[PCR-1000] PCR1000 Wxsat Reception

[Roger Mawhinney]

Here is a FAQ I wrote some time ago on using the PCR1000 to receive weather
satellite images.  I've updated the web links so they should be OK.  

 

HARDWARE - I'm using a PCR-1000 computer controlled scanner with a 2 element
crossed dipole (pointing up, circularly polarised) about 5 metres high on
the side of the house. The satellite signals are quite strong so you can get
the pictures (with some noise and signal drop-outs) on a simple aerial. The
scanner is set for NBFM, 50kHz bandwidth. I have a longer than normal RS232
serial connection (3 mtrs) to the PC to reduce noise from the PC. I
connected a 3.5mm Jack cable from the Packet (discriminator) output on the
PCR-1000to the mic socket on a Soundblaster soundcard. All the cables to the
scanner (including power)are wound through ferrite cores to help reduce
noise from the PC. 

 

SOFTWARE

1.TalkPcr, an excellent control program for the PCR - much better than the
ICOM software (in my opinion). Get an evaluation from
www.mahy.demon.co.uk/TalkPCR/TalkPCR.htm. 

2. Wxtrack - a really good program which locates the various satellites and
their signal footprints, at least I have some idea what satellite I'm
receiving and at what time.

3. WxSat - decodes the satellite signals and displays on screen.  Automatic
start and optionally saves the wav files for later processing.  Fiddly to
set up initially - Read the help files!!!

4. Satsignal - a super program for processing the wav files recorded by
WxSat.  Not essential but produces images more automatically than WxSat.

 

This software can be obtained by following the links at
www.rig.org.uk/Members/Software/software.html

 

There is also loads of other useful information on this site at 

http://www.rig.org.uk/Imaging/APT/apt.html   

 

Also check out David Taylor's site at 

www.david-taylor.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/software/wxsat.htm

 

 

SETUP

On the PCR-1000 load the following channels, NOAA12 / NOAA 15 => 137.50MHz,
NOAA14 / NOAA16 => 137.62MHz (neither working now), Meteor 3-6 / RESURS
01-N4 => 137.85MHz. Set these channels for NBFM, 50kHz bandwidth.  Setup
WxTrack for your location and let it run. Check the various AOS (Acquisition
of Signal) times for some satellites, and start listening around those
times.  Run WXSAT in another window - select Recording-Test and adjust the
mic or line input volume so that the discriminator noise is distinct and not
peaking beyond the limits. (You will need to select Recording mode on the
sound card volume adjustment). Adjust the soundcard output so that the noise
can be heard in the speakers.  

 

OPERATION

TalkPcr is tuned to the correct satellite channels, WxTrack is indicating
the progress of the satellites and WXSAT is ready to be> started. As a
satellite approaches you will hear the satellite as a "chirping" sound mixed
in the noise.  Now select WXSAT-Recording-Manual Sync and if you're lucky,
you'll see the weather picture building in front of you. (Note - turning
your Monitor OFF during weak signals can significantly reduce the
interference. Once this is working, save WAV files for later processing -
typical sizes for a pass are 9 - 15 Mbytes. 

 

NEXT

Experiment with automatically starting the recording by setting wxsat to
start recording on the carrier wave and setting the scanner to continually
check the satellite channels. (You'll need a big hard disk as you also get
all the weak passes unless you wind up the scanner squelch.) You will need
to play with the wxsat setting to get acceptable colour pictures. Better
still, use Satsignal to process the recordings. 

 

TIP

Read the documentation and Help provided with the software :-) 

 

Hope this is useful. 

Roger Mawhinney, 

Lurgan, Co Down, Northern Ireland