Automated Weather Satellite Ground Station (Mostly Made From Trash)

Summary

In this DIY project, the host tackles the task of relocating and upgrading antennas from his house roof to the garage, amidst a rainy day. The project involves working with a QFH VHF satellite antenna, Raspberry Pi, and various other components. The host experiences technical difficulties with wireless mics and software updates, but persists through trial and error. The video documents the process of setting up a GO satellite system, overcoming challenges with signal interference and power supply issues. The host also discusses the use of unconventional materials like plastic pallets for safe roof access and shares his learnings from the process, which includes a focus on trial and error rather than strict adherence to professional guides. The video concludes with a look at the successfully set up geostationary satellite system and the potential for future projects.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ The video begins with the host working on antennas in rainy weather, highlighting the dedication to the project despite the conditions.
• 🎤 The host is testing wireless microphones, showing an ongoing effort to improve audio quality for the channel.
• 🔧 The project involves moving and updating antennas from the house roof to the garage, indicating a hands-on approach to home-based projects.
• 📡 The QFH VHF satellite antenna and Raspberry Pi setup are being repositioned and updated, demonstrating the host's technical skills and interest in satellite communication.
• 🔄 The host mentions wanting to upgrade software to include additional VHF satellites, showing a desire to enhance the capabilities of the existing setup.
• 🛠️ There are challenges with the Raspberry Pi setup, including issues with power supply and software installation, which the host overcomes through trial and error.
• 🏗️ The host installs a concrete base for the satellite dish, illustrating the importance of a sturdy foundation for antenna stability.
• 🛒 The decision to purchase a new Raspberry Pi for the GO satellite part of the project deviates from the usual practice of reusing old parts, emphasizing the need for reliable equipment.
• 🔌 The host experiments with different cabling solutions, eventually opting for coaxial cable over USB extension for better signal quality.
• 📊 The video script includes a focus on problem-solving and learning from errors, which is a common theme in DIY projects.
• 🌐 The setup includes a variety of antennas for different purposes, such as receiving VHF, UHF, and geostationary satellite signals, showcasing a comprehensive approach to antenna array.

Q & A

What is the main project described in the video?

The main project described in the video is the process of moving and setting up various antennas, including a VHF satellite antenna and a geostationary satellite dish, from the house roof to the garage with some repair and update steps along the way.

What weather conditions did the host choose to work on the antennas?

The host chose to work on the antennas on a rainy day, humorously noting that they picked the best possible weather for the task.

What issues did the host encounter with the non-penetrating roof mount for the qfh antenna?

The host encountered issues with the plywood mount starting to peel up on the edges, even with bricks on top to hold it down. This caused the mount to loosen and the antenna to wiggle and make noise in the wind, which was bothersome as it was directly above the host's office.

What is the purpose of the Raspberry Pi in the setup described in the video?

The Raspberry Pi is used in conjunction with an RTL-SDR dongle, a filter, and the qfh antenna to receive and process signals from satellites such as NOAA 18, 19, and 15. It also powers the antenna over USB to keep everything dry.

What software did the host attempt to install on the Raspberry Pi for the satellite project?

The host attempted to install the 2023-2024 version of Raspberry Noah V2, which is designed to include additional VHF satellites for tracking and imaging.

What was the final solution for the Raspberry Pi's power supply issues?

The final solution for the Raspberry Pi's power supply issues involved using a power injector to provide the necessary power, as the standard USB port on the Raspberry Pi draws more power than most USB supplies can handle.

What steps did the host take to ensure the satellite dish is securely mounted?

The host used a concrete Jackhammer to secure the pole into the ground, driving fence posts in really deep and tying everything into the garage for additional stability. The setup was allowed to set for a week before adding the satellite dish.

What challenges did the host face while trying to receive and decode GOES satellite data?

The host faced challenges with signal interference when using a USB extension cable for the Raspberry Pi, which resulted in a degraded signal and difficulty in decoding data. The host also had issues with the positioning of the feed and the type of cable used.

What changes did the host make to improve the signal strength and quality for the GOES satellite setup?

The host switched from a USB extension cable to a TV cable, placed the RTL-SDR right at the Raspberry Pi, and used a power injector to power the Saber filter, which helped to vastly improve the signal strength and quality.

How does the host plan to make the Raspberry Pi setup for the GOES satellite more hands-off?

The host plans to have both GOES receive and GOES process run automatically at startup on the Raspberry Pi, which would make the system more hands-off and allow for automatic updates as new data comes in.