[Elecraft] Thinking out loud again...

Fri Nov 22 11:15:01 2002

Hey Rich and All!

Yes...it would be an relatively expensive proposition, and I am ready to
send the first $100.00 towards such a project -- methinks that AmSat & AmRad
sign-on, support, and assistance would be of paramount importance, as well.
As I recall, Lew McFaddin, W5DID, is amateur radio's resident expert on
amateur radio space-flight certification.

Even IF Wayne & Eric "sign-on", and IF NASA was willing...this idea could
take several years before it could be a reality --- HELL...Elecraft is gonna
be here for at least another 57 years --- we have time!!

Think of it --- the RAREST of the rare, regarding "turf" -- literally...a
NEW country, at the least!

I visualize a K2, equipped with the KAF2, KSB2, KAT2, and KIO2
(welll...maybe a KNB2, but would that be necessary?? - TBD, eh?) -- 160
operation may not be applicable "here" -- I envision 17-15-12-&-10m
operation most prevalent -- perhaps robot-operation using PSK31 -- SSTV -- a
special Heil-headset for the operator -- Kent paddles &
straight-key...WooHoo!

And...since the K2 sets THE STANDARD, and is way-out-in-front of the rest of
the 'pack', relative to its operational specifications, the choice (read:
decision) to allow a K2 to-fly may be somewhat more achievable.

And could you just imagine -- IF it ever happened -- in-space repair of the
K2, with direct support from our favorite Dynamic-Duo, and their
cutting-edge-staff of field-experts!!?

~:?)}

Wait...I think I hear, "N6KR...this is NA1SS, November Alpha One Sugar
Sugar -- you're 5-by-9-plus-30...running 5-watts output from the ISS
K2-radio... how copy?"

Geeze, with all of this musing-out-load, I can just see Wayne & Eric running
for the aspirin-bottle!

"We luv you mannnn!"

73!...Jim, K9FI

-----Original Message-----
From: rich a. [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 9:33 AM
To: James Fonte; Elecraft (E-mail)
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Thinking out loud again...

I think thats such a good idea that I'd be willing to chip in for the
expense. Lets see.....K2 with all options (less K2/100 amp & internal
battery) is approx $1200....divided by approx 3000 K2s sold......thats only
approx .40 cents each! Lets do it!

On the other hand....NASA being what it is....there will likely be lots of
expensive "hoops" for the K2 to jump through before it could be "flight
certified"....adding considerably to the cost. But I still would like to
have a K2 up there.

Rich  K2CPE
K2 #1102

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Fonte" <[email protected]>
To: "Elecraft (E-mail)" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 10:09 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Thinking out loud again...

> ~:?)}
>
> You know what would really be an attention-getter for Elecraft?
>
> An offer for a flight-certified K2 to reside on the International Space
> Station!  Just think of our Astronautic Compadres enjoying
state-of-the-art,
> 21st Century amateur radio pure-operating-pleasure from aboard the ISS!!
>
> QRP lowband operation - autotuning of a simple ISS antenna - low current
> requirements - random lowband QSO's from space (!)...not to mention more
> positive exposure for Elecraft ---
>
> What do you think??
>
> WoooHooo!
>
> 73!
>    Jim, K9FI
>
> James M. Fonte   K 9 F I
> Senior Consultant - Advanced Transport Solutions - Optical/Wireless
> FCC GROL# PG-18-15306
> mailto:[email protected]
> Cellular 574-876-5577
> Callisma http://www.callisma.com
>
>
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