Ham Radio AO-51 Satellite, again

AO-51 Update
November 29, 2011

It is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased transmission and is not responding to commands. The last telemetry data indicated that the third of six batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the UHF transmitters. The IHU may continue to be operative. Initial tests with the S band transmitter were also not positive, although more attempts are in order. We have tried leaving the satellite in an expected state where if voltages climb high enough, the 435.150 transmitter may possibly be heard.

The command team will regularly attempt communications with the satellite over the coming months (and years). There is always the possibility that a cell will open and we could once again talk to our friend while illuminated. Thanks to all who helped fund, design, build, launch, command, and operate AO-51. It's 7 year mission has been extraordinary. Please support AMSAT's Fox-1 project, and other AMSAT projects worldwide with your time and money.

For the AO-51 Command Team,

73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations


I try my luck at working AO-51.

Higher quality over at google video-
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5265442877895009993

Bracket video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwNIimeKOEI

N1ASA tells us how to correctly do this!
http://hvsatcom.org/Satcom/sats.pdf

I use Orbitron - Satellite Tracking software. It is free, you can download it from:
http://www.stoff.pl

A very good web based site for satellite prediction is:
http://www.heavens-above.com/

Grid squares are used for location. My grid is CM99. You can learn more about this at;
http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html

Arrow Antennas-
http://www.arrowantennas.com/

Randy

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• K7AGE
• ham
• amateur
• radio
• hamradio
• AO-51
• AO51
• satellite
• kenwood
• yaesu
• icom
• FT-51
• amsat

[WA5CVI]

Is there a version of this program compatible with Macs?

[K7AGE]

@WA5CVI I know that there are Mac satellite tracking programs, but I don't know the names. Google for satellite tracking software for the Mac. Also look over at AMSAT.ORG, they list software available.

[sred14]

What us the purpose for having this besides truck driving? Just to talk yo other people or what?

[K7AGE]

@sred14 A technical challenge, leaning how to operate through a satellite, leaning how to track a satellite, extend the range of a small radio, fun, and cool.

[DW1PJM]

@K7AGE Thanks for the video..im not yet into satellite tracking but im very interested. By the way..did they use any ctss to access the frequencies? 73 d e VK2JMV/ DV1MV

[K7AGE]

@DW1PJM Not PL for this satellite, so do require PL. See AMSAT.org for details.

[BabyyaTawnyae47]

hühü_pàsst_hîër_nèt_rèin_ábä_i­ch_bíñ_sò_êïñsam_wíll_jémând_m­it_mìä_schreïbéñ

[K7AGE]

@lukesloan95 I have one of them too

[jimmyjamjar10101]

@CBRADIOLOVER what's imitashun mean? lol and db does not stand for dolby *face-palm* it stands for decibel. You ARE laughable

[CBRADIOLOVER]

@jimmyjamjar10101 af gain = a cheap imitashun of volume. attenuator = pointless cause you got an rf gain. ham antannas = 50 dolby less then most cb antannas probly.

[jimmyjamjar10101]

@CBRADIOLOVER Touch screen = pointless. bluetooth and mp3 = not required. Wallpaper = face-palm jealous (spelt correctly without the "e") = nup

[ChickenHater550]

@CBRADIOLOVER No, not jelouse because that is kinda cool...But my Nissans stereo does the same... with over 400 watts of speaker power. Now run along and Have nice day

[CBRADIOLOVER]

@ChickenHater550 again, answer the question hammy ham, whens the last time yall had a touch screen HAME radio, or one with bluetooth or an mp3 player or USB port so yall could put wallpaper on yalls channel display, cb has aLL OF THEM, yea thats what i thought, JEALOUSE.

[ChickenHater550]

@CBRADIOLOVER No, But i almost feel sorry for you. (Almost)

[CBRADIOLOVER]

@ChickenHater550 aww, is the ham jealouse? Tell me hame, whens the last time yall had a fancy touch screen radio, like the one we got? hmm? Yeah thats what i thought mudduck.

[ChickenHater550]

@CBRADIOLOVER Its a shame that you spend your life in front of a computer, Watching videos about a hobby you HATE, Just so you can make lowlife comments.