Umbrella Antenna Protects You from Rain, but Not the Way You Think

In an unexpected display of resourcefulness, a DIY enthusiast known as saveitforparts demonstrated the ability to MacGyver a makeshift satellite ground station for NOAA weather satellites using unconventional materials. The impromptu build utilized an umbrella, foil tape, wire, and an RTL-SDR dongle, showcasing the ingenuity needed for such a task. The umbrella and foil tape were ingeniously repurposed as the main reflector for the antenna, while a pie tin, a scrap of wire, and twigs were assembled to construct the helical feed. Despite initial challenges and suboptimal performance, the setup, which included a SAWbird LNA/filter and an RTL-SDR connected to a second-hand phone, managed to capture some data from a GOES satellite.

Persistence and adaptability were key in refining the makeshift ground station. Subsequent improvements involved switching to a commercially available log periodic antenna, resulting in significantly enhanced performance. The modified setup achieved partial decodes of weather map data, marking a notable success considering the unconventional components used. The project exemplifies the spirit of DIY problem-solving, demonstrating that with creativity and determination, even a hodgepodge of materials can yield impressive results in the realm of satellite communication.

We love watching the weather come and go from inside the warehouse but we also like to expect the future weather so here’s an article to help with just that: Stay Ahead of the Weather With These 11 DIY Projects.

Read more: Umbrella Antenna Protects You from Rain, but Not the Way You Think