SSTV Hub
Slow‑Scan Television (SSTV) lets us send still images over ordinary SSB voice channels. It’s like faxing memes over the ionosphere — responsibly, of course.
This page covers: a 3‑minute quick‑start, commonly used calling spots, FT‑710 setup notes, software links, and a small gallery of my RX/TX shots.
⚡ Quick‑Start (PC + Soundcard)
- Connect radio to PC (USB) and select the radio’s USB audio input/output in your SSTV app.
- Set rig to the right mode segment (e.g., USB on 20 m). Start with
Martin M1. - Receive: tune to a calling spot (see below) and watch the waterfall; your app should auto‑decode.
- Transmit: pick a clear frequency, verify you’re in the phone/image portion for your license class, and keep power modest (e.g., 25–40 W) while watching ALC.
Tip: A phone/tablet SSTV app held to the speaker will decode in a pinch.
📡 Commonly‑Used SSTV Calling Spots
Always check your local band plan and listen first. Activity drifts with conditions.
| Band | Frequency (kHz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80 m | 3845 | Regional SSTV activity (LSB) |
| 40 m | 7171 | U.S. SSTV calling (LSB) |
| 30 m | 10132 | Narrow‑band SSTV (USB) — check data segment rules |
| 20 m | 14230 | Primary international SSTV calling (USB) |
| 20 m | 14233 | Alternate / digital SSTV activity (USB) |
| 10 m | 28680–28690 | Common SSTV window (USB) |
Reminder: stay within phone/image sub‑bands for your license and region.
🛠️ Yaesu FT‑710 Quick Notes
- Audio I/O: Use the radio’s USB codec for both input and output. In menus, select USB audio for DATA mode.
- PTT options: Easiest is DATA VOX (the radio TXs when it hears audio). Or, in your SSTV app, use the COM port and toggle PTT via RTS/DTR.
- Mode: Use
USB‑D(or LSB‑D on 40/80 m where appropriate) so the radio routes audio via the data path with EQ/processing bypassed. - Levels: Keep ALC just flickering. Reduce app output or radio’s USB input gain until clean.
If you already run FT‑710 for FT8/JS8, these settings will feel familiar.
💻 Software & Apps
- MMSSTV (Windows) — classic, lightweight. YONIQ fork adds modern tweaks. (MMSSTV · MMSSTV‑YONIQ)
- QSSTV (Linux) — capable with many modes.
- iOS/Android — search your app store for “SSTV”; handy for quick RX from a speaker.
🎯 Clean TX Checklist
- Use a clear frequency; ID per your jurisdiction.
- Disable aggressive mic EQ, compression, or noise reduction on data path.
- Watch ALC and RF out; aim for clean audio lines, not thick blobs.
- Mind duty cycle: SSTV is long‑keyed. Keep the rig cool.
🖼️ Gallery
Here are some of my SSTV RX shots. I use a mix of MMSSTV and Ham Radio Deluxe.