How To Build A V Dipole For Receiving Weather Satellites

[@baranjen]

Absolutely brilliant!! Thanks very much for your effort that you put into your videos.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

@@TechMindsOfficial i would really love to see how u install all the bits to get it to work to gather

[@jebsjobs]

Tried a V-dipole at home and got a signal even with a 'bare' Nooelec NESDR Mini 2 (no FlamingoFM, no SAWbird_NOAA) but with limited range. Then found John Coppens website and built a QFH using his design webpage and using 49mm PVC tube (from B&Q) with 3mm copper wire. This allowed me to mount it above the RF shadow of the house and my 'shack' a.k.a. mancave (garage). Added a SAWbird+NOAA and a cheapo (£6) LNA from the far-east. Started getting better results but with interference from a nearby POSCAG (on 137.9755 MHz) mast which gives me random banding on images. Going back to basics with a V-dipole at a location away from home (work, which is on top of a hill and some miles away from home), clear sky all round! I'll keep this channel updated :-) Using SDR-Console V3 (built-in Doppler) and WXtoIMG all on 'auto-pilot' throwing the data to my web-server

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thank you for sharing. I plan to make a QFH in the near future. 👌

[@johnd2631]

Yes, please show how you setup the software. This is great and I appreciate it.

[@yomama07024]

Was a video ever created demonstrating the setup?

[@jasonmhite]

What a coincidence, I made a variant of this antenna yesterday and it works much better than I expected.

[@RobertResearchRadios]

You don't need to use external doppler correction for the NOAA birds when feeding audio to WXtoImg. WXtoImg has an internal PLL (Phase Locked Loop) that handles this for you in the audio so long as the input signal stays inside of the receive bandwidth for the whole pass. A 42kHz BW should work for this purpose. You will need to set the slant correction for the proper sample rate, but after that it's plug and play. The doppler correction also can confuse the METEOR Demodulator plugin's tracking. Really, you shouldn't neet to be using external correction for either of the popular V band weather satellite types.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I agree about Meteor not needing Doppler correction from software, but for NOAA APT it is needed.

[@RobertResearchRadios]

@@TechMindsOfficial If what you are doing works for you, then that's fine, but I will refer you to thread(s) found on r/amateursatellites and/or r/RTLSDR where DerekCZ (the guy that did NEC work with the radiation pattern optimized V-Dipole with the reflector) says the same thing as me, about not needing it for use with WXtoIMG. I don't use it any more and I've been seeing better results since I stopped using it. The WXtoImg documentation should also be helpful. Look to the PLL section for what I am talking about with integrated doppler correction in AF. You have to calibrate the PLL, but after you do you should have clean doppler correction in the AF. If you do it externally quickly enough with the PLL off, the results should be the same. It looks to me like your external correction is fast enough here, but my correction using Orbitron was not fast enough and resulted in the shifting described in some of these reddit posts. Doppler and Sample Rate Related Thread(s): 1) www.reddit.com/r/RTLSDR/comments/gycdye/i_dont_know_why_my_picture_came_out_like_this/ 2) www.reddit.com/r/RTLSDR/comments/2z1dmq/wxtoimg_why_is_noaa_image_shifted_what_to_do/ 3) www.reddit.com/r/RTLSDR/comments/67zlzb/what_is_causing_this_horizontal_distortionlines/ 4) www.reddit.com/r/RTLSDR/comments/bbcf1g/think_that_youre_getting_bad_images_from_noaa_apt/ PLL correction calibration: leshamilton.co.uk/wxtoimg.htm (ctrl-F PLL)

[@RobertResearchRadios]

@@TechMindsOfficial On another note, you should definitely check out DerekCZ's work on a radiation pattern optimizing reflector for the V-Dipole. There is some cool NEC stuff going on, and it appears to get pretty good results after adding the reflector or optimizing the ground distance. www.reddit.com/r/amateursatellites/comments/cnnjjm/how_i_came_up_with_my_current_vdipole_design_and/

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks for sharing Robert, I’ll definitely got it a look. I really need to get myself into Reddit, something that I havnt done yet believe it or not. Thank for watching 🙏

[@ladedk]

Yes please, I would really like to see the software part too! I will be working on the Greenland ice sheet, a month each summer for the next couple of years, and it would be really nice to get images.

[@ralphthebrick]

Very interesting as always. Not dabbled in this area yet so would love to see a setup video please.

[@dominionfalls]

Awesome! Exactly what I have been looking for. Please do more of these easy and cost effective weather satellite videos.

[@cemaxecuter7783]

Super helpful! I think I need to extend up my antenna. I finally got around to setting up and Intel Nuc w/ DragonOS and SDRPlay remotely in the shed. Waiting for some filters to show up.

[@iulianiasi]

Thanks.All software set in one hour . Now I need an antenna :)

[@florianj779]

Hi Matt, very nice Video. I was always interested in how to set up this dipol (I used a QFH). Quite good range for NOAA... Hint: For Meteor stop frequency tracking as the signal lock got lost every time the frequency changes. Set to nominal frequency, Increase bandwidth and you are good. Good Luck, Florian

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks for the advice Florian! I did wonder if the “locked” should be solid or flashing but it appeared to be flashing. Yes, I guess it doesn’t need the frequency tracking when being controlled by software. I will definitely give Meteor another go because the images I’ve seen look incredibly good quality. Thanks for watching my videos 🙏

[@blackapple6232]

@@TechMindsOfficial "locked" should be solid red. And, yes, do not track Meteor's frequency will remove most of the missing lines.

[@lazerdave466]

This is great! Thank you! I'd love to see your Meteor video when it comes out.

[@kodtech]

I'm using an "Moxon Turnstile Antenna" which is far more better, really omni-directional, easy to build and can work in any environment , like a city. (I get some good pics from Meteor-M2 too)

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Excellent! I’ll definitely be going through these home built antennas and testing them. Not every one can afford commercial antennas and if we can build something out of cheap parts, that actually works, then it’s a win win! Do you have a link to some plans you could share with us please?

[@kodtech]

@@TechMindsOfficial for antenna dimensions I used a Moxon calculator (tippete.net/cgi-bin/moxgen.pl ) , for wiring i used (on5au.be/content/a10/vhf/ms2.html ) and all was made from [Cu] water pipes (15mm)

[@rfcdgaf]

V dipole has been proven to be better than any turnstile, turnstile is trash

[@alzeNL]

Fantastic video, please do the setup video !

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

Yes, can you please make a video on how you synced up Gpredict and SDR-SHARP together?

[@bigoceansmallboat]

I'd love a video on the set up for this. We are setting off to sail round the world next year with a small sailboat, and this is our best option for receiving weather information.Most other forms are outside our budget. We have a Nooelec sdr and an active antenna already and need all the help we can find. Jon

[@zeebraeend]

I'd say, let's see more off it. Last couple of days the ISS was fairly good visible and receivable. Even on a diy ground plain antenna for 70 cm. 73's

[@techtheguy5180]

I have a dca..It works amazing.If you have troubles use runer agc and rtl agc

[@maxmyzer9172]

reminds me of 'the thought emporium''s videos on the GOES sats. I actually tried that but never had the motivation to finish the project

[@celsiuscelzo3162]

Great Video! I have a question, can I use bronze rod in exchange for steel rod?

[@Electheo]

High quality video! Easy to understand

[@caramba10]

Software setup would be appreciated, I can't even get wxtoimg to install on win10 even as administrator.

[@jakobkatrasnik8684]

You need to download wxtoimg beta

[@markg6jvy135]

Nice simple build 👍

[@tglenn3121]

Thank you for the video. Yes, I'd appreciate a video on how to set up the software. I've used WxtoImg in the past and got some general images, but could never get anything in color, or even any weather patterns, clouds, or whatever. So, a video on how to setup this software would be appreciated. Thanks

[@robprupe]

Just recently tried picking up NOAA19 with a v dipole only a meter off the ground and I got suprisingly good resullts first time. Would be interested in a Meteor video as I attempted this after and got nothing, I suspect I need to build a QFH antenna.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Another subscriber has just informed me my Meteor decode could of been bad because I left the “tracking” ticked on the demodulator. I guess the tracking is not needed because GPredict was already setting the frequency. I will be investigating this further and make some more videos on this subject. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@maufox1]

I use a V Dipole too, to receive cubesats. it works well. One question about gPredict, does it start SDR# automatically when the satellite is above the horizon?

[@mi6xgzjon186]

yes please on the software set up, i used to receive noaa but only on a colinear and i didnt want to p off the neighbers with a cicular polerized antenna, but this v dipole makes perfect sence so il give it a go thanks great vid.

[@robertallen3133]

Fantastic video, looking forward to seeing more. Always wanting to learn more.

[@peterleather6866]

I'd also be very interested in the hardware setup too, including the filters you use. I dabbled back in the 2000's at NOAA reception using a recevier kit and had some success but nothing like as good as the results you have had. So I'm keen to see what I can do with my RTL-SDR reciver now things have moved on a bit. Cheers for the video

[@tnowroz]

Extremely interested in video on how you synced up Gpredict and SDR-SHARP together? Great video btw.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thank! I did create the video, it’s the video after this one :)

[@generozea3195]

Nice setup. Have you looked into using Wxtoimg directly to control the frequency? Under options - recording options.....

[@johng7rwf419]

Great video, would find a software setup video very useful. Many thanks, J

[@STREETTV26]

Thanks for this nice tutorail, How can I correct the colors and is it done automatically or by external programs?

[@binky_bun]

Interesting. I've got an old set of TV "Rabbit Ears" with telescopic rod antennas that folds up to fit in a pocket. that should be ideal for this. I got it when I was a kid and it originally had a preamp in it powered by a pair of internal AA batteries but I took that out so I could use it to Tx on 2m. It was for a Casio pocket TV my parents got me for christmas in the 90's. I bet you can still buy them or at least get the telescopic rods with the swivel joints on. I think poundland used to sell something similar. I've played with NOAA sats before but I tried to build a QFH but they're very finniky to put together and my results were poor. Perhaps simple V dipole is the winner and I had it in my draw all along.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I was actually trying to find some of these “rabbit ears” but I couldn’t find any long enough. But yes, please try it and let me know how well they work! 👌

[@binky_bun]

@@TechMindsOfficial Search ebay for "Black Lightweight Telescopic Antenna for Portable FM Radio Scanner VHF TV 300 Ω" There's a few different types on there. The most basic are just a set of telescopic rods in a peg mount thing that clips into a hole in the case on the back of a lot of old CRT TV's. They usually have 300 ohm ribbon cable but that can be changed easily enough. I'll get mine up after work and see what happens

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks Ben I’ll take a look 👌🙏

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Good information and I may well have a go at this. Thanks for making the video.

[@joseneves2822]

Very nice video 👌 i've built the antenna but the signal I get is weak ... i can never get telemetry My setup SRDpaly - RSPdx and SDRuno V1.40.2 ... the B antenna has Bias-T Can I connect the antenna on Ant B to improve the signal? Many thanks

[@AlFrosty]

At 2:48 you can see the centre coax going in to the left side of the block. Is that the outer shielding going in to the right? My Discone, which received 18 & 19 ok, was falling apart so I replaced it with a SSS Mk2 vertical. No surprise that even when 19 was directly overhead and with an LNA I could barely hear it. Using the radials from the discone I'll give this V dipole a go and mount it to the mast of the vertical antenna (30 feet up). It might improve my love for tracking these sats. Cheers bro :)

[@sinantenekeci9472]

Hello, thanks for great videos first. I have two questions; I am looking for steel rods, the web site that I will buy them tells that they were 304 stainless steel and non-magnetic. Non-magnetic or magnetic really matters? And do I have to solder cable legs to rods or will it be just enough to contact them?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Non magnetic for sure 👍

[@caroledavies3893]

What size amp rating is the choc block, just need this for the correct size to fit the 4mm aluminium

[@metroatlantahamradio334]

Dude I literally Love you for this video! I am inspired to make my 1st antenna and do this project! Can I use a Pie 3B for this project?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Absolutely! Thanks..!

[@MrJanoz]

Thank you for this interesting video. It vould also be great if you could do a video on how you set up the different software for using this antenna.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks for the comment and for watching. I have quite a few videos on receiving NOAA weather satellites. Please take a look through my older videos, and if you find anything missing please let me know.

[@tglenn3121]

Are you sure the V-dipole only needs to be aimed north? I had a satellite approaching my location from the SW and the antenna did NOT pick up any signal until I rotated the antenna to the direction the satellite was coming from.

[@mineland66]

Hi, I want to do this but I have a problem that no one explains, how do you connect the antenna to the sdr receiver?? you just cut the cable that connects to the sdr, and connect the first wire to one rod and the other one to the other rod, or do you have to put a resistor in the middle or a capacitor? Pls answer, it is the only thing that stops me from doing this and I don't want to cut my cable to try it out because I only have 1.

[@MKINDYR107]

Hi, which coaxial cable should I use to connect the V Dipole to my SDR receiver please?

[@wesleythompson9703]

I would love to see the setup for the software I have been having trouble with receiving from noaa.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I’ve had a few people ask so I will definately do a software setup video real soon :) thanks for watching

[@fellpower]

How long are the metal rods? 53,4cm WITH that bend few mm, or as a piece and then bend?

[@jacobbenosky6199]

Will this work with steel for the antenna?

[@roykilo9642]

looks way easier than the quad one.. yes please do the set up..is this the same as USA?

[@clemensdautermann6880]

Do you think its possible to install this antenna below the roof? The roof ist 100% wood.

[@Rickm505]

I read that Goes has a high resolution stream as well. How do you decode that?

[@beauthompson5338]

Hi, where did you get your choc block can all part be found on Amazon ?

[@untungsuharto7991]

my experience build weather decoded to image the best is Quadrofillar antenna.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Absolutely, I do plan to make one soon and document the build process. Thanks 🙏

[@untungsuharto7991]

@@TechMindsOfficial good job sir

[@tonydavidson4719]

Great video thanks i will have a go at that. Can you post a link please for the steel rods please. Thanks

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I'm pretty sure I purchased them from my local DIY store (Wickes in the UK).

[@alzeNL]

I have a 40ft fibreglass mast, currently with just one J-Pole on it for 2m/70cm, i'd really love to add this antenna to it. Other than when i'm transmitting on said other frequencys, should I be able to put the V-Pole on the same mast and receive weather satellites ok ? I think so, but would appreicate any input/feedback regarding this.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I think you’ll be okay, just not too close to the J-Pole and you’ll be fine. Let me know how you get on 👌

[@alzeNL]

@@TechMindsOfficial sure thing. I'll source a mast-clamp and the rods, then post it on my blog giving you the rightful credit ! 73's M7ALU (Edit 1/6 - parts ordered, should be good for the weekend)

[@brandonstevens6886]

Hi! Can you explain how you connected the coax to the choc block? Thanks!

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Stripped back the coax to separate the Center and outer, then connected them into the choc bloc.

[@brandonstevens6886]

@Tech Minds Thanks!

[@timdbl7804]

Thanks for the video; I was modelling something like this, out of curiosity, only the other day! I suggest that coiling several turns of the co-ax, at the feedpoint, would be a good idea, to form a (crude) choke-balun, otherwise the outer of the co-ax becomes part of the antenna.

[@SoundWaveLab]

Thank you for this video. Im looking to put up weather and HAM. I’m looking to build a unit to anchor at my land about 80 miles away from my home. I’m looking for more information if anyone has any.

[@Remon0347]

Maybe you can pin this: you should start measuring the 53.4cm from the point were the coax braid shield got seperated from the inner conductor. The rods needs to be shorter than shown in this video. The arrows in the design from Adam 9A4QV also shows this. I also want to add that during early (morning/afternoon) satellite passes you indeed need to point the V north, but during evening/night passes you need to rotate the antenna 180 degrees because during these times the satellites approach from the south.. (hence you also need to vertically flip the images)

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks for the comment and information. I didn’t show this in the video but I did put this antenna on a network Analyzer and it was perfectly balanced around the desired frequencies. So for me the length of the rods were just right. May I ask why I would need to change the V direction in the evenings as the radiation pattern for this type of antenna is supposed to be designed for a zero pattern, so there should be no nulls.

[@Remon0347]

@@TechMindsOfficial copy & paste from M Fathurahman found on iopscience.iop.org: With the V dipole antenna in the horizontal direction, the radiation pattern will be directed to the sky with a pattern of zeros (0). This form is very optimal for receiving satellite signals that are in the direction of the front, side and top of the antenna. Because the direction of the NOAA satellite orbit from north to south or vice versa, the antenna is sufficiently directed towards the south or north. With the V dipole antenna in the horizontal direction, the radiation pattern will be directed to the sky with a pattern of zeros (0). This form is very optimal for receiving satellite signals that are in the direction of the front, side and top of the antenna. Because the direction of the NOAA satellite orbit from north to south or vice versa, the antenna is sufficiently directed towards the south or north.

[@Remon0347]

@@TechMindsOfficial simple explanation: for high elevation passes it doesn't matter. If the satellite is low above the horizon, pointing the V to it helps a lot.

[@lmamakos]

I don't think that you need to worry about the antenna being as high as possible; it's more about being above obstructions that are likely to be in the path. Being a few meters closer to the spacecraft doesn't really help, and probably hurts because of the extra feedline losses if you're much higher than you need to be.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

The whole point of the antenna being higher is to clear the surrounding obstructions. If you was say, in a field, with no obstructions 360 degrees, then of course, the antenna could be low to the ground, but in suburban areas having the antenna higher would hopefully clear some of the obstructions and provide a signal at a lower angle.

[@ftcgaming4651]

I've noticed that this dipole does not use a balun. Is it intentional to give it its radiation pattern or perhaps it would work better with one?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

No, a balun is not needed as this antenna is tuned, which theoretically means the impedance at feed point would be near 50ohm. So, no need for a balun. However, experimentation is always fun!

[@SirsenduGhosh1989]

Software setup for meteot M2 and NOAA please. Excellent video

[@person12307]

Yes please make a software video on this need a new use for my sdrs there just sitting collecting dust since I upgraded my scanner

[@Tee_eM_Kay]

so that 53cm includes the bend? shouldn't it be without the bend?

[@Persil68]

does gp predict work with any other sdr software?

[@sp3ct3rgaming46]

Hey Tech Minds! Is there anyway to mount this on a car?

[@kayboku7281]

Heya, thanks for the video, ive actually been making a video on the same thing! I didnt know those noaa filters exist, might have a look for them! Also ive been using Orbitron, I might give Gpredict a go. One question, I noticed on the diagram at 1.12 , is says to use aluminium rods. Does aluminimum work for RF? Im just using a TV antenna dipole, (unfortunately i live in an apartment and dont have a backyard).

[@42kwhaum2]

why do you say 53.4cm for the 1/2 dipole lenght ? 300/137.100*.95*.25 = 51.96 cm ? Can you explain please?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Good question, but I followed the guide for building this. I would assume it is because this is not a straight dipole, it’s a V dipole. But without modelling it in software I can’t be sure. Either way, it was resonant where it needed to be.

[@peters6601]

So simple these days compared with using dedicate receiver by Timestep and software into my Amiga computer.

[@dustinmcdermont699]

Did you, the Cold Fusion guy, and NODE come from the same neighborhood? Do I hear a hint of Devonshire? Lol

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Lol nope, I’m from West London :) Well, in the countryside :)

[@Patriot2609]

Help me, i followed the build guide fully, it captures FM broadcasts, yet 0 NOAA signal, i checked everything, the aluminum rods are properly connected to the coax using the choc board, SMA connector does indeed pass signal, i can hear transmissions from my baofeng, but no NOAA even on a 90 degree pass.

[@Patriot2609]

Fixed, just need to point the open side north and the side where the antennae meet south, also make sure your coax cables' screen is properly touching your adapter!

[@quiquerobles]

Hello, it is not clear to me why this dipole in v form its better than the usual dipole. What do u mean about zero pattern radiation?? Thank u if someone helps

[@MikeSage]

can you do a video how to receive weather satellites. set up software

[@piefadase]

Very nice, I currently use a cross dipole because it's pretty easy to build but is "kinda" circularly polarized How is the performance compared to a cross dipole and a qfh?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Well, I will be able to answer that over the coming weeks as I plan to also build a crossed dipole and QFH. I had read somewhere that the V Dipole is on par with a QFH, but without testing myself I can’t be sure.

[@piefadase]

@@TechMindsOfficial I'll be looking forward to it then

[@rogerp5816]

@@TechMindsOfficial I'd be very interested in seeing the QFH plans you use and exactly how you bend the pipe. Would love to see the QFH you build connected to an antenna analyzer so we can see the frequency response and SWR.

[@AndrewBarfield]

What is the length of the rod (at the bend) that you inserted into the block? Maybe 2 cm?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Roughly 2cm, but keep it as short as possible but enough to poke into the choc block. The bend is included in the overall length. The size of the bend part will depend on how big the choc block you use.

[@TheTaylorhorton]

Does the antenna material have any noticeable effect on the signal quality?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I tested using steel, unfortunately it wasn’t stainless and it’s gone all rusty now. I havnt personally tried other materials, but copper, stainless steel and aluminium should all work similar.

[@abdeabde8237]

How to decode rtl sdr All devices in my HARRIS Encrypted Is there a solution to decrypt please sir

[@tlcgolden]

I was thinking about the same thing just make it resonant for 437.800 and 145.990 to work the ISS repeater

[@ThiagoLazarino]

Please, which leg should point north? or the center?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

At the start of the video the second image shows the antenna looking down on it. So the point, where the two legs meet point north

[@ThiagoLazarino]

Thanks, now I get it! Can it be used for TX? I'm looking for a circular polarized antenna to send aprs packets to ISS without pointing to it.

[@tank_tales]

How to receive signals from PRSS-1 using SDR

[@Ray_M0MXN]

Software setup please 😀👍

[@Patriot2609]

How does it do in the rain?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Mines gone rusty very quickly :-(

[@Patriot2609]

@@TechMindsOfficial What exactly? The aluminum or the Choc board? Is there a possibility of some damage the any of the components outdoors from rain? Also can i use Copper? Here in Europe its pretty hard to find aluminum and amazon delivery is very expensive and takes a while!

[@geraldsimmons8537]

Does anyone kow how to pipe the signal from gqrx to wxtoimg IN LINUX ?

[@Francois_Dupont]

steel hasnt the same material electrical speed has copper or alumilium. normally you need to make the element smaller to get the same match.

[@MrAbrandao]

More Please

[@yigitkadir3649]

wxtoimg doesen't work on my amd ryzen 5 2600x ..

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Have you tried the Beta version instead?

[@jbammi]

+1 please show software setup

[@techtheguy5180]

Please software tutorial

[@BritishBeachcomber]

Brilliant video. Love the combination of software. Now I feel confident I can get good results. Please do a video on how to setup the software. Edit: I see you've already done one at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIrThaabp9h-jpo

[@watchmanmichael2023]

Awesome! KN6EHB

[@MikeSage]

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