I ran a Google search this morning, and there is still no known cure for "operator error". So I resort to searching for more medicine on the list until a cure can be found. Please give generously until a cure can be found. :-)
Been on satellites for about five weeks now, and have managed to work a few contacts through SO-50, FO-29, AO-7, and VO-52. Have copied CW beacons from other birds including a few of the small Cubesats. The system seems to be working well.
Some bugs had to be worked out along the way, including adjusting Doppler correction on SATPC32, fixing an audio distortion problem, and desense in Mode J.
But despite my best efforts, I've yet to hear a single peep out of the International Space Station. Not just in voice modes, mind you, but I can't seem to find the digipeater signals, or anything else. I'm clearly doing something wrong.
So, here are my questions:
1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater.
Is there a fix for this? How do other IC-910H owners deal with this issue?
2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on?
I don't have a TNC, but do have a Rigblaster USB Advantage sound card interface. I know it's possible to use this to monitor (and possibly transmit signals to the ISS) Is there a link to a web site explaining how to configure the software, etc. for beginners?
3.) How often is the ISS in FM repeater mode? Not often, I'm guessing. Anyone know why?
4.) Any other tips on working the ISS? It would be quite a thrill for me!
Please pardon the newbie questions. This list is great, and I really appreciate the help.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming for smart, capable operators, already in progress.
Hi Les,
1. Go to: http://www.issfanclub.com
on the right side you see activities. Packet was active an hour ago. Found it to be the most up-to-date source for activities short of special announcements.
2. Please read the SatPC32 instructions, especially the part on SatPC32ISS. Use that program and make sure you select the correct frequencies. You might need to change the default ones in SatPC for the ISS based on the link/activity above.
Hope that helps.
73 Stefan, VE4NSA
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM, Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.com wrote:
I ran a Google search this morning, and there is still no known cure for "operator error". So I resort to searching for more medicine on the list until a cure can be found. Please give generously until a cure can be found. :-)
Been on satellites for about five weeks now, and have managed to work a few contacts through SO-50, FO-29, AO-7, and VO-52. Have copied CW beacons from other birds including a few of the small Cubesats. The system seems to be working well.
Some bugs had to be worked out along the way, including adjusting Doppler correction on SATPC32, fixing an audio distortion problem, and desense in Mode J.
But despite my best efforts, I've yet to hear a single peep out of the International Space Station. Not just in voice modes, mind you, but I can't seem to find the digipeater signals, or anything else. I'm clearly doing something wrong.
So, here are my questions:
1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater.
Is there a fix for this? How do other IC-910H owners deal with this issue?
2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on?
I don't have a TNC, but do have a Rigblaster USB Advantage sound card interface. I know it's possible to use this to monitor (and possibly transmit signals to the ISS) Is there a link to a web site explaining how to configure the software, etc. for beginners?
3.) How often is the ISS in FM repeater mode? Not often, I'm guessing. Anyone know why?
4.) Any other tips on working the ISS? It would be quite a thrill for me!
Please pardon the newbie questions. This list is great, and I really appreciate the help.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming for smart, capable operators, already in progress.
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
______________________________**_________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Stefan,
Ah, so THAT's what the other SATPC32 program (ISS) version is for.
Read the instructions? Sir--where is your manhood? It runs counter to my gender to resort to something as despicable as reading instructions. Why, it makes me suspect you might be a Communist! (No offense to any communists who might be members of the list.)
:-)
Seriously, Stefan, thank you for the assist. I'll eat my serving of humble pie while I read the instructions for SATPC32 again.
73,
Les N1LF EM63
On 5/27/2013 10:35 AM, Stefan Wagener wrote:
Hi Les,
- Go to: http://www.issfanclub.com
on the right side you see activities. Packet was active an hour ago. Found it to be the most up-to-date source for activities short of special announcements.
- Please read the SatPC32 instructions, especially the part on
SatPC32ISS. Use that program and make sure you select the correct frequencies. You might need to change the default ones in SatPC for the ISS based on the link/activity above.
Hope that helps.
73 Stefan, VE4NSA
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM, Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com mailto:les@highnoonfilm.com> wrote:
I ran a Google search this morning, and there is still no known cure for "operator error". So I resort to searching for more medicine on the list until a cure can be found. Please give generously until a cure can be found. :-) Been on satellites for about five weeks now, and have managed to work a few contacts through SO-50, FO-29, AO-7, and VO-52. Have copied CW beacons from other birds including a few of the small Cubesats. The system seems to be working well. Some bugs had to be worked out along the way, including adjusting Doppler correction on SATPC32, fixing an audio distortion problem, and desense in Mode J. But despite my best efforts, I've yet to hear a single peep out of the International Space Station. Not just in voice modes, mind you, but I can't seem to find the digipeater signals, or anything else. I'm clearly doing something wrong. So, here are my questions: 1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater. Is there a fix for this? How do other IC-910H owners deal with this issue? 2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on? I don't have a TNC, but do have a Rigblaster USB Advantage sound card interface. I know it's possible to use this to monitor (and possibly transmit signals to the ISS) Is there a link to a web site explaining how to configure the software, etc. for beginners? 3.) How often is the ISS in FM repeater mode? Not often, I'm guessing. Anyone know why? 4.) Any other tips on working the ISS? It would be quite a thrill for me! Please pardon the newbie questions. This list is great, and I really appreciate the help. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming for smart, capable operators, already in progress. -- -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@amsat.org>. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sounds good. :-)
Regarding reading instructions, I like the thing with the fish.....
You know, this one: "give a man a quick answer (fish), and you help him for a minute until he forgets again (feed him for a day): show him the manual and have him read it and apply it, you helped him for a long time and he can help others now (you feed him for a lifetime) ;-)
73, Stefan VE4NSA
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 10:44 AM, Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.com wrote:
Stefan,
Ah, so THAT's what the other SATPC32 program (ISS) version is for.
Read the instructions? Sir--where is your manhood? It runs counter to my gender to resort to something as despicable as reading instructions. Why, it makes me suspect you might be a Communist! (No offense to any communists who might be members of the list.)
:-)
Seriously, Stefan, thank you for the assist. I'll eat my serving of humble pie while I read the instructions for SATPC32 again.
73,
Les N1LF EM63
On 5/27/2013 10:35 AM, Stefan Wagener wrote:
Hi Les,
- Go to: http://www.issfanclub.com
on the right side you see activities. Packet was active an hour ago. Found it to be the most up-to-date source for activities short of special announcements.
- Please read the SatPC32 instructions, especially the part on
SatPC32ISS. Use that program and make sure you select the correct frequencies. You might need to change the default ones in SatPC for the ISS based on the link/activity above.
Hope that helps.
73 Stefan, VE4NSA
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM, Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.comwrote:
I ran a Google search this morning, and there is still no known cure for "operator error". So I resort to searching for more medicine on the list until a cure can be found. Please give generously until a cure can be found. :-)
Been on satellites for about five weeks now, and have managed to work a few contacts through SO-50, FO-29, AO-7, and VO-52. Have copied CW beacons from other birds including a few of the small Cubesats. The system seems to be working well.
Some bugs had to be worked out along the way, including adjusting Doppler correction on SATPC32, fixing an audio distortion problem, and desense in Mode J.
But despite my best efforts, I've yet to hear a single peep out of the International Space Station. Not just in voice modes, mind you, but I can't seem to find the digipeater signals, or anything else. I'm clearly doing something wrong.
So, here are my questions:
1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater.
Is there a fix for this? How do other IC-910H owners deal with this issue?
2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on?
I don't have a TNC, but do have a Rigblaster USB Advantage sound card interface. I know it's possible to use this to monitor (and possibly transmit signals to the ISS) Is there a link to a web site explaining how to configure the software, etc. for beginners?
3.) How often is the ISS in FM repeater mode? Not often, I'm guessing. Anyone know why?
4.) Any other tips on working the ISS? It would be quite a thrill for me!
Please pardon the newbie questions. This list is great, and I really appreciate the help.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming for smart, capable operators, already in progress.
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Hi Les
El 27/05/13 11:10, Les Rayburn escribió:
2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on?
That will be 145.825 FM, you will find information of the activities of voice/packet of the ISS visiting this sites:
http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php http://www.issfanclub.com/
73
Les,
1. Working the ISS, or any other satellite where the uplink and downlink are in the same band, is handled by a special version called SATPC32ISS. This is one of the several support programs which come with the main program. See the manual under Auxiliary Programs. Handling these differently is necessary because your rig, like other satellite rigs, is only full duplex when the uplink and downlink are on different bands. On two meters, the Doppler shift is low enough that you can simply tune your radio to the nominal uplink and downlinks. The same for packet. In principle Doppler tuning is better, but many just ignore it, and make contacts. Note that this is NOT true if 70 cm or higher are involved.
2. Packet is on 145.825 MHz. A good source of info on what the ISS is currently doing is here:
There many sites which talk about using software TNC programs such as AGW Packet Engine, MixW, etc. I would suggest looking for the information on using them with APRS, which unless you are in a really remote location, is available 24/7 for testing. Once that is running, switching to the ISS or other packet satellites is relatively easy.
3. Not very often. Various reasons, including the fact that the other modes are very popular.
4. You will need to use the latest Keps. The ISS is frequently reboosted, and so until the Keps catch up, there can be a significant different between the predicted and actual times. Note that the NASA.ALL Keps are only updated weekly, so be certain to use the AMATEUR.TXT which SatPC32 downloads.
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Les Rayburn Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 10:10 AM To: AMSAT Mailing List Subject: [amsat-bb] Help in Hearing ISS
I ran a Google search this morning, and there is still no known cure for "operator error". So I resort to searching for more medicine on the list until a cure can be found. Please give generously until a cure can be found. :-)
Been on satellites for about five weeks now, and have managed to work a few contacts through SO-50, FO-29, AO-7, and VO-52. Have copied CW beacons from other birds including a few of the small Cubesats. The system seems to be working well.
Some bugs had to be worked out along the way, including adjusting Doppler correction on SATPC32, fixing an audio distortion problem, and desense in Mode J.
But despite my best efforts, I've yet to hear a single peep out of the International Space Station. Not just in voice modes, mind you, but I can't seem to find the digipeater signals, or anything else. I'm clearly doing something wrong.
So, here are my questions:
1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater.
Is there a fix for this? How do other IC-910H owners deal with this issue?
2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on?
I don't have a TNC, but do have a Rigblaster USB Advantage sound card interface. I know it's possible to use this to monitor (and possibly transmit signals to the ISS) Is there a link to a web site explaining how to configure the software, etc. for beginners?
3.) How often is the ISS in FM repeater mode? Not often, I'm guessing. Anyone know why?
4.) Any other tips on working the ISS? It would be quite a thrill for me!
Please pardon the newbie questions. This list is great, and I really appreciate the help.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming for smart, capable operators, already in progress.
Les,
Everyone has given good information. Let me add a couple of other suggestions specifically about ISS. We are using the Erickson radio ( basically an HT) in the Columbus Module. This is due to a fault with the Kenwood D-700. Maximum output on the Erickson is 5 watts. The radio is also used for ARISS school contacts in FM voice. The crew instructions for each contact give instructions to reset from voice to packet after each school contact. However there are activities aboard which require the ham station to be powered down from time to time so there are times it may not be active.
We are finding with the reduced output power of the Erickson and the placement of the antennas on ISS that results will vary with ascending versus descending passes as well as whether the station passes to the east or west of your location, which means your signal will be going through the superstructure or unobstructed to/from the antennas.
For the voice contacts we've always recommended a pre-amp at the antenna, even more so now, but I'm not sure how packet has been effected if at all with the change in radios.
Anyway, it sounds like you are having fun. Keep it up!
73, John - AG9D ARISS Operations Team
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM, Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.com wrote:
I ran a Google search this morning, and there is still no known cure for "operator error". So I resort to searching for more medicine on the list until a cure can be found. Please give generously until a cure can be found. :-)
Been on satellites for about five weeks now, and have managed to work a few contacts through SO-50, FO-29, AO-7, and VO-52. Have copied CW beacons from other birds including a few of the small Cubesats. The system seems to be working well.
Some bugs had to be worked out along the way, including adjusting Doppler correction on SATPC32, fixing an audio distortion problem, and desense in Mode J.
But despite my best efforts, I've yet to hear a single peep out of the International Space Station. Not just in voice modes, mind you, but I can't seem to find the digipeater signals, or anything else. I'm clearly doing something wrong.
So, here are my questions:
1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater.
Is there a fix for this? How do other IC-910H owners deal with this issue?
2.) What frequency should I be looking for the packet signals on?
I don't have a TNC, but do have a Rigblaster USB Advantage sound card interface. I know it's possible to use this to monitor (and possibly transmit signals to the ISS) Is there a link to a web site explaining how to configure the software, etc. for beginners?
3.) How often is the ISS in FM repeater mode? Not often, I'm guessing. Anyone know why?
4.) Any other tips on working the ISS? It would be quite a thrill for me!
Please pardon the newbie questions. This list is great, and I really appreciate the help.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming for smart, capable operators, already in progress.
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
______________________________**_________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 10:10:02AM -0500, Les Rayburn wrote:
So, here are my questions:
1.) My IC-910H is controlled by SATPC32 in "satellite mode". Simple enough. But when I make the ISS the "active satellite" it stays in V/U mode, and won't easily let me go into simplex mode to work the ISS voice circuits or FM repeater.
Do not use silly overcomplicated radios and pointy-clicky software. Don't waste time with directional aerials and Heath-Robinson rotators.
Grab some pass predictions, and stick a handie with a rubber duck in a south-facing window set to 145.825MHz - if the ISS is transmitting you will hear it.
The ISS isn't always in packet mode, and in particular they shut it off during EVA and docking/launching procedures. If it's up and talking (check issfanclub for details) you *will* hear it.
participants (6)
-
Alan -
gordonjcp＠gjcp.net -
Ing. Pavel Milanes Costa -
John Spasojevich -
Les Rayburn -
Stefan Wagener