Publisher: C. S.  Franklyn II        copyright (c) CSF 1993-2010

    HAM RADIO SSTV ARTICLES INDEX

This INDEX contains approx thirty-five (35) articles covering the basics in Slow Scan Television (SSTV). You cannot just download SSTV software and successfully send & receive pictures immediately. A number of things will occur that will frustrate you because SSTV involves precision timing & tuning that you have never had to contend with before. Most of your problems will be "pilot error"! Second most frequent problem will be adapting your PC's Sound Card to your particular transceiver.

During the transition period (circa 1993+), my greatest problem was that none of the computer people cared a hoot about the "interfacing problems" of SSTV operators. Manufacturers of transceivers could not care less about SSTV problems because they hate SSTV and it's weird tones! The only transceivers out of the seven we had "up & running" in 1999 were the ICOM 746 and the FT-920 that would not make squeals, howls and other noises when you switch from VOICE to DATA to send a picture. I am a firm believer that when we pay thousands of dollars for PCs and Ham Transceivers, they should not require a desk full of outboard "stuff" to have them to work together! Such problems may have been solved since 1993, but I will believe it only when I run the equipment myself!

The following links include articles and photos that explain WHAT SSTV is,  HOW it works, things-to-expect and possible solutions! If you have a super cheap PC or radio built in Gulag #901, you could have some real problems awaiting you! Don't spend a lot of money until you KNOW SOMETHING FOR A FACT ABOUT SSTV! Incidentally, a CW_ID in SSTV software is not required in the USA, but it is required in Europe and other foreign countries. If you are already sending your Callsign in picture headings, please do not use the CW_ID also. It slows down the entire Video QSO especially on a busy Net! If the Net Control operator does not start with a Frequency Calibration transmission, ask him to do so and adjust your tuning placing the Sync pulse exactly on the spot indicated in the Tuning Aid Histogram! -- W3OHV

FILES LIST:

sstv01.htm

ssvideo.htm

ssrevue.htm

ssv02.htm

SSVExam.htm

slant1.jpg

slant2.jpg

slant.htm

checklist.htm

viscode.htm

recvssv,htm

howtorly.htm

briefs.htm

integrity.htm

omni.htm

relay#1.jpg

sbnoise.htm

sevnrecs.htm

nuprobs.htm

14230.htm

ARS.htm

dxers.htm

HamNOTBK,htm

hamradio.htm

MORCODE.htm

pando.htm

02cat,htm

R&C.htm

signalink.htm

ssporn.htm

digital.htm

digSSV.htm

 NOTE: Every time a new Solar Cycle starts, a new group of Videots (i.e. Scanners) want to get into SSTV. All of a sudden, hundreds of guys who refuse to monitor and listen  to how the other fellows are running the Mode, are asking for help which means that the frequency is occupied with tutorials going on day and night!

Please remember this:

1. Wherever you are licensed to operate on Voice transmission, you are also allowed to run Slow Scan Video. Pictures are just another new dimension to a communications QSO.

2. 14,230 KHz is a Calling Frequency for The International Amateur Radio Union (Europe, Africa, etc). Unfortunately, the USA/FCC does not recognize Calling Frequencies, so the IVCA, an ad hoc group of Scanners in the USA use 14,230 continuously with some very large nets active there at times. If a European SSTV operator calls CQ while a U.S. Net is there the Net Control will sometimes invite the DX station to join the Net. In the interest of comity and friendship, it would serve us all well if we moved to other channels observing the rule of 3kc separation and use only the power level required to hold a reliable QSO. Now that the big DX Nets are no longer near 14,230, 14,227 is useable many times.

3. Another thought: be sure your Notch Filter is OFF. If it is ON, it will diminish the SYNC Pulse which is so critical to keep the timing accurate. Several articles in this INDEX discuss such items which can make your entry into SLOW SCAN video smoother and less difficult.

4. The first irritation will be SLANTED pictures. A number of articles in this INDEX discuss SLANT. I am available on CQ100 at 14,230 plus or minus 5 ticks. Call me on 14230, first, however! A brief E-mail from addressed to cfranklyn52@yahoo.com will assure that I will be there!

As of today, CQ100 has the best quality sound and its digital video transmits a picture in about four (4) seconds. A subscription costs $32,00 per year. You can try it for a reasonable period of time. I am a former Commercial and Military pilot and I love to send and receive aircraft photos!

Enjoy this new dimension to Ham Radio! It is an enhancement that makes the Hobby much more real, more personal and more satisfying!

73, W3OHV/Cholly