Nov 29 2012

DIY 6 GHz comb generator

Assembled 2400 MHz Signal Source Kit

The publication Test & Measurement World recently mentioned the 2.4 GHz Signal Source Kits developed by radio amateur and AMSAT-UK member David Bowman G0MRF.

The article says:

“Most simple DIY comb generators seem to run out of steam about 1 GHz. I recently ran into David Bowman’s 2.4 GHz circuit and measured an upper usable range of about 6 GHz. While greatly attenuated above 3 GHz, this circuit should still be valuable for measuring semi-anechoic chambers in the GHz ranges.”

Read the full article at
http://www.tmworld.com/electronics-blogs/the-emc-blog/4402169/DIY-6-GHz-comb-generator

The 2.4 GHz Signal Source Kits are available from the AMSAT-UK shop at
http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/article_6/2.4-GHz-Signal-Source-Kits-by-G0MRF.html

Additional information on the kit is available at http://www.g0mrf.com/source2.htm

Nov 28 2012

2013 Launch for ESTCube-1 CubeSat

ESTCube-1 – Image credit University of Tartu

The ESTCube 1 CubeSat was built by students at Tartu University with the objectives for promoting space, providing and educational tool for science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) subjects and giving students hands-on experience on developing space technologies.

It uses the amateur radio 145, 437 and 2400 MHz bands and the launch is planned for 2013.

Continue reading →

Nov 28 2012

Finlands First CubeSat Aalto-1

Finnish students working on the Aalto-1 CubeSat

Finnish students working on the Aalto-1 CubeSat

Aalto-1 is a student CubeSat project of Aalto University, Finland. In this video Project Coordinator Jaan Praks describes the Aalto-1 project.

It is understood that a launch in 2013 is planned.

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Nov 26 2012

Video – ARISSat-1 Operational Survey Results

ARISSat-1

ARISSat-1

This video from the ARRL/TAPR DCC in Atlanta produced by Gary Pearce KN4AQ of HamRadioNow shows the presentation given by Steve Bible N7HPR in which he reviews a survey showing just how hams and non-hams (primarily teachers) participated in the ARISSat / KEDR project (the follow-up to SuitSat, without the suit).

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Nov 26 2012

Canadian – Norwegian Student Exchange, Rocket & CubeSat Program

This video provides a short description of the Canada-Norway Student Sounding Rocket (CaNoRock) exchange program and plans for the student CaNoSat sub-orbital CubeSats.

CaNoRock is a partnership between the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Saskatchewan, the University of Oslo, University of Tromsø, Andøya Rocket Range and NAROM (Norwegian Center for Space Related Education) in Norway. The University of Bergen and University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) in Norway are currently working to be included in the program.

Continue reading →

Nov 26 2012

SpinSat Packet Radio Satellite To Launch Next Summer

SpinSat comprises a 19 inch diameter sphere, with a mass of 55 kg and 4 antennas equal distance around the equator. It is intended to be a tumbling satellite with single axis momentum wheel and multiple micro-thrusters.

It aims to test new technology micro-thrusters and teach high school students about satellite operations.

Secondary mission is a 9k6 GFSK UHF store and forward AX.25 packet radio system with 2 watts of RF output. Planned for a July 2013 launch from Kennedy Space Center into a 330 km 51.6 degree inclination orbit.

A downlink frequency of 437.230 MHz has been coordinated.

IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination Panel status page http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru