BATC Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

HAMTV from the ISS

2026-04-18T02:06:04Z

M0DNY: /* Social media */

__NOTOC__
[[File:HAMTV 1.jpg|400px|right]] HAMTV is the name of the Digital Amateur Television (DATV) transmitter on board the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). It is a DVB-S digital audio and video transmitter, normally on 2395MHz (13cm band).

The HamTV unit was first installed on the ISS in 2013, commissioned in April 2014 and was used for a number of ARISS school contacts in 2016 - 2018.
The unit failed in 2019, and was brought back to earth for repair. It was returned to the ISS on the SpaceX SpX-30 flight on March 21st 2024. It was finally installed and first powered on again on 29th July 2025.

== Purpose ==

The primary use of HAMTV is for ARISS schools contacts, when the astronaut will use a camera to show live video of himself and the inside of the ISS to the school during the VHF radio contact.

[[File:HAMTV 2.jpg|400px]]

Outside of school contacts the transmitter is often left switched on to enable experimentation and self-education in the building of ground stations.

== Transmission Details ==

Whilst the transmitter has a number of possible configurations, it is anticipated that most transmissions will be:

* 2395 MHz, RHCP, 2W power at the patch antenna pointing down from the ISS.
* Modulation: 2.0 Msymbols/second, DVB-S (QPSK), FEC 1/2
* Content: MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio.

'''More details can be found at: [[HAMTV from the ISS - HAMTV Transmitter Information]]'''

== How can I watch HAMTV? (without a ground station) ==

A network of ARISS ground stations contribute to a central feed using the BATC Merger to enable high-quality reception for School Contacts. You can watch the video output whenever ground stations are receiving the signal.

'''ARISS / BATC HAMTV Ground Station Network: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/'''

== How can I build my own ground station to receive HAMTV? ==

Building a ground station to receive HAMTV from the ISS is challenging.

The link budget is a lot less forgiving of non-optimal stations than VHF/UHF, the high 'microwave' frequency brings lots of pitfalls, the equipment can be expensive and/or hard to source, and the limited visibility and fast movement of the space station across the sky can make it time-consuming and frustrating to troubleshoot any problems that occur.

The result however is being able to receive live video from an Astronaut (during school contacts), with your own S-band ground station! You could also talk to ARISS Ops about joining the ground station network and using your antenna to contribute directly to School Contacts.

=== Components of a typical ground station ===

* Antenna - Typically a dish of 0.6-1.2 meters in diameter, with a helix or patch feed.
* Pointing Mechanism - to follow the ISS across the sky. Can be motorised, or manual for smaller antennas.
* LNA - Required, and mounted as close as possible to the antenna feed to minimise coax loss at microwave frequencies.
* Filter - May be required to prevent overload if you have strong WiFi (2400MHz+) or 5G (2380MHz-) nearby.
* Downconverter - Optional, allows use of non-microwave capable receivers, also reduces loss in long coax runs.
* Receiver - Needs to be capable of receiving 2.4MHz-wide DVB-S. A good receiver can be more tolerant of issues elsewhere in the ground station.

'''For more information read: [[HAMTV from the ISS - How to build a ground station]]'''

== Can I help support HAMTV downlinks for ARISS Educational Contacts? ==

To assist our volunteer teams with providing a reliable HAMTV experience for the participants at Educational Contact events, a Ground Station Merger facility has been developed to crowd-source the HAMTV data in realtime from geographically diverse ground stations.

Before getting involved you'll need to have a reliable station up and running, however there are also some requirements on the equipment involved that can be found at the link below.

'''[[HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger]]'''

=Social media=

ARISS international on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ARISS_Intl

ARISS International on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/arissintl.bsky.social

Join and ask questions in the ARISS Discord: https://discord.gg/MjhZeQWc

==BATC forum==

BATC have setup a new forum thread to discuss receiving HamTV.

Please post any questions, comments and status updates here: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8398

A lot of information is available on the BATC forum: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4389

== Relevant Presentations and Video ==

Colin G4KLB on how he received HamTV in 2014: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9keVA21DPBc YouTube]

Video of HamTV in action during the Tim Peake Principia mission contact with Norwich schools in 2016: [https://youtu.be/DnJmxNCX4V4?si=RySuD0ft1Bcl1nTN YouTube]

G8GTZ on receiving HAMTV at the AMSAT UK conference in October 2023: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J_JA3Syv6Y YouTube]

Next generation HamTV presentation by Phil M0DNY at the AMSAT UK conference in October 2023: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvRdG1FBo4 YouTube]

HamTV Ground Stations presentation by Phil M0DNY in October 2024: [ YouTube (coming soon)] [https://wiki.batc.org.uk/images/c/cd/M0DNY_-_HAMTV_-_AMSAT-UK_2025.pdf Slides]

==Comments on this wiki page==

If you have any comments on this wiki page or if you think we should add more information to it, please email them to wiki @ batc.tv

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T02:05:38Z

M0DNY:

'''Please note that the capacity for realtime clients is extremely limited. Please co-ordinate your use of these methods with the HAMTV Operations Team, else this may cause problems for events and/or your IP address may be blacklisted.'''

You can contact the HAMTV Operations Team by email ( HamTVOps@ariss-i.org ), or on the ARISS discord: https://discord.gg/MjhZeQWc

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download and unzip the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously listening for the HAMTV feed from the merger in the background. A terminal window will also open in the background but this can be ignored.

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

==== Testing ====

Test player packages are available, these can be used for testing with an artificial signal for testing at the venue before the contact.

These are connected to the Test Merger instance. Artificial streams can be run on this by the HAMTV Operations team.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

This will require the purchase of an MPEG-2 Codec Key for each hardware unit, NB this may take up to 48 hours to arrive: https://codecs.raspberrypi.com/mpeg-2-license-key/

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T02:03:39Z

M0DNY: /* MPV Player on Windows */

'''Please note that the capacity for realtime clients is extremely limited. Please co-ordinate your use of these methods with the HAMTV Operations Team, else this may cause problems for events and/or your IP address may be blacklisted.'''

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download and unzip the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously listening for the HAMTV feed from the merger in the background. A terminal window will also open in the background but this can be ignored.

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

==== Testing ====

Test player packages are available, these can be used for testing with an artificial signal for testing at the venue before the contact.

These are connected to the Test Merger instance. Artificial streams can be run on this by the HAMTV Operations team.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

This will require the purchase of an MPEG-2 Codec Key for each hardware unit, NB this may take up to 48 hours to arrive: https://codecs.raspberrypi.com/mpeg-2-license-key/

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T01:53:53Z

M0DNY:

'''Please note that the capacity for realtime clients is extremely limited. Please co-ordinate your use of these methods with the HAMTV Operations Team, else this may cause problems for events and/or your IP address may be blacklisted.'''

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download and unzip the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously listening for the HAMTV feed from the merger in the background. A terminal window will also open in the background but this can be ignored.

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

This will require the purchase of an MPEG-2 Codec Key for each hardware unit, NB this may take up to 48 hours to arrive: https://codecs.raspberrypi.com/mpeg-2-license-key/

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T01:48:23Z

M0DNY:

'''Please note that the capacity for realtime clients is extremely limited. Please co-ordinate your use of these methods with the HAMTV Operations Team, else this may cause problems for events and/or your IP address may be blacklisted.'''

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download and unzip the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

This will require the purchase of an MPEG-2 Codec Key for each hardware unit, NB this may take up to 48 hours to arrive: https://codecs.raspberrypi.com/mpeg-2-license-key/

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T01:27:46Z

M0DNY: /* MPV Player on Windows */

'''Please note that the capacity for realtime clients is extremely limited. Please co-ordinate your use of these methods with the HAMTV Operations Team, else this may cause problems for events and/or your IP address may be blacklisted.'''

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download and unzip the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T01:25:57Z

M0DNY:

'''Please note that the capacity for realtime clients is extremely limited. Please co-ordinate your use of these methods with the HAMTV Operations Team, else this may cause problems for events and/or your IP address may be blacklisted.'''

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:53:51Z

M0DNY: /* Pre-packaged (recommended) */

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV live stream.

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:53:38Z

M0DNY: /* Pre-packaged (recommended) */

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download the latest non-test package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV software .

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:16:43Z

M0DNY: /* OMXplayer On Raspberry Pi */

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download the latest package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV software .

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer on Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:12:18Z

M0DNY:

* Windows / Mac
** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below.
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.
* Raspberry Pi
** MPV - Works best
** OMXplayer - works nearly as well as MPV, only works on old hardware (Pi 1,2,3, not 4,5).
** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception is not perfect.

== MPV Player on Windows ==

=== Pre-packaged (recommended) ===

Download the latest package from: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/mpv/

To run: Double-click on 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

This will open the mpv window showing the ARISS logo, while continuously

You can fullscreen the player at this time and it'll automatically show the HAMTV software .

=== Self Assembled ===

Download "mpv-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc" from the latest version at [https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master https://nightly.link/mpv-player/mpv/workflows/build/master].

* Add the three files below to the same directory as 'mpv.exe'
** 'ariss_logo_new_onblack_1080.png'
** 'hamtv-playlist.m3u'
** 'mpv-hamtv.bat'
* Run 'mpv-hamtv.bat'

== OMXplayer On Raspberry Pi ==

This solution uses the hardware MPEG2 decoder, which is only present on the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 models. (Not on the 4 & 5, and unlikely to be present on any future models)

The use of this decoder also requires the drivers that have been deprecated in recent Raspbian versions, so the latest compatible is Stretch (9): https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian_lite/images/raspbian_lite-2019-04-09/2019-04-08-raspbian-stretch-lite.zip

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:08:44Z

M0DNY: /* Self Assembled */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:08:29Z

M0DNY: /* MPV Player on Windows */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-18T00:07:32Z

M0DNY: /* MPV Player on Windows */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2026-04-17T23:48:46Z

M0DNY: /* MPV Player on Windows */

BATC Wiki

2026-04-17T23:44:24Z

M0DNY: /* HAMTV on the ISS */

'''Welcome to the British Amateur Television Club Wiki''' - the place to find information on all Amateur Television related equipment and projects. For details on how to join the BATC, the member's shop and CQ-TV archive and download visit the BATC website https://batc.org.uk/

This is your site, developed by the BATC for use by the worldwide ATV community - any information which you feel is of use to others can be put on the Wiki but editing accounts are only available to trusted members. Please get in touch with any member of the BATC Committee if you have something of interest to post. Please do not request an account before contacting a member of the BATC Committee; requests without pre-approval are ignored.

* New to Amateur TV - Get the basics on our [[Getting Started|Getting Started page]]

* For details on the Portsdown DATV transmit and receive system go to [[The Portsdown DATV transceiver system|the Portsdown pages]]

* For information on the MiniTiouner USB DATV receiver go to [[MiniTioune|MiniTiouner]]

* For the DATV equipment capability list go to [[DATV equipment capability|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/DATV_equipment_capability]]

== Contents ==
* [[Registering]] on the BATC wiki

== New to Amateur TV? ==
* Get the basics on our [[Getting Started|Getting Started page]]

==BATC Information and services==
* [[Joining the BATC]]

* [[Renewing your membership]]

* The [[BATC Privacy statement and data protection policy]]

* The [[BATC forum]]

* The [[BATC shop]]

* The [[The_new_streamer|BATC streamer]]

* The [[BATC archive]] Collection of photos and documents from BATC's past

* The [[new BATC website|BATC website]]

== BATC projects ==
* [[The Portsdown Transmitter]] - the BATC's Raspberry Pi-based DATV Transmitter
* [[MiniTioune]] - the DATV DVB-S / S2 receiver project
* [[Ryde Receiver]] - Dedicated DATV set top box project
* [[Knucker]] - Variable bandwidth DVB-T project
* [[Advanced receiver hardware]] - Details of the BATC advanced receiver hardware.
* [[WinterHill Receiver Project]] - Multi-channel DVB-S / S2 project
* [[BATC Video Source]] - The Raspberry Pi-based composite video source described in CQ-TV 270
* [[BATC HDMI Source]] - The Raspberry Pi-based HDMI video source to be described in CQ-TV 280
* [[Digilite]] - The original home build DATV construction project
* [[Repeater Controller]] - The BATC ATV Repeater Controller using a Raspberry Pi 4
* [[ARISS Digital Communication System]]
* [[PicoTuner]] - A USB tuner for DATV using the RpiPico as the USB interface

== CQ-TV Magazine ==
* [[Index of articles]]
* [[Archive edition|Archive editions]] download
* [[BATC_Software_Library]] for project downloads

==BATC Event Streaming Equipment==
* [[Equipment Description]]

== BATC Conventions ==

Presentations from previous conventions can be found on this page [[BATC Conventions]]

==National and International Events==

* [[ HAM RADIO 2018 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2018 at Friedrichhsafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2019 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2019 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2022 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2022 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ RSGB Convention 2022 ]] ATV Presentation at the 2022 RSGB Convention 2022

* [[ HAM RADIO 2023 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2023 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ EMFcamp 2024 ]] BATC / AMSAT-UK / UKuG demonstration village at EMFcamp 2024.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2024 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2024 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2025 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2025 at Friedrichshafen.

==HAMTV on the ISS==

[[HAMTV from the ISS|HAMTV - 2.4GHz Digital Amateur Television (DATV) on the International Space Station (ISS)]]

== Getting on the air with ATV ==
===The ATV bands===
* [[29 MHz]]
* [[51 MHz]]
* [[71 MHz]]
* [[146 MHz RB-TV]]
* [[70cms Analogue TV]]
* [[70cm DATV]]
* [[23cms ATV]]
* [[13cms]]
* [[3.4 GHz DATV]]
* [[5.6 GHz]]
* [[10 GHz]]
* [[:Media:ATV on 5.6 10 and 24 Ghz.pdf|April 2018 Presentation to MMRT about ATV on 5.6 10 and 24 GHz]]

===The different ATV modes===
* [[Reduced bandwidth TV]] (RB-TV)
* [[The Effect of FEC]]

===Equipment Options===
* [[DATV transmitting Equipment]]

==Advanced encoding / input options==

Details of advanced transmission configurations, primarily for H265,and video production software.

* [[Feeding Video to Portsdown from vMix|Vmix output in to Portsdown IPTS input]]
* [[OBS - Open Broadcast Studio|OBS output in to Portsdown IPTS input]]
* [[Using GTX10xx Graphics card encoder with OBS]]
* [[Custom_DATV_Firmware_for_the_Pluto|Using the Pluto for DATV]]
* [[Jetson_Nano|Using the Jetson Nano with Portsdown]]

== Operating ==
* [[DATV equipment capability]] - Wiki page documenting the capabilities of common DATV transmit and receive equipment.
* [[ATV standards]] - a list of standards used by ATV operators including FM bandwidths, DATV PIDs, symbol rates and FEC
* [[EMF Compliance]] - information about EMF compliance for ATV and Microwave Operation
* [[Directory of portable sites]] suitable for ATV and microwave operation
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1VeLnRRbLwloDTL2i9-HE2sxqL0c&ll=52.95536632179757%2C-0.49709419999999227&z=7 Google map] showing possible portable operating sites
* [[Mapping tools]] including finding the QRA locator of a site, UK postcode to Lat and Long conversion and a topographic overlay for Google maps
* [[Propagation tools]]
* [[UK ATV DX Records]] - a list of Known DX Records for the UK
* [[2026 Activity Weekends]]
* [[2026 Activity Ladders]]
* [[Christmas 2025 Repeater Contest & Activity Ladder|Christmas 2025 repeater Contest & Activity Ladder]]
* [[IARU ATV contest]] - How to enter the annual international TV contest
* [[IARU Region 1 ATV Contest 2025 International Results]] - International Results for the June 2025 IARU Contest

==ATV repeaters==
* [[ATV Repeater Map]]
* [[UK ATV repeaters]]
* [[USA ATV repeaters]]
* [[Australian TV repeaters]]

* [[Technical topics for ATV repeater builders]]

==Es'hail-2==
* [[Es'hail-2 Basic Information|Getting started, LNBs and aligning a dish]]

* [[Es'hail-2 Ground Station|Es'hail-2 BATC WebSDR & DATV Spectrum Monitor]]

* [[Es'hail-2 DATV Bandplan]]

* [[Es'hail-2_LNBs_and_Antennaes|Es'hail-2_LNBs]]

* [[Transmitting_Oscar_100_DATV_signals|Es'hail-2 Transmitters]]

* [[Es'hail-2 Antennaes]]

* [[Es'hail-2 conference transmissions]]

==ATV projects==
* [[Adalm Pluto]] - Collection of information on using the Adalm Pluto for DATV
* [[The MacGuffin Project]] - Collection of tools used to create an automated multi-band ATV system
* [[Receiver upconverters]] - Details of upconverters to receive 146 and 437 MHz on STB and MiniTioune
* [[Jetson Nano]] - Third generation computer-based DATV Transmitter
* [[DTX1 TS]] - interface board to take in TS streams to the DTX1
* [[RpiDATV]] - software for the Rpi
* [[RBTVMOD]] - variable rate RB-TV mdulator for the Rpi
* [[DATVExpress]] - SDR hardware based DATV transmitter covering 70 - 2450 MHz
* [[PE43703 2025]] - PE43703 variable attenuator project 2025 version
* [[PE4302]] - PE4302 variable attenuator project
* [[ADF435x PIC]] - PIC controllers for Chinese ADF4350/4351 boards
* [[DigiTwist]] - an experimental 2 axis satellite tracker
* [[G4WIM PA controller]] - an advanced PA controller design by G4WIM published in CQ-TV 265
* [[WinterHill Receiver Project]]
* [[Tilt-O-Matic]] Pan and tilt head for surveyor tripods
* [[Gerber Files]] Index of Gerber (PCB) files used by BATC and Members' Projects

== Deutschsprachiges Wiki ==

* Portsdown DATV Projekt - Deutschsprachiges Wiki
* Minitioune(r) - Deutschsprachiges Wiki

== Useful Circuits and notes ==
* [[Antenna changeover relays]] - Notes on suitable antenna change over relays for ATV use.
* [[Filters]] - Collection of links and designs for that most critical but over looked component!
* [[Pre-amps]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of pre-amplifiers suitable for ATV
* [[Power amplifiers]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of power amplifiers suitable for ATV
* [[Video circuits]] - Notes and circuits for video processing
* [[Satellite receiver tuning offsets]] - Note on how to set up a satellite receiver to directly receive L band signals.
* [[Using ex-satellite dishes]] - Notes on how to find the feed point of a dish and designs for feeds to use

== ATV Equipment manuals and schematics ==
* [[Bob Platts G8OZP]] Circuits and documentation for the Bob Platts range of equipment
* [[Comtech module]] - 23cms and 13cms ATV Tx and Rx circuits and guides
* [[Solent ATV units]] - Tx and Rx circuits and information
* [[Wood & Douglas FM TV equipment]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[LMW Electronics]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[Fortop]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[Glencom]] - VC-510 VHF to L band up converter circuit diagram and modifications
* [[Global communications]] - Hand drawn circuit of tuneable 70 / 140 MHz to L band block up converter
* [[Jaybeam]] - Details of many Jaybeam aerials

== Ex commercial broadcast equipment manuals ==
* [[NDS System 3000]]
* [[NDS Alteia rx]]

== Test equipment Information ==
For HP and Agilent equipment see the io group discussion at [https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment]

== Other equipment information related to ATV ==

BATC Wiki

2026-04-17T23:44:05Z

M0DNY: /* HAMTV on the ISS */

'''Welcome to the British Amateur Television Club Wiki''' - the place to find information on all Amateur Television related equipment and projects. For details on how to join the BATC, the member's shop and CQ-TV archive and download visit the BATC website https://batc.org.uk/

This is your site, developed by the BATC for use by the worldwide ATV community - any information which you feel is of use to others can be put on the Wiki but editing accounts are only available to trusted members. Please get in touch with any member of the BATC Committee if you have something of interest to post. Please do not request an account before contacting a member of the BATC Committee; requests without pre-approval are ignored.

* New to Amateur TV - Get the basics on our [[Getting Started|Getting Started page]]

* For details on the Portsdown DATV transmit and receive system go to [[The Portsdown DATV transceiver system|the Portsdown pages]]

* For information on the MiniTiouner USB DATV receiver go to [[MiniTioune|MiniTiouner]]

* For the DATV equipment capability list go to [[DATV equipment capability|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/DATV_equipment_capability]]

== Contents ==
* [[Registering]] on the BATC wiki

== New to Amateur TV? ==
* Get the basics on our [[Getting Started|Getting Started page]]

==BATC Information and services==
* [[Joining the BATC]]

* [[Renewing your membership]]

* The [[BATC Privacy statement and data protection policy]]

* The [[BATC forum]]

* The [[BATC shop]]

* The [[The_new_streamer|BATC streamer]]

* The [[BATC archive]] Collection of photos and documents from BATC's past

* The [[new BATC website|BATC website]]

== BATC projects ==
* [[The Portsdown Transmitter]] - the BATC's Raspberry Pi-based DATV Transmitter
* [[MiniTioune]] - the DATV DVB-S / S2 receiver project
* [[Ryde Receiver]] - Dedicated DATV set top box project
* [[Knucker]] - Variable bandwidth DVB-T project
* [[Advanced receiver hardware]] - Details of the BATC advanced receiver hardware.
* [[WinterHill Receiver Project]] - Multi-channel DVB-S / S2 project
* [[BATC Video Source]] - The Raspberry Pi-based composite video source described in CQ-TV 270
* [[BATC HDMI Source]] - The Raspberry Pi-based HDMI video source to be described in CQ-TV 280
* [[Digilite]] - The original home build DATV construction project
* [[Repeater Controller]] - The BATC ATV Repeater Controller using a Raspberry Pi 4
* [[ARISS Digital Communication System]]
* [[PicoTuner]] - A USB tuner for DATV using the RpiPico as the USB interface

== CQ-TV Magazine ==
* [[Index of articles]]
* [[Archive edition|Archive editions]] download
* [[BATC_Software_Library]] for project downloads

==BATC Event Streaming Equipment==
* [[Equipment Description]]

== BATC Conventions ==

Presentations from previous conventions can be found on this page [[BATC Conventions]]

==National and International Events==

* [[ HAM RADIO 2018 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2018 at Friedrichhsafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2019 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2019 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2022 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2022 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ RSGB Convention 2022 ]] ATV Presentation at the 2022 RSGB Convention 2022

* [[ HAM RADIO 2023 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2023 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ EMFcamp 2024 ]] BATC / AMSAT-UK / UKuG demonstration village at EMFcamp 2024.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2024 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2024 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2025 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2025 at Friedrichshafen.

==HAMTV on the ISS==

[[HAMTV from the ISS|HAMTV - Digital Amateur Television (DATV) from the International Space Station (ISS)]]

== Getting on the air with ATV ==
===The ATV bands===
* [[29 MHz]]
* [[51 MHz]]
* [[71 MHz]]
* [[146 MHz RB-TV]]
* [[70cms Analogue TV]]
* [[70cm DATV]]
* [[23cms ATV]]
* [[13cms]]
* [[3.4 GHz DATV]]
* [[5.6 GHz]]
* [[10 GHz]]
* [[:Media:ATV on 5.6 10 and 24 Ghz.pdf|April 2018 Presentation to MMRT about ATV on 5.6 10 and 24 GHz]]

===The different ATV modes===
* [[Reduced bandwidth TV]] (RB-TV)
* [[The Effect of FEC]]

===Equipment Options===
* [[DATV transmitting Equipment]]

==Advanced encoding / input options==

Details of advanced transmission configurations, primarily for H265,and video production software.

* [[Feeding Video to Portsdown from vMix|Vmix output in to Portsdown IPTS input]]
* [[OBS - Open Broadcast Studio|OBS output in to Portsdown IPTS input]]
* [[Using GTX10xx Graphics card encoder with OBS]]
* [[Custom_DATV_Firmware_for_the_Pluto|Using the Pluto for DATV]]
* [[Jetson_Nano|Using the Jetson Nano with Portsdown]]

== Operating ==
* [[DATV equipment capability]] - Wiki page documenting the capabilities of common DATV transmit and receive equipment.
* [[ATV standards]] - a list of standards used by ATV operators including FM bandwidths, DATV PIDs, symbol rates and FEC
* [[EMF Compliance]] - information about EMF compliance for ATV and Microwave Operation
* [[Directory of portable sites]] suitable for ATV and microwave operation
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1VeLnRRbLwloDTL2i9-HE2sxqL0c&ll=52.95536632179757%2C-0.49709419999999227&z=7 Google map] showing possible portable operating sites
* [[Mapping tools]] including finding the QRA locator of a site, UK postcode to Lat and Long conversion and a topographic overlay for Google maps
* [[Propagation tools]]
* [[UK ATV DX Records]] - a list of Known DX Records for the UK
* [[2026 Activity Weekends]]
* [[2026 Activity Ladders]]
* [[Christmas 2025 Repeater Contest & Activity Ladder|Christmas 2025 repeater Contest & Activity Ladder]]
* [[IARU ATV contest]] - How to enter the annual international TV contest
* [[IARU Region 1 ATV Contest 2025 International Results]] - International Results for the June 2025 IARU Contest

==ATV repeaters==
* [[ATV Repeater Map]]
* [[UK ATV repeaters]]
* [[USA ATV repeaters]]
* [[Australian TV repeaters]]

* [[Technical topics for ATV repeater builders]]

==Es'hail-2==
* [[Es'hail-2 Basic Information|Getting started, LNBs and aligning a dish]]

* [[Es'hail-2 Ground Station|Es'hail-2 BATC WebSDR & DATV Spectrum Monitor]]

* [[Es'hail-2 DATV Bandplan]]

* [[Es'hail-2_LNBs_and_Antennaes|Es'hail-2_LNBs]]

* [[Transmitting_Oscar_100_DATV_signals|Es'hail-2 Transmitters]]

* [[Es'hail-2 Antennaes]]

* [[Es'hail-2 conference transmissions]]

==ATV projects==
* [[Adalm Pluto]] - Collection of information on using the Adalm Pluto for DATV
* [[The MacGuffin Project]] - Collection of tools used to create an automated multi-band ATV system
* [[Receiver upconverters]] - Details of upconverters to receive 146 and 437 MHz on STB and MiniTioune
* [[Jetson Nano]] - Third generation computer-based DATV Transmitter
* [[DTX1 TS]] - interface board to take in TS streams to the DTX1
* [[RpiDATV]] - software for the Rpi
* [[RBTVMOD]] - variable rate RB-TV mdulator for the Rpi
* [[DATVExpress]] - SDR hardware based DATV transmitter covering 70 - 2450 MHz
* [[PE43703 2025]] - PE43703 variable attenuator project 2025 version
* [[PE4302]] - PE4302 variable attenuator project
* [[ADF435x PIC]] - PIC controllers for Chinese ADF4350/4351 boards
* [[DigiTwist]] - an experimental 2 axis satellite tracker
* [[G4WIM PA controller]] - an advanced PA controller design by G4WIM published in CQ-TV 265
* [[WinterHill Receiver Project]]
* [[Tilt-O-Matic]] Pan and tilt head for surveyor tripods
* [[Gerber Files]] Index of Gerber (PCB) files used by BATC and Members' Projects

== Deutschsprachiges Wiki ==

* Portsdown DATV Projekt - Deutschsprachiges Wiki
* Minitioune(r) - Deutschsprachiges Wiki

== Useful Circuits and notes ==
* [[Antenna changeover relays]] - Notes on suitable antenna change over relays for ATV use.
* [[Filters]] - Collection of links and designs for that most critical but over looked component!
* [[Pre-amps]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of pre-amplifiers suitable for ATV
* [[Power amplifiers]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of power amplifiers suitable for ATV
* [[Video circuits]] - Notes and circuits for video processing
* [[Satellite receiver tuning offsets]] - Note on how to set up a satellite receiver to directly receive L band signals.
* [[Using ex-satellite dishes]] - Notes on how to find the feed point of a dish and designs for feeds to use

== ATV Equipment manuals and schematics ==
* [[Bob Platts G8OZP]] Circuits and documentation for the Bob Platts range of equipment
* [[Comtech module]] - 23cms and 13cms ATV Tx and Rx circuits and guides
* [[Solent ATV units]] - Tx and Rx circuits and information
* [[Wood & Douglas FM TV equipment]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[LMW Electronics]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[Fortop]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[Glencom]] - VC-510 VHF to L band up converter circuit diagram and modifications
* [[Global communications]] - Hand drawn circuit of tuneable 70 / 140 MHz to L band block up converter
* [[Jaybeam]] - Details of many Jaybeam aerials

== Ex commercial broadcast equipment manuals ==
* [[NDS System 3000]]
* [[NDS Alteia rx]]

== Test equipment Information ==
For HP and Agilent equipment see the io group discussion at [https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment]

== Other equipment information related to ATV ==

BATC Wiki

2026-04-17T23:39:40Z

M0DNY:

'''Welcome to the British Amateur Television Club Wiki''' - the place to find information on all Amateur Television related equipment and projects. For details on how to join the BATC, the member's shop and CQ-TV archive and download visit the BATC website https://batc.org.uk/

This is your site, developed by the BATC for use by the worldwide ATV community - any information which you feel is of use to others can be put on the Wiki but editing accounts are only available to trusted members. Please get in touch with any member of the BATC Committee if you have something of interest to post. Please do not request an account before contacting a member of the BATC Committee; requests without pre-approval are ignored.

* New to Amateur TV - Get the basics on our [[Getting Started|Getting Started page]]

* For details on the Portsdown DATV transmit and receive system go to [[The Portsdown DATV transceiver system|the Portsdown pages]]

* For information on the MiniTiouner USB DATV receiver go to [[MiniTioune|MiniTiouner]]

* For the DATV equipment capability list go to [[DATV equipment capability|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/DATV_equipment_capability]]

== Contents ==
* [[Registering]] on the BATC wiki

== New to Amateur TV? ==
* Get the basics on our [[Getting Started|Getting Started page]]

==BATC Information and services==
* [[Joining the BATC]]

* [[Renewing your membership]]

* The [[BATC Privacy statement and data protection policy]]

* The [[BATC forum]]

* The [[BATC shop]]

* The [[The_new_streamer|BATC streamer]]

* The [[BATC archive]] Collection of photos and documents from BATC's past

* The [[new BATC website|BATC website]]

== BATC projects ==
* [[The Portsdown Transmitter]] - the BATC's Raspberry Pi-based DATV Transmitter
* [[MiniTioune]] - the DATV DVB-S / S2 receiver project
* [[Ryde Receiver]] - Dedicated DATV set top box project
* [[Knucker]] - Variable bandwidth DVB-T project
* [[Advanced receiver hardware]] - Details of the BATC advanced receiver hardware.
* [[WinterHill Receiver Project]] - Multi-channel DVB-S / S2 project
* [[BATC Video Source]] - The Raspberry Pi-based composite video source described in CQ-TV 270
* [[BATC HDMI Source]] - The Raspberry Pi-based HDMI video source to be described in CQ-TV 280
* [[Digilite]] - The original home build DATV construction project
* [[Repeater Controller]] - The BATC ATV Repeater Controller using a Raspberry Pi 4
* [[ARISS Digital Communication System]]
* [[PicoTuner]] - A USB tuner for DATV using the RpiPico as the USB interface

== CQ-TV Magazine ==
* [[Index of articles]]
* [[Archive edition|Archive editions]] download
* [[BATC_Software_Library]] for project downloads

==BATC Event Streaming Equipment==
* [[Equipment Description]]

== BATC Conventions ==

Presentations from previous conventions can be found on this page [[BATC Conventions]]

==National and International Events==

* [[ HAM RADIO 2018 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2018 at Friedrichhsafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2019 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2019 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2022 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2022 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ RSGB Convention 2022 ]] ATV Presentation at the 2022 RSGB Convention 2022

* [[ HAM RADIO 2023 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2023 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ EMFcamp 2024 ]] BATC / AMSAT-UK / UKuG demonstration village at EMFcamp 2024.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2024 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2024 at Friedrichshafen.

* [[ HAM RADIO 2025 ]] ATV Presentations from HAM RADIO 2025 at Friedrichshafen.

==HAMTV on the ISS==

[[HAMTV - Digital Amateur Television (DATV) from the International Space Station (ISS)]]

== Getting on the air with ATV ==
===The ATV bands===
* [[29 MHz]]
* [[51 MHz]]
* [[71 MHz]]
* [[146 MHz RB-TV]]
* [[70cms Analogue TV]]
* [[70cm DATV]]
* [[23cms ATV]]
* [[13cms]]
* [[3.4 GHz DATV]]
* [[5.6 GHz]]
* [[10 GHz]]
* [[:Media:ATV on 5.6 10 and 24 Ghz.pdf|April 2018 Presentation to MMRT about ATV on 5.6 10 and 24 GHz]]

===The different ATV modes===
* [[Reduced bandwidth TV]] (RB-TV)
* [[The Effect of FEC]]

===Equipment Options===
* [[DATV transmitting Equipment]]

==Advanced encoding / input options==

Details of advanced transmission configurations, primarily for H265,and video production software.

* [[Feeding Video to Portsdown from vMix|Vmix output in to Portsdown IPTS input]]
* [[OBS - Open Broadcast Studio|OBS output in to Portsdown IPTS input]]
* [[Using GTX10xx Graphics card encoder with OBS]]
* [[Custom_DATV_Firmware_for_the_Pluto|Using the Pluto for DATV]]
* [[Jetson_Nano|Using the Jetson Nano with Portsdown]]

== Operating ==
* [[DATV equipment capability]] - Wiki page documenting the capabilities of common DATV transmit and receive equipment.
* [[ATV standards]] - a list of standards used by ATV operators including FM bandwidths, DATV PIDs, symbol rates and FEC
* [[EMF Compliance]] - information about EMF compliance for ATV and Microwave Operation
* [[Directory of portable sites]] suitable for ATV and microwave operation
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1VeLnRRbLwloDTL2i9-HE2sxqL0c&ll=52.95536632179757%2C-0.49709419999999227&z=7 Google map] showing possible portable operating sites
* [[Mapping tools]] including finding the QRA locator of a site, UK postcode to Lat and Long conversion and a topographic overlay for Google maps
* [[Propagation tools]]
* [[UK ATV DX Records]] - a list of Known DX Records for the UK
* [[2026 Activity Weekends]]
* [[2026 Activity Ladders]]
* [[Christmas 2025 Repeater Contest & Activity Ladder|Christmas 2025 repeater Contest & Activity Ladder]]
* [[IARU ATV contest]] - How to enter the annual international TV contest
* [[IARU Region 1 ATV Contest 2025 International Results]] - International Results for the June 2025 IARU Contest

==ATV repeaters==
* [[ATV Repeater Map]]
* [[UK ATV repeaters]]
* [[USA ATV repeaters]]
* [[Australian TV repeaters]]

* [[Technical topics for ATV repeater builders]]

==Es'hail-2==
* [[Es'hail-2 Basic Information|Getting started, LNBs and aligning a dish]]

* [[Es'hail-2 Ground Station|Es'hail-2 BATC WebSDR & DATV Spectrum Monitor]]

* [[Es'hail-2 DATV Bandplan]]

* [[Es'hail-2_LNBs_and_Antennaes|Es'hail-2_LNBs]]

* [[Transmitting_Oscar_100_DATV_signals|Es'hail-2 Transmitters]]

* [[Es'hail-2 Antennaes]]

* [[Es'hail-2 conference transmissions]]

==ATV projects==
* [[Adalm Pluto]] - Collection of information on using the Adalm Pluto for DATV
* [[The MacGuffin Project]] - Collection of tools used to create an automated multi-band ATV system
* [[Receiver upconverters]] - Details of upconverters to receive 146 and 437 MHz on STB and MiniTioune
* [[Jetson Nano]] - Third generation computer-based DATV Transmitter
* [[DTX1 TS]] - interface board to take in TS streams to the DTX1
* [[RpiDATV]] - software for the Rpi
* [[RBTVMOD]] - variable rate RB-TV mdulator for the Rpi
* [[DATVExpress]] - SDR hardware based DATV transmitter covering 70 - 2450 MHz
* [[PE43703 2025]] - PE43703 variable attenuator project 2025 version
* [[PE4302]] - PE4302 variable attenuator project
* [[ADF435x PIC]] - PIC controllers for Chinese ADF4350/4351 boards
* [[DigiTwist]] - an experimental 2 axis satellite tracker
* [[G4WIM PA controller]] - an advanced PA controller design by G4WIM published in CQ-TV 265
* [[WinterHill Receiver Project]]
* [[Tilt-O-Matic]] Pan and tilt head for surveyor tripods
* [[Gerber Files]] Index of Gerber (PCB) files used by BATC and Members' Projects

== Deutschsprachiges Wiki ==

* Portsdown DATV Projekt - Deutschsprachiges Wiki
* Minitioune(r) - Deutschsprachiges Wiki

== Useful Circuits and notes ==
* [[Antenna changeover relays]] - Notes on suitable antenna change over relays for ATV use.
* [[Filters]] - Collection of links and designs for that most critical but over looked component!
* [[Pre-amps]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of pre-amplifiers suitable for ATV
* [[Power amplifiers]] - Notes, suppliers and circuits of power amplifiers suitable for ATV
* [[Video circuits]] - Notes and circuits for video processing
* [[Satellite receiver tuning offsets]] - Note on how to set up a satellite receiver to directly receive L band signals.
* [[Using ex-satellite dishes]] - Notes on how to find the feed point of a dish and designs for feeds to use

== ATV Equipment manuals and schematics ==
* [[Bob Platts G8OZP]] Circuits and documentation for the Bob Platts range of equipment
* [[Comtech module]] - 23cms and 13cms ATV Tx and Rx circuits and guides
* [[Solent ATV units]] - Tx and Rx circuits and information
* [[Wood & Douglas FM TV equipment]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[LMW Electronics]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[Fortop]] - Circuits, pcb layouts and information
* [[Glencom]] - VC-510 VHF to L band up converter circuit diagram and modifications
* [[Global communications]] - Hand drawn circuit of tuneable 70 / 140 MHz to L band block up converter
* [[Jaybeam]] - Details of many Jaybeam aerials

== Ex commercial broadcast equipment manuals ==
* [[NDS System 3000]]
* [[NDS Alteia rx]]

== Test equipment Information ==
For HP and Agilent equipment see the io group discussion at [https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment]

== Other equipment information related to ATV ==

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2025-11-22T20:36:35Z

M0DNY:

HAMTV from the ISS - How to watch the merger at a contact

2025-11-22T15:17:50Z

M0DNY: Created page with " * Windows / Mac ** MPV - Works best, although controls can be unintuitive, see section below. ** VLC - Not recommended due to frequent 'stalling' on TS errors when reception..."

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-11-12T23:09:13Z

M0DNY:

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

Then please send ARISS Operations ''hamtvops@ariss-i.org'' an email with the following details, and we'll start your onboarding process.

* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.
We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** <s>Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.</s> '''Not at this time, due to issues with uncorrected errors in the TS output.'''

* Open Tuner (ZR6TG)
** Yes, although the configuration can sometimes be less intuitive than alternatives.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** <s>Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.</s> '''Not at this time, due to issues with uncorrected errors in the TS output.'''

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/dvbpush-v18-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/dvbpush-v18-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

== Using the BATC Portsdown to upload to the Merger ==

The ability to uplink a locally received HamTV signal to the merger has been added to the Portsdown 4 (fully functional from software update 202510040). It can be selected from Menu 3, ISS HamTV RX Merger.

[[File:3 Merger Menu.png|400px]]

To set up for the merger, enter the frequency to tune to (usually 2395 MHz unless you are using a downconverter), the tuner input (A for the top socket, B for the bottom socket), the LNB voltage required (off, 13 or 18), your call (generally in uppercase), and the passkey. The region button is used to select one of 4 regional servers (Europe, America, Asia or Australia), or the Test server. For testing select the test server and make sure that you are using the test passkey. You will need to change the passkey when connecting to the live server.

To connect, press “Connect to Merger”. The button will turn green and stay green if you have successfully connected. If it just flashes green and goes back to blue, then that indicates a problem with the connection. Check your internet connection, call and passkey and try again.

Once you have connected, you will also see an indication on the online webpage. You can then press RX to start the receiver. The receiver behaves in a similar fashion to the normal Portsdown receiver. If you receive HamTV and send packets to the merger, you will see the statistics on the webpage.

If you select the receiver without first connecting to the merger, you will get a warning, but you can go on to run the receiver without a connection.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to build a ground station

2025-11-08T12:40:29Z

M0DNY: /* GNUradio + PlutoSDR */

== Introduction ==

Firstly you should to set yourself the goal of what you want to achieve. It is relatively easy to build a station that will receive 30 seconds of video when the ISS is passing directly over at high elevation, it is very difficult (and often expensive) to build a station that will receive 8 minutes of video for a similar pass as the decreasing signal strength at low elevation becomes increasingly demanding of station performance.

We suggest that you work out your average minimum elevation that you'll see the ISS at, and use that to provide an upper bound as to the performance you need. Note that 2395MHz does not penetrate thick trees or structures, so your effective horizon will likely be higher than it is for VHF/UHF.

A high minimum horizon means that it's not worth spending extra effort or money on a high performance station. A low minimum horizon leaves the choice open to you.

Rough suggestions of levels of station (these may evolve over time):

* High performance (>20 deg horizon): Well-calibrated G-5500 or better, 1.2m+ dish, <1dB Noise Figure LNA, Optional downconverter, High-specification SDR or Minitiouner receiver.
* Medium performance (>30 deg horizon): G-5500 / other motorised, 90cm dish, <3dB Noise Figure LNA, Optional downconverter, High-specification SDR or Minitiouner receiver.
* Low performance (>45 deg horizon): Hand-steered 60cm, <5dB Noise Figure LNA, Downconverter, SDR receiver.

* Experimental (>70 deg horizon, very short passes): Directional helix antenna, <5dB Noise Figure LNA, Downconverter, SDR receiver

=== Pitfalls ===

Setting up a ground station can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavour so we want to be up-front about potential pitfalls. Without expensive test equipment or alternative components to compare, fault-finding can be difficult and frustrating.

* Pointing Calibration - a 1 meter dish needs to be pointed within +/- 3 degrees, this needs to include calibration of the rotator, mounting of the dish, and any instability / wind-bend of your mast. Larger dishes will be more demanding.
* RF Interference (RFI) - WiFi is only 5MHz away and can easily overload high-gain amplifiers or unfiltered receivers. Some regions (e.g. UK) also have a very strong 4G band which requires filtering to avoid overloading even the best receivers.
* Falsely-advertised amplifiers - Some cheap amplifiers may have less gain or more noise than specified.
* Poor coax cabling - RG58 and RG213 are simply not suitable for 2395MHz. Also cheap SMA patch cables can be of very low construction quality, with the loss varying by several dB depending on the bending of the cable!
* Receivers - an overloaded receiver, particularly by something intermittent such as WiFi, can display a strong signal but just not lock reliably. Identifying the cause of the issue can often take iteration of the station setup.
* Software - the software can be complex, not widely tested, and not easy to install or configure. You may need to ask for help, and be patient in finding a solution.

__TOC__

== Technical ==

[[File:Hamtv diagramV2.jpg|800px|center]]

* The LNA / Downconverter should placed as close as possible to the dish feed and high quality microwave cable must be used.
* The upper blue-boxes option is the preferred solution for new builders.
* In the blue-boxes option the line amplifier and filters are at 2.4Ghz and GOOD (not cheap) quality satellite co-ax must be used to avoid the RF level being too low at the receiver.
* The satellite line amplifiers are required to ensure there is enough signal at the receiver input - these may be placed at masthead or in the shack
* The filters are essential, not nice to have!
* The Minitiouner V2 / Pico tuner USB receiver can be connected to '''EITHER''' a PC running OpenTuner or Minitiouner software or a Pi4 based Ryde set top box receiver.

See the sections below for a full description of the elements in the diagram.

===Ground station antennas===

[[File:dish.jpg|400px]] [[File:M0DNY HamTV Antenna.jpg|225px]]

The HamTV transmission runs relatively low power on 2395MHz to a simple patch antenna on the ISS.

This means an antenna with reasonable gain is required to receive the signal and whilst it is possible to receive the signal on a simple antenna when the ISS is overhead, to enable more than 5 minutes of reception, a higher gain antenna such as a dish with an efficient feed system is required.

It will be difficult to receive HamTV DATV picture when ISS is at a low elevation at your ground station location. Generally, a minimum of 20 degrees elevation is required to begin receiving DATV pictures.

A 1 meter or larger dish is optimum. Smaller antennas such as flat plate or patch antennas will work at high elevations when the path length is short and have the advantage of a wider beamwidth making it easier to track the ISS, but they are unlikely to work at low elevations due to the significantly longer path.

Either offset- or prime-focus dishes can be used. Prime focus will be easier to visually align with the rotator axes when installing, but are generally less available and more expensive.

===Rotator (mechanical tracking) ===

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of receiving HamTV is that, unlike the QO-100 satellite available in the Europe and Africa, the ISS is not geo-stationary and orbits the earth every 96 minutes and is visible at any location for a maximum of 11 minutes, often less.

Larger-aperture antennas will result in a stronger signal but require finer steps and more accurate pointing at the ISS as it passes overhead, increasing demands on the mechanical tracking.

The Yaesu G-5500 rotator is commonly used. It can handle up to approx. 1.8m dish, but with this size it will require careful azimuth and elevation calibration and may lose tracking intermittently during the fast (high) parts of the pass. A 1-1.2m dish on a G-5500 is a lot easier to handle and is recommended.

SPID rotators are a lot more capable and can track more precisely, however are significantly more expensive.

* 1m dish: 8 degrees beamwidth (+/-4 degrees)
* 1.8m dish: 4.5 degrees beamwidth (+/-2.2 degrees)

Software - Just like for other spacecraft in low earth orbit, there is a choice of software available to control the rotator system. [https://www.pstrotator.com/ PSTrotator] which is a very versatile system with almost unlimited number of interfaces to control rotators is one of them.

===Dish feeds===
The transmission is Right-Hand Circular Polarisation (RHCP), so if you're using a dish then the feed must be LHCP (Left-Hand ..) as the polarity is reversed when the signal is bounced off the dish surface into the feed. Any antenna used to receive the signal directly will need to be RHCP.

A suitable helical design for deep dishes was described by G3RUH here https://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/116.html

There are a number of dish feeds around for QO100 satellite uplink - these are suitable for HamTV reception as they work at the same frequency in the 2.3GHz amateur band.

https://dc8pat.darc.de/rc3/referrers/qrz_dc8pat.html - helical antenna design is at the bottom of the page.

http://f5ad.free.fr/Liens_coupes_ANT/G/PA3FYM%20Helice%202300.htm

https://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/116.html

It should be possible to use the POTY patch dish feed designed for QO100 uplink. http://www.hybridpretender.nl/poty.html Note - it may be possible to receive HamTV on a dish aligned on QO100 when the ISS passes in front of Eshail-2!

===LNA and Pre-amp===

A low noise pre-amp (LNA) should be connected directly to the antenna feed point via very high quality feeder to minimise losses. A good LNA should have noise figure (NF) less than 1db and a gain of at least 15 dB.

===== Commercial LNA Options =====
* Medium cost, good performance: [https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/dashboard.html?model=ZX60-242GLN-S%2B Minicircuits ZX60-242GLN-S+ - 28dB Gain @ 0.9dB NF]
* Low cost, acceptable performance: [https://www.nooelec.com/store/lana.html Nooelec LaNA - 12dB gain @ 1.5dB NF]

Note that very high gain units such as the Kuhne LNAs (60dB gain) can be easily overloaded by WiFi and other RFI without a filter placed in front, which will reduce their performance.

===Band pass Filter===

S-band is high demand spectrum for ground communications and so it's extremely likely that you'll have strong local signals, '''requiring''' good filtering in your system.

2.4GHz WiFi is the most common issue, as shown on the right in the spectrum capture below. The WiFi signal is intermittent so can be hard to detect on some systems, but a strong un-filtered 'data-burst' can cause receivers to lose lock for several seconds.

In the UK we have an additional problem of a 4G/LTE band in 2350-2390MHz, shown here on the left. This is a more constant signal but the very strong power can overload amplifiers/receivers in your system and so degrade your HamTV reception, particularly when pointing at low elevation angles.

[[File:ISS_13-9-25_1940_ends-low-angle_annotated.png|600px]]

It is desirable to put the filter AFTER the LNA so the noise figure of the system is not degraded by filter loss. However, you must ensure the LNA is not driven into compression (overloaded) by other local signals - if this is happening then the filter should be placed before the LNA at masthead as otherwise the HamTV signal may not decode.

If you are using a downconverter, the filter can be at the IF frequency as long as the downconverter is not overloaded by the WiFi.

Multi-pole interdigital filters work well for this, and should ideally be tuned to provide a low-pass roll-off above 2396MHz.

More information on transmit and receive filters can be found on this wiki page: [[Filters]]

Note - in some countries 2395MHz may be allocated to other services which may cause problems to receive HamTV transmissions.

===Receive co-ax cable===

It is recommended to use professional grade satellite co-ax. If you are using a long cable run you must check the received signal level at the receiver - see below.

===Receive Line amplifier===

Satellite TV receivers need a high level of RF signal - they are designed for use with satellite LNBs which have ~55dB gain. Your masthead pre-amp must be followed by at least one satellite TV line amplifier with greater than 30 dB gain.

[[File:Inline sat amp-800x800.jpg|200px]]
Your masthead LNA/LNB MUST have enough gain to overcome your co-ax cable loss. The satellite line amplifier can be placed at masthead if needed to help overcome the feeder loss or in the shack. To hear more about the importance of noise figure and gain distribution in a DATV receive system watch https://youtu.be/lfSi7vTQK44?si=wn_wLBjxco3_RnAf

You can check if you have enough gain in your receive system by checking the RF signal level on the Ryde, OpenTuner, MiniTiouner or Portsdown DATV receivers - the noise floor should sit between -30 to -70dBm when not receiving any signals.

If you are powering the LNA at masthead up the co-ax, you will need to place the DC inserter AFTER the filter.

===Do I need a downconverter?===

The HAMTV frequency on 2395MHz is outside the frequency range of a standard consumer set top box DVB receiver, and the more affordable SDR receivers and so may require a frequency downconverter. Placing a downconverter at the masthead also allows lower grade coax cable to be used to bring the IF signal back to the shack.

For the BATC Minitiouner DVB receivers, the Mark 2 or Picotuner equipped with the Serit 4434 NIM can tune up to 2450MHz so does not require a downconverter. It may still be useful to use one to reduce loss stations with on long coax feeders.
For earlier Minitiouners (using the Sharp or Eardatek tuner) or other DVB receivers you will need a downconverter to place the HAMTV signal between 950 and 2150MHz.

Most downconverters will still require an LNA in front to receive the weak HamTV signals.

For hardware it is often possible to find suitable used "S-band" downconverters from manufacturers such as California Microwave.

On the market products such as [https://www.nooelec.com/store/ham-it-down.html Nooelec's "Ham It Down"] are also likely to be suitable - but you need to check the output frequency and IF power level, to ensure compatibility with your receiver.

== Receivers for HAMTV ==

The HamTV transmissions can be received using a DVB-S receiver capable of decoding 2 Megasymbol / second MPEG2 transmission. This means that a standard consumer Set Top Box (STB) can be used. However, because the signal is only available during the ISS pass it is essential to use a receiver that can be set to both the frequency and symbol rate before the pass.

A receiver, such as a typical consumer STB, that needs to scan the frequency is unlikely to lock to the signal in the time available during the pass. This solution is therefore not recommended.

===Receivers designed for DATV===

For optimum performance, a receiver designed for receiving narrow band DATV signals should be used. The Amateur TV community has developed a number of receive solutions based around a USB connected tuner hardware.

This USB hardware connects to either a PC or Raspberry Pi 4 via a USB port - software on the PC or Pi4 sets the frequency and symbol rate of the USB receiver hardware and decodes and displays the received signal.

===USB Receiver hardware===

The BATC MiniTiouner and PicoTuner are PCBs which host the Serit FTS-4334 satellite tuner and a USB interface. This unit is designed to be built at home, requiring only intermediate skills and does not use surface mount components.

Note from 2024 the MiniTiouner has been replaced with the PicoTuner see below.

====Mark 2 MiniTiouner PCB====

[[File:Serit complete.jpg|300px]]

This is the USB hardware which has been available for 7 years and will work well for HAMTV.

For full details of the USB tuner hardware, including parts list and construction details see this wiki page: [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 2]]

====PicoTuner PCB====

[[File:Picotuner Mk1.png|300px]]

The PicoTuner is an enhanced version of the Mk2 MiniTiouner PCB launched in Spring 2024.

It replaces the FTDI USB interface on the original PCB with a Raspberry Pi Pico module. The Pico is not only significantly cheaper (£5 vs £32) but enables 2 stations to be received at once when used on the QO-100 satellite.

The PicoTuner was released in April 2024 and is '''the recommended solution for new builders'''.

For more details see this wiki page [[PicoTuner]]

====MiniTiouner Mk1 PCB====

[[File:IMAG0218.jpg|300px]]

As mentioned above, the original BATC MiniTiouner Mk1 PCB (available from 2015 to 2017) with a Sharp or Eardatek tuner '''DOES NOT''' cover 2395MHz and will require a downconverter.

As well as covering the HAMTV frequency without a down converter, the Serit FTS-4334 has much better RF performance than the original Sharp and Eardatek units and has been integrated into the OpenTuner, Ryde and Portsdown DATV receive systems.

===Software for use with the USB receiver===

The USB hardware described above connects to either a PC or Raspberry Pi 4 via a USB port - software on the PC or Pi4 controls the USB receiver hardware and decodes and displays the received signal.

When the original HamTV was on the air, due to a problem with the DVB tables in the transmission, the MiniTiouner software by F6DZP running on Windows had to be used.

However, during the last few years several developments have taken and so we now have a choice of software to use with the Mk2 Serit 4334 based USB tuner hardware.
Note OpenTuner, Ryde and Portsdown receivers DO NOT support the Mk1 MiniTiouner hardware.

Any desktop PC since approx. 2014, or any mid+ laptop since approx 2017 should be capable of running the required software.

NB there is currently no software for Apple macOS to run the Minitiouner USB receivers.

===Ryde===

Raspberry Pi 4 based set-top box software with IR handset remote control designed specifically for receiving narrow band DATV signals.

[[File:Ryde_With_Menu_Small.jpg|300px]]

For more details see this wiki page:[[Ryde Receiver]]

===OpenTuner===

PC based software developed by Tom ZR6TG

[[File:HamTV_OT_11.PNG|300px]]

For general details see this wiki page: [[OpenTuner]]

Instructions on how to set OpenTuner up for receiving HamTV (updated 30 July 2025) are here: [[OpenTuner for HamTV]]

===Portsdown===

The BATC designed DATV transceiver system based on a Raspberry Pi 4 has a receiver which has been tested and decodes the HAMTV signal

[[File:Pdown rxr.jpg|300px]]

For more details see this wiki page [[The_Portsdown_DATV_transceiver_system#Portsdown_DATV_receiver]]

===MiniTiouner===

The MiniTiouner software is still available however the author F6DZP is no longer involved in the amateur radio community so is not providing support or enhancements and you can no longer register on the Viva DATV forum to download the software.

Several previous versions can be downloaded from the ARISS website: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/

[[File:20160507 Walbury GW8VPG.jpg|300px]]

=== SDR (Software-Defined Radio) Receivers ===

An SDR receiver with a sample rate of >= 2.4Msps (>= 2.4Mhz bandwidth) can be used with a software demodulator to receive and decode the HamTV DVB-S signal.

This solution will require a reasonably powerful PC/Laptop.

==== SDR Hardware ====

Cheaper receivers tend to have less dynamic range, this means that they will be very sensitive to the correct RF input levels, and will easily degrade in the presence of RFI such as WiFi and Cellular signals.
More expensive SDR receivers tend to be better but can easily exceed the cost of the hardware DVB receivers above.

In order of increasing cost:

* RTL-SDR - works but not recommended for reliable reception, the limited dynamic range is easily impacted by RFI.
* Airspy SDR
* ADALM-PLUTO PlutoSDR
* HackRF One
* Lime Microsystems LimeSDR
* Ettus USRP

==== SDR Software ====

* SatDump [https://www.satdump.org/ https://www.satdump.org/] - Most reliable. You will need the 'nightly' build as the latest stable (v1.2.2) does not contain the DVB-S processor.
** Demonstration from Author using 2016 IQ recording: [https://twitter.com/aang254/status/1771869215776985466 https://twitter.com/aang254/status/1771869215776985466]
* SDRangel [https://www.sdrangel.org/ https://www.sdrangel.org/] - Less reliable.

SDR Television / SDRTV by Simon Brown G4ELI will '''NOT''' receive the DVB-S HAMTV signal and the author has confirmed the capability will NOT be added to any future release.

=Receiving the Signal=

First - always check the HamTV transmitter status before attempting to align your system as it is unlikely that it will be left on 24/7 and it certainly will not be available when EVAs (space walks) and docking of space craft are happening.

It is likely but not confirmed that the status will be published on the ARISS international website and Twitter account – the ISSfanclub website may also have the status updates.

[[File:Amsat status.png|500px]]

https://www.amsat.org/status/

=Testing your system=

As the ISS is only above your horizon for short periods, it will be difficult to see if your HAMTV receive system is working.

There are a number of tests you can do to ensure your system is optimised before HAMTV comes back on the air.

===Measuring sun noise===

The most useful is to measure the sun noise received on your system. This will not only measure your system performance but if you leave it running for a few hours with your rotator control system set to track the sun, it will confirm the accuracy of your tracking system. Systems known to receive HamTV when it was previously running detected between 2.0 and 2.5 dB of Sun Noise.

====Portsdown DATV test system====

The Portsdown DATV transceiver incorporates a test function that has a continuous noise measurement facility designed to measure sun noise.

* Connect the signal from your LNA / downconverter to the rx port on a Lime SDR or a Pluto SDR and select Menu 2 > test equipment > Noise power meter.

* In setting menu, adjust the Lime gain so that the noise floor sits at around -60dBm.

*From the main menu, select differential in the mode settings and then touch the right side of the "analogue" meter display on the main menu to set it to display -5 to +5dB.

* As you turn your antenna through the sun you should see a hump on the the time / gain display as the meter reads the level of sun noise - expect to see approximately 2dB on an average HamTV system.

[[File:Noise meter for Ham TV.png|400px]]

The peak on the right hand side of the history plot (bottom right) in this screenshot shows about 2 dB of Sun noise as the antenna was rotated through the sun.

For more details see this wiki page [[Portsdown_Noise_Meter|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Portsdown_Noise_Meter]]

The Portsdown DATV transceiver has a number of very useful RF test modes including a noise figure meter and a noise power meter. A very simple system can be built from a Raspberry Pi 4 running the free to download software and a LimeSDR or Pluto SDR - [[Portsdown_Test_Equipment|see this wiki page for a complete list]]

====SDR continuum mode====

Measuring sun noise can be done using SDR software running in continuum mode and running a program such as spectra view on the audio output – a Google search for sun noise measurement will show several techniques.

====MiniTiouner Noise power measurement====

F6DZP developed a suite of programs to help test a HamTV receive system which included a Noise Power Measurement program (see CQ-TV253 page 27 for more details). This was available as part of the MiniTiouner v0.8 package but appears to have been dropped in later releases. The program can be used to measure the noise power received by a Serit 4334 tuner over a period of time and requires no extra software or equipment to make sun noise measurements – the picture shows the sun noise recording from a RFHams 1.2 m mesh dish used to receive HamTV for the Principia mission in 2016.

[[File:NPM.JPG|400px]]

===Decoding a local signal===

Once you have checked your system sun noise and tracking accuracy it is worth checking that your system can receive a locally generated 2Ms DVB-S signal on 2395 MHz.

If you do not currently have a DATV system there are a couple of methods you can use to generate a local signal:

'''The recommended method is to use a Raspberry Pi 4 with the Portsdown 4 software and a Pluto SDR'''. Follow the simple instructions on this page to set this up [[Testing a HamTV Receiver using the Portsdown]]. A LimeSDR is a suitable alternative to the Pluto.

There are more difficult, less reliable, methods using just a Raspberry Pi as described here: [[UglyDATV01]]

===Playing out a local IQ file===

==== Portsdown + Lime SDR ====

* Connect the Portsdown to the internet and attach a LimeSDR. On Menu 1, select "Freq" and select the frequency that you want the signal to be generated on; you can use the keyboard key to enter 2395 MHz.
* Select Menu 2, File Menu, Download HamTV IQ File. Note that this is a 2 GB file which takes at least 5 minutes to download, and another 5 minutes to unzip.
* Once the file has downloaded, select Menu 2, File Menu again and then "Select IQ File". Touch the file SDRSharp_20160423_121611Z_731000000Hz_IQ.wav so that it is highlighted and press select.
* Then press "Play IQ File". The file will be played out on the frequency that you selected in the first step.

For full details see here: [[Portsdown IQ File Player]].

==== GNUradio + [PlutoSDR, Lime SDR, USRP, etc.] ====

Download an IQ file from the ARISS Media store, for example from the UK Contact in late 2025: [https://live.ariss.org/media/HAMTV%20Recordings/IQ%20Files/2025-10-18%20Radford%20Semele%20UK/ https://live.ariss.org/media/HAMTV Recordings/IQ Files/2025-10-18 Radford Semele UK/]

The files are (g)zipped complex samples, these will need decompressing (unzipping) before use. (.cf32.gz -> .cf32)

Then these can be played back in GNUradio as 'complex' data type, for example using a PlutoSDR with the [https://wiki.gnuradio.org/index.php/PlutoSDR_Sink PlutoSDR Sink Block]:

[[File:PlutoSDR HAMTV IQ Playback.png|500px]]

==Actually receiving HamTV==
All that remains is to wait until it is confirmed that the HamTV transmitter has been turned on then set your tracking program to follow the ISS and wait for the magic signs on the spectrum display (BandViewer?) or lock indicator that you are receiving the signal!

Once you have successfully received the HamTV transmission, the Dsave button in MiniTioune can be used to record data such as RF level, MER and Vber to show how well and for how long you received the pass.

=BATC TS (transport stream) merger system=

Once HamTV is active from ISS, BATC will be running the TS merger system. This is a server which combines the MPEG-TS UDP outputs from several ground stations and enables continuous video stream from the ISS to be presented to the school, reducing the pressure on the school ground station.

Despite several large capable stations in the system, ground-station-specific blockage is common on the ISS due to docked spacecraft and other equipment, so more geographically-diverse smaller stations are always wanted.

At this time only the [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 1|MiniTiouner Version 1]] and [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 2|MiniTiouner Version 2]] are approved for use with the Merger. We are working to validate Satdump for SDR reception. The Techno-Trend 1600 and 3200 receivers are not suitable.

[[File:TSmerger.png|600px]]

Once you have your system up and running please post on the BATC forum asking for more details.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to build a ground station

2025-11-08T12:39:43Z

M0DNY: /* Playing out a local IQ file */

== Introduction ==

Firstly you should to set yourself the goal of what you want to achieve. It is relatively easy to build a station that will receive 30 seconds of video when the ISS is passing directly over at high elevation, it is very difficult (and often expensive) to build a station that will receive 8 minutes of video for a similar pass as the decreasing signal strength at low elevation becomes increasingly demanding of station performance.

We suggest that you work out your average minimum elevation that you'll see the ISS at, and use that to provide an upper bound as to the performance you need. Note that 2395MHz does not penetrate thick trees or structures, so your effective horizon will likely be higher than it is for VHF/UHF.

A high minimum horizon means that it's not worth spending extra effort or money on a high performance station. A low minimum horizon leaves the choice open to you.

Rough suggestions of levels of station (these may evolve over time):

* High performance (>20 deg horizon): Well-calibrated G-5500 or better, 1.2m+ dish, <1dB Noise Figure LNA, Optional downconverter, High-specification SDR or Minitiouner receiver.
* Medium performance (>30 deg horizon): G-5500 / other motorised, 90cm dish, <3dB Noise Figure LNA, Optional downconverter, High-specification SDR or Minitiouner receiver.
* Low performance (>45 deg horizon): Hand-steered 60cm, <5dB Noise Figure LNA, Downconverter, SDR receiver.

* Experimental (>70 deg horizon, very short passes): Directional helix antenna, <5dB Noise Figure LNA, Downconverter, SDR receiver

=== Pitfalls ===

Setting up a ground station can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavour so we want to be up-front about potential pitfalls. Without expensive test equipment or alternative components to compare, fault-finding can be difficult and frustrating.

* Pointing Calibration - a 1 meter dish needs to be pointed within +/- 3 degrees, this needs to include calibration of the rotator, mounting of the dish, and any instability / wind-bend of your mast. Larger dishes will be more demanding.
* RF Interference (RFI) - WiFi is only 5MHz away and can easily overload high-gain amplifiers or unfiltered receivers. Some regions (e.g. UK) also have a very strong 4G band which requires filtering to avoid overloading even the best receivers.
* Falsely-advertised amplifiers - Some cheap amplifiers may have less gain or more noise than specified.
* Poor coax cabling - RG58 and RG213 are simply not suitable for 2395MHz. Also cheap SMA patch cables can be of very low construction quality, with the loss varying by several dB depending on the bending of the cable!
* Receivers - an overloaded receiver, particularly by something intermittent such as WiFi, can display a strong signal but just not lock reliably. Identifying the cause of the issue can often take iteration of the station setup.
* Software - the software can be complex, not widely tested, and not easy to install or configure. You may need to ask for help, and be patient in finding a solution.

__TOC__

== Technical ==

[[File:Hamtv diagramV2.jpg|800px|center]]

* The LNA / Downconverter should placed as close as possible to the dish feed and high quality microwave cable must be used.
* The upper blue-boxes option is the preferred solution for new builders.
* In the blue-boxes option the line amplifier and filters are at 2.4Ghz and GOOD (not cheap) quality satellite co-ax must be used to avoid the RF level being too low at the receiver.
* The satellite line amplifiers are required to ensure there is enough signal at the receiver input - these may be placed at masthead or in the shack
* The filters are essential, not nice to have!
* The Minitiouner V2 / Pico tuner USB receiver can be connected to '''EITHER''' a PC running OpenTuner or Minitiouner software or a Pi4 based Ryde set top box receiver.

See the sections below for a full description of the elements in the diagram.

===Ground station antennas===

[[File:dish.jpg|400px]] [[File:M0DNY HamTV Antenna.jpg|225px]]

The HamTV transmission runs relatively low power on 2395MHz to a simple patch antenna on the ISS.

This means an antenna with reasonable gain is required to receive the signal and whilst it is possible to receive the signal on a simple antenna when the ISS is overhead, to enable more than 5 minutes of reception, a higher gain antenna such as a dish with an efficient feed system is required.

It will be difficult to receive HamTV DATV picture when ISS is at a low elevation at your ground station location. Generally, a minimum of 20 degrees elevation is required to begin receiving DATV pictures.

A 1 meter or larger dish is optimum. Smaller antennas such as flat plate or patch antennas will work at high elevations when the path length is short and have the advantage of a wider beamwidth making it easier to track the ISS, but they are unlikely to work at low elevations due to the significantly longer path.

Either offset- or prime-focus dishes can be used. Prime focus will be easier to visually align with the rotator axes when installing, but are generally less available and more expensive.

===Rotator (mechanical tracking) ===

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of receiving HamTV is that, unlike the QO-100 satellite available in the Europe and Africa, the ISS is not geo-stationary and orbits the earth every 96 minutes and is visible at any location for a maximum of 11 minutes, often less.

Larger-aperture antennas will result in a stronger signal but require finer steps and more accurate pointing at the ISS as it passes overhead, increasing demands on the mechanical tracking.

The Yaesu G-5500 rotator is commonly used. It can handle up to approx. 1.8m dish, but with this size it will require careful azimuth and elevation calibration and may lose tracking intermittently during the fast (high) parts of the pass. A 1-1.2m dish on a G-5500 is a lot easier to handle and is recommended.

SPID rotators are a lot more capable and can track more precisely, however are significantly more expensive.

* 1m dish: 8 degrees beamwidth (+/-4 degrees)
* 1.8m dish: 4.5 degrees beamwidth (+/-2.2 degrees)

Software - Just like for other spacecraft in low earth orbit, there is a choice of software available to control the rotator system. [https://www.pstrotator.com/ PSTrotator] which is a very versatile system with almost unlimited number of interfaces to control rotators is one of them.

===Dish feeds===
The transmission is Right-Hand Circular Polarisation (RHCP), so if you're using a dish then the feed must be LHCP (Left-Hand ..) as the polarity is reversed when the signal is bounced off the dish surface into the feed. Any antenna used to receive the signal directly will need to be RHCP.

A suitable helical design for deep dishes was described by G3RUH here https://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/116.html

There are a number of dish feeds around for QO100 satellite uplink - these are suitable for HamTV reception as they work at the same frequency in the 2.3GHz amateur band.

https://dc8pat.darc.de/rc3/referrers/qrz_dc8pat.html - helical antenna design is at the bottom of the page.

http://f5ad.free.fr/Liens_coupes_ANT/G/PA3FYM%20Helice%202300.htm

https://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/116.html

It should be possible to use the POTY patch dish feed designed for QO100 uplink. http://www.hybridpretender.nl/poty.html Note - it may be possible to receive HamTV on a dish aligned on QO100 when the ISS passes in front of Eshail-2!

===LNA and Pre-amp===

A low noise pre-amp (LNA) should be connected directly to the antenna feed point via very high quality feeder to minimise losses. A good LNA should have noise figure (NF) less than 1db and a gain of at least 15 dB.

===== Commercial LNA Options =====
* Medium cost, good performance: [https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/dashboard.html?model=ZX60-242GLN-S%2B Minicircuits ZX60-242GLN-S+ - 28dB Gain @ 0.9dB NF]
* Low cost, acceptable performance: [https://www.nooelec.com/store/lana.html Nooelec LaNA - 12dB gain @ 1.5dB NF]

Note that very high gain units such as the Kuhne LNAs (60dB gain) can be easily overloaded by WiFi and other RFI without a filter placed in front, which will reduce their performance.

===Band pass Filter===

S-band is high demand spectrum for ground communications and so it's extremely likely that you'll have strong local signals, '''requiring''' good filtering in your system.

2.4GHz WiFi is the most common issue, as shown on the right in the spectrum capture below. The WiFi signal is intermittent so can be hard to detect on some systems, but a strong un-filtered 'data-burst' can cause receivers to lose lock for several seconds.

In the UK we have an additional problem of a 4G/LTE band in 2350-2390MHz, shown here on the left. This is a more constant signal but the very strong power can overload amplifiers/receivers in your system and so degrade your HamTV reception, particularly when pointing at low elevation angles.

[[File:ISS_13-9-25_1940_ends-low-angle_annotated.png|600px]]

It is desirable to put the filter AFTER the LNA so the noise figure of the system is not degraded by filter loss. However, you must ensure the LNA is not driven into compression (overloaded) by other local signals - if this is happening then the filter should be placed before the LNA at masthead as otherwise the HamTV signal may not decode.

If you are using a downconverter, the filter can be at the IF frequency as long as the downconverter is not overloaded by the WiFi.

Multi-pole interdigital filters work well for this, and should ideally be tuned to provide a low-pass roll-off above 2396MHz.

More information on transmit and receive filters can be found on this wiki page: [[Filters]]

Note - in some countries 2395MHz may be allocated to other services which may cause problems to receive HamTV transmissions.

===Receive co-ax cable===

It is recommended to use professional grade satellite co-ax. If you are using a long cable run you must check the received signal level at the receiver - see below.

===Receive Line amplifier===

Satellite TV receivers need a high level of RF signal - they are designed for use with satellite LNBs which have ~55dB gain. Your masthead pre-amp must be followed by at least one satellite TV line amplifier with greater than 30 dB gain.

[[File:Inline sat amp-800x800.jpg|200px]]
Your masthead LNA/LNB MUST have enough gain to overcome your co-ax cable loss. The satellite line amplifier can be placed at masthead if needed to help overcome the feeder loss or in the shack. To hear more about the importance of noise figure and gain distribution in a DATV receive system watch https://youtu.be/lfSi7vTQK44?si=wn_wLBjxco3_RnAf

You can check if you have enough gain in your receive system by checking the RF signal level on the Ryde, OpenTuner, MiniTiouner or Portsdown DATV receivers - the noise floor should sit between -30 to -70dBm when not receiving any signals.

If you are powering the LNA at masthead up the co-ax, you will need to place the DC inserter AFTER the filter.

===Do I need a downconverter?===

The HAMTV frequency on 2395MHz is outside the frequency range of a standard consumer set top box DVB receiver, and the more affordable SDR receivers and so may require a frequency downconverter. Placing a downconverter at the masthead also allows lower grade coax cable to be used to bring the IF signal back to the shack.

For the BATC Minitiouner DVB receivers, the Mark 2 or Picotuner equipped with the Serit 4434 NIM can tune up to 2450MHz so does not require a downconverter. It may still be useful to use one to reduce loss stations with on long coax feeders.
For earlier Minitiouners (using the Sharp or Eardatek tuner) or other DVB receivers you will need a downconverter to place the HAMTV signal between 950 and 2150MHz.

Most downconverters will still require an LNA in front to receive the weak HamTV signals.

For hardware it is often possible to find suitable used "S-band" downconverters from manufacturers such as California Microwave.

On the market products such as [https://www.nooelec.com/store/ham-it-down.html Nooelec's "Ham It Down"] are also likely to be suitable - but you need to check the output frequency and IF power level, to ensure compatibility with your receiver.

== Receivers for HAMTV ==

The HamTV transmissions can be received using a DVB-S receiver capable of decoding 2 Megasymbol / second MPEG2 transmission. This means that a standard consumer Set Top Box (STB) can be used. However, because the signal is only available during the ISS pass it is essential to use a receiver that can be set to both the frequency and symbol rate before the pass.

A receiver, such as a typical consumer STB, that needs to scan the frequency is unlikely to lock to the signal in the time available during the pass. This solution is therefore not recommended.

===Receivers designed for DATV===

For optimum performance, a receiver designed for receiving narrow band DATV signals should be used. The Amateur TV community has developed a number of receive solutions based around a USB connected tuner hardware.

This USB hardware connects to either a PC or Raspberry Pi 4 via a USB port - software on the PC or Pi4 sets the frequency and symbol rate of the USB receiver hardware and decodes and displays the received signal.

===USB Receiver hardware===

The BATC MiniTiouner and PicoTuner are PCBs which host the Serit FTS-4334 satellite tuner and a USB interface. This unit is designed to be built at home, requiring only intermediate skills and does not use surface mount components.

Note from 2024 the MiniTiouner has been replaced with the PicoTuner see below.

====Mark 2 MiniTiouner PCB====

[[File:Serit complete.jpg|300px]]

This is the USB hardware which has been available for 7 years and will work well for HAMTV.

For full details of the USB tuner hardware, including parts list and construction details see this wiki page: [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 2]]

====PicoTuner PCB====

[[File:Picotuner Mk1.png|300px]]

The PicoTuner is an enhanced version of the Mk2 MiniTiouner PCB launched in Spring 2024.

It replaces the FTDI USB interface on the original PCB with a Raspberry Pi Pico module. The Pico is not only significantly cheaper (£5 vs £32) but enables 2 stations to be received at once when used on the QO-100 satellite.

The PicoTuner was released in April 2024 and is '''the recommended solution for new builders'''.

For more details see this wiki page [[PicoTuner]]

====MiniTiouner Mk1 PCB====

[[File:IMAG0218.jpg|300px]]

As mentioned above, the original BATC MiniTiouner Mk1 PCB (available from 2015 to 2017) with a Sharp or Eardatek tuner '''DOES NOT''' cover 2395MHz and will require a downconverter.

As well as covering the HAMTV frequency without a down converter, the Serit FTS-4334 has much better RF performance than the original Sharp and Eardatek units and has been integrated into the OpenTuner, Ryde and Portsdown DATV receive systems.

===Software for use with the USB receiver===

The USB hardware described above connects to either a PC or Raspberry Pi 4 via a USB port - software on the PC or Pi4 controls the USB receiver hardware and decodes and displays the received signal.

When the original HamTV was on the air, due to a problem with the DVB tables in the transmission, the MiniTiouner software by F6DZP running on Windows had to be used.

However, during the last few years several developments have taken and so we now have a choice of software to use with the Mk2 Serit 4334 based USB tuner hardware.
Note OpenTuner, Ryde and Portsdown receivers DO NOT support the Mk1 MiniTiouner hardware.

Any desktop PC since approx. 2014, or any mid+ laptop since approx 2017 should be capable of running the required software.

NB there is currently no software for Apple macOS to run the Minitiouner USB receivers.

===Ryde===

Raspberry Pi 4 based set-top box software with IR handset remote control designed specifically for receiving narrow band DATV signals.

[[File:Ryde_With_Menu_Small.jpg|300px]]

For more details see this wiki page:[[Ryde Receiver]]

===OpenTuner===

PC based software developed by Tom ZR6TG

[[File:HamTV_OT_11.PNG|300px]]

For general details see this wiki page: [[OpenTuner]]

Instructions on how to set OpenTuner up for receiving HamTV (updated 30 July 2025) are here: [[OpenTuner for HamTV]]

===Portsdown===

The BATC designed DATV transceiver system based on a Raspberry Pi 4 has a receiver which has been tested and decodes the HAMTV signal

[[File:Pdown rxr.jpg|300px]]

For more details see this wiki page [[The_Portsdown_DATV_transceiver_system#Portsdown_DATV_receiver]]

===MiniTiouner===

The MiniTiouner software is still available however the author F6DZP is no longer involved in the amateur radio community so is not providing support or enhancements and you can no longer register on the Viva DATV forum to download the software.

Several previous versions can be downloaded from the ARISS website: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/

[[File:20160507 Walbury GW8VPG.jpg|300px]]

=== SDR (Software-Defined Radio) Receivers ===

An SDR receiver with a sample rate of >= 2.4Msps (>= 2.4Mhz bandwidth) can be used with a software demodulator to receive and decode the HamTV DVB-S signal.

This solution will require a reasonably powerful PC/Laptop.

==== SDR Hardware ====

Cheaper receivers tend to have less dynamic range, this means that they will be very sensitive to the correct RF input levels, and will easily degrade in the presence of RFI such as WiFi and Cellular signals.
More expensive SDR receivers tend to be better but can easily exceed the cost of the hardware DVB receivers above.

In order of increasing cost:

* RTL-SDR - works but not recommended for reliable reception, the limited dynamic range is easily impacted by RFI.
* Airspy SDR
* ADALM-PLUTO PlutoSDR
* HackRF One
* Lime Microsystems LimeSDR
* Ettus USRP

==== SDR Software ====

* SatDump [https://www.satdump.org/ https://www.satdump.org/] - Most reliable. You will need the 'nightly' build as the latest stable (v1.2.2) does not contain the DVB-S processor.
** Demonstration from Author using 2016 IQ recording: [https://twitter.com/aang254/status/1771869215776985466 https://twitter.com/aang254/status/1771869215776985466]
* SDRangel [https://www.sdrangel.org/ https://www.sdrangel.org/] - Less reliable.

SDR Television / SDRTV by Simon Brown G4ELI will '''NOT''' receive the DVB-S HAMTV signal and the author has confirmed the capability will NOT be added to any future release.

=Receiving the Signal=

First - always check the HamTV transmitter status before attempting to align your system as it is unlikely that it will be left on 24/7 and it certainly will not be available when EVAs (space walks) and docking of space craft are happening.

It is likely but not confirmed that the status will be published on the ARISS international website and Twitter account – the ISSfanclub website may also have the status updates.

[[File:Amsat status.png|500px]]

https://www.amsat.org/status/

=Testing your system=

As the ISS is only above your horizon for short periods, it will be difficult to see if your HAMTV receive system is working.

There are a number of tests you can do to ensure your system is optimised before HAMTV comes back on the air.

===Measuring sun noise===

The most useful is to measure the sun noise received on your system. This will not only measure your system performance but if you leave it running for a few hours with your rotator control system set to track the sun, it will confirm the accuracy of your tracking system. Systems known to receive HamTV when it was previously running detected between 2.0 and 2.5 dB of Sun Noise.

====Portsdown DATV test system====

The Portsdown DATV transceiver incorporates a test function that has a continuous noise measurement facility designed to measure sun noise.

* Connect the signal from your LNA / downconverter to the rx port on a Lime SDR or a Pluto SDR and select Menu 2 > test equipment > Noise power meter.

* In setting menu, adjust the Lime gain so that the noise floor sits at around -60dBm.

*From the main menu, select differential in the mode settings and then touch the right side of the "analogue" meter display on the main menu to set it to display -5 to +5dB.

* As you turn your antenna through the sun you should see a hump on the the time / gain display as the meter reads the level of sun noise - expect to see approximately 2dB on an average HamTV system.

[[File:Noise meter for Ham TV.png|400px]]

The peak on the right hand side of the history plot (bottom right) in this screenshot shows about 2 dB of Sun noise as the antenna was rotated through the sun.

For more details see this wiki page [[Portsdown_Noise_Meter|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Portsdown_Noise_Meter]]

The Portsdown DATV transceiver has a number of very useful RF test modes including a noise figure meter and a noise power meter. A very simple system can be built from a Raspberry Pi 4 running the free to download software and a LimeSDR or Pluto SDR - [[Portsdown_Test_Equipment|see this wiki page for a complete list]]

====SDR continuum mode====

Measuring sun noise can be done using SDR software running in continuum mode and running a program such as spectra view on the audio output – a Google search for sun noise measurement will show several techniques.

====MiniTiouner Noise power measurement====

F6DZP developed a suite of programs to help test a HamTV receive system which included a Noise Power Measurement program (see CQ-TV253 page 27 for more details). This was available as part of the MiniTiouner v0.8 package but appears to have been dropped in later releases. The program can be used to measure the noise power received by a Serit 4334 tuner over a period of time and requires no extra software or equipment to make sun noise measurements – the picture shows the sun noise recording from a RFHams 1.2 m mesh dish used to receive HamTV for the Principia mission in 2016.

[[File:NPM.JPG|400px]]

===Decoding a local signal===

Once you have checked your system sun noise and tracking accuracy it is worth checking that your system can receive a locally generated 2Ms DVB-S signal on 2395 MHz.

If you do not currently have a DATV system there are a couple of methods you can use to generate a local signal:

'''The recommended method is to use a Raspberry Pi 4 with the Portsdown 4 software and a Pluto SDR'''. Follow the simple instructions on this page to set this up [[Testing a HamTV Receiver using the Portsdown]]. A LimeSDR is a suitable alternative to the Pluto.

There are more difficult, less reliable, methods using just a Raspberry Pi as described here: [[UglyDATV01]]

===Playing out a local IQ file===

==== Portsdown + Lime SDR ====

* Connect the Portsdown to the internet and attach a LimeSDR. On Menu 1, select "Freq" and select the frequency that you want the signal to be generated on; you can use the keyboard key to enter 2395 MHz.
* Select Menu 2, File Menu, Download HamTV IQ File. Note that this is a 2 GB file which takes at least 5 minutes to download, and another 5 minutes to unzip.
* Once the file has downloaded, select Menu 2, File Menu again and then "Select IQ File". Touch the file SDRSharp_20160423_121611Z_731000000Hz_IQ.wav so that it is highlighted and press select.
* Then press "Play IQ File". The file will be played out on the frequency that you selected in the first step.

For full details see here: [[Portsdown IQ File Player]].

==== GNUradio + PlutoSDR ====

Download an IQ file from the ARISS Media store, for example from the UK Contact in late 2025: [https://live.ariss.org/media/HAMTV%20Recordings/IQ%20Files/2025-10-18%20Radford%20Semele%20UK/ https://live.ariss.org/media/HAMTV Recordings/IQ Files/2025-10-18 Radford Semele UK/]

The files are (g)zipped complex samples, these will need decompressing (unzipping) before use.

Then these can be played back in GNUradio as 'complex' data type, for example using a PlutoSDR with the [https://wiki.gnuradio.org/index.php/PlutoSDR_Sink PlutoSDR Sink Block]:

[[File:PlutoSDR HAMTV IQ Playback.png|500px]]

==Actually receiving HamTV==
All that remains is to wait until it is confirmed that the HamTV transmitter has been turned on then set your tracking program to follow the ISS and wait for the magic signs on the spectrum display (BandViewer?) or lock indicator that you are receiving the signal!

Once you have successfully received the HamTV transmission, the Dsave button in MiniTioune can be used to record data such as RF level, MER and Vber to show how well and for how long you received the pass.

=BATC TS (transport stream) merger system=

Once HamTV is active from ISS, BATC will be running the TS merger system. This is a server which combines the MPEG-TS UDP outputs from several ground stations and enables continuous video stream from the ISS to be presented to the school, reducing the pressure on the school ground station.

Despite several large capable stations in the system, ground-station-specific blockage is common on the ISS due to docked spacecraft and other equipment, so more geographically-diverse smaller stations are always wanted.

At this time only the [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 1|MiniTiouner Version 1]] and [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 2|MiniTiouner Version 2]] are approved for use with the Merger. We are working to validate Satdump for SDR reception. The Techno-Trend 1600 and 3200 receivers are not suitable.

[[File:TSmerger.png|600px]]

Once you have your system up and running please post on the BATC forum asking for more details.

File:PlutoSDR HAMTV IQ Playback.png

2025-11-08T12:37:48Z

M0DNY:

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-11-05T10:28:53Z

M0DNY:

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

Then please send ARISS Operations ''hamtvops@ariss-i.org'' an email with the following details, and we'll start your onboarding process.

* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.
We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** <s>Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.</s> '''Not at this time, due to issues with uncorrected errors in the TS output.'''

* Open Tuner (ZR6TG)
** Yes, although the configuration can sometimes be less intuitive than alternatives.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** <s>Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.</s> '''Not at this time, due to issues with uncorrected errors in the TS output.'''

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

== Using the BATC Portsdown to upload to the Merger ==

The ability to uplink a locally received HamTV signal to the merger has been added to the Portsdown 4 (fully functional from software update 202510040). It can be selected from Menu 3, ISS HamTV RX Merger.

[[File:3 Merger Menu.png|400px]]

To set up for the merger, enter the frequency to tune to (usually 2395 MHz unless you are using a downconverter), the tuner input (A for the top socket, B for the bottom socket), the LNB voltage required (off, 13 or 18), your call (generally in uppercase), and the passkey. The region button is used to select one of 4 regional servers (Europe, America, Asia or Australia), or the Test server. For testing select the test server and make sure that you are using the test passkey. You will need to change the passkey when connecting to the live server.

To connect, press “Connect to Merger”. The button will turn green and stay green if you have successfully connected. If it just flashes green and goes back to blue, then that indicates a problem with the connection. Check your internet connection, call and passkey and try again.

Once you have connected, you will also see an indication on the online webpage. You can then press RX to start the receiver. The receiver behaves in a similar fashion to the normal Portsdown receiver. If you receive HamTV and send packets to the merger, you will see the statistics on the webpage.

If you select the receiver without first connecting to the merger, you will get a warning, but you can go on to run the receiver without a connection.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-11-04T18:26:35Z

M0DNY: /* Receiver Configurations */

''Page under construction''

For further information please contact hamtvops@ariss-i.org

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.

We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** <s>Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.</s> '''Not at this time, due to issues with uncorrected errors in the TS output.'''

* Open Tuner (ZR6TG)
** Yes, although the configuration can sometimes be less intuitive than alternatives.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** <s>Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.</s> '''Not at this time, due to issues with uncorrected errors in the TS output.'''

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

== Using the BATC Portsdown to upload to the Merger ==

The ability to uplink a locally received HamTV signal to the merger has been added to the Portsdown 4 (fully functional from software update 202510040). It can be selected from Menu 3, ISS HamTV RX Merger.

[[File:3 Merger Menu.png|400px]]

To set up for the merger, enter the frequency to tune to (usually 2395 MHz unless you are using a downconverter), the tuner input (A for the top socket, B for the bottom socket), the LNB voltage required (off, 13 or 18), your call (generally in uppercase), and the passkey. The region button is used to select one of 4 regional servers (Europe, America, Asia or Australia), or the Test server. For testing select the test server and make sure that you are using the test passkey. You will need to change the passkey when connecting to the live server.

To connect, press “Connect to Merger”. The button will turn green and stay green if you have successfully connected. If it just flashes green and goes back to blue, then that indicates a problem with the connection. Check your internet connection, call and passkey and try again.

Once you have connected, you will also see an indication on the online webpage. You can then press RX to start the receiver. The receiver behaves in a similar fashion to the normal Portsdown receiver. If you receive HamTV and send packets to the merger, you will see the statistics on the webpage.

If you select the receiver without first connecting to the merger, you will get a warning, but you can go on to run the receiver without a connection.

CAT 25 part 2

2025-10-25T23:35:38Z

M0DNY:

Portsdown Developments - Dave, G8GKQ. Dave will bring us all up to date with the latest Portsdown developments and demonstrate some of the extremely useful facilities available on what is much more than a DATV transmitter! [[:Media:20251025 Portsdown Developments.pdf|Slides]]

Charles G4GUO will give his thoughts on what impact Artificial Intelligence will have on Amateur Radio and give some examples that can be used today.

Justin G8YTZ will give an overview and insight into the repeater design of GB3JV/JT and GB3OO

An ATV Packed Lunch! Informal Q+A and interactive Zoom session open to everybody. (See below for joining instructions).

Phil M0DNY will give an update on HamTV from the ISS. - [[:Media:CAT25 Part 2-M0DNY-HAMTV.pdf|Slides]]

Jen G4HIZ will tell us about a taster receive system to receive ATV pictures from the International Space Station.

Phil will return to talk about why you must use filters to reduce wifi and 4G interference when receiving HamTV. - [[:Media:CAT25 Part 2-M0DNY-HAMTV Filters.pdf|Slides]]

File:CAT25 Part 2-M0DNY-HAMTV Filters.pdf

2025-10-25T23:35:16Z

M0DNY:

CAT 25 part 2

2025-10-25T23:34:38Z

M0DNY:

CAT 25 part 2

2025-10-25T23:34:26Z

M0DNY:

Portsdown Developments - Dave, G8GKQ. Dave will bring us all up to date with the latest Portsdown developments and demonstrate some of the extremely useful facilities available on what is much more than a DATV transmitter! [[:Media:20251025 Portsdown Developments.pdf|Slides]]

Charles G4GUO will give his thoughts on what impact Artificial Intelligence will have on Amateur Radio and give some examples that can be used today.

Justin G8YTZ will give an overview and insight into the repeater design of GB3JV/JT and GB3OO

An ATV Packed Lunch! Informal Q+A and interactive Zoom session open to everybody. (See below for joining instructions).

Phil M0DNY will give an update on HamTV from the ISS. - [[:File:CAT25 Part 2-M0DNY-HAMTV.pdf|Slides]]

Jen G4HIZ will tell us about a taster receive system to receive ATV pictures from the International Space Station.

Phil will return to talk about why you must use filters to reduce wifi and 4G interference when receiving HamTV.

File:CAT25 Part 2-M0DNY-HAMTV.pdf

2025-10-25T23:34:05Z

M0DNY:

HAMTV from the ISS

2025-10-11T14:31:58Z

M0DNY: /* Relevant Presentations and Video */

__NOTOC__
[[File:HAMTV 1.jpg|400px|right]] HAMTV is the name of the Digital Amateur Television (DATV) transmitter on board the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). It is a DVB-S digital audio and video transmitter, normally on 2395MHz (13cm band).

The HamTV unit was first installed on the ISS in 2013, commissioned in April 2014 and was used for a number of ARISS school contacts in 2016 - 2018.
The unit failed in 2019, and was brought back to earth for repair. It was returned to the ISS on the SpaceX SpX-30 flight on March 21st 2024. It was finally installed and first powered on again on 29th July 2025.

== Purpose ==

The primary use of HAMTV is for ARISS schools contacts, when the astronaut will use a camera to show live video of himself and the inside of the ISS to the school during the VHF radio contact.

[[File:HAMTV 2.jpg|400px]]

Outside of school contacts the transmitter is often left switched on to enable experimentation and self-education in the building of ground stations.

== Transmission Details ==

Whilst the transmitter has a number of possible configurations, it is anticipated that most transmissions will be:

* 2395 MHz, RHCP, 2W power at the patch antenna pointing down from the ISS.
* Modulation: 2.0 Msymbols/second, DVB-S (QPSK), FEC 1/2
* Content: MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio.

'''More details can be found at: [[HAMTV from the ISS - HAMTV Transmitter Information]]'''

== How can I watch HAMTV? (without a ground station) ==

A network of ARISS ground stations contribute to a central feed using the BATC Merger to enable high-quality reception for School Contacts. You can watch the video output whenever ground stations are receiving the signal.

'''ARISS / BATC HAMTV Ground Station Network: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/'''

== How can I build my own ground station to receive HAMTV? ==

Building a ground station to receive HAMTV from the ISS is challenging.

The link budget is a lot less forgiving of non-optimal stations than VHF/UHF, the high 'microwave' frequency brings lots of pitfalls, the equipment can be expensive and/or hard to source, and the limited visibility and fast movement of the space station across the sky can make it time-consuming and frustrating to troubleshoot any problems that occur.

The result however is being able to receive live video from an Astronaut (during school contacts), with your own S-band ground station! You could also talk to ARISS Ops about joining the ground station network and using your antenna to contribute directly to School Contacts.

=== Components of a typical ground station ===

* Antenna - Typically a dish of 0.6-1.2 meters in diameter, with a helix or patch feed.
* Pointing Mechanism - to follow the ISS across the sky. Can be motorised, or manual for smaller antennas.
* LNA - Required, and mounted as close as possible to the antenna feed to minimise coax loss at microwave frequencies.
* Filter - May be required to prevent overload if you have strong WiFi (2400MHz+) or 5G (2380MHz-) nearby.
* Downconverter - Optional, allows use of non-microwave capable receivers, also reduces loss in long coax runs.
* Receiver - Needs to be capable of receiving 2.4MHz-wide DVB-S. A good receiver can be more tolerant of issues elsewhere in the ground station.

'''For more information read: [[HAMTV from the ISS - How to build a ground station]]'''

== Can I help support HAMTV downlinks for ARISS Educational Contacts? ==

To assist our volunteer teams with providing a reliable HAMTV experience for the participants at Educational Contact events, a Ground Station Merger facility has been developed to crowd-source the HAMTV data in realtime from geographically diverse ground stations.

Before getting involved you'll need to have a reliable station up and running, however there are also some requirements on the equipment involved that can be found at the link below.

'''[[HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger]]'''

=Social media=

ARISS international on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ARISS_Intl

ARISS International on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/arissintl.bsky.social

Join and ask questions in the ARISS Discord: https://discord.gg/dQUEE48C

==BATC forum==

BATC have setup a new forum thread to discuss receiving HamTV.

Please post any questions, comments and status updates here: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8398

A lot of information is available on the BATC forum: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4389

== Relevant Presentations and Video ==

Colin G4KLB on how he received HamTV in 2014: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9keVA21DPBc YouTube]

Video of HamTV in action during the Tim Peake Principia mission contact with Norwich schools in 2016: [https://youtu.be/DnJmxNCX4V4?si=RySuD0ft1Bcl1nTN YouTube]

G8GTZ on receiving HAMTV at the AMSAT UK conference in October 2023: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J_JA3Syv6Y YouTube]

Next generation HamTV presentation by Phil M0DNY at the AMSAT UK conference in October 2023: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvRdG1FBo4 YouTube]

HamTV Ground Stations presentation by Phil M0DNY in October 2024: [ YouTube (coming soon)] [https://wiki.batc.org.uk/images/c/cd/M0DNY_-_HAMTV_-_AMSAT-UK_2025.pdf Slides]

==Comments on this wiki page==

If you have any comments on this wiki page or if you think we should add more information to it, please email them to wiki @ batc.tv

File:M0DNY - HAMTV - AMSAT-UK 2025.pdf

2025-10-11T14:30:57Z

M0DNY: Slides.

== Summary ==
Slides.

HAMTV from the ISS

2025-10-11T14:29:54Z

M0DNY: /* Youtube videos */

__NOTOC__
[[File:HAMTV 1.jpg|400px|right]] HAMTV is the name of the Digital Amateur Television (DATV) transmitter on board the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). It is a DVB-S digital audio and video transmitter, normally on 2395MHz (13cm band).

The HamTV unit was first installed on the ISS in 2013, commissioned in April 2014 and was used for a number of ARISS school contacts in 2016 - 2018.
The unit failed in 2019, and was brought back to earth for repair. It was returned to the ISS on the SpaceX SpX-30 flight on March 21st 2024. It was finally installed and first powered on again on 29th July 2025.

== Purpose ==

The primary use of HAMTV is for ARISS schools contacts, when the astronaut will use a camera to show live video of himself and the inside of the ISS to the school during the VHF radio contact.

[[File:HAMTV 2.jpg|400px]]

Outside of school contacts the transmitter is often left switched on to enable experimentation and self-education in the building of ground stations.

== Transmission Details ==

Whilst the transmitter has a number of possible configurations, it is anticipated that most transmissions will be:

* 2395 MHz, RHCP, 2W power at the patch antenna pointing down from the ISS.
* Modulation: 2.0 Msymbols/second, DVB-S (QPSK), FEC 1/2
* Content: MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio.

'''More details can be found at: [[HAMTV from the ISS - HAMTV Transmitter Information]]'''

== How can I watch HAMTV? (without a ground station) ==

A network of ARISS ground stations contribute to a central feed using the BATC Merger to enable high-quality reception for School Contacts. You can watch the video output whenever ground stations are receiving the signal.

'''ARISS / BATC HAMTV Ground Station Network: https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/'''

== How can I build my own ground station to receive HAMTV? ==

Building a ground station to receive HAMTV from the ISS is challenging.

The link budget is a lot less forgiving of non-optimal stations than VHF/UHF, the high 'microwave' frequency brings lots of pitfalls, the equipment can be expensive and/or hard to source, and the limited visibility and fast movement of the space station across the sky can make it time-consuming and frustrating to troubleshoot any problems that occur.

The result however is being able to receive live video from an Astronaut (during school contacts), with your own S-band ground station! You could also talk to ARISS Ops about joining the ground station network and using your antenna to contribute directly to School Contacts.

=== Components of a typical ground station ===

* Antenna - Typically a dish of 0.6-1.2 meters in diameter, with a helix or patch feed.
* Pointing Mechanism - to follow the ISS across the sky. Can be motorised, or manual for smaller antennas.
* LNA - Required, and mounted as close as possible to the antenna feed to minimise coax loss at microwave frequencies.
* Filter - May be required to prevent overload if you have strong WiFi (2400MHz+) or 5G (2380MHz-) nearby.
* Downconverter - Optional, allows use of non-microwave capable receivers, also reduces loss in long coax runs.
* Receiver - Needs to be capable of receiving 2.4MHz-wide DVB-S. A good receiver can be more tolerant of issues elsewhere in the ground station.

'''For more information read: [[HAMTV from the ISS - How to build a ground station]]'''

== Can I help support HAMTV downlinks for ARISS Educational Contacts? ==

To assist our volunteer teams with providing a reliable HAMTV experience for the participants at Educational Contact events, a Ground Station Merger facility has been developed to crowd-source the HAMTV data in realtime from geographically diverse ground stations.

Before getting involved you'll need to have a reliable station up and running, however there are also some requirements on the equipment involved that can be found at the link below.

'''[[HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger]]'''

=Social media=

ARISS international on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ARISS_Intl

ARISS International on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/arissintl.bsky.social

Join and ask questions in the ARISS Discord: https://discord.gg/dQUEE48C

==BATC forum==

BATC have setup a new forum thread to discuss receiving HamTV.

Please post any questions, comments and status updates here: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8398

A lot of information is available on the BATC forum: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4389

== Relevant Presentations and Video ==

Colin G4KLB on how he received HamTV in 2014: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9keVA21DPBc YouTube]

Video of HamTV in action during the Tim Peake Principia mission contact with Norwich schools in 2016: [https://youtu.be/DnJmxNCX4V4?si=RySuD0ft1Bcl1nTN YouTube]

G8GTZ on receiving HAMTV at the AMSAT UK conference in October 2023: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J_JA3Syv6Y YouTube]

Next generation HamTV presentation by Phil M0DNY at the AMSAT UK conference in October 2023: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvRdG1FBo4 YouTube]

HamTV Ground Stations presentation by Phil M0DNY in October 2024:

==Comments on this wiki page==

If you have any comments on this wiki page or if you think we should add more information to it, please email them to wiki @ batc.tv

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T23:16:27Z

M0DNY: /* Microsoft Windows */

''Page under construction''

For further information please contact hamtvops@ariss-i.org

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.

We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.

* Open Tuner (ZR6TG)
** Yes, although the configuration can sometimes be less intuitive than alternatives.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T23:16:08Z

M0DNY: /* Microsoft Windows */

''Page under construction''

For further information please contact hamtvops@ariss-i.org

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.

We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.

* Open Tuner (ZR6TG)
** Yes, although the configuration can sometimes be non-intuitive.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T23:07:05Z

M0DNY: /* Server Instances */

''Page under construction''

For further information please contact hamtvops@ariss-i.org

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.

We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T23:06:54Z

M0DNY: /* What is the ARISS Merger? */

''Page under construction''

For further information please contact hamtvops@ariss-i.org

== What is the ARISS Merger? ==

Due to the technical challenges of providing a reliable HamTV downlink at the venue of an Educational ARISS contact, we use a merger facility to stream the live HAMTV signal from a network of co-operative ground stations.

A central server runs a software process developed by Phil Heron MI0VIM whereby individual segments of the MPEG Audio+Video Transport stream are sourced from whichever stations have that segment available. This allows two 'lossy' stations to produce a perfect stream to the venue (under ideal conditions).

The ground stations contribute by streaming the MPEG-TS from their local receivers up to the server. To ease the logistics of this over unreliable network connections a custom client software is used.

=== Server Instances ===

'''Operational''' - Used for the educational contacts, streamed publicly on [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv https://live.ariss.org/hamtv] Only _live_ ISS downlink can ever be streamed through this server.

'''Test''' - Used for ground station and merger testing and development, often with replayed recordings or artificial test signals.

== How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? ==

Firstly check that your station is functional and meets the requirements lower down this page.

The details of the qualification and onboarding process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.

We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Typical pass length seen
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Operating System for your Merger Client Software
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server
* Likelihood of availability for supporting educational contacts

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

At least 5Mbps of Internet Upload bandwidth is required for reliable streaming.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Example configuration of Minitioune ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png|900px]]

* A target address of '127.0.0.1' must be used. The client does not support multicast at this time.
* The UDP port can be anything, but must match to 'Input Port' configured in dvbpush.

=== Example of success ===

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png|800px]]

Key things to look out for:

* dvbpush
** 'Upload' is 'Online' - this indicates that your Callsign, Key, Server Host, and Server Port are all correct.
** 'DVB' is 'Receiving' - this indicates that the client is receiving UDP MPEG-TS from the receiver.
** 'Upload':'Received' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets it has received.
** 'Upload':'Lost' increases every 10s - this is the server reporting back how many packets have been lost in upload. This should be <0.1% of the 'Received'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T23:04:56Z

M0DNY: /* Example of success */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T23:01:22Z

M0DNY: /* 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software */

File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitioune screenshot.png

2025-10-02T23:01:07Z

M0DNY: Original Filename: Screenshot_2025-10-02_004450.png

== Summary ==
Original Filename: Screenshot_2025-10-02_004450.png

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:59:52Z

M0DNY: /* Example configuration of Minitioune */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:59:47Z

M0DNY: /* Example configuration of Minitioune */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:59:40Z

M0DNY: /* 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software */

File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 minitiouneconfiguration screenshot.png

2025-10-02T22:58:28Z

M0DNY: Original Filename: Screenshot_2025-10-02_001157.png

== Summary ==
Original Filename: Screenshot_2025-10-02_001157.png

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:56:03Z

M0DNY: /* Station Requirements */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:55:11Z

M0DNY: /* How would I join the ARISS Merger ground station network? */

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:53:51Z

M0DNY:

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:53:22Z

M0DNY:

HAMTV from the ISS - How to contribute to the ARISS Merger

2025-10-02T22:48:15Z

M0DNY:

''Page under construction''

For further information please contact hamtvops@ariss-i.org

== Station Requirements ==

=== Internet Connection ===

The UDP streaming of the Transport Stream is latency-sensitive. We strongly suggest using a wired network connection.

=== Receiver Configurations ===

==== Microsoft Windows ====

* Minitioune v0.7 / v0.8 / v0.9
** Yes. This can be used with UDP streaming to 'dvbpush' running on the same PC.

* Minitioune v1.0
** No. This software appears to have problems with unicast UDP streaming.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to dvbpush running on the same PC.

==== Linux ====

* BATC Portsdown
** Yes.

* BATC Ryde "Set-top box"
** No, not yet. The author is working on it.

* Longmynd
** Yes, stream the UDP to the linux client.

* Satdump
** Yes, using 'ISS HAMTV to UDP', this can stream to the linux client.

==== macOS ====

''There is currently no support for macOS''

== 'dvbpush' Windows Client Software ==

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 screenshot.png|400px]]

'''Download:''' [https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/software/testing/dvbpush-v17-bin.zip]

=== Configuration ===

Accessed by 'File' -> 'Preferences'

[[File:HAMTV dvbpushv17 configuration screenshot.png|400px]]

* Callsign: Unique per-groundstation identifier
* Key: Issued to you by ARISS Operations
* Server Host: Normally 'live.ariss.org'
* Server Port: For test this must be '9978', for operational this must be '5678'
* Input Port: This is the UDP port from your receiver application, such as Minitioune or Satdump.
* Repeat Port: The client will repeat the TS out on this port, to allow you to stream to VLC or such simultaneously.
** If you're not using the Repeat Port then you '''must''' set it to '0'.

=== Known Issues ===

* The Upload 'Lost' field may report '4294967295' - this is a bug on the server, and actually means zero!
* If you're not using the 'Repeat' port then you must set this to zero, else the application may unexpectedly terminate.
* In some setup sequences the dvbpush client may report a large number of 'large packet' errors and cease to upload. In this case you'll have to force-quit dvbpush, and restart dvbpush.

== Onboarding ==

The details of this process are constantly revised by ARISS Operations and may be subject to change at any time.

We'll request and assess details on your station including the following:
* Typical pass length
* Typical maximum MER seen
* Receiver configuration
* Platform to run Merger Client Software
* Performance of your internet connection to the Merger server

The final step will be a series of dry-run ISS passes over your ground station feeding the test instance of the ARISS Merger.

If all looks good - we'll set you up to contribute to the main feed for the next Educational Contact near you!