----- Forwarded Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 at 08:23:14 PM CDT
Subject: [MWA] Simplex Repeater Balloon Payload in Iowa
Hello everyone,
This message is not really on the topic of contesting, but I realize that many hams in the Minnesota Wireless Association are avid VHF-UHF operators, so I wanted to spread the word about a project that the Iowa State Campus Amateur Radio Club (which I am the treasurer of) will be conducting within the next week.
The Campus Amateur Radio Club at Iowa State University (W0ISU) will be launching an amateur radio payload in conjunction with the ISU HABET M2I engineering group this Saturday, March 23. The payload will consist of an Argent Data Systems ADS-SR1 simplex repeater coupled to a Midland SD-225 radio module and a BNC rubber duck antenna. The Midland radio will transmit on 446.375 MHz (no tone, no offset). The payload is estimated to be in the air around 8 AM with recovery time around 11 AM or so. The southern part of Minnesota (or even more) may be covered in the footprint of this balloon, so contacts could be possible among others in the Midwest, much like how an amateur satellite propagates signals.
The Campus Amateur Radio Club will operate the simplex repeater in a CQ style fashion so that new members can make as many contacts as possible across the Midwest. Please be courteous when responding to our calls.
Questions or concerns? E-mail me or our carccabinet listserv at [email protected]. Feel free to disseminate this message to other amateurs across the Midwest.
Looking forward to hearing you on the air.
Thanks,
73 de W0AAE