Here’s a nice, concise overview of how to setup a conventional packet station to transmit via the ISS or via PCSAT-1. I might do a similar page of my own that shows how to do this using just the Kenwood TH-D7A at some point, but until then, this is quite helpful.

Basic Packet Setup for ARISS

Here is the Google satellite map of the area around the Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret where we stayed on our Mexico vacation. Toward the bottom is a man-made inlet with a small beach where you can actually snorkle amidst some kind ofneat fish. Just to the right of the inlet is a small ruin (pictures later), and if you trace the straight path to the northwest, it bisects the main entrance hall (standing at the midpoint, you could see the Mayan ruin at one end, and the christmas tree in the three story tall lobby at the other). You can also see the rather nice swimming pools.

Just thought it was neat.

View Larger Map

While touring at Chichen Itza, your guide will undoubtedly ask you to clap your hands while standing on the broad field in front of the main step pyramid. What you hear is an odd chirping echo, caused (I’m guessing) by the many vertical steps which run up the side of the pyramid. Our guide explained that during equinox and solstice celebrations, the plain would be filled with drummers and clappers, and the echo returns must have truly sounded unworldly.

I immediately thought of my friend Tom and the fact that we could probably simulate just what that might sound like.

Toward that end, I did a quick google for “Chichen Itza acoustics”, and uncovered this paper summary which had an interesting theory: that the reflected echos were designed to sound like the chirps of the Quetzal bird. Interesting, and not unconvincing. It appears that my Googling is turning up a lot of other interesting phenomena that might bear additional study, but my lunch hour is over. I’ll have to try again later.

The blog has had no updates in the last week. The reason is simple: I was on vacation. Far away from the land of the Internet, email and cell phones. The wife and I decided to spend a week in Mexico, at the Occidental Grand Xcaret on the Mayan Riviera.

While we were there, we visited some place I’ve always wanted to go: Chichen Itza.

Here’s a tease. I’ll upload some more photos tomorrow when I get some free time.