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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is SSTV?

Learn what Slow Scan Television (SSTV) is and how amateur radio operators transmit still images over HF radio.

Digital Communications Image Transmission Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn what Slow Scan Television (SSTV) is and how amateur radio operators transmit still images over HF radio.

Explanation

Overview Slow Scan Television (SSTV) is a digital image transmission mode that allows amateur radio operators to exchange still photographs over voice-band radio channels. Unlike conventional television, SSTV transmits one image at a time, allowing pictures to be exchanged over relatively narrow HF and VHF amateur radio bandwidths. How SSTV Works An image is converted into audio tones. The tones are transmitted using an SSB transmitter. Receiving software reconstructs the original image. Typical Uses Exchange of station photographs. Special event stations. Educational demonstrations. Technical experimentation. Advantages Works over standard SSB radios. Requires relatively simple equipment. Supports numerous image formats. Popular worldwide. Applied to Chameleon Products Chameleon broadband HF antenna systems provide reliable performance for SSTV operation across multiple amateur HF bands. Related Articles What Is Digital Mode Duty Cycle? What Is FT8? What Is PSK31? What Is Winlink? Related Products CHA MPAS 2.0 CHA LEFS Series

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.