update may 2026:
i replace this station antenna with turnstile antenna. check here for detail / diy tutorial
Here are some pictures of my SatNOGS station for the UHF band. It’s open for everyone to make observations from my station. This station saves the IQ file. If you need a specific IQ file, you can request it by sending me a direct message.
I use an RTL-SDR v4 and a Raspberry Pi 4. The outdoor LNA is connected to the SDR over Belden RG6 coaxial cable that is 15 meters long.
The antenna is made from an aluminum tube for the radials and a copper tube for the driver. I placed the LNA inside a DIY PVC tube case, which is waterproof. The antenna stands on a galvalume pipe, approximately 15 meters above the ground.
since today, everyone can make observation and download the RAW IQ file directly from below repository. the iq file maybe will be saved just for max 1 month before recycled with the new one (upto the free space available, because this repo only have 10 GB capacity)
now upgraded to 1 TERA capacity. the IQ file can still be downloaded
for up to the last 6 months.
(need create account to download) https://hobisatelit.github.io/iq
UPDATE: i cut the cable around 9 metres, so now only 6 metres length between outdoor LNA and indoor SDR. all for better SNR, and less db loss. and put antenna lower than before, from 15 metre to only 4-5 metre from ground, for reducing terrestrial noise captured by antenna.
Im interested in your observed results from these changes. Ive experienced changes in snr by reducing the db loss, but i havent thought about LOWERING antenna height. Its not like 3-4 meters in antenna height is going to get you meaningfully closer to a satellite 500km away…
oh no no … at first i was initially thought a higher antenna would help capture signals from low-elevation satellites (which would normally be obstructed by surrounding buildings), but i’m discovered that the increased height actually picked up more unwanted terrestrial interference and noise rather than improving my ground station satellite reception
Unfortunately, while I want it too, no time for it as there are more important things waiting in the queue. However if someone is able and wants to design and implement it, let me know.
