APRS beaconing on the ISS no luck....
Hello AMSAT-BB:
I have TH-D72A HT connected to a ANLI AL-800 34" telescoping whip. This morning there was an almost 90 degree pass over my grid square (FN20rk). I get loads of packets but for the life of me I can't beacon myself! :-(
I have my Decay Algorithm off, I have beaconing every 30 seconds (I even manually beacon by pressing F+[Beacon] as per the Kenwood manual). I have my beaconing in APRS format.
Is this just not gonna happen on a HT? I have tried 4 times with no luck (all high elevation passes). Again I see every packet that flies by (comparing my HT list with that on ariss.net). Very frustrating.
Help!
-aps (KC2ZSX)
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 10:21 AM, Alexander Sack pisymbol@gmail.com wrote:
Hello AMSAT-BB:
I have TH-D72A HT connected to a ANLI AL-800 34" telescoping whip. This morning there was an almost 90 degree pass over my grid square (FN20rk). I get loads of packets but for the life of me I can't beacon myself! :-(
I have my Decay Algorithm off, I have beaconing every 30 seconds (I even manually beacon by pressing F+[Beacon] as per the Kenwood manual). I have my beaconing in APRS format.
Is this just not gonna happen on a HT? I have tried 4 times with no luck (all high elevation passes). Again I see every packet that flies by (comparing my HT list with that on ariss.net). Very frustrating.
Help!
WA4SCA asked me the million dollar question: What is my packet path set to?
Well not ARISS! :-(
Let me try this again in 47 minutes. Its a low elevation pass though.
Stay tuned (literally)!
-aps (KC2ZSX)
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On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 10:21:20AM -0400, Alexander Sack wrote:
Is this just not gonna happen on a HT? I have tried 4 times with no luck (all high elevation passes). Again I see every packet that flies by (comparing my HT list with that on ariss.net). Very frustrating.
I personally haven't tried to do APRS from an HT on the ISS. I used to get a few lucky packets through PCSAT back when it was working well but up until a couple of weeks ago I hadn't heard the ISS in packet mode in some time. I'd say keep trying. Sometimes you'll get lucky and can get a packet through. You may need to go with a yagi, though...
Good luck!
73, Eric W4OTN
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 10:53 AM, Eric H. Christensen eric@christensenplace.us wrote:
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On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 10:21:20AM -0400, Alexander Sack wrote:
Is this just not gonna happen on a HT? I have tried 4 times with no luck (all high elevation passes). Again I see every packet that flies by (comparing my HT list with that on ariss.net). Very frustrating.
I personally haven't tried to do APRS from an HT on the ISS. I used to get a few lucky packets through PCSAT back when it was working well but up until a couple of weeks ago I hadn't heard the ISS in packet mode in some time. I'd say keep trying. Sometimes you'll get lucky and can get a packet through. You may need to go with a yagi, though...
Well I hear a lot (it was a W->NW->N pass at a 21 degreeish max elevation) but I can't seem to beacon myself.
I have set my PATH to Others/ARISS. I see some have used ARISS,WIDEN-n but I don't see the need.
Is there anything else I have to do? My beacon is set again to TX 30 seconds AUTO. I constantly try a Quick Beacon with the TH-72A but I can't really tell if it send it.
Also, to send a message via the ISS what is the address?
I have been using RS0ISS-4 based on packets received.
Any comments before 4:20EST would be appreciated as I have one more really good high elevation pass then...
73
-aps
It has been a number of years (8 or so) since I have done anything with Packet and ISS but one thing I never did was try with a H/T. I always used my FT-847 with 10 watts (or more) and always seem to make it.
It seem with as many in the US trying the same thing at the same time you may as well try to get DXCC QRP. Not saying it can't be done, but how much time you willing to put into it?
Or I'am missing something?
John, W0JAB
Hello Alexander,
I have set my PATH to Others/ARISS. I see some have used ARISS,WIDEN-n
I just set UNPROTO CQ VIA ARISS. I've heard that the 'CQ' makes no difference; it works with or without the CQ.
My beacon is set again to TX 30 seconds AUTO.
When you beacon at a fixed interval it likely does not take into account whether the frequency is clear. You may or may not be colliding with the dozens of other users blasting a UI packet upward. Since its an FM channel the strongest signal arriving at the ISS captures their receiver. If you fit in between the other packets 5 watts usually gets through nicely.
When I run with a hardware TNC I use CONVERS mode. I have a summary of the hardware TNC commands at: http://home.comcast.net/~k9jkm/ARISS_Packet_How_To/ ... but not sure how those map into your HT's setup.
I also use AGWPE and UISS. The VIA [path] is selectable from a pulldown menu from which I select ARISS.
Also, to send a message via the ISS what is the address?
The ISS PBBS is RS0ISS-11. This requires a "hard connect" which is not recommended because over populated areas you will never to able to complete the QSO with all the other competing UI packets out there. RSOISS-11 is single user and when connected the full AX.25 protocol kicks in with the acks and retries, etc. We see ISS go over the horizon faithfully executing channel protocol and you will have not have been able to upload your greetings. Stations over the horizon will see the AX.25 disconnect message as it times out from your CONNECT request.
The crew is rarely at the keyboard so UI digipeating is your most likely path to success.
Stations in less populated parts of the world connect to the RS0ISS-11 PBBS. It does not seem to work too well over the USA from my experience.
I have been using RS0ISS-4 based on packets received.
VIA ARISS translates into RS0ISS-4 or RS0ISS-3 depending on the setup aboard the ISS.
For the RF side I run 5 watts into a 3-element 2 meter beam. The beam is fixed elevation around 20 degrees and turns on a TV rotor I got on ebay for $9.
-- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm@amsat.org
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 12:39 PM, JoAnne Maenpaa k9jkm@comcast.net wrote:
Hello Alexander,
I have set my PATH to Others/ARISS. I see some have used ARISS,WIDEN-n
I just set UNPROTO CQ VIA ARISS. I've heard that the 'CQ' makes no difference; it works with or without the CQ.
I am a bit confused. What's the difference between:
"ARISS" vs "UNPROTO VIA ARISS"
Should they not both work?
My beacon is set again to TX 30 seconds AUTO.
When you beacon at a fixed interval it likely does not take into account whether the frequency is clear. You may or may not be colliding with the dozens of other users blasting a UI packet upward. Since its an FM channel the strongest signal arriving at the ISS captures their receiver. If you fit in between the other packets 5 watts usually gets through nicely.
It seems having an open squelch may cause the TNC to not transmit because it things the line is busy.
When I run with a hardware TNC I use CONVERS mode. I have a summary of the hardware TNC commands at: http://home.comcast.net/~k9jkm/ARISS_Packet_How_To/ ... but not sure how those map into your HT's setup.
Thank you very much. Question, it seems you are explicitly doing packet radio and not APRS (a derivative).
I also use AGWPE and UISS. The VIA [path] is selectable from a pulldown menu from which I select ARISS.
I think when I select PATH, I am to put in a string, I would assume ARISS and the my TNC will add the "VIA" part correct?
(which would answer my question above)
Also, to send a message via the ISS what is the address?
The ISS PBBS is RS0ISS-11. This requires a "hard connect" which is not recommended because over populated areas you will never to able to complete the QSO with all the other competing UI packets out there. RSOISS-11 is single user and when connected the full AX.25 protocol kicks in with the acks and retries, etc. We see ISS go over the horizon faithfully executing channel protocol and you will have not have been able to upload your greetings. Stations over the horizon will see the AX.25 disconnect message as it times out from your CONNECT request.
Again this is for full blown packet radio? I am just trying to use the APRS messaging service.
The crew is rarely at the keyboard so UI digipeating is your most likely path to success.
Right, got it.
Stations in less populated parts of the world connect to the RS0ISS-11 PBBS.
It does not seem to work too well over the USA from my experience.
I have been using RS0ISS-4 based on packets received.
VIA ARISS translates into RS0ISS-4 or RS0ISS-3 depending on the setup aboard the ISS.
For the RF side I run 5 watts into a 3-element 2 meter beam. The beam is fixed elevation around 20 degrees and turns on a TV rotor I got on ebay for $9.
Alright, so I again should address the message to 'ARISS' and not an explicit ISS address?
73
-aps
Hi,
I am a bit confused. What's the difference between: "ARISS" vs "UNPROTO VIA ARISS" Should they not both work?
Well, we'd hope the net effect is the same ... but I was trying to explain using the command string my hardware needs. Hopefully someone with your HT can offer specific advice for your rig. We may be talking of similar things but with different user interfaces ;-)
Question, it seems you are explicitly doing packet radio and not APRS (a derivative).
A packet setup for UI packets works for both. When I run UI-View (an APRS program) while receiving ISS packets I get an APRS map that looks like this: http://home.comcast.net/~k9jkm/UI_View_ISS_Pass.jpg
If I send =4211.29N/08827.08W- ... I end up on the APRS map with a K9JKM house symbol with the antenna.
If I send Hi Bob ... then it is a text string.
Keep on trying ... it's a memorable hoot when ya score some packets!
-- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9jkm@amsat.org
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 3:02 PM, JoAnne Maenpaa k9jkm@comcast.net wrote:
Hi,
I am a bit confused. What's the difference between: "ARISS" vs "UNPROTO VIA ARISS" Should they not both work?
Well, we'd hope the net effect is the same ... but I was trying to explain using the command string my hardware needs. Hopefully someone with your HT can offer specific advice for your rig. We may be talking of similar things but with different user interfaces ;-)
Yes. You seem to be at the raw AX.25 level which should work fine but a different than what I am doing with the APRS mode on the TH-D72A.
I *could* switch it to PACKET12 mode and just use the TNC but I'd like to get this to work with just the APRS mode.
My PATH right now is set to "ARISS" which I think is sufficient. Please, please someone chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.
Question, it seems you are explicitly doing packet radio and not APRS (a derivative).
A packet setup for UI packets works for both. When I run UI-View (an APRS program) while receiving ISS packets I get an APRS map that looks like this: http://home.comcast.net/~k9jkm/UI_View_ISS_Pass.jpg
If I send =4211.29N/08827.08W- ... I end up on the APRS map with a K9JKM house symbol with the antenna.
Right understood, I just want to confirm. Clearly raw UI frames will work if the payload follows APRS.
If I send Hi Bob ... then it is a text string.
Keep on trying ... it's a memorable hoot when ya score some packets!
To get on that damn ariss.net map! That's all I'm asking here!
Alright, the open squelch was killing me. Now I see my beacon transmitted. Next pass is 4:23PM EDT with a max elevation of 79.94 degrees. If I can't get in, I am writing to NASA (just kidding).
73
-aps
On 05/15/2011 09:13 PM, Alexander Sack wrote:
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 3:02 PM, JoAnne Maenpaa k9jkm@comcast.net wrote:
Hi,
I am a bit confused. What's the difference between: "ARISS" vs "UNPROTO VIA ARISS" Should they not both work?
Well, we'd hope the net effect is the same ... but I was trying to explain using the command string my hardware needs. Hopefully someone with your HT can offer specific advice for your rig. We may be talking of similar things but with different user interfaces ;-)
Yes. You seem to be at the raw AX.25 level which should work fine but a different than what I am doing with the APRS mode on the TH-D72A.
For the TH-D7, TH-D72, TM-D7x0 don't change the UNPROTO settings. Just set the PATH to ARISS,WIDEn-N where n-N is whatever value you want in your area.
Using the radio in TNC mode you could change the unproto but i don't see the point. ALL and CQ should work but some software doesn't understand this and those users would not see the message. Then it's better to send the message to a bulletin group.
Alexander -- I have a TH-D7A and I don't know if the TH-72A works the same but it's worth a try --
when I want to "force a beacon xmit now" -- (because I don't hear anyone else transmitting) --
I press the BCON button (to turn it off) and then immediately press it again (to turn it back on) -- the TH-D7A transmits the packet and then starts the interval timer up.
So yes, as the K9JKM pointed out - you have to listen for a "hole" and then try sending a few in rapid succession.
It looks like there is an ISS-DATA entry on ==> http://oscar.dcarr.org/index.php so you can see if the digipeater is on.
How are you determining if you have been heard -- are you looking for the indication on the TH72A ... or do you check the site ==> http://www.ariss.net/
Don't give up!
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 11:53 AM 5/15/2011, you wrote:
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 10:53 AM, Eric H. Christensen eric@christensenplace.us wrote:
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On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 10:21:20AM -0400, Alexander Sack wrote:
Is this just not gonna happen on a HT? I have tried 4 times with no luck (all high elevation passes). Again I see every packet that flies by (comparing my HT list with that on ariss.net). Very frustrating.
I personally haven't tried to do APRS from an HT on the ISS. I
used to get a few lucky packets through PCSAT back when it was working well but up until a couple of weeks ago I hadn't heard the ISS in packet mode in some time. I'd say keep trying. Sometimes you'll get lucky and can get a packet through. You may need to go with a yagi, though...
Well I hear a lot (it was a W->NW->N pass at a 21 degreeish max elevation) but I can't seem to beacon myself.
I have set my PATH to Others/ARISS. I see some have used ARISS,WIDEN-n but I don't see the need.
Is there anything else I have to do? My beacon is set again to TX 30 seconds AUTO. I constantly try a Quick Beacon with the TH-72A but I can't really tell if it send it.
Also, to send a message via the ISS what is the address?
I have been using RS0ISS-4 based on packets received.
Any comments before 4:20EST would be appreciated as I have one more really good high elevation pass then...
73
-aps
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 Alexander,
Sorry I just missed you on AO51 - we will have to try again next time. Someone was covering you up pretty bad.
I have tried sending packets through the ISS with a stock rubber duck using my TH-D7A, and it is just about impossible. I have found that you either need a mobile rig with a higher power output, or you need a higher gain antenna (Arrow, Elk). Even with the Arrow I still have to try a few times to successfully send one through. I am not sure how similar the TH-D72A is to the TH-D7A, but on the D7 a "My Packet" appears and blinks once you have been digipeated. If you do not see this, you have probably not been digipeated.
73!
Zack KD8KSN
-----Original Message----- From: Alexander Sack Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 10:21 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] APRS beaconing on the ISS no luck....
Hello AMSAT-BB:
I have TH-D72A HT connected to a ANLI AL-800 34" telescoping whip. This morning there was an almost 90 degree pass over my grid square (FN20rk). I get loads of packets but for the life of me I can't beacon myself! :-(
I have my Decay Algorithm off, I have beaconing every 30 seconds (I even manually beacon by pressing F+[Beacon] as per the Kenwood manual). I have my beaconing in APRS format.
Is this just not gonna happen on a HT? I have tried 4 times with no luck (all high elevation passes). Again I see every packet that flies by (comparing my HT list with that on ariss.net). Very frustrating.
Help!
-aps (KC2ZSX) _______________________________________________ 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
On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 4:11 PM, Zachary Beougher zack.kd8ksn@hotmail.com wrote:
Hi Alexander,
Sorry I just missed you on AO51 - we will have to try again next time. Someone was covering you up pretty bad.
Yea! I just want to apologize for not coming back to you (I heard you!) and KC3K something. I couldn't call either of you because...
FN20rk got several thunderstorms as soon as I broke squelch and someone came back to me on AO-51. I literally heard my call sign (KC2ZSX) and rain started to come down followed by thunderstorms. I was outside and my Kenwood is not water proof (and I lose the signal).
I was crying...
I was so ecstatic guys. I am 2 month old ham and a brand new AMSAT enthusiast. I have loads of questions but I am making progress with my D72A.
I will definitely look for you and whoever else can come back to me.
One thing I notice is that its almost impossible not to step on someone during these sessions. I try my best not to step on anyone but there is almost no window to call someone! :-(
I did however buy a mic/headset combo for the D72A to make my life easier.
I have tried sending packets through the ISS with a stock rubber duck using my TH-D7A, and it is just about impossible. I have found that you either need a mobile rig with a higher power output, or you need a higher gain antenna (Arrow, Elk).
I got that, I have AL-800 telescoping whip connected to my TH-D72A. Works like a champ! :-)
Even with the Arrow I still have to try a few times to successfully send one through. I am not sure how similar the TH-D72A is to the TH-D7A, but on the D7 a "My Packet" appears and blinks once you have been digipeated. If you do not see this, you have probably not been digipeated.
00:00:05:40 : KC2ZSX-7]TPRV5R,RS0ISS-4*,qAS,KA3HSW-5:`f[al#E./]=
WOOHOOOOOOO!!!!
NASA can rest now. My letter has been shredded. I am on the map!
My first AMSAT victory (actually two, you heard me on AO-51). I am again, really pleased. When I saw "MY POSITION" I literally jumped up and said 'WOOOHOOO!'
Thanks to everyone on the list,
73
-aps (KC2ZSX)
participants (7)
-
Alexander Sack -
Bruce Semple -
Eric H. Christensen -
JoAnne Maenpaa -
John Becker -
Kai Günter Brandt -
Zachary Beougher