Before listening
Pick the source, not just the frequency
Check ARISS or AMSAT before assuming a satellite is transmitting. Public SSTV windows are scheduled, interrupted, and sometimes moved.
Receive SSTV
Start receiving SSTV before you optimise the shack.
The first useful station is simple: know the source, keep the audio clean, record when you can, and write enough notes that the next image is easier to catch than the last one.
Receiving route
During the signal
Protect the VIS and the level
Start recording early, avoid clipped audio, and keep the radio and phone still if you are decoding through the microphone.
After the pass
Replay before discarding
Decode the saved WAV again with manual mode choice, slant correction, and frequency correction before deciding the image is lost.
Common listening targets
| Use case | Frequency note | What to check | Useful mode clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISS public SSTV | ARISS and AMSAT-UK describe 145.800 MHz FM for many ISS SSTV events; ARISS 2026 Series 31/32 used 437.550 MHz Robot 36. | ARISS upcoming SSTV events and AMSAT-UK ISS guide | PD120, Robot 36, or event-specific notes. |
| HF image activity | RSGB's 20 m band plan lists 14,230 kHz as an Image Centre of Activity. | RSGB 14 MHz band plan | Martin, Scottie, Robot, PD, and Wraase modes are common compatibility checks. |
| UK 2 m local image modes | RSGB's 144 MHz band plan lists 144.500 MHz for Image Modes including SSTV and Fax. | RSGB 144 MHz band plan | Agree mode and bandwidth locally; listen first. |
| 70 cm image experiments | RSGB's 430 MHz plan includes 432.500 MHz narrow band SSTV activity centre and 433.400 MHz IARU Region 1 SSTV note. | RSGB 430 MHz band plan | Check local licence and interference constraints before transmitting. |
UK operator reminders
Digital image branch
When the source says SSDV, switch from mode timing to packet evidence.
SSDV receive work starts with the modem and packet stream: RTTY, AX.25, KISS, or a mission-specific downlink may carry the bytes before the JPEG can be reconstructed. Keep the raw recording, decoded packet file, CRC failures, FEC corrections, callsign, image ID, and packet ID gaps with the final picture.
Open the SSDV packet reference or read the ground-station note.
DRM-derived digital SSTV
When the source says DRM, confirm the signal before judging the picture.
DRM reception starts with COFDM acquisition, robustness mode, spectrum occupancy, FAC, SDC, and MSC state. For EasyPal or HamDRM-style image work, log the software profile and file/object recovery separately from the final image.
Open the DRM robustness mode tables or read the DRM receiving note.
Receiving is the easy side
Listening and decoding public radio signals is different from transmitting. Treat transmit notes as licence-aware station practice, not casual advice.
Use current licence documents
Ofcom maintains amateur radio licensing information and current licence terms. Link out rather than copying legal text into a hobby note.
Band plans are shared etiquette
Centres of activity are not private channels. Check adjacent activity and local usage before any transmission.
Current UK licence and regulatory links: Ofcom amateur radio information. Frequency notes above are pointers for checking sources, not permission to transmit.