AMSAT News

Updated AMSAT LVB Tracker to be Shown at Dayton

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AMSAT has sold the popular G6LVB Tracker for several years.  This year we will have a new version which replaces the amber LCD display with an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display.  The new display offers a high visibility contrast with a wide angle of view.  It will be available in blue, green and amber.  LVB Trackers will be available with the recommended serial (RS-232) I/O.  The recommended minimum donation will remain $200.  An FTDI USB/Serial module is available as an option for an additional $25.

 

NEWOLDTRACKER
Comparison of new OLED (top) and old LCD (bottom) displays

Current LVB Tracker owners may update their own units. The OLED displays used are manufactured by Newhaven, NHD-0216KZW series, and are available from Mouser and other online parts suppliers.   The OLED displays have less depth so the PEM fasteners need to be shortened for correct fit and viewing thru the front of the case.  The LVB Tracker firmware will also require updating.  Current owners may send their LVB Tracker to WB8CXO for retrofit if they don’t wish to do the modifications themselves.  Upgrading existing trackers will be $50 + shipping.  Contact WB8CXO for upgrade details.

AMSAT would like to acknowledge the many contributors to this effort.  Mike Young, WB8CXO for his vision and initiative to develop this update.  John Drago, W8FAA modified the LVB Tracker firmware to support the OLED display.  Ken Baker from Ridge Machine manufactured the PEM fastener cutting jig.  Steve Belter, N9IP, Mark  Hammond, N8MH and John Papay, K8YSE did beta testing. And finally Gould Smith, WA4SXM, LVB Tracker project manager for his continuous guidance and support.

Details on the Tracker may be found at www.lvbtracker.com.

AMSAT is Moving at Dayton, but not very far!

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This year there will be some changes in the Ball Arena, and the AMSAT exhibit will be part of that change.  For the past several years, we have been is a single line, directly across from the ARRL exhibit.  Beginning this year, we will have a 3 X 3 booth arrangement, with the engineering and software display on one side of the aisle, and the donation and display area on the opposite side.  The booth numbers are now 444-446 and 433-435.  We will be very near the old exhibit area, within sight of the ARRL exhibit. The new Ball Arena layout should make access to all the exhibits easier.

A PDF file of the Hara Convention Center, including the new Ball Arena layout can be found here.

March/April 2013 AMSAT Journal

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Page_1The AMSAT Journal Editorial team is in the process of wrapping up a few final details and that means the March/April 2013 issue is heading for the print shop in a few days.

Thanks for all the help from our Journal Editorial Team:

  • Douglas Quagliana – KA2UPW/5
  • Mike Sedlak – K4ERA
  • Bernhard Jatzeck  – VA6BMJ
  • Bill Hook – W3QBC
  • Martha at the AMSAT Office.

The AMSAT Journal is pleased to publish your articles and photos of satellite operations and all aspects of amateur radio in space. Send your ideas, questions and contributions to [email protected].