Image Data Acquisition for NOAA 18 and NOAA 19 Weather Satellites Using QFH Antenna and RTL-SDR

Abstract

Satellite imaging is widely used in monitoring weather patterns and interpreting satellite images. The limited access to weather satellite image data in real-time is still major issues faced by satellite enthusiasts. NOAA 18 and NOAA 19 weather satellites provide free accessible weather data continuously through Automatic Picture Transmission at 137.9125 MHz and 137.1000 MHz frequencies. In this research the data acquisition system is designed with the help of a Quadrifilar Helix antenna and RTL-SDR. In order to receive both frequencies, the Quadrifilar Helix antenna at 137,5 MHz is designed. Recording, decoding, editing, and viewing of Automatic Picture Transmission signals using WXtoImg software. The result showed that the weather satellite image receptions are sufficiently clear and descriptive, although there are 0.0685% frequency offsets of Automatic Picture Transmission signal reception on NOAA 18 and 0.0686% on NOAA 19.