ARISS slow-scan TV system checkout continues

The ARRL, a partner with AMSAT and NASA for the ARISS project, said that Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov, RV3BS continues to troubleshoot the slow-scan television (SSTV) system onboard the ISS.

"So far, the SSTV system has been unable to function properly in the autonomous slide show mode", according to NASA ARISS Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO.

Plans call for Vinogradov, as his schedule permits, to continue checking out the SSTV software, configure and optimize the radio and perform integration checks. The SSTV system remains off the air for the time being.

ARISS International Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, said that the ARISS team expected SSTV system testing to continue over the next few weeks. "Since this is a 'spare time' activity for Pavel, please bear with us as we go
through this aspect of system setup," said Frank. "It is not possible right now for Pavel to switch between modes (eg voice, packet and SSTV) on the Kenwood and continue the methodical process of system setup and reconfiguration."

The SSTV system uses the ARISS Phase 2 station, a modified Kenwood TM-D700E transceiver. In recent weeks, ARISS has been using the Phase 1 station, an Ericsson hand-held transceiver, to conduct contacts with schools.

Check your tracking keps! The ISS was reboosted during a nine-minute, four-second burn of the ISS Progress 21 engines on Wednesday, August 23.

While this will place the station at the correct altitude to support the rendezvous with Space Shuttle Atlantis for the STS-115 launch and for the Soyuz launch of the Expedition 14 crew in September, the 2.5 mile increase in altitude will cause the ISS to appear later than predicted if you are using pre-boost keplerian elements.

• Get our news headlines for your website • Submit your news story