I tried but the coils that enabled me to match my 60m dipole in the garden would not do so on the two hills when I had time and inclination to try. I have no idea what is wrong but expect to have another test session before the next 80/160 week. The 80m coils are working pretty well, so I don’t think it can be a problem with the aerial itself. The problem with 80m is the QRM - almost every time I find a clear frequency someone else comes in with an overlapping signal, often before my 4th QSO.
For April (once I have sorted out the aerial problem) I may well take the amplifier up some local smaller hills and try a bit of QRO on both 80m and 160m.
73,
Rod
Your loaded antenna was based on the ground arrangements in your garden. Move to the normally very different ground on a summit and the antenna loading is all fubared. Getting loading of a 60m dipole to work on 80 is significantly less of a technical feat than getting a 60m dipole to work on 160m, the ground effects on 80 are less pronounced.
Traditionally in SSTV contests, one station sends an image containing a 4 digit number. The station receiving that image then sends the number by voice to the image sending station. Then they swap. The second station now sends an image with their number and the first station sends the number back by voice. Good contact is both stations successfully receiving the other station’s number.
No. We are not talking about digital or analog we are talking about data. You are conflating data as only being digital or more specifically binary digital.
There are a myriad of data transmission systems which are analog but still data transmission.
I know that it is conventional to sneer at WIKI, but it says " Like the similar radiofax mode, SSTV is an analog signal. SSTV uses frequency modulation, in which every different value of brightness in the image gets a different audio frequency." I think you are playing word games. If you want to continue I will be back after walking the dog.
Did we ever determine a definitive / acceptable answer to what constitutes a SOTA SSTV QSO?
Does it require / is it normal to use all 4 transactions described above in SSTV mode? Or is the norm for each party to send an image & confirm reception via another mode / means (SSB voice or even external comms via email)
Out of interest, ChatGPT says the following (but I’d be interested in a real human answer!):
Not all messages in an SSTV QSO are sent as SSTV images. While the main exchange of images is done using SSTV (Slow Scan Television) technology, some parts of the communication may be conducted using SSB (Single Sideband) or other voice modes.
Here’s a breakdown of how different parts of an SSTV QSO are typically exchanged:
CQ Call: The CQ call is often done using voice communication, such as SSB. The operator will call out “CQ SSTV” or something similar to indicate they are looking for SSTV contacts.
Call Signs: The call signs are usually exchanged using voice communication as well, particularly during the initial contact setup. The operators will spell out their call signs using the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet to ensure accurate identification.
Signal Reports: Signal reports can be exchanged using voice or a combination of voice and SSTV. For example, an operator may verbally report the signal quality and strength while simultaneously sending an SSTV image displaying a “599” (excellent signal) or other code to represent the signal report.
SSTV Images: The primary purpose of the SSTV QSO is the exchange of images, and this part is carried out using SSTV technology.
Comments and Greetings: Operators may use a combination of SSTV images and voice communication to exchange comments, greetings, and other information during the QSO. For instance, an operator may send an SSTV image with a message and then discuss it verbally.
Closing and Goodbye: The closing part of the QSO can also involve a mix of SSTV images and voice communication. Operators may send an image displaying a “73” (farewell) or “88” (hugs and kisses) while verbally saying goodbye.
The use of voice communication alongside SSTV is common in amateur radio, especially during the setup and conclusion of the QSO, and when exchanging certain information that is more efficiently conveyed through speech. However, the heart of the SSTV QSO, which is the image exchange, is always done using SSTV technology.
As an aside its worth mentioning that with the digital SSTV programs that I used to play with on 2m you could also put images into the waterfall, ranging from a simple callsign or location to a monochrome picture, and the program would automatically call for a resend of missed or damaged sections of the image. The nets using SSTV on 2m died out as activity faded on the band but it would be of interest to find out if there is any similar digital SSTV on the HF bands.
Like on Sunday morning, I failed to make any SSTV or indeed FT4/8 contacts. I spent some time investigating and found that although the system was receiving and deciding signals through the cables and interface, and keying the rig into transmit mode, there appeared to be no power out.
I checking the audio settings on the laptop - selection of USB Codec, output levels etc - and on the 817 - dig gain, DIG mode etc.
My only suspicion is that I need to replace the 6-pin mini DIN cable. If it’s not that then I’m stumped. It was all working FB in GM 7 days ago.
