SATFAX - Satellite Image Decoding Software

What's It All About?

SATFAX was designed to decode image data from Satellites by using PC's with Sound Blaster compatible sound cards. The program is fully configurable, and will accept any low bandwidth AM signal (within the frequency limits of the PC hardware). It was originally created for certain NOAA and Meteor satellites which transmit APT image data (AM 2400Hz) at 137MHz, but has since been used with other satellites such as the NOAA GOES8. All that is needed is an external receiver (capable of receiving 137MHz FM with 40kHz BW, or any other low bandwidth AM signal of interest). The receiver simply plugs into the sound card's line input.

SATFAX Features

Input can be taken from either a SBPRO/SB16 compatible sound card, or a pre-recorded WAV file. Sample rate is fully adjustable (up to 45kHz) with 8 or 16 bit sampling. Images can be output as 8 bit greyscale BMP's or TIFF's, with an advanced option for 16 bit TIFF output. The demodulation process involves basic rectification or advanced product detectors, and adjustable digital filtering. Contrast, brightness, and input levels are adjustable real-time (with clipping indicators) using a selectable size preview screen in graphics modes up to 1024x768. SATFAX has automatic sync detection for NOAA, Meteor, and GOES signals, with manual alignment options. Other features include fully adjustable image sizes, adjustable image line rates, and advanced Sound Blaster input adjustment with spectrum analysis.

The image above was created using SATFAX software and a receiver made from an old car radio tuner. If you haven't worked it out yet - it's NEW ZEALAND (down under).