... tips on [using] the Unproto Roundtable on ISS. http://www.marexmg.org/fileshtml/roundtableiss.html

Miles, I might suggest the following change for your consideration:

IS NOW: Example 1: cmd: U UNPROTO NAME VIA ARISS

MAYBE SHOULD BE: Cmd: U UNPROTO CQ VIA ARISS,NAME,GG##

The reason is that in the first case, most APRS systems will not see the packet, because the TOCALL is not one of the generic CQ, QST, ALL or APRS callsigns. Whereas, by placing the NAME and GRID in the digipeater list (after ARISS), then no harm is done, and both the name and location are included in every packet.

And then when typing in CONVERSE mode, there is one other thing that users can do to make sure that they will be seen by the APRS users... That is, type a ">" at the start of every line. This will make their text into APRS format so that every D7 or D700, or other APRS system that is monitoring will capture it. Otherewise, they wont see the packet.

There is nothing more fun than giving a hand-held packet demo with a TH-D7 HT tuned to the ARISS downlink, and seeing these messages show up right there on the radio. There are many thousands of these packet-to-front-panel radios out there, and so the addition of this one simple character at the start of each packet, will greatly facilitate someone's packet in being seen..

Now that GO-32 supports APRS digipeating (although at 9600 baud) we expect to see more of this kind of hand-held and mobile satellite messaging...

In any case, it doesn't hurt... Thanks Bob, WB4APR

John,

I may have misunderstood your question, so please don't be offended if I tell you something you already know.

You say you are using Packet Engine Pro, but don't say which terminal program you are using with it.

The AGW Packet engine, written by SV2AGW, and is just that - a packet engine. You need a terminal program as to talk to the engine and supply the data to be transmitted.

For the ISS, a great piece of terminal software is UISS. It runs great with the AGW packet engine.

UISS is written by OM6MU and you can down load a copy as long as you send him a card (cardware). You can find it at:

http://users.belgacom.net/hamradio/uiss.htm

SV2AGW also has a terminal program you can use with his packet engine. And of course UIView works with the engine too. Others as well, I'm sure.

Best Wishes,

Sil ZL2CIA

John Marranca, Jr wrote:

Hello all. I have been dabbling a bit with the Packet aboard the ISS. I was able to copy the downlinks for the past few days. BUT...what I don't understand is using Packet Engine Pro and my Athlon, how do I setup to transmit? I can't seem to find any place in the program to enter text, my callsign, etc.

What else do I need to know???

Thanks

John KB2HSH