Worked the ISS tonight

Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
The ISS was passing by to the north at a low altitude. Onboard the ISS is a radio setup to receive signals from Hams and rebroadcast them. Tonight I managed to access that radio and worked a guy in San Francisco area, one guy about 40 miles to my east, and a guy in Denver CO. Used 5 watts and my homemade 2 meter antenna. Signals were strong for such a low angle. Can't wait for an over head pass.

The ISS also does Slow Scan TV from the Russian Service Module. They did that last week and I missed it. Have to wait for the to do that again. This time I will be ready. LOL

If you have a 2 meter handheld radio, set the frequency to 145.825. The signal is FM so no special mode is needed. Check the current position of the ISS and when it is near you, turn on the radio. If you hear a squawking sound, that is the ISS transmitting.