Kim, AC7YY has taken a survey of the APRS-IS to find out what other areas have Satellite Tracking engines that are putting out live satellite-objects onto the local APRS information channel. It appears there are only two other USA systems and the rest are overseas.
CALL LATITUDE K3PDK-1 39°37'N 77°45'W WD5EAE-3 32°35'N 94°48'W YYDIGI 46°43'N 122°57'W SP8RSL 51°18'N 21°55'E EB1DBX 43°25'N 8°12'W F6KLI-4 44°54'N 0°15'W SKAGIT 48°25'N 122°19'W LW2DVM-1 34°29'S 58°32'W AB9FT-10 43°44'N 87°43'W HB9MM-4 46°42'N 6°24'E F5ZQB-3 42°43'N 1°42'E PD2RLD-2 53°11'N 5°33'E
Where these systems run, the result is every mobile in that area, even without any prior planning, will be alerted to any FM satellite in view, including the frequency, uplink and downlink plus doppler direction and range... right there on the front panel of his APRS radio. Offering a come-as-you are capability for any one mobile to operate when the satellite is in view.
Kim operates his system (digi_ned) on the local UHF APRS alt-net running on 440.800Mhz at 9.6kbaud within a portion of NWAPRS coverage area (Puget Sound). This is a great way to get other mobiles involved in mobile satellite operation. For example, when AO51 comes over it is easy to hear for the central few minues of the pass when the range is indicated below 1000km. Or when ISS comes over and is in packet mode, then a quick mobile QSY from the APRS channel to 145.825 satellite channel allows some packet operation.
Bob, WB4APR