Hello Dosurfin,

Glad you found this site. As to being a "fan" I guess all that would be required would be an interest in the space station. That said, many here are licensed Amateur radio operators AKA "Hams." This allows us the opportunity and privilege to make 2 way radio contacts with the ISS. Once we can get the contact confirmed time in UTC, date, and frequency via a QSL card. We fire our card off to the respective address listed on this website. In a few weeks, we receive our much-awaited QSL card confirming our contact with the ISS. While I have not actually tried it, you could probably also get a QSL card as a SWL (short wave listener). This would require you actually listening to an ISS conversation with a ground station (ham). Then log the previously mentioned info UTC time, date, and possibly bit about the conversation, call letters of operators if possible. You would then again, send this to the respective address for you area along with a SASE self-addressed stamped envelope. As far as just listening goes, to catch the crew in actual voice contact normally only happens in their off duty hours. This is to say don't expect to hear them on every pass over your area. You can usually check this website to see at what times others copied them from your area of the world. You would also need to know their orbital path and times they would be in range of your area. This can be found on a number of websites. (Heavens Above is good) After all no point in listening, if they are out of range. As far as equipment to "listen" to them all that is required is a FM radio that will tune their downlink voice frequency 145.800mhz + or -. Even a cheap scanner will probably suffice. On a near overhead pass they are super easy to pick up on a handi-talky. For a farther away pass a little bit more antenna would possibly be required and a clear shot in their direction. Going from the Ham radio side of the picture there's tons of info on the web about getting you license, setting up a station and tips on making contacts with the ISS. There are even a few cool videos on You Tube. Hopefully I've not clouded the issue for you too much. I'm sure others can add more tips for you. Main thing is if your not a ham go for just listening for them. It's quite a thrill to just hear them on the air. Keep in mind you'll only hear their side of the conversation. To listen is great but actually making contact is better. I've been fortunate enough to make two contacts in the last few weeks. Both times when Col. Wheelock came back to me I pretty much fell apart like a dollar watch! Ha The ultimate thrill !!

Good Luck!

Hoke KB5RUZ

I had to wait for at least 8 months, but the wait was worth-wile. Too bad during the postage shipping my certificate got damaged (has a puncture hole in it)

Send the people an a-mail and just ask...

73', de PE1PQX André
http://www.pe1pqx.eu

usualy is 1 IRC

Thank you vy much~

This link has the info. http://www.issfanclub.com/node/8124

Kenneth - N5VHO
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/radio/
Support ARISS http://www.amsat-na.com/store/donation.php (select "Human Spaceflight (ARISS))

Someone else from ARISS beside Kenneth realized this website do exist...
Very good

Thanks Christophe, and please come back

Thanks for the update.
Kenneth - N5VHO
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/radio/
Support ARISS http://www.amsat-na.com/donation.php (select "Human Spaceflight (ARISS))

Bonjour Christophe

SWL F-17468

j'aimerais savoir les conditions pour obtenir la QSL de ISS
depuis la France.

Une enveloppe Self adressé suffit - elle ?
est elle payante ?

merci de me faire suivre les informations et au plaisir.

Salutations

ALBERT ARNAUD

I made contact with the ISS last August 26th and sent QSL card to the ARRL and Europe QSL managers. I haven't received response yet. What's up ??.

I QSO'ed with Bill on 3 Jan, sent in my QSL the next day and received his ISS card via the ARRL on March 4. Be patient; the card will arrive.

73 de
Gene Smar AD3F
Rockville, MD USA

Just follow the standard QSL process for your region. http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html

Hello Chris,

ISS transmitting DATV Digital Amateur Television between 2.422 GHz 2.437 GHz.
It requires a DATV receiver and a yagi or dish.
Maybe more interesting for you to listen ISS contacts with schools, these are done in analog voice mode on 145.800Mhz (FM).
Sceduled ARISS school contacts will be anounced on:
https://twitter.com/ARISS_status
http://www.ariss.org/ (See upcomming contacts).
These school contacts can be heard with a simple scanner receiver and vetical base antenna in open air.
If you have questions let me know.

73s Cor PD0RKC

Hello Kai,

I have sended you an personal e-mail with more information to
contact F1MOJ.

73s Cor PD0RKC

Hi Richard,

I have checked the last ISS QSL design and the size is:
14cm x 9cm

73's Cor PD0RKC

Your completed QSL card is all that is needed. Fill it out just like you would to exchange for any other contact you want confirmed.

Each region has the same QSL card. They only change when the supply runs out and ARISS orders a new set. To date there have been two designs. The way Doug is burning through cards we'll probably see a third pretty soon.