Ham Radio Online - MSCAN Review

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MSCAN SSTV and FAX Software

Copyright 1996 CombiTech Holland. Reprinted and edited in Ham Radio Online by permission. MSCAN is an B&W/color SSTV and FAX software product for use with MS-DOS computers. Using MSCAN and appropriate interface hardware, your PC can be used to decode and display B&W and color SSTV images, and FAX communications. We believe, as a future editorial will describe, that we will see and must see increased integration between personal computers and Amateur radio communications. This article is not a review but is information provided by the manufacturer. Presentation of this information does not necessarily represent an endorsement by Ham Radio Online

MSCAN and Miniscan

MSCAN is a software product that decodes and displays color SSTV and FAX images on your personal computer. Miniscan is one of several hardware interface adapters that can be used to decode and couple received audio to your PC.

You can see example images at:
http://www.pi.net/~ctech

Take a look! We were impressed.

MINISCAN

CombiTech, the maker of the SSTV and Fax program MSCAN, have developed a new modem: Miniscan. This new design, measuring about 6 by 6 cm, is built in a fully shielded case which is connected directly to the RS-232 port of the PC. Miniscan is a fully Hamcomm compatible interface, so you can use it for many other popular HAM programs.

MSCAN 2.10 Software

MSCAN 2.10 supports modems developed by CombiTech and modems from other manufacturers such as ViewPort VGA and Easyfax. Hamcomm with audio on the TxD pin is now also supported. As a result MSCAN can be used by more HAMs and SWLs. In the newest version, MSCAN supports the new Video Blaster digitisers and the SSTV mode Robot 72s.

New Features In MSCAN 2.10

A delay option has been added for digitizing (now you can put yourself in the picture)
The number of effective video levels has doubled, giving twice as much grey shades and eight times as much colours
MSCAN now supports Miniscan, Multiscan, Microscan, Hamcomm (also with audio on TxD pin), AdLib/Sound Blaster (TX only), EasyFax and ViewPort VGA
Easy crystal calibration
function keys added for quick operation
Optional header text
New digitiser settings: brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation
JPEG quality factor changed from 75 to 100 for better picture storage quality
Video Blaster digitizers SE, FS 200 and SE100 are now also supported
Robot 72s mode added
Supports COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4
More VESA compatible video cards supported

Features added in 2.1's predecessor, 2.02 include:

Auto mode setting in new SSTV modes by VIS code detection
ComputerEyes/RT video digitizer supported
Scottie modes now transmitted correctly
Auto detect faulty/correct scottie modes
Scottie DX mode added
VIS synchronization mode added
Synchronization in new SSTV modes improved
Timing martin and scottie modes improved
Footer (greybar) is dropped, header has been changed
Calibration accuracy improved by decreasing stepsize

MSCAN brochure

for the IBM-PC & compatibles
(c) 1996 CombiTech Holland
15-04-96
MSCAN - SEE THE DIFFERENCE!
Did you know thousands of pictures can be received every day on your receiver? Whether it is on long- or shortwave, on CB or VHF, you can come accross them everywhere. Using MSCAN you can visualize each picture on your IBM-compatible PC in black & white or full colour! With your transmitter you can transmit these pictures yourself, in up to 16.8 million colours. The fully multitasking software allows pictures to be loaded or digitized and overlaid with text while you are receiving or transmitting another picture!

The superb performance and unique features make MSCAN standout from any existing programs which are available today!

INTERFACES
To convert the signals between your receiver (and transmitter) and your PC you will need an interface. MSCAN supports many popular interfaces.

Microscan RX
By using digital signal processing MSCAN is able to achieve very good results, even with this low cost compact interface. A cable with 3.5mm jack connector is attached for connection to any receiver. Microscan RX is compatible with Hamcomm, and so can be used to receive other modes like Morse, RTTY, NAVTEX and TOR.

Microscan RX

Miniscan
A handy compact interface packed with advanced technology. Miniscan features an entirely new OPAMP circuit for decoding, a sinewave generator for distortion free signal generation, an auto calibration circuit, a programmable output level, and a built-in Hamcomm emulator! So get the best results with MSCAN, and still be able to use your other favourite programs!

Miniscan

Multiscan
This is our top-of-the-line model which uses an advanced PLL decoder for the best noise suppression achievable, and has a sinewave generator for distortion free modulation. Multiscan is the best guarantee for clearer pictures under worse conditions.

Multiscan

Other manufacturers
MSCAN supports many other interfaces like Hamcomm, EasyFax and ViewPort VGA. For signal generation also the PC speaker or any Ad Lib/Sound Blaster compatible card can be used.

VIDEO INPUT
Using the professional Iris videodigitizer, the Video Blaster (original, SE, FS200 and SE100), or the ComputerEyes/RT, you are able to load a true colour image from e.g. your camera directly in MSCAN, even while transmitting or receiving!

MODES
MSCAN 2.10 supports all popular B&W and colour SSTV & Fax modes, including the latest modes like martin 1/2, scottie 1/2/DX and robot 72 s. SSTV VIS codes are supported. Another unique feature is that Fax decoding is fully automatic, including setting of IOC and LPM!

SPECIFICATIONS

realtime & multitasking software!
high quality pictures thanks to built-in DSP
direct (camera) video input!
16.8 million colours!
supports GIF and JPEG format pictures
requires IBM-compatible PC with minimal 286 processor, 640k RAM, mouse and video card capable of displaying 16.8 million colours

PRICES
A printed manual is included with the software and hardware always includes all necessary documentation.

MSCAN software
MSCAN 2.10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .fl. 95.-
MSCAN 2.10 upgrade. . . . . . . . . . .fl. 50.-
MSCAN 1.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .fl. 50.-

Accessories
Iris video digitizer. . . . . . . . . fl. 945.-
Video Blaster SE100 . . . . . . . . . fl. 549.-
SVGA card (VLB or PCI true colour). . fl. 215.-
Mouse 3-buttons . . . . . . . . . . . .fl. 39.-

Microscan RX
This compact interface is for reception only and is built into a shielded case. It has two DB9 connectors and attached a cable with 3.5mm jack for connection to any receiver. Thanks to the second RS-232 connector the original RS-232 port will remain available.
Microscan RX interface. . . . . . . . .fl. 75.-

Miniscan
A high quality MSCAN modem and Hamcomm compatible interface in one! Easy installation, no calibration required. This versatile interface comes fully assembled in a shielded plastic case (metalized) and is connected directly to the RS-232 port of the PC.
Miniscan interface. . . . . . . . . . fl. 149.-

Multiscan
The Multiscan modem is available fully assembled in a de luxe case, as kit of parts and as PCB only. Multiscan is available in a receive (RX) version, as a receive & transmit version (TRX), and as a separate TX extension.

Multiscan RX assembled. . . . . . . . fl. 299.-
Multiscan TRX assembled . . . . . . . fl. 450.-
Multiscan RX to TRX conversion. . . . fl. 170.-
Multiscan RX kit of parts . . . . . . fl. 120.-
Multiscan TX kit of parts . . . . . . .fl. 75.-
Multiscan RX pcb only . . . . . . . . .fl. 39.-
Multiscan TX pcb only . . . . . . . . .fl. 30.-
Aluminum eurocase (not shown) . . . . .fl. 39.-

All prices are suggested retail prices incl. 17.5% VAT (indication US$ 1 = fl. 1.50). Contact your nearest agent for further ordering information, or contact CombiTech directly:

CombiTech,
P.O. Box 507,
3235 ZG Rockanje,
Holland.
Tel/Fax: +31 181 404252, BBS: +31 181 404513,
Email combitech@pi.net Home Page http://www.pi.net/~ctech.

Orders sent insured by airmail. No extra costs for payment in cash (any currency) or by Post Office money order (made out in fl.). MC, JCB, VISA accepted (charged +5%). Add fl. 15.- for cheque (made out in fl.) or transfer to Rabobank Rockanje nr. 35.57.02.606. State your callsign.

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