The ham gear that was recently installed on the International Space Station is generating a lot of excitement in the amateur radio world. This first element, called the InterOperable Radio System (IORS), was installed in early September in the the ISS’ Columbus module. The IORS replaces the Ericsson radio system and packet module that were originally certified for spaceflight on July 26, 2000.
Part of the new radio system includes an FM cross band repeater system that has an uplink frequency of 145.99 MHz with an access tone of 67 Hz and a downlink frequency of 437.800 MHz. Hams are already making use of the repeater.
According to ARISS,
[The equipment] consists of a special, space-modified JVC Kenwood D710GA transceiver, an ARISS developed multi-voltage power supply and interconnecting cables. The design, development, fabrication, testing, and launch of the first IORS was an incredible five-year engineering achievement accomplished by the ARISS hardware volunteer team. It will enable new, exciting capabilities for ham radio operators, students, and the general public. Capabilities include a higher power radio, voice repeater, digital packet radio (APRS) capabilities and a Kenwood VC-H1 slow scan television (SSTV) system.
A second IORS undergoes flight certification and will be launched later for installation in the Russian Service module. This second system enables dual, simultaneous operations, (e.g. voice repeater and APRS packet), providing diverse opportunities for radio amateurs. It also provides on-orbit redundancy to ensure continuous operations in the event of an IORS component failure.
Next-gen development efforts continue. For the IORS, parts are being procured and a total of ten systems are being fabricated to support flight, additional flight spares, ground testing and astronaut training. Follow-on next generation radio system elements include an L-band repeater uplink capability, currently in development, and a flight Raspberry-Pi, dubbed “ARISS-Pi,” that is just beginning the design phase. The ARISS-Pi promises operations autonomy and enhanced SSTV operations.
I’ve gotten the bug myself. I rejoined AMSAT and ordered a satellite antenna. Not the best timing, as it’s starting to get cooler here in Michigan, but it is what it is.
After looking at a number of designs for homebrew antennas, and considering the Elk 2M/440L5 Dual-Band Antenna, I decided to buy an Arrow II 146/437-10WBP Handheld Yagi w/ Duplexer after consulting with the guys on Twitter. Nearly everyone recommended the Arrow antenna over the Elk, but what really clinched the deal was that Jeff, KE9V, noted that if I purchased the Arrow antenna via the AMSAT website, AMSAT would get a cut of the sale.
So, now, I’m eagerly awaiting delivery of the antenna, and hope to work the ISS and other satellites soon. See you on the satellites, I hope.
On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at 7:00pm Eastern time, the Cherryland Amateur Radio Club will host a special presentation, “How to work satellites using you hand-held,” by Clint Bradford, K6LCS, who will present live from his home in California via ZOOM. Clint will be joined on-line with guests from AMSAT as well. Click here to register to attend.
All the more incentive to finish that DIY 440 beam that’s languishing in my living room! Maybe after net tonight.