Greetings from patrick N2OEQ
Despite support of the present frequency scheme for the ISS I still wish to disagree with the policy of split operation with different phone uplinks.
Back when the MIR was up, the russians operated simplex and left the radio on to listen for callers. On several occasions, I called the MIR according to my tracking program and was rewarded several times with a response.
With two different uplink frequencies, the astronauts are less inclined to leave the radio on to listen for callers.
When there were several callers here on simplex responding to a CQ call from the MIR, we acted civilized and took turns and everyone made contacts so I dont buy the absolute need for split operation. Besides, how many callers could there be within 20 or 30 miles up to the horizon.
We've had years of robot like amateur radio on the ISS. How about loosening the ties!
Thanks for the soapbox..... pat