[amsat-bb] Re: APRS beaconing on the ISS no luck....

[Alexander Sack]

On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 4:11 PM, Zachary Beougher
<zack.kd8ksn at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Alexander,
>
> Sorry I just missed you on AO51 - we will have to try again next time.
> Someone was covering you up pretty bad.

Yea!  I just want to apologize for not coming back to you (I heard
you!) and KC3K something.  I couldn't call either of you because...

FN20rk got several thunderstorms as soon as I broke squelch and
someone came back to me on AO-51.  I literally heard my call sign
(KC2ZSX) and rain started to come down followed by thunderstorms.  I
was outside and my Kenwood is not water proof (and I lose the signal).

I was crying...

I was so ecstatic guys.  I am 2 month old ham and a brand new AMSAT
enthusiast.  I have loads of questions but I am making progress with
my D72A.

I will definitely look for you and whoever else can come back to me.

One thing I notice is that its almost impossible not to step on
someone during these sessions.  I try my best not to step on anyone
but there is almost no window to call someone!  :-(

I did however buy a mic/headset combo for the D72A to make my life easier.

> I have tried sending packets through the ISS with a stock rubber duck using
> my TH-D7A, and it is just about impossible.  I have found that you either
> need a mobile rig with a higher power output, or you need a higher gain
> antenna (Arrow, Elk).

I got that, I have AL-800 telescoping whip connected to my TH-D72A.
Works like a champ!  :-)

> Even with the Arrow I still have to try a few times
> to successfully send one through.  I am not sure how similar the TH-D72A is
> to the TH-D7A, but on the D7 a "My Packet" appears and blinks once you have
> been digipeated.  If you do not see this, you have probably not been
> digipeated.

00:00:05:40 : KC2ZSX-7]TPRV5R,RS0ISS-4*,qAS,KA3HSW-5:`f[al#E./]=

WOOHOOOOOOO!!!!

NASA can rest now.  My letter has been shredded.  I am on the map!

My first AMSAT victory (actually two, you heard me on AO-51).  I am
again, really pleased.  When I saw "MY POSITION" I literally jumped up
and said 'WOOOHOOO!'

Thanks to everyone on the list,

73

-aps (KC2ZSX)