[amsat-bb] Expectations...

[Sean K.]

I, too, have similar questions. I'm interested in making QSOs and I must admit I'm having a very tricky time actually decoding ISS passes and working stations.
I've read lots of material online (Thanks KK5DO and others) and still not quite cutting it. Plenty loud on several passes, but no decoding.
 Sean Kutzko
Amateur Radio KX9X
      From: Kelley <kshaddrick at jetup.net>
 To: AMSAT -BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org> 
 Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2015 10:07 PM
 Subject: [amsat-bb] Expectations...
   

I put up a new antenna for ISS work today. It's a home-built 2m 
turnstile with reflectors. Numbers wise (SWR, etc., as read on a MFJ 
analyzer) the antenna is working. I used the antenna a bit on APRS and 
was able to hear stations and be heard by stations.

I listened to the ISS for 3 passes earlier today. On the first 2 passes 
I heard a number of stations, but was unable to digi via the ISS. On the 
third pass (about 40 degrees elevation at max and to the south), I was 
able to digi via the ISS (sorry if I have the terminology wrong here, 
I'm somewhat new at this).

My question is, how often should I be able to digi via the ISS? Is it 
unusual to not be able to on a given pass (all 3 passes were higher 
elevation passes)? I know there are collisions and QRM involved and 
someone wins out. I don't have the best station (IC-706MKIIG and a 
turnstile antenna), I'm sure this plays a part.

Curious what others have experienced.

Thanks,
-- 
Kelley - WØRK

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