Weather Satellite Decoder

Receive and decode weather images from NOAA and Meteor satellites. Uses SatDump for live SDR capture and image processing.

Satellite

Antenna Guide (137 MHz)

Weather satellites transmit at ~137 MHz. Your stock SDR antenna likely won't work well at this frequency.

V-Dipole (Easiest Build)
  • Two elements, ~53.4 cm each (quarter wavelength)
  • Spread at 120 angle, laid flat or tilted
  • Connect to SDR via coax with a BNC/SMA adapter
  • Cost: ~$5 in wire
QFH Antenna (Best)
  • Quadrifilar helix - omnidirectional RHCP
  • Best for overhead passes, rejects ground noise
  • Build from copper pipe or coax
  • Cost: ~$20-30 in materials
Tips
  • Outdoors with clear sky view is critical
  • LNA (e.g. Nooelec SAWbird) helps a lot
  • Enable Bias-T if using a powered LNA
  • Passes >30 elevation give best images

Resources

SatDump Documentation NOAA Reception Guide