Re: International Space Station Visible Tonight
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From Anthony, KJ7OJE:
Hi Joe, I am new to ham, got my license a year ago and really up until recent 1 week that I got much more involve in learning the craft.?? Can you explain or let me know where I can learn more about listen in (or work) the ISS frequencies mean? Does it act like a repeater and I just tune into the frequencies? I guess the reference to VHS Packet Uplink throw me off, not sure what that mean.? Thanks in advance, 73, Anthony KJ7OJE
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Hello Anthony and Group(s),
That is a great question!
There are several possibilities for amateur radio communications with the ISS.
I will list them here along with some links to get more information:
1. Digipeat?- The ISS has a packet digipeater on board. A ham can use an ISS packet program to send and receive packet comms through the ISS.
These are the frequencies used for packet comms:
VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear
UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550
The program most hams use for this purpose: UISS -?
You can use a hardware based TNC or a software based packet engine. I use Soundmodem.exe by UZ7HO. It's great and I use it for many other amateur radio applications such as Winlink packet, APRS decoding and more. Get it here:?
2. Repeater - A ham can also communicate with other hams via voice by using the ISS repeater:
UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800
UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.799 (67Hz PL Tone)
There are many Youtube videos on how to do this with simple handheld radios and simple directional antennas (even homemade).
3. ISS Astronauts - There is a station on board the ISS that the astronauts can use to talk to hams directly. However, this is rare these days because of their work schedule and personal interest level. But they do speak regularly with schools all over the world.?
These are the frequencies used for astronaut comms:?
Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide) Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3
Those school sessions are scheduled and you can learn about them here:?
If the school session is within your geographical area, you can probably hear it live directly from the ISS via your radio and appropriate antenna arrangement. If not, visit the link above to learn where you can listen in via the Internet.
4. Slow Scan TV Images - also known as SSTV images.?
Every once in a while, an announcement is made that the ISS will transmit SSTV images to commemorate some special space event of the past or recent times. They usually will do this for several days which gives everyone interested - all over the globe - the opportunity to capture these images. You can even submit them to a special website so you can get a certification of your image captures.
This is really fun and does not take a lot of complex stuff to achieve.? All you need is a good receiver, a good antenna, a program on your computer to capture the images, and a program to let you know when the ISS will be making a pass over your area.?
Note: The last item - ISS pass prediction software - is really needed for any of these activities discussed in this message. You have to know when the ISS will be in "radio" view.
The good news is that you probably already have the radio and antenna. The better news is that all the software you need is free and readily available. There are apps for your PC, iOS, and Android devices. Or, you can visit websites to get that pass information as well.
Here's what I use:
- ISS pass prediction software: ?
- Orbitron for Windows -? - Nova for Windows PC -? - This is amazing software which is now free to use. If you have an AZ-EL rotor based antenna array capable of automatic control, this is the software for you. - This is an example of a web based pass viewer:?
Everyone has their favorite prediction software, as you will find out.
- SSTV image capture software: MMSSTV
The original MMSSTV program is at?. An improved version by?Eugenio Fern¨¢ndez, EA1ADA, has been introduced as MMSSTV?YONIQ:?
The frequency used for SSTV image transmission downlink is 145.80 (Worldwide).
There are many Youtube?videos that are tutorials for everyone of these activities noted above. Just refer to those and you will be all set. If you have questions, post them to the Group.
I do recommend learning the basics and general information by starting with these?websites to learn about amateur radio aboard the?ISS:
I've also attached a very good tutorial on packet operation with?ISS. I wouldn't use it as a tutorial per se, but as a good reference document of the concept and steps involved.
I hope this information addressed your initial questions.
Regards, Joe - N2QOJ
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Joe Sammartino