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Dutch Amateur Radio Satellite Now Live
The linear transponder aboard the new Dutch OSCAR 64 satellite (otherwise known as Delfi-C3) is now open for CW and SSB operation. The spacecraft boots into transponder mode whenever it is in full sunlight. Ground controllers will briefly switch the satellite to either "basic" or "science" configuration once every two weeks; otherwise, the linear transponder will be the default mode. The transponder uplink passband is from 435.530-435.570 MHz with a downlink passband from 145.880-145.930 MHz. The transponder CW beacon can be heard at 145.870 MHz. Delfi C-3 was successfully launched April, 28, 2008 from India aboard a Polar launch vehicle and was successfully commissioned, currently transmitting telemetry on the 2 meter amateur band. In addition to its 2 meter downlink, Delfi C-3 has an uplink on the 70 cm band. The satellite was developed by a team of some 60 students and facility members from various polytechnic schools in The Netherlands. Delfi C-3 carries two experiments -- one involving thin film solar cells developed by Dutch Space, and an autonomous wireless Sun sensor from the Dutch Government Research Institute (TNO). E-mail reports are welcome
Satellite Shorts
The Mid-Atlantic States VHF Conference on Saturday September 27 in Blue Bell, PA will include a present-
ation by Bob, N4HY to discuss Software Defined Radio Advancements. Also ncluded in this weekend is the
HAMARAMA hamfest on Sunday, September 28. For more information see http://www.packratvhf.com
AO-51 ground controllers have been able to boost downlink power due to increased solar illumination.
Both repeaters were reported to be operating at around 400 mW this week in dueal V/U mode.
AMSAT area coordinator, Clint Bradford, K6LCS, demonstrated operating via AO-51 and gave his "How to
Work Ham Satellites with your HT" presentation in Tarzana, CA, on Saturday morning, August 9. Clint has a
4 page satellite operating tutorial available on-line at: http://homepage.mac.com/clintbradford/Menu3.html
The K7RA Solar Update
(Aug 15, 2008)
Our Sun is still not producing any sunspots. As mentioned in previous bulletins, the peak of the last Solar Cycle was a double peak, so perhaps we are in the midst of an extended bottom. Sunspot numbers for August 7-13 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 0. The 10.7 cm flux was 66.1, 65.5, 65.5, 65.6, 65.7, 65.2 and 65.3 with a mean of 65.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 4, 18, 13, 7, 6 and 5 with a mean of 8.1. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 3, 3, 16, 9, 6, 6 and 3 with a mean of 6.6.
Boingo Wireless Launches Wi-Fi at Ronald Reagan and Dulles Airports
New Additions Give Boingo Users Access to Every Major Airport on the Eastern Seaboard
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announced the launch of Boingo service at both Dulles
International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) in the Washington, DC area. Bingo members can
now use their Boingo login and passwords on the Boingo landing page to access the Internet or automatically
connect using GoBoingo software at both of these airports. Travelers can purchase Internet access in these
airports from Boingo Wireless for $4.95 an hour or $7.95 for 24 hours, which also includes access to the entire
Boingo network of more than 100,000 hotspots. Boingo also offers a monthly plan for $21.95 that provides
unlimited access to thousands of hotspots in North and South America, as well as Boingo Global for $39 a
month that provides access to the Boingo Partner Network worldwide.. More information about Boingo and
Concourse is available at http://www.boingo.com and
http://www.concoursecommunications.com.
| September, 2008 | |
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