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Amateur RadioOn The International Space Station "Alpha"

Packet and Voice Operating Information

WB6FZH- Greg

CLICK HERE to learn more about Ham Radio on the International Space Station

Actual audio of WB6FZH QSO with Cmdr. Culbertson as it passed above Weaverville, CA on October 21, 2001 (56 seconds)

MORE Space Station Recordings from WB6FZH

UPDATED 11-27-03 . CURRENT STATUS- VOICE- Infrequent Casual Voice Operation, EXP.8 Mike Foale & Alexander Kaleri, School Contacts,..PACKET- TNC Damaged, Replacement unit may be on board. A couple of beacon packets were copied here 11/15/03...silent since. Watch for callsign on next packet signals...- VOICE CALLSIGN VARIES- usually NA1SS Good Luck! 72/73- Greg Greenwood WB6FZH.

(prior info) The ISS-Alpha digipeater TNC has been up-graded and has new BBS/PMS callsign RS0ISS-1 ... RS0ISS is the ISS callsign. The updated programing will also allow the "mailbox" function to be activated..IT IS REQUESTED THAT YOU DO NOT USE THE MAILBOX, there will not be a laptop permanently connected to it for quite some time, however, recently some messages have been answered and sent from ISS PMS/BBS. Generally the crew is much to busy to read and reply to any messages left. Be patient..there is plenty of time later.

The New Callsign, RS0ISS, is a Russian Callsign...... it is listening on 145.990 and transmitting on 145.800 with standard 1200 baud AX25 packet. THIS MEANS YOU TRANSMIT ON 145.990 and RECEIVE on 145.800, a non-standard split. FOR PACKET ONLY!

The amount of time the digipeater is on the air varies as it is done on non-interference basis and also is a very low priority all things considered on Alpha these days... Consider subscribing to the AMSAT SAREX e-mail reflector relatiing to manned space activity. . There are also some new antennas for HF, and VHF/UHF that have been installed on a recent "Space Walk". HF operation is not likely for a couple years. Slow Scan TV is scheduled to be operational in 2003. Information will be posted on this page when available.

You will need a SATELLITE TRACKING PROGRAM to find out when ISS is above you, there is an absolutely FREE program that works fine on this page, no fancy map, it just tells you when and where it is in your sky. It's name is PREDICT2, and can be downloaded from LINK on this page. It runs on a DOS operating system 486/33 minimum.DOS 6.0 or better. I have used STSPLUS DOS tracking program for years- Dave Ransom's has updated this great Program..reliable and low cost.($24).

You will need to add your lat/long, UTC time difference at your location (-8 HRS PST, -10HST), etc. You will need to copy a file containing a list of the current "Keplerian File Elements" (also availiable on this page), to a file like "kep0427.txt" and save it to the same directory that your tracking program is in, then follow the instructions in the program to update the file Then you will use the file name to UPDATE your program. .There is also a LINK to download CURRENT KEPLARIAN ELEMENT FILES on this page. The fresher the files, the more accurate your predictions will be (weekly is fresh enough.. ).

Arrive early on frequency and wait for the ISS..be prepared, you never know when you might hear someone on VOICE while you are waiting for PACKET, be ready for either mode.REMINDER! The world-wide TRANSMIT FREQUENCY FOR PACKET is 145.990 mhz, the RECEIVE FREQUENCY REMAINS 145.800.

A FREE PROGRAM for Packet for use on a modern Pentium Computer is ON1DHT's PACKET PROGRAM, you may download it for free. It has many special features for Satellite and Space Station Packet use. You may use your same terrestrial packet program in space too. I have used a simple DOS packet program, MFJCOM, for a long time.

If you leave your packet rig on with the file buffer open, you can return later and see what has crossed your screen while you were gone to work, school or other activities.

The TRANSMIT FREQUENCY FOR USA VOICE is 144.490 mhz, the RECEIVE FREQUENCY REMAINS 145.800.

Here is the NO FRILLS version of how to interface with ISS and digipeat, EXPLORE the LINKS to MAREX , NASA and AMSAT,etc on this page

PACKET CONFIGURATION CONCERNS.

YOU NEED TO REVIEW THE BASIC INSTRUCTIONS ON THIS PAGE AND LOOK AT THE WEBSITE LINKS BEFORE you start packet or voice operations.! VISIT - NASA Ham Radio Reference Page, MAREX, AMSAT and ARISS Latest Information Page- See LINK LISTS

Suggestion for packet operation... WHEN YOU SEE ISS ON YOUR SCREEN....Turn your buffer file on, (to collect the screen activity) this way you can review your activity after the pass for learning purposes.

When you see the ISS PACKET DATA from ISS......to digipeat...switch to CONVERSE mode, hit "ENTER"..(watch your transmit indicator) .. if you are lucky you will see something like this..return.... 18:25:00 WB6FZH>RS0ISS *CN80>:

OR....

IF in "CONVERSE MODE" you type < CQ digi from Greg in Weaverville,CA CN-80 > remember..no brackets... then if you are lucky you see..... 18:26:00 WB6FZH>RS0ISS *WB6FZH: CQ digi from Greg in Weaverville,CA CN-80

After you see your UNPROTO text....then set your BEACON ON - for EVERY 10 seconds..then after 2 beacons (20 seconds) turn beacon EVERY 0 (turn it off), Or every 6 (60 seonds) If you are lucky you may see your beacon information digipeated from ISS and on the ISS website. REMEMBER TO TURN "OFF" YOUR BEACON WHEN NOT USING IT, DO NOT LEAVE IT ON ALL THE TIME!.

Unless you are part of some special ARISS experiment, or have some experiment of your own in progress, you are asked NOT to leave your beacon on continioulsly during a pass. and NEVER continiously unattended. YOU WILL INTERFERE WITH VOICE CONTACTS and add QRM to PACKET OPERATIONS..

When "Digipeating", other stations may see your CQ/or UNPROTO MESSAGE and respond... I was able to work more than 30 stations from Canada to Mexico to IL etc from MIR digipeat in a few days..my experience with ISS-Alpha has been about the same so far, using a 5w HT and a GP 10' up from Weaverville with 80' of coax, using KPC-3 and old 286 laptop running MFJCOM...

My usual ISS radio output power is 20watts to an Eggbeater Antenna. You do not need a great zillion dollar high gain space commmunications set-up, just follow these instructions, read the pages on the links, and just some luck will have you digipeating from space in no time.. There will be many packets colliding in space making it hard for the digipeater to digipeat anything.

After you make your bit of history, consider letting others have a chance for a while.. Yes, a space oriented antenna and higher power will perhaps increase you chances but not worth the interference it will be causing others. GOOD LUCK!- 73 de Greg-WB6FZH

This information on this was placed to in reply to several e-mails received relating to my luck digipeating VIA ISS "Alpha"..and Voice Contacts with the various expedition crews... Very best of luck, if I can help e-mail me. Check the links on this page for more information.

ISS Frequency & Mode Information

  • Worldwide DOWNLINK for Voice(FM) and Packet (1200 AX25)- 145.800 mhz
  • Worldwide UPLINK for PACKET- 145.99 (ISS Packet Mailbox Callsign- RS0ISS-1)
  • ITU Region 1 VOICE UPLINK- 145.200 mhz (This is NOT used in Continental USA, Hawaii or Alaska)
  • ITU Region 2 & 3 VOICE UPLINK- 144.490 mhz (THIS IS THE ONE!)
  • ISS Packet Station Keyboard Callsign- RS0ISS (Format 1200 baud AX25*) \
  • ISS Voice Callsigns: (Including, but not limited to..) NA1SS, DL0ISS, RS0ISS, Personal Callsigns,etc.
  • SSTV Format and timing will be announced prior to operation, it is likely to be Robot 36. There has also been created a special format that will be compatible with most sound card type SSTV programs. It has been tested and approved, but not released yet. Eventually, you will be able to uplink your picture to ISS, and have it rebroadcast as the Space Station orbits away from you.. Many "new" SSTV functions coming hopefully in 2004. * Same as terrestrial packet.

Additional VHF Frequency toMONITOR ONLY for traffic VHF FM Channel- 143.625 mhz (Mostly Russian Language) There is a West Coast of USA remote base that is patched to Energia in Russia.

ISS Internet LINKS

FOR CURRENT ISS-Alpha CREW and EXPEDITION NUMBER LINK TO NASA ARISS Website

ISS Radio Station Reference Page- Look for LINK to expedtion/crew information.on ISS.

ISS CREW WORK SCHEDULE-(Tenative- Your mileiage will vary)

  • The general schedule is around the UTC time zone.(Pacific Time Zone is -8 UTC, Eight Hours behind GMT. The wake-up call is around 0800UTC and quitting time is around 1900UTC. There is a "lunch break" around 1200 UTC.
  • There is a "Weekend" period from 1200UTC on Saturday until about 1900 Sunday.
  • NOTE: The ISS crews have been working "overtime" to try to keep up with the schedule of delivery and assembly of the new station, and have had little or no "free" time.(3/20/01)
  • Possible "good times" for contacts...0800 UTC, 1200 UTC, 1900UTC and "weekend" periods- Saturday 1200 to Sunday to 1900.

VOICE OPERATION HINTS for USA

  • LISTEN ...even before your tracking program says to.. The "early-bird" may often get the ISS QSO.
  • Be certain you know what is going on! There may be an ISS to School Contact in progress as the ISS approaches your area. Just listen and enjoy the downlink signal.
  • The ISS radio operators will tell you what they are doing.... They may call a specific station or they may call brief CQ or simply say "NA1SS" or whatever callsign they are using.
  • Callsigns will vary, Personal Callsign, Russian, American, visiting Hams from other countries,etc. Check the links on this page for current crews, callsigns and operating considerations.
  • You should be listening on the DOWN LINK frequency for Voice and Packet, 145.800. This is the VOICE AND PACKET DWOWNLINK FREQUENCY for North America.
  • You should be transmitting your VOICE signal on 144.49. This is the VOICE UPLINK FREQUENCY for North America.
  • Remember....The ISS can hear too well....multiple stations will likely be transmitting at one time. There will be less stations at the West and East Coast Footprints depending on the postion of the ISS.
  • Far Western US stations near the coast, and far Eastern US stations near the coast at some point will have more water than land in the ISS "footprint" and will have less interference. Your mileage will vary.
  • PLEASE be carefull NOT to step on stations that are already in contact with ISS.
  • Remember...There will likely be another time to conact ISS. When in doubt...DO NOT TRANSMIT.
  • Make a current list of the astronauts and their callsigns, you will find it on the NASA manned space website.
  • QSL information is posted on various websites DO NOT ASK THE ASTRONAUTS HOW TO GET A QSL CARD... Check ARRL Website
  • Spend some time looking at the LINKS to ISS Internet websites.
  • Have a TAPE RECORDER handy...(new tape, new batteries, test it!) You may want to record your own QSO, or the downlink of a QSO of another ham and share it with them...
  • KEEP an accurate LOG...with the excitement you may forget all together when and who you talked to! Consider writing the ISS callsign and your own on piece of paper with block letters.
  • Good Luck.. My own ISS Voice QSOs were usually at 3 in the morning.. so remember if there are fewer hams on the air.. it increases your chance of and ISS QSO.
  • Final Note- Remember the ISS Crews are kept VERY BUSY, and one of the few diversions they have is Ham Radio, so if they are enjoying a contact with another Ham, and the ISS just orbits right out of range...there willl another day!
  • UPLINK FREQUENCIES FOR HAMS NOT IN ITU REGION 2 ( USA) MAY BE DIFFERENT than those mentioned in the body of this article. Check..Check the frequency list on this page for your ITU Region and frequency..
  • Consider an ANTENNA more suited for transmitting to space, it will inhance your ability to hear and be heard... but not necessary..
  • POWER LEVELS- the average 2meter mobile radio is now in the 40watt class and is plenty of power to reach a space station 250 miles away..Please do not use excessive power. Many hams have made contacts with hand-held 5 watt or less transceivers.
  • Remember the HIGHER the ELEVATION OF THE SPACE STATION in the sky near your location, the better your chances are to make a contact. A satellite tracking program can help you know when your chances are best.
  • You will find that for both VOICE and PACKET, that like life in general TIMING and LUCK will play the largest part along with your skill and good operating procedures.
  • WB6FZH and /KH6-WB6FZH regularly worked MIR and ISS with 2- 5 watts on packet and satellites AO-27 or UO-14 on voice with an eggbeater antenna, dual band "J" or hand-held 5 element dual band Beam Antenna.

GOOD OPERATING PRACTICE NOTES- Read This BEFORE turning radio on!

  • LISTEN...LISTEN...LISTEN.. FIRST!
  • WAIT for the crew to call for contacts
  • DO NOT monopolize the crew's time, many are waiting for their chance of a lifetime.
  • DO NOT waste time asking about QSLs, National Security Secrets, UFOs, etc.
  • REMEMBER.. their problem in space is that they hear EVERYTHING TOO WELL, and ALL AT ONE TIME...
  • Be patient, if the signal is fading towards the end of a pass at your location, try again another day, they will not be slowing down to talk to you,
  • NOTE: The "DOPPLER EFFECT" means that the frequency of the space station willchange slightly as it passes by your location. It is usual to adjust the "downlink" frequency slightly on your receiver (if it is variable).
  • Be "READY" for your attempts to contact ISS. A few minutes BEFORE your orbital prediction program says ISS is approaching, have your station all ready to go, with notes, log, and even audio tape recorder or video tape recorder to record your activity. to share with friends, family and your radio club!
  • Listen First, DO NOT transmit unlessyou can CLEARLY hear ISS, otherwise you may interfere with stations you may not be able to hear.
  • Know the limitations of your radios and antennas.

FREE SPACE STATION & SATELLITE TRACKING PROGRAMS

  • Check the AMSAT website for large list of programs, also note the FREE programs that are dowloaded from their author's websites...
  • STSPLUS Homepage- Dave Ransom's Great Program..reliable low cost.
  • FYI- I have been using a DOS program called STSPLUS for many years through various upgrades. .

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    Last Updated: December 5, 2003

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