You can't compare reception of ARISSat-1 to the ISS... The Kenwood radio on the ISS transmits with something like 20 times the power that ARISSat-1 does! How well you hear the OTHER low earth orbit satellites like AO-27, AO-51, and SO-50 will tell you a lot more about the effectiveness of your setup.
That being said, a preamp makes a HUGE difference.
George, KA3HSW
----- Original Message -----
Hi,
I've been listening on a couple of ARISSat-1 passes, both with the bird in sunlight. The first time I vaguely heard what might have been a voice. The second time (and this one was 80 or 85 degrees elevation) I could clearly hear that there was a voice, but could not understand, although some of the pattern sounded like the call sign being announced. I may have heard a bit of SSTV too; not sure. I'm listening with a Kenwood handheld, sometimes with a 1/4 after-market antenna, sometimes with a 2M eggbeater.
So clearly I need something better. Since I can pick up the ISS well enough, I think I probably need a preamp. Maybe if I were retired and had more time, I'd build one, but for now, I'm thinking to go for the top-end; that appears to be an SSB Electronics SP-2000. But so far, no answer nor return call on my message to SSB. Does anyone know of a different place to buy these things, or do they only feel through their rep? How about second hand? Anyone looking to sell one?
Of course any other suggestions welcome too...
Thanks and 73,
Burns, W2BFJ _______________________________________________