Working the ISS APRS Digipeater Without a Satellite Antenna @The_Comms_Channel
Working the ISS APRS Digipeater Without a Satellite Antenna  @The_Comms_Channel
Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, I test the new satellite features available on the VR-N76 and BTECH UV-PRO handhelds by trying something you can do yourself at home as well — sending APRS through the International Space Station without using a fancy satellite antenna.

⬇️ Looking to pick up one of these radios for yourself? ⬇️

🎯 Pick up the VR-N7600 here (affiliate links):
verotelecom.com/VERO-VR-N7600-50W-Dual-Band-Mobile-Radio-With-APP-Programming-p2581203.html?parent_user_id=18634327&utm_source=sns_share&utm_medium=share_url
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🎯 Pick up the VR-N76 here (affiliate links):
verotelecom.com/VR-N76-Dual-Band-Handheld-Radio-p2511333.html?parent_user_id=18634327&utm_source=sns_share&utm_medium=share_url
💸 Save $10 – Use code TCC at checkout!


🎯 Grab the BTECH UV-PRO here: (Now available in Coyote Tan!) (affiliate links)
BTECH Direct - baofengtech.com/product/uv-pro/ref/thecommschannel
Amazon - amzn.to/44oclpr

- Antennas -
🛒 Nagoya Whip Antenna: amzn.to/4hsGXtT
🛒 Tactical Foldable Antenna: amzn.to/413MqRX

- Adapters -
🛒 SMA to BNC Adapters: amzn.to/4gA0yqw

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We’ll cover common ham radio satellite antennas like eggbeaters and yagis, talk about their pros and cons, answer questions from my last video, and walk through the exact APRS settings needed to work the ISS digipeater. I’ll also show real-time results from receiving and transmitting packets, plus how to confirm your signal made it to space.

What you’ll learn in this video:
• How APRS works through the ISS
• Eggbeater vs. yagi antenna performance for satellites
• Step-by-step APRS settings via the HT app
• How to receive APRS packets from space
• How to confirm your APRS signal reached the ISS digipeater
• Full duplex vs. half duplex radios for satellite work

Whether you’re a licensed ham looking to try your first satellite contact, or just curious about amateur radio space communications, this test shows it’s possible to work the ISS with minimal gear — even a simple handheld antenna.

📡 Links & Resources
ARISS Equipment Status: ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html
ARISS.net Packet Reports: ariss.net
Previous video on VR-N7600 doppler shift feature: youtu.be/Px3kH37dEjQ
Accessories Video: youtu.be/wwXqxKoCQlU

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Affiliate Links: Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Product Reviews: Products featured in this video were provided by the manufacturer for review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any sponsorship or partnership agreements.

Full Disclaimer: Please be sure to review our full disclaimer before watching or reading content from The Comms Channel - thecommschannel.com/disclaimer

#HamRadio #VRN76 #UVPRO #VRN7600 #SATCOM
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Working the ISS APRS Digipeater Without a Satellite Antenna

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