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9) What do I need to set up an
APT ground station?
APT signals are broadcast on the 137 MHz band and little specialized equipment is needed to receive the signals. Crossed dipole antennas can be built for under $50US (see Taggart). A scanner capable of tuning to the 137 MHz band can receive the satellites' "tick tock" signal. Bandwidth demands require a receiver with a 40 KHz IF bandwidth (10 - 15 KHz is normal in most scanners). IF filters can easily be changed or a receiver can be bought from sources listed in many amateur radio and SWL magazines. The output from the receiver is a modulated 2.4 KHz tone. This tone can be converted by any of a number of cards for the PC, Amiga, Mac, and possibly other systems.
(If the term "IF bandwidth" is baffling, assume that modifying an existing receiver is not the best course for you to follow.)
APT signals are broadcast on the 137 MHz band and little specialized equipment is needed to receive the signals. Crossed dipole antennas can be built for under $50US (see Taggart). A scanner capable of tuning to the 137 MHz band can receive the satellites' "tick tock" signal. Bandwidth demands require a receiver with a 40 KHz IF bandwidth (10 - 15 KHz is normal in most scanners). IF filters can easily be changed or a receiver can be bought from sources listed in many amateur radio and SWL magazines. The output from the receiver is a modulated 2.4 KHz tone. This tone can be converted by any of a number of cards for the PC, Amiga, Mac, and possibly other systems.
(If the term "IF bandwidth" is baffling, assume that modifying an existing receiver is not the best course for you to follow.)