MnGCA

GPSr

I know there are a few Ham operators in the group. Are any of you going to try to receive the SuitSat signals tomorrow morning?(around 4:30-4:40a depending on where you live) I'm going to try it with a handheld scanner and see what I can pickup.
Here is the Link

Dances With Beehives · Geocacher Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 671 Location: Chaska

Thanks for posting this. I think I'll tune it in....I can get up an hour early. As long as I don't get called into work.
It'll be interesting to see how this recycling effort pans out.
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...formerly 'dachebo'.

Lyverbird · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:14 pm Post subject:

I tried to get the pass over time but it just gave me an hour glass and never did tel me.
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Dances With Beehives · Geocacher Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 671 Location: Chaska

A little dialog box popped up
and asked if I was sure I wanted to run this program. I clicked yes.

Then went to options - control - and finally, search criteria, and select all passes. Then I put in the zip-code.

I got: 4:30:48 - 4:41:05 for Chaska, if I read it right.
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...formerly 'dachebo'.

Lyverbird · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:36 pm Post subject:

Cool, I tried exactly them same thing again and this time it worked.

Annandale, 4:30 -- 4:41 am
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Save the earth.
It's the only planet with chocolate.

Buzzygirl · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:48 pm Post subject:

I have to be up very early tomorrow anyway, so we'll see if I can pick it up. I'll use a VX-5R handheld with a good aftermarket Comet antenna.

GPSr · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:55 pm Post subject:

Update:
If you do hear it you can log it at http://www.suitsat.org

I don't know why people in the US are trying to log it already as the sat won't even be overhead for a few more hours?
A little too excited I guess!

GPSr · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 10:38 pm Post subject:

NASA TV is reporting that the batteries are too cold and SuitSat only transmitted for 2 orbits. Crying or Very sad

Lyverbird · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 10:40 pm Post subject:

Rats, well thanks for leting me know before I got up at some undogly hour.
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Save the earth.
It's the only planet with chocolate.

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424

well that sounded like it would've been fun to listen to... but at least I don't have to get up that early now. Who knows, maybe they'll try again with another decomissioned suit later on. Might want to leave the heaters on next time.

Dances With Beehives · Geocacher Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 671 Location: Chaska

No wonder I couldn't hear anything. Still, next time I'm going for the largest of my three antennas.
_________________
...formerly 'dachebo'.

Buzzygirl · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject:

Hmph. Empty suits in high places that do almost nothing... shoulda named it "PoliticoSat." Very Happy

GPSr · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 9:20 am Post subject:

Here is the latest update on SuitSat:

http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php

You will definitely need a high gain antenna to receive it now.

Buzzygirl · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 9:43 am Post subject:

Interesting. Well, that leaves me out, as I don't own a high-gain antenna right now.

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424

I assume the antenna on my FT-60r handheld isn't a high gain.. even if the antenna is aftermarket.

I'm also assuming high gain antennas aren't terribly popular in a handheld radio.

Ah well, here's hoping they get to do another one someday and that it'll work better.