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CX2SA > SATDIG 07.10.08 01:20l 1037 Lines 34820 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Coaxial helix (Luc Leblanc)
2. Re: AO-51 (Luc Leblanc)
3. Re: Mode S advice (Luc Leblanc)
4. Why choose one language over another - was :Re: Programming
language recommendation? (Eric Fort)
5. VUCC proof (n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net)
6. VUCC proof (Rafael Valdez G.)
7. (no subject) (quadpugh(AT)bellsouth.net)
8. Re: Mode S advice (Michael Heim)
9. Re: Why choose one language over another - was :Re:
Programming language recommendation? (Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF)
10. Re: VUCC proof (n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net)
11. VUCC update (n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net)
12. Re: Programming language recommendation? (David Goncalves)
13. ARRL VUCC (Jim Danehy)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:12:35 -0400
From: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(AT)videotron.ca>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Coaxial helix
To: amsat-bb(AT)AMSAT.Org
Message-ID: <48E90393.24132.1A0528D(AT)lucleblanc6.videotron.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
I was given an old Helix from a SK estate. It was used in the AO-10 AO-13
era.
The helix is made of an RG8-U the inner conductor is
connected to an SO-259 and about 1/4 turn from the connector a copper
metal
plate is soldered to the braid. The round metal reflector is
standard but about 10 extension radials are bolted around the plate making
the
reflector about 30 inches in diameter +-
With this kind of reflector it seems to be a VHF helix??? a very odd
one!!! If
this peculiar design seems to remember something for someone
i will appreciate your inputs as i will try to rebuild it as she is in a
very
poor state.
P.S. If this antenna was really existing as it was could be an
experimental
one by this SK it will make's another alternative to the
standard design but as it was made for a back mounting the counter poised
should be about 5 pounds!!! quite heavy.
"-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE
Skype VE2DWE
www.qsl.net/ve2dwe
WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:05:11 -0400
From: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(AT)videotron.ca>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51
To: amsat-bb(AT)AMSAT.Org
Message-ID: <48E94827.29281.2AC36DF(AT)lucleblanc6.videotron.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
On 5 Oct 2008 at 19:17, Michael Heim wrote:
> Well, I accidentally transmitted on 435 into an unswitched 70 cm receive
preamp... That would qualify I'm sure, as one of the better ones.
Fortunately
I realized what I did and ordered 10 replacement transistors,
> knowing that I'd prolly do it again.
>
> Michael Heim
> ARS KD0AR
>
> That one of you who is faultless may throw the first stone say the tall guy
with a beard!
As stated above i for myself burn 3 and 2 to go... but this time they are
relay protected. Not a 100% fool proof solution but since they
are up in the tower all things are going smoothly...6 months now!
On my 3 burn out even one with the relay protection who switch the preamp
out
of the line when no DC power is present, fast CW keying can
destroy it or using an external DC power injector who keep the preamp in
line
and when just a simple mike fell down on a straight key it
produce the fatal white noise scary situation where nothing happen when
you
switch the preamp back an forth...
The word "mistake" has been invented by the tall guy with a beard and to
make
sure we will not forget his name he set up some situation
making us repeating his name numerous time...
If we are not alone in the universe you are not too!
"-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE
Skype VE2DWE
www.qsl.net/ve2dwe
WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:16:36 -0400
From: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(AT)videotron.ca>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Mode S advice
To: amsat-bb(AT)AMSAT.Org
Message-ID: <48E94AD4.26972.2B6ABD0(AT)lucleblanc6.videotron.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
On 5 Oct 2008 at 18:27, Michael Heim wrote:
I noticed, while listening in using either antenna, a noticeable amount of
deep fades on the bird. I'm not sure if it was caused by
reflections nearby, or uplink fades on 1269 mhz.
Hi Michael
If your fades are on the S band downlink it is you downlink antenna who
probably gives you the fades. I tested a standard BBQ grill screen
meshed and i also got theses huges fades. When i switched to a linear 42
stacked elements (A WIFI antenna) theses fades disappear
completely. as AO-51 S band antenna is linear i guess a linear antenna is
the
best choice?
"-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE
Skype VE2DWE
www.qsl.net/ve2dwe
WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 20:27:35 -0700
From: "Eric Fort" <eric.fort(AT)gmail.com>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Why choose one language over another - was :Re:
Programming language recommendation?
To: APBIDDLE(AT)mailaps.org
Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org>
Message-ID:
<2ad2af430810052027o60d7790l859afbb5c0e1f99d(AT)mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Much of this choice would seem to be based upon what you want to
accomplish. My 3 top choices would be PERL which is well supported by
CPAN,
Python, and C using the gnu compiler collection (gcc). It seems that
everyone has a favorite and each has it's merits. Why one language would
be
chosen over another is a topic probably best answered by others on the
listso I'll open that up. Why choose one language over another to code a
given task? What makes a language better for one task and not so good for
another?
Eric
AF6EP
On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 2:55 PM, Alan P. Biddle <APBIDDLE(AT)united.net>
wrote:
> We have a lot of folks here who do programming at a variety of levels.
> After a 20+ year hiatus, I am looking to get back into doing a bit of
> programming. The intent is not to get into it at a professional level, but
> to be able to rip off quick and dirty small programs. Data acquisition,
> taking the output of a program and merge and reformat it for specific
> purposes, which of course I can do in some cases with Excel, are a couple
> of
> things which come to mind. It will need the ability to interact with
> external hardware. However, the primary purpose is as a brain stretcher
> for
> someone who once thought F*RTR*N was a real language.
>
> I am tempted to say that I am looking for the current generation BASIC, but
> I am want something a bit beyond that, though of course the ability to
> print
> "Hello World" with less than 10 lines of code is a plus. ;) And it needs
> to be something I can get into using a free or low cost compiler. I am not
> much interested in spending a few hundred dollars.
>
> People have recommended Python, older versions of Delphi, early version of
> C, etc, as what I should do. Well, maybe. So if anyone has a good
> recommendation, please contact me OFF LIST. And did I say, it needs to be
> cheap?!
>
>
>
> Alan
> WA4SCA
>
> -----------------------------------
>
> What's the opposite of Diversity?
> University!
>
> Catherine McMillan
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:41:48 +0000
From: n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net
Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC proof
To: AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org
Message-ID:
<100620080341.17456.48E988FB0009E0CF0000443022218683269B0A02D2089B9A019C
04040A0DBF049BCC02(AT)att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hey folks,
Has anyone seen, anywhere, an official notice from ARRL about updated VUCC
rules being posted on the League's Web site? If so, please let me know
when
and where that notice was posted.
Sometime last month, ARRL posted a new PDF of the VUCC rules, superceding
those that had been available in PDF form with a 5/08 date at the bottom.
This
new PDF has 9/08 at the bottom. In this new version, Rule 4 (e) reads:
"(e) Stations who claim to operate from more than one grid locator
simultaneously (i.e., from the boundary between two
grid locators or from the intersection of four grid locators) must be
physically present in all locators to give multiple
locator credit with a single contact. These stations should be prepared to
validate their claim. For a mobile station, this
means parking the vehicle exactly on the line or corner. For a portable
station, this means that the total area occupied
by the station's physical setup, including operating position(s), power
source(s), and antenna(s), must occupy some
portion of each of the two/four grid squares simultaneously. Operators of
boundary/corner stations should be prepared
to provide evidence of meeting the simultaneous occupation test if called
upon
to do so. Two photographs -- one
showing the placement of the GPS receiver in the station setup, and a
close-up
legibly showing the GPS reading ?
are typically needed as evidence of compliance. Video footage showing an
overview of the operating site and then,
uncut and in real time, zooming in on the GPS display coordinates is even
better."
For comparison, here is that same rule, 4 (e), as published in the PDF I
downloaded from the ARRL Web site on August 2:
"(e) Stations who claim to operate from more than one grid locator
simultaneously (such as from the intersection of 4 grid
locators) must be physically present in more than one locator to give
multiple
locator credit with a single contact. This
requires the operator to know precisely where the intersection lines are
located and placing the station exactly on the
boundary to meet this test. To achieve this precision work requires either
current markers permanently in place, or the
precision work of a professional surveyor. Operators of such stations
should
be prepared to provide some evidence
of meeting this test if called upon to do so. Multiple QSL cards are not
required. GPS readings are acceptable."
I have been notified (by a certified checker) that I have been denied some
claimed grids from confirmed grid-border contacts that occurred before
this
new rule was posted, even though the operator involved provided
photographic
evidence to meet the "GPS readings are acceptable" language. That was the
rule
in effect at the time of these contacts, and nobody involved could have
predicted that a second photograph might be required as evidence of
specific
location. I'm disappointed by all this, but it didn't cost me Satellite
VUCC -
thank goodness.
That being said, I thought it appropriate to alert others who might be
planning what I call "griDXpeditions" to keep the new rules regarding
verification of precise location in mind. On September 15th, I worked a
pass
of AO-51 from the EN38/EN28 border while on a business trip. Not aware
this
rule change was about to be posted, and based on the PDF I downloaded on
August 2nd, I shot a photo showing my GPS unit with coordinates out to 5
decimal points to prove I was precisely on the grid border. I quickly and
easily could have taken the additional photo(s) showing the GPS sitting
with
my handheld satellite station in the rental car. At that time, however, I
had
no idea such a photo would be required. I followed the letter of the rules
as
I knew them. I'm disappointed that the stations I worked on that pass -
the
only one I was able to work from the grid border - could be denied the
ability
to claim those grids from their contacts with me because of this. My
apologies
to them !
if this proves to be the case.
If any of you saw a notice that updated VUCC rules had been posted, please
contact me. I would like to know the precise date they first appeared on
the
ARRL Web site.
Thanks, and 73 to all,
Tim - N3TL
AMSAT Member No. 36820
Athens, Ga. - EM84ha
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 22:02:34 -0700
From: "Rafael Valdez G." <rafavaldez(AT)hotmail.com>
Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC proof
To: <amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org>, <n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <BAY111-W213E1AAC05E3F3DC20D64DB390(AT)phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
Tim I realized today of that change... I think it should not apply to
operations or griDXpeditions done before the rule was changed. I also
think
that the word of the operator and QSL card should be enough proof of
location
more than sending a picture and gps reading. my opinion is that the rule
has
been modified to a very estrict level.... 73's and Dx's
Rafael Valdez Jr.
XE2RV (AT) DL55
10-10 52716
VUCC Sat #164
http://sat-xe.blogspot.com
EX-XE2PWF
P Before printing, please think about your responsibility and commitment
with
the ENVIRONMENT.
Antes de Imprimir, piensa entu responsabilidad y compromiso con el MEDIO
AMBIENTE
> From: n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net> To: AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org> Date: Mon, 6 Oct
2008 03:41:48 +0000> Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC proof> > Hey folks,> > Has
anyone seen, anywhere, an official notice from ARRL about updated VUCC
rules
being posted on the League's Web site? If so, please let me know when and
where that notice was posted.> > Sometime last month, ARRL posted a new
PDF of
the VUCC rules, superceding those that had been available in PDF form with
a
5/08 date at the bottom. This new PDF has 9/08 at the bottom. In this new
version, Rule 4 (e) reads:> > "(e) Stations who claim to operate from more
than one grid locator simultaneously (i.e., from the boundary between two
>
grid locators or from the intersection of four grid locators) must be
physically present in all locators to give multiple > locator credit with
a
single contact. These stations should be prepared to validate their claim.
For
a mobile station, this > means parking the vehicle exactly on the line or
corner. For a po!
rtable station, this means that the total area occupied > by the station's
physical setup, including operating position(s), power source(s), and
antenna(s), must occupy some > portion of each of the two/four grid
squares
simultaneously. Operators of boundary/corner stations should be prepared >
to
provide evidence of meeting the simultaneous occupation test if called
upon to
do so. Two photographs -- one > showing the placement of the GPS receiver
in
the station setup, and a close-up legibly showing the GPS reading ? > are
typically needed as evidence of compliance. Video footage showing an
overview
of the operating site and then, > uncut and in real time, zooming in on
the
GPS display coordinates is even better." > > For comparison, here is that
same
rule, 4 (e), as published in the PDF I downloaded from the ARRL Web site
on
August 2:> > "(e) Stations who claim to operate from more than one grid
locator simultaneously (such as from the intersection of 4 grid> locators)
mus!
t be physically present in more than one locator to give multi!
ple loca
tor credit with a single contact. This> requires the operator to know
precisely where the intersection lines are located and placing the station
exactly on the> boundary to meet this test. To achieve this precision work
requires either current markers permanently in place, or the> precision
work
of a professional surveyor. Operators of such stations should be prepared
to
provide some evidence> of meeting this test if called upon to do so.
Multiple
QSL cards are not required. GPS readings are acceptable."> > I have been
notified (by a certified checker) that I have been denied some claimed
grids
from confirmed grid-border contacts that occurred before this new rule was
posted, even though the operator involved provided photographic evidence
to
meet the "GPS readings are acceptable" language. That was the rule in
effect
at the time of these contacts, and nobody involved could have predicted
that a
second photograph might be required as evidence of specific location. I'm
disapp!
ointed by all this, but it didn't cost me Satellite VUCC - thank goodness.
>
> That being said, I thought it appropriate to alert others who might be
planning what I call "griDXpeditions" to keep the new rules regarding
verification of precise location in mind. On September 15th, I worked a
pass
of AO-51 from the EN38/EN28 border while on a business trip. Not aware
this
rule change was about to be posted, and based on the PDF I downloaded on
August 2nd, I shot a photo showing my GPS unit with coordinates out to 5
decimal points to prove I was precisely on the grid border. I quickly and
easily could have taken the additional photo(s) showing the GPS sitting
with
my handheld satellite station in the rental car. At that time, however, I
had
no idea such a photo would be required. I followed the letter of the rules
as
I knew them. I'm disappointed that the stations I worked on that pass -
the
only one I was able to work from the grid border - could be denied the
ability
to clai!
m those grids from their contacts with me because of this. My !
apologie
s to them if this proves to be the case. > > If any of you saw a notice
that
updated VUCC rules had been posted, please contact me. I would like to
know
the precise date they first appeared on the ARRL Web site.> > Thanks, and
73
to all,> > Tim - N3TL> AMSAT Member No. 36820> Athens, Ga. - EM84ha>
_______________________________________________> Sent via AMSAT-
BB(AT)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.> Not an
AMSAT-NA
member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!> Subscription
settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:08:09 +0000
From: quadpugh(AT)bellsouth.net
Subject: [amsat-bb] (no subject)
To: amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org
Message-ID:
<100620081108.16366.48E9F199000A64FB00003FEE22230682329B0A02D2089B9A019C
04040A0DBF08099A9F0B0E9A9E(AT)att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain
Hi group
A middle school teacher ask me how ham radio helps teach science and
geography. I hope some on the list would share a power point
presentation with us??
thanks
nick
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:53:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: Michael Heim <kd0ar(AT)sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Mode S advice
To: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(AT)videotron.ca>, amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org
Message-ID: <362714.69298.qm(AT)web81507.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Actually, I just looked at the new operating schedule that was just
posted.
This turns out to be fantastic for me. I have a couple weeks to get
things
set up, and several days of testing before its switched to V/s while its
in
L/s. During the testing mode, while its in L/s (I cant transmit mode L
yet),
I just might put both antennas and converters up and switch between them
and
make comparisons using several passes, lets say I'm able to catch all of
the
available passes for 2 days, I can use one unit one day, record my
results,
use the other antenna the next day, record the results and compare. By
the
time I can get on and operate, I should have made my choice. Might even
try
out the DSS dish with the little helix feed on it as Art also suggested.
When
I do test with that, one of the biggest things I'll be watching for is
beamwidth.
I am going to venture a guess however that the helix will win out. It
sort of
makes sense, especially if one does not know the linear polarity the
satellite
is running, and what sense the signal is coming in to a fixed point while
its
moving.
One thing of note... I am using a linear antenna for V/u, vhf with
horizontal
elements, vertical 70 cm elements, and I'm quite happy with the
arrangement.
Therefore, I'll try the linear antenna on 2401 vertical
Michael Heim
ARS KD0AR
----- Original Message ----
From: Luc Leblanc <lucleblanc6(AT)videotron.ca>
To: amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2008 11:16:36 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Mode S advice
On 5 Oct 2008 at 18:27, Michael Heim wrote:
I noticed, while listening in using either antenna, a noticeable amount of
deep fades on the bird. I'm not sure if it was caused by
reflections nearby, or uplink fades on 1269 mhz.
Hi Michael
If your fades are on the S band downlink it is you downlink antenna who
probably gives you the fades. I tested a standard BBQ grill screen
meshed and i also got theses huges fades. When i switched to a linear 42
stacked elements (A WIFI antenna) theses fades disappear
completely. as AO-51 S band antenna is linear i guess a linear antenna is
the
best choice?
"-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE
Skype VE2DWE
www.qsl.net/ve2dwe
WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:54:11 +0000
From: Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF <nigel(AT)ngunn.net>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Why choose one language over another - was
:Re: Programming language recommendation?
Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org>
Message-ID: <48E9FC63.1010506(AT)ngunn.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
There is often little to choose between the needed facilities that
different
languages offer.
The best choice is usually the one you already know how to program.
The same with microprocessors, PIC against ATMEL for instance. Unless
there's
a very good reason not to, stick with the one you already know.
Eric Fort wrote:
> Much of this choice would seem to be based upon what you want to
> accomplish.
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:10 +0000
From: n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VUCC proof
To: <amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org>
Message-ID:
<100620081200.22731.48E9FDC9000BBA91000058CB22230682229B0A02D2089B9A019C
04040A0DBF049BCC02(AT)att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hey Rafael,
Thank you for your note, and congratulations on getting your Satellite
VUCC!
I see your point, but I also see the ARRL's point. When discussing this
whole
issue with the card checker for my award, he and I agreed that the League
sets
high standards for its awards. That is one reason there have been less
than
200 Satellite VUCCs awarded to date. And I have no problem with taking an
additional photo showing a GPS unit positioned at the station, then adding
a
photo with the GPS coordinates - although in my case, I will have to wear
the
GPS because my station is handheld!
My major concerns focus on (1) whether the ARRL posted official notice
that
updates rules had been enacted, so that those of us interested could learn
of
the changes ASAP, and (2) why the ARRL did not address the issue of
handling
claims for contacts made before this new rule took effect.
Since posting my message on the board late last night, I have learned that
the
man who checked my cards has scanned the ones he disallowed and has
emailed
those scans to ARRL for a "ruling" on whether the grids should count. I
will
post any information I learn as a result of this.
If anyone with any access to the ARRL Awards desk is reading this thread,
I
would like to ask for and about the following both as a VUCC applicant and
as
an ARRL member:
1 - Let all of us know which rules will apply. It seems inarguable to me
that
the rules in effect at the time of the contact should apply. In my case,
for
example, I had no idea additional photos would be needed from the
EN38/EN28
border. However, the photo I took specifically addresses the letter and
intent
of the rule in effect at the time of that pass. Any station I worked who
wants
to claim that should not be penalized.
2 - If the new rules will apply to this - and not the ones in effect at
the
time of the contacts - the League must add languiage to that effect
somewhere
near the top of the rules. Example: "Applications and grids claimed will
be
reviewed and certified based on the VUCC rules in effect at the time of
application." I don't believe that would be fair, but at least it would be
clear.
3 - I would like to know why the League is no longer willing to trust the
word
of amateurs a bit more than these rules suggest. I don[t know how common
griDXpeditions are in the satellite world - in the short time I have been
working the satellites, I have only heard of three operators working
passes
from grid borders, and I am one of them! It's not like this is some cancer
of
malevolence spreading like wildfire through the amateur community.
4 - If ARRL is going to go to such lengths to require proof of location on
a
grid square border, why is it requiring NOTHING to prove location in a
grid
square outside of an operator's home QTH - ;et alone an inactive grid
square
from some out-of-the-way place? At the risk of making things even more
restrictive by raising this issue, that inconsistency makes no sense at
all to
me. Lemme get ths straight - you'll take my word that I made several
passes
from EN28 in northern Minnesota - just because I said I did - but I have
to
give you two photos to prove I made a pass from the EN38/EN28 border. Why
am I
so trustworthy on one hand and so subject to scrutiny in the other? Please
help me understand.
73 to all,
Tim - N3TL
AMSAT Member No. 36820
Athens, Ga. - EM84ha
-------------- Original message from Rafael Valdez G.
<rafavaldez(AT)hotmail.com>: --------------
Tim
I realized today of that change... I think it should not apply to
operations
or griDXpeditions done before the rule was changed. I also think that the
word
of the operator and QSL card should be enough proof of location more than
sending a picture and gps reading. my opinion is that the rule has been
modified to a very estrict level....
73's and Dx's
Rafael Valdez Jr.
XE2RV (AT) DL55
10-10 52716
VUCC Sat #164
http://sat-xe.blogspot.com
EX-XE2PWF
P Before printing, please think about your responsibility and commitment
with
the ENVIRONMENT.
Antes de Imprimir, piensa entu responsabilidad y compromiso con el MEDIO
AMBIENTE
> From: n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net
> To: AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org
> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 03:41:48 +0000
> Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC proof
>
> Hey folks,
>
> Has anyone seen, anywhere, an official notice from ARRL about updated VUCC
rules being posted on the League's Web site? If so, please let me know
when
and where that notice was posted.
>
> Sometime last month, ARRL posted a new PDF of the VUCC rules, superceding
those that had been available in PDF form with a 5/08 date at the bottom.
This
new PDF has 9/08 at the bottom. In this new version, Rule 4 (e) reads:
>
> "(e) Stations who claim to operate from more than one grid locator
simultaneously (i.e., from the boundary between two
> grid locators or from the intersection of four grid locators) must be
physically present in all locators to give multiple
> locator credit with a single contact. These stations should be prepared to
validate their claim. For a mobile station, this
> means parking the vehicle exactly on the line or corner. For a portable
station, this means that the total area occupied
> by the station's physical setup, including operating position(s), power
source(s), and antenna(s), must occupy some
> portion of each of the two/four grid squares simultaneously. Operators of
boundary/corner stations should be prepared
> to provide evidence of meeting the simultaneous occupation test if called
upon to do so. Two photographs -- one
> showing the placement of the GPS receiver in the station setup, and a close-
up legibly showing the GPS reading ?
> are typically needed as evidence of compliance. Video footage showing an
overview of the operating site and then,
> uncut and in real time, zooming in on the GPS display coordinates is even
better."
>
> For comparison, here is that same rule, 4 (e), as published in the PDF I
downloaded from the ARRL Web site on August 2:
>
> "(e) Stations who claim to operate from more than one grid locator
simultaneously (such as from the intersection of 4 grid
> locators) must be physically present in more than one locator to give
multiple locator credit with a single contact. This
> requires the operator to know precisely where the intersection lines are
located and placing the station exactly on the
> boundary to meet this test. To achieve this precision work requires either
current markers permanently in place, or the
> precision work of a professional surveyor. Operators of such stations should
be prepared to provide some evidence
> of meeting this test if called upon to do so. Multiple QSL cards are not
required. GPS readings are acceptable."
>
> I have been notified (by a certified checker) that I have been denied some
claimed grids from confirmed grid-border contacts that occurred before
this
new rule was posted, even though the operator involved provided
photographic
evidence to meet the "GPS readings are acceptable" language. That was the
rule
in effect at the time of these contacts, and nobody involved could have
predicted that a second photograph might be required as evidence of
specific
location. I'm disappointed by all this, but it didn't cost me Satellite
VUCC -
thank goodness.
>
> That being said, I thought it appropriate to alert others who might be
planning what I call "griDXpeditions" to keep the new rules regarding
verification of precise location in mind. On September 15th, I worked a
pass
of AO-51 from the EN38/EN28 border while on a business trip. Not aware
this
rule change was about to be posted, and based on the PDF I downloaded on
August 2nd, I shot a photo showing my GPS unit with coordinates out to 5
decimal points to prove I was precisely on the grid border. I quickly and
easily could have taken the additional photo(s) showing the GPS sitting
with
my handheld satellite station in the rental car. At that time, however, I
had
no idea such a photo would be required. I followed the letter of the rules
as
I knew them. I'm disappointed that the stations I worked on that pass -
the
only one I was able to work from the grid border - could be denied the
ability
to claim those grids from their contacts with me because of this. My
apologies
to the!
m if this proves to be the case.
>
> If any of you saw a notice that updated VUCC rules had been posted, please
contact me. I would like to know the precise date they first appeared on
the
ARRL Web site.
>
> Thanks, and 73 to all,
>
> Tim - N3TL
> AMSAT Member No. 36820
> Athens, Ga. - EM84ha
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:37:38 +0000
From: n3tl(AT)bellsouth.net
Subject: [amsat-bb] VUCC update
To: AMSAT-BB(AT)amsat.org
Message-ID:
<100620081337.300.48EA14A20009FD260000012C22230682229B0A02D2089B9A019C04
040A0DBF049BCC02(AT)att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain
Hey everyone,
I've just received word from the fellow who reviewed my VUCC application -
the
ARRL Awards Desk HAS accepted the cards/claimed grids in question, which
is
very good news, indeed.
Moving forward, however, all of us who plan a griDXpedition to activate
some
fairly quiet grid squares and intend to work passes from boundaries should
plan to get additional backup while on site - just to be safe. Check out
the
current VUCC rules if you haven't already done so.
73 to all,
Tim - N3TL
AMSAT Member No. 36820
Athens, Ga. - EM84ha
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 10:49:31 -0400
From: "David Goncalves" <davegoncalves(AT)gmail.com>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Programming language recommendation?
To: amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org
Message-ID:
<efbd6ca10810060749hb5c643chc61e7d429ef8cb95(AT)mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Forgot to add this - Flowcode uses macros to turn your flowcharts
(built in a GUI very much like a schematic design tool) into C. The C
is then compiled to the HEX, which you then program using your
preffered tool. I've just used it to build a SMART battery charger and
calibrator, where I needed to do alot of I2C communications. Finished
the first versions in two days.
> Flowcode for PICs is the best! You can write code for them using
> simple flowcharts.
>
> David Goncalves
> W1EUJ
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 11:58:10 -0400
From: "Jim Danehy" <jdanehy(AT)cinci.rr.com>
Subject: [amsat-bb] ARRL VUCC
To: <amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org>
Message-ID: <3A93126029E741CE94E4DF50E1DF4BAE(AT)JamesPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I was disappointed by N3TL's email posting on the AMSAT BB today
concerning
ARRL's VUCC program as it applies to satellite operating.
I have been an ARRL member for 55 years. I have VUCC on both 6 meters and
2
meters. I also am on the ARRL DXCC Honor Roll and I have the ARRL #1
Honor
Roll plaque for having worked all the DXCC countries. I have been around
for
awhile. I remember very well the Gus Browning , W4BPD QSLs from places
that
he never operated from or had permission to operate from. I also remember
problems that the league had with Don Miller, W9WNV for the same reason in
their DXCC program.
I recently got back on the satellites (was on in 1974 through 1976). In
about
6 weeks I have worked over 130 Grid Squares. My goal is a VUCC on the
satellites. Some of those have been Grid Expeditions. Not so certain now
that
I want to continue to expand my efforts and money (SASE and outgoing
postage)
only to have the league question the legitimacy of those operations.
Does the ARRL question the "Rovers" that take part in the ARRL VHF
contests ? I am unaware of any of those operations from rare grids being
challenged or disallowed. Someone please correct me if I am in error on
that
opinion.
I had been planning to do some grid expeditions myself. There should be
some
communication and understanding by the league that is missing at this
time. It
is a shame that there is inconsistency and selective application of
documentation and confirmation standards of where you were operating from.
Disappointed but not surprised by the ARRL's AD HOC rule enforcement.
Jim W9VNE
EM79tb Cincinnati, Ohio
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Sent via amsat-bb(AT)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the
author.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 3, Issue 506
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