SSTV Gallery

- 2 mins read

SSTV - A mode for the ages

I like SSTV operation because it has a nostalgic sound that brings me back to the space shuttle era. Like a dialup modem, but more astronauty. Tuning into 14.230MHz on a night with good propagation is like the world’s slowest instagram feed (or I assume so, having never actually used instagram). The screeches and pulses of the slow scan signal delivering each image with excruciating deliberation. It’s always a thrill when I manage to pluck an image right out of the air - no web servers, no edge caches, no ISPs, no ads, just an image floating in the electromagnetic field for whoever is listening.

My first SSTV QSO

After meticulously checking and re-checking my setup while transmitting into a dummy load, I decided it was time to go on the air. The first few tries didn’t work out, but eventually I saw a very clear CQ and managed to connect. Thanks to Ralph in Nebraska for the contact!

Trying out different modes really helps you learn the details of your equipment. One thing I’ve learned is that I wish my rig had a temperature gauge for the final amplifiers so I’d have an idea of whether I can keep transmitting or not once the fan really starts spinning. For now I’m keeping it to 50W.