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The Good:
Mobile SSTV is here. Until now portable SSTV has not been an option. The VC-H1
combines an image-scan converter, CCD camera and LCD monitor in a compact 2.625
x 1.325 x 6.75 " battery operated package. The built-in microphone and
speaker can be used in place of a separate speaker and microphone on a number of
transceivers. Up to 10 pictures can be stored in memory. Kenwood refers to the
memory positions as channels. When all the channels are full, the currently
selected channel is overwritten with a newly captured image. You can protect any
image in memory from being overwritten by marking the channels you wish to
protect. The unit operates on most all Slow Scan modes plus a new Fast FM mode
which operates at 9600 bps. You may remove the CCD camera and plug in an
external camera (standard NTSC). You may connect an external video monitor. You
can superimpose your call sign on each transmitted image. You can transfer your
stored images to your computers' hard drive if you purchase the VC-IS software
w/cable. Last but not least the street price of the VC-H1 has dropped to under
$320.00.
The Bad:
You are unable to pre-set
the SSTV mode. The power-up default mode is Fast FM or Robot 36. Thereafter the
mode you transmit is determined by the mode of the last picture you receive,
i.e. if another station sends a picture on Scottie 2, then the next picture you
transmit will be in Scottie 2 mode. If you receive a picture in say memory
channel 2 and do not press the MR button the next picture you receive overwrites
the same memory channel. Taking pictures outdoors in bright light is impossible.
You cannot compose a picture viewing the LCD screen.
The Ugly:
Battery life. The VC-H1 operates intermittently when the battery voltage drops
under 5.5 volts; therefore NiCd or NiMi batteries will not run the VC-H1 satisfactory. The approximate life of alkaline batteries are:
Camera On - 50
minutes.
Monitor ON - 2 hours.
Monitor OFF - 6 hours.
When you turn on the
VC-H1 unit the current drain peaks up to 400 mA then quickly settles down to 100
mA in standby mode. When you activate the camera and LCD monitor by pressing the
(S) button the current drain is 590 mA. Pressing the (MR) button the current
drain is 400 mA. Any time the LCD screen is ON the current drain is 400 mA. If
no operation is performed for approximately 30 seconds with Battery Saver
function (On) the camera and monitor revert to standby mode.
Using the VC-H1 as a
Portable:
Shown in photo is my VC-H1 with Kenwood TH-D7 portable and the RayOVac
rechargeable alkaline batteries with charger. You can pick up the RayOVac
charger and batteries at Wal-Mart.
 I
have been using RayOVac
rechargeable alkaline batteries for several weeks now. They take almost 5 hours to
recharge but it beats buying throw away batteries.
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