[Meteor-Scatter] First(?) 144-MHz-QSO via Reflexion on ISS

[DF2ZC]

Hello All,

Triggered by Peter SM2CEW's tries to complete a QSO by using the ISS as a
reflector Frank DH7FB and I decided to try that as well. From Peter's
experience (and also Frank's when SWLing Peter's tries) we believed it would
be worthwile considering BPSK63 as this would enable us to exchange all
information within few seconds only (using the EME report and QSO rules).

However with the first tries on 8 December we quickly had to realise the
amazingly quickly changing large doppler makes use of this mode impossible
and we returned back to good old CW since this is also copyable at such a
situation when you are not 100% tuned on the signal. The second try today
Sunday 9 December at ISS orbit 51845 starting with a common window at 1626Z
we copied signals at elevations of > 20 degrees and within a minute
exchanged all data. Signal reports were about S3...S5 (DF2ZC running only
300 watts out). It was a tough task to follow the quick doppler changes and
also adjust elevation and azimuth rotators. Two hands is at least one too
few...

That was a thrill! And now we are celebrating...

And we will try more QSOs the coming days.

btw http://www.n2yo.com/ gives a nice live google earth graphics display of
ISS and other satellites.


vy 73 Bernd DF2ZC (JO30RN)
www.df2zc.de

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