The International Space Station has today started sending Slow Scan TV (SSTV) images, and for us in Essex, receiving pictures from space should be fairly easy.
ISS Images 12:27 BST 04 Sept 2013
I was able to get one very clear image on 145.800MHz at lunchtime today, followed by a second image that failed to complete. Here are the images captured from the ISS a little over 30 minutes ago:
These images were sent in the Martin M1 SSTV format, 320×256 pixels
Assuming the team on the ISS leaves the SSTV camera running today, there will be other chances to capture images. Today (Wed 4th Sept 2013), the visible paths are as follows:
- 13:57 to 14:08 BST approx (Nothing heard on this pass)
- 15:34 to 15:44 BST approx (Nothing heard on this pass)
- 17:12 to 17:18 BST approx (Nothing heard on this pass)
Update: Looks like SSTV was disabled after just two passes today.
How to receive SSTV images
You’ll need a 2m radio tuned to 145.800MHz (Standard FM) – On a good overhead pass, even a handheld in the open should be able to get the signal.
You’ll need an SSTV software package to decode the data packet and get the picture.
On a PC – We’d recommend MMSSTV – Ideally you’d connect the audio from your radio to the PC’s soundcard and set MMSSTV to listen for signals. However, sticking a PC mic in front of the radio’s speaker will work too, and you should configure MMSSTV to listen to the PC’s mic. You can also record the audio (on a PC, dictaphone or smartphone) and decode the image later by playing back the recording into MMSSTV.
On a Smartphone – The following image from the last path was captured by simply holding an iPhone in front of my 2m rig, with the mic at the bottom of the phone pointing to the radio’s speaker. The picture builds as the signal is received. Here, I’m using the iOS SSTV app from Black Cat.
It’s very rewarding picking up signals from the ISS, and collecting live pictures from space is a good talking point. If you can, give it a go. The team on ISS only have SSTV running very occasionally, so make use of the opportunity to try and decode an image.
Hi Pete! Will give this a go in a few mins :)
What mode is this and what antenna did you use on the rig?
Sadly, SSTV wasn’t active on the last two passes, so hopes not high for the next pass. Mode is FM, and this was picked up on a rooftop 2m/70cm co-linear – It is possible to get the ISS on a handheld in the open air (no line-of-sight obstructions). the 17:12 pass will be quite low on the horizon.