For this pass, I concentrated on the SSB transponder. For much of the pass, I heard only 'noise', however listening down from the transponder, I could clearly hear the CW beacon and BPSK; and listening up I could hear the FM voice announcements.
As I listened to the SSB transponder, I thought I would give my call a few times. I did, but there were very rapid fades. I started to 'time' the fades, and when the noise level would build, I would give my call. Yes, I was able to hear myself. I wasn't able to correct the doppler due to the deep fades, but if I timed it correctly, I could hear myself between the fades.
I also heard CW in the transponder which wasn't the beacon, but again, because of the fades, only letters could be copied. I wonder who it was that was calling, perhaps if that person is reading, I would like to know who it was.
So...was ARISSat hearing me from the dummy load, or from the antenna connector? Perhaps when/if the spin subsides, we might be able to use the SSB transponder.
73 de Sebastian, W4AS EL95