[Boringiss] ISS QSO update

[Tree N6TR]

1. I have hooked up the "magic box" that Kerry provided to the equipment
to make sure it all works together.  It works as advertised.  This will
allow us to provide audio that has both what we hear in the receiver 
from the space station and the voices of the kids talking to them.

This audio can also be connected to a phone line - allowing MSNBC to
carry the event live on the internet.  

2. Saw the phone guy at the school yesterday - who will be getting
a POTS (plain old telephone service) line out to the covered area
that will be used for the station location.  

3. Spent some time trying to find the PA amplifier that powers the 
intercoms to the rooms.  We were not able to find that - but Connie
and crew will check with the experts to see if we can track it down.
We found two amplifiers - one for outside and on for the hallways,
but the one for the classrooms eluded us.

The plan is to have some of the kids outside under the covered area,
probably the 3rd and 4th grade.  The K-2 classes will stay in their
room and listen to the event over the intercom.  

4. Paul, K7PN, probalby won't be able to be present during the
event, but is finishing up our antenna mounts and feedlines.

5. A technical forum to discuss what will be going on has been
scheduled for Monday, the 11th.  I will be leading the discussion
with about 10-15 kids and we will cover some of the more interesting
factiods about this event.  I plan to cover how high the space
station is, how fast it is moving, how that affects radio 
frequencies and why we use directional antennas.  I will also
try to answer any questions that come up.  The teachers will be
suggesting which students are interested in this.

Kerry - we were all curious how much advance notice we will 
likely get once the pass is settled on?

Tree

PS: Other key dates:  Dry run - Feb 22nd.