Metrovna Pro 250 (Graph function)

M6SIG live CD for LilacSat 1 and 2

As you know we have been playing around with FM and SSB voice satellites for a good few months now.

So we decided to take a look at the new LilacSat-1

This has a unique FM uplink and codec2 digital voice down.

So how complex is it going to be to try and decode and listen to this digital voice?

M6SIG has put together all the tools you need on a live Linux CD.

Live CD from M6SIG (Signed GPG File): http://www.filehosting.org/file/details/668686/M6SIG_Mod_LilacSats_Live_20170528-0.iso.gpg

Live CD from M6SIG (ISO File, TNX BG9AGZ for uploading): https://pan.baidu.com/s/1qXMUspu

Tutorial of M6SIG Live CD: http://www.bilibili.com/video/av10148798http://www.bilibili.com/video/av10148798 

How to Verify M6SIG's GPG by BG2CSF: http://lilacsat.hit.edu.cn/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/How-to-Verify-M6SIGs-GPG.zip

Firstly you will need to verify and decode the GPG image file above, this is a little bit complex and need some knowledge of Linux command line to help.

Copy the iso.gpg and zip file above onto a linux machine

ensure gnupg2 is installed : sudo apt-get install gnupg2

extract the signature file from the zip file (M6SIG.asc) save in the home folder

now add the above signature to gpg: gpg2 --import M6SIG.asc

now copy the iso.gpg file to home folder (if not already there)

verify the image: gpg2 --verify M6SIG_Mod_LilacSats_Live_20170528-0.iso.gpg

if above outputs as "Good Signature" move on to the next step, if not find a new image

To extract the gpg into a usable ISO image:
gpg2 M6SIG_Mod_LilacSats_Live_20170528-0.iso.gpg
(may take some time....)
you will now have an iso file which you can burn to DVD or use in VMware / Virtualbox.


Once installed, few things to set up:

Open LilacSat-1 folder

Double click on 01-Setup LilacSat-1 proxy

Password is:  lilac (enter)  *terminal closes by itself)

Now double click on 02-LilacSat-1 proxy

Fill in your details

click save

click on update orbit (note message in window at bottom)

click start proxy

shrink this window down (-)

Presuming you are using a funcube pro plus dongle

Double click on frontend_lilacsat1_rx_fcdpp.grc, once it opens click the green triangle on at the top of the window to start it.

You will also see the Waterfall / spectrum / scope window appear

Keeping the waterfall window on top, shrink the frontend fun cube layout page.

Now double click on the demon_lilacsat-1.grc icon

Click on the green triangle to start it

You will now see the Demod window start up

You can repeat the same with the LilacSat-2 folder, ensuring LilacSat-1 is totally closed down.

setup proxy, start proxy and fill in details update data etc.

start frontend--rx-fcdpp, the choose the mode you wish to decode and run the GRC module by double clicking

M0JFP Satellite e-QSL cards **Thank you**

QSO / QSL with 4X6TT Israel.

Project "Thomas Watch" enabling Autism using radio's

Thomas, is 11, he has autism and is struggling with his independence a little bit.

He likes to ride his bike around the street, but sometimes get distracted or goes off a little far.

I do stand outside and keep an eye on him, but when he goes around the block, those 5 minutes or so out of sight can be a little bit nerve racking, knowing he may get distracted or head off somewhere without letting me know.

I found on https://www.retevis.com/h-777-walkie-talkie-uhf-5w-16ch-single-band-2-way-radio

The Retevis H777 walkie Talkie at around $16 per unit

I was able to shown Thomas how to use them.

The box contains 2 radios, docking station and USB charge plug, rubber duck antenna, wrist strap and also additional headset / microphone 

I added the Autism Awareness stickers to the radio, in case Thomas is approached by anyone or needs to make them aware of his condition. It just a quick added visual for the general public.

The handset is fairly small, no display to distract from its main function and is easy t use (even little hands) Volume is loud and clear as is the microphone. You can set up CTCSS and DTS to keep out interference as needed. You can also enable VOX (voice operated PTT) if needed.

My idea is now to share radios with friends and neighbours in the street to help keep an eye on Thomas, but it also goes the other way around that we can keep an eye on the other children in the area.

I have recently spoken to OFCOM and they have advised that we can get a simple uk business license which would cover the whole of the UK for £75 for 5 years (£15 / year) and allow all people with autism to be able to use the radios without any additional cost or without breaking the licensing laws.

***We are Happy to announce we raised enough money to buy the license***

For more details see this LINK


For more information please reach out to us at the club jamesm0jfp@virginmedia.com