Here it is, the challenge nobody asked for! Can I get L-band satellite data using an umbrella covered in foil tape? It turns out, yes I can!
I was able to download images and weather data from GOES-East, NOAA satellites, and Russian METEOR satellites. I also got a little bit from some other satellites but the signals weren’t as good.
Here’s the stuff I used (these links give me a commission if you buy stuff through them, but the price to you is the same!)
Umbrella: (any umbrella should work)
Foil tape:
(This is actually cheaper at a hardware store, and you’ll need 3 rolls!)
Antenna feed:
Software-Defined Radio:
Filter/Amplifier:
OTG adapter (if using a phone):
Antenna cable:
SDR software:
Satdump:
I also used Stellarium for aiming, but I still don’t really love it.
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