does this only happen once in a blue moon?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:21 AM
Subject: Re: communications with space station


> yes, to all.
> you may only hear it for very brief periods of time though.  Don't be
> discouraged by this, its normal if you are using a vertical antenna.
> Because the source of the signal is passing over your from horizon to
> horizon, the vertical antenna will only pick up a fraction of the entire 
> sky
> so you will only hear the signal a few minutes before and after it passes
> you.
> I think the space station has a 145MHZ downlink, so yes, you can hear it
> with a 2M rig...most satelites in orbit though have a UHF downlink and VHF
> up link.
>
> also, as the space station goes over, you will get the doppler effect, 
> such
> as when you hear an ambulence go by with its siren on, the tone of the 
> siren
> seems to alter as it gets farther away, the same is true with radio waves
> from space.  As they pass over, the frequency will change a bit.
> If you happen to hear the signals from the space station, try to set your
> radio on 1KHZ steps to try and offset the doppler effect.
> You will have to move your vfo to compensate.  This will allow you to hear
> the maximum amount of signal for the maximum amount of time that you can
> pick it up.
> There are pass prediction programs out there which are fairly accessible
> that will tell you the approximate time all of the various amateur radio
> satelites, including the space station will be passing over your area.
> Satscape is one that comes to mind...they're all free too i might add.
>
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Gery Gaubert" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:35 AM
> Subject: communications with space station
>
>
>> So I could turn on my 2 meter radio and listen.  I'm not really =
>> interested in talking, just listening.  I assume that I can go to =
>> amsat.com to see what times I may be able to hear?=20
>>
>
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