Sun 12th February 2012

The launch of eight student amateur radio satellites on a Vega rocket between 10:00 and 12:00 UT on Monday, February 13 will be broadcast live on the web.

Seven of the satellites are CubeSats and the eighth AlmaSat is a larger microsatellite.

In this video Roger Walker, Head of education projects unit, ESA, talks about the CubeSats that will be on the first launch of the Vega rocket. The video shows the integration of the CubeSats in the P-POD deployment system and includes some interviews with ESA’s experts and European students involved in the programme. Over 250 students were involved in the development of the seven amateur radio CubeSats.

Watch CubeSats on the Vega qualification flight

The student teams have requested reception reports. All observers are being encouraged to join the CubeSat IRC chat channel to pass on their news and comments in realtime. You will need an IRC client such as ChatZilla or mIRC to join the cubesat chat.

Use the irc.freenode.net server. Then join the #cubesat channel.
Many users set their chat nickname to “name_callsign”.

CubeSat IRC Chat Channel
http://irc.lc/freenode/cubesat

Frequencies and URLs for the student satellites can be seen at
http://www.uk.amsat.org/4180

Watch the Vega launch live at
http://www.videocorner.tv/

Sun 12th February 2012

World Thinking Day On The Air (TDOTA) takes place on February 18-19 and GB2GTD will be active on D-STAR.

Special event station GB2GTD in Dover will be working through GB7FK port B from 1000-1300 UT Saturday on Reflector 5a and Reflector 1c.

They will also be using APRS.FI

TDOTA is an opportunity for the members of the Guide Association from the youngest Rainbow to the oldest Trefoil Guild member to talk to other members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world via Amateur Radio.

The first TDOTA (also known as Guides On The Air - GOTA) was held in 1985 to celebrate 75 years of Guiding in Canada, U.K, New Zealand, and Australia.

Guides On The Air
http://www.guides-on-the-air.co.uk/

Sun 12th February 2012

At 09:00 UT on February 11, 2012, a 4m propagation beacon with the callsign A92C/B became operational on 70.085 MHz.

It is located at the club station of the Amateur Radio Association of Bahrain (ARAB) located in Mina Salman, a suburb of Manama, LL56HE.

The beacon has a transmit power of 10 dBW and an ITU emission designator F2A. The antenna in use is a vertically polarised folded dipole mounted on a lattice tower at a height of about 20 metres above sea level.

Watch Bahrain 4M beacon A92C/B 70.085 MHz

Amateur Radio Association of Bahrain
http://www.qsl.net/a92c/

Sat 11th February 2012

Colin Thomas, G3PSM, is the RSGB representative on the UK Delegation to WRC-12 and has been posting daily reports on the RSGB website.

In his latest bulletin, Colin reports that after two weeks of intense discussions, the 3,000 plus delegates at the World Radio Conference 2012 are slowly but surely coming to consensus on many of the agenda items. A number of items have been finalised, including agenda item 1.22 that looked at the subject of Short Range Devices. It was decided that no changes were necessary to the Radio Regulations with regard to this subject.

Unfortunately no such consensus has yet been reached on agenda item 1.23, which proposes an allocation to the amateur service in the region of 500kHz.

After 12 meetings of the sub working group dealing with this matter, the segment 472-479kHz has been identified as the most suitable band.
This represents a very small compromise from the European proposal of 472-480kHz. It is however a major compromise by those administrations and regional groups who proposed 461-469 plus 471-478kHz or
472-487kHz.

Despite this, and considerations taking into account the protection of aeronautical non-directional beacons, the Arab Spectrum Management Group and Iran still maintain a position of no allocation to the amateur service.

This agenda item will next be discussed next Tuesday in a higher authority committee.

You can read the full report from Colin Thomas at WRC-12 on the RSGB website:
http://www.rsgb.org/news/newsitem.php?id=1

Sat 11th February 2012

The 2300-2450 MHz band in Sweden is under threat.

As part of the consultation process the Swedish national society, SSA, has submitted it's response to the regulator, the PTS.

SSA argues that the amateur service should remain in the 2.3 GHz band.

Wideband digital systems are becoming less sensitive to narrowband signals, which improves the possibilities for band-sharing.

SSA believes that communication with amateur satellites in the band 2400-2450 MHz should continue to be permitted. SSA is requesting to meet the PTS to discuss the technological basis for continuing the amateur service in the band.

Read the full response in Google English at
http://tinyurl.com/SSA2300MHzResponse

SSA in Google English
http://tinyurl.com/SwedenSSA

Fri 10th February 2012

A group of amateur radio operators aim to establish a world record for distance by flying an unmanned, helium-filled balloon from Katy, Texas, across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean then on to Nanjing, China.

During the trans-Atlantic crossing, when out of range of shore based stations, the balloon’s APRS beacon will operate on the International Space Station (ISS) packet digipeater frequency of 145.825 MHz.

The South Texas Balloon Launch Team will release the balloon at 3 p.m. CST (2100 UT) Saturday, February 11.

The balloon payload package weighs only about 150 grams and contains a high altitude GPS tracking system and a 144 MHz FM APRS amateur radio transmitter. To conserve weight and battery life, no camera equipment will be on board. The maximum altitude is expected to be above 30 km, with horizontal speeds between 160 and 240 km per hour. The balloon size will increase from about 1.5 metres to about 11.8 metres at maximum elevation. Recovery of the payload package is not expected.

Individuals may follow the balloon’s progress on the Internet by logging onto the APRS tracking site, filling in the “Track callsign:” field with “kt5tk-11“, and changing the “Show last:” field to 24 hours.

The APRS telemetry transmitter is frequency agile to cope with different APRS standards across the globe. The frequencies used will be :-
USA              = 144.390 MHz FM
Mid-Atlantic = 145.825 MHz (International Space Station packet digipeater frequency)
Europe          = 144.800 MHz FM

APRS tracking site http://aprs.fi/

Read the Katy Times story at
http://katytimes.com/news/article_b2683a60-527e-11e1-bca4-001871e3ce6c.html

BLT-28 The Flight of the Orient Express
http://www.w5acm.net/b28.html

South Texas Balloon Launch Team
http://www.w5acm.net/

QRP APRS to the ISS
http://www.uk.amsat.org/3838

Qtmm soundcard modem for decoding AFSK1200 can be used to decode packet radio, APRS and telemetry from amateur radio satellites
http://www.uk.amsat.org/4313

Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)
http://www.aprs.org/

Link to UZ7HO Soundmodem 1200 bps packet and other APRS software
http://wa8lmf.net/miscinfo/

Fri 10th February 2012

The National Radio Company of Ukraine (NRCU) plans to continue broadcasting on mediumwave with the help of DRM transmitters.

Two channels of Ukrainian radio will go on broadcasting on medium wave with new DRM digital radio transmitters; this was stated by the Chairman of the State committee for television and radio broadcasting Alexander Kurdinovich in an interview to Telekritika”.

“Taking into account that the National radio company does not have a systematic network for FM broadcasting and will not have it due to the lack of frequency resources, and the insane competition with commercial broadcasters, it was decided to transfer a minimum of two programmes of the NRCU to broadcasts on medium wave”, he explained. “It is a question of purchasing 15-16 modern digital radio transmitters DRM format, which can work in both digital and analogue radio broadcasting. By placing them on the whole territory of Ukraine, we will be able to provide access to the National radio of at least 85-90% of the population “, noted Mr Kurdinovich.

According to him, the replacement of obsolete analogue transmitters will save money, since the new transmitters consume three times less electricity. He specified that the funds for this re-equipment are not provided, but they must be received at the expense of centralized distribution of capital expenditures.

“There is an instruction of the President of the Ukrainian Cabinet of ministers and the Ministry of finance to make specific proposals for this. We have prepared all the technical documentation, the project of creating such a network. The only thing that remains for us is to get financing, announce a tender and purchase transmitters. The problem will be solved seriously and for a long time. After the transition to a digital broadcasting standard we would have created a normal digital radio network”, underlined the chairman of Goskomteleradio.

Source: Media Network, Telekritika via DRM Consortium

Fri 10th February 2012

Icom-UK have just posted this new promotional video featuring the Icom IC-7700 HF/50MHz Amateur Radio Transceiver.

Click here for the product page on their website: http://www.icomuk.co.uk/IC-7700/Amateur_Radio_Ham_Base_Stations

Dave Raycroft's  ICPO
(Islands, Castles & Portable Operations)

I.C.P.O. Bulletin (10 - 17 February 2012)
"Islands, Castles & Portable Operations"
Listing is by calendar date (day/month/year)

If you like chasing the DX to some of the remotest areas of the world, or love a rag-chew with a portable station in a rare square or working Islands, Castles or Lighthouses on the Air, then you need the right information. 

Dave Raycroft VA3RJ produces an excellent bulletin, and you can read the latest by clicking on the following link, and see what is coming up in the next few days/weeks.  Dave Raycroft Bulletin

Also check the excellent HF Propagation predictions from the United Kingdom for January 2012 by Gwyn Williams, G4FKH

Thur 9th February 2012

Amateur Radio operators in the Dominican Republic have recently been granted permission to use seven 5 MHz channels.

These are the same channels as used in the UK.

Modes currently permitted are SSB and CW.

Thanks to Virgilio, HI8HH and Bonnie, KQ6XA for the information.

Cheers

Paul G4MWO

Tue 7th February 2012

The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club will be activating GB0BB on the weekend of the 16th till 18th March 2012 from Fort Paull, East Yorkshire where our club station is located, to celebrate the 7th anniversary of this unique aircraft, the Blackburn Beverley XB259 (the last remaining one of it's type in the world) being located here at Fort Paull.

We welcome operators/guest's far and wide to our activations, those with campers/tents, we can accommodate for a very small overnight fee which goes to the renovation fund at Fort Paull as this receives NO funding from any organisations.

There are toilet facilities and a Cafe which serves breakfast through to evening meals and a public bar for those that fancy a tipple!!!!.

A special QSL card will be available for all stations worked over the weekend showing the Blackburn Beverley in all it's splendour, please enclose a SAE QSL Manger is G1EYY.

Anybody who wishes to attend, be it for a day or the full weekend, then please contact our events co-ordinator (Mr Bob Lane)

Details may be found at the following web sites

Bob Lane (Events Co-ordinator). events@hfdxarc.co.uk
Humber Fortress DX ARC.
www.hfdxarc.co.uk

Fort Paull museum.
www.fortpaull.com

The plane was originally built at British Aerospace in Brough and made its final flight into Paull Aerodrome just outside the village, it remained there for ten years before being moved to the Beverley Army Museum where it was a focal point for visitors for several years. When the museum closed a bid was made by the Fort to purchase the aircraft. The bid was subsequently successful and in 2004 the Beverley returned home to Paull and opened to the public after re-assembly in 2005.

The staff at Fort Paull are extremely proud of this acquisition and are determined to preserve not just the fabric of the aircraft but also its history. Inside the aircraft you will find information regarding the history of the Blackburn Beverley and this specific aircraft in particular, you can also look around its massive frame and see just how much the plane could carry.

No visit to the Fort is complete without looking at the Blackburn Beverley.

Lot of info about the history of the XB259
http://www.beverley-association.org.uk/html/259/259.htm

Regards

Andy G7LRR

Chairman HF DX A.R.C.

Tue 7th February 2012

We visit the Capital City Hamfest in Jackson, MS and talk with Tom Samacicio KB4HQA of HQARadio.com, Don Wilbanks AE5DW of Amateur Radio Newsline, and Ward Silver N0AX of the ARRL. Peter drops in on the Melborne Mini Maker Faire for some fun.

1:02:29 of Hamfest Fun…

Now in HD where available!
Download

Mon 6th February 2012

Five years ago, on February 23, 2007, the Federal Communications Commission took action against the thorny question of mandatory code licence testing.

Writing in the latest CQ magazine Rich Moseson W2VU has an article 'No-Code Plus Five Years: An Assessment' which points to the situation then and now.

The article checks on signs of the state of play, by asking a manufacturer of keys and paddles, the FISTS group, looking at CW contest results and the licensing statistics.

Rich W2VU finds it is alive and well, despite early predictions it was on the way out. CW has a bright future, despite or perhaps because of the elimination of the code test requirement.

To see the entire article visit
http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/cq_highlights/2012_cq/2012_02_cq/
2012_02_zero_bias.pdf

Jim Linton VK3PC

Sun 5th February 2012

Ingenuity and innovation by the SumbandilaSat ground control team has resulted in bringing the satellite back to life with a real possibility that Amateur Radio communication may resume next month while the satellite is in sunlight.

The ground stations at SANSA Space operations at Hartbeeshoek and the Electronic Systems Laboratory at Stellenbosch University are receiving telemetry when the satellite's solar panels are illuminated by the sun.

Johann Lochner, ZR1CBC, said that in early June 2011, for an unknown  reason (but probably related to a major radiation event on 7 June), the primary controller on the power distribution unit (PDU) powering the On-Board Computer (OBC) stopped responding to commands from the ground station.

It later appeared that the battery had failed and nothing was heard from the satellite for some time. The ground segment software to monitor the passes over South Africa and to contact the satellite to initiate the recovery procedure was automated. After a month contact was made again.

This was mid November. "We set in place a planned recovery procedure and within 3-4 days we came to the conclusion that the main battery had failed", Johann said. With SumbandilaSat responding when it is in full sunlight Johan Lochner is confident that some operations will be restored even to the point where it may be possible to do some imaging and have the amateur radio transponder back in operation.

More on recovery efforts are on line at www.amsatsa.org.za.

SARL

Sat 4th February 2012

Rod Stafford W6ROD, Secretary International Amateur Radio Union, has released a further report on WRC-12 taking place in Geneva.

The procedures used by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) before and during a World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) seem complicated. They are somewhat complicated but they are understandable with a bit of background.

Each agenda item that will be decided at a WRC has been studied for at least 3 or 4 years leading up to a WRC. ITU Working Parties discuss the issues involved in the agenda item. Compatibility studies, sharing studies, experiments, etc. take place whenever needed so that discussions and decisions can be made based upon facts rather than opinions. Within a year prior to the start of a WRC an important meeting called the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) occurs. The CPM report pulls together all of the information dealing with each of the agenda items and sets forth the various ways, if there is more than one, that an agenda item can be satisfied or decided. By the time of the CPM, most all of the arguments in favor of the agenda item and opposed to the agenda items have been thoroughly discussed in the many meetings that take place regarding each agenda item.

When a national administration arrives at the WRC, decisions have generally been made by that administration whether to be in favour or opposed to any particular agenda items. However, it is usually not that clear cut. Some administrations may be in favour if certain adjustments or modifications are made to one or more of the proposed methods to satisfy the agenda item. In other words, discussions and negotiations really get started during the earlier stages of the WRC. For example, Administration X may withhold support or opposition on a specific proposal until other administrations agree to support Administration X’s position on other agenda items that Administration X is very interested in.

At the beginning of the WRC, each agenda item is assigned to a Sub-Working Group (SWG) to allow interested administrations and other interested attendees the opportunity to discuss the agenda item. This is the stage where most of the negotiations and compromises are made in order to arrive at a consensus as to how to decide the agenda item. The preferred way is to have a consensus by the SWG attendees. Many times the consensus is achieved by all parties realizing that the result may very well turn out to be a situation where “everyone is a little bit unhappy.”

The flow of the work is that the output of the SWG goes to the Working Group level. After the WG level deals with the issue it moves to the Committee level. By the time the issue gets to the Committee level, revisions to the work done at the lower levels is generally not done. Once the agenda item passes the Committee level, it goes to the Plenary for two readings. If it passes the two readings the agenda item appears in the Final Acts of the WRC.

There are also times when a consensus by ALL parties is just not possible. An agenda item can move from the SWG stage to the Working Group stage where most administrations have reached a consensus on how to resolve the issue but there are still some administrations that are in favor of No Change (NOC).

Agenda Item 1.23 . In the case of agenda item 1.23, there was a good deal of support among administrations at the SWG level for a secondary allocation to amateur radio just below 500 kHz. However, there was strong resistance by several administrations to the allocation based upon a stated concern that amateur operation in that portion of the spectrum could cause interference to Non-Directional Beacons. SWG 4C3 (the SWG dealing with agenda item 1.23) met 12 times over a period of ten days trying to arrive at a consensus on 1.23. Finally, a consensus was achieved on the issue by adding various footnotes dealing with the allocation that satisfied most of the administrations opposing the allocation. At the end of the day, there were still a couple of administrations opposing the allocation. As a result, the SWG elevated the issue to the Working Group level with 2 options to satisfy the agenda item:

1.) a secondary allocation to the amateur service in the band 472-479 kHz with certain operating conditions set forth in footnotes to the allocation, or

2.) No Change (in other words, no amateur allocation).

The proposal that has been agreed to by most administrations that support the amateur allocation calls for a worldwide secondary allocation to the amateur service at 472 to 479 kHz with a power limit of 1 watt e.i.r.p., but with a provision for administrations to permit up to 5 watts e.i.r.p. for stations located more than 800 km from certain countries that wish to protect their aeronautical radio-navigation service (non-directional beacons) from any possible interference. Proposed footnotes provide administrations with opportunities to opt out of the amateur allocation and/or to upgrade their aeronautical radio-navigation service to primary if they wish to do so. In addition to these protections for aeronautical radio-navigation, the amateur service must avoid harmful interference to the primary maritime mobile service.

At the Working Group meeting, there was no shifting of positions so the matter was elevated to the next level to Committee 4 with the same 2 options. The Committee 4 meeting takes place on Tuesday, 7 February.
I will report on the results of that Committee 4 meeting but based upon the results thus far, I am cautiously optimistic that the amateurs will have a new secondary allocation at 472-479 kHz.

IARU http://www.iaru.org/

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Fri 3rd February 2012

A number of countries have installed HF Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR), the French system is called Nostradamus and operates from 6-30 MHz.

The Nostradamus radar system is a set of 288 bi-cone antenna elements distributed over the arms of a three-branch star, with a buried infrastructure to shelter the transmission and reception electronics.

It is claimed to detect any aircraft flying 700 to 2000 kilometres away.

Watch Nostradamus, the French sky wave over the horizon radar

Nostradamus HF Radar
http://www.onera.fr/photos-en/instexp/nostradamus.php

Thur 2nd February 2012

At 0052z on 1/2/2012, after a CQ call from WF9XJD, Jose Ros EA5HVK, inventor of the ROS data and Opera beacon mode’s, made the opening decode of the first FCC – SS authorised experimental Station, WF9XJD on 10.132 MHz at a rock bottom level of -22dB S/N

With worsening conditions and after a qsy to 7.055, the qso was completed using MF-4 mode, very close to the decode limit, with a closing acknowledgment from Phil, as received by Jose, the 19 dB S/N is the average level of the reception.

‘RX4: 01:14 @ 2,0 Hz: EA5HVK de WF9XJD M Joe. 1st QSO with WF9XJD Experimental Station.nee-V 2ib, meters. thanks jose eis wonIjful mode you have created. <BAD-CRC> -19 dB 8319 km @ 300 7.055 Mhz’

Taking advantage of the, north south, propagation, a 10 minute QSO with YV5MM followed at substantially higher signal levels , later Dx contacts with ZL2AUB and UA1WBV where also made.

The elegance of the ROS Spread Spectrum based mode was proven by the initial qso , that took place under the noise at the limit of the mode, with nothing more in use than a dipole in Spain and a inverted V in Texas.

A further eight or more experimental stations are due on the HF bands over the next week’s for what promises to be history in the making , taking the first steps to clarify the data mode designations, applicable to the USA ham radio data mode operators.

Graham, G0NBD

Thur 2nd February 2012

The next 12 months will confirm that radio has a digital hybrid future. The view is expressed in a collection of essays published on Tuesday by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) New Radio Group.

The ‘Digital Radio in 2012′ document also draws a clear distinction between the world of broadcast and broadband radio. It predicts that specific roles will emerge for digital terrestrial broadcasting (DTR) technologies such as DAB+, and internet streaming platforms, during what is set to be an eventful year for Europe’s digital radio project.

Chairman Mats Åkerlund says consumers can also expect new and exciting visual content to complement traditional radio output. “Hybrid technology combines the strengths of broadcast and the internet, enabling broadcasters to fill blank screens with descriptive text, social media feeds, maps, medal tables and slideshows.”

The breakthrough means that consumers, struggling under the strain of expensive online plans will be able to demand zero-cost broadcast services.

“Multi-standard digital radio chips are on the way, meaning consumers no longer have to make decisions about preferred broadcast platforms or significantly, the inclusion of broadcast radio reception in tablet devices. This in turn will likely encourage the production of hybrid visual elements alongside traditional radio output.”

The New Radio Group (NRG) provides a forum for elected experts from Member organisations to share knowledge about digital hybrid radio. The Group looks at ways of exploiting the opportunities provided by new technologies to create relevant content, reach new audiences and enhance interactivity.

Download Digital Radio in 2012.

Source: Media Network, EBU

Wed 1st February 2012

The RSGB have issued an important announcement concerning PLA/PLT devices and the applicable Harmonised EMC Standard from October 1, 2011.

From October 1st 2011 the latest revision of EN55022:2006+A2:2010 is the only Harmonised EMC Standard that can be applied specifically to new IT products.

It specifies emission level limits that will both protect radio services, and allow other equipment to operate as intended. The EU has confirmed that, absent any approval of the draft EN 50561 PLA standard, PLT devices are now included in the 55022 standard.

Read the full announcement at
http://www.rsgb.org/news/articlelinks.php?id=0276

Wed 1st February 2012

The student built amateur radio microsatellite, Horyu-2, featuring a High Voltage (300v) Solar Array experiment and an onboard camera is planned to launch in February.

Built by students at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KIT) Horyu-2 is 350 * 320 * 296 mm and weighs 6.8 kg.

It will be launched into a Sun-Synchronous 680 km orbit with an inclination of 98°and operate on 437.325 MHz using either 20 wpm Morse Code or 1200 bps AX.25 GMSK.

Among the experiments to be carried out are:

300V power generation in LEO
In recent years, satellite size and power keep increasing. For large space platforms such as a space station, it is necessary to generate and transmit the power at a high voltage to minimize the Joule heating loss or the increase in the cable mass. It has been known that in LEO a solar array with a negative potential of 100 to 200V with respect to the plasma can suffer electrostatic discharge. Because of this, ISS power system was limited to 160V generation and 120V transmission.

Generally speaking the transmission power is proportional to the square of the voltage. For a large space platform which requires 1MW-class power, such as a space hotel or a space factory, power generation at a voltage of 300 to 400V is required. The present HORYU-2 mission, 300V power generation in space without any discharge, is the first space environment test of the new technology that will be strongly demanded in near future. Also, as the satellite power employs higher voltage, there will be more demand for spacecraft charging mitigation.

Demonstration of COTS surface potential meter in space (Trek) This mission demonstrates a surface potential meter in space. The potential meter has been developed by TREK, Inc. aiming for terrestrial commercial application. It is a contact type potential meter with extremely large input impedance so that the contact does not affect the charging state of the specimen. KIT is currently working with TREK, Inc. to convert the potential meter for extreme environments such as space or plasma processing chamber. The in-orbit demonstration is a part of the joint research program. To put the COTS device on HORYU-2, the electronics board and the consumed power have been reduced significantly.

When HORYU-2 passes through the aurora zone, differential charging may develop between the insulator surface and the satellite chassis.
The potential meter will measure the potential of the insulator that is the same material to be used for SCM. The two measurements are compared to validate against each other.

Debris observation with debris sensor
This mission aims at detecting the micro-debris impact on the surface of HORYU-2. Space debris has become a serious threat to satellites in orbit. Observation of micro debris less than 1mm has been very difficult. The debris sensor consists of many conductive thin wired laid down in parallel in the area of 8x8 cm. Upon impact, some of the lines are cut and the resistance becomes infinite.

Taking photographs of the Earth
This mission aims at taking the pictures of the Earth using a small CMOS camera. The camera called SCAMP (Surrey Camera Payload) shown in Fig.12. It was developed by University of Surrey, a sister university of KIT. SCAMP takes a picture in a JPEG format of 640x480. From 700km altitude, one pixel corresponds to 1.6km. Fig.13 shows an expected image of Kyushu island with 1.6km resolution.

Horyu wesbite in Google English
http://tinyurl.com/HoryuSatellite

Development of High Voltage Technology Demonstration Satellite, HORYU-2
http://kitsat.ele.kyutech.ac.jp/Documents/Nano-satellite-symposium-
Final-paper_nishimura.pdf

Wed 1st February 2012

Dave G4DPZ brings news of a new version of the free HamSatDroid app now available on the Android Market.

I've changed HamSatDroid:
- to use my SGP4 implementation, as used in GENSO.
- plot three orbits ahead on the map
- plot the footprint
- take keps from celestrak

I've got quite a few more changes in development, thanks to the feedback we've had from the existing users.
https://sites.google.com/site/hamsatdroid/

Opinions are sought about making a small charge and paying the income into satellite building funds and supporting a server which might be introduced to improve functionality of the app.

73

Dave, G4DPZ
Email dave<at>g4dpz.me.uk

AMSAT-NA Life Member
AMSAT-UK Committee Member
FUNcube Data Warehouse Developer

Wed 1st February 2012

Recently the Norwegian government declared most of Jan Mayen a Nature Reserve and banned landings and camping on most of the island.

This means that tour operators can no longer visit since the main landing area is part of the Reserve. The only places left on the island which could be used as landing and camp sites are in Kvalross-bukta and in Båtvika, in the very extreme (weather-wise) southern part of Jan Mayen.

It also means that most visits to the north part of the island (where previous landings occurred) will soon be impossible. Whilst radio amateur operations may still be possible from these two locations, which are difficult to get to (rough landing, very strong winds with sand storms, no access to any shelters or resources etc), it now appears JX5O was probably the last major expedition to Jan Mayen and may well be for the coming years.

It also seems that only professional, licensed staff members at the Olonkin base will be able to activate the island, with that in itself a rare occurrence." However, Svein, LA9JKA, is expected to be based on the island beginning March 22nd, and is expected to stay until March 2013.

No eQSLs, SWL reports are welcome.
QSL only direct to: Svein Rabbevag, Brendlia 12, N-6013 Alesund, Norway. Also, see details on QR.com for postage info.

DX-World.net

Wed 1st February 2012

Look for special event station TM9AAW to be on the air between February 10-26th. Activity is to celebrate the 9th Antarctic Activity Week (AAW).

Operations will be made by François, F8DVD, from his QTH of Mâcon in the east part of France. The WAP reference number for TM9AAW is 220.

Operations will be on 40-10 meters mostly SSB.

QSL via F8DVD, by the Bureau or direct (w/SAE + 1 IRC or 2 USDs to: François Bergez, 6, Rue de la Liberté, F-71000 MACON, FRANCE.

For more details, see http://tm9aaw.monsite-orange.fr
or TM9AAW on QRZ.com.

Wed 1st February 2012

The largest TV broadcasters in the UAE are showing up to 76 commercials in a single break, prompting viewers to switch stations, according to data from the Emirates Media Measurement Company (EMMC).

“People leave during a long ad break,” said Chris O’Hearn, EMMC’s general manager.

The longest single ad break observed earlier this month was 24 minutes in duration, and was comprised of 76 individual commercials. More than 2,000 breaks were more than five minutes in duration, according to EMMC data.

Read more from The National

Source: Media Network