Tried to download the NOAA18 weather satellite picture with the RTL2832, but the signal didn’t last for very long. Probably need a better antenna which is circularly polarized.

NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and their satellites transmit live weather images.

Currently using an outdoor J-pole tuned for around 130Mhz.

RTL SDR (RTL2832) is a low cost software defined radio. You can buy a RTL SDR dongle here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009U7WZCA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009U7WZCA&linkCode=as2&tag=youtube0ae9-20&linkId=RR5VUVIXLMIB43M

RTL-SDR Blog: http://www.rtl-sdr.com
Video Rating: 5 / 5

TV tuner as an IF receiver for my 10 GHz transverter. Two beacons are received, one on Frazier Mountain and the other from Palos Verdes. My station is in Redondo Beach with a clear view to the n
Video Rating: 4 / 5

14 replies
  1. Superphish
    Superphish says:

    Hi, thanks! You just need to enable stereo mix under recording devices in
    your windows sound properties. WXtoIMG will then use the sound going to
    your speakers.

    Reply
  2. 44tassy
    44tassy says:

    Yes , I use a Realtek dvb-t stick, and because of the high rf interference
    in my area – from fm broadcast band and pagers I cant use a vertical
    antenna. I use a horizontal 5 element beam for 2 mtrs and I track the
    satelites by hand – its the only way for me

    Reply
  3. Superphish
    Superphish says:

    Virtual audio cable, or stereo mix both work well. But the virtual audio
    cable trial plays audio to say it’s a trial version every few seconds, so
    you must use the pay version for best results.

    Reply
  4. Mr E
    Mr E says:

    I’m having decent luck w/ gqrx. Usually its simply an issue with signal to
    noise ratio because of the antenna and/or feed. It needs a good signal for
    it to come out even decent. I crank the input gain through the roof until
    the entire background is red and the scope is at the top. I’m not saying
    what I’m doing is the ideal way, but I have got some decent pics. It really
    helps if you have a circularly polarized antenna, and it needs clear line
    of sight of the sky.

    Reply
  5. Superphish
    Superphish says:

    I thought it might be because of the circular polarization of the satellite
    signal causing the signal to fade in and out on my non circularly polarized
    J-pole. It’s not shown in the video, but I did notice after the signal
    disappeared it came back for a few minutes before fading out again. I think
    a turnstile antenna would be better than a dipole as it is circularly
    polarized.

    Reply
  6. Craig R
    Craig R says:

    Without a decent QFH or Crossed Dipole antenna the signal will be very low
    and will fade in and out – even with a decent antenna a preamp is also
    needed if you want decent results each time – you may get a few good passes
    without a preamp but its gonna be hit and miss for most!

    Reply
  7. Johnny D
    Johnny D says:

    Ok in my record area it only states waiting for NOAA 19 at the bottom why
    cant I get images from other NOAA pass overs

    Reply

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