Thanks, AMSAT, for the supporting info you provided regarding the just completed pass of the ISS. A crew member spoke to a school in Ohio.
I am at FM14 in N.Carolina and latched onto full throated signal right after AOS time locally, 2 minutes after AOS in Ohio.
I had squelch at zero and when crew spoke all was clear, then static as the next question was asked on the uplink, then the clear answer on the downlink. I don't think we are supposed to hear uplink? I recorded the entire pass from local AOS until signoff at end.
My antenna is a homemade 2 element hand-held yagi with #6 copper wire for elements. (WA5VJB designed)
Radio connected to yagi was Baofeng UV5R, $20.
A second Baofeng UV5R with factory duck antenna was in my other hand.
I alternated between radios held near my recorder and there was no difference between the two receiving methods. Clear speech in both radios.
I have not put any analysis on my yagi, so it could be poorly matched thereby explaining its performance equal to duckie antenna.
All in all, very excited to have experienced the ISS session.
Thanks again.
If any info needed or the recorded audio, let me know.
Isaac W4ITC (end of week three of my LEO learning adventure.)