[One Country Boy]

I have to say John, the latter is much more improved version. I hope you have many happy hours with the new mode. I'm interested in attempting communications with the ISS but think I will use an omni.

I hear the ISS regularly on 2 meters as they make passes. Most of the time it's a beacon on packet. I do hear them on voice making contacts occassionally. I keep the 2 meter downlink frequency in scan. Very interesting. We did see a visible pass a couple of weeks ago shortly after sunset. Boy it was lit up bright, no problem seeing it. The brightest thing in the sky. It came almost directly overhead. It was "hauling". As bright and as large as it appeared, you would almost think you could see it during the daylight hours. According to my son (N4XCI) the Hubble is brighter at times then the ISS, due to the huge solar panels.

I got off on a different topic John. Have fun with your new mode of operation. Keep us posted please on your contacts and success.

73,
Jim