Survey Comments
As only NASA can
Human spaceflight is not dead!! We have found a use for Shuttle and Station gear after all. Personally I am still feeling burned by all the time and equipment I sunk in to AO-40.
Rather than another piece of orbital debris to revel with, how about we get real people to strike a deal for a solidly built, high tech AO-40 like transponder and make it a Space Station strap on.
Better than messing with Suitsat.
Posted by
K4WY on 2006-05-22
Suit Sat
Why do people keep calling this an "experiment"? Ignorance, I guess. This was a stunt, or a cute idea or whatever, but we seem to have a lot of fellows that don't know what an experiment is. Calling suitsat an "experiment" makes hams look a bit dumb.
If it had been called a publicity stunt, then it would have been accurately named.
Posted by
KD5PSH on 2006-02-28
Some thoughts for a meaningful next time
...good idea...for an experiment. Next one should be better, perhaps using solar power to keep batteries charged longer, or perhaps exploiting temperature differentials in different parts of the suit to generate electricity... How about having an uplink for remotely controlling the rigs from earth? ...VFOs and antenna couplers were invented long ago, why aren't we using them in space already? Moreover, I am 100% certain that we can use the suit as the frame for an HF antenna a la Isotron... Perhaps put a little still camera and get some SSTV going...Plus a million other crazy ideas...
Posted by
TG9AKH on 2006-02-20
restrictive covenants
Suitsat was a great idea but... my neighbor got wind of it and stood outside all night waiting for it to pass overhead to see if he could complain about the antenna blocking his view.
Posted by
KA0SOG on 2006-02-19
restrictive covenants
Suitsat was a great idea but... my neighbor got wind of it and stood outside all night waiting for it to pass overhead to see if he could complain about the antenna blocking his view.
Posted by
KA0SOG on 2006-02-19
Next time...
Let's put K1MAN in the suit. Helmet optional.
Posted by
N4RLL on 2006-02-15
SuitSat - Fun Idea!
I think it was a great idea. Let the ISS 'homebrew' a fun project that virtually anyone can relate to. Was any 'great science' acheived? No. Was world hunger solved? No. Was anyone or anything harmed? Just the old radios that'll burn up with the suit on re-entry.
Why do we feel in the late 20th/early 21st century that EVERYTHING has to have some deep eternal meaning? SuitSat was a fun project, no more, no less.
Best part, my two older kids (17 and 4) lit up at the thought of a spacesuit-radio station. Maybe SuitSat will spark some creative energies in them!
73
Joe
N2LJD
Posted by
N2LJD on 2006-02-14
"I can understand the sat part, but what is the suit supposed to be there for?"
It was just an easy, fun, clever way of getting rid of a suit that was just taking up space. The suit was garbage. This still would have made the news even if amateurs weren't involved. Instead, they decided to have some fun with it. How in the world could people have a problem with that? If it weren't for experiments, little would ever be gained. Everything about amateur radio has come about because of experimentation. As long as something, ANYTHING, was gained by somebody, it was worthwhile. This cost no money, and no time by anyone other than the astronauts. I don't see how anyone could complain (and I know you weren't complaining, Charles... I'm just saying...)
Posted by
K8NWX on 2006-02-12
Wrong Platform
We need a geostationary & stop playing around with floating toys & trash...
Maybe an 802.11A or G satellite would both use the frequencies & serve an actual useful purpose... 2.4/5GHz with a 900 link?
k4raf@yahoo.com
Posted by
K4RAF on 2006-02-12
SATSUIT
I am just sorry I did not take more of an interest and listen for it sooner than I did... I expected 2 or 3 days of operation and did not hear that it only worked for 2 orbits or so, BUT IT WORKED FOR 2 ORBITS! D'oH on my part for not being more prepared and taking the time to listen!!!
This was not a failure, as it WORKED for a short time. It was an experiment. Why not try it again! Lets make it better.. We have the old technology just sitting there and why not use it for something...
There are 2 Theologies of Science here. Russian and American.
America - THROW MONEY AT THE PROBLEM AND THEN SEE IF IT WORKS.
RUSSIAN - Hey guys, we got this old space suit, got any ideas?
Anyway, it comes back to the old "story" I heard about NASA and the USSR during the space race...
NASA/USA 1960's - invested $1,000,000 to develope a pen that was pressurized to write in space.
USSR 1960's - They used a PENCIL!
I say good job to the ISS crew and the experiment. Lets all look forward to SATSUIT 2, and 3 and ETC.
73 de KB9FAI
Posted by
KB9FAI on 2006-02-12
SuitSat
Maybe they left the bum flap open.
Posted by
VE4HQ on 2006-02-11
Neat Idea
Suitsat is a great idea. I hope they do many more building on what was learned. It's ridiculous to think it would be perfect the first time out.
Posted by
KC0TUD on 2006-02-10
Neat Idea
Suitsat is a great idea. I hope they do many more building on what was learned. It's ridiculous to think it would be perfect the first time out.
Posted by
KC0TUD on 2006-02-10
Suitsat
We have the technology ... we will make it better, transmitting stronger....
(music-Six Million Dollar Man)-(SuitSat)
Imagine if you will what hams could do with the next Suitsat.Put a tower on it and it will attach nicely to the backpack, but it will have to be a crank-up tower ...sorry for the jab there...
I really laughed hard when I heard some news organization called it "Spacesuit 1".
I heard the recordings-that Japanese girls' voice was HOT !!!!
KG4RRN (evidently someone heard about my Mike Brown comment, and now he's testifying again on Capitol Hill about ....FEMA.....
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHHAHAHHAH
Posted by
KG4RRN on 2006-02-10
Cold War stuff of Dreams
I can hear the ol'd Russian Generals laughing about now- (as the prepare their modified CosmoSutackata Suit)
Posted by
N0AH on 2006-02-10
I was hoping to be able to show a non-ham friend the wonder of radio and the magic of hearing a signal from space! No dice unfortunately.
Posted by
M0RNA on 2006-02-10
motivation
This motivated me to build a home brew yagi 2mtr ant. so I can recieve the signal. Thats a good thing.
Posted by
KC9FOJ on 2006-02-10
The Suit.
I can understand the sat part, but what is the suit supposed to be there for?
Charles, N5PVL
Posted by
N5PVL on 2006-02-09
No radio Equipment Required
Why is it that we must somehow relinquish ourselves to the mentality that we must gain instant gratification from actually hearing Suitsat on the air or else this entire project somehow becomes an instant (just add water) failure?
It's not what is heard or not heard that determines Suitsat's success.
That is simply not the intended standard of measurement to formulate a decision on the project.
Sometimes it's only about participating in the game and not necessarily if you actually win something at the end of the day or not.
Suitsat was clearly not defined as some sort of pseudo competitive sport in the first place.
Suitsat was simply intended as an experiment designed to create interest, understanding, imagination and to instill the sense of wonder in young people's minds.
Apparently, one only needs to read the current media to determine that
Suitsat was very much successful in achieving that final result.
If I were a kid again, I don't feel I would be focused on the batteries, the technical equipment etc. , but rather I would think the idea of a floating spacesuit 200 miles above the Earth would create a sense of wonderment in itself, regardless if anyone had the opportunity to hear it "speaking" or not.
Again, I reiterate the fact that we should not be solely focused on this instant gratification factor mentality. I really don't think the kids are, just us adults seem to be that way.
You want your kids to hear Suitsat? Sit them down and play a recording of Suitsat from the many sources of Suitsat recordings available on the internet.
...It's as simple as that.
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-02-09
what next
Big waste of time it was. Agree unless you put one of them stupid robot voice ID's on the thing how are the no code guys gonna know what they are receiving. Stunts like this although really geeky can give ham radio yet another black eye.
Posted by
W8WLC on 2006-02-09
secret message
For those unable to copy suitsat directly, the suitsat secret message is ...
"Drink more Ovaltine."
Posted by
N1KFC on 2006-02-09
Stunts like this although really geeky can give ham radio yet another black eye.
----
"Stunts" like this demonstrate that we are true experimenters. A "good message" to be projecting as far as I am concerned.
Just like NASA, hams will keep experimenting. This is how we learn from the experiences gained. That is the right message send people about the ARS.
Ham radio is not a competetive sport ie. Win vs. Lose. but rather it is a life long learning experience.
..And yes I heard that same "Ovaltine" message in the background static.
...Thanks! I was wondering what that guy was saying on the tape I kept playing over and over again. Now it makes perfect sense.
:)
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-02-09
SuitSat
___it happens!
Posted by
N2VPC on 2006-02-08
The Batteries
Use the Energizer, thats what I use in my Ford Focus. Rick KC2ESD
Posted by
KC2ESD on 2006-02-08
The Batteries
Use the Energizer, thats what I use in my Ford Focus. Rick KC2ESD
Posted by
KC2ESD on 2006-02-08
Why Not
With all the junk we have put in space - the Final Frontier (Star Trek) - why not one more small item. How many can say, or will say, they heard a space suit on 2 meters. I remember hearing the Space Shuttle for the first time on 2 meters, what a thrill. Now I'm trying for a Space Suit. This is the fun of amateur radio for me - the unknown of what is out there and what you will hear.
I admit that next time a little advanced planning will help but this is great. I do have to ask as I have not been following this too closely - was this a planned event or a spur-of-the moment thing: it does not matter, it is still a wonderful idea, and what better way to do away with some unwanted/unneeded items. Carry on!
Posted by
WA0TML on 2006-02-07
SuitSat - Good Idea
"SuitSat-1 was a great idea, but..."
But, nothing! It is a great idea, and I hope it is the first of many such experiments. I've been listening on 145.990 and 437.800 every time it has been passing overhead. So far, I haven't heard anything. But, even if I never hear it, it's still a good thing. It gets non-hams to take a look at ham radio. All you need is a scanner and a decent antenna. Maybe SuitSat will get some of the curiosity-seekers interested enough to get into ham radio.
Posted by
AG4RQ on 2006-02-07
To the Naysayers
When YOU put up your first satellite, let us all know. Until then, don't go away mad, just go away.
Dennis KG4RUL
Posted by
KG4RUL on 2006-02-06
145990
Someone has to make a few recordings, time and date stamp them, then just send it to Riley. Thats what i did here to take back my two meter machines. Ran the chickenband hams back to 11 meters. Who needs em! 73 John
Posted by
WR8D on 2006-02-06
Why?
Why was SuitSat created? It makes as much sense as that orbiting multi-billion dollar white elephant ISS.
73, Nick N3AIU
Posted by
N3AIU on 2006-02-06
It's still working
I won't even bother defending the ISS, which is worth it's weight in platinum many times over.
SuitSat was a neat idea. It's tumbling, it's signal is weak, but it's still transmitting. Hopefully hams will learn something from the experience.
I agree with Dennis, KG4RUL. If you have put up a better satellite you certainly have grounds to criticize. If not then the bashing is pointless and idiotic.
73,
Caity
K7VO/9
Posted by
K7VO on 2006-02-06
Next time
Next time I'll volunteer to give them the tuxedo I was married in.
I can pack the pockets with Duracells and handie-talkies.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2006-02-06
suitsat
I think that it is a great way to bring all the Hams to gather on a common mission.I think there was plenty of notice on the Suitsat. I hope to God we do it again.
Posted by
W6TRI on 2006-02-05
Ham will do any thing
i think it funny thata bunch of ham track used underware in space,What the hell will they think of next.....Also i understand why many could not copy it..the tx was in cw and most hams today dont know what that is.....
Posted by
N2BR on 2006-02-05
Wrong batteries....
They should have used a Sears DIEHARD....
73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
Posted by
WA8MEA on 2006-02-04
Energizer Bunny
Use the Energizer Bunny next time....
73,
Joe
WDØM
Posted by
WD0M on 2006-02-04
suit sat 145.990
The only thing I didnt like about it was the fact that I heard Colorado HAMS from Divide, CO talking on the 145.990. Now even tho we probably cant and/or won't hear the SuitSat at all, it would make it very difficult to hear it when local HAMS are talking locally on the SuitSat Freq. Now come on folks with all the freqs that we have available to us why, just why do you have to ruin something that is supposed to be for ALL HAMS world wide. Get off the frequency and go back to your own private freq and chit chat there. Don't do it on the World Wide Freq, because you never know who might be listening.
73's NØmud
Posted by
N0MUD on 2006-02-04
Here we go again
It's too bad that another world radio event will never be heard due to a bunch of cb'er type idiots jawing on 145.99. Notice that 11 meters is empty? Guess where they all went? I'll now bypass anything that has to due with FM and a microphone.
Posted by
N9ESH on 2006-02-04
Sigh
Oh well it was fun while it lasted. Maybe next time they will remember to turn on the heat pump...LOL!!!
Posted by
N0FPE on 2006-02-04
Not too promising
The last satellite gave up too. This AMSAT bunch is starting to look like the gang who couldn't shoot straight.
I might be interested in investing the time and money to try satellite communications but it doesn't look very promising.
Posted by
K4IA on 2006-02-04
Great idea...
I don't understand all this animosity towards people using a dedicated simplex frequency... Not everyone knew about the frequency! Better planning should have been made. For example, I knew of the suitsat; but I had no idea what frequency it was TXing on. Why? Because I didn't expect to be able to monitor it. If AMSAT is going to attempt this again, they need to prepare better.
Posted by
VE3ECMW2 on 2006-02-04
Great idea...
I don't understand all this animosity towards people using a dedicated simplex frequency... Not everyone knew about the frequency! Better planning should have been made. For example, I knew of the suitsat; but I had no idea what frequency it was TXing on. Why? Because I didn't expect to be able to monitor it. If AMSAT is going to attempt this again, they need to prepare better.
Posted by
VE3ECMW2 on 2006-02-04
Bones Said It All...
....It's dead, Jim....."
Posted by
KK8ZZ on 2006-02-04
SatSuit frequency
Maybe, just maybe the hams using the frequency were not aware of the SatSuit. Give them the benefit of the doubt rather than assume they are just uncaring dolts who screwed it up intentionally. Not everyone follows all that is going on in ham radio or space. I think the idea is good and they should keep trying.
73,
Frank
KL7IPV
Posted by
KL7IPV on 2006-02-04