Receiving APT Images from Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES)

Apparently you can receive images from NOAA satellites using  a receiver with a tuned antenna, and software via automatic picture transmissions (APT).    The satellites transmits APT via VHF between 137Mhz and 138Mhz frequencies.  These same satellites also send (High Resolution Picture Transmission) HRPT images using microwave frequencies.  I only care about the APT transmissions only at this time. These satellites are not geosynchronous (like GPS satellites) they pass overhead every once awhile.  They are overhead for only about 16 minutes, you record the audio you receive and run it through some software that will render the audio into an image.

I plan to construct a QFH (Quadrifilar Helical) antenna, you might also see it called a QHA.  I’m no RF guru but apparently it provides the best polarization in a circle along with hemispherical reception. Stay tuned…

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