The space shuttle video S band frequency is listed as being on 2250.000 mhz
(which the IC-R3 covers).

However, according to the websites, it seems that the S band video feed is
digital and encrypted (which the R3 can't decode) even though the C band feed
is analog and unencrypted. (however, the R3 doesn't recieve C band).

Unless I misunderstoof the website and the S band feed is in the clear.
However, to me, the websites seemed to suggest that the S band feed is not in
the clearr, but is encrypted.

so the next time the orbiter is orbiting, if any of you R3 owners want to try
it, you now know the listed frequency for it.

try it in FM-TV mode.

I haven't tried it myself, yet.

p.s. I'm talking about only the space shuttle video that is transmitted on
2250.000 mhz.

can that be recieved in the clear on the R3?

I know that I'll only get it when the shuttle's directly over my location IF I
can get it at all.

Unfortunately, there seems to not be any ham tv repeaters in my area, nor any
ham tv transmissions in my area at all.

But even if there were, there's still nothing quite like recieving the space
shuttle video directly on it's own frequency.

(Just like NASA dooes).

possibly bad news on this. while checking for information on the new 700 mhz
band, I came across websites that said that the government was also auctioning
off this part of the 2 ghz spectrum and that government servicres would
eventually vacate it.

I guess that means no more space shuttle video on 2250 mhz any more in a few
years or so, if it could even be picked up on the R3 in the first place (which
it might not ever been abvle to do anyways since the S band transmission might
be both encrypted and digital.)

On 13 Jun 2004 02:16:14 GMT, (Mediaguy500)
wrote:

I guess that means no more space shuttle video on 2250 mhz any more in a few
years or so, if it could even be picked up on the R3 in the first place (which
it might not ever been abvle to do anyways since the S band transmission might
be both encrypted and digital.)

Downlinked data from the shuttle is on something called Unified S
Band, or USB.

This is voice, tons of telemetry data, video (all digital, no analog)
and anything else needing to be transmitted, all multiplexed together.

It's linked through a TDRSS satellite then to the ground. Shuttle
transmit power is very low, and it doesn't take much to hit a TDRSS.
(Tracking Data Relay Satellite System, or basically a repeater).

Ground stations have antennas large enough to set your house inside.

The R3 is nearly deaf to any video, but you are correct, the shuttle
is all digital, so it's a moot point anyway.

The USB has to be demuxed into its separate components. Not practical
at a small scale.

Steve WA3SWS

former NASA employee, tho pre-Shuttle


************************************************** *******************
Steve Uhrig, SWS Security, Maryland (USA)
Mfrs of electronic surveillance equip
website http://www.swssec.com
tel +1+410-879-4035, fax +1+410-836-1190
"In God we trust, all others we monitor"
************************************************** *******************

Steve Uhrig wrote:

website http://www.swssec.com

Very interesting website, worth a visit...

-D
--
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy
enough people to make it worth the effort." -Herm Albright

"Mediaguy500" wrote in message
...
The space shuttle video S band frequency is listed as being on 2250.000
mhz
(which the IC-R3 covers).


The Icom R-3 is a piece of ****. Your lucky if it hears a megawatt UHF local
TV station, let alone a very weak "L" or "S" band signal.
Don't waste your time on this "battery eating" plastic box of crap.