This is probably old news to you ARISS guys`, but I thought I would report on a little experiment I tried yesterday: putting my TH-D72 on 145.825 during an ISS pass. Yesterday morning included a pass with max elevation of 56 degrees, so I screwed in the rubber duck, set the radio for APRS, and waited. As expected, I had no trouble hearing ISS. Six stations relayed by the ISS digi showed up on my list. However, also as expected but a little disappointing, ISS didn't hear me. Several high power fixed stations drowned out any QRP stations who might have been there. They appeared to be operating automatically, I won't mention any calls here, but if you're one of them, you know who you are. My grid square is DM41.. 73 Ray W2RS
This is old news, unfortunately. Rumors are that they know who they are and feel they are doing other amateurs a service.
Having said that, they don't seem to "drown out" the QRP stations.... It's more of a time thing... they are using up valuable time during a pass. You won't have much luck getting APRS QSOs with an HT and rubber duck, even if these automated stations were to stop. Is it possible? Sure - many have done it. It's just not reliable.
--Roy K3RLD
Interesting... I have gotten through with my Kenwood handheld many times on a high 60degreee+ pass in Michigan. Even exchanged messages with just a rubber duck and HT.
However, if you are in an area where there is more use, that may make a difference. I typically see just 1-2 stations at my QTH.
Personally, I would give it another shot and see if you make it.
Mike Kb8zgl
On 8/10/21, 11:56 AM, "Roy Dean" royldean@gmail.com wrote:
This is old news, unfortunately. Rumors are that they know who they are and feel they are doing other amateurs a service.
Having said that, they don't seem to "drown out" the QRP stations.... It's more of a time thing... they are using up valuable time during a pass. You won't have much luck getting APRS QSOs with an HT and rubber duck, even if these automated stations were to stop. Is it possible? Sure - many have done it. It's just not reliable.
--Roy K3RLD
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participants (3)
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Michael Wolthuis -
Ray Soifer -
Roy Dean