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Chest freezers

 

Anyone need a 7.9 cubic foot chest freezer?

We received 9 more.

$229

Power and Superstition
Re: [QueenCreekHams] International Space Station Visible Friday Evening

 

For those of you following this thread about communications ops with satellites and ISS, the attached document is an excellent primer on packet operations through the ISS.

ISS Packet Tutorial by K9JKM

Regards,

Joe, N2QOJ






On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 1:30 PM Joe Sammartino via <jsammartino=[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Bob,

Great questions......

I will give you short and concise answers here but will follow up with more information soon.

1 Will a 5W HT work for this?

Yes, but you will need to be proficient with channel hopping, band selection, programming, etc. because you will be switching frequencies depending on your mode of operation. You will be programming in multiple frequencies to account for Doppler Effect. Some HTs are better suited than others but with practice (and dexterity), a $25 Baofeng UV-5R will work just fine. There are lots of videos on this subject on YouTube.

Additionally, you will need to use a directional antenna - usually handheld - to point and follow the satellite/ISS during its pass overhead. Arrow and Elk tend to be the most popular.

And you need some sort of satellite tracking app on your smart device to assist you in anticipating and tracking the target satellite/ISS.

2 Do the repeaters you listed below have PL Tones?

Sometimes - To open up (turn on) the transponder of a satellite, you do have to transmit a PL tone to engage/access the on-board repeater (aka transponder).

I don't believe this is the case with the ISS transponder. There is no PL listed as needed.

This is the official site for ISS contact info:?

3 In your opinion is any one of the frequencies better (more reliable, more responsive, etc) than any of the others?

The frequencies have different missions - APRS (packet repeater) Messaging, Transponder use, Crew member QSO, etc.

QSOs with a crew member is very rare these days. They do schedule talks with schools though.

4 What is the significance of the terms Uplink and DownLink associated with the frequencies listed below?

Uplink refers to the frequency and band that you will be using to transmit and downlink refers to the frequency and band you will be receiving. More on this later.

In the meantime, please review the attached article. It is full of great info and tips and addresses most of your questions.

Regards,

Joe, N2OQJ


Joe Sammartino
24/7: ?480.270.4563
Mobile: ?480.381.2993









On Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 8:43 PM Backus Bob <bob.backus1@...> wrote:
Joe,

Thank you for sending the information regarding the international space station.

I have several questions about listening to or working the frequencies associated with the international space station:

1 Will a 5W HT work for this?
2 Do the repeaters you listed below have PL Tones?
3 In your opinion is any one of the frequencies better (more reliable, more responsive, etc) than any of the others?
4 What is the significance of the terms Uplink and DownLink associated with the frequencies listed below?

Thanks,

Bob Backus
KE7UGJ?




On Jul 14, 2020, at 8:00 PM, Joe Sammartino <jsammartino@...> wrote:

?

International Space?Station?Visible Tonight - 8:30 PM


Folks - Good news!

Another great opportunity to?spot?the?International Space?Station?this evening as it passes over our area in Arizona.

It should be a good pass and hopefully?the?clouds will be minimal.

Treat your family and friends to a viewing of?the?International Space?Station?tonight. I find that even?the?most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing?the?station?as it moves across?the?sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us.

If you are an amateur radio operator, take?the?opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with?the?ISS or through one of its transponders.

The?ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from?the?West Northwest and disappears toward South Southeast.

Time: Tue Jul 14 8:31 PM
Visible: 6 min
Max Height: 44¡ã
Appears: 10¡ã above SSW (from 203¡ã)
Disappears: 11¡ã above ENE (toward 68¡ã)


I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track?the?station?in advance at this link:


And, something new! I've attached a chart of?the?actual pass.

Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from?the?Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit?thelink and follow?the?instructions.

If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick?the?closest one.?The?space?station?is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of?the?listed locations.

If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies:

Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide)

Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3

VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear

UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550

UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800

UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.800

Regards, Joe N2QOJ
<large_sighting.jpg>
<iss_7-14.PNG>

k9jkm_ISS_Packet_Tutorial.pdf
k9jkm_ISS_Packet_Tutorial.pdf

Re: [QueenCreekHams] International Space Station Visible Friday Evening

 

Hi Bob,

Great questions......

I will give you short and concise answers here but will follow up with more information soon.

1 Will a 5W HT work for this?

Yes, but you will need to be proficient with channel hopping, band selection, programming, etc. because you will be switching frequencies depending on your mode of operation. You will be programming in multiple frequencies to account for Doppler Effect. Some HTs are better suited than others but with practice (and dexterity), a $25 Baofeng UV-5R will work just fine. There are lots of videos on this subject on YouTube.

Additionally, you will need to use a directional antenna - usually handheld - to point and follow the satellite/ISS during its pass overhead. Arrow and Elk tend to be the most popular.

And you need some sort of satellite tracking app on your smart device to assist you in anticipating and tracking the target satellite/ISS.

2 Do the repeaters you listed below have PL Tones?

Sometimes - To open up (turn on) the transponder of a satellite, you do have to transmit a PL tone to engage/access the on-board repeater (aka transponder).

I don't believe this is the case with the ISS transponder. There is no PL listed as needed.

This is the official site for ISS contact info:?

3 In your opinion is any one of the frequencies better (more reliable, more responsive, etc) than any of the others?

The frequencies have different missions - APRS (packet repeater) Messaging, Transponder use, Crew member QSO, etc.

QSOs with a crew member is very rare these days. They do schedule talks with schools though.

4 What is the significance of the terms Uplink and DownLink associated with the frequencies listed below?

Uplink refers to the frequency and band that you will be using to transmit and downlink refers to the frequency and band you will be receiving. More on this later.

In the meantime, please review the attached article. It is full of great info and tips and addresses most of your questions.

Regards,

Joe, N2OQJ


Joe Sammartino
24/7: ?480.270.4563
Mobile: ?480.381.2993









On Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 8:43 PM Backus Bob <bob.backus1@...> wrote:
Joe,

Thank you for sending the information regarding the international space station.

I have several questions about listening to or working the frequencies associated with the international space station:

1 Will a 5W HT work for this?
2 Do the repeaters you listed below have PL Tones?
3 In your opinion is any one of the frequencies better (more reliable, more responsive, etc) than any of the others?
4 What is the significance of the terms Uplink and DownLink associated with the frequencies listed below?

Thanks,

Bob Backus
KE7UGJ?




On Jul 14, 2020, at 8:00 PM, Joe Sammartino <jsammartino@...> wrote:

?

International Space?Station?Visible Tonight - 8:30 PM


Folks - Good news!

Another great opportunity to?spot?the?International Space?Station?this evening as it passes over our area in Arizona.

It should be a good pass and hopefully?the?clouds will be minimal.

Treat your family and friends to a viewing of?the?International Space?Station?tonight. I find that even?the?most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing?the?station?as it moves across?the?sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us.

If you are an amateur radio operator, take?the?opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with?the?ISS or through one of its transponders.

The?ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from?the?West Northwest and disappears toward South Southeast.

Time: Tue Jul 14 8:31 PM
Visible: 6 min
Max Height: 44¡ã
Appears: 10¡ã above SSW (from 203¡ã)
Disappears: 11¡ã above ENE (toward 68¡ã)


I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track?the?station?in advance at this link:


And, something new! I've attached a chart of?the?actual pass.

Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from?the?Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit?thelink and follow?the?instructions.

If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick?the?closest one.?The?space?station?is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of?the?listed locations.

If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies:

Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide)

Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3

VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear

UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550

UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800

UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.800

Regards, Joe N2QOJ
<large_sighting.jpg>
<iss_7-14.PNG>

Getting Started in Satellite.pdf
Getting Started in Satellite.pdf

Mesa R U Prepared Weekly HAM Radio Net

 

Mesa R U Prepared Weekly HAM Radio Net

Wed July 15, 2020 === 7pm ¨C 8:00pm (MST)

Ocotillo Repeater ( 449.325 MHz with a PL Tone of 100 Hz)


You can also listen in via streaming audio at:
International Space Station Visible Friday Evening

 

International Space?Station?Visible Tonight - 8:30 PM


Folks - Good news!

Another great opportunity to?spot?the?International Space?Station?this evening as it passes over our area in Arizona.

It should be a good pass and hopefully?the?clouds will be minimal.

Treat your family and friends to a viewing of?the?International Space?Station?tonight. I find that even?the?most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing?the?station?as it moves across?the?sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us.

If you are an amateur radio operator, take?the?opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with?the?ISS or through one of its transponders.

The?ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from?the?West Northwest and disappears toward South Southeast.

Time: Tue Jul 14 8:31 PM
Visible: 6 min
Max Height: 44¡ã
Appears: 10¡ã above SSW (from 203¡ã)
Disappears: 11¡ã above ENE (toward 68¡ã)


I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track?the?station?in advance at this link:


And, something new! I've attached a chart of?the?actual pass.

Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from?the?Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit?thelink and follow?the?instructions.

If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick?the?closest one.?The?space?station?is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of?the?listed locations.

If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies:

Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide)

Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3

VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear

UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550

UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800

UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.800

Regards, Joe N2QOJ

large_sighting.jpg
iss_7-14.PNG

Antenna Analyzer Basics - K7AGE

 

Antenna Analyzer Basics - K7AGE




K7AGE always presents interesting topics with a good style.

Enjoy!
Update - Maricopa New Ham Net - Update

 

Maricopa New Ham Net


The Maricopa New Ham Net has a rich history in the Valley.

Originally founded by Terry Starks, KE7LPG (SK), this net has helped new hams - as well as experienced hams - learn and grow in our hobby. (Note: Terry's call sign is now assigned to a family member.)

Here are the details of this fine net:

When: Thursdays, 7pm ¨C 8pm

Where: 440.375 MHz (+) PL 100 South Mountain

Description: ATTENTION: This popular - and highly valued - net has moved to another repeater/system and is no longer at the ARA MetroLink System.

Beginning on Thursday, July 16th, the new home of the net is 440.375 MHz, Positive Shift (+5 MHz), PL (CTCSS) 100 Hz.

Net Control Operators - John, KI7PPW and Adam, K7KBD

Net Manager - Lee, N7LP

Repeater Sponsor - Ron, AJ7T

You can find this net and many more at the Queen Creek Amateur Radio Club's Calendar:
Re: Listen in On PC/Laptop or Smart Device

 

Worth repeating....(yes, there is a pun in there)

Hi Folks,

Don't have a radio or scanner but you would like to listen to your ham community?

(By the way, "listening in" is an excellent way to learn how to converse on the radio while non-hams are studying for their license exam.)

No worries! You can listen to some of the most active repeaters in the Valley and beyond by navigating to one of these links with your browser. If you like what you hear, bookmark it!

You can also download scanner apps to your Android or iOS device.

W7ARA White Tanks Repeater:?

W7ARA Phoenix Metrolink System:

Ocotillo / STV Repeater:?

W0NWA Pinnacle Peak:

Eastern Arizona ARS Repeater System EAARS:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to install a very good radio scanner app on your smartphone or tablet, Radio Scanner by Gordon Edwards is very good (and free!):

For Android:

For iOS:

As always, I welcome feedback.

Regards,

Joe, N2QOJ





Joe Sammartino
24/7: ?480.270.4563
Mobile: ?480.381.2993
no QCECG meeting tonight

 

Hi folks,

No meeting tonight. Not favorable conditions yet.

Regards,

Joe, N2QOJ

Joe Sammartino
24/7: ?480.270.4563
Mobile: ?480.381.2993
Test Sessions

 

Test Sessions


There are usually testing opportunities all over the Valley. Most require pre-registration. However, given the state of things today, most testing sessions have been put on hold for the foreseeable future.

There are a few exceptions, thankfully!

The Chandler Ham Radio Club - - will be hosting a test session in August. Visit their website for details and contact one of their club officers.

There are a couple of hams in Mesa that have been providing this service (Thank you!) over the last few months by planning and executing in-person test sessions with social distancing measures.

You can participate in one of these sessions in Mesa once they have enough applicants for a test session. Just contact Chuck, W7CBR, or Sue, W7SKH, to let him know you would like to participate in the next test event.

Chuck - W7CBR
Rogers_Charles@...
Sue - W7SKH
happyham7777@...

To make the process easier, please visit the FCC Universal Licensing System web site to register with the FCC and obtain your official FCC Registration Number, known as "FRN", prior to visiting your chosen test site:

And we also now have remote test sessions:

Regards,

Joe, N2QOJ
Off topic

 

Looking for. 7.0 Cu. Ft. Chest freezer for your cow?

We finally got some in at my HD.

$229

They won't last long.
New ARRL Podcast - The Eclectic Tech - Episode 11

 

New ARRL Podcast - The Eclectic Tech - Episode 11

The ARRL began a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.

The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist.

This eleventh episode has the following topics:? Shortwave Radiogram, remote receivers, getting more from PSKreporter

Stream:

As always, feedback is welcome.

Regards, Joe, N2QOJ
QCECG weekly training net - 7/5/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

 

QCECG weekly training net - 7/5/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)


Check in and let us know how you are doing.

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

Listen over the Internet at

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ a PM
Maricopa New Ham Operators NET

 

Maricopa New Ham Operators NET


When: Every Thursday, 7pm ¨C 8pm
Where: Metrolink Repeaters

Details: Great Net for New (and all other) Hams.
Sometimes Host: John, KI7PPW

Shaw Butte: 147.24(+) (162.2 PL Tone) - Metro Link Hub
Mt Ord: 146.92(-) (162.2 PL Tone)
Scottsdale Air Park: 146.76(-) (162.2 PL Tone)
Usery Pass: 146.86(-) (162.2 PL Tone)
Mingus Mountain: 146.82(-) (162.2 PL Tone)
Daisy Mountain repeater: 448.375(-) (100.0 PL Tone)
Mesa R U Prepared Weekly HAM Radio Net

 

Mesa R U Prepared Weekly HAM Radio Net

Wed July 1, 2020 7pm ¨C 7:30pm (MST)

Ocotillo Repeater ( 449.325 MHz with a PL Tone of 100 Hz)


You can also listen in via streaming audio at:
Local Electronics Suppliers

 

Local Electronics Suppliers:

(Parts, Components, Cables, Coax, etc.)

WiredCo - - Scottsdale, but is at Ham Fests and other Venues

Tritek Electronics - - Mesa

Circuits Specialists - - Tempe

Brought to you by East Valley Amateur Radio Group at:
New ARRL Podcast - The Eclectic Tech - Episode 10

 

New ARRL Podcast - The Eclectic Tech - Episode 10

The ARRL began a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.

The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist.

This tenth episode has the following topics:? Sporadic E, antenna modeling, computer espionage, and spray-on antennas.

Stream:

As always, feedback is welcome.

Regards, Joe, N2QOJ
Re: QCECG weekly training net - 6/21/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

 

Let's try something a bit different....

If you have a ham radio or technical related question of any type that you would like addressed during the QCECG Net tonight, reply here directly to me - or this Group - and we will be sure to bring it up during the net.

Regards,

Joe, N2QO





On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 12:12 PM Joe Sammartino via <jsammartino=[email protected]> wrote:
Happy Father's Day!

QCECG weekly training net - 6/21/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

Check in and let us know how you are doing.

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

Listen over the Internet at

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ a PM
QCECG weekly training net - 6/21/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

 

Happy Father's Day!

QCECG weekly training net - 6/21/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

Check in and let us know how you are doing.

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

Listen over the Internet at

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ a PM
Radios At Home this Saturday

 

Hello all!

This is just a reminder that this Saturday, June 20th, will be another "Radios At Home" event.? It will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 that morning.? It operates the same as RUSS/Radios In the Park except you operate from home in the comfort of your own air conditioning!? We highly encourage that you operate on some sort of alternative and/or emergency power (not plugged into your AC wall outlets.)

The simplex frequency we will be using is 146.460 with a PL tone of 77.0.? We plan on using 7.178 for HF as well if that is clear.? Besides those frequencies, you may operate any band or mode you wish.? That whole point is to get on the radio to be "radioactive" during these summer months.? Make contacts and have fun!

- Heidi K7ZAE
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