APT satellites give about 12 good images a day, wherever you are in the world. The resolution is 4km per pixel and there are visible and infrared sensors. This is a simple system where the satellite is in low earth orbit and very easily received at 137MHz. The two frequencies in main use are 136.50 for NOAA 12 and 15 and 137.62MHz for NOAA 14. A simple crossed dipole antenna can be used, or for marine use a stainless steel Quadrifilar helix antenna. These simple omni-directional antennas do not need moving or tracking to receive the satellite. The satellite is so strong that when is about 20 degrees above the horizon perfect results will be obtained.

As this is the lowest cost entry into weather satellites, a lot of people have asked if they could use their "scanner" that they use for monitoring other transmissions. There are two problems with using receivers not specifically designed for weather satellites. The first and most important is bandwidth, a APT signal needs about 40kHz of bandwidth, between 30 and 50 is OK. Most scanners have 15KHz which is far too narrow and 180kHz or more which is far too wide. Only a few scanners have the correct bandwidth and these currently include the AOR5000 and Icom IC-PCR1000. The second problem with all scanners, including the ones mentioned, is that a weather satellite system needs a very good performance receiver, one that provides high sensitivity, good signal to noise and high immunity to other adjacent transmissions. So, you may get your scanner to work, but it will not provide the results you see in our colour brochures. Our PROscan receiver has been specially designed to provide optimum performance.

APT Polar Antennas

The Quadrifilar helix antenna is designed especially for marine use. It is made entirely from 316 stainless steel and derelin plastic and is extremely strong. It offers slightly better performance than the crossed dipole but is in the price range of Super Yachts rather than the guy in the street.

PROscan APT receiver

This receiver has become a legend in the weather satellite field with over 2,500 in service all over the world. In tests this receiver has outperformed every other similar receiver. It provides greater signal to noise and hence better image quality. It is more resistant to pagers and other nearby radio transmissions. It is easy to use and has direct frequency read out. It can be computer controlled so that completely automatic operation is possible.

All 6 known APT satellite frequencies are fitted and just in case there are two spare unallocated channels. There is selectable channel lockout if some satellites are not required. The PROscan receiver uses a lot of filtering, 3 coils in the optional preamplifier, 4 coils in the RF amp (total 7 coils at RF), 3 coils in the oscillator, 1 matching coil at first IF, 5 ceramic filters at first IF, 5 coils at second IF (total 11 IF filters) and a quadrature discriminator for linearity and high ultimate signal to noise. As with any weather satellite receiver, you need an interface and software to get images into your computer.

Cable

We supply RF cable in two lengths, 20m (65 feet) and 40m (130 feet). This cable is extremely high quality 75 ohm semi-air spaced and comes with connectors ready fitted. This cable is only 6mm (1/4") diameter and outperforms most 1/2" cable due to its construction and dielectric losses. It is foil and braid screened to eliminate any influx of interference.