Just a quick blog for showing how to hook up the NooElec Sawbird GOES Barebones for those of you trying to decode NOAA GOES satellites. Oddly enough I couldn’t find a data sheet or manual for it. And its a bit of a head scratcher if it is your first go-round with such items. So I’m here to make it easy.
Their webpage merely says this which gives you the info you need to hook it up:
Each module allows for 3 different power options, but you should only power with one option at any given time! The recommended power input through the SMA output port (for bias-tee capable SDRs like the NESDR SMArTee XTR) is 3V-5V DC.
Okay, that’s all we need to know. Input power goes in through the Output port………by golly that makes perfect f’n-ing sense.
NooElec GOES LNA (click photos to enlarge)
It’s that simple. Put the input voltage on the output end, and hook the other end to the antenna.
Hope this saves some head scratching time. Wish they’d add some simplified instructions like this for the $35 you spend.
How long is the sma cable for the bias-t?
I was going to use usb but need to run 35 feet.
Thanks
Keep it short as possible. My bias T measured at 4.7v. The longer the run of cable the lower the voltage will be. I wouldn’t want it more than a few feet max.
Is the black jumper on the input/antenna side needed for proper operation with DC voltage coming from the output SMA connector?
Jim
It is an optional connector to power the LNA. It is one of 3 ways to power the board.
Thanks John, but is it required if I’m feeding DC through the SMA coax output? In your first picture above the black jumper appears to be installed. My sawbird GOES module did not come with one and I’m having trouble getting signal from GOES 16.
Thanks again, Jim
Thanks for making this post, as you said, a little bit of documentation could go a long way here
Thanks I thought I was going mad or had early dementia.