Ramsey Electronics WSR-1A Assembly And Instruction Manual

Weather satellite receiver

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WSR-1A WEATHER
SATELLITE RECEIVER
Ramsey Electronics Model No.
Can't trust the weatherman? Now you can be your own
weatherman with the Weather Satellite Receiver! Observe
weather events while they are happening, instead of waiting for
the news! A very sensitive receiver, the WSR-1A will return
sharp, clear, high contrast images with a maximum resolution
down to a mile! Be amazed at the new perspective you will
have on the weather and its ever-changing ways!
High sensitivity front end for noise-free transmissions.
Automatic scanning for all non-geo-synchronous VHF weather
satellites
Decodes APT satellites. Ex: NOAA, Meteor, and Feng Yun type
satellites.
Demodulating board and software available for the PC.
Easy to follow assembly instructions that lead you through step-by-
step to a completed working unit
All that is required to begin receiving is a demodulator board and
software.
Preamp also included to increase the clarity of your images and
"stretch" the span of the received image.
Fun to build and the results are well worth the effort!
WSR-1A• 1
WSR-1A

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Summary of Contents for Ramsey Electronics WSR-1A

  • Page 1 Weather Satellite Receiver! Observe weather events while they are happening, instead of waiting for the news! A very sensitive receiver, the WSR-1A will return sharp, clear, high contrast images with a maximum resolution down to a mile! Be amazed at the new perspective you will have on the weather and its ever-changing ways! •...
  • Page 2 • QRP Power Amplifiers RAMSEY MINI-KITS Many other kits are available for hobby, school, Scouts and just plain FUN. New kits are always under development. Write or call for our free Ramsey catalog. WSR-1 SATELLITE RECEIVER KIT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Ramsey Electronics publication No. MWSR-1A Revision 2.3A First printing: Sept 1995 COPYRIGHT 1995 by Ramsey Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Price $5.00 KIT ASSEMBLY AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR WSR-1A WEATHER SATELLITE RECEIVER KIT TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to the WSR-1A ..... 4 Parts list ........... 6 Strategy and Tips ......8 Circuit Description ......9 Construction ........11 Schematic ........20 Casing it up ........
  • Page 4 Meanwhile during the same part of the scan, they are recording the infrared view. During the second half of the scan, while the WSR-1A• 4...
  • Page 5 If a problem does occur, the manual will lead you through step by step in the troubleshooting guide until you find the problem and are able to correct it. WSR-1A• 5...
  • Page 6: Parts List

    1 CBW 137MHz filter (large metal shielded can, two adjustments) (FL3) 1 10K trimmer potentiometer (yellow adjustment marked 103) (R37) 2 10K potentiometer (top mount stand up type, blue body) (R5, R11)) 1 Ramsey “diddle stick” plastic tuning tool. Capacitors 11 .001uF ceramic capacitors (marked .001, 102, or 1n) (C2,C6,C7,C14,C19,C24, C26,C27,C36,C37,C39) 10 .01uF ceramic capacitors (marked .01, 103, or 10n) (C4,C25,C40,C41,C42,C46,...
  • Page 7 RAMSEY WSR PARTS LIST Capacitors cont... 4 22pF ceramic capacitors (marked 22) (C29,C44,C45,C53) 1 15pF ceramic capacitor (marked 15) (C30) 2 10pF ceramic capacitors (marked 10) (C31,C32) 1 220pF ceramic capacitor (marked 220, or 221) (C52) 1 2 or 2.2pF ceramic capacitor (marked 2 or 2.2) (C8)
  • Page 8 RAMSEY “LEARN-AS-YOU-BUILD” ASSEMBLY STRATEGY Be sure to read through all of the steps, and check the boxes as you go to be sure you didn't miss any important steps. Although you may be in a hurry to see results, before you switch on the power check all wiring and capacitors for proper orientation.
  • Page 9: Circuit Description

    WSR-1A CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION The Weather Satellite Receiver is a fairly complex receiver as compared to most of the other receiver kits that are sold. This receiver contains circuitry found in very high end receivers and transceivers. This is due to the high accuracy of reception required to be able to continuously monitor various satellite transmissions, and be right on frequency every time.
  • Page 10 We have greatly enjoyed designing this project for you, and hope that you will enjoy using it. Now it’s time to get down to it, and begin assembling this project! WSR-1A• 10...
  • Page 11: Construction

    14. Install Q6, another 2N3904 type transistor (Note previous step). We have just completed the ‘switch’ for the tape cassette recorder. Now it is time to begin working on the actual receiver’s PLL and demodulator. WSR-1A• 11...
  • Page 12 The next few parts will be associated with D1, the varactor diode. This will make up the VCO, or voltage controlled oscillator, which will be precisely controlled by the PLL chip. 28. Install C37, a .001uF ceramic capacitor (marked .001, or 102). WSR-1A• 12...
  • Page 13 45. Install C24, a .001uF ceramic capacitor (marked 102, .001, or 1n). 46. Install C2, another .001uF ceramic capacitor (marked 102, .001, or 1n) 47. Install C7, yet another .001uF ceramic capacitor. 48. Install C12, a 39pF ceramic capacitor (marked 39). WSR-1A• 13...
  • Page 14 62. Install C20, a .1uF ceramic capacitor (marked .1, 104, or 100n) 63. Install R10, a 220K ohm resistor (red-red-yellow). WSR-1A• 14...
  • Page 15 U3 is to go. Check step 56 for more details. When done installing the socket, install U3, The MC145170 digitally controlled phase locked loop. Observe the correct orientation of the part’s notched end. Make sure its the same as the parts layout diagram! WSR-1A• 15...
  • Page 16 Verify that all pins are through the PC board, then solder. 98. Install R27, a 10K ohm resistor (brown-black-orange). 99. Install R28, another 10K ohm resistor (brown-black-orange). 100. Install C9, a 10uF electrolytic capacitor. Again pay close attention to the polarity markings. WSR-1A• 16...
  • Page 17 It is time to build the power supply and audio switching circuitry. The audio switching turns off audio when there is no signal present to prevent some computer interfaces from activating when there is no signal present. 116. Install C50, a 10uF electrolytic capacitor. Pay attention to the orientation! WSR-1A• 17...
  • Page 18 129. Install C5, the largest 1000uF electrolytic capacitor. Note previous step! Now we will begin installation of the switches, jacks and various other parts. When we’re done with that, we’re ready to roll! 130. Install SP1, the speaker buzzer. Notice on the bottom of the buzzer, WSR-1A• 18...
  • Page 19 Now we will begin assembly of the second daughter board. Before continuing, check your main board for mistakes like cold solder joints and solder bridges. Also check for incorrect part placements and orientations. WSR-1A• 19...
  • Page 20 To mate the daughter board with the main board takes a little patience. We want the two boards to be square with each other, so you may want the assistance of a helper or a vise for the following steps. WSR-1A• 20...
  • Page 21 Well, we have finally completed our Weather Receiver! Now is when you want to check your soldering skills to make sure everything is to your specifications of neatness and correctness. Check all of your components such as diodes, LEDs, electrolytic capacitors, and ICs for proper orientation. WSR-1A• 21...
  • Page 22: Casing It Up

    10. Now to finish her up, place all of the push button caps on all three of the switches. 11. Stand back and admire your work! 12. Show it off to your friends and family if you so desire. WSR-1A• 22...
  • Page 23: Initial Testing

    You can then perform step 10, adjusting for greatest sensitivity. If you can, FM modulate your signal at 2400Hz, and a deviation around 2Khz. This makes life a little easier since you can adjust for the most quality sound as well. Skip to step 10. WSR-1A• 23...
  • Page 24 15. If everything appears to be in working order up to this point, then you have completed this unit, and can put the cover on. Otherwise you can flip the page and begin stepping through the troubleshooting section. WSR-1A• 24...
  • Page 25: Trouble Shooting

    If you want to use an antenna that acts as a short, you will need to remove L1, the 2.2uH coil, then power your preamp separately. PROBLEM: I just can’t get the #@%*$#&! thing to work! It’s Ramsey’s fault! SOLUTION: Read the warranty information towards the back of this manual.
  • Page 26: Antennas

    The advantage is that they are easy to make, and inexpensive. This is the type of antenna we recommend and give directions on how to make. WSR-1A• 26...
  • Page 27 WSR-1A• 27...
  • Page 28: Building An Antenna

    If you have trouble receiving a satellite when one comes over, try flipping the elements over to reverse the polarization. Otherwise check your cable lengths and element lengths. They need to be fairly close to what we show you for best reception. WSR-1A• 28...
  • Page 29: Turnstile Wiring

    TURNSTILE WIRING DIAGRAM 13.13 in 13.13 in Fig A (CLOSE UP) Fig B WSR-1A• 29...
  • Page 30 WSR-1A• 30...
  • Page 31: Preamp

    If both are correct, you may need to check your preamp for proper assembly, or even possibly your WSR-1A. Consult the assembly instructions for some help on these matters.
  • Page 32 (310) 741-7299 CREDITS: Thanks to Bill Schwittek, for information on the MultiFAX system and general weather satellite information used in this manual. MultiFAX Route 1, Box 27 Peachland, NC 28133 PHONE (704) 272-9028 FAX (704) 272-9036 BBS (716) 425-8759 WSR-1A• 32...
  • Page 33 17, step110 page 22, step 140 WSR-1A• 33...
  • Page 34: Specifications

    ARRL Handbook. American Radio Relay League, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Annual publications are available. Dallas Remote Imaging Group (DRIG) Bulletin Board; (214) 394-7438 Dedicated to satellite imaging R.P.V. Bulletin board (California) 9600,8,N,1 (310) 741-7299 Home of latest TRAKSAT software and Kepler elements WSR-1A• 34...
  • Page 35 WSR-1A• 35...
  • Page 36 WSR-1A• 36...
  • Page 37: Warranty

    Ramsey, please write or call us with information on the part you need and proof of kit purchase. 3. FACTORY REPAIR OF ASSEMBLED KITS: To qualify for Ramsey Electronics factory repair, kits MUST: 1.
  • Page 38 WSR-1A Weather Satellite Receiver Quick Reference Page Guide Introduction to the WSR-1A ....4 Parts list ..........6 Circuit Description ........9 Construction .......... 11 Schematic ..........20 Initial Testing ......... 25 Trouble Shooting ........27 Antennas ..........28 Building an Antenna ....... 30 Preamp ..........

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