ISS Detector Reviews

Filters are great to get a list of just what an amateur radio operator would want. Or for an ISS observer only interested in high striking passes. Or filter on the low to zero elevation passes if you like.
Another source, or past experience, is needed to know which AMSATs are actually active. Lots of them are still on orbit but long since inactive. Once an Active list is made, a manageable list is produced.
What is really nice is just the information an Amateur needs for field work. Details on the pass, ground track map, and the Modes, Uplink and Downlink frequencies come up with one click on the satellite of interest. More than that is far too much data unless already stationed at a ground base with computer tracking decoders...etc.
Virtual reality will be interesting to test. I can see it being useful as a pointer. How to place the phone in an already equipment-busy setup is yet to be seen. As far as the screen closing, that is more of a Phone screen saver issue than ISSDetector . The phone will blank the screen on every app I’ve used unless you tap it every 30 seconds .

I’ve used about all of the sat tracker apps. I’m a ham and work satellites. ISSDetector has most of the right info (though occasionally not accurate data like pulse codes which can be found elsewhere). It also has the info in easy to locate and maneuver places. However, it’s buggy. For example, in settings you can set it so that in theory only satellite passes that are at least x degrees (I use 20 degrees) above the horizon are listed in the upcoming list. But that seems to have zero impact on what passes are listed. Even sat passes of zero degrees are on the list. Clearly that’s not useful. The result is a jumble of unhelpful Info. There is another app which is a bit more complex and lacks quick frequency info but has controls for future passes that works. Also the radar function will occasionally freeze. Not uncommonly when I reopen ISSDetector it is frozen and I have to close and restart. But for these issues it’s one of the top 2 or 3 apps for satellite tracking.

I’ve been using ISSDetector for some time and really like it. I bought the amateur radio extension. I use it on a iPhone 12. I do have 2 concerns and would love a response from the development team…
1. There isn’t a “refresh” button on the iPhone version or a way to tell when the Kep data was last updated. How do I force an update or tell when it was last updated?
2. I’m finding that if I record (write down) satellite pass parameters from ISSDetector more than 24 hrs in advance they are grossly in error. For example, if I record the parameters for any satellite that will be passing over 2 days from now then wait 2 days and check ISS Detector again on that same pass, the parameters are all changed, and by a lot. Why can’t ISSDetector predict reasonably accurate passes a few days in advance?
Great app otherwise! 5 stars.

A fabulous app! ISSDetector shows many different objects in the night sky, but gives notification when it comes to your location, no matter where you are, tells you as it gets to you plus the direction to see it then tells when it leaves your area.
Apple devices will be able to see everything androids can except for comets and planets. Apple evidently cannot accept Java programming, per the developer and that will take lots of money and individual object programming, per the developer.
I love this capability!
Joel Reynolds, Titusville, Florida

Hi. I am a Ham Radio operator and i have been using this great app for about a year to predict and work amateur satelites. The only frustrating part is that ISSDetector keeps closing while working the sats. Other than that it works great and it's my preferred app for the job. Working sats is a bit of a difficult task because you need both hands to hold the antenna and the radio. I suggest keeping it open while using to make it easier for the hams that use it. I hope you can do something about this situation and you will get 5stars.
Thanks for your time.
KN4NZB Also
P41E

This is a great app with all the info on the ISS and the Chinese Space Station. However, it frequently fails to boot up and just the little wheel is left spinning and no info on the screen other than settings and the ad at the bottom. I do not know why ISSDetector does this and have tried different maneuvers to get it to boot up without success. Would give it 5 stars if it were not for this issue. Has happened multiple times.

I really enjoy watching the ISS go over whenever time & weather allow, so, I use ISSDetector frequently. I appreciate all the features that can be custom set to the levels that suit me. I especially like the little "radar" pointer that tracks the station across the sky!
I just wanted to let you know I appreciate all the hard work that has gone into making this a handy & useful app!

I’ve been using ISSDetector for quite some time and I absolutely love it! I mainly use this for Amateur (Ham) Radio.

It’s simple and easy to see upcoming passes of the International Space Station, Amateur Radio satellites, etc and even displays the frequencies/doppler shift so you can correct on the fly.

I highly recommend ISSDetector and the extension that includes tons of extra space satellites, planets, objects, etc.

As an amateur radio operator I find ISSDetector very useful. So useful, in fact, that I have had it on several phones and tablets over the years. It's great for sitting out in the yard with a nice cigar and enjoying the night sky.

The only improvement that I can think of would be to add the uplink/downlink frequencies and modes for the amateur satellites. If I had that information this would be the only app that I use for satellites.

Love ISSDetector, well developed, feature rich. Highly recommend. But, how often is the HAM satellite info updated? I ask because I use some web based sites that list many additional HAM satellites that re not listed in ISSDetector. I would email developer directly but have no contact info…Thank you,

I can’t believe how great ISSDetector is - and I have all the satellite apps there are. This is so simple - it alerted me when to look up. I will use ISSDetector with the grand kids and when anyone asks about the next viewing. And the live video - this is incredible.
ISSDetector is free - but get the combo package for only $2.99 for the other satellites, and planets.

I pretty much live by ISSDetector! I love being able to add flyovers to my Calendar and the 10 minuet notifications so I don’t miss it. I’ve turned many friends and neighbors onto ISSDetector also, and we enjoy watching the flyover together. Also love the Info it gives in real time and the radar view is accurate and easy to understand. Thank you for this Great App!!

I use it to track amateur radio satellites. I would give it 5 stars but sometimes it won’t load.

I keep having to close an orange bar that tells me the weather information cannot be loaded. Also I purchased the extensions, I thought there was one that was supposed to alert about planets but I don’t see a setting for it. I guess I can’t complain for a buck .99 but I wouldn’t turn down a refund.

It was working fine until a few days ago. Suddenly started to have issues I reset my phone an it worked, now won’t even get my location. I like ISSDetector a lot but now really needs to be fixed.

Purchased all the extensions last year and it says I need to purchase again. Not sure why this is and there is no way to contact the developer. It’s a shame. I liked ISSDetector but not going to be bullied into purchasing extensions again.

I’d love for ISSDetector to work for me. Friends have it and it great. If someone can help me fix my location issue, I’m happy to change my review. Whether I use the auto location or select it manually, it will say in the right top corner, my correct location in the USA, but then it shows me a time and map for somewhere in Europe!

Please add a do-not-disturb feature! Many passes happen early in the morning. I’ve had to keep notifications for ISSDetector turned off because of this. Otherwise this is hands down the best satellite tracker available!

Excellent information but the Earth camera does not point towards the earth ..

Very accurate and precise about location and timing. Used it for awhile. Made it a nightly thing to watch the ISS or other satellites

I loved the s app. Helped me to spot the station in a second whole o was confused which direction to look at.

As a person who has random info all the time I want some space fun facts to add to the mix

Hi, I purchased the combo package but can’t seem to see any information on other satellites. This only shows the ISS passes. How can I see the rest of them?

Great App, the wife and I have been enjoying watching ISS and Hubble fly over. Any chance of adding iridium flares to the list?

Purchased the amateur satellite add on and has not ever worked, clicked on support and it takes you to ISSDetector website with no way to contact anyone for support

The uplink and downlink frequency sometimes has a tone. ISSDetector will not show the ctcss tone so you will be sol. Other than that it’s solid.

A few days ago I was hanging out on the beach having a campfire with a friend and we started talking about iridium flare's. When I used the "other mobile platform" I had bought ISSDetector years ago and it worked amazing however it wasn't offered on iOS. At the time I mentioned to the person "I really wish I had ISSDetector I use on my other phone". Today I went searching for it on iOS; low and behold it was just added on iOS. It's missing the Iridium's as of now but owing it on the other platform and knowing what that version has, I am confident great things will be added to ISSDetector. Keep up the great work and thanks for coming over to iOS!

At first i was skeptical, but then later today I saw it for the first time in my life.It was just amazing. However i don’t think the augmented reality thing is accurit. Perhaps a fix would be nice. But other than that with the help of a compass, and a good weather you can see it. Truely fasinating. Keep up the good work.

I used ISSDetector and its paid extensions when I had Android, and I am soooo glad it’s now on iPhone. There is something reassuring about seeing the ISS fly over that gives you hope for the future of humankind.

Best satellite app for iOS even though android has iridium flares.

Yes you are correct. Putting in Iridium flares in would be too little to late. By the time it's developed the flares would be gone.

I think that Star Walk 2 does a better job interfacing with the compass. This's an iPhone 7. I'll let you know if true.