David is exactly right. I have worked on the SAREX program and the ISS ham project from it's inception on Owen Garriott's flight. Over that time period I have talked to the crew many times in my position as the ISS-Ham hardware manager and as the SAREX principal investigator doing radio checkouts and trouble shooting. In all that time I have only talked to the crew about three times as a random unscheduled contact. It's rare that they get on the air and talk randomly. When they do you should consider it a rare contact. If you use high power and a highly directive antenna and more or less overwhelm the receiver, you can beat out the ordinary hams. I consider that bad ham manners. Anyhow enjoy the opportunities that come along and help us keep ham radio on ISS by supporting the ARISS activities through your local AMSAT organization.
Lou McFadin W5DID ARISS US Hardware manager
On Aug 11, 2009, at 1:17 PM, David Barber wrote:
I have to admit to being more than a little disappointed with the tone of elements within this thread so I'll apologise in advance if what I have to say offends anyone.
The last two years have seen an unprecedented level of activity from the ISS and their support teams with operations in all modes currently available. Personally I have found it most interesting and enjoyable.
Whilst I can understand the frustration of those wishing to make a voice QSO with one of the crew (or visitors) we should remember that despite it being their choice they are doing a job few of us would match up to. Whether and how they choose to operate in their 'spare' time is a matter for them, it does not deserve our criticism.
Enjoy whatever is on offer and remember that having a voice contact with them is a privilege not a right.
David G8OQW
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