Mrs. Paco came across a website that lets you find out when the international space station is visible in your locale. This may be old news to some or all of you, but, once again, being late to the party, I found it quite interesting. In fact, it passed over our house at around 5:30 pm today. Here's the link.
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That's cool. I watched a recent video of docking up there and it reminded me of Space Odyssey with the waltz music. I didn't realise how big the station has become until I saw recent pics.
It used to pass over Australia and I think I saw it once or twice after sunset, but we'll have to wait it seems for a pass.
I haven't tracked the ISS for some time, but since they upgraded the amateur radio station on board, I need to start again.
And because I can, I must post a link listing what amateur radio gear is on the ISS.
Jeff, you might have mentioned it before, but if so, I can't recollect: are you a ham radio operator?
Yes, I am, Paco, have been for about 30 years.
I'd give you details, but I'd use up all your bandwidth .....
Mrs. Paco's dad was a ham radio operator. There was a small bedroom in the basement area of his house that was filled with equipment, and I believe he had some kind of antenna on the roof. It looks like a lot of fun, and I can see how it could be very useful, too.
Antennas are critical to radio operations, so I'm certain there was an antenna on the roof of Mrs. Paco's former abode.
Yes, it's a fun hobby, although expensive (averages about the same as shooting), unless you build your own gear ("home brew" we call it). Which still costs, and it's hard to beat the flexibility of modern transceivers. And some gear just can't be home brewed.
Decisions, decisions .....
Anywho, it is useful as well, since I can communicate by radio, using voice and data, either locally or "over the horizon". My focus is promoting the hobby by testing/licensing/training new operators, and emergency communications.
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