OnAirDecode Elektro-L with an SDR
Elektro-L: geostationary weather images (HRIT / LRIT) and GGAK (needs a dish and an LNA).
- Start frequency
- 1691 MHz
- In the mode list
- Weather images, 1691 MHz
What Elektro-L is
Elektro-L N3, N4 and N5 are Russian geostationary weather satellites. OnAir receives their L-band HRIT / LRIT images around 1691 MHz with the same chain as GOES, and the GGAK space-weather telemetry at 1693 MHz.
Frequencies and settings
Elektro-L N3 / N4 / N5 HRIT and LRIT on 1691 MHz (BPSK, Viterbi, Reed-Solomon, CCSDS xRIT at 665.4 k / 1 M / 128 k / 64 ksym/s) and GGAK space-weather telemetry on 1693 MHz (5 ksym/s PCM/PM).
| Start frequency | 1691 MHz |
|---|---|
| Tuning range of the mode table | 1670 to 1710 MHz |
| Sample rate asked | 2.4 Msps |
| Lowest working rate | 200 ksps |
| Channel width | 1 MHz |
OnAir takes any frequency you type; the numbers above are the mode's starting point and the range its table describes. In the app the shortcut label is Weather images, 1691 MHz.
What OnAir shows
A product list and image viewer for HRIT / LRIT (same xRIT path as GOES) and a GGAK frame log. Receive only. Needs a dish with an LNA at the feed.
Limits and what it was checked with
Checked with generated signals and impairments; recordings of real signals welcome.
Which radio you need
This mode sits at a high frequency, so check that your radio tunes it: a HackRF covers 1 MHz to 6 GHz, and RTL-SDR stops near 1.7 GHz. Some modes at these frequencies also need a fast radio (10 to 20 Msps) or a dish and an LNB.
Receiving and the law
Tutorials
Questions about Elektro-L
Can I decode Elektro-L with an RTL-SDR?
Probably not: an RTL-SDR tunes up to about 1.7 GHz. A HackRF (1 MHz to 6 GHz) or another wideband radio is the usual choice for this frequency range.
Is it legal to receive Elektro-L?
Receiving satellite downlinks is generally legal. Encrypted or spread content is not decoded, and voice codecs that are patented are not shipped with OnAir.
Can I try Elektro-L in OnAir without a radio?
Yes. Most modes include a built-in synthetic test signal, so you can open the screen and try the controls before you own a radio.