The ISS SSTV Series 23 Experiment has ended on the 5 January 2025. 13 Radio Amateurs participated as the Southern Cape ISS SSTV Group and partly contributed to Africa obtaining a 2% rate amongst other continents. I know that there were other radio amateurs taking part in South Africa and would like to thank each one of them for contributing to the Africa rate. For the amount of radio amateurs in Africa, it is my humble opinion that all that participated ensured that Africa obtained the highest rate ever for an ARRISS SSTV Event. It was also great to receive the news that this ARISS event had the 3rd highest number of participants submitting images to the gallery vs. previous events. As of 15:00 UTC, 11483 images were submitted by 4062 participants. Thank you to all the radio amateurs, students and educators for such a great response!
In appreciation to the Southern Cape ISS SSTV Group I have decided to provide an overview of the group participants Awards, Equipment, Images and area of operation in South Africa. The reasons for participating in the ARISS Experiment differ from radio amateur to radio amateur.
Here are a few reasons:
1. Having Fun!
2. Gaining experience with regard to tracking satellites and operating satellites
3. Testing Radio's and Software
4. Testing different antennas
5. Portable and Fixed station setup
6. Working to obtain the ARISS SSTV Award
7. Antenna shootout using two different antennas during the event.
8. Teaching new radio amateurs how to setup a RX Satellite Station and also the finer points in copying a reasonable clear image from the ISS.
Herewith station information of the 13 Radio Amateurs that participated: (Click on images for larger view.)
1. Jacobus ZS1JDJ, Da Nova, Mossel Bay
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV-5R
Antenna: Homebrew Dipole with RG6 cable
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software: Robot36
Station Type: Portable
2. Christi ZS4CGR, Luckhoff, Free State
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV-5R + Quancheng UV-K6
Antenna: Homebrew 3 Ring Antenna (Round Quad type)
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software: Robot36
Station Type: Portable
For image collage from Christi ZS4CGR click HERE.
3. Zayn ZR3VO, Orania, Northern Cape
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV-5R
Antenna: Homebrew ZS2U 2 Element Yagi and HT Whip Antennas
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software: Robot36
Station Type: Portable
4. Rulhof ZS4RM, Visiting KZN at the time of the experiment
Equipment used:
Radio: Quancheng UV K5
Antenna: AMSATSA Modified Antenna (Now a Dipole. See image)
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software: Robot36
Station Type: Portable
5. Thys ZS1TBP, Heiderand, Mossel Bay
Equipment used:
Radio: Kenwood TS2000
Antenna:Diamond X50
Computer / Cellphone: Laptop Win10
Software: MULTIPSK
Station Type: Fixed Station
6. Gordon ZR2GW, Port Elizabeth
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV9R + Quancheng UV K6
Antenna: Homebrew Magnetic Loop, Homebrew Quater Wave, Homebrew Helical, Standard HT Whips and Diamond 771
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software: Robot36
Station Type: Fixed + Portable Station
7. Gerrit ZS1KLO, Rheebok, Mossel Bay
Equipment used:
Radio: TYT HT-9800
Antenna: Homebrew Yagi/Moxon
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software:Robot36
Station Type: Portable Station
8. Fred ZS5SAM Div 1, Barrydale
Equipment used:
Radio: Kenwood TS2000S
Antenna: Homebrew 16 Element Yagi
Computer / Cellphone: Computer
Software: MMSSTV
Station Type: Fixed Station
9. Bernhard ZR1ACP, Cape Aghulhas
Equipment used:
Radio: Icom 7100
Antenna: Diamond X200
Computer / Cellphone: Computer
Software: MMSSTV
Station Type: Fixed Station
10. Johan ZS1I, Heiderand, Mossel Bay
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV82
Antenna: Homebrew 2 Element Quad + Homebrew Dipole Antenna
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software:Robot36
Station Type: Portable Station
11. Darius ZS6GND, Jongensfontein (Holiday)
Equipment used:
Radio: Quancheng
Antenna: Standard Whip Antenna
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software: CQ SSTV
Station Type: Portable Station
12. Henry ZS1SB, Still Bay
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV5RM
Antenna: Standard Whip Antenna
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software:Robot36
Station Type: Portable Station
13. Stewart ZR1WT, George
Equipment used:
Radio: Baofeng UV5R
Antenna: Diamond RH771 whip Antenna
Computer / Cellphone: Cellphone
Software:Robot36
Station Type: Portable Station
As far as can be ascertained every one that participated enjoyed the event immensely. To those who did not participated this time around, wait for the next event and join in the fun!!
