Compiled and Presented by Compiled and Presented by

Stanley Grixti Stanley Grixti –– 9H1LO9H1LO

What exactly is ATV?What exactly is ATV?

�� Amateur TelevisionAmateur Television is the transmission is the transmission of either of either Slow Scan Slow Scan pictures (SSTV) or pictures (SSTV) or Fast ScanFast Scan pictures (FSTV). pictures (FSTV).

�� ScanScan meaning the meaning the ““ drawingdrawing”” of the of the picture on the screen.picture on the screen.

SSTVSSTV�� Slow ScanSlow Scan is normally used on the narrow is normally used on the narrow

bandwidths of bandwidths of HFHF and and VHFVHF..�� Usually Usually SSBSSB and and FMFM. . �� The The pictures are converted into audiopictures are converted into audio and sent and sent

one at a timeone at a time..�� Each Each frameframe takes about takes about 3 mins3 mins to be sent!to be sent!�� VeryVery noisynoisy and and unreliableunreliable..�� Nowadays sent / received using a PCNowadays sent / received using a PC�� MIR Space Station used to Transmit SSTV!MIR Space Station used to Transmit SSTV!

FSTVFSTV�� FSTVFSTV is generally termed is generally termed ATVATV..

�� 25 frames per second25 frames per second can be sent (Live Video).can be sent (Live Video).

�� AudioAudio channels can be used as channels can be used as subsub--carrierscarriers..

�� Same as broadcast TV standard (PAL B).Same as broadcast TV standard (PAL B).

�� Mode is Mode is Wide Band FMWide Band FM..

�� Used on Used on MicrowaveMicrowave bands:bands:

1.2GHz , 2.4GHz , 5.7GHz , 10GHz , 24GHz1.2GHz , 2.4GHz , 5.7GHz , 10GHz , 24GHz

�� Normally AnalogNormally Analog but Digital (DVBbut Digital (DVB --S) S) transmitters are available.transmitters are available.

Who uses ? & Why ATV ?Who uses ? & Why ATV ?

�� ATV is one of the forATV is one of the for--fronts in amateur radio fronts in amateur radio technology.technology.

�� It is used in contests, DXIt is used in contests, DX--Peditions, HamPeditions, Ham--Fairs ectFairs ect

�� There is an fortnightly ATV There is an fortnightly ATV ““ magazinemagazine””transmitted from Sweden via the commercial transmitted from Sweden via the commercial broadcast satellite Sirius. This is receivable with a broadcast satellite Sirius. This is receivable with a digital satellite TV System. Just turn the dish to the digital satellite TV System. Just turn the dish to the Sirius satellite and set the right frequency!!Sirius satellite and set the right frequency!!

Who uses ? & Why ATV ?Who uses ? & Why ATV ?�� With the help of 9H1ATV local field days and other With the help of 9H1ATV local field days and other events can be broadcast live, also construction projects events can be broadcast live, also construction projects and lectures can be given and lectures can be given ““ on the airon the air””

�� Unfortunately an amateur satellite with an ATV Unfortunately an amateur satellite with an ATV repeater payload is not yet in orbit, however there are repeater payload is not yet in orbit, however there are plans of having one as Phase 4 (Geoplans of having one as Phase 4 (Geo--stationary).stationary).

�� Many Sicilians are active on ATV which will surely Many Sicilians are active on ATV which will surely be of advantage to local 9H stations!be of advantage to local 9H stations!

9H1LO – JM75EW

IT9TWC - IT9TWC - IT9TWC - IT9

ATV via ATV via ATV via ATV via ATV via ATV via ATV via ATV via RagusaRagusaRagusaRagusaRagusaRagusaRagusaRagusa ATV repeaterATV repeaterATV repeaterATV repeaterATV repeaterATV repeaterATV repeaterATV repeater

ATV ATV TransmittersTransmitters / Receivers/ Receivers

�� Can be built.Can be built.

�� Can be Can be purchased from G1MFGpurchased from G1MFG (1.2GHz 65mW (1.2GHz 65mW Transmitter about Lm30.00)Transmitter about Lm30.00)

�� TVRO TVRO LNBs can be modifiedLNBs can be modified into 100mW 10GHz into 100mW 10GHz transmitters.transmitters.

�� Normal antennasNormal antennas for the given band can be used for the given band can be used however consideration must be taken for higher however consideration must be taken for higher bandwidthsbandwidths

Yagi, Dipole, Dish, HornYagi, Dipole, Dish, Horn, or any suitable antenna., or any suitable antenna.

ATV TransmittersATV Transmitters

Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV Homebrew 10GHz ATV

Transmitter with Transmitter with Transmitter with Transmitter with Transmitter with Transmitter with Transmitter with Transmitter with

Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator. Audio/Video modulator.

65mW Output.65mW Output.65mW Output.65mW Output.65mW Output.65mW Output.65mW Output.65mW Output.

1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter 1.2GHz ATV Transmitter

from G1MFG.from G1MFG.from G1MFG.from G1MFG.from G1MFG.from G1MFG.from G1MFG.from G1MFG.

ReceiversReceivers�� Amateur receiversAmateur receivers available for 1.2GHz and available for 1.2GHz and

2.4GHz from G1MFG.2.4GHz from G1MFG.�� Surplus Surplus domestic analogue TVROdomestic analogue TVRO Receivers can be Receivers can be

used for 1.2GHz and also 10GHz using a normal used for 1.2GHz and also 10GHz using a normal LNB.LNB.

�� For 1.2GHz a For 1.2GHz a prepre--amplifieramplifier might be needed.might be needed.

�� The same as in the transmitter applies for antennas.The same as in the transmitter applies for antennas.

�� Reception at 10GHz would normally be anReception at 10GHz would normally be anLNBLNBmounted on a small mounted on a small Dish Dish or a or a HornHorn..

ReceiversReceivers

1.2GHz Receivers from G1MFG. They can also be used for 10GHz with A cheap satellite TV LNB.

Receive setup using a domestic receiver. (setReceive setup using a domestic receiver. (set--top box)top box)

Other EquipmentOther Equipment�� Video CameraVideo Camera

�� Computer with video outComputer with video out

�� Test Card GeneratorTest Card Generator

�� PAL TV / MonitorPAL TV / Monitor

9H1ATV9H1ATVA microwave amateur television repeater

The Idea Behind 9H1ATVThe Idea Behind 9H1ATV�� The idea of having a local ATV repeater is to The idea of having a local ATV repeater is to

encourage and educate interested amateurs to encourage and educate interested amateurs to equip themselves to operate this mode.equip themselves to operate this mode.

�� It will also help to increase the distance of It will also help to increase the distance of contacts, and will also serve as the midcontacts, and will also serve as the mid--med ATV med ATV hub, when eventually it will be linked to the ever hub, when eventually it will be linked to the ever expanding ATV repeater network in Sicily.expanding ATV repeater network in Sicily.

�� It will provide easy setup access, I.E. stations will It will provide easy setup access, I.E. stations will only need a minimum amount of equipment and only need a minimum amount of equipment and power to access the repeater.power to access the repeater.

�� It will provide interesting contacts especially It will provide interesting contacts especially from /M & /P stations!!from /M & /P stations!!

The RepeaterThe Repeater

1.2 GHz Receiver1.2 GHz Receiver

TX & ControllerTX & Controller

1.2GHz Antenna1.2GHz Antenna

Audio

Audio

Video

Video

10GHz Slotted Waveguide

10GHz Slotted Waveguide

9H1ATV 9H1ATV -- FactsFacts�� 9H1ATV was designed and built by 9H1LO9H1ATV was designed and built by 9H1LO

�� The 1.2 GHz receive antennas was built by 9H1ESThe 1.2 GHz receive antennas was built by 9H1ES

�� The 10GHz transmit antenna was built by 9H1PFThe 10GHz transmit antenna was built by 9H1PF

�� It was installed in It was installed in MdinaMdina in March 2004 by 9H1LO & 9H1ESin March 2004 by 9H1LO & 9H1ES

9H1ATV 9H1ATV -- FactsFacts�� Funding was from MARL, 9H1LO and 9H1ESFunding was from MARL, 9H1LO and 9H1ES

�� It transmits a test card when no signal is receivedIt transmits a test card when no signal is received

�� Output frequency is 10.475GHzOutput frequency is 10.475GHz

�� Input frequency is 1255MHzInput frequency is 1255MHz

�� It will switch to the received signal upon detecting It will switch to the received signal upon detecting VIDEO and not just a carrierVIDEO and not just a carrier

�� If video ceases it will return to the test card after If video ceases it will return to the test card after 8seconds8seconds

9H1ATV 1.2 GHz Receive antenna9H1ATV 1.2 GHz Receive antenna

Transmit & Receive AntennasTransmit & Receive Antennas

9H1LO & 9H1ES9H1LO & 9H1ESJust after switching 9H1ATV on the AirJust after switching 9H1ATV on the Air

9H1ES installing the 9H1ATV antennas at 9H1ES installing the 9H1ATV antennas at MdinaMdina

Receiving 9H1ATVReceiving 9H1ATV�� Stations will need to have the ability to receive Stations will need to have the ability to receive

an analog video/audio signal at 10.475GHzan analog video/audio signal at 10.475GHz

�� This is done with an analog satellite receiver This is done with an analog satellite receiver and a modified LNBand a modified LNB

�� Antenna should be a horn or preferably a dishAntenna should be a horn or preferably a dish

The 9H1ATV test cardThe 9H1ATV test card

Analog Satellite ReceiversAnalog Satellite Receivers�� These are the old type of TVRO receiversThese are the old type of TVRO receivers

�� Frequency range is normally 900MHz Frequency range is normally 900MHz –– 2000MHz2000MHz

�� They are to be used as an IF with an LNB They are to be used as an IF with an LNB

�� They normally have a SCART or Phono output that They normally have a SCART or Phono output that connects to your TV or monitorconnects to your TV or monitor

�� PC Card tuners can be used but not advisable as they PC Card tuners can be used but not advisable as they are slow when it comes to synchronizingare slow when it comes to synchronizing

�� CRT monitors or TVCRT monitors or TV ’’ s are better than TFT monitors as s are better than TFT monitors as TFTTFT ’’ ss are slow at synchronizingare slow at synchronizingand difficult to find a and difficult to find a weak signalweak signal

ReceiverReceiver

Coverage is 900MHz Coverage is 900MHz –– 2000MHz so an LNB (down converter) 2000MHz so an LNB (down converter) must to used to convert 10GHz to about 1GHzmust to used to convert 10GHz to about 1GHz

LNB (Low Noise Block)LNB (Low Noise Block)

�� The LNB is a down converter from about The LNB is a down converter from about 10.7GHz 10.7GHz -- 12GHz to 900MHz 12GHz to 900MHz –– 2GHz2GHz

�� They have a built in horn and transition that They have a built in horn and transition that is mounted on the dish to receive the signal is mounted on the dish to receive the signal from the satellitefrom the satellite

�� They have 2 Local Oscillators: 9.75GHz and They have 2 Local Oscillators: 9.75GHz and 10.6GHz10.6GHz

Mathematics!Mathematics!�� To receive 10.475GHz the To receive 10.475GHz the LNBLNB’’ ss 9.75GHz LO 9.75GHz LO

has to be tuned to 9.4GHz as: has to be tuned to 9.4GHz as:

10.475GHz 10.475GHz –– 9.75GHz = 725MHz9.75GHz = 725MHz

725MHz is below the range of the receiver725MHz is below the range of the receiverSo if the LO is changed to 9.4GHz then:So if the LO is changed to 9.4GHz then:

10.475GHz 10.475GHz –– 9.4GHz = 1.075GHz9.4GHz = 1.075GHz

The Oscillator in the LNBThe Oscillator in the LNB�� The LO is simply a DRO (dielectric resonant oscillator) The LO is simply a DRO (dielectric resonant oscillator)

which works similarly to a normal crystal oscillator but at which works similarly to a normal crystal oscillator but at GHZ frequencies!GHZ frequencies!

�� It can be tuned down 350MHz by raising it 1mm above the It can be tuned down 350MHz by raising it 1mm above the PCB with some super glue and rePCB with some super glue and re--tuning with the tuning tuning with the tuning screw.screw.

�� It can be aligned on a satellite signalIt can be aligned on a satellite signal……such as RAI 1 on the such as RAI 1 on the HotbirdHotbird SatelliteSatellite……simple resimple re--tune the DRO until you find tune the DRO until you find RAI 1 350MHz below itRAI 1 350MHz below it’’ s original frequency!s original frequency!

An normal TVRO LNBAn normal TVRO LNB

The DRO tuning screwsThe DRO tuning screws

AntennasAntennas

GasFetGasFetprepre--ampsamps BP FilterBP Filter

MIXERMIXER

DRODRO

Logic / SwitchingLogic / SwitchingPowerPower IF OUTIF OUT

Anatomy of an LNBAnatomy of an LNB

The DRO The DRO ““ PuckPuck””

(Puck removed to show components)

(Puck removed to show components)

9.75GHz 10.6GHz9.75GHz 10.6GHz

DRO DRO ““ PucksPucks””

Receiving 9H1ATVReceiving 9H1ATV

�� Once the DRO is tuned to 9.4GHZ you should Once the DRO is tuned to 9.4GHZ you should be able to receive from 10.3GHz to about be able to receive from 10.3GHz to about 11.7GHz11.7GHz

�� Once the LNB is mounted on the dish and Once the LNB is mounted on the dish and pointed at pointed at MdinaMdina you should receive 9H1ATV you should receive 9H1ATV on 10.475GHz on 10.475GHz

�� The IF should be 1.075GHzThe IF should be 1.075GHz10.475GHz 10.475GHz –– 9.4GHz = 1.075GHz 9.4GHz = 1.075GHz

Receiving 9H1ATV RepeaterReceiving 9H1ATV Repeater