Cross-Band repeater on the ISS!

[Prerunner1982]

As of Sept 2nd, 2020 a cross-band FM repeater on the ISS was activated.
Uplink: 144.590 MHz (67Hz tone)
Downlink: 437.800 MHz

I've seen reports that it's pretty easy to work even with a HT and whip antenna, no yagi/directional antenna required.

However, this is a multipurpose radio that also handles APRS digipeater and SSTV duties so it won't be active all the time....yet.
They are working on getting another radio up there so that some capabilities can be run simultaneously.

Looking forward to working it mobile.

First Element of ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Installed and Operating on ISS

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

 

[M Rose]

As of Sept 2nd, 2020 a cross-band repeater on the ISS was activated.
Uplink: 144.590 MHz (67Hz tone)
Downlink: 437.800 MHz

I've seen reports that it's pretty easy to work even with a HT and whip antenna, no yagi/directional antenna required.

However, this is a multipurpose radio that also handles APRS digipeater and SSTV duties so it won't be active all the time....yet.
They are working on getting another radio up there so that some capabilities can be run simultaneously.

Looking forward to working it mobile.

First Element of ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Installed and Operating on ISS

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

Another thing, it’s at different parts of the world at different times... right now it’s within range from about 1 am until 1:30 am... but yes they are working out some real neat stuff up there.

 

[Sparksalot]

So FM I take it, if handhelds are involved. Those frequencies usually involve SSB.

 

[Prerunner1982]

@TahoePPV Yes it is FM, sorry. Updated original post.

 

[Shokgoblr]

New Ham Question..
If I know when the SS is overhead I *should* be able to point my HT at it and pick it up?

 

[PNW EXPLR]

So obviously this will require a dual band radio, but I suppose it will require a radio that has cross band capabilities. Or run 2 radios...

 

[Prerunner1982]

New Ham Question..
If I know when the SS is overhead I *should* be able to point my HT at it and pick it up?

I wouldn't "point" the radio at it, but yes if it is passing over your area you should be able to hear it.

 

[Prerunner1982]

So obviously this will require a dual band radio, but I suppose it will require a radio that has cross band capabilities. Or run 2 radios...

A dual band radio should work. You could either set a memory (or multiple memories to account for the UHF doppler shift) with the offset as the uplink frequecy or use one "side" of the radio for receive and the other for transmit which may not work as well depending on the radio you are trying to use.

 

[Downs]

Ohhhh I'll be messing with this in the near future. I have the ISS cross band freqs in my radio but thought the radio was on semi-permanent standby.

 

[Sparksalot]

Conveniently, there is an ISS Detector app for your phone to help you know when the next few passes will be.

 

[Sparksalot]

I wouldn't "point" the radio at it, but yes if it is passing over your area you should be able to hear it.

@Shokgoblr if you hold your HT antenna perpendicularly to the ISS you’ll have the best signal.

Back a few weeks ago when MIR was still up there, I used to use a mag mount stuck to my front door to hear the 2 meter signal. The radiating element was horizontal.