QTH: EM55aj84ta
http://no.nonsense.ee/qthmap/ This web page will accept the 10 character Alpha/Numeric identifiers of the Maidenhead Grid Square System for the highest degree of accuracy you can achieve when calculating distances between stations.
Welcome Satellite Lovers!
I have created a Satellite Users Bulletin Board
This BB will cater to actual satellite users, it is a moderated board with initial posting privileges having to be approved by the ADMIN(ME!) after that post away. This will be an email style BB. The site should let you sign up and unsubscribe if you find you do not like the content of the BB.
http://lists.star-com.net/listinfo/starcom-bb
is the sign up page.
The new STAR-COM.NET site will be geared towards what actual satellite users want. I had the BB created first to give Satellite Users a place to come and exchange information about satellite operations. It is a work in progress so please be patient.
This is the product of the Grid Guerrilla newsletter I created for Grid Hunters on the satellites, I hope to expand this to encompass other VHF/UHF operations as well.
I hope to expand the STAR-COM.NET primary site soon, come join us on the "Birds"!
Recently I added a SKYPE account to my tools to work the wonderful world of satellites. My account name is:
k4feg_em55
My satellite operations into Europe and South America can be measured in seconds not minutes, I have satellite footprints in common with parts of Europe that last very short periods of time currently I need at least 90 seconds to gain enough altitude on the satellite to have a successful satellite contact. I am working on my satellite antennas and will soon have 22 CP elements on 2m and 40 CP elements on 70cm but due to personal physical limitations on my end the upgrade is moving slowly.
I do expect to have these antennas installed very shortly they are assymbled and ready to be hoisted 65ft in the air with heliax feedling and Ar2 Pre-Amps.
these additions will allow me to work lower on the horizon and clear local obstacles toward the horizon.
I have started an email news letter for "Grid Chasers" I am sending out occasional emails with what ever grid information may come my way. My intention is to provide information to "serious" grid chasers that want to work with other operators so that EVERY ONE can work these difficult and rare grid operations. I manage to come across some fairly rare stuff from time to time.
I lovingly call my newsletter: "Grid Guerrilla's" I add people to the email list by invitation at my descretion.
So far the newsletter has been quite successful in providing timely grid info!
STAY TUNED!
I hope to be able to facilitate the dispersal of pertinent information to those who wish to hunt grids, states and other DX entities on the satellites. Timing is everything on some satellite passes, there are times when I have only a 90 second window to work someone in a forgein country.
FRANK E. GRIFFIN
AMSAT #38691, ARRL MEMBER
Formally: K3FG, N4FAC, WB4NUO & WN4NUO.
After a 20 year hiatus from the hobby I have returned. My current passion is working the satellites, I work the satellites daily and I am learning (and loving) the SSB satellites. Currently I am working AO-7 Mode A & B, VO52, FO29, AO27 and FO29.
I have finally gotten SatPC32 to work with ALL of my satellite radios, I sure learned a lot about that program!
If signals are weak into the "bird" I will drop down below center frequency and operate CW, (I am the one sending between 10-18 WPM!)
I am retired and if anyone anywhere wants to try a satellite contact, drop me an email and we will make a schedule.
I do like to "chase" new grid squares so I try towork as many of the "new-comers" as I can, you never know where they might be and we were all new at this at one time or another.
I have been in this HOBBY since 1976 so lets all remember we all were a "new-comers" at some point in our radio careers. I do not care if you have a code or no code license, I am an "old-timer", that and a couple of bucks will get me good cup of coffee from Starbucks!
If I can help you out just ask, If I need some help, I am for sure gonna ask.
For the "New-comers", WELCOME TO THE HOBBY! for the "Old-timers" LET'S ENJOY OUR HOBBY"
Thanks for looking me up on QRZ!
73's
I know my grid doesn't always fall into a footprint that will allow me access to Europe, but I am in the foot-print at low angles if anyone would like to give it a try, time of day is not an issue with me.
My mobile set up is becoming more of a "Portable" set-up, I have an Icom IC-910h that will be my new mobile/portable rig, I will use simple antennas when mobile, I have both an Elk and an Arrow for the "fast and dirty" operations and for serious portable operations I am building a small antenna system using two shorter versions of my base station antennas, mounted on a Glen Martin roof top tower on a small trailer.
It's good to be back on the AIR!
73's
FRANK E. GRIFFIN
K4FEG
1st licensed Novice WN4NUO 1976 Upgraded to General WB4NUO 1978 Changed Call to N4FAC Upgraded to Advanced (N4FAC) Upgraded to Amatuer Extra (N4FAC)1983 Vanity Call (K3FG)1997 Vanity Call (K4FEG)NOV./2006
