Coconut Shortwave and others, SSTV 6925 U

[textim]

I received this series of images from Coconut and another op beginning at 0345z.  There was a third station as well, but not enough signal to decode here.













Both stations sent at the same time for this one.

[DOCTOR]

I heard the sstv stations for close to an hour 0315 to 0410, unable to copy..my computer interferes with the receiver so dont bother, but all ranged from s-2 to s7 for the time period.

DOCTOR/WA7026SWL/INDIANA

[Kyle Broflovski]

What SSTV modes are most commonly used on these frequencies?  I'm just starting out in digital modes and it is really confusing with a dozen different modes just in SSTV.

[Seamus]

Most of the SSTV programs I have worked with will auto-select the correct mode upon reception.

Scottie 1 and Scottie 2 are probably the most common formats out there, with the Martin and Robot formats making up probably 95% of the remainder.  I have heard some quick squirts of the 8- and 12-second B/W modes, and a handful of Scottie DX transmissions, but Scottie 1 & 2 are probably your best bet for receiving. 

In your software, load up a few sample images and "send" them without anything hooked up to the sound card but your speakers.  This will give you a feel for the timing and cadence of the formats, and after some practice, you can sort of judge between them by ear. 

If you're using MMSSTV, set it for auto-start, and make sure that the "auto" button is selected in the format list.  With any signal strong enough to have a definite sync pulse, it should be able to auto-detect and receive it on its own, without having to worry about manual mode selection.