RE: [sarex] New ARISS Operations Capability

["A.J. Farmer" <ajfarmer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

This will be an interesting change, but the timing seems a bit odd on the
heels of two FM birds coming online recently (AO-51 and AO-27).  PCSat and
Sapphire are no longer operational so the termination of APRS packet on
ARISS leaves no other spaced based APRS digi's until PCSAT2 is launched.
With three FM voice satellites fully operational, it just seems odd to turn
off the last existing APRS satellite to add another FM voice mode satellite.

Further experimentation is good and I'm glad to see this is not a stagnant
program.  I hate to seem like I'm complaining.  I just wonder if you
considered that this now brings space based APRS to a halt.  It would be
different if PCSat and/or Sapphire were still workable.

On the flip side, I can see how Mode B is easier from a receiving standpoint
with modest equipment which makes it a good way to get people interested in
satellite operations.  Just about anyone with a vertical (even an HT on a
good pass) will be able to hear the downlink.  ISS is also in a relatively
low orbit which gives a smaller footprint which may cause less of a pileup
on passes.  I guess I'm just trying to be fair and see both side of this
change.  I look forward to trying out the new mode.

A.J. Farmer, AJ3U
http://www.aj3u.com


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-SAREX@AMSAT.Org [mailto:owner-SAREX@AMSAT.Org] On Behalf Of
Frank H. Bauer
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 12:07 PM
To: sarex@AMSAT.Org
Subject: [sarex] New ARISS Operations Capability

The ARISS program is pleased to announce that the amateur radio equipment 
aboard the International Space Station is now operating in cross-band 
repeat mode.  We realize that many of you will miss the packet-operating 
mode.  However, cross-band repeat allows further experimentation of the ISS 
amateur radio system

The downlink for this operating mode remains the same, so listen for the 
station on 145.80 MHz.  The new uplink frequency is 437.80 MHz.  All 
frequencies are subject to Doppler shifting.  For further information on 
working satellites and adjusting for Doppler shift, please review Emily 
Clark's (W0EEC) excellent presentation on AMSAT's website, 
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/information/faqs/Intro_sats.pdf

ARISS is an international educational outreach program with US 
participation from NASA, AMSAT (The Amateur Satellite Radio Corp.), and the 
American Radio Relay League.  ARISS offers an opportunity for students to 
experience the excitement of Amateur Radio by talking directly with 
crewmembers on-board the International Space Station. Teachers, parents and 
communities experience, first hand, how Amateur Radio and crewmembers on 
ISS can energize youngsters' interest in science, technology, and 
learning.  Further information on the ARISS programme is available on the 
website http://www.rac.ca/ariss

Thank you & 73,
Scott H. Stevens, N3ASA
Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
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