From Duncan VE3GNI:
I trust everybody had an adventure filled summer, hopefully spending some quality time on the air seeking the intercession of the propagation spirits. There is still time to get to any outdoor radio projects or activities you have in the works.
I discovered an interesting app called Robot36 on Android (free) and for iPhone - SSTV Slow Scan TV (almost free 2.99). This is a fine example of minimalist amateur radio fun.
The picture shows the complicated setup for the reception of SSTV images sent from the International Space Station. Here is Robot36 running on an Android phone using the ancient audio coupling technology (no wires) to connect the phone to the radio. The volume on the radio is set using a bar graph level meter built into the app.
The radio is tuned to 145.800 while waiting for the ISS overhead pass. You can see a received image during this space station pass. This image was received at a cottage on Pigeon Lake near Emily Provincial Park.
Another app called Heavens-Above has a section dedicated to the International Space Station. It uses your current location to list when the station will pass overhead. This allows you to know when to listen for the space station broadcast. Look to the ISS website to find out when next SSTV broadcast will occur.
This September 28th we are having our road trip to the Hammond museum of radio. Please see our website for the details. This promises to be a very exciting event. I hope you can make it. We will form a car pool so everyone can attend. Sign up as soon as possible so we can work out the trip details.
I look forward to seeing you at our Sept 9th meeting to share our summer adventures and enjoy our friendship in amateur radio.