How to Call Space Station Astronauts on the Radio - Contact the ISS

Contact the ISS
How to Call Space Station Astronauts on the Radio

A ground station contains a device capable of both transmitting and receiving radio waves near the 145 megahertz frequency. The ISS radio transmits signals at 145.80 MHz and receives signals at either 144.49 or 145.20 MHz, depending on its orbital location.

Some ISS crew members make random, unscheduled, amateur radio voice contacts with earth-bound radio amateurs, often called "hams". They can make radio contacts during their breaks, pre-sleep time and before and after mealtime. Astronauts have contacted thousands of hams around the world. The work schedules of the ISS crew dictate when they are able to operate the radios. The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well.  (The current crew work schedule is published on the NASA website.)

Want to talk to an astronaut in space? Thanks to the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, you may be able to. There's a ham radio on board the space station, and about 45 times a year, crew members tune in and hold Q&A sessions with groups of people (usually students) from around the world.

ISS Frequencies List

HAM Radio International Phonetic Alphabet

HAM Radio International Phonetic Alphabet

Proper Phonetics!
I have a pet peeve. I wish that amateurs would always use the accepted ITU approved phonetic alphabet when phonetics are used. Hams in all countries generally understand the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet. It is used when signing your call or passing information that must be spelled out.

NATO/ITU Phonetic Alphabet

A - Alfa

B - Bravo

C - Charlie

D - Delta

E - Echo

F - Foxtrot

G - Golf

H - Hotel

I - India

J - Juliet

K - Kilo

L - Lima

M - Mike

N - November

O - Oscar

P - Papa

Q - Quebec

R - Romeo

S - Sierra

T - Tango

U - Uniform

V - Victor

W - Whiskey

X - X-Ray

Y - Yankee

Z - Zulu

International Phonetic Alphabet

Q CODES - COMMON HAM RADIO Q SIGNALS

COMMON HAM RADIO Q SIGNALS

Hams use three-letter Q signals on every mode and even in face-to-face conversation. Here are the Q signals most commonly used in day-to-day operation. Each signal can be a question or an answer, as shown in the Meaning column. A complete list of ham radio Q signals.

Q Signal	Meaning
QRL	Is the frequency busy? The frequency is busy. Please do not interfere.
QRM	Abbreviation for interference from other signals.
QRN	Abbreviation for interference from natural or human-made static.
QRO	Shall I increase power? Increase power.

YOUR HAM RADIO GO KIT

YOUR HAM RADIO GO KIT

Would you be ready if a call came from your local public service group to provide some ham radio expertise for a day or so? Items in the following list are the basics of what should be in your radio go kit. Now is a good time to check your supplies and be prepared! Don’t forget to put together a personal go kit, too.

• Dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld radio and mini manual
• Full-size flexible whip antenna
• Copy of your Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and any public service group or government agency IDs
• Mag-mount antenna with necessary adapters for connecting to various connectors
• Extra battery packs and charger
• AA-cell battery pack if available and fresh batteries
• AC power supply and cigarette-plug cord with spare fuses
• Headset with microphone (preferred) or speaker-mic
• Copy of your local emcomm frequencies, phone numbers, and procedures
• Pocket knife and/or multipurpose tool
• Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries
• Pencil and notebook, clipboard, and permanent marker
• Duct tape, electrical tape, and a few small cable ties
• Cash for food, gas, and telephone calls (about $20 in small bills and change)

YOUR HAM RADIO GO KIT

Photojournalist on how the encryption of police radio will change news

Photojournalist on how the encryption of police radio will change news

Southern Ontario Repeater Listings by Frequency

Ontario Repeater Listings by Frequency   

   29.620    29.520 N2ISQ    Maple Springs                         SOUTHERN TIER

   29.620    29.520 VE3TFM   Uxbridge        o (ca) e z Link2      METRO TORONTO

   29.640    29.540 VE3WOO   Agincourt       o                     METRO TORONTO

   29.650    29.550          Buffalo         o                     NIAGARA

   29.680    29.580          N. Tonawanda    o                     NIAGARA

   29.700    29.600 VE3PTX   !Pefferlaw      o e (ca)              CENTRAL

   53.010    52.010 VA3KK    #Toronto        o                     METRO TORONTO

   53.010    52.010 VE3MCR   Parkhill        o                     SOUTHWEST

   53.030    52.030 VE3SIX   Uxbridge        o (ca) e z Link2      METRO TORONTO

   53.030    52.030 VE3SMR   Essex           o                     SOUTHWEST

   53.050    52.050 VE3SRU   Haliburton      o a e link            CENTRAL EAST

   53.070    52.070 VE3LSR   Edgar                                 CENTRAL

   53.090    52.090 VE3PTX   !Pefferlaw      o e (ca)              CENTRAL

   53.110    52.110 VE3WIK   Carlisle        o                     SOUTH

   53.130    52.130 TBA      !Walkerton                            CENTRAL WEST

   53.150    52.150 W2XE     Wilson          o                     NIAGARA

Weather Radio Canada - Ontario

Weather Radio Canada - Ontario

Network - Ontario

Station	Frequency (MHz)
Algonquin Park	162.400
Atikokan	162.400
Barry's Bay	162.525
Beardmore	162.475
Belleville	162.425
Brockville	162.425
Collingwood	162.475
Fort Frances	162.400
Goderich	162.400
Greater Sudbury	162.400
Kawartha Lakes	162.400
Kenora	162.475