How I Captured a Satellite Signal from Space for Under $20 In the last post, we explored how certain weather satellites constantly transmit unencrypted analog images of Earth using FM radio signals. These transmissions, called APT (Automatic Picture Transmission), are surprisingly accessible. With just a bit of basic equipment, you can receive and decode them yourself. Now, let’s actually do it. Before we get started, I need to give an honorable mention to Gabe Emerson and his YouTube channel, saveitforparts. His videos, especially this one, got me started on this path and I highly recommend watching if you're interested in this stuff.

Ok, so in my last post I showed that I was able to receive an image from a weather satellite using only a cheap handheld radio and my phone. You're probably asking yourself how, right? Well, that's what this series is all about! First, let's build a basic knowledge framework and then we'll dive into the nitty gritty details. Meet the Satellites…

I never thought I'd download a picture from space using a cheap radio and a phone, but that's exactly happened. Let me show you how. A few months ago I was in the process of reviving my amateur radio hobby (aka ham radio). I received my amateur license in 2019 but after the Covid-19 pandemic hit and following life disruptions occurred, I had to put the hobby down for a few years.