Hams in Space!

tuning is common, and can be eliminated
by connecting addilionallines from the PSK-1
to fhe ACC plug on the rear panel of the
IC-970H .
The telemetry sent from FO-20. DOVE, and
Pacsat did not require the use of a preamp 10
receive good packets. All passes I experimented
with had elevations of about 25 degrees
or higher , and telemetry could be decoded
for about three-fourths of the entire
pass. Signals were on the average of S-5, with
peaks in the range of S-9 10 S-20 on FQ-20 and
Pacsat (SSB), and fu ll S9 + 40 on DOVE (FM).
During these experiments, my antennas were
placed to point directly west and at 0 degrees
elevation. Obviously, you can get better signals
if you point your antennas directly at the
satellite.
CT·16 Interfacing
On the rear panel of the IC-970H, a TTLlevel
remote jack is provided for CI-V converters.
This remote jack can also be used to
track uplink and downlink frequencies with
another radio , such as the IC-1 271 or IC-1 275
(if you already have one and don't need to buy
the optional 1296 MHz module), in conjunction
wit h ICOM's CT-16 satellite interface.
This will operate in the manner described
above when you are tracking uplink and downlink
frequencies in the same or reverse directions.
Pros and Cons
Features I'd like to see:
- SWR meter.
- OTMF keypad.
-A microphone included with rig.
-lncreased output power comparable with
other H models.
«lndividually activated preamps.
Features I liked:
- Autornanc tracking for uplink and downlinks.
«Separate memory channels for satellites .
-excenent weak-signal receivers.
«Great audio quality.
-Large frequency display.
-Large multi-function meter.
- Additional S-meter for sub band.
-Large easy-to-handle controls and
switches.
-Additional band units can be insta lled.
It's Worth Buying
Overall, the IC-970H is a great rig for saretlite
communications and local activity. I found
the IC-970H easy 10 use, and very capable of
either voice or data satellite communication
modes. iii
Contact Joe Holman KA7L DN at Box 37, Redmond
WA 98073. For more information about
amateur satellites and satellite operations,
contact AMSAT NA at (301) 589-6062.
1691 MHz Weather Satellite System
Spectrum International, Inc. is pleased to announce their
appointment as North American and International distributor of
Tfme-Step Electronic's Weather Satellite Receiving System.
This high quality, low cost system consists of:
1691 MHz GaAs FET Pre-ampl. model TS-1691-P.Amp
1691 MHz Receiver model TS-1691-Recvr
Decoder Board & Software
model TS-VGA-SAT3
Also available to complete the system are:
Low Loss (microwave) Coaxial Cable (65ft)
with connectors.
model t est-coex ass'y
1691 MHz Loop-Yagi Antenna model 169 1-LY(N)
1691 MHz Loop-Yagi Extension model 1691-LY-XTN
PC·SAT System (all the above item s)
Demonstration Disc (IBM-PC VGA compatible)
of signals recorded from PC-SAT system.
Shipping: FOB Concord, Mass .
Prices subject to change without notice.
•
SPECTRUM INTE RNATIONAL, INC.
Post Office Box 10B4-S
Concord, Mass. 01742, U.S.A.
Phone: (SOB) 263-2145
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