Morning George,
Attached is the text I sent. If they didn't understand that, I don't know how to make it any clearer. I emphasized the distinction twice, as you can see. However, the sticking point is with the classification of the ISS, not how you use it. Or at least how it appears. We have at least one person on the list who is actively involved with these decisions. I would hope, and expect, some input on this after FD.
Alan WA4SCA
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Hi,
I received a question from a local FD committee concerning satellite operations via the ISS. FD section 7.3.7 mentions the requirements to get the 100 point bonus being via an "'amateur' radio satellite," while later it talks about basic QSOs and does not use the phrase "amateur." Later on in the FD info packet, we find "A QSO with the ISS does not qualify for the bonus since it is not an Earth-to-Earth contact," but nothing about QSOs between two ground stations THROUGH the ISS.
The question is about a QSO through, not with, the ISS using either the voice repeater, or going through the APRS digipeater, which is currently active. This would be a QSO between two ground stations exactly as you would through AO-51 for voice or GO-32 or NO-44 for APRS packet, which would count. The only difference is that the carrier is the ISS, which is not really an "amateur satellite" even though it carries amateur gear. I have asked on the usual packet and satellite forums, with seemingly authoritative but conflicting answers and no definite sources.
So, does a digital QSO THROUGH the ISS digipeater or voice repeater count for the 100 FD bonus points?
TNX es 73s,
Alan WA4SCA