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Introduction In previous posts, I looked at receiving weather information over NOAA (Ref.1), GOES (Ref.2) and HF WEFAX (Ref.3). Various weather agencies also transmit marine weather information over HF SITOR (Simplex Teletype over Radio). SITOR is an RTTY teletype system with advanced features of error detection, redundancy and re-transmission not included in the regular Baudot… Continue reading RTL-SDR for Marine Weather on HF SITOR

Introduction Last year I managed to receive GOES16 images using a temporary pole mounted dish (Ref.1/6). This was in early September. Shortly after this our balconies were closed off for repairs and only recently opened. I decided to make a more permanent dish mount so that I could receive images for several hours without having… Continue reading GOES16 Weather Satellite – Signal Capture with Dish Balcony Mount

Introduction In a previous post, I looked at how the RTL-SDR can be used to receive HF stations in the NCDX/IARU HF Beacon network (Ref.1). These stations transmit on a schedule and can be used for HF propagation analysis. Various programs can also be used for HF propagation prediction (Ref.2), such as VOACAP (Ref.3) and… Continue reading RTL-SDR for HF Beacons Propagation Prediction

Introduction Recently I discovered the NanoVNA vector network analyzer. I had seen articles in QST magazine over the last several years and was intrigued (Ref.1/2). My first experiment was with my HF vertical antenna. I calibrated the unit for the HF band from 1MHz – 30MHz and tested the SWR (Ref.3). Next I tested my… Continue reading HF Loop Antenna Testing with NanoVNA

Introduction Recently I discovered the NanoVNA vector network analyzer. I had seen articles in QST magazine over the last several years and was intrigued (Ref.1/2). My first experiment was with my HF vertical antenna. I calibrated the unit for the HF band from 1MHz – 30MHz and tested the SWR (Ref.3). The results were exactly… Continue reading VHF Marine Antenna Testing with NanoVNA