The APT-06 was especially designed to receive Polar Orbiter Weather Satellites in the  VHF frequency range. It feeds the received image data into the sound input of a PC or laptop computer for further processing so that an automatically operating weather satellite image reception station can be set up. Besides automatic operation, the APT-06 also offers manual control capability, which is helpful especially during setup and for experiments. Furthermore the APT-06 package comprises the Windows software program APT-CONTROL, which can be operated in a separate window besides the image decoding program. It allows detailed frequency- and other remote control functions on the APT-06.

An exactly matched receiver IF bandwidth of +/- 16 kHz together with an extremely linear phase-locked-loop-demodulator guarantees the superior image quality and precise temperature calibration WRAASE / WeSaCom Systems are well known for.

Considering its outstanding receiving capabilities, the APT-06 offers a very high price/performance value..

Satellite frequency Doppler shift is precisely compensated by a special AFC-circuit, which is fully active already when the satellite comes up over the horizon. This eliminates noisy reception periods when the satellite is quickly approaching from long distance. In addition, an active filter circuit carefully matched to the satellite subcarrier frequency is implemented to reduce remaining noise components.

In the input rf amplifier high-quality Hi-Q-filters with silver plated and shielded helical coils provide a very high immunity against interference from strong signals in the close-by aviation and ham radio bands.

Due to the low noise figure (typical 1dB) of the built-in rf-amplifier an additional antenna amplifier normally is  not necessary. However, when a long antenna feed must be used, an antenna preamplifier or an active antenna is advantageous because it compensates for the cable loss and thus increases the reception range. For active antennas, like our MX-137 or KX-137,  the DC supply voltage can be added to the antenna socket by simply placing a jumper on the rear panel ("ANT-DC").

At any time signal quality can be monitored by the built-in switchable loudspeaker.

Undisturbed by any other signals, the built-in frequency scanner reliably locks only to weather satellites. It looks for the special weather satellite subcarrier frequency and will not hang on other signals like simple scanners do. Once a satellite has been found, the APT-06 locks on its frequency as long as it is in the range of reception even if there are signal drop outs. The lock-in routine can be manually released at any time, which might be necessary if at the same time several satellites are in the range of reception and the scanner has locked on an unwanted one. Such ambiguity can only be avoided when having the APT-06 frequency being controlled by the PC software via the serial interface. The “WX-to-Image” software (even in the freeware version) provides such capability and it controls the APT-06 so that the proper channel is automatically selected for the next satellite to be recorded. Besides "WX-to-Image" any other soundcard-based APT-decoder software can be used. The APT-06 PC control code is compatible with the RIG-RX-2 model.

The APT-06 applies advanced technology in the demodulator implementation: Besides the quadrature demodulator an especially designed phased locked loop circuit is used to precisely extract the image carrier creating additional 5 to 10 dB of noise margin. Thus the overall dynamic range of the receiver reaches exceptional 55 to 60 dB, compared to simple receivers which reach only 35 to 40 dB.
The advanced model APT-06AD contains an Antenna Diversity Circuit, which under difficult reception conditions provides means to effectively reduce signal drop-outs and noisy image sections. The APT-06AD uses the noise value as switching criterion: A fast microprocessor continuously analyzes the signal-to-noise ratio and selects the less noisy antenna. Such antenna-diversity based on noise evaluation is much more efficient than simple signal strength based circuits used by low-cost receivers, which in most cases switch antennas too early, too late or never.

Technical Data APT-06 / APT-06AD:

• Frequency range: 137-138 MHz (134-141 MHz at reduced performance)
• Channel step size: 10kHz
• Fixed hardware-channels: 5 (by firmware extendable to 9)
• Arbitrary channels, set by software: 10
• Sensitivity: 0,26µV @ 20dB S/N
• AF-Output level: 0 to 1000mVpp (1kOhm)
• AFC-pulling range ±10kHz
• Phase-locked-loop demodulator
• Power supply: 12V, max. 100mA
• Size: 105x105x30mm / 2mm thick aluminum case.
• Operating controls: Channel /mode selection pushbutton,
  Speaker-ON pushbutton.
• 5 LEDs for channel & mode indication,
  1 LED for antenna diversity indication (APT-06AD only)
• Antenna inputs(s): 50 Ohms, BNC (APT-06AD has 2 of each)
• Serial port: 9-pin D-SUB (female), 1200Bd.
• USB:  Via optional adapter cable (not supplied).
• Software: "WX-to-Image"
• Additional feature in APT-06AD: Antenna diversity.

Download: Manual APT-06 / APT-06AD PDF 270 KB
APT_CONTROL.EXE 160 KB
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Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.