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New EasySats Needed
Mark Flanagan (K1MKF)
on
March 29, 2004
View comments about this article!
In the 90's I was a new ham and was very excited about trying new things. First as a Tech then a Tech Plus I had a Yaesu FT-840, a very basic HF rig. Then I discovered the EasySats, Russian Amateur Satellites RS-10/11, RS-12/13 and RS-15. After listening to the downlinks on 10 meters I bought a used Kenwood 2 meter all-mode rig. The excitement I found was incredible! The EasySats provided a 10-minute window of opportunity that allows a nice QSO or a few fast-paced contest like contacts.
Some might say that these EasySats did not promote the “radio art” but I disagree. I learned how to effectively communicate during a fixed amount of time while simultaneously adjusting my frequency to compensate for Doppler shift. I also researched antenna specifications and analyzed satellite passes. I knew which antennas would work best with which passes and which passes would provide the best conditions for DX or solid contacts. I didn't upgrade to computer controlled steerable antenna arrays. I did it all the basic way.
The future of Amateur Satellites seems to have forgotten the EasySats. The new satellites are all more complicated birds on higher frequencies placed in higher, more complex orbits. The goal seems to be a bird in the same place every 48 hours or even geostationary to eliminate the steering of the large array that is necessary. The new easy to operate satellites are just FM repeaters in the sky that require a small handheld dual band yagi.
I would like to encourage the new support for an old idea. We need more Mode-A, 2m/10m, CW/SSB linear transponders in low earth orbit. This is how I first worked DX and satellites and I miss it. I'm sure that many others feel the same as I. We need these birds for the nostalgia of veteran satellite operators and for the next generation of new HAMs.
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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New EasySats Needed
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by N3HKN on March 29, 2004
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And, they are simpler and less prone to failure. If they do fail the lost money is not outrageous. I personally liked the high orbit sats. They need tracking which can be accomplished with some mechanical lashups or $500.00 to Yaesu. Low orbit works, but at times they sound like contests on 20 meters with egos running amplifiers.
Dick N3HKN
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KG4YJR on March 29, 2004
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>>>but at times they sound like contests on 20 meters with egos running amplifiers<<<
Reminds me of a time these two idiots were hogging a Satellite during the entire pass. They weren't pausing between each others transmissions to allow for anyone else to jump in and they could have used a telephone if they wanted to have a conversation but no, screw everybody else, this satellite belonged to them in their opinion. Besides one poor baby saying how sick he was from his cold, you know what the two idiots kept asking one another over and over?
"I wonder why we ain't heard from so and so yet".
They weren't pausing long enough for their good buddy or anybody to break in period.
Pure retardation.
73
Dave
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New EasySats Needed
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by AJ3U on March 29, 2004
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I agree, Mark. After getting my ticket in 2001, I had the same experience as you by operating on UO-14.
The planning, antenna research and contruction, and fast pace of making contacts during a 10 minute pass taught me a lot in a short period of time.
The best way to get more EasySats is to join AmSat (if you have not already) and put your two cents worth in.
73!
A.J. Farmer, AJ3U
http://www.aj3u.com
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by N8XD on March 29, 2004
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Easysat devices are wonderful! At last years Amsat conference I wandered around and talked to quite a few people. The range of options were very diverse from, "we need more satellites for the masses" to "I don't want simple FM repeaters in space".
From personal experience, I have found that Easysats are a fantastic way to get radio operators interested in trying satellites. They are also great for getting potential Hams interested in Amateur radio. Pointing an antenna at the sky and talking through a satellite is really an attraction to younger folk!
I'm very disappointed right now, because it's a lot harder to show off satellites. I am very excited about the new Echo satellite and hope it goes well. I think we need a few more "cheap" satellites to replace some of the fallen 2m/70cm birds.
Personally, I'd rather see 5 echo's than one Eagle. Perhaps with many of the same features as Eagle, but spread out over several satellites. (Don't put all your satellites in one AO-40 basket!)
Best Wishes,
--Keith (N8XD)
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New EasySats Needed
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by WM5Z on March 29, 2004
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I agree. I am cirtainly not one of the affluent few, and would like to see more "birds" that can be operated with more modest equipment, since my ham radio budget is small.
When my wife (KD5ZGY) first got interested in ham radio, it was the thought that she could possibly work DX through satellites that really sparked her interests. How many more are like us out there?
I think that what AMSAT does is a wonderful thing, and they should continue to do what they do, but add some of the older technologies up there as well.
Steve/WM5Z
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by KG6GMT on March 29, 2004
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The FM birds are fun, easy and can be worked with an HT. AO-27 is on every night you can usualy work 3 passes from any location in the USA. SO-50 is on for every pass. we had only 3 hams on a pass up the west coast last night. Go to www.projectoscar.net to get the information you need to get started and join us. You will be welcome. The new birds are comming but lets use the ones we have now. 73 brock
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by N6ORS on March 29, 2004
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You know these sats dont launch themselves, You can make a donation at Amsat.org or call martha at 301-589-6062.
The donation is tax deductable.
73,
Keith
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by NK7J on March 29, 2004
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I agree, when I started out in 1989 I soon discovered RS-12 and for a long time had a ball using it and the other russian sat.
I tried the FM sat a couple times but it just aint the same. I bought all mode VHF/UHF radios for some of the other birds at the time but always wound up back on the russian sats.
I would send AMSAT a donation IF there were some plans to put some more RS style sats up instead of the pie in the sky sats.
It is neat and all to have birds like 3-D up but you need to get people hooked first and the RS style sats provided that opportunity.
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New EasySats Needed
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by W4MGY on March 29, 2004
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If Michael Powell and George Bush have their way, and BPL becomes a reality; space and satellites may be the only solution left for long range communications for radio amateurs. Although I have not had much luck hearing any of the space toys up there; I agree we need more "EasySats", so DXers like me will have a new mode to use in chasing for another DXCC. The EasySats may prove to be the salvation of ham radio once we give up on HF. But please keep the on 2 meters and 440, I don't wanna buy 1.2 Ghz rig just be disapointed to hear nothing but the rush of RF noise.
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New EasySats Needed
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by AA0NI on March 29, 2004
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I remember the Russian Sats when I operated into them for the first time using an old Heathkit HW-101 on 15m and the original Radio Shack 10m HTX-100. It was incredible catching a pass - and even more thrilling making contact through the bird. It's sad that we can no longer have the thrill of many QSO's along a passband.
I guess I'd better start looking at joining AMSAT someday.
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New EasySats Needed
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by KG7DX on March 29, 2004
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I agree ! My last satellite contact was through AO-7 (!) and it was FUN !! We need to attract more pople in the hobby, and into space communications, through SIMPLE SATELLITES. Good idea!!!
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by W6SPT on March 29, 2004
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Sats are a lot of fun. I have been working the FM birds with an HT and an arrow II antenna for the last few months. On the right pass I have made QSO's from Illinois to Texas from the West Coast. I have found all the stations using the birds to be friendly and helpful. I almost regret the word getting out on how easy they are to work. We need a few more sats to keep the congestion down. As far as Bush and BPL (not sure how you link the Pres. with BPL) if it weren't for your buddy Al Gore inventing the internet, BPL wouldn't be an issue...hihi :P
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by K5OE on March 29, 2004
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Don't forget the easiest of the "easy sats": RS-12/13 when it/they were in mode K (15 m up and 10 m down). Full duplex was not uncommon, but it sure worked anyway. I made my first satellite contact using just an FT-890 in split mode and an inv-vee. It was pure magic when somebody would come back to my call. I would love to see one of these birds again.
Probably the easiest satellite to work today is the International Space Station on packet. Any old two meter radio and any old computer with a sound card will make do. You can download free software to emulate a TNC in your computer using the soundcard as the interface. Not for everyone... but it will wow the kids. See http://www.ariss.net/ for who has been on lately.
Several years ago I wrote an article for 73 Magazine on the easy sats. It is a little aged now as some of the venerable old boys have become space debris, but you might still find some nuggets of interest:
go to http://members.aol.com/k5oe and click on the link in the second paragraph, else go direct:
http://members.aol.com/k5oejerry/easysat/easysat.htm
All the comments above about joining AMSAT are right on: don't stand outside and wish things were different, join and make your views and desires known.
73,
Jerry, VK8OE
ps: looking forward to Echo, Eagle, and P3E and praying for AO-40 to wake up some day.
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by KA8NCR on March 29, 2004
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Easysats are needed, but only as a vehicle to help introduce new amateurs into satellite communications.
The P3 birds are much more exciting to work. You'd never imagine working Africa and Europe on the LEO Easysats, but the P3 birds made it nearly an effortless endeavor (depending upon QTH of course). As far as the complaints that they require higher technical abilities, my response is "yeah, so what?" Isn't it part of the hobby to gain knowledge and grow that theory into practice? Sorry, but where is the fun in a hobby that's completely plug-n-play?
Admittedly, part of the increased technical requirements for AO-40 were due to the shortcomings caused by a damaged system. It wasn't AMSAT's design to have the most usable downlink on 2.4 gig. Nevertheless, the requirements were not that insurmountable especially in the heyday of AO-40 where $80 and 15 minutes on Ebay would get you a downconverter that required NO further modifications and NO preamplifier.
AMSAT is only going to launch the latest bird, project Echo with a lot of help from the amateur community. If you have even the slightest interest in seeing this project get off the ground in July, please consider donating to cover the launch expenses. If AMSAT can't meet the obligations, the next chance is well over a year from now.
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KD5JFT on March 30, 2004
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I agree that we need more "easy sats". Keep the equipment requirements modest, ie 2M up and 70cm down (or vice versa). I really enjoyed working UO14 while it lived. 1.2G is still too rare and expensive. Keep those options going but keep up a few simple FM repeaters in orbit.
I agree with the earlier post that we need some easy sats to get people hooked. Then have some more that are slightly more technically challenging ie ssb w/ inverted transponders, then go to the more esoteric ones demanding more advanced equipment and knowledge. That way you hook'em with the easy ones, reel'em in with the next step, and keep'em interested with there being something more advanced and demanding to go to next.
Bye the way, AMSAT needs your $$. I admit I have not donated, only bought a few of their publications. At the last hamfest, it was a choice between a new antenna or an AMSAT book. The antenna won, but only because it was the only reason I went to that hamfest. After I buy new tires for the truck, AMSAT will see a few more of my dollars. That way I will be able to actually feel free to add my input to their plans. I don't feel right asking them to do something if I don't contribute in some fashion.
Just my $0.02 (or less) worth.
KD5JFT
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KC5NYJ on March 30, 2004
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Off on a tangent here, but has anybody ever heard of the "copper needles" orbiting at 3000km?
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KC5NYJ on March 30, 2004
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'In 1963, Project West Ford (also known as Project Needles) launched millions of small hair-thin copper wires to form an orbital belt 3700-km high to act as passive reflectors. To overcome the understandable objection of radio astronomers, the wires were constructed so that they disintegrated in space. Although digitised speech was transmitted intelligibly, the use of passive communications satellites was about to come to an end.'
Interesting concept. No maintenance.
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by M5MDH on March 30, 2004
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What can I add to what has already been said? RS12/13 and UO-14 were great fun when they were up and running. I remember when I was at my radio club demonstrating what UO-14 sounded like- A fair bit of Europe was heard, the onlookers were impressed.
Shame that those 2 birds are no longer operating but at least I've got some QSL cards from my QSO's.
73, Mark M5MDH
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by K1MKF on March 30, 2004
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I did not intend for this to start a pro or con AMSAT debate. I was an AMSAT member and donor when I was satellite active. I would probably be satellite active again if LEO Linear Transponders were still available. But, I can only belong to so many organizations and only donate so much money. I doubt the $50 or so I could afford each year would shape AMSAT policy. I just wanted to share my memories of operating the EasySats with simple gear.
Thank you,
MarkF
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by G3CWI on March 30, 2004
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I agree entirely with your sentiments. Having been brought up on Oscar 6 and 7 it is disappointing to see that the entry level is a lot higher these days. Those simple linear transponders were a lot of fun and introduced many people to satellite communications in a easy way.
Amsat has had a series of disasters with its ambitious birds; perhaps now it the time for a fundamental rethink about the purposes of the amateur satellite programme?
73
Richard
G3CWI
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by ON4MGY on March 30, 2004
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I worked a couple of stations on sat and all were worked on UO-14, but I've kistened to a lot of QSO on AO-7 when it came back to life again.
The biggest advantage of a LEO-sat is that you don't need lots of money to work via the satellite.
When you wanted to work AO-40, you needed a whole lot of money for equipment. With only a very small budget can can get on the LEO's. That's why my favourite sat's are the LEO's. A lot of ham's are rich enough to buy everything they want for the hobby, some of us are not that lucky.
LEO's are proving you don't need to be rich to get on satellite, HEO's are telling you the opposite.
73
ON4MGY Nic
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by N4WYK on March 30, 2004
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I agree that Easy sats are needed. My first was RS 12/13 in mode K. Then RS-12 and on and on. I guess AO-13 was my favorite in it's day. As for easy sats they are needed that is true but which ones? FM or SSB or digital? The FM birds are like some kind of DX contests I've heard. However, there is this thing called capture effect that makes them interesting. AO-13 was nice with the 2m down and 440 up. Another bird equivalent one day would be nice but it appears we may have to wait a bit.
Someone mentioned that AO-40 or the HEO birds were too hard to work. No they are not. It may require you to think a little more but in fact they are easier in a lot of ways. But if is hard to you as was stated "SO WHAT!?" You expanded your horizons to work the easy sats now let's expand a little more and go for the HEO's. Yes it may require a little more money but it does not have to. With a little savvy, e-bay and ambition you can work them cheaply. Once you could get a 2.4 setup with dish and down converter for around $150 or so.
Sorry but I'm not much for plug and play. I'm also not much of an appliance operator. Some of us love to build things. Primestar dishes could be used as an antenna for AO-40. You just needed to make your own feed. The internet was full of diagrams and suggestions. I guess that is why I liked the HEO's so well. There was always a challenge.
Had it not been for AO-40 I don't know WHEN or if I would have dabbled in the microwave frequencies. I discovered that 2.4 GHz was not hard. In fact it was exhilirating the first time I actually heard something with my 2.4 Ghz setup!
As for tracking there is a lot of free software. Nova is one of my favorite but it is not free. However, Satscape is! I highly recommend Scott's program. Especially for the new user. http://www.satscape.co.uk/ . You will find that he responds to e-mails rather well also. I used to harass him frequently a few years ago when I'd like to see him try or add something else. He always amazed me and added it at all possible.
As for the ISS the "MOST" exhilirating experience was the opportunity to speak wtih Susan Helms. She was most active and I was able to make two contacts with her and make several recordings of her QSO's with others to be passed around.
AMSAT is only going to launch the latest bird, project Echo with a lot of help from the amateur community. Please consider donating to cover the launch expenses if you have even the slightest interest in seeing this project get off the ground in July. Admittedly I have not done my part yet but I'm working on it.
P.S. I am looking forward to Echo, Eagle, and P3E and praying for AO-40 to wake up some day soon. Besides I think AO-7 woke up after around 30 years.
73,
Rick Tilton
ARS - N4WYK
n4wyk@charter.net
N4WYK APRS & Satellite Website: http://n4wyk.com
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by K5MAR on March 30, 2004
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For easy sat work, PCSat - the APRS digipeater sat was both easy and fun. Granted, not much for 2-way comms, but you could send a one-line message. I even managed a two bank shot, my station to PCSat to the ISS and back to ground. And it was designed and built for minimal costs by the midshipman at the U.S. Naval Acadamy at Annapolis. It has lasted far longer than expected, and still has some function during times of full light. (Interestingly enough, it was the only space-rated componants, a battery pack, that failed.) This is the kind of bird we need, not another megabuck AO-40 fiasco.
Mark S.
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by N6ORS on March 30, 2004
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The Problem here is you 'Shack on a belt" types dont spend the money to put the satellites up. If you want easy sats then DONATE. DONATE NOW! Echo (a shack on a belt type bird) is waiting to be launched. If your an Avid DX hound then who can resist a High Orbit type bird, that gives you a view of half the world for hours at a time, If this is your forte' then DONATE to Eagle. The old saying is Put up or shut up. Now which is it?
Keith N6ORS
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KO4MA on March 30, 2004
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Mark F/K1MKF,
AO-7 and FO-29 are both LEO linear transponder sats, and are both working every pass. And while maybe not shaping AMSAT policy, you would be helping build new birds...
Mark wrote:
"I would probably be satellite active again if LEO Linear Transponders were still available."
73, Drew KO4MA
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by W4UDX on March 30, 2004
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Yep, I remember when WR4F and I worked one of those old birds CW mode with a Kenwood TS-700SP and a Drake R-4B on 10 meters. Tons of fun! I would love to work one of those old style sats now. I have no interest in the current ones.....
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KB3JJG on March 31, 2004
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We need more sats of all types, and there are quite a few in the works. If you want a good look into the future of amsat and what new sats will be flying soon, look at the coordinated frequency lists. Available here.
http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/
About 2 dozen coordinated or in the works, most flying within the next few years.
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KE2IV on March 31, 2004
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So talk is cheap - or is it?
I see a lot of posters here saying they should join AMSAT someday - or whatever.
Well someday is now and it's now or never!
For crying out loud - I don't think I'm the only ham on this site who is sick and tired of hearing you folks cry poverty when it comes to doing something for the common good!
If you can afford to buy a computer to make a fool of yourself on this website you can afford to send a few bucks off to AMSAT!
What a bunch of whining clowns....
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KG4YJR on March 31, 2004
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>>>For crying out loud - I don't think I'm the only ham on this site who is sick and tired of hearing you folks cry poverty when it comes to doing something for the common good!<<<
That's why the "wait 24 hours" to see newly placed classified ads is such a joke. People too cheap to spend $15 a year are too cheap to see or even buy a $200 plus rig.
My AMSAT membership is current but I probably won't renew. They don't deliver on materials and publications that they promise with membership sometimes and I don't pay to be a member of something just to say "I'm a member of something", especially for $39 a year. I'm an ARRL member and their publications are always delivered and delivered on time. I will still make contributions though. So far for the Echo project alone I've donated $110.
If they make needed improvements as far as managing their obligations to their paid members and getting a better bulk mailing contractor I might renew then.
73
Dave
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RE: New EasySats Needed
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by KE2IV on April 1, 2004
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Well Dave (KG4YJR) you do have a point or so.
I too have gotten the occasional AMSAT publication with some blank or out of order pagination.
But then again, this it is a shoestring operation (which is what we want - right?) when it comes to overhead. Only one faithful paid employee there as far as I know.
So it's all volunteers.
BTW: I am a Life Member of the ARRL and, you are absolutely correct, I expect much more professional publications from them. Are you a Lifie too?
Difference is, the League has the broader purpose of being our national voice defending our interest in an increasingly competitive world of spectrum management.
AMSAT exists to put "birds" in the sky. Post the Phase III debacle I think they are well on track to be back to doing that. So I really don't mind the occassional blank page in the Amsat Journal or whatever.
And my original gripe remains: All these people are willing to make all these complaints here using their fine computers that cost them a bundle. But why can't they spend a few bucks to put the "birds" in the sky? Simply stated: Ain't no one but Amsat that's going to launch so skip a lunch and pony up a few bucks damnit!
Most e-hams are simply griping, whining hypocrites.
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