RTL-SDR for UTC Time in the Tropical Rainforest

Introduction In order to take an accurate sextant sight, we need to have precise time, ideally within 1 second. The Earth revolves at 360deg/24hours = 15deg/1hour = 15min_arc/min_time = 1min_arc = 4secs_time. A shortwave receiver can be used to get this time using international time stations. WWV UTC Shortwave Time Station In Toronto, time stations… Continue reading RTL-SDR for UTC Time in the Tropical Rainforest

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SDR for QO-100 Satellite Reception – Planning

Introduction Recently I read an interesting post on an sdr newsgroup discussing the Es’hail 2 satellite also known as QO-100 (Qatar Oscar 100). This is a geostationary satellite designed for DBS or direct broadcast television transmission to North Africa and the Middle East (Ref.1). The satellite has Ku (12-18GHz) and Ka (27-40GHz) band transponders for… Continue reading SDR for QO-100 Satellite Reception – Planning

RTL-SDR for Inmarsat Satellite – Dish vs Patch Antenna

Introduction In the previous post I looked at using my L band equipment to receive Inmarsat satellite signals. I was able to receive two satellites from my location at Toronto Harbourfront: 4F3 (Az=206deg) & 3F5 (Az=54deg). From my home QTH, I am only able to receive a partially blocked 3F5. I did a quick test… Continue reading RTL-SDR for Inmarsat Satellite – Dish vs Patch Antenna

RTL-SDR for Inmarsat Satellite – Planning

Introduction Inmarsat Satellite (Ref.3/4)) Inmarsat3-F3 (Launch 1998)Long = 27degEElev = 35,872Km (avg) Inmarsat3-F5 (Launch 1998)Long = 54degWElev = 35,793Km (avg)Visible QTH Inmarsat4-F1 (Launch 2005)Long = 143.5degEElev = 35,794Km (avg) Inmarsat4-F2 (Launch 2005)Long = 64degEElev = 35,794Km (avg) Inmarsat4-F3 (Launch 2008)Long = 98degWElev = 35,794Km (avg)Visible QTH Inmarsat4a-F4 (Launch 2013)Long = 25degEElev = 35,794Km (avg) Fig.2… Continue reading RTL-SDR for Inmarsat Satellite – Planning