Hi !

Today was the 3rd time when I succeed to sent packets via ISS, using APRSdroid 1.2 and portable whip antenna in 5w transceiver. Now, I'm a beginner in this area and I'm not sure if that means to make a contact with ISS. But, I think that the packets were received via ISS because YU7RD and YO8BMF confirmed me this:

2012-10-29 06:48:05Z
YO8BMF>APRS,RS0ISS-4*,qAR,SR5GK-3::BLNQSL1/1:YO3FVR-7,YU7RD,DO1BFS{UISS52}

2012-10-29 06:46:49Z
YU7RD>APRS,RS0ISS-4*,qAR,SR5GK-3::HEARDlast:YO3FVR-7,IK1COA-2,DO1BFS,IW3RGK,IK3ZGB-2,SP9MZM-6{UISS53}

Anyway, the main settings for APRSdroid ar in the APRS Connection section:
a) Connection Protocol must be set with: AFSK via Speaker/Mic
b) Connection Preferences / APRS digi path: ARISS

I used a HTC Gratia Smartphone, connected directly with the VHF transceiver, using a dual audio cable. On the transceiver side, the VOX is enabled, in order to activate the PTT function.

Unfortunately, not every smartphone can be used with a direct connection via audio cable ! In this case, the speaker's phone must be placed near the transceiver's MIC (also with VOX function enable) and the transceiver's speaker output level must be set at a proper value in order to be "heard" by the APRSdroid.

The APRSdroid provides a Bluetooth TNC function but I don't tested !

73 & GL !
YO3FVR

A little clarification on the Soyuz and radio off protocol. The amateur radios are routinely turned off during docking and undocking of vehicles (Soyuz, Progress and ATV) to the Russian segment. The are usually turned back on for the next crew ham radio event.

The Soyuz that just docked will remain on the ISS for about 6 months and return with the same crew that came up on it. The other Soyuz currently docked to ISS has been there since Williams, Hoshide and Malenchenkco arrived in July 2012 and will be returning Nov 19.

Kenneth - N5VHO

W3ADO-1>BEACON,SGATE/V [25/10/12 12:13:24]: :
T#004,159,159,048,209,215,11111111,0011,1

Just thought I would post this update, ISS was only 3 degs AOS from Wales, UK so just heard ISS as she passed south of me before going behind the Welsh high mountains like Pen y fan and Betws Mountain. Good clear and strong signal RST 955 on an omni antenna at 89 metres ASL, Lat 51.785000, Lon 3.979000 using a TS-790E and KAME.

All the best
Chris
GW6KZZ

I have question about APRSdroid is possible this apps can make contact with ISS? and how to setup with my smartphone.

Thank you

73

The antennas on the ISS are linear but their orientation changes as the ISS transits the sky. Circular polarity helps to deal with the constant changing relative polarity. Regarding RH vs. LH, seems most default to RH but I have no data that shows one is better than the other. If you have a switch then flipping between the two polarities during a fade may help (or hurt).

Kenneth - N5VHO

Hi Dave,

Almost the same setup here: a Diamomd X200-n and my Kenwood TM-V7e
I have used a horizontal yagi (16jxx2), Kenwood TS-430s + 28<->144 tranverter + 400Watt SSPA for my QSO with André Kuipers PI9ISS on March 3rd and April 19th this year.
(Due to wrong BIAS setting in my SSPA, output was just below 200Watt)

73', André PE1PQX

I see it frequently. There are times when I see a bright star moving at high speed and I turn on my tracking sw on my android only to verify it's ISS. Seen best 40 mins after sunset.

Hi HS3SRS this is 9W2HFY,

In http://aprs.fi/?c=raw&call=9w2hfy-9&limit=50&view=normal you have receive my signal.

Thanks,

add me at facebook http://www.facebook.com/Apis8787

9W2HFY 73.

You should QSL the contact. The info to do so is under the QSL link at the top of the page (or here http://www.issfanclub.com/qsl ).

Hi
I made a reception FITSat-1 telemetry and filmed the passage of the ISS
link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDMTEsM1Z0U
73 de Paulo PV8DX

APRS stands for Automatic Packet Reporting System, which is a system developed by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR wherein location, information, and other data is shared on a network (usually on 144.39) using packet radio.

Packet radio uses (A)X.25 tone to pass data at 1200 and/or 9600 baud, usually though a terminal node controller (TNC).

The radio on the ISS is a packet station, and has nothing to do with APRS.

73, de N8WCT