diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index e6a6733..b2ec0b5 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -28,12 +28,12 @@ This should work in a classroom provided there isn't too much background noise, - Raspberry Pi 2B or later, with the usual peripherals. - RTL-SDR USB dongle (search RTL2832U). - Don't buy the little 30 cm mag-mount antennas. You will have little or no hope of picking up the ISS with them. - - [This RTL-SDR starter kit](https://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Blog-RTL2832U-Software-Telescopic/dp/B011HVUEME/) is recommended and comes with a good beginners dipole antenna that will pick up the ISS. + - [This RTL-SDR starter kit](https://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Blog-RTL2832U-Software-Telescopic/dp/B011HVUEME/) is good and comes with a nice beginners dipole antenna that will pick up the ISS. ## Initial setup and test 1. A guide for setting up your Raspberry Pi can be found [here](https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/raspberry-pi-setting-up). -1. We presume you are running Rasbian Stretch Desktop edition available [here](https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/) +1. We presume you are running Rasbian Stretch Desktop edition available [here](https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/). 1. Install prerequisites. - Start > Accessories > Terminal ``` @@ -140,7 +140,8 @@ This should work in a classroom provided there isn't too much background noise, - Signals = `Normal` - Mode = `Auto` - Click play `►` button. Nothing will happen, but just click it to start the receiver. - - Open `sstv_test.mp3` in Chromium browser. Let it play. Note that with VLC Media Player you get a skewed image sometimes. + - Open `sstv_test.mp3` in the Chromium browser. You can either drag and drop the file from File Manager or just enter `file:///home/pi/sstv_test.mp3` into the address bar. + - Let it play. Note that with VLC Media Player you get a skewed image sometimes. ![image](qsstv_decode.png) @@ -171,11 +172,11 @@ This should work in a classroom provided there isn't too much background noise, - The usual SSTV frequency is 145.8 MHz. 1. Try to get your antenna up as high as possible with a good view of the sky in all directions. 1. If you are using the RTL-SDR kit antenna, please read the getting started [guide](https://www.rtl-sdr.com/using-our-new-dipole-antenna-kit/) for it. -1. It's important to adjust the length of the telescopic sections based on this dipole [calculator](http://www.csgnetwork.com/antennaedcalc.html). +1. It's a good idea to adjust the length of the telescopic sections based on this dipole [calculator](http://www.csgnetwork.com/antennaedcalc.html) to match the antenna's resonant frequency to 145.8 MHz. This will help pick up weaker signals from low elevation passes. - Under `Desired Frequency` enter `145.8` - Under `Select Antenna Calculation` select `One Side` - Click `Calculate` - - Remember that there is about 2 cm of metal in each side of the antenna itself. So take the calculated value and make both sides this length minus 2 cm (excluding the screw threads). + - Remember there is about 2 cm of metal in each side of the antenna base. So take the calculated value and, before screwing the telescopic sections in, make them both this length minus 2 cm (excluding the screw threads). 1. Set the correct time on the Raspberry Pi. QSSTV saves the images with a UTC time filename and this is useful later when working out which ISS passes they are from. - Start > Accessories > Terminal ```