Getting Started with SSTV – A Guide for HARC Operators
Introduction:
Welcome to the exciting world of Slow Scan Television (SSTV)! SSTV allows you to transmit and receive images over the airwaves, adding a visual dimension to your ham radio hobby. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get started with SSTV, whether you’re a novice or an experienced operator.
Step 1: Equipment Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary equipment:
- Transceiver: A radio capable of transmitting on the desired SSTV frequency.
- Computer or smartphone: For encoding and decoding SSTV images.
- SSTV Software: Choose from a variety of SSTV software programs available online.
- Antenna: A suitable antenna for your frequency of operation.
Step 2: Software Installation
- Download and install SSTV software on your computer.
- Configure the software by selecting your transceiver and sound card settings.
- Familiarize yourself with the software’s interface and controls.
- Further reading: K3UK’s Quick and Dirty Guide to Narrow Bandwidth SSTV – Amateur Radio Wiki (hamtools.org)
Step 3: Frequency Selection
- Determine the appropriate SSTV frequency band for your region and license class. Common bands include 20 meters (14.230 MHz) and 40 meters (7.171 MHz).
- Check for any ongoing SSTV events or nets within your chosen frequency range. (ie. HARC-o-Ween SSTV Extravaganza)
Step 4: Transmitting SSTV Images
- Choose or create a ham-themed image for transmission. (For the HARC-o-Ween SSTV Extravaganza add the HARC logo)
- Open your SSTV software and select the “TX” mode.
- Configure the software to transmit on your chosen frequency and mode (e.g., Martin M1, Scottie 1, or Robot 36).
- Press the “Transmit” button and align your transceiver to the same frequency.
- Key the transmitter and allow the software to send the image.
Step 5: Receiving SSTV Images
- Tune your transceiver to the SSTV frequency.
- Open your SSTV software and select the “RX” mode.
- Ensure that your sound card settings match those in your software.
- Listen for incoming SSTV transmissions.
- When an SSTV signal is detected, the software will automatically decode the image and display it on your computer screen.
Conclusion:
Congratulations, you’re now ready to dive into the exciting world of SSTV and celebrate Halloween with your fellow Hams! SSTV offers a creative and visually engaging way to connect with the amateur radio community. Don’t forget to share your experiences and images with the club, and be sure to explore other SSTV events and nets to expand your SSTV journey.
Decoding Software
Android Apps
Black Cat Software
- Black Cat SSTV Windows, MAC OS
- Black Cat SSTV app for IPhone, IPad, ITouch
- MultiMode Cocoa
Linux
Mac OS
Windows
- ChromaPix downloads and others
- EasyPal
- Hoka Code 300-32
- JVComm32
- MixW
- MM-SSTV
- MultiPSK
- RadioCom 6
- RX-SSTV
- Sorcerer
- W-Code
- W-Spectra
Remember: Always operate within the bounds of your amateur radio license, and have a safe and enjoyable time experimenting with SSTV. Happy transmitting and receiving!
SSTV frequencies
HF Bands
| Band | Freq. (kHz) | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160m | 1890 | LSB | |
| 80m | 3730 | LSB | Europe |
| 80m | 3845 | LSB | |
| 6925 | USB | Pirate Transmissions | |
| 40m | 7165 | LSB | Europe |
| 40m | 7171 | LSB | |
| 40m | 7180 | LSB | Proposed |
| 30m | 10132 | USB | MP73N Mode Only |
| 20m | 14230 | USB | Alternates: 14227 kHz USB 14233 kHz USB |
| 15m | 21340 | USB | |
| 27700 | USB | Pirate Transmissions | |
| 10m | 28680 | USB |
Adapted from Wikipedia
VHF/UHF Bands
| Band | Freq. (MHz) | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6m | 50.680 | NFM | |
| 6m | 50.950 | USB | |
| 2m | 145.500 | NFM | |
| 2m | 145.550 | USB | |
| 2m | 145.600 | NFM | |
| 2m | 145.625 | NFM | Australia |
| 2m | 145.800 | NFM | ISS Downlink Call: RS0ISS |
| 1.25m | 223.850 | NFM | |
| 70cm | 433.775 | NFM USB | Australia |
| 70cm | 430.950 | NFM USB |