SSTV Brief Explanation!
The best way to understand slow scan TV is to
imagine it as colour fax pictures but sent over the radio rather than
the phone. The pictures are transmitted via tones (1200-2300 HRZ) over
the air. There are several simple ways to get setup for slow scan TV,
the simplest of which use your computer and software with a hardware
interface. There are interface circuits which work excellent and cost
less than $20 to build or nil if from your junk box. My experience with
slow scan has been great fun. I've exchanged picture QSLs with different
people in many different countries throughout the world. The quality of
the pictures is somewhat dependent upon the computer, (monitor &
graphics card), and somewhat on the software, hardware. The better
systems support Hicolour which gives typical picture resolutions of 320
x 240 in 32 thousand colours. These pictures are almost photographic
quality and are very impressive to say the least. Once you've tried it
your hooked. Imagine being able to swap mug shots with other Amateurs.
See who you're talking to. Send diagrams and schematics over the air.
It's great. Listen to HF on 14.230 and 14.233 almost anytime to hear the
action. Don't be afraid to break in for info. The SSTV hams are usually
very willing to help other interested parties or help you get started in
slow scan. Go for it and I'll see you on the air. |
