06/01/2016
A 2 meter signal reflected from the structure of the International Space
Station (ISS) on May 24 was heard across the Atlantic. Tim Fern, GK4LOH[1], in
Cornwall (GN37jr), transmitted GK4LOH GK4LOH T T T T T T T T T T as he saw the
ISS pass above. Frank Davis, VO1HP, used the remote receiver at VO1FN (IO70jc)
to hear the signal, which he recorded[2].
The distance was calculated at 3467 kilometers (approximately 2150 miles). This
may mark the first such intentional transmission via ISS Bounce.
In 2014, RSGB VHF Manager John Regnault, G4SWX, received[3] a 2 meter signal
from VC1T, where a team, was trying to win the Brendan Trophy for the first
transatlantic contact on 144 MHz. Upon investigation, it was determined that
the VC1T FSK441 signal that G4SWX heard had also bounced off the ISS rather
than via terrestrial propagation and would not qualify for the Brendan Trophy,
offered by the Irish Radio Transmitters Society (IRTS[4]).
The Brendan Trophy will recognize the first "traditional mode" two-way contact
(ie, SSB or CW) capable of being copied without machine assistance.
[1] http://www.g4loh.com/
[2] https://youtu.be/Vii8DmG3ftc
[3] http://www.arrl.org/news/view/brendan-quest-team-s-2-meter-signal-copied-in-
the-uk
[4] http://www.irts.ie/
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