Amateur Space Communications Albert - N4ZFG Space Communications Look at Project OSCAR History Operating Modes Prediction Software How do I get.

Amateur Space Amateur Space CommunicationsCommunications

Albert - N4ZFGAlbert - N4ZFG

Space CommunicationsSpace Communications

Look at Project OSCAR HistoryLook at Project OSCAR History Operating ModesOperating Modes Prediction SoftwarePrediction Software How do I get startedHow do I get started Who Else Uses Amateur SatellitesWho Else Uses Amateur Satellites Future SatellitesFuture Satellites

Russian SputnikRussian Sputnik

Oct 1957- SputnikOct 1957- Sputnik• Beacons on 20.003 Mhz and 40.010 MhzBeacons on 20.003 Mhz and 40.010 Mhz• Near WWV signalsNear WWV signals• Beeping signals onlyBeeping signals only

Moon Bounce (EME)Moon Bounce (EME)

First Attempt by Amateurs in Space First Attempt by Amateurs in Space CommunicationsCommunications• W4AO, Ross Bateman; and W3GKP, W4AO, Ross Bateman; and W3GKP,

William L. Smith transmitted signals at William L. Smith transmitted signals at the moon and heard the return echoes the moon and heard the return echoes of their own signal. of their own signal.

• Proved Space Communications (1953)Proved Space Communications (1953)

Balloon FlightsBalloon Flights

1959- W6TNS Don Stoner proposed 1959- W6TNS Don Stoner proposed to build a spacecraft with a to build a spacecraft with a transponder on board in Feb 1961 transponder on board in Feb 1961 QST ArticleQST Article

Used High Altitude Balloon With 6m Used High Altitude Balloon With 6m input and 2m Output Repeater input and 2m Output Repeater Payload OnboardPayload Onboard

PROJECT OSCARPROJECT OSCAR

In 1960 a group of radio amateurs in In 1960 a group of radio amateurs in Sunnyvale California read Stoner’s article Sunnyvale California read Stoner’s article and created a group called Project OSCAR. and created a group called Project OSCAR.

The OSCAR stood for The OSCAR stood for OOrbiting rbiting SSatellite atellite CCarrying arrying AAmateur mateur RRadio. adio.

Convince the U.S. Government that Convince the U.S. Government that amateur satellites provide useful functions amateur satellites provide useful functions in the areas of scientific exploration, in the areas of scientific exploration, disaster communications, and science disaster communications, and science education. education.

OSCAR 1OSCAR 1 The First Satellite Built by the Project OSCAR Group. The First Satellite Built by the Project OSCAR Group.

• It Transmitted a 140mW Beacon Signal on 2 Meters at 145 It Transmitted a 140mW Beacon Signal on 2 Meters at 145 MHz. MHz.

• The Sent the Signal “…. ..” “HI” in Morse Code . The Sent the Signal “…. ..” “HI” in Morse Code . • Signal Speed Corresponded Inside Temperature. Signal Speed Corresponded Inside Temperature.

The Project OSCAR Group Worked with the U.S. Air Force to The Project OSCAR Group Worked with the U.S. Air Force to add the Amateur Satellite as an Auxiliary Payload. (Ballast)add the Amateur Satellite as an Auxiliary Payload. (Ballast)

The U.S. Air Force Launched OSCAR I as a First Ever The U.S. Air Force Launched OSCAR I as a First Ever Auxiliary Package that was Ejected From the Parent Auxiliary Package that was Ejected From the Parent Spacecraft. Spacecraft. • Ejection Mechanism Subjected to Stress, Thermal, and Ejection Mechanism Subjected to Stress, Thermal, and

Vibration Testing and Analysis and was Centered around a Vibration Testing and Analysis and was Centered around a $1.15 Spring from Sears and Roebuck. $1.15 Spring from Sears and Roebuck.

• The Air Force Recommended that They (the Commercial The Air Force Recommended that They (the Commercial Community) Study the OSCAR 1 Satellite. Community) Study the OSCAR 1 Satellite.

OSCAR 1 RESULTSOSCAR 1 RESULTS Reported Contacts in 28 countries, over 570 Reported Contacts in 28 countries, over 570

Amateurs Copied the SignalAmateurs Copied the Signal Remained in Orbit for 22 Days Remained in Orbit for 22 Days Data Gathered, was used to Study Ionosphere Data Gathered, was used to Study Ionosphere

Propagation and Process Orbital DataPropagation and Process Orbital Data The Project Demonstrated the Abilities to Design, The Project Demonstrated the Abilities to Design,

Build, Coordinate with Government AgenciesBuild, Coordinate with Government Agencies OSCAR I builders were often asked how much did OSCAR I builders were often asked how much did

it cost. Out of pocket expensed for all the it cost. Out of pocket expensed for all the materials to build the satellite at about $26.materials to build the satellite at about $26.

OSCAR 1 MODELOSCAR 1 MODEL

OSCAR IIOSCAR II

Same Basic Design with the Exception of Same Basic Design with the Exception of Different Thermal Coating.Different Thermal Coating.• Reduced Internal TemperaturesReduced Internal Temperatures• Extending Battery Life Extending Battery Life

The Output Power Reduced from The Output Power Reduced from 140mW to 100mW Reducing Power Drain 140mW to 100mW Reducing Power Drain

The Life of this Satellite - 18 days, 295 The Life of this Satellite - 18 days, 295 Orbits Before the Telemetry Beacon was Orbits Before the Telemetry Beacon was Lost. Lost.

OSCAR IIIOSCAR III OSCAR III Carried Two Beacon TransmittersOSCAR III Carried Two Beacon Transmitters

• One to Provide TelemetryOne to Provide Telemetry• A Second with a Continuous Carrier for Propagation Studies A Second with a Continuous Carrier for Propagation Studies

and Tracking. and Tracking. Also Carried a 50 khz wide transponderAlso Carried a 50 khz wide transponder

• Received on 146 mhzReceived on 146 mhz• Amplified and Retransmitted the signal at about 144 mhz.Amplified and Retransmitted the signal at about 144 mhz.

This Was the First Satellite Allowing Amateurs to This Was the First Satellite Allowing Amateurs to Communicate Via a Space Vehicle. Communicate Via a Space Vehicle.

Launched in March 1965 in a Higher Orbit than Previous Launched in March 1965 in a Higher Orbit than Previous Two Two

Transponder Operated for 18 Days and Approximately 1000 Transponder Operated for 18 Days and Approximately 1000 Amateurs in 22 Countries were Heard. Amateurs in 22 Countries were Heard.

Current Popular SatellitesCurrent Popular Satellites

AO – 7AO – 7 AO – 27AO – 27 SO - 50SO - 50 AO - 51AO - 51 VU - 52VU - 52 ISS (ARISS Program)ISS (ARISS Program) PCSAT (US Naval Academy)PCSAT (US Naval Academy)

Transponder Operating ModesTransponder Operating ModesAndAnd

Prediction SoftwarePrediction Software

Transponder Operating ModesTransponder Operating Modes

Analog Voice and CWAnalog Voice and CW• SSB CW and Voice (Multiple Channel)SSB CW and Voice (Multiple Channel)• FM Voice only (Single Channel)FM Voice only (Single Channel)

Digital ModesDigital Modes• Packet (Store and Forward)Packet (Store and Forward)

1200 baud FSK1200 baud FSK 9600 baud PSK9600 baud PSK

• APRS APRS

Analog SSB ModeAnalog SSB Mode Single Side Band (FO-29 Inverting)Single Side Band (FO-29 Inverting)

• 2m Uplink: 2m Uplink: 145.900 – 146.000 MHz SSB/CW145.900 – 146.000 MHz SSB/CW• 70cm Downlink: 70cm Downlink: 435.900 - 435.800 MHz SSB/CW435.900 - 435.800 MHz SSB/CW

NOTE:NOTE:Normal – UP/DOWN link Frequencies Track TogetherNormal – UP/DOWN link Frequencies Track TogetherInverting – UP/DOWN link Frequencies Don’t Track TogetherInverting – UP/DOWN link Frequencies Don’t Track Together

Analog ModesAnalog Modes SatellitesSatellites

• AO 7 (SSB) Mode B 70cm Up 2m DownAO 7 (SSB) Mode B 70cm Up 2m Down• FO 29 (SSB) Mode J 2m Up 70cm DownFO 29 (SSB) Mode J 2m Up 70cm Down• VU 52 (SSB) Mode V 2m Up Mode U 70cm VU 52 (SSB) Mode V 2m Up Mode U 70cm

DownDown• SO 50 (FM) Modes VUSO 50 (FM) Modes VU• AO 51 (FM) Modes VU, LU …AO 51 (FM) Modes VU, LU …• AR(ISS) (FM) 144.49 MHz up 145.800 MHz AR(ISS) (FM) 144.49 MHz up 145.800 MHz

DownDown• AO 16 UP 2M (FM) Up 70CM (DSB) DownAO 16 UP 2M (FM) Up 70CM (DSB) Down

New Mode DesignationsNew Mode Designations

Example:• Mode V/U VHF Uplink UHF Downlink• Mode L/U 1.2 GHZ Uplink UHF Downlink

MODE Band

V 145 MHz

U 435 MHz

L 1.2 GHz

S 2.4 GHZ

Prediction SoftwarePrediction Software

Used to Predict Satellite PassesUsed to Predict Satellite Passes

For Your Station’s LocationFor Your Station’s Location-AOS Acquisition of Signal-AOS Acquisition of Signal

-LOS Loss of Signal-LOS Loss of Signal-Azimuth (From North)Azimuth (From North)-Elevation (Above Local Horizion)Elevation (Above Local Horizion)-Doppler Shift (Frequency Tuning)Doppler Shift (Frequency Tuning)

Doppler ShiftDoppler Shift

Manual Tracking (Pre PC’s)Manual Tracking (Pre PC’s)

SatScapeSatScape

Ham Radio Deluxe

On-Line PredictionsOn-Line Predictions

Station SettingsStation Settings

Keplerian ElementsKeplerian Elements

Describe the Shape of the Satellite’s OrbitDescribe the Shape of the Satellite’s Orbit

Sample of 2 Line NORAD FormatSample of 2 Line NORAD Format

ISS ISS

1 25544U 98067A 07035.35732066 .00020205 00000-0 11892-3 0 57501 25544U 98067A 07035.35732066 .00020205 00000-0 11892-3 0 5750

2 25544 51.6340 70.4350 0022217 166.2157 311.8909 5.778750864692 25544 51.6340 70.4350 0022217 166.2157 311.8909 5.77875086469

AO-51 AO-51

1 28375U 04025K 07033.68080358 .00000014 00000-0 17267-4 01 28375U 04025K 07033.68080358 .00000014 00000-0 17267-4 0 73807380

2 28375 98.1332 79.8042 0083077 230.1300 129.2564 14.405537471362 28375 98.1332 79.8042 0083077 230.1300 129.2564 14.40553747136

Orbit ShapeOrbit Shape

Low Earth Orbit

Molniya Orbit (Elliptical)

Pass PredictionsPass Predictions

Local Horizon ViewLocal Horizon View

Getting Started

Case 1 – Limited Equipment / Funds Case 2 – Automated Station

How Do I Get StartedHow Do I Get Started

Dual Band HT 2m / 70cm Duplex Dual Band HT 2m / 70cm Duplex ModeMode

Arrow Type AntennaArrow Type Antenna Tune RadioTune Radio Know When the Satellite will AppearKnow When the Satellite will Appear

• Aim the AntennaAim the Antenna Listen for SignalListen for Signal CallCall Have a Helper Log the Contact!Have a Helper Log the Contact!

Dual Band HTDual Band HT

2Meter FM2Meter FM 70CM FM70CM FM Full Duplex ModeFull Duplex Mode Speaker Mike Speaker Mike

HelpfulHelpful

Arrow AntennaArrow Antenna

Arrow Antenna & HTArrow Antenna & HT

Homebrew Your OwnHomebrew Your Own

Automated Satellite Automated Satellite StationStation

System Tasks When Satellite is in System Tasks When Satellite is in RangeRange

Antenna ControlAntenna Control• Compute Satellite Compute Satellite

PositionPosition• Send Azimuth Send Azimuth

Elevation to Elevation to controllercontroller

• Steer the Antenna Steer the Antenna Array During the Array During the PassPass

Radio ControlRadio Control• Compute FrequencyCompute Frequency

Uplink Doppler Uplink Doppler ShiftShift

Downlink Doppler Downlink Doppler ShiftShift

• Send Data To RadioSend Data To Radio

Automated Station Block DiagramAutomated Station Block Diagram

SAEBER Track Antenna ControllerSAEBER Track Antenna Controller

Stamp II Micro-ProcessorStamp II Micro-Processor

Reads Voltage to Determine PositionReads Voltage to Determine Position• AZAZ• ELEL

Calculates New Position for ArrayCalculates New Position for Array• Turn on/off Proper Relay to Move ArrayTurn on/off Proper Relay to Move Array

Loop and Do It Again Until Pass is Loop and Do It Again Until Pass is CompleteComplete

Sample of Program in Stamp II Sample of Program in Stamp II ProcessorProcessor

Stamp II Code Sample

Field Day Satellite ArrayField Day Satellite Array

ContactsContacts

Other Hams Within Same Satellite Other Hams Within Same Satellite Foot PrintFoot Print

ISS Crew Members (ARISS Project)ISS Crew Members (ARISS Project) Digital Store Forwarding Messaging Digital Store Forwarding Messaging

(Packet)(Packet) APRS Via Satellite (Automated APRS Via Satellite (Automated

Position Reporting System)Position Reporting System)

Bill McArthur (KC5ACR) Operating NA1SS Bill McArthur (KC5ACR) Operating NA1SS Commander ISS Expedition 12Commander ISS Expedition 12

Sunita Williams (KD5PLB) ISS School ContactSunita Williams (KD5PLB) ISS School Contact

Mike Finche (KE5AIT)

Future SatellitesFuture Satellites ““EAGLE” (Built by AMSAT)EAGLE” (Built by AMSAT)

• High Earth Orbiting (Elliptical Orbit)High Earth Orbiting (Elliptical Orbit)• Software Defined Transponder (Software Defined Radio)Software Defined Transponder (Software Defined Radio)• Linear Transponders, DigitalLinear Transponders, Digital

P3E (Built by AMSAT DL)P3E (Built by AMSAT DL)• High Earth Orbit High Earth Orbit • Test Bench for P5A Mars MissionTest Bench for P5A Mars Mission• Linear Transponders (Many Bands)Linear Transponders (Many Bands)

Intelsat Geo-Stationary Available full timeIntelsat Geo-Stationary Available full time• Full Time Access Full Time Access • Emergency / Disaster CommunicationsEmergency / Disaster Communications

SuitSat IISuitSat II

WEB LinksWEB Links

www.satscape.co.uk www.heavens-above.com www.amsat.org www.amsatnet.com www.rac.ca/ariss/oindex.htm

SUMMARY

Look at Project OSCAR HistoryLook at Project OSCAR History Operating ModesOperating Modes Prediction SoftwarePrediction Software Getting StartedGetting Started Other User of Amateur SatellitesOther User of Amateur Satellites Future ProjectsFuture Projects

Questions?Questions?