[amsat-bb] Digi QSO via ISS? (use >)

Mon May 11 21:56:29 UTC 2015

If packet stations simply put a ">" as the first character of their packet
then they instantly become "APRS Sttus" messages and will show on the
front panel of ALL APRS radios and handhelds.

Without that, the packet is undefined and not displayed as being non-APRS.
So packet stations desiring to be seen by most of the others on ISS,
should remember that if they want to be seen by others begin with a">".

Bob, WB4APR

-----Original Message-----
From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Patrick
STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2015 5:52 PM
To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Digi QSO via ISS?

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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_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to
all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official
views of AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb