHz CW/LSB, Downlink 435.8-435.9MHz CW/USB) Digital (Uplink 145.85, 145.87, 145.910 MHz FM, Downlink 435.910 MHz FM 9600 baud BPSK) FO-29 is in digital mode at the current time. [ANS thanks, Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK for this update.] MIR: (New frequencies implemented 1 January 1997: Uplink 145.2 MHz FM Downlink 145.8MHz FM) Note, the above split is used for both packet and voice operation. Astronaut Jerry Linenger, KC5HBR, was reported to have worked several stations on Friday 1/31/97 at 1030 UTC, as MIR passed over North America. Valery, R0MIR his working voice daily on night passes over EU. [ANS thanks Francisco Costa, CT1EAT, for this report.] SAFEX, MIR 70cm Repeater (Uplink 435.750MHz FM, Downlink 437.950MHz FM, Subaudible tone 141.3 Hz) The repeater is back up again and active. RS-12: (Uplink 21.21-21.25MHz CW/SSB, Downlink 29.41-29.45MHz or 145.91-145.95Mhz CW/SSB) The sat is giving extremely good downlink signals on 2 meters. In this period of poor propagation on 15 m, the T-mode is providing very easy access to the satellite. Interesting DX activity has been spotted in Europe with stations in Egypt, Crete, Cameroon, etc. [ANS thanks Stefano Badessi, PA3FWP, for this report.] RS-10: (Uplink 145.865-145.905MHz CW/SSB, Downlink 29.36-29.4MHz CW/SSB) Operating normally. Very busy with lots of QSOs heard over north America and Europe. RS-15 (Uplink 145.858-145.898MHz CW/SSB, Downlink 29.354-29.394MHz CW/SSB) Be aware that RS-15 has battery charging problems. When the satellite is in the dark it's dead. [ANS thanks Bob Johnson, W7LRD, for this report.] (Hint: If SSB doesn't work for you, try CW. CW is very easy to hear on the downlink!) KO-23 (Uplink 145.85, 145.9MHz FM, Downlink 435.175MHz FM, 9600 Baud FSK.) KO-23 Normal operation. KO-25: (Uplink 145.87MHz FM, Downlink 436.5MHz FM, 9600 Baud FSK.) KO-25 Normal operation KO-25 returned to full service on 1/7/97. [ANS thanks Jim Weisenberger, AA7KC, for his reports on KO-25 and KO-23.] AO-27: (Uplink 145.85MHz FM, Downlink 436.8MHz FM) Feb-08-97 11:38 UTC) It is working normally in its orbits on Europe. It's downlink is being copied well in many European countries like Germany, France, Spain, and the Canary Islands (EA8), etc. [ANS thanks Miguel A. Menendez, EA1BCU, for this report.] As of NOV 2, the AO-27 schedule is as follows: TEPR 4 = 16 = 8 Minutes in Length TEPR 5 = 52 = 18 Minutes in Length TX-3 is on Mid Power during TEPR 5. This will have the TX turn on 8 Minutes after the satellite enters the sun for a duration of 18 Minutes. This is a "back to US Latitudes"operation. N4USI, AO-27's current Command Station sends his thanks all for their messages about the satellite turning on later than expected. He reports he's deliberately letting the "turn on" time drift later (for about 4-5 Minutes) so stations in the southern latitudes can also have a chance to work AO-27. Every few months he will be letting the turn on time drift like this to give more stations a chance to make contacts thru the satellite. [ANS thanks Michael, N4USI , AO-27 Control-op, for this update.] AO-10: (Uplink 435.030-435.18MHz CW/LSB, Downlink 145.975-145.825MHz CW/USB) Operational QRP DX on AO-10 Frank G3MZU worked DL6MBX recently on phone when AO-10 was at a range of 40,000Km. Frank made the QSO with just 25 Watts to a 23 element long yagi. For the downlink 6El Quad and a pre-amp. [ANS thanks John Heath, G7HIA, Net Controller. For this report.] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-040.07 WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PT 2 HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 040.07 FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD, FEBRUARY 09, 1997 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT BID: $ANS-040.07 AMSAT-OSCAR-16 (PACSAT) (Uplink 145.9, 145.92, 145.94, 145.86MHz FM, Downlink 437.0513MHz SSB, 1200 Baud PSK.) PACSAT (AO-16) AO-16 is working normally in its orbits on Europe. The WOD files are active again. this week ( 5-Feb-97) report the different values of the solar panels channels 26,27,28,29,2A,2B graphic information on these values can find it in http://www.arrakis.es/~ea1bcu/t4.htm [ANS thanks Miguel A. Menendez, EA1BCU, for this report.] FO-20 (Uplink 145.9-146.0MHz CW/LSB, Downlink 435.8-435.9MHz CW/USB) Operating normally. Strong downlink signal. OSCAR-11 (Downlink 145.825MHz. FM, 1200 Baud PSK) During the past month (18 December - 14 January) good, steady signals have been received from OSCAR-11 on 145.826 MHz. [ANS thanks Clive Wallis, G3CWV, for this information.] IO-26 ( ITAMSAT): (Uplink 145.875, 145.9, 145.925, 145.95MHz FM, Downlink 435.822MHz SSB, 1200 Baud PSK.) IK2XRO at the ITAMSAT Control Station reported on 28-Jan-97 that IO-26 was in MBL mode in preparation for the new code upload. The transmitter was off [ANS thanks Daniele Piercarlo, IK2XRO, ITMSAT Command Station for this report.] DO-17(DOVE) ( Downlink 145.825MHz FM, 1200 Baud AFSK.) >DOVE-1>BRAMST/V [02/06/97 12:50:08]: : >DOVE is undergoing tests in preparation for its full commissioning. >Thank you for your patience According to Jim White, WD0E, Microsat Command Station, "This message is hard coded into the DOVE PHT software from 1992. We load this version of PHT first because it is solid and proven. We always change this message to one more current as part of the startup sequence. About two minutes later it was changed to: "S-band is on. Power 1 Watt day/night. DOVE Command Team (WD0E)" During the same few minutes we turned on the s-band transmitter, reduced the 2 meter power from about 3.5W to 1W (to allow continuos support of s-band), changed the telemetry interval to 30 seconds (also to reduce power consumption), and set the UTC time." [ANS thanks Jim White, WD0E, of the DOVE Command Team for this report.] LUSAT-OSCAR-19 (Uplink 145.84, 145.86, 145.88, 145.9MHz FM, Downlink 437.1528MHz SSB, 1200 Baud PSK AX.25.) LUSAT (LO-19)is working excellently in its orbits on Europe. uptime is 598/21:55:00. Time is Sat Feb 08 12:00:10 1997 PB: HB9SKA\D EA1BCU\D IK1VGG\D F6CEE\D IW1CCH [ANS thanks Miguel A. Menendez, EA1BCU, for this report.] WEBERSAT (WO-18) (Downlink 437.104MHz SSB, 1200 Baud PSK AX.25.) WeberSat (WO-18) is currently in MBL mode after yesterday's system crash. The satellite's transmitter has been reactivated, and appears to be good condition broadcasting MBL telemetry. [ANS thanks Tommy Davis, IK3WVJ, for this report.] [Please send your Satellite or News reports to ANS Editor B.J. Arts, WT0N, via e-mail, at bjarts@uslink.net or to wt0n@amsat.org] /EX