It is annoying when someone connects to the ISS mailbox during a "prime time" pass. If it's the middle of the night when it's passing by us, that's usually no big deal because very few "live" stations are at the keyboard. My personal rule is I don't connect to the mailbox inside the hours of 0600-2300 and if I see any stations actively sending out CQ.

Secondly, it is even more annoying when someone connects to the mailbox and they can't keep a connection, usually because they are running some multi-band or high-gain vertical with too many nulls to actually keep a connected packet session established. I see it a lot, Kevin, but just deal with it.... I can tell when this is happening just by the sound of the packets. Once I start hearing a certain pattern, I know the pass is likely shot for having any real contacts.

Regarding an unpublished email address, if you want to contact the "offending" station, we have this thing called a call book or FCC database that typically offers a station or mailing address for the individual. An old fashioned letter or QSL with a note works wonders.

On Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 10:47 PM, Kevin Deane summit496@live.com wrote:

The ISS Maildrop is great for people in low population areas. I found out the hard way about using it in the US. Now I and others on the west coast are suffering because a certain someone keeps logging in EVERY pass and is not even holding the connection. The email address is no good on QRZ. ARRGG!!!

Anyway it still is fun to make Qso's on the Digi just thought since there are not as many birds up there to play with there might be more activity on the ISS. Have not heard much on FO-69? Are people workin that? My radio is in the shop so I have been off the air and only have a 5watt deaf dualbander... :(

Kevin KF7MYK

---

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