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First radio amateur in Africa
to contact present ISS crew
This item was received from Len van Riel, ZR1VR, of Hermanus, who said:
"On the 23rd July around about 12:00 I made contact with the international
space station, callsign NA1SS, when the crew told me that I am the first
radio amateur in Africa with whom they, the present crew, have a conversation.
I was about 100 km south of Springbok en route from Namibia to the Cape
when I heard the space station on 145,800.
The QSO lasted for about 3 minutes. Their signal was very good and I received
them 5/7 with no QRM. I used an Icom 22H mobile set running at 3 Watt
and a quarter wave antenna on the vehicle.
If it is so that I am the first contact from Africa with NA1SS, I am
not just a little proud of the achievement. I have now been bitten by
the bug and I am already busy to make contact with other satellite receiver
stations. Recently I made contact with Gerald, ZS6BTD, via the on board
FM repeater."
Congratulations Len, and may others also get bitten by the bug, like
you.
Courtesy of
The South African Radio League
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