Weather Resources for Ham Radio Operators
Find tools, frequencies, and guides for receiving weather satellite images, marine broadcasts, and tracking weather balloons.
Amateur radio operators often combine their hobby with an interest in weather, using various techniques to monitor conditions and receive meteorological data. This includes tracking local weather with specialized instruments and receiving images directly from weather satellites. Hams find practical applications for weather monitoring in antenna projects, planning outdoor operations, and understanding propagation conditions on various bands.
Many hams set up their stations to receive weather satellite signals, decoding images from NOAA HRPT and other polar orbiting satellites. Others track radiosondes, which are weather balloons, using online databases to follow their paths. This category also provides resources for receiving marine weather facsimile (WEFAX) broadcasts, listing frequencies and schedules for stations worldwide. Operators can also find information on specialized weather instruments, from wind alarms to full weather stations, useful for their home QTH or field operations.
Related Categories
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Images and Radio Shack composition -
If you are interested in the environment, the weather and other natural phenomena then there is something magical about being able to see pictures of the earth from space just as it is right this minute. One way you can do this is by receiving images from weather satellites. -
NOAA HRPT - High Rate Picture Transmission, the main source of high quality data from polar orbiting meteorological satellites -
"Instruments & Systems for Weather & Water Monitoring; weather stations, wind alarms, sensors for wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, solar radiation, evaporation, rain & snow gauges, lightning detection." -
GIF Image showing USA weather Map -
A comprehensive guide to receive Weather Satellites signals in wefax mode -
WeatherExperts.Com, the premier online store for weather stations, instruments, anemometers, barometers, accesories, and satellite pictures. Excellent prices! -
High wind warning system, programmable, gives progressive series of alarms at three windspeed thresholds. Can be building-mounted or made portable for storm spotters, chasers, etc. Totally unique system! -
Receiving & Decoding NOAA Weather Satellites using a simple rtl-sdr dongle, a helix antenna and a Windows PC -
An online database featuring current and historical weather balloons, complete with a fully searchable archive that can be filtered by launch site. The integrated map shows both the current and historical trajectories of radiosondes, from their launch points to their final landing positions. -
List of global weather fax (HF fax) stations, including their locations, call signs, and frequencies. Click on any station's call sign to view its weatherfax broadcast schedule. This site provides various radiofax receiver manuals in PDF format, on the Receivers page. -
List of latest published Weather Fax world wide schedule including frequencies and modes.