www.monitoringtimes.com Scanning - Shortwave - Ham Radio - Equipment Internet Streaming - Computers - Antique Radio ® Volume 30, No. 5 May 2011 U.S. $6.95 Can. $6.95 Printed in the A Publication of Grove Enterprises United States MT’s 2011 Amateur Radio Special In this issue: • SSTV in the Digital Age • Young Ladies’ Radio League • Small Space Operating: You can do it! AR5001D Wide Coverage Professional Grade Communications Receiver Discover the next generation in AOR’s legendary line of professional grade The Legend desktop communications receivers. ■ Multimode receives AM, wide and narrow Lives On! FM, upper and lower sideband and CW ■ Up to 2000 alphanumeric memories (50 channels X 40 banks) can be stored ■ Analog S-meter ■ Fast Fourier Transform algorithms ■ Operated by a Windows XP or higher computer through a USB interface using a provided software package that controls all of the receiver’s functions ■ An SD memory card port can be used to store recorded audio ■ Analog composite video output connector ■ CTCSS and DCS squelch operation ■ Two selectable Type N antenna input ports ■ Adjustable analog 45 MHz IF output with 15 MHz bandwidth ■ Triple-conversion receiver exhibits excellent The AR5001D delivers amazing performance in sensitivity terms of accuracy, sensitivity and speed. ■ Powered by 12 volts DC (AC Adapter included), it can be operated as a base Available in both professional and consumer versions, the AR5001D features or mobile unit wide frequency coverage from 40 KHz to 3.15 GHz*, with no interruptions. ■ Professional (government) version is equipped with a standard voice-inversion Developed to meet the monitoring needs of security professionals and monitoring feature government agencies, the AR5001D can be controlled through a PC running Windows XP or higher. Up to three channels can be monitored simultaneously. Add to the capabilities of the Fast Fourier Transform algorithms provide a very fast and high level of signal AR5001D with options: processing, allowing the receiver to scan through large frequency segments ■ Optional APCO-25 decoder quickly and accurately. AR5001D standard features include storage of up to ■ Optional LAN interface unit enables control via the internet 2000 frequencies, 45 MHz IF digital signal processing, direct digital sampling, ■ Optional I/Q output port allows capture of a high performance analog RF front-end, a DDS local oscillator and advanced up to 1 MHz onto a computer hard drive signal detection capabilities which can detect hidden transmitters. With its or external storage device popular analog signal meter and large easy-to-read digital spectrum display, ■ Optional AR-I/Q Windows software facilitates the easy storage and playback of the AR5001D is destined to become the choice of federal, state and local law transmissions captured within the selected enforcement agencies, the military, emergency managers, diplomatic service, spectrum in conventional modes, or, signals can be subjected to further analysis news-gathering operations, and home monitoring enthusiasts. ■ Optional GPS board can be used for an accurate time base and for time stamping digital I/Q data ® The Serious Choice in Advanced Technology Receivers AOR U.S.A., Inc. 20655 S. Western Ave., Suite 112 *Cellular blocked for US consumer version. Unblocked Torrance, CA 90501, USA version available to qualified purchasers with Authority On Radio documentation. Specifications subject to change Communications Tel: 310-787-8615 Fax: 310-787-8619 [email protected] • www.aorusa.com without notice or obligation AR5001D Wide Coverage Professional Grade Communications Receiver Discover the next generation in AOR’s legendary line of professional grade The Legend desktop communications receivers. ■ Multimode receives AM, wide and narrow Lives On! FM, upper and lower sideband and CW ■ Up to 2000 alphanumeric memories (50 channels X 40 banks) can be stored ■ Analog S-meter ■ Fast Fourier Transform algorithms ■ Operated by a Windows XP or higher computer through a USB interface using a provided software package that controls all of the receiver’s functions ■ An SD memory card port can be used to store recorded audio ■ Analog composite video output connector ■ CTCSS and DCS squelch operation ■ Two selectable Type N antenna input ports ■ Adjustable analog 45 MHz IF output with 15 MHz bandwidth ■ Triple-conversion receiver exhibits excellent The AR5001D delivers amazing performance in sensitivity terms of accuracy, sensitivity and speed. ■ Powered by 12 volts DC (AC Adapter included), it can be operated as a base Available in both professional and consumer versions, the AR5001D features or mobile unit wide frequency coverage from 40 KHz to 3.15 GHz*, with no interruptions. ■ Professional (government) version is equipped with a standard voice-inversion Developed to meet the monitoring needs of security professionals and monitoring feature government agencies, the AR5001D can be controlled through a PC running Windows XP or higher. Up to three channels can be monitored simultaneously. Add to the capabilities of the Fast Fourier Transform algorithms provide a very fast and high level of signal AR5001D with options: processing, allowing the receiver to scan through large frequency segments ■ Optional APCO-25 decoder quickly and accurately. AR5001D standard features include storage of up to ■ Optional LAN interface unit enables control via the internet 2000 frequencies, 45 MHz IF digital signal processing, direct digital sampling, ■ Optional I/Q output port allows capture of a high performance analog RF front-end, a DDS local oscillator and advanced up to 1 MHz onto a computer hard drive signal detection capabilities which can detect hidden transmitters. With its or external storage device popular analog signal meter and large easy-to-read digital spectrum display, ■ Optional AR-I/Q Windows software facilitates the easy storage and playback of the AR5001D is destined to become the choice of federal, state and local law transmissions captured within the selected enforcement agencies, the military, emergency managers, diplomatic service, spectrum in conventional modes, or, signals can be subjected to further analysis news-gathering operations, and home monitoring enthusiasts. ■ Optional GPS board can be used for an accurate time base and for time stamping digital I/Q data ® The Serious Choice in Advanced Technology Receivers AOR U.S.A., Inc. 20655 S. Western Ave., Suite 112 *Cellular blocked for US consumer version. Unblocked Torrance, CA 90501, USA version available to qualified purchasers with Authority On Radio documentation. Specifications subject to change Communications Tel: 310-787-8615 Fax: 310-787-8619 [email protected] • www.aorusa.com without notice or obligation CONTENTS SSTV in the Digital Age ................................................. 8 By Dave Granoff K3AS As with everything else it’s touched, the personal computer has revolutionized Slow Scan TV (SSTV). And today, new software is making possible the transmission and reception of digital SSTV signals that can Vol. 30 No. 5 May 2011 bring images of startling clarity over a very small bandwidth. Dave shows you how it’s done and takes you step-by-step through the various modes www.monitoringtimes.com and programs. Scanning - Shortwave - Ham Radio - Equipment Internet Streaming - Computers - Antique Radio With very little effort and virtually no extra cost, you’ll be able to display your own pho- ® Volume 30, No. 5 May 2011 tographic skills for the rest of the SSTV enthusiasts. Even if you don’t have a license, analog U.S. $6.95 Can. $6.95 Printed in the and digital SSTV provides some easy-to-tune unique entertainment on HF. A Publication of Grove Enterprises United States MT’s 2011 Amateur Radio Special Stealth Operating: How to Overcome Property Limitations ................................................................. 11 By Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z Many hams and shortwave listeners live in apartment complexes, condominiums, dor- mitories, even assisted living where there are strict rules governing antenna installations and radio operations. But, just because you live under those conditions doesn’t mean that you have to give up the hobby. In this issue: Kirk shows how, with a little tact and a lot of technical savvy, hams can enjoy full band • SSTV in the Digital Age • Young Ladies’ Radio League • Small Space Operating: You can do it! operating from small spaces. Drawing from his own experiences in just about every domicile imaginable, Kirk explains how it’s done without irritating your landlord or annoying your neighbors. MT’s 2011 Amateur Radio Special Young Ladies’ Radio League: QRV since 1939 ............ 14 The feature articles in this By Cheryl Muhr N0WBV year’s amateur radio issue examine In amateur radio, all females are known as young ladies and re- just a few of the many facets of ferred to as YLs. Women have been involved in amateur radio since its amateur radio today: How digital inception but have often been unheralded. In this article, Cheryl looks technology has made operating at the history of the Young Ladies’ Radio League (YLRL) and its role SSTV more interesting than ever; in preserving women’s contributions to the radio art and providing a why hams living in apartments and welcome space for women in a traditionally male-dominated hobby. condos don’t have to give up their Cheryl, who is Vice President of YLRL and editor of their official YL Harmonics radio hobby; how female operators publication , also shares her own experiences as an active ham