[AMRadio] Slow scan tv

[John Tate]

It's slow because it takes 100 seconds or so while the software "scans" the waterfall for the encoded data
 and decodes the image. It's cheap and no extra equipment is needed if you are already setup for digital
 modes. It's an step up in quality from analog sstv for sure. I understand it's much like DRM encoding
 and sounds like it. It's fun for many people. I am of the philosophy of live and let live. No need to
 bash a mode that other people enjoy. Too many people do that for any mode they don't like so inevitably
 every mode is bashed by someone. We all know there are AM bashers out there. 

 That said.. live and let live. Those guys on 3.713 doing digital SSTV... nothing wrong with them doing
 it but they aren't following the law when they fire up knowingly on an ongoing qso. I guess that sort
 of behavior isn't mode specific is it?



----- Original Message -----
From: Rob Atkinson
Sent: 12/28/11 05:52 AM
To: Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service
Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Slow scan tv

 Thanks John. "Digital SSTV" seems like a nonsequitur. If it is digital, what about it is a scan, and what about it is slow? I am not picking on you John, but rather what the operators of that mode choose to call it. It seems more like just digital image transmission; no slow, no scan, no TV. They probably just have a PC, a PC camera and all that hooked up to a ham rig somehow. I wonder if anyone operates real SSTV, what would probably now be called vintage SSTV. Even back when it was the only SSTV around, I didn't think it was very interesting. I once knew a ham, now SK, who was one of those types who tried most everything new when it came out. He had a complete Robot brand SSTV station along with the full S Line (he was fairly well to do). I went over to his shack to see it. We sat there with the lights off looking at the yellowish phosphor monitor watching an 8 second picture appear. By the time the electron beam got to the bottom of the screen the top had almost faded. I was politely complimentary, but thought to myself that it was a waste of money. Well, we all have our different raves, but the digital modes never did wind my watch. 73 Rob K5UJ