HRIT and LRIT Low-Cost System
Posted: Sat May 26, 2018 9:59 pm
This setup uses off-the-shelf components, is really easy to put together, and is comparatively low in cost. A key component of the low-cost HRIT/LRIT system is a new LNA for GOES satellite reception that NooElec, Inc. has been developing (currently described as the SAWBird GOES, though the name is subject to change when it goes into volume production). The SAWBird GOES was obtained as an Engineering Sample (for a fee) from NooElec, Inc. through their support department. The key elements of the system are as follows:
1) NooElec, Inc. SAWBird GOES w/power option ($24.95 plus $4 shipping; contact support@nooelec.com).
2) PremierTech ANT-GRID-24DBI antenna ($12.83 plus 24.25 shipping from Provantage, LLC; PN PREK014; www.provantage.com).
3) 50ft active USB extension cable ($11.98 on Ebay at https://www.ebay.com/itm/50FT-USB-2-0-4 ... 2749.l2649 ).
4) N male to SMA male connector.
4) male-to-male SMA connector.
5) Low cost tripod.
In this setup, you should first put together the PremierTech grid antenna. Note that the smaller secondary reflector must be flipped over from what is indicated in the instructions that come with this antenna. Also, it is helpful to use sandpaper or a file to remove the coating on the inside of the tabs that mate the two halves, so that there is a good electrical connection across the primary reflector. Next, mount the antenna to the tripod. Note that you will need to take into account the polarization of the satellite that you wish to receive from. In the United States for GOES 16, the polarity that works best is a diagonal polarity from bottom right to upper left when facing the satellite. For GOES 17 (not in services yet at this time, but broadcasting a carrier), vertical polarity works well at present. For GOES 15, vertical polarity is appropriate.
From the Central United States, good results were obtained with reception from both GOES 16 and GOES 15; however, the signal quality level was not optimum using only a 1 meter parabolic antenna with the SAWBird GOES LNA. The strong advantage of the SAWBird GOES LNA is that it has a built in SAW filter, plus the LNA and cable driver. So the SAWBird GOES unit saves a lot of overall expense when compared to systems that have a separate LNA, filter, and line driver.
Here are some images of the setup and operation.
Signal check using SDRuno set to 4Msps:
Setup:
LNA and RSP2 (mounted with Velcro):
1) NooElec, Inc. SAWBird GOES w/power option ($24.95 plus $4 shipping; contact support@nooelec.com).
2) PremierTech ANT-GRID-24DBI antenna ($12.83 plus 24.25 shipping from Provantage, LLC; PN PREK014; www.provantage.com).
3) 50ft active USB extension cable ($11.98 on Ebay at https://www.ebay.com/itm/50FT-USB-2-0-4 ... 2749.l2649 ).
4) N male to SMA male connector.
4) male-to-male SMA connector.
5) Low cost tripod.
In this setup, you should first put together the PremierTech grid antenna. Note that the smaller secondary reflector must be flipped over from what is indicated in the instructions that come with this antenna. Also, it is helpful to use sandpaper or a file to remove the coating on the inside of the tabs that mate the two halves, so that there is a good electrical connection across the primary reflector. Next, mount the antenna to the tripod. Note that you will need to take into account the polarization of the satellite that you wish to receive from. In the United States for GOES 16, the polarity that works best is a diagonal polarity from bottom right to upper left when facing the satellite. For GOES 17 (not in services yet at this time, but broadcasting a carrier), vertical polarity works well at present. For GOES 15, vertical polarity is appropriate.
From the Central United States, good results were obtained with reception from both GOES 16 and GOES 15; however, the signal quality level was not optimum using only a 1 meter parabolic antenna with the SAWBird GOES LNA. The strong advantage of the SAWBird GOES LNA is that it has a built in SAW filter, plus the LNA and cable driver. So the SAWBird GOES unit saves a lot of overall expense when compared to systems that have a separate LNA, filter, and line driver.
Here are some images of the setup and operation.
Signal check using SDRuno set to 4Msps:
Setup:
LNA and RSP2 (mounted with Velcro):