Back when I used to get on the ISS APRS all I used was a j-pole antenna. It might not be the best but I never had a problem getting in.
73 Matt W5LL On 5/5/2011 7:06 AM, Bob Bruninga wrote: >> The issue is an antenna. I live in an antenna >> restricted area so I am not sure what to do. >> My goal is to work minimally the ISS! :-) >> I own a Kenwood TH-D72A >> > Walk outside during a pass. Have the radio configured and working for > normal APRS. Then just change from 144.39 (APRS) to 145.825 and you should > see everything from the ISS. No need for anything other than the rubber > duck antenna. > > You can confirm the ISS is in APRS mode by checking the age of packets on > this site: > www.ariss.net. As of right now, it appears the packets are less than an > hour old, so clearly the ISS APRS downlink is on and working. > > You can try to send a few packets, but with the rubber-duck you won't make > it in. With a full sized 19" whip you can make it (but only if you have the > uplink all to yourself). Of course, the arrow antenna should do it fine. > But there are two other approaches. > > 1) A simple dipole held horizontal 18" above a ground plane of some kind. > Chicken wire, rabbit fencing, should be about 4' square or so. This should > give you about 5 dBi gain. Then you should be able to get in during the > center 2 minutes of the overhead pass each day. > > 2) Use the same ground plane above, and install a 58" vertical whip antenna > on it. That antenna will give almost 7 dBi gain when the ISS is above 30 > degrees (center 2 minutes of an overhead pass). > > When you TX and see the radio flash "MY POSITION", then you know you got in > and everyone else saw you too. Or send an email to yourself using the APRS > message feature. > > Good luck! > Bob, WB4aPR > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
