KENWOOD Corporation
Visual Communicator VC-H1

Portable SSTV is here! KENWOOD's VC-H1 represents a brand-new concept in visual communications that expands the scope and impact of amateur radio. This innovative product combines an image-scan converter, CCD camera and LCD monitor in a compact battery-operated unit. Simply hook it up to your KENWOOD transceiver to start sending and receiving color images over the air.


Features at a glance:

Portable SSTV unit
1/4-inch, 270,000-pixel CCD camera
360-degree rotatable and detachable camera head
1.8-inch TFT color LCD monitor
Up to 10-picture memory
Built-in microphone and speaker
Connect to a KENWOOD handheld, mobile or HF
transceiver with an optional cable
Power supply: AA alkaline batteries (4)
Computer connectivity with an optional connection kit*
*PC connection kit (cable and software) is under development.


VC-H1 in detail:

Ideal for outdoor SSTV
Until now, for anyone interested in SSTV (slow-scan television), portability has not been an option. But thanks to component miniaturization the VC-H1 is not only small enough for handheld use but also runs off 4 AA batteries so you can take it anywhere. This makes it ideal for field days, special events, disaster communications and even fishing trips.

Full compatibility
The VC-H1 can be connected to any KENWOOD transceiver with just a cable, and it offers full compatibility with all of the standard SSTV formats. Uploads/downloads are quick and easy; the images are also sharp and clear.

All-in-one design
In addition to the detachable 1/4-inch CCD camera, the VC-H1 features a 1.8-inch color TFT (thin film transistor) type display. As well as viewing incoming pictures, you can review your own prior to transmission. The built-in microphone & speaker can be used in place of a separate speaker-microphone for your transceiver.

Image memory
Up to 10 pictures can be stored in memory. This allows you to compare and pick the best shot to send. You can also store incoming pictures and protect them from unintentional deletion.

Computer connectivity
One of the great features of the VC-H1 is its ability to work with a personal computer. Hook it up to the RS-232C port on your laptop using the optional connection kit (Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 95 software compatible) and you can save pictures (in JPEG format) that you send and receive. You can then cut and paste using standard graphics software, or even superimpose your own text. What's more, you can actually control the VC-H1 from your computer.
*PC connection kit (cable and software) is under development.

Other Features:

Call sign superimpose
AF mute
Auto power-off

Dimensions (W x H x D)

62 x 30 x 160 mm (2-5/8 x 1-3/8 x 6-3/4 in.)



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Updated 98/07/01 (C) 2001 KENWOOD Corporation