It’s basically always off for two reasons. First, we don’t have a programmed radio that supports the mode. This experiment was being run on an unprogrammed radio that the Russians sent up, not one of our standard ARISS radios. Second, the stock D700 ARISS used in the past would overheat in the high duty cycle repeater mode, because the stock fan doesn’t move enough air to cool the radio in a zero-G environment.

But hope is in sight! The new Interoperable Radio System (IORS) that ARISS is developing includes a TM-D710 specifically modified with repeater mode in mind (along with some other things). We have a larger fan that should solve the problem, and we expect the cross-band voice repeater to be a common operating mode between school contacts, alternating with the digital repeater and an occasional experimental mode.

The IORS had a final design review earlier this month, and a safety review is coming in a few weeks (both reviews are with NASA engineers). All that is left is to build and let NASA test our initial flight prototypes and then build the final flight and training hardware. Oh, and raise enough money to buy parts for the multi-voltage power supply that runs the radios.

ARISS encourages all hams that look forward to expanded ISS operations to help by donating to the project. There is link for donations on the AMSAT-NA website (www.amsat.org http://www.amsat.org/, click “Donate” in the menu bar).

Dave, W8AAS

On Aug 28, 2017, at 5:27 PM, Gabriel Zeifman gabrielzeifman@gmail.com wrote:

Hello fellow bird folk,

I noticed in the ANS today the specific note that the recent crossband repeater activation was not to be used for general amateur communications. With the popularity of this mode (and our current shortage of FM birds), has there been any thought about making it a more common thing? It seems to be wildly popular when it is active, and I'd like to think people would have more respect for the times when it needs to be used for scientific functions if it wasn't seen as just a really rare opportunity to make a QSO via the repeater. Maybe there's a reason it's basically always off, just curious.

73, Gabe NJ7H/VE6NJH _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb