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VE6DOK SSTV & Special Contacts Elite Guide


SSTV, ISS & Special Contacts — Elite Guide

Built for VE6DOK: A no-nonsense deep dive into Slow Scan Television, how it works, what equipment you actually need, and how to successfully receive real-world transmissions including ISS events.

What SSTV Actually Is

SSTV (Slow Scan Television) is a method of transmitting still images over radio using audio tones. Instead of voice or Morse code, the signal encodes picture data line-by-line.

  • Images are transmitted over HF or VHF
  • Each transmission can take 30 seconds to several minutes
  • Decoding converts sound into a picture

Core Components of an SSTV System

1. Receiver (Radio)

  • HF radio for bands like 20m
  • VHF radio for ISS (usually 145.800 MHz)

2. Audio Path

  • Speaker output OR data/audio jack
  • Clean audio is critical

3. Decoding Device

  • Computer, tablet, or phone
  • Runs SSTV decoding software

4. Software

  • MMSSTV (Windows)
  • Robot36 (Android)
  • QSSTV (Linux)

5. Antenna

  • Dipole (HF)
  • Vertical (general use)
  • Directional (best for ISS)

Beginner Level

At the simplest level:

  • Tune radio to SSTV frequency
  • Hold phone near speaker
  • Use app like Robot36
  • Watch image decode in real time

No cables required — but results may vary depending on noise and signal strength.

Intermediate Level

  • Use direct audio cable instead of speaker
  • Adjust audio levels carefully
  • Understand SSTV modes (Martin, Scottie, etc.)
  • Learn best frequencies:
    • 14.230 MHz (HF SSTV calling frequency)
    • 145.800 MHz (ISS SSTV)

Advanced Level

  • Use directional antenna for ISS passes
  • Track satellite passes with apps
  • Compensate for Doppler shift
  • Use low-noise audio interfaces
  • Optimize gain staging

ISS SSTV (Special Highlight)

The International Space Station periodically transmits SSTV images during special events.

  • Frequency: 145.800 MHz FM
  • Mode: Usually PD120
  • Pass duration: ~10 minutes

What you need

  • VHF radio
  • Decoding software
  • Optional directional antenna

Best results come from:

  • Clear sky view
  • Tracking pass timing
  • Stable audio levels

Why SSTV Fails (Common Problems)

  • Audio too loud or too quiet
  • Noise or interference
  • Wrong mode selected
  • Poor antenna orientation
  • ISS pass too low on horizon

Operator Reality

SSTV is not “set it and forget it.”

It requires:

  • Listening carefully
  • Adjusting levels
  • Understanding conditions

The reward is unique: receiving actual images over radio, including from space.

VE6DOK Philosophy

Don’t chase perfect gear. Build a working system, understand it, then improve it.

The operator matters more than the equipment.