A Voice From Above

Artist's conception of PSAT2 in orbit
(Image courtesy aprs.org)

Here is a very cool use of digital voice technology … the AMSAT News Service reports that the NO-104 satellite (also known as PSAT2) has had its "APRS2Voice" function turned on. As explained by APRS developer Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, a properly encoded text message transmitted to the satellite via APRS will be converted into a voice message and read back by the satellite on its downlink. The satellite itself has an interesting backstory. Launched in 2019, it mysteriously went silent after just two months in orbit, but just as mysteriously came back to life this past April. In addition to the APRS2Voice function, the satellite supports PSK31 and slow-scan TV as well. For more information, including a guide to properly setting up an APRS2Voice message, visit <http://aprs.org/psat2.html>.