An rtl based sdr should work. The internet seems to have several how-to's to get them receiving APT. Thanks to the list, I've got my fcd playing with wxtoimg via HDSDR (via CAT interface) vspMGR and virtual audio cable. Satpc32 drives the rotators. Only thing I learned is that rather than compensating for Doppler, make the IF (58kHz) wide enough to contain the whole pass. It works where I am only because it's RF quiet. Seems to be LHCP, too. At least that seems to be the strongest signal. Do use a tripod or a omni. The signal level needs to be relatively constant, or when the software tries to stitch the image together, a mess is made. I can imagine a crew of wild eyed students pointing an Elk every which way but up.
On Wed, Aug 20, 2014 at 7:50 AM, Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
Rich,
The cheapest way to do it is a USB RTL-SDR dongle ($10-$20). You might need the AMSAT broadband preamp ($50) depending on the antennas you plan to use.
I wouldn't recommend this in a high RF environment, though.
The FUNcube Dongle would be easier to setup, is less likely to need the preamp, and has more filtering than the RTL-SDR. It does cost $215, but pair that with the crossed dipole antenna from AMSAT-UK ($63) (
http://shop.amsat.org.uk/shop/article_50/FUNcube-Telemetry-Receive-Antenna-S... ) and you have an excellent system to receive WX satellites as well as the FUNcube-1 and FUNcube-2 telemetry.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Wed, Aug 20, 2014 at 7:32 AM, Rich/wa4bue richard.siff@verizon.net wrote:
Would someone please suggest an inexpensive broadband receiver for the weather SATS?
We are gearing up for the new school year in Chesapeake, VA.
Rich W4BUE / K4AMG
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