OK, that was cool, and easy.  Using UISS by ON6MU, I was able to receive packets from the International Space Station for a few days on 145.825MHz.  This evening I was able to connect to the RS0ISS-11 packet BBS (and was quickly reminded it was for the CREW only [oops, sorry, QLF]).  Nonetheless, it was a valid round-trip QSO to and from the International Space Station.

Gear used:

I was using my Yaesu FT-857D at 50watts into a diagonally-oriented J-pole.  LOL.  This particular pass’s max elevation was 18 degrees.  This is so much easier than even trying to work the LEOs with voice!

Here’s a screen shot of the happenings: