[amsat-bb] Digi QSO via ISS?

Mon May 11 21:52:14 UTC 2015

Sean (and others),

That looks good. The initial "CQ" call could start with receiving a station's
beacon containing the location or other text that is sent through the ISS
digipeater. Sometimes I'll see only a signal report from the other station
(59 or 599), since the location has already been received from a beacon
packet with that information. This would be similar to sending only a "59"
when working a DXpedition, where they really don't care to hear too
much when making lots of QSOs. I don't normally send a CQ when on
ISS passes (or, when it's behaving, NO-44 passes), but will enable a
beacon with my position and my two call signs when I'm at the radio.

By using APRS messaging instead of just typing free-form text, you will
be able to make packet QSOs with stations that may only have radios
like the Kenwood TH-D72A or TM-D710 (or their predecessors), as well
as those using programs like UISS that speak APRS messaging, or
simpler terminal programs that don't speak APRS messaging.  These
radios can receive the APRS messages, and - using the DTMF pads -
send APRS messages. My TH-D72A will see the call of a station that
sends me a free-form line of text like:

WD9EWK-9 UR 599 (grid)

but not the text. I might be able to see this packet on ariss.net, but that
would not be receiving it on my radio, so no QSO. If that free-form text
line includes a colon before the text:

WD9EWK-9 :UR 599 (grid)

(my call with -9, space, colon, then text)

my TH-D72A would interpret that as an APRS message directed to
me, from whoever sent it to me. The sender's call and a date/time
stamp would be stored with the received message, and then I can
view this message on the HT. From there, I can quickly send a
reply without having to enter the other station's call. I'm typing out
messages like we would on an old flip-style mobile phone, pressing
the buttons repeatedly to get certain characters on the screen. This
works, and provides a way to interact with other stations without
the need for a computer or other device connected to the radio.

I do not enable any automatic responses when I receive messages,
other than the ACK responses if I receive an APRS message that
expects one. Some will enable an automatic response that may say
something like "Thanks, 73!", and I think the Kenwood radios will
put an "AA:" before the response if it is generated by the radio and
not the operator. Other than my position packets, I try not to add to
the clutter from the unattended stations that squawk during every
ISS pass.

Whether I'm at home or on the road, using my Elk antenna or even
a long telescoping whip, I find I can get through the ISS digipeater
with my TH-D72A at just 5 watts. From Arizona, I have worked
stations on the ISS as far away as Wisconsin, Indiana, and east
Texas. On NO-44, I have worked stations from home as far as
Mississippi. I am also working stations at hamfests or other
demonstrations, and on my recent grid expeditions to Las Vegas
and New Mexico.

73!

Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Twitter: @WD9EWK

On Mon, May 11, 2015 at 2:15 PM, Sean Kutzko via AMSAT-BB
<amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> There needs to be an exchange of info and acknowledgement from both stations that reports were received on both ends.
>
> Kx9x: CQ KX9X
> Kc0bmf: KX9X de KC0BMF EM29
> Kx9x: KC0BMF R FN31
> Kc0bmf: KX9X R 73
> Kx9x: 73 QRZ KX9X
>
> UISS software can handle this quite easily.
>
> That's my opinion, anyway.
>
> Sean KX9X
>
> Sent from Sean's iPad
>
>
>
>> On May 11, 2015, at 4:02 PM, John Fickes <kc0bmf at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Steve
>>  Sure you can. What are you using for software ? I use UISS and what I do
>> is send call sign, some sort of signal report (it could be 59,599,grid or
>> combination of report and grid ) and then a 73. I think as long as there
>> is protocol similar to JT65 where the three things are sent and received in
>> back and forth order,  other stations call,a report and 73, this way your
>> pretty sure there is someone on the other end and your not just getting
>> someones automatic announcement. Hope to see you on.
>>
>>                 73 John  KC0BMF
>>
>> 1:16 Minutes:Greatest commercial EVER
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxU1ZhINaHk
>>
>> On Mon, May 11, 2015 at 2:16 PM, Steve Kristoff <skristof at etczone.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I apologize if this has been dealt with in a previous thread, but if it
>>> was, I missed it.
>>> Can we do a valid QSO by ISS digipeater? It seems to me that a message
>>> directed from one station directly to another station with a callsign, name
>>> and grid square and a directed reply in the same format would constitute a
>>> valid QSO.
>>> I'd like to hear other's thoughts.
>>> Even it doesn't constitute an "official" QSO, I'd like to try it anyway.
>>> I've been sending messages to specific stations on the Heard list via the
>>> UISS software, but have never received a reply specifically addressed to me.
>>> If anyone is interested in doing that, I will probably be on Tuesday, May
>>> 12, around 1005 UTC and again around 1632 UTC.
>>>
>>> Steve Kristoff AI9IN
>>> EM79ji
>>> skristof at etczone.com
>>>
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> _______________________________________________
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