Portable Station for Scout JOTA Activation

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Portable Scout JOTA Station

Portable Scout JOTA Station

Members at the Nashua Area Radio Society recently built a very nice portable station for the upcoming 2026 Scout JOTA activation. The station features a modern HF Transceiver and a 500W amplifier. The JOTA station uses a multiband wire antenna and a generator for power. It is quick to set up and easy for Scouts to use. This station can also be used for Field Day and other portable operations. You can read more about how the station is put together and its performance here.

Paterson P-Tech Students Contact the ISS via Amateur Radio

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I have been working with a group of folks at Patterson P-Tech in New Jersey to help them prepare for their contact with astronaut Kimiya Yui, KG5BPH, on the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronaut YUI Kimiya KG5BPH

Astronaut YUI Kimiya KG5BPH

Students representing several schools in the Patterson, NJ area will contact the ISS on Monday, October 6, 2025. You can watch and listen to the contact via this livestream link. The livestream program will begin at 9:20 am Eastern Time (1:20 pm UTC). The Amateur Radio Contact with the ISS will start at approximately 10:20 am Eastern Time (2:20 pm UTC) and will last for approximately 10 minutes. If you are located in New England, USA, you should be able to hear the astronauts’ answers to the students’ questions on 145.800 MHz FM. Here are the questions that the students want to ask:

  1. What’s your favorite view in space?
  2. What’s the weirdest or most unexpected thing that’s happened to you in microgravity?
  3. If you could only bring one non-essential item to the International Space Station, and it could be any size, what would you choose and why?
  4. How does it feel, orbiting above us all? Are you doing well up there?
  5. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve experienced in space that you didn’t expect during training?
  6. How has your perspective on Earth and humanity changed since living aboard the ISS?
  7. What do you do in space to entertain yourself?
  8. Can you describe the first moment you saw Earth from space? How did it make you feel?
  9. How do you prepare for a mission, both physically and mentally?
  10. What does Earth look like from up there, and how does it make you feel when you see it?
  11. How did you feel on your first trip to space?
  12. What has been the most rewarding or challenging experience you have had during your space travel?
  13. What was the most challenging part of your astronaut training?
  14. Does time feel different when you’re orbiting Earth every 90 minutes?
  15. If you could bring a smell from Earth to the space station to make it feel more like home, what smell would you choose and why?
  16. Do you ever catch yourself doing something very human, like humming or daydreaming, and realize — I’m doing this in space?
  17. How has seeing Earth from space changed your perspective on life or humanity?
  18. What is the biggest unknown risk in human spaceflight that keeps you or your team thinking?
  19. Do you have a signal in space to play video games?
  20. What’s one experiment or discovery you worked on in space that you think could change life on Earth?
  21. What is something you miss that’s on Earth that you can’t have in space?
  22. What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced while living on the ISS?
  23. Were you nervous when you reached space on your first trip?
  24. What advice would you give to someone who dreams of being an astronaut?

The ground station and Amateur Radio support for the contact is being provided by the Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club. The callsigns for the contact will be W2NPT and NA1SS.

The group has produced a very nice video that provides background about their contact. You can view it below.

Helping young people make contact with astronauts on the ISS using Amateur Radio is great fun. My work with ARISS is near the top of my list in terms of the most rewarding work that I do with Amateur Radio.

Best and 73,

Fred, AB1OC

Getting Started with AREDN

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AREDN

We have long been interested in Data Networking and Amateur Radio. One of our projects this past year has been to build a Homelab. This project builds on the fiber optic-based data network and includes a high-availability virtual server setup. These interests made our recent inclusion of AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) network capability in our station a natural addition. This post explains how we got started with AREDN.

AREDN Frequencies

AREDN Frequencies

ARDEN provides high-speed Mesh Networking and related services using Amateur radio links in the 900 MHz UHF and several microwave bands. AREDN networks are built using commercial data networking equipment and RF data linking gear, which runs software provided by the AREDN development team. The hardware uses inexpensive routers and RF linking nodes from several vendors, including MikroTik and Ubiquity. The AREDN system is well-documented, and it is not hard to get started.

Fortunately, several experts are working to build AREDN networks here in New England. I have gotten to know Jay, K1EHZ, a local expert who has helped me get started. Jay is president of the Merrimack Valley Amateur Radio Association, which devotes considerable time to building an AREDN network here in New Hampshire and training local Amateurs to use it.

First Steps

The AREDN network in New England links several DMR and other repeaters to create the New England Emergency Communications Network (NEDCN), which provides emergency and other communications services. The AREDN network offers a mix of RF-based and Internet Tunnel-based links.

AREDN Tunnel Router - Mikrotik hAP ac lite

AREDN Tunnel Router – MikroTik hAP ac lite

RF linking is not yet available in our area (although it is coming soon), so we began with an AREDN tunnel node that Jay has provided. The hardware used for our tunnel node is an inexpensive router from MicroTik. It uses a connection to the Internet provided via our home network to create a Wireguard tunnel to Jay’s node, which is part of the AREDN network here in New Hampshire. The router also has a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port, which can power and connect an RF linking device when RF coverage becomes available in our area.

A computer with a web browser is connected to one of the router’s LAN ports. The connected computer has access to all nodes on the worldwide AREDN system and the Internet via our in-house Internet router and the associated fiber Internet connection.

Accessing The Local AREDN Network

AREDN Tunnel Node Interface

AREDN Tunnel Node Interface

You can use your web browser to access the AREDN network. The home page for our Tunnel Node is shown above. Each AREDN node has a similar interface, which can be used to configure the node and navigate the worldwide AREDN network. We can see more of the local mesh by clicking on the Mesh Icon (the grid icon on the left side of the web interface).

Local AREDN Mesh Network

Local AREDN Mesh Network

Here, we can see all the nodes in our local mesh network. Each node can provide links to other nodes in the network and may offer AREDN-delivered services such as a Network Chart, VOIP Conferencing, eMail and Winlink services, and more.

Integrating AREDN Into Our Home Network

Our Home Network Dashboard

Our Home Network Dashboard

We use a networking and firewall system from Ubiquity. The Ubiquity Unifi system provides central management of Virtual LANs (VLANs) that divide our physical ethernet and WiFi network into independent Virtual LANs. We use these capabilities to integrate AREDN into our home network.

AREDN Integration Into Our Home Network

AREDN Integration Into Our Home Network

We use three VLANs on our Home Network to integrate AREDN. The table below shows the VLANs that we use and what they do:

VLANIDPurpose
Ham VLAN (Green)30Provide Internet Access for Wireguard Tunnels to Local Mesh and Other Nodes
AREDN LAN (Blue)110Access to AREDN Mesh and The Internet via AREDN Local Subnet Addresses
AREDN DtD VLAN (Red)2Provide Device to Device Access between Local AREDN Routers and RF Linking Devices

We extend the AREDN LAN (Blue VLAN) to include a unique WiFi SSID for AREDN access via wireless devices within our home.

Future Projects – What’s Next?

AREDN Supernode Mesh

AREDN Supernode Mesh

We are working on or planning several additional AREDN projects here. They include:

  • Implementing an AREDN Supernode for our Local Mesh Network to provide worldwide access to other AREN Mesh Networks
  • Upgrading our Tunnel Router to faster, higher-capacity hardware
  • Add a 5 GHz RF link to our Local Mesh Network
  • Adding sectorized RF connections for access to the AREDN network in our area
  • Adding services to our Local Mesh Network. Plans include a Stratum 1 NTP Time Source, a Website, email services, and possibly a VoIP PBX. These will be provided via the high-availability server infrastructure in our Homelab.
  • Access to a local video camera

The first two projects above have already been completed. We’ll soon add additional articles to cover them.

Fred, AB1OC

Low-Band Receive Antenna Upgrades

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Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antenna

Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antenna

We have two low-band receive systems at our station:

These antenna systems use short active vertical antennas in various combinations to create directional receive antennas for the low bands (80m and 160m).

Receive Short Element Preamplifier

Receive Short Element Preamplifier

We recently upgraded these antennas to the latest Short Active Vertical Antennas from DX Engineering. The upgraded elements feature internally settable gain for any size antenna or ambient noise environment and include an LED, which indicates when an element is active.

Receive Feedline Choke

Receive Feedline Choke

We also upgraded the Receive Feedline Chokes on both antenna systems as well.

New NCC-2 Receive Phasing Controller

NCC-2 Receive Antenna Phasing System

NCC-2 Receive Antenna Phasing Controller

We also upgraded our two-element phased receive system to use the DXengineering NCC-2 Phasing Controller. The NCC-2 variable phasing controllers combine the 300 kHz- 30MHz received signals from two dedicated active short vertical receive antennas. Combining signals from two stationary antennas physically spaced 1/10 to 1/2 wavelength apart creates an array pattern with signal peaks and dips called nulls. Adjusting the NCC-2 Phase and Balance controls has the effect of electronically rotating or steering that pattern. Steering the null direction to significantly weaken a local or distant interfering signal or noise is known as “Noise Cancelling. The NCC-2 Noise Cancelling Controller can enhance the reception of weak signals from non-null directions. This “reverse-beam” capability on AM Broadcast through HF radio frequencies can benefit many types of AM DX and SWL receiving and ham radio operating.

We installed the following options in our NCC-2:

Receive Array Control And Sequencer

Receive Array Control And Sequencer

We also built a variation of the Receive Array Sequencer using a microHam control box. This sequencer system properly sequences the NCC-2 and the associated antennas whenever any radio in our station transmits on a band that might damage the sensitive receive antennas. This system is described in more detail here.

NCC-2 Performance

80m Opening To China

80m Opening to China

The NCC-2 and Antenna Elements upgrades have noticeably improved the performance of our low-band receive antenna systems. Shortly after the upgrades were completed in December 2024, I worked BA7IO in China on 80m using the NCC-2 and the upgraded Active Vertical Receive Antennas. This was a difficult contact, given that we are near the peak of the current solar cycle.

Want To Learn More?

We did a guest spot on DXengineering’s weekly video broadcast about the project. You can view the video here.

Fred, AB1OC

Memorable Conditions on 6m

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6m Opening for New England to India

6m Opening from New England, USA to India (Opening display via PSKReporter)

We have recently seen some amazing conditions on the 6m band from here in New England, USA. For about five days, we saw daily F2 openings to Europe and the Western USA.

During this time, we were able to work in Alaska and numerous new grid squares in the Northwestern USA, Canada, Central and South America, and Europe.

We also worked several new DXCC’s including:

The band opened to Europe just after sunrise during this period, and it remained open into the evening. We are hoping for additional 6m F2 activity in the coming month.

You can learn more about our 6M antenna system here.

Fred, AB1OC

 

Greencube (IO-117) – A Portable Station for Activating Grid Squares

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Portable Station for Greencube

Portable Station for Greencube

We’ve been having a lot of fun with the Greencube (IO-117) satellite, so I decided to put together a portable ground station for activating grid squares. I wanted a station that –

  • Has adequate antenna gain and power for reliable Greencube operation
  • Uses solar-battery power so that it is quiet when operating in public places
  • Uses computer management for Doppler correction
  • Can provide accurate grid locator information via  a GPS receiver
  • Is easy to set up in the field in less than 30 minutes

Station Components

We already have a solar-battery power system that we build for portable operation with a 100w transceiver as well as an IC-9700 transceiver that we use as part of our transportable satellite ground station. We also have Windows and Mac laptop computers that we can use as part of our Greencube (IO-117) portable ground station. With these components in mind, here are the hardware components that we are using as part of our Greencube portable station –

We are using the following software for our portable Greencube (IO-117) ground station:

Portable Station in Pelican Case

Portable Station in Pelican Case

We also purchased a case (Pelican Air 1555) to package the transceiver and accessories.

Antenna System

M2 Antenna Systems 440-11X Antenna

M2 Antenna Systems 440-11X Antenna

We choose the M2 Antenna Systems  440-11X Antenna for our portable ground station. This antenna has more than adequate gain for use with Greencube, and its lightweight rear-mounted design makes it ideal for use with our heavy-duty video camera tripod.

Portable Antenna System

Portable Antenna System

The antenna is attached to the tripod using a Camera Tripod Ball Mount, a Handlebar Ball Mount Clamp, and a Double Socket Ball Arm. The Handlebar Clamp grips that antenna’s rear extension and allows the antenna to be easily rotated to align its polarity with Greencube’s antenna during a pass. A short section of water pipe with a cap, hook, and a 1,000-gram weight provides a counterweight to balance the antenna on the tripod.

Portable Antenna System Details

Portable Antenna System Details

A Magnetic Digital Angle Guage is used to adjust the elevation angle of the antenna.

A coax-powered LNA from Advanced Receiver Research (an available alternative is the SSB Electronic SP 70 preamp) is attached to one of the legs of the tripod and is connected to the antenna with a short LMR-240uF coax cable. a 20′ length of LMR-400uF coax connects the antenna system to the transceiver. N-connectors are used throughout the feedline system.

Radio, Computers, and Software

IC-9700 Transciver and Computers

IC-9700 Transceiver and Computers

Our setup uses an Icom IC-9700 transceiver and two computers. The IC-9700 transceiver is connected to the Windows computer via the radio’s USB port and to the MacBook Air via a CI-V cable.

The Windows computer runs the following software programs to provide the client terminal, modem, and logging functions required to operate with Greencube –

The configuration of these programs is covered in more detail here.

GPS Dongle NMEATime Software

NMEATime Software used with GPS Dongle

The Windows laptop also runs the NMEATime application and uses a USB GPS Dongle to accurately determine the grid locator where we are operating from. The grid locator from NMEATime is used to configure MacDoppler to ensure accurate tracking information for aiming our antenna.

MacDoppler Tracking Greencube and Controlling the M2 LEO Pack

MacDoppler Tracking Greencube and Controlling the Uplink/Downlink Frequencies

The MacBook Air laptop runs MacDoopler. MacDoppler is connected to the IC-9700 transceiver via a CI-V cable and controls the IC-9700’s uplink and downlink frequencies to provide Doppler correction. MacDoppler is also used to determine the azimuth and elevation of Greencube to enable manual pointing of our antenna.

Power System

Solar-Battery Power System

Solar-Battery Power System

Powering a 100-watt transceiver in a portable application during extended operating sessions can present a challenge. I also wanted a setup that was quiet as we often operate portable in public locations. For these reasons, I decided to put together a solar-battery setup that consists of the following components:

90W Foldable Solar Panels

90W Foldable Solar Panels

The solar panels are wired in series and provide about 34 Vdc in bright sunlight.

MPPT Charge Controller, NLiPo Batteries, and Power Distribution

MPPT Charge Controller, LiPo Batteries, and Power Distribution

The MPPT Charge Controller automatically determines the best balance between cell voltage and current to provide maximum power transfer to charge the batteries. The batteries provide the extra power capacity needed when transmitting. The resulting power setup can sustain the full power operation of our portable station, even on cloud days.

The laptops run on their internal batteries and are changed via automotive lighter socket power adapters between operating sessions.

Operating Using Greencube

Portable Telemetry from Greencube

Portable Telemetry from Greencube

My initial tests of the portable station were done using the station to receive Telemetry from Greencube. This allowed me to learn to steer the antenna and adjust it for the best polarity during passes. The station had no trouble hearing and decoding Greencube’s telemetry transmission from horizon to horizon.

Compass App on iPhone

Compass App on iPhone

It was relatively easy to point the antenna based on the azimuth and elevation information from MacDoppler. I used a compass app on my iPhone to set the antenna’s azimuth heading and the Digital Angle Guage to set the antenna’s elevation. Pointing the antenna to within +/- 10 degrees of accuracy was adequate for reliable operation with Greencube.

I turned the speaker volume on the radio high enough so I could hear Greencube’s signal while adjusting the antenna polarity. Finding the polarity that caused Greencube’s signal to be weakest and then rotating the antenna 90 degrees from this point worked well.

Portable QSOs with EA8ARI via Greencube

Portable QSOs with EA8ARI via Greencube

I was able to make 15-20 contacts on each Greencube pass with our portable ground station. The RSSI graph in the Greencube terminal is a good indicator to determine when to adjust the antenna’s heading and polarity to track Greencube during a pass. It’s best to have a helper with one person making contacts and the other adjusting the antenna, but it’s possible for a single operator to do both jobs and still make many contacts during a pass.

More Fun With Greencube

I am quite pleased with the performance of our new portable ground station for Greencube (IO-117). Anita and I are planning a portable grid square activation trip for later in the fall to make use of the station.

This article is the fifth in a series that we are working on. You view the other articles via the links below. This is a work in progress, and we’ll be creating additional Greencube-related posts in the near future:

You can also read more about our Satellite Ground stations here.

Fred, AB1OC

EME Station 2.0 Part 14 – New 1.5 Kw Amplifier

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W6PQL 2 Meter 1.5 Kw Linear Amplier

W6PQL 2 Meter 1.5 Kw Linear Amplifier

I’ve recently upgraded the Amplifier for our 2m EME station to one that can provide full-duty cycle operation at 1500 watts. The digital modes used for EME on 2m (JT65 and Q65) require an amplifier that can sustain full output for periods of 1 minute or more as well as sustain full power operation at a 50% duty cycle over an extended period of time.

I’ve had great experiences with Jim Klitzing, W6PQL’s amplifiers in our station so I contacted Jim to build a new 2m amplifier for our EME station.

Construction and Setup

W6PQL 2m 1.5 Kw Linear Amplifier Interior View

W6PQL 2m 1.5 Kw Linear Amplifier Interior View

Jim does an excellent job with the design and construction of his amplifiers. The parts are top-notch and the quality of construction and attention to detail are second to none. Jim provides components and sub-assemblies as well as some turn-key amplifiers.

He hand-builds each amplifier to his customer’s specifications and there is usually some wait time to receive a completed amplifier. The results are absolutely worth the wait!

W6PQL 2m 1.5 Kw Linear Amplifier Rear Panel

W6PQL 2m 1.5 Kw Linear Amplifier Rear Panel

The connection and setup of the amplifier was straightforward. It is well worth the effort to hook up an ALC feedback connection from the amplifier to your exciter. In our case, we are using an Icom IC-9700 to drive the amplifier. This radio does not have a positive sequencing control input for the power stage of the transceiver. Our setup uses an external sequencer to manage transmit and receive changeover and protect our tower-mounted preamplifiers. We have had numerous problems where sequencing errors damaged our preamps.

One of the unique features of Jim’s Amplifier Control Board is the inclusion of an ALC hold-back capability. The amplifier can be configured to send an output limiting ALC voltage to the driving transceiver to prevent any power from being applied until the sequencer completes the final Tx changeover step by keying the amplifier. This feature requires additional amplifier adjustment (the adjustment procedure is well covered in the documentation). This capability has eliminated the issue of sequencing problems causing damage to our preamplifiers!

Power Supply

Meanwell Power Supply

Meanwell RSP-3000-48 Power Supply

The recommended power supply for this amplifier is a 48-volt, 62.5-amp switching design from Meanwell (Model RSP-3000-48). Jim set up the supply and provided the cabling to connect it to the amplifier. The supply is 240 VAC powered and is quite efficient. Jim adjusted the power supply’s output voltage and tested the amplifier with it with the amplifier before shipping.

Controls and Operation

W6PQL 2 Meter 1.5 Kw Linear Amplier Controls and Meters

W6PQL 2 Meter 1.5 Kw Linear Amplifier Controls and Meters

The operation of the amplifier is straightforward. It is best to set the driving transceiver for a watt or so and perform some initial test transmissions to ensure that the antenna system is presenting a low SWR and that your station’s sequencing system is operating correctly. Note the LNA and Amplify Controls must be turned on for the ALC holdback feature to work correctly.

The amplifier provides PA Voltage and PA Current meters as well as bar-graph displays for Forward and Reflected power.

More Articles on EME

We are very pleased with our new amplifier! I’ve used it for quite a few contacts, and it performs great. It provides a full 1500 watts output with the digital modes used for EME work.

You can read more about our EME station project via the links that follow:

If you’d like to learn more about How To Get Started in EME, check out the Nashua Area Radio Society Tech Night on this topic. You can find the EME Tech Night here.

Fred, AB1OC

Greencube (IO-117) – M2 Antenna Systems LEO Pack – Will It Work?

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LEO Pack Transportable Satellite Antenna System

LEO Pack Transportable Satellite Antenna System

Quite a few folks have the M2 Antenna System LEO pack antenna. I wanted to see how this antenna system would perform with Greencube (IO-117). Our LEO Pack is set up on a Glen Martin roof tower that we’ve modified to create a transportable ground station. Here are some of the specs for the setup we’ve tested:

The specifications for the 70cm antenna are as follows:

  • Frequency Range: 432 To 438 MHz
  • Gain: 13.3 dBic
  • Front to back: 15 dB Typical
  • Beamwidth: 42° Circular

The published gain number for this antenna meets the requirements for operation with Greencube, so we set up our transportable station in our backyard and proceeded to do some testing.

Transportable Ground Station

LEO Pack Transportable Ground Station Radio and Computers

Transportable Ground Station Radio and Computers

The ground station setup includes an IC-9700 Transceiver, a Green Heron RT-21 AZ/EL Rotator Controller, and two computers.

MacDoppler Tracking Greencube and Controlling the M2 LEO Pack

MacDoppler Tracking Greencube and Controlling the M2 LEO Pack

The Mac laptop runs MacDoppler, which handles steering the antennas and Doppler correction, and the Windows laptop runs the modem and client software to access Greencube’s Digipeater.

The antennas are located about 100 ft from the rest of the ground station and are connected using LMR-600uF coax cable. This results in about 40 watts of power being delivered to the feedpoint of the 70 cm antenna.

Testing The LEO Pack With Greencube’s Digipeater

Greencube (IO-117) QSOs with the LEO Pack Antenna System

Greencube (IO-117) QSOs with the LEO Pack Antenna System

I am happy to report that the LEO Pack 70cm antenna enabled us to make quite a few contacts using the Greencube Digipeater. The setup required the remote preamp to be on and the use of the polarity switching controls to optimize losses due to mismatched polarity, which occurred frequently during Greencube passes. The LEO Pack antenna/preamp combination provided consistent decodes of Greencube’s packets. The challenge was getting our packets to be Digipeated by Greencube. On some passes, this worked very well. During other passes, we were only able to get reliable Digipeats during the approaching portion of a pass at elevations above 25 degrees.

Optimizing Our Station

MacDoppler Optimized Frequency Settings for Greencube

MacDoppler Optimized Frequency Settings for Greencube

I spent a lot of time determining the best uplink frequency to use with Greencube’s Digipeater. The settings above are what I finally settled on for uplink and downlink frequencies.

Optimized Soundmodem Settings

Optimized Soundmodem Settings for Greencube (IO-117)

I also spent some time experimenting with the Soundmodem settings. The lengthened Tx lead-in and tail settings above helped Greencube decode our signals more reliably.

These adjustments also improved the Digipeating performance of the larger antennas used in our main ground station, so they are not specific to the LEO Pack.

Conclusions About The LEO Pack and Greencube

I probably made about 50 contacts using Greencube and our LEO Pack antennas. If you already have a ground station built around the LEO Pack Antenna System, I would encourage you to add a preamplifier if you don’t already have one and try Greencube.

If you are building a fixed ground station for use with Greencube, it might be better to step up to a larger antenna such as the M2 Antenna Systems 436CP30.

I have also found that antennas with circular polarity are not necessarily the best for Greencube. This is likely due to a combination of the lengthened path through the ionosphere due to Greencube’s altitude, resulting in stronger polarity rotational effects and mismatches with the circularly polarized antennas we are using. I am anxious to do some more testing with the non-circularly polarized yagi that we are using with our portable station to see if I can confirm this.

More Fun With Greencube

This article is the fourth in a series that we are working on. You view the other articles via the links below. This is a work in progress, and we’ll be creating additional Greencube-related posts in the near future:

You can also read more about our Satellite Ground stations here.

Fred, AB1OC

Greencube (IO-117) – Completing a Satellite Worked All States

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AB1OC Satellite Worked All States

AB1OC Satellite Worked All States (WAS)

I have worked and confirmed all states in the USA for some time now except for Hawaii. It is simply impossible to work Hawaii from my location in New England via a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. Fortunately, the Greencube (IO-117) Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite has made a contact with Hawaii possible. The next challenge was finding an active Amateur Radio satellite operator set up for Greencube.

Developing a Plan

KH6WI is QRV in Hawaii!

KH6WI is QRV in Hawaii!

After doing some online research, I was pleasantly surprised to find Eric Olson, KH6WI, was preparing a portable setup for Greencube! This motivated us to set up the software to use Greencube from our station here.

Making the Contact

Eric KH6WI Calling CQ from Hawaii

Eric KH6WI Calling CQ from Hawaii

With everything set up and working for operation with Greencube, I anxiously awaited Eric’s first activation. I was thrilled to see him calling CQ during one of the first passes that he was active on.

The Contact with KH6WI

The Contact with KH6WI

The contact with Eric was easily made and quickly confirmed via LoTW. With this done, I had finally completed my Satellite Worked All States!

Grids, Grids, Grids

AB1OC Satellite Grids

AB1OC Satellite Grids

I’ve been active on Greencube for about a month and have made over 320 contacts via Greencube, bringing my total satellite contact count to over 3,200. Greencube has helped me confirm several new DXCCs via Satellite and increased my worldwide grids to over 415 grids.

If you have not tried Greencube (IO-117), I’d encourage you to set up your station to work this bird. It’s not difficult to do this, and Greencube opens the world to Amateur Satellite operators.

More Fun With Greencube

This article is the third in a series that we are working on. You view the other articles via the links below. This is a work in progress, and we’ll be creating additional Greencube-related posts in the near future:

You can also read more about our Satellite Ground stations here.

Fred, AB1OC

Greencube (IO-117) – Setup, Software, and Operation

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Typical Greencube Pass Providing DX Possibilities

Typical Greencube Pass Providing DX Possibilities

Greencube (IO-117) is a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite that carries a 70cm digipeater. This satellite can provide DX contacts covering a wide area around an Amateur Radio satellite ground station. Putting together a station and the necessary software to use Greencube is not difficult. If you already have a computer-controlled satellite ground station that works on 70cm, you may already have most of what is needed. We’ll cover Greencube (IO-117) setup in detail in this article.

Operating with Greencube – What’s Required

Greencube (IO-117) requires the following for successful contacts via its digipeater:

  • A directional antenna with at least 12 dBi gain
  • A 70cm SSB/FM capable Transceiver with a soundcard interface and at least 25 watts of output at the antenna
  • Software to control the Transceiver to correct for Doppler shift and provide antenna tracking control or pointing information
  • A computer running modem software and a Greencube Terminal Program
  • A low-noise preamp at the antenna is recommended

Greencube Satellite Antennas

Satellite Antennas Tracking Greencube (IO-117)

Tower Mounted Satellite Antennas Tracking Greencube

We have three different antenna combinations that are Greencube capable here:

ARR Satellite Preamp

ARR Satellite Preamp

All three antennas have Advanced Receiver Research Low-Noise preamps which are powered via the associated antenna’s coax feedline. Unfortunately, the ARR preamps are no longer available. A good alternative would be the SSB Electronic SP 70 preamp. I recommend choosing a preamp that can be sequenced using coax power from your transceiver if your transceiver supports coax-powered preamps. This approach ensures that your preamps are protected from transmit power in most operational scenarios.

Radio, Computers, and Power

New IC-9700

Icom IC-9700 Transceiver

All of our Greencube (IO-117) setups use an Icom IC-9700 Transceiver.

We use two computers to run our stations:

  • A Mac (iMac or MacbookAir) running MacDoppler to control antenna tracking and to control our IC-9700 to perform Doppler correction
  • A Windows PC running the modem, terminal client software, and a logger for using Greencube’s digipeater and for decoding telemetry

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - Transportable Ground Station Radio and Computers

Transportable Ground Station Radio and Computers

Using the two computers means that both must simultaneously control the IC-9700 via the radio’s CAT interface. This is easily accomplished with the IC-9700 by using both the CI-V and USB CAT interfaces. The radio’s CI-V interface is used with MacDoppler, and the USB interface is used with the Windows PC to connect the IC-9700’s Rx and Tx audio to the modem SW and to provide for PTT via a COM port.

We use AC power for our fixed and transportable setups.

Portable Solar-Battery Power System

Our portable setup uses solar power consisting of two 90-watt foldable panels, an MPPT charger system, and a pair of A123 LiPo batteries. We’ll share more about our portable and transportable setups in subsequent posts.

Software

Greencube Client and Modem Software

Greencube Terminal and Uz7HO Modem Software

We use the following software for our Greencube (IO-117) ground station:

MacDoppler runs on a Mac computer (iMac or Macbook Air), and the rest of the software runs on a Windows PC.

The links above include instructions for setting up each of the software applications. The following are some notes on Greencube (IO-117) setup for each software component.

MacDoppler

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - MacDoopler Configuration for Greencube

MacDoopler Configuration for Greencube

The Greencube (IO-117) setup in MacDoppler configures the IC-9700 Transceiver to operate in simplex SSB digital mode. This is the SSB-D choice in MacDoppler’s Modes tab for Greencube.

MacDoppler Uplink and Downlink VFO Offsets

MacDoppler Uplink and Downlink VFO Offsets

You’ll want to select SSB-D mode in MacDoppler to track Greencube and configure the IC-9700 to work with the Greencube digipeater. Setting the uplink and downlink offsets to -1.200 KHz will place Greencube’s packet transmissions in the middle of the IC-9700’s passband.

UZ7HO Soundmodem

UZ7HO Sound Modem Greencube Packet Decoding Greencube Packets

UZ7HO Sound Modem Greencube Packet Decoding Greencube Packets

There is a specific version of UZ7HO’s Soundmodem for use with Greencube (see the link above to download greentnc.zip). The soundcard and PTT COM port interfaces provided via the USB connection to the IC-9700 must be configured in Soundmodem.

Soundmodem Devices Settings

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - UZ7HO Soundmodem - Devices Setup

UZ7HO Soundmodem – Devices Setup

The USB connection from the IC-9700 to a Windows PC will create a pair of sound devices (in this example, USB Audio CODEC) and a COM port (in this example, COM15) for CAT and PTT control. These must be properly configured in the Settings – Devices choice on the Soundmodem main menu.

Soundmodem Modem Settings

UZ7HO Soundmodem - Modem Setup

UZ7HO Soundmodem – Modem Setup

The Settings – Modems choice on the Soundmodem main menu brings up this dialog. The settings are the default ones. Note that Soundmodem has two modes – GreenCube 1200bd and GreenCube 300bd. The GreenCube 1200bd setting is normally used for digipeater operation, including decoding telemetry when enabled. You’ll need to use the GreenCube 300bd setting to decode telemetry if Greencube’s digipeater is turned off.

IC-9700 Transceiver Settings

There are some important adjustments to the configuration of the IC-9700 that need to be made for Soundmodem to work properly with the transceiver.

IC-9700 CI-V Settings

IC-9700 CI-V Settings

Configuring the CI-V USB Port to Unlink from [REMOTE] is necessary to allow it to function independently for the other interfaces.

IC-9700 USB AF Output Settings

IC-9700 USB AF Output Settings

You’ll want to set the AF Output Level of the USB interface to about 25% of the maximum and adjust the Windows audio control in Control Panel to get a display on the Soundmodem waterfall of about the intensity shown above.

IC-9700 USB Modulation Input Settings

IC-9700 USB Modulation Input Settings

Setting up the Tx audio levels is important to avoid overdriving the Transmitter. A good place to start is to set the USB Mod Level in the IC-9700 to about 25%.

IC-9700 Tx Drive Setting for One ALC Bar

IC-9700 Tx Drive Adjustment for 1-2 ALC Bars

Then adjust the Windows audio control in Control Panel to get full transmitter output power with only one or two bars of ALC indication on the IC-9700’s ALC meter when transmitting via the Greencube Terminal client. This adjustment is an essential part of your Greencube (IO-117) setup.

OZ9ARR’s Greencube Terminal Setup

Greencube Terminal and Modem Software

Greencube Terminal and Modem Software

A client program is required to format and decode the packets from Greencube. We are using OZ9ARR’s Greencube Terminal for this purpose. This program includes a macro button capability to help you format Greencube Tx packets and includes some nice capabilities for logging contacts and identifying new DXCCs, Grids, and Stations that you have not yet worked.

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - Greencube Terminal Setup

Greencube Terminal Setup

We are using Greencube Terminal with N3FJP’s ACLog to log contacts made with Greencube. This makes it easy to export our contacts to an adif file after each Greencube operating session and import them into our main logger. We also periodically export an adif file containing all of our satellite contacts from our main logger and provide access to this file so Greencube Terminal can determine what we’ve worked before. OZ9ARR’s Greencube Terminal webpage thoroughly explains how to set up and use the program.

DK3WN’s Greencube Telemetry Decoder

DK3WN's Greencube Telemtry Decoder

DK3WN’s Greencube Telemetry Decoder

Greencube periodically sends Telemetry information. You can decode it by using DK3WN’s Greencube Telemetry Decoder with Soundmodem. You can download the decoder and see how to install it on DK3WN’s webpage.

Making Contacts with Greencube

Greencube Terminal and Modem Software

Greencube Terminal and Modem Software

With your Greencube (IO-117) Setup complete, you should be ready to make some contacts! Begin by starting up all of the software and configuring MacDoppler to track Greencube in SSB-D mode. When Greencube is in range, you should see Greencube’s packet transmission being displayed in Soundmodem’s waterfall, and you should be able to hear the packet bursts on your Transceiver. Adjust the Soundmodem decode pointers by dragging them with your mouse to center them in the waterfall traces received in Soundmodem. The setting should be around 1400 – 1500 Hz. Also, make sure that GreenCube 1200db mode is selected in Soundmodem. You should see packets being decoded by Soundmodem.

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - CQ Button

CQ Button

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - INFO Button

INFO Button

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - RRR Button

RRR Button

Greencube (IO-117) Setup - 73 Button

73 Button

You can configure the Shortcut buttons to handle the steps needed to make a contact. The images above show the setup of the buttons that we are using here.

Greencube Terminal Working JH8FIH

Greencube Terminal Working JH8FIH

You’ll want to set the Tx delay for 0 – 2 seconds to give your preamp time to recover from transmitting before you receive your digipeater packets back from Greencube.

You can begin to make a contact by either clicking on another station’s CQ to load the station’s callsign or by just calling CQ yourself. Next, use the INFO button to send your callsign and grid square and then the RRR and 73 buttons to complete your contact. When you are done, you can right-click on the last packet in the exchange or on the station’s callsign that you have worked in one of the right windows to log the contact. That’s all there is to it!

Note that you’ll want to confirm that Greencube has heard and digipeated each of your transmissions. Collisions, fading, and other effects will often cause your packets to not be digipeated, and you’ll need to repeat your transmission until it is digipeated by Greencube.

You can also use the digipeater in store-and-forward mode by setting a long TX Delay (the number is in seconds). This can be as long as several hours to allow you to have Greencube digipeat your packet on the other side of the world! Note that store and forward contacts do not count for operating awards such as Worked All States, VUCC, or DXCC.

The video above shows Uz7HO Soundmodem and OZ9AAR’s Greencube Terminal being used to make contacts during a Greencube pass. the video also demonstrates some of Greencube Terminal’s features for identifying unworked calls and grids. You’ll want to spend some time reading OZ9AAR’s webpage to learn about and take maximum advantage of the many features Greencube Terminal can provide.

More Fun With Greencube

This article is the second in a series that we are working on. You view the other articles via the links below. This is a work in progress, and we’ll be creating additional Greencube-related posts in the near future:

You can also read more about our Satellite Ground stations here.

Fred, AB1OC