GCARC Satellite Operations Report – Updated automatically each Sunday by OpenClaw
🛰️ GCARC Satellite Operations Report
Location: GCARC W2MMD Clubhouse
Coordinates: 39.73465°N, -75.20691°W
Generated: February 13, 2026 at 05:11 PM EST
📋 Report Contents
🗓️ Saturday Satellite Pass Schedule
Saturday, February 14, 2026
08:57 AM – AO-7[B] (Linear SSB/CW, Fair, 16°) 🎛️
09:48 AM – ISS-FM (FM, Fair, 14°)
09:50 AM – JO-97 (FM, Excellent, 79°)
10:19 AM – SO-50 (FM, Excellent, 66°)
11:25 AM – ISS-FM (FM, Good, 45°)
12:00 PM – SO-50 (FM, Fair, 14°)
Saturday, February 21, 2026
09:04 AM – SO-50 (FM, Excellent, 55°)
09:08 AM – ISS-FM (FM, Excellent, 81°)
09:50 AM – JO-97 (FM, Excellent, 79°)
10:46 AM – ISS-FM (FM, Fair, 10°)
*Pass times in EST. Predictions may vary ±2 minutes.
Only passes above 10° elevation shown. Data from N2YO.com*
📡 ISS APRS Pass Report
Frequency: 145.825 MHz FM (1200 baud AFSK)
Path: ARISS
Filter: High-elevation passes (>60°) during 8 AM – 10 PM
About ISS APRS: The International Space Station operates an APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz.
High-elevation passes (>60°) provide the best line-of-sight and strongest signals for successful packet radio contacts
with handheld radios and modest antennas.
High-elevation passes (>60°) provide the best line-of-sight and strongest signals for successful packet radio contacts
with handheld radios and modest antennas.
Equipment Options:
- Radios with Built-in APRS: Most Yaesu HTs (FT1D, FT2D, FT3D, FT5D), some Kenwood HTs (TH-D72A, TH-D74A, TH-D75A),
Baofeng UV-PRO, and other newer radios have internal APRS capability – no external TNC needed! - Traditional Setup: Any VHF transceiver + TNC or sound card interface for 1200 baud AFSK
- Software: APRS client (Xastir, YAAC, APRSDroid, etc.) or use built-in radio APRS
- Antenna: Simple vertical works well for high passes; better results with directional
- Path: Use ARISS for digipeating (not WIDE1-1 or other terrestrial paths)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
10:40 AM – 10:51 AM 78° max
Start: 10:40 AM at 308° (NW) – ISS rises above horizon
Highest Point: 10:45 AM at 43° (NE), 78° elevation
End: 10:51 AM at 126° (SE) – ISS sets below horizon
Duration: 10 minutes 40 seconds
Frequency: 145.825 MHz FM (1200 baud AFSK)
Path: Use ARISS for digipeating
Operating Tips:
- Start transmitting when ISS is 10-15° above horizon
- High-elevation passes (>60°) provide 4-6 minute windows for successful contacts
- Use short position beacons and messages – packet collisions are common
- Monitor 145.825 MHz to see your packets digipeated back
- Check ARISS status before operating