Hi miles- de patrick n2oeq- nice to see you thinking of the future. I miss the MIR days. I think there was a simple kenwood dual bander on the MIR. I looked at the icom ID800 and my first impression was that it was not a simple radio and I am not interested in buying a new digital radio to work the ISS. Since there is no rush, please consider other radio models of SIMPLE design. Within the past couple of years I purchased a very easy to operate Yaesu FT8800R dual band rig capable of cross-band repeat, 9600 baud packet, and narrow FM operation to name a few. I looked at several rigs before deciding on it. Of course, it was a personal preference and others may prefer other models but I found this to be my choice for satellite work etc. I think it would be safer to consider a rig that has been around a while that has been refined in production and proven in use. Most important is that it be as simple as possible so as not to be disinteresting to the crew. Well, its all academic since it has to be approved but I'm happy to see you working on it. Thank you!!!!! Take care, pat

------- Original Message -------

From : MM[mailto:ka1rrw@yahoo.com]

Sent : 6/2/2007 7:46:10 PM To : sraas@optonline.net; amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc : Subject : RE: [amsat-bb] Re: ISS & Amateur Voice Comms

The Amateur Radio stations on board ISS have not been open to regular public access since August 2006. There have only be a few random days when the crew from ISS has been heard calling CQ since then.

If you look back in the Amsat Archives, look for message from Ken Ransom for an explanation of the issues.

The Marex team is working on proposals to replace the existing ISS ham system with a new simpler to use system. (We have found that on the Space Station Mir projects, some consumer grade ham gear seemed to only have a life span of 2-3 year in 24/7 service while orbiting in space. All of the ham gear on ISS is over 3.5 years old) The unapproved Marex proposals would be comprised of the following hardware if approved.

Icom ID-800 Dual band Kantronics KPC-9212 TNC Slow Scan TV (Off the shelf VOX box, multiple brands are currently being tested for SSTV)

Marex welcomes your support

www.marexmg.org

--- Steve Raas sraas@optonline.net wrote:

Has any one been lucky enough to work the ISS on 2m voice as of late? I call NA1SS on every pass that Im available to and so far no dice. ( 3 days 4 or 5 passes )

Thanks!

N2JDQ

Steven J. Raas

Locator FN20vg

QRV 2/432 , V/U U/V Sats & WSJT

Home Page & Sked Requests @ http://n2jdq2007.tripod.com/

AMSAT Member # 36396

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