Download UISS by ON6MU (just google UISS) and set it up with your location. It links to AGWPE to control your TNC in KISS mode and handles all of the packet formatting, etc. The basic functions are free and more than enough to get started. Registration gets you some more and make a donation to AMSAT and you can get the whole package.

To start with, don't worry about Doppler. Focus on 2 minutes before and after the time of the maximum elevation angle.

Orbitron, another free package, will handle all of the orbit calculations so you know when to get ready.

The higher elevation passes (20 degrees and up) can be worked with 5w and a simple antenna, like a j-pole, dipole, or even a ground plane. I got digipeated with a VX8GR and its rubber ducky. (Had the wrong path so I didn't make it to ARISS.NET but made it to APRS.FI, instead.)

Keep an eye on ARISS.NET to see your call sign appear on the maps. It's great fun and the current crew is doing a nice job of keeping the digipeater running.

Perhaps I'll see your call on a future pass.

Logan, KZ6O-7

dust it off, hook it up and for now just use hyper terminal. i have been sending and recieveing packet from the iss for months now. a few searches on this site and arrl and nasa should yield all the info you need to get started.

hope to see your messages on the iss

73's
N2JFD