Operators of the GB3ZZ amateur television repeater station
If you prefer not to open the receiver, the external fix is the only option left to you. You need to get hold of a video amplifier and connect it between the video output socket on the receiver and the video input socket on your TV or monitor. This option relies on a video link and will not work with connections into the TV antenna socket. (the internal fix WILL work via the antenna socket) Sometimes video amplifiers are sold under the description of "video equalizers" or "video processors" but they can be quite expensive.
If you want to have a go at building your own video amplifier there are details on the internet available by clicking here.
Transmitting ATV signals.
As mentioned earlier, it is illegal in most countries to broadcast any ATV signals without a license from the radio regulation authorities.
To be able to send ATV you need two things, a transmitter and a source of material. Most ATV operators use a camera or camcorder to produce the video and also have some sort of identification generator to make it obvious who they are. Don't forget that on a very weak signal it may not be possible to see things like facial features clearly enough to tell who is broadcasting. A bold identification chart held to the camera or an electronic caption generator showing big callsign letters will help a more distant station see who you are. There are several designs for electronic caption generators on the internet, the one at http://www.atv-projects.com/Testcard_Generator.html is in use at several stations and repeaters around the globe and is simple to build. If construction isn't your forte, a sheet of white paper with bold letters on it, held in front of a camera works just as well, if a bit inconvenient to handle.
The transmitter electronics is probably the most complicated part to explain and because different TV systems are used in different regions, no single design will work best everywhere. We suggest that if you want to join in with ATV'ers on the air you contact them or a local radio club for advice. If you are new on the scene, talking to someone with experience is the best way to learn and they will almost certainly be able to direct you to a helpful expert nearby to you.
If you want to have a go at building your own video amplifier there are details on the internet available by clicking here.
Transmitting ATV signals.
As mentioned earlier, it is illegal in most countries to broadcast any ATV signals without a license from the radio regulation authorities.
To be able to send ATV you need two things, a transmitter and a source of material. Most ATV operators use a camera or camcorder to produce the video and also have some sort of identification generator to make it obvious who they are. Don't forget that on a very weak signal it may not be possible to see things like facial features clearly enough to tell who is broadcasting. A bold identification chart held to the camera or an electronic caption generator showing big callsign letters will help a more distant station see who you are. There are several designs for electronic caption generators on the internet, the one at http://www.atv-projects.com/Testcard_Generator.html is in use at several stations and repeaters around the globe and is simple to build. If construction isn't your forte, a sheet of white paper with bold letters on it, held in front of a camera works just as well, if a bit inconvenient to handle.
The transmitter electronics is probably the most complicated part to explain and because different TV systems are used in different regions, no single design will work best everywhere. We suggest that if you want to join in with ATV'ers on the air you contact them or a local radio club for advice. If you are new on the scene, talking to someone with experience is the best way to learn and they will almost certainly be able to direct you to a helpful expert nearby to you.
If you are in the Bristol, UK area, please get in contact using the form on the "more?" page for more help. We will do our best to help you receive or transmit ATV and you are welcome to visit us at one of our meetings or at Westrally.