ATV: Amateur Television Technical Information and Projects

Find schematics, construction guides, and handbooks for building and operating Amateur Television (ATV) equipment.

David
Reviewed by • Senior RF Engineer & Technical Editor March 2026

Amateur Television, or ATV, allows hams to transmit live or recorded video and audio signals on amateur radio bands. Operators use specialized equipment to send full-motion video, often in conjunction with voice, creating a unique way to communicate and experiment with video technology over the air. ATV activity spans various bands, from VHF/UHF to microwave frequencies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with amateur radio.

Many hams enjoy building their own ATV gear, from simple video control boxes to more complex transmitters for bands like 2.3 GHz. Antenna projects are also popular, with designs ranging from omnidirectional antennas for the 23 cm band to directional arrays like the “express-pizza antenna.” The British Amateur Television Club provides valuable resources, including handbooks, to guide operators in setting up their stations and exploring digital modes, such as experimental 2 Mbit modems, for high-speed data and video transmission.

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