It is surprising how many SSTV operators associate the mode exclusively with HF operation. The fact is, the majority of SSTV operation, here and abroad, is conducted on VHF and UHF bands. Many operators, even those with HF privleges, find HF SSTV to be a bit intimidating. In contrast, VHF and UHF operations tend to be laid back, there is plenty of time (and uncluttered frequencies) to experiment with high-resolution modes, and nobody cares in they have to take time out to get the soundcard clock adjusted for some newcomer.

Most VHF and UHF activity is on FM, which is not surprising, given how much gear is out there. Interfacing to FM gear is similar to the situation with HF equipment. Commercial interfaces, such as those covered in the Image Communications Handbook, make the job trouble-free as long as you get the proper microphone adapter. The biggest problem, not shared with HF SSB gear, is properly setting your transmit levels. You want adequate deviation but you certainly don't want to over-drive the modulator circuit. Working with someone who is set up to receive SSTV, start with a low output level from your soundcard and gradually work up to the point where you have adequate but no excessive deviation. You can do the same thing yourself if you have another rig, such as an HT, to listen to your signal. In the case of multi-mode rigs, if the levels are properly set for SSB, they will probably be fine for the same rig in the FM mode.

Your working range will obviously depend on the usual factors - antenna gain and height, power output, location, etc. However, you can count on the fact that you can enjoy superb SSTV over paths where wideband ATV operation would be difficult at best. Working through repeaters is entitely practical and many VHF SSTV nets use local machines to provide the desired coverage. Just make sure the operators of the repeater are supportive!

Not long ago I got an e-mail from Gedas, W8BYA, chatting about SSTV and wondering if I might be interested in trying some SSTV work on 2 meter SSB. Gedas has an very well-equipped 144 MHz station and regularly works SSB and SSTV with K8MA in Howell Michigan. Well, it had been 30 years since I had operated sideband on two meters and I had no gear for the band. Besides, Gedas is located in grid EN70 while I am up in EN72. We are 124 miles apart (200+ km), and that looked like a stretch. I must admit to being intrigued however, for while I have no time for FM, I had always enjoyed SSB on two meters.

While I did not have any gear for sideband or CW on VHF or UHF, I did have some HF rigs - including my trusty Ten Tec Argonaut 516. This is a modern DSP radio that will run up to 20 watts PEP on SSB or CW on all HF bands. It is also capable of doing either AM or FM if required. This rig was interfaced to the station computer and has served as my primary QRP rig for SSTV, CW, and a range of digital modes.
 

The secret to getting my Argo on 2 meters was a transverter - in this case, Ten Tec's 1210. The 1210 is available as a kit or wired/tested and is packaged in a tough steel case. It has an AGC HF input that will handle drive levels from 4 to 20 watts (10 meters) and produce 8-10 watts of output from 144-146 MHz. With the 1210 I now had all the features of my Argo 516 available on 2 meters! Admittedly, 10 watts isn't much power and the noise figure of the 1210 is pretty dismal. All I initially had for an antenna was a decrepit 30-year old 3-element yagi, which I propped on a chair in the shack. The addition of a 100W "brick" resulted in quite reasonable station performance.

Receiving

At this point my SSB operation on two meters was a classic example of an alligator - all mouth and no ears! The receiver front-end of the transverter has a rated noise figure of 7 dB and is probably even worse! Past 30-40 miles you can still work the big stations, but you would never hear a low-powered station at any distance. Recently the installation has been upgraded with a Mirage brick (100W) that has a reasonably good GAsFET front-end. The results with the new front-end have been dramatic. Local stations are now snow-free, no matter where they are pointing, and there has been an improvement of at least one S-unit (6 dB) in the received SNR on more distant stations.