How to Receive Weather Satellites with SatDump

[Pavel]

Short answer: Choose one supported satellite downlink, plan a high-elevation pass, configure the correct SatDump pipeline and sample rate, and record baseband while learning. A visible carrier is not enough; the pipeline must match the instrument and receive enough clean signal for synchronization and decoding.

Before you start​

• Choose one satellite and one supported downlink before building the entire station. Confirm pass time, maximum elevation, center frequency and required bandwidth.
• Keep antenna geometry and orientation documented; a V-dipole, QFH and dish solve different bands and polarization problems.

Step-by-step method​

1. Step 1: Select the satellite and downlink in a pass predictor, noting center frequency, pass time, maximum elevation and Doppler direction. Begin with a pass above roughly 40 degrees when possible.
2. Step 2: Connect a suitable antenna, verify the SDR source in SatDump and set sample rate plus RF bandwidth required by the pipeline. Start with moderate manual gain and no unnecessary AGC changes.
3. Step 3: Use Add > Recorder for live reception, select the appropriate pipeline and begin before acquisition of signal. Record raw baseband if storage allows.
4. Step 4: After the pass, process the recording offline using the exact sample rate and sample format. Compare lock, error indicators and image output while adjusting pipeline options.

Concrete example​

For a 137 MHz LEO weather pass, use an outdoor V-dipole or QFH, a receiver capable of stable baseband recording and the specific SatDump pipeline for that satellite and instrument. Starting several minutes early prevents missing acquisition while tuning.

How to judge the result​

Success means the decoder locks for a useful part of the pass and produces consistent frames or image lines. Save the pass elevation, RF settings and pipeline name with the output.

What to record​

• Record the complete pass as baseband when storage permits so tuning, Doppler and pipeline settings can be tested again offline.
• Judge a pass by lock duration, error rate and usable image lines rather than the brightest instant on the waterfall.
• Compare passes with similar elevation because a low horizon pass and an overhead pass are not equivalent antenna tests.

Common mistakes​

• Changing several hardware, software or RF variables at once, which removes the controlled comparison needed to identify the cause.
• Treating one autoscaled screenshot or one unusually good result as proof without recording the settings and repeating the test.
• Selecting a generic satellite name without matching the active downlink or instrument can produce no decode even from a strong correct-frequency signal.

Final check​

Process the saved baseband again with the recorded pipeline and metadata, then compare a similar pass. A satellite fix is confirmed by repeatable lock and decoded output, not one unusually strong pass.