I, too, have similar questions. I'm interested in making QSOs and I must admit I'm having a very tricky time actually decoding ISS passes and working stations. I've read lots of material online (Thanks KK5DO and others) and still not quite cutting it. Plenty loud on several passes, but no decoding. Sean Kutzko Amateur Radio KX9X From: Kelley kshaddrick@jetup.net To: AMSAT -BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2015 10:07 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Expectations...
I put up a new antenna for ISS work today. It's a home-built 2m turnstile with reflectors. Numbers wise (SWR, etc., as read on a MFJ analyzer) the antenna is working. I used the antenna a bit on APRS and was able to hear stations and be heard by stations.
I listened to the ISS for 3 passes earlier today. On the first 2 passes I heard a number of stations, but was unable to digi via the ISS. On the third pass (about 40 degrees elevation at max and to the south), I was able to digi via the ISS (sorry if I have the terminology wrong here, I'm somewhat new at this).
My question is, how often should I be able to digi via the ISS? Is it unusual to not be able to on a given pass (all 3 passes were higher elevation passes)? I know there are collisions and QRM involved and someone wins out. I don't have the best station (IC-706MKIIG and a turnstile antenna), I'm sure this plays a part.
Curious what others have experienced.
Thanks,