Presentation Outline

• What is an amateur radio satellite?

• Amateur radio in space

• Satellite orbits and tracking software

• Getting started

• Hints, Links and Other stuff

• Where to get information

• The Future ? What is an amateur radio satellite o Amateurs have been building satellites since the earliest days of space travel. o These satellites are known as: o Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio.

“OSCARs” o Satellites carry a variety of capabilities o Satellites are built by a variety of countries o A variety of organizations (AMSAT, Universities, private companies) have built amateur satellites Amateur Radio in Space

SPUTNIK o Sputnik – Oct 4, 1957. 1st satellite. 20 MHz beacon. ~ 50 years ago. o Oscar 1 – 1st amateur satellite. Dec. 12th. 1961. o 2m beacon, battery powered. o That date already held a special place in radio history. o It was the 60th anniversary of the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean. Guglielmo Marconi had completed his famous transmission and reception of Morse code for the letter S -- three dots -- from England to Newfoundland on December 12, 1901. AMSAT ACHIEVEMENTS

o To date more than 60 amateur satellites have been launched. o Really amazing achievement. o Overcome licensing o frequency allocations (WARC 1979) o technical challenges o environmental testing o funding o launch opportunities o International involvement o Amateur satellites were 1st to make ground to satellite to satellite to ground communication. o Validated concept for using satellites for search and rescue. o 1st microsats. o Validated topside GPS. A Few AMSAT Examples

AO-40 2000 AO-7 1974

AO-1 1961

UKube-1 2014 AO-73 2013 E O - 7 9

2 0 1 4 Available Satellite Bands

o Sub-bands exist from 21 MHz to 24 GHz

o Assigned by international convention

o Not all ham bands are allocated for satellites

o IARU coordinates frequency assignments o 70 cm and 2m are used most often o Various up/down band combinations are used o There is a shift towards higher frequencies o “Use it or lose it” (FCC may auction AMSAT spectrum) How is a Satellite Like a Repeater ? o Retransmits what it “hears” o Has optimized receivers, transmitters, antennas o Great location! o Allows communications over great distances How is an Analog Satellite Unlike a Repeater ? o Has a Moving Footprint! o Location changes / availability varies o Frequency changes due to Doppler shift o Users operate full Duplex o Simultaneous uplink and downlink on different bands o Multiple modes (FM / CW / SSB / Digital / SSTV / PSK31) o Worldwide Coverage Transponders

Analog Satellites Utilize “Transponders” o Receives a SEGMENT of a band o Retransmits EVERYTHING it hears

Inverting Transponders o Lowest uplink frequency is retransmitted on the highest downlink frequency o LSB uplink becomes USB downlink

FM Satellites retransmit only one station at a time Satellite types. – FM transponders – ( cross band repeaters )

Uplink Downlink Satellite types. Example SO-50 Power saving : CTCSS tone 74.4Hz to arm 10 min timer CTCSS tone 67Hz during QSO

Downlink 436.800 FM Downlink 436.800 FM

Uplink 145.850 FM Uplink 145.850 FM

Frequencies +/- Doppler Satellite types. – Linear Transponders

• Converts 20kHz - 100kHz of spectrum from one band to another • Allows many QSOs at the same time • Use narrow band modes CW SSB etc. • Usually inverting. Convention is USB on downlink (LSB on uplink)

Doppler shift: At 7.5km per second, Doppler can be +/- 9kHz on 70cm +/- 3kHz on 2m

Orbits. Where is the satellite and who can I talk to?

o The higher the orbit the larger the communication ‘footprint’

o Any stations who are within the satellite footprint can work each other. o Low orbit = shorter pass time e.g. ISS at 400km is 10 minutes

o Many software tracking packages for PC and android devices or online applications Satellite Orbits

Apogee LEO and Molniya AO-40 (Eagle) used for Amateur Satellites Geosynchronous

Polar LEO GPS

Perigee Most Amateur Satellites Satellite Orbits

o Most Amateur Radio satellites travel in low Earth orbits at altitudes of 800 to 1500 km. o At this altitude, a satellite completes one orbit every 90 to 120 minutes. o At the same time, the Earth is turning beneath the satellite. o The result is that all stations on the ground will enjoy several 15-minute communication sessions with each satellite each day. Orbits: AO-7 @ 1500km AO-73 @ 650km ISS @ 400km Orbits: AO-40 @ 50,000km (non operational) Satellite Tracking Software

http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Software/Satellite_tracking/

Currently 76 programs listed

The satellite tracking programs I use the most are:

SATPC32 - tracking + computer control of doppler via radio CAT interface.

PSTRotator - tracking + computer control of doppler via radio CAT interface.

Gpredict

Orbitron

On-line: http://www.n2yo.com/ http://heavens-above.com/ Radios and Antennas Duplex – transmitting and receiving at the same time. - Is a real advantage Duplex radios are available but 2 separate radios will work as well. Handhelds 3 – 5W. Base stations 10 – 50W. Any radio with 2 or 70 can work

Kenwood THD7 Kenwood D700 FT847 (duplex)

IC910 (duplex) IC9100 - (duplex) Software Defined Radio Radios and Antennas Working satellites in Low Earth Orbit do not require complex antennas, but small beams will perform better than omnis, especially for transmitting.

This is the ARROW portable satellite antenna. 3 elements on 2m + 7 ele on 70cm. Also available is a diplexer for a single cable feed Radios and antennas Working satellites in low Earth Orbit does not require complex antennas but small beams will perform better than omnis, especially for transmitting.

4 elements on 2m + 9 elements on 70cm. DIY Antennas An alternative to the commercial $145 Arrow is a DIY version from Kent Britain WA5VJB

http://www.wa5vjb.com/references/Cheap%20Antennas-LEOs.pdf Active satellites for FM voice communication Active satellites for SSB/CW communication Active satellites for SSB/CW communication Making a satellite QSO

Typical QSO: Usually short, as passes are 10-15 minutes. Longer on linear transponders

CQ call: CQ satellite / CQ OSCAR 73 etc

Exchange: Signal Report and usually maidenhead locator. e.g. 57 EL96xq

Power: Use minimum to complete contact. Lower power when short range (overhead) Making a satellite QSO o Be prepared. – Know the satellite’s track across the sky o Set the frequencies and modes in advance. o Estimate Doppler correction and set the initial TX and RX frequencies. o Wait until you hear the beacon or transponder before you transmit o Send a short burst of CW dits or carrier and tune the RX to find them o When you find your signal, if clear call CQ or retune to find clear frequency or call someone o As you are making the QSO, keep tuning the transmitter to keep the RX frequency constant unless computer controlled AMSAT Live OSCAR Satellite Status Page http://www.amsat.org/status/ Satellite Pass Terminology: (IMPORTANT)

AOS - Time of acquisition of signal LOS - Time of loss of Signal AOS Azimuth - Azimuth at AOS LOS Azimuth - Azimuth at LOS * RELATIVE TO OBSERVER * Satellite Pass Terminology: (IMPORTANT) o Max Elevation

o highest elevation during the pass o Max Elevation Azimuth

o Azimuth at observer at Max Elevation o Ground Track

o Projected location on the earth o Footprint

o Area of illumination of the satellite's signal Pass Predictions o Calculated from Keplerian Data published for each Satellite o Use Computer Program or Online prediction

Make sure kepler elements are current! Modes & Frequencies

Confirm mode and frequencies for each satellite you intend to operate with

Separate Downlink & Uplink Frequency & Bands

Simplex for Packet Digipeater & APRS Doppler Effect o LEO Satellites travel at very high speeds o Doppler Effect shifts signal frequencies o higher when approaching the observer o lower when receding from the observer o Doppler Shift depends on the speed and distance from observer as it travels from AOS to LOS Compensating for Doppler Effect o Fairly easy for FM satellites, but SSB/CW satellites need more work o For FM, set the receiver 10 to 15 KHz higher than the center frequency o Change the frequency 2.5 or 5 KHz (one step) lower when voices appear garbled o Takes a minute or two before the step down becomes necessary Signal Polarization

o Amateur Satellites typically use quarter wave antennas o The signal polarity may change as the satellites travels around the Earth o Amateur Satellites typically tumble through space; o they don't have the capacity to reorient and always face the earth Effects of Polarization o Proper polarization between transmitting and receiving antennas is important, at very high frequencies o Improper polarizations angles can cause up to 3dB loss (~ 50% loss) o 3dB loss can bury weak signals in noise, especially bad for the FM (like the HDTV problem) Compensating for Polarization o We can't change the satellite, so we make adjustments in the Earth stations o Circular polarized antenna would work very well o Used 2 high gain beams mounted at 90 degrees offset o Simply rotate high gain beam for best signal strength (rotators, arm strong) Antennas for Satellite Use o High Gain Antennas Preferred o VHF/UHF Dual Band Whip o Quarter Wave Ground Plane Antenna o Single band VHF beam o Separate VHF and UHF beams o Handheld operation will require a light antenna or tripod mount o OTS or DIY Duplexers or Diplexers o Duplexer - connects a dual band antenna to 2 single band radios o Diplexer - connects a dual band radio to 2 separate antennas Radios for FM Satellites o A Full Duplex Radio or Two Separate Radios Preferred o 5 watt HT is good enough for FM Satellites o Dual band HT supporting split frequency operation (most Yaesu HTs, Icom 90A) o Dual band Dual receive HTs (IC-91, IC-92) o Full duplex radios (FT-847,IC-910, IC-9100 etc.) Using Memory Channels o Store frequency pairs for many satellites o Convenience of storing different Doppler o Shifted frequencies in adjacent channels Logging, QSLs o Use a notepad o Use a small sound recorder o Use a logging program o Mail Paper QSL Cards o Electronic QSLs via LOTW, eQSL, etc. Grid Squares o World Map divided into squares of 1° latitude by 2° longitude (70 x 100 miles) o A Grid Square is indicated by two letters and two numbers o Typical Exchange involves a 4 character Grid Square o Grid Square for WPB is “EL96" Achievement Awards o AmSat Awards o Satellite Communicators' Club Certificate o Oscar Satellite Communications Achievement o Award Certificate o Oscar Century Award Certificate o ARRL Awards o Satellite DXCC Award o Field Day

33 Challenges !

• Making your first satellite QSO is always big challenge • There are many DX stations on satellites. – A geostationary sat is due in 2017 / 2018 • Awards are issued by AMSAT / Satellite teams and National organisations Courtesy, Phonetics, Efficiency

o FM Satellites offer a single channel like a repeater, shared by everyone o SSB/CW satellites offer a 100KHz channel that can support several SSB/CW QSOs simultaneously Jump Start - Preparation o Pick an easy to work FM Satellite like

o A85, SO-50 o Get Satellite Pass Prediction (confirm if LT or GMT) o Magnetic Compass with Azimuth Rose o Elevation Chart o Notepad or Voice recorder o Suitable Radio o Suitable Antenna (Tripod if required) Jump Start - Ready o Prepare everything about 10 minutes before AOS time o Set Receiver to correct channel and turn off any kind of squelch o Point the compass to Magnetic North and identify the AOS and LOS Azimuths o Identify the Max Elevation & its Azimuth o Pick a good spot, clear of buildings & hills Practice Receiving o At AOS time, point the antenna in the direction of AOS Azimuth o In a short time, you start to notice receiver quieting and may hear some faint voices o Rotate the antenna to achieve the best signal. o In a minute, the signals will get very strong and the receiver will be full quieting o When noise increases re-point the antenna in the direction of the path o When voice gets garbled changed the receive frequency one step down. Making a QSO o Practice writing down call signs & grid squares while keeping the antenna pointed to the satellite o Call a known station and provide your call sign & grid square while listening to your own voice o When the other replies, you have made a QSO. As a courtesy, thank him/her (or it). o Congratulations on your contact !!!

AMSAT OSCAR-Eagle

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“Eagle” is a new HEO satellite being developed by AMSAT-NA. HEO vs. LEO

 High Earth Orbit (HEO)  Modified Molynia or Highly Elliptical Orbit  8 to 12 Hours per Day Contact Time  Low Doppler Rate  Equipment Investment – Relatively High  Geosynchronous – Continuous Coverage – Limited Area

 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)  Low Circular Orbit  10 to 20 Minutes per Pass  4 to 6 Passes per Day (at our Latitude)  High Doppler Rate  Equipment Investment – Relatively Low  Easy Sats! HEO Development (cont.)

 Project Eagle  Next Generation High Earth Orbit Satellite  Intended Orbit: High Eccentricity GTO  May become a GEO Rideshare Payload  Capabilities  U/V and L/S Software Defined Transponders  S2/C Advanced Communications Payload (ACP)  Robust Support for Emergency Communications  Digital Voice, SMS-Like Text, and Data Communications HEO Development (cont.)

 Project Eagle (cont.)  U/V Linear Software Defined Transponder (SDX).  Usable over 75% of the Orbit by an AO-13 or AO-40 Class Ground Station.  L/S1 Linear Software Defined Transponders (SDX).  Needs an AO-40 Capable Ground Station.  A Low Rate Text Message System, like SMS.  Operates on U/V-bands  Usable over 75% of the Orbit by a Small Ground Terminal. HEO Development (cont.)

 Project Eagle (cont.)  Advanced Communications Payload (ACP).  Uses Advanced Signal Processing and RF Techniques.  Voice Comm using a Single 60cm Dish.  High Rate Data Comm, such as Streaming Video, using a 2m Dish.  AMSAT will make available an Affordable Ground Segment for the ACP System.  Known as Namaste  Currently on Hold  Mechanical Design well underway HEO Development (cont.)

 Geosynchronous Opportunity  Integrate Project Eagle Payloads into Commercial Geosynchronous Space Frame  Share Real Estate  Share Environmental Control  Share Power System  Share Cost – Expensive  Potential for Fund Raising based on Emergency Communications Asset and Educational Value  Second Round of Communications with Potential Satellite Provider Underway  Would Require Three “Birds” for Worldwide Coverage WPBARG Earth Station

 The group has acquired the radios, antennas and SW for a satellite earth station capable of both tracking and fixed operation.  The goal is to have the ES up and operating next month.  Remote operation is a possibility being explored  The Suncoast automated WX satellite station is undergoing final acceptance testing.  We have a local interference source that is impacting reception. We are scheduled for an ISS contact at the end of the year

The fun and the adventure continues! What is the 2CCR?